COURSE TITLE: Concert Band
PREREQUISITE: Previous study & ability to read music
LENGTH: Full year


COURSE DESCRIPTION: The student will participate in daily rehearsals and in weekly lessons preparing for concerts. Students are also provided with the opportunity to participate in solo and ensemble festivals and the jazz band. Selected members will participate in area honor bands. A variety of concert music from popular to the classical will be studied. An emphasis is placed on sight reading ability. Criteria is established for assignment to concert band or symphonic band. Movement from one band to the other is possible if the situation warrants.


AREAS OF STUDY:
Standard of Excellence Book I-III Intonation Tone quality
Rubank Advanced Methods Phrasing
Sight reading method book Performance techniques


STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Perform at level appropriate to their experience
Attend all scheduled events such as concerts and lessons
Improve skills through individual practice and challenges
Perform successfully on written and performance tests
Attendance at University and community musical events is encouraged

COURSE TITLE: Concert Orchestra
PREREQUISITE: Previous study and consent of instructor
LENGTH: Full year

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The orchestra meets daily, with concert orchestra composed almost entirely of 7th graders. Concert orchestra is a string orchestra which performs several required evening concerts throughout the year. The performance of fine quality, well-written literature played in an accurate and musical style is a trademark of the group. Students also receive weekly lessons which focus on developing their technique through the study of scales, etudes and solo pieces.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Tonal discrimination and increasing proficiency in attaining pitches
Rhythmic accuracy and recognizing note values
Development of musical expression
Pertinent info. regarding composers and musical styles performed in class & at lessons

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Assume responsibility for individual practice in preparation for lessons and class
Attend rehearsals and concerts
Demonstrate a considerate attitude toward other class members
Be responsible for their behavior
Display correct rehearsal techniques

LENGTH: Full year, every other day


COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course meets the need of the beginning choral student. Music will be basically two part in nature and will be mostly of a contemporary nature with some folk and classical pieces. Students will develop sight singing skills and will receive instruction in basic music theory and the history of choral music. A special feature for this course will be riser choreography introducing the 7th grade singer to music with limited motion. Group goals are sight reading and singing in two- and three-part harmony. Choral performances are required for credit.

Communication Arts

COURSE TITLE: French 1A, German 1A, Spanish 1A
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: All year, every other day, opposite PE or Chorus

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students develop their skills in listening, speaking and understanding the culture of those who speak their chosen language. They learn to apply study skills appropriate to various learning tasks, begin to read and write the language and to understand the basic structure of statements and questions. Students learn in class through teacher modeling, audio-visuals, role playing, oral and written exercises and a textbook. Evaluation will be based on oral participation, assignments and tests.

AREAS OF STUDY:
Foreign language 1A, combined with the daily 8th grade course, is equal to the first year of the five-year high school foreign language sequence.

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
Accept responsibility for written and study assignments assigned for homework.
Participate actively in class activities
Work cooperatively with other students and teacher