J. Sterling Morton High School District 201
Dedicated To Excellence In Education
Music
Music Courses
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Beginning Instruments (Morton East Campus Only)
Beginning Instruments - Morton East Campus Only
Fine Arts Course
Beginning Instruments (Fall)
Course Description
Beginning Instruments is for students for student with no previous experience. The fundamentals of playing a musical instrument and accurate music reading are stressed. Individual attention is given to each student. This class includes different brass, percussion, woodwind and string instruments. Required activities which take places outside of regular school hours may include attendance at all concerts. Some instruments will be available for rental; however, students will need to check with the instructor to reserve the rental instrument. If instruments are not available for rental, students will need to supply their own. Students enrolled in this course will perform in district concerts.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition and/or permission of Band Director.
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take BEGINNING INSTRUMENTS (East Only) (SPRING)
Offered: Semester Course. (This course may be repeated for credit.)Beginning Instruments (Spring)
Course Description
Beginning Instruments is for students for student with no previous experience. The fundamentals of playing a musical instrument and accurate music reading are stressed. Individual attention is given to each student. This class includes different brass, percussion, woodwind and string instruments. Required activities which take places outside of regular school hours may include attendance at all concerts. Some instruments will be available for rental; however, students will need to check with the instructor to reserve the rental instrument. If instruments are not available for rental, students will need to supply their own. Students enrolled in this course will perform in district concerts.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition and/or permission of Band Director.
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take BEGINNING INSTRUMENTS (East Only) (FALL)
Offered: Semester Course. (This course may be repeated for credit.) -
Beginning Mariachi
Beginning Mariachi
Fine Arts Course
Beginning Mariachi (Fall)
Course Description
Students will be introduced to Mariachi music. Students will be introduced to a variety of mariachi songs and genres including son jalisciense, corridor, cancion, ranchera, bolera, polka, vals, etc. They learn the basic technique of playing an instrument, vocal technique, and how to properly maintain an instrument. Students will begin to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform mariachi music in a variety of genres with technical accuracy and stylistic correctness.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition and/or permission of Band Director.
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take BEGINNING MARIACHI (SPRING)
Offered: Semester Course. (This course may be repeated for credit.)Beginning Mariachi (Spring)
Course Description
Students will be introduced to Mariachi music. Students will be introduced to a variety of mariachi songs and genres including son jalisciense, corridor, cancion, ranchera, bolera, polka, vals, etc. They learn the basic technique of playing an instrument, vocal technique, and how to properly maintain an instrument. Students will begin to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform mariachi music in a variety of genres with technical accuracy and stylistic correctness.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition and/or permission of Band Director.
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take BEGINNING MARIACHI (FALL)
Offered: Semester Course. (This course may be repeated for credit.) -
Concert Band
Concert Band
Fine Arts Course
Concert Band (Fall)
Course Description
Concert band is open to all students who have successfully completed beginning band or have gained experience form other school bands. Concert band is an introduction to the high school band program. Students in the ensemble will begin to develop the skills needed to participate in other ensembles. Students improve their techniques and musicianship while performing a variety of musical styles. Areas of development will take place in tone production, intonation, rhythmic, proficiency, balance, breathing, sight reading, an music theory All students will participate in Marching Band, Pep Band, concerts and festivals, as well as audition for the IMEA District Band, state solo and ensemble contest, state organization contest, assemblies, early morning or afterschool rehearsals and formal concerts. Private lessons are recommended but not required--and may audition for Jazz Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is expected.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition and/or permission of Band Director.
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take CONCERT BAND (SPRING)
FEES: $12.50
Offered: Semester Course. (This course may be repeated for credit.)Concert Band (Fall)
Course Description
Concert band is open to all students who have successfully completed beginning band or have gained experience form other school bands. Concert band is an introduction to the high school band program. Students in the ensemble will begin to develop the skills needed to participate in other ensembles. Students improve their techniques and musicianship while performing a variety of musical styles. Areas of development will take place in tone production, intonation, rhythmic, proficiency, balance, breathing, sight reading, an music theory All students will participate in Marching Band, Pep Band, concerts and festivals, as well as audition for the IMEA District Band, state solo and ensemble contest, state organization contest, assemblies, early morning or afterschool rehearsals and formal concerts. Private lessons are recommended but not required--and may audition for Jazz Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is expected.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition and/or permission of Band Director.
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take CONCERT BAND (FALL)
FEES: $12.50
Offered: Semester Course. (This course may be repeated for credit.) -
Concert Choir
Concert Choir
Fine Arts Course
Concert Choir (Fall)
Course Description
Concert Choir continues the development of basic vocal skills, music theory and music history taught in Choir. A wide variety of music will be experienced. Attendance and participation choral concerts, community performances, school assemblies are required. Placement in this choir is by audition only
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Placement Audition
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take CONCERT CHOIR (SPRING)
FEES: $10.00
Offered: Semester Course. (This course may be repeated for credit)Concert Choir (Spring)
Course Description
Concert Choir continues the development of basic vocal skills, music theory and music history taught in Choir. A wide variety of music will be experienced. Attendance and participation choral concerts, community performances, school assemblies are required. Placement in this choir is by audition only
CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Placement Audition
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take CONCERT CHOIR (FALL)
FEES: $10.00
Offered: Semester Course. (This course may be repeated for credit) -
Digital Music
Digital Music
Fine Arts Course
Digital Music
Course Description
Semester-long class where students will learn the fundamentals
of producing and recording digital music through the use of
music editing software. Topics include production of beats, tone mixing, soundboard mastery, live room recording, and microphone techniques.CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Elective
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: None
Offered: Semester Course -
Guitar 1
Guitar
Fine Arts Course
Guitar 1 (Fall)
Course Description
Students will learn the fundamentals of guitar. Students will be given specific instruction to tune a guitar, read music, play melody lines, play chords with various strums, and set cords to music. A variety of music will be explored, including folk, classical, rock, and Latin.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition and/or permission of Band Director.
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take GUITAR 2 (SPRING)
Offered: Semester Course. This course is for the beginning student who has no prior musical experience.Guitar 1 (Spring)
Course Description
This is for the intermediate guitar student wishing to learn advanced skills and techniques with include advanced reading of standard notation, tablature, barre chords, and guitar ensemble. A variety of music will be explored, including folk, classical, rock, and Latin.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition and/or permission of Band Director.
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take GUITAR 2 (FALL)
Offered: Semester Course. This course is for the beginning student who has no prior musical experience. -
Guitar Ensemble
Guitar Ensemble
Fine Arts Course
Guitar Ensemble (Fall)
Course Description
Repertoire spans a variety of musical styles and cultures. Students are required to perform in scheduled concerts or other activities for the class. While guitars are provided for this course, personal guitars are recommended for at home practice.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition and/or permission of Band Director.
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take GUITAR ENSEMBLE (SPRING)
Offered: Semester. (This course may be repeated for credit). Guitar ensemble is a year-long, repeatable course designed for the intermediate and advanced guitarist.Guitar Ensemble (Spring)
Course Description
Repertoire spans a variety of musical styles and cultures. Students are required to perform in scheduled concerts or other activities for the class. While guitars are provided for this course, personal guitars are recommended for at home practice.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition and/or permission of Band Director.
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take GUITAR ENSEMBLE (SPRING)
Offered: Semester. (This course may be repeated for credit). Guitar ensemble is a year-long, repeatable course designed for the intermediate and advanced guitarist. -
Orchestra
Orchestra
Fine Arts Course
Orchestra
Course Description
In the Morton High School Orchestra course, students will focus on developing technical skills in bowing and left hand facility, as well
as in music literacy and sight-reading. Emphasis is placed on the development of musicianship through progressive technical studies and advanced modern and classical orchestra literature. Musical skills as well as aesthetic critique are assessed each quarter. In orchestra, students will grow in their performance abilities on their individual instruments symphonic string instruments as well as improve their aural skills, musical terminology, and music symbol identification.
CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Orchestra
COREQUISITES: If you take this course in the fall, you must also take Orchestra in the spring
Offered: One Year Course. -
Performance Mariachi
Performance Mariachi
Fine Arts Course
Performance Mariachi (Fall)
Course Description
Educational opportunities as related to mariachi music will be explored. Students will be able relate aspects of the study of mariachi music to other fields and endeavors. As part of this course, students will learn to perform mariachi songs from various genres including: son jalisciense, corridor, cancion, ranchera, bolera, polka, vals, while refining the skills necessary to perform mariachi music with technical accuracy and stylistic correctness.
Credit: 0.5
Type: Regular
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisites: Beginning Mariachi
Corequisites: If you take this course, you must also take PERFORMANCE MARIACHI (SPRING)
Offered: Semester Course. (This course may be repeated for credit.) Students will develop the skills and attributes necessary for a successful career in mariachi music.Performance Mariachi (Spring)
Course Description
Educational opportunities as related to mariachi music will be explored. Students will be able relate aspects of the study of mariachi music to other fields and endeavors. As part of this course, students will learn to perform mariachi songs from various genres including: son jalisciense, corridor, cancion, ranchera, bolera, polka, vals, while refining the skills necessary to perform mariachi music with technical accuracy and stylistic correctness.
Credit: 0.5
Type: Regular
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisites: Beginning Mariachi
Corequisites: If you take this course, you must also take PERFORMANCE MARIACHI (FALL)
Offered: Semester Course. (This course may be repeated for credit.) Students will develop the skills and attributes necessary for a successful career in mariachi music. -
Piano I
Piano I
Fine Arts Course
Piano I
Course Description
Class Piano is designed for the beginning pianist who has no prior musical experience. Basic note reading, fingering, music theory and piano literature will be taught. This course is taught on an electronic keyboard. Students will learn through group lessons and supervised practice. Students do not need to own a piano since all practice is done in class.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Elective
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: Piano I
Offered: One Year Course. If you take this course in the fall, you must also take Piano I in the spring. (This course may be repeated for credit) -
Symphonic Strings
Symphonic Strings
Fine Arts Course
Symphonic Strings
Course Description
Symphonic Strings is offered to students with previous string experience. Its purpose is to study and perform standard string and limited full orchestra literature of varying styles. An advanced proficiency level is necessary in order to prepare literature. Periodically there are special events, rehearsals, or concerts during non-school hours. Participation in such activities is an essential extension of the course and will be considered in grading process. Selected members of the Wind ensemble will join Symphonic strings to provide students with a full orchestral experience.
CREDIT: 1.0
TYPE: Elective
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: Symphonic Strings
Offered: If you take this course in the fall, you must also take Symphonic Strings in the spring. (This course may be repeated for credit -
Wind Ensemble
Wind Ensemble
Fine Arts Course
Wind Ensemble (Fall)
Course Description
This course is designed for advanced players. Repertoire includes marches, overtures and a variety of classical, semi classical, and popular music. All students will participate in Marching Band, Pep Band, concerts and festivals, as well as audition for the IMEA District Band, state solo and ensemble contest, state organization contest, assemblies, early morning or afterschool rehearsals and formal concerts. Private lessons are recommended but not required. Students may also audition for Jazz Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble and Chamber Winds.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition and/or permission of Band Director.
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take WIND ENSEMBLE (SPRING)
Offered: Semester Course (This course may be repeated for credit.) Wind Ensemble is open through yearly auditions to advanced performers in wind and percussion instruments.Wind Ensemble (Spring)
Course Description
This course is designed for advanced players. Repertoire includes marches, overtures and a variety of classical, semi classical, and popular music. All students will participate in Marching Band, Pep Band, concerts and festivals, as well as audition for the IMEA District Band, state solo and ensemble contest, state organization contest, assemblies, early morning or afterschool rehearsals and formal concerts. Private lessons are recommended but not required. Students may also audition for Jazz Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble and Chamber Winds.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition and/or permission of Band Director.
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take WIND ENSEMBLE (FALL)
Offered: Semester Course (This course may be repeated for credit.) Wind Ensemble is open through yearly auditions to advanced performers in wind and percussion instruments.
