Guitar 1
Guitar 1 is an elective course offering beginning instruction on the guitar. Students will receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to playing the guitar at a beginning level and will learn many of the different styles, skills and techniques required to become a successful guitarist. Areas of concentration include: correct posture, music fundamentals, theory, note reading, chord study, songs, rhythmic patterns, finger-picking styles, tablature, listening, improvisation and performing experiences.
Guitar 2
This is the second class in the guitar curriculum. This class is designed to help students continue to learn advanced guitar playing techniques such as barre chords, reading and playing jazz chords, and to explore a wide variety of music styles through small ensemble performance opportunities. Requirements: Must take and pass the Guitar I Class (or by permission of instructor).
Mariachi
World Music Drumming
Students will learn hand drumming techniques, sing many great songs with accompaniment and movement, connect African and Latin American cultural traditions to the music performed, and discover how music can be the perfect vehicle for teaching team building, respect, focusing, listening, problem solving, and other important life skills. This course is primarily learned through aural communication and “doing” rather than through a textbook or written music.
IB Music
IB Music is a class for Juniors and Seniors. Students are both IB and non-IB who participate in class. IB music is a 2-year class that incorporates music history, world music, music theory, music listening, score study, music composition, music technology, and music performance (solos). Students are strongly encouraged to have a private lesson teacher while in IB music. Students can choose if they want to be in the higher level (HL), or if they want to be part of standard level (SL). All students complete the Exploring Music in Context, Experimenting with Music, and Presenting Music. HL students need to also complete a a Contemporary Music Maker project.
Music Technology 1
Music Technology is a semester long class that focuses on the basics of music production, and making music inside of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). We mainly use logic Pro X, and GarageBand but on occasion will use soundtrap as needed. If students enjoy Music Technology 1 they can take Music Technology 2.
Music Technology 2
Piano 1
Piano Lab 1 is an elective course offering beginning instruction on piano (keyboard). Students will receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to playing the piano at a beginning level and will learn many of the different styles, skills and techniques required to become a successful pianist. Areas of concentration include: correct posture and hand position, music fundamentals, theory, note reading, chord study, songs, listening, improvisation and performing experiences.
Piano 2
Piano Lab 2 is a class that helps students improve and expand upon previously learned skills/techniques and music theory from Piano Lab 1. It will also teach new techniques and skills, and music theory for intermediate level piano students. Piano Lab 2 will use multiple method books and resources to find solos, etudes, and exercises that will help students expand on their knowledge. Piano Lab 2 will be a way to do more individualized learning with students through the use of solos, etudes, and exercises that students and instructor(s) choose together to help students grow as a musician.