About the CHS Bands...
At Clarksburg High School, musicians can choose to participate in any of the following:
* Symphonic Orchestra A & B
* Coyoye Band A & B
* Jazz Ensemble A & B
* Advanced Placement Music Theory A & B
Symphonic
Orchestra A & B
Students should have attained at least an intermediate level of proficiency
to enroll in this class. This is not a course for beginners. Students should
have previously taken orchestra at the middle school or private instruction
on violin, viola, cello or string bass. Students explore a full range of string
repertoire, including jazz, pop, mainstream classical, and new age classical
music. The importance of consistent and effective practice habits continues
to be stressed. Performances are used as evaluative instruments (tests and
quizzes.) This course may be repeated for credit. Students enrolled in this
class are expected to participate for the full school year. Several evening
performances and rehearsals are required as an integral part of the curriculum.
This course can be taken for Honors Credit. Additional work required. See
Mr. Orifici for details.
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Coyote Band A & B
This course is designed to be an entry-level class for wind and percussion
players enrolled in instrumental music. The course explores music of various
styles and forms in order to give students an opportunity to decide between
classical music and jazz. The importance of consistent and effective practice
habits continues to be stressed. The course may be used as a prerequisite
for Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble. Students who wish to go into Symphonic
Band or Jazz must receive the instrumental teacher's recommendation or successfully
pass an audition in order to enroll. Music performed is based on the level
of proficiency of the class. This course may be repeated for credit. Students
enrolled in this class are expected to participate for the full school year.
Several evening performances and rehearsals are required as an integral part
of the curriculum.
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Symphonic Band A & B
Enrollment in this class is by teacher recommendation and audition only.
Students explore a full range of repertoire, including music of many diverse
styles, cultures, and ethnic origins. Music performed is at the highest possible
level based on the group's collective level of proficiency (grades 4 through
6.) The importance of consistent and effective practice habits continues to
be stressed. Performances are used as evaluative instruments (tests and quizzes.)
This course may be repeated for credit. Students enrolled in this class are
expected to participate for the full school year. Several evening performances
and rehearsals are required as an integral part of the curriculum. This course
can be taken for Honors Credit. Additional work required. See Mr. Orifici
for details.
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Jazz Ensemble A & B
Enrollment in this class is by teacher recommendation and audition only.
Students should have a high level of proficiency on their instrument and should
be willing to explore improvisation. Enrollment in this class is limited to
the instrumentation of a large jazz ensemble. That instrumentation is five
saxophones (two altos, two tenors, and one baritone), five trombones, five
trumpets, two guitars, two bases, two percussionists and two pianists. Additional
instrumentation must be approved by the teacher. The Jazz Ensemble is expected
to perform literature played/learned in class. This course may be repeated
for credit. Students enrolled in this class are expected to participate for
the full school year. Several evening performances and rehearsals are required
as an integral part or the curriculum. This course can be taken for Honors
Credit. Additional work required. See Mr. Orifici for details.
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Advanced Placement Music Theory and Composition
1A & 1B
Students signing up for this class should have extensive experience in music,
either through private lessons or classroom ensembles. Students with strong
interest and preparation in music prepare to meet the requirements of the
College Board for Advanced Placement in Music Theory. Practice in sight-singing,
keyboard skills, dictation, composition, and improvisation is complemented
by listening and score analysis. In the second semester, students read, write,
and analyze music of increasing complexity. They study in detail the techniques
used to compose music, including electronic media. Students will be expected
to cover approximately 3 college semesters of music theory in one year. Homework
assignments are a major part of this course. Each student is expected to take
the Advanced Placement Music Theory Exam in May.
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