MUSIC
The Music Department offers a wide variety of courses and experiences for all students. A student planning to major in music must have a four year sequence of music classes. The sequence begins in 9th grade with participation in one of the performing ensembles (concert band 9, chorus or orchestra). A student wishing to complete a major in music must take music theory I and II.
GENERAL COURSES
MUSIC IN OUR LIVES-R MU151 40 Weeks 1 Credit
This course is recommended for non-music majors to meet the one credit requirement for a Regents or local diploma in music. The student learns to listen intelligently to music, perform, compose and use basic musical skills. Students will develop technology skill as it applies to music. Students will become proficient on the piano and guitar.
PERFORMANCE COURSES
A student may obtain the one credit in music required for the Regents or local diploma by participating in the school’s major performing organizations. Experienced singers and instrumentalists are encouraged to participate in these performing groups. Recommendation of the 8th grade music teacher is requested for freshmen. Each performing group rehearses daily. A weekly music lesson is also required of all participants as is attendance at all public performances.
CHORUS-R MU114 40 WEEKS 1Credit
This course is for 9-12 grade students who would like to participate in the CHS choral program. This ensemble will continue to develop and build on skills previously learned. There will be 3 mandatory concerts throughout the year. Students will take a weekly small group vocal lesson.
CHAMBER SINGERS-R(**) MU115 40 WEEKS 1 Credit
This course is for 10-12 grade students who would like to participate in Columbia High School’s most select vocal ensemble. There will be 3 mandatory concerts throughout the year. Students will take a weekly small group vocal lesson. Chamber Singers is an auditioned group. Auditions take place in the spring semester.
CONCERT BAND GRADE 9 MU 40 WEEKS 1 Credit
This course is for freshmen who would like to participate in the CHS band program. This ensemble will continue to develop and build on skills previously learned. There will be 4 mandatory concerts throughout the year. Students will take a weekly small group lesson on their instrument.
CONCERT BAND GRADE 10-12 40 WEEKS 1 Credit
This course is for 10-12 grade students who would like to continue in the CHS band program. This ensemble will continue to develop and build on skills previously learned. There will be 4 mandatory concerts throughout the year. Students will take a weekly small group lesson on their instrument.
CONCERT BAND 9/CHORUS(*) MU161 40 WEEKS 1 Credit
This course is specifically for students who would like to participate in band and chorus on an alternate day schedule.
SYMPHONIC BAND-R (**) MU112 40 WEEKS 1 Credit
This course is for 10-12 grade students who would like to participate in Columbia High School’s most select band. There will be 4 mandatory concerts throughout the year. Students will take a weekly small group lesson on their instrument. Symphonic Band is an auditioned group. Auditions take place in the spring semester.
CHAMBER SING/SYMPH BAND-R(***) MU162 40 WEEKS 1 Credit
This course is specifically for students who would like to participate in chamber singers and symphonic band on an alternate day schedule.
STRING ORCHESTRA-R MU905 40 WEEKS 1 Credit
This course is for 9-12 grade students who would like to participate in the CHS orchestra program. This ensemble will continue to develop and build on skills previously learned. There will be 4 mandatory concerts throughout the year. Students will take a weekly small group lesson on their instrument.
CHAMBER SING/ORCHESTRA-R(****) 40 WEEKS 1 Credit
This course is specifically for students who would like to participate in orchestra and chamber singers on an alternate day schedule.
(*) For students interested in participating in both band and chorus on an alternate day schedule.
(**) Open to students in grades 10 - 12 by audition ONLY.
(***) For students interested in participating in both symphonic band and chamber singers on an alternate day schedule.
(****) For students interested in participating in both orchestra and chamber singers on an alternate day schedule.
COURSES FOR MUSIC SEQUENCE AND ADVANCED STUDY
A student wishing to pursue a three unit sequence in music must take Music Theory I-R. Music Theory II-H is for those students electing a five unit sequence. Any student wishing to increase their depth of musical understanding is encouraged to select either of these courses.
MUSIC THEORY MU159 40 Weeks 1 Credit
(Recommended for Grades 10 - 12)
Required for those students who may wish to pursue a three-credit sequence in music. The student learns all major and minor scales, major, minor, augmented and diminished triads, rhythm and meters, keyboard, aural and vocal skills.
