BHS Course Catalog
MusicAll Music Ensembles are offered as part of a split block. Along with a music ensemble, the music student must sign up for one additional course. Therefore, all music students must sign up for two courses for this block. Band Choir Orchestra Electives |
Band
Concert Band (4 terms, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Director’s approval based on formal instruction and proficiency on a band instrument
Level: Soph, Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $35.00 (Supplies)
This course is designed for intermediate instrumentalists seeking extensive training in ensemble performance. The main objective of the group includes: formal study of band and wind ensemble literature, public performance, and techniques for musical expression. Participating in band performances at concerts and music contests will be considered as part of the course requirements. Private instrumental study is encouraged for all students enrolled in instrumental music courses.
Percussion Methods I & II (4 terms, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: None
Percussion I: Fr Elective
Percussion II: Soph, Jr, Sr
Fee: $35.00 (Supplies)
Students will be placed in either Percussion I or Percussion II. This course will continue with musical skills and instruction in percussion ensemble literature. Students will study mallets, including two and four mallets, drumming, including timpani and snare drum, and accessory instruments, such as cymbals, bass drum, and tambourine. Solo and percussion ensemble repertoire are explored in multiple settings. Both of these classes perform with the Symphonic and Concert Band throughout the year.
Symphonic Band (4 terms, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: None
Level: Fr
Fee: $35.00 (Supplies)
This course is the entry-level group for the band program at Batavia High School. Extended training in large group ensemble is provided. Participating in band performances at concerts and music contests will be considered as part of the course requirements. Private instrumental study is encouraged for all students enrolled in instrumental music courses.
Wind Ensemble (4 terms, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Audition and/or director’s approval based on formal instruction and proficiency on a band instrument
Level: Soph, Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $35.00 (Supplies and uniform cleaning)
This course is designed for intermediate/advanced instrumentalists seeking extensive training in ensemble performance. The main objectives of the group include: formal study of band and wind ensemble literature, public performance, and techniques for musical expression. Participation in band performances at concerts and music contests are considered part of the course requirements. Private instrumental study is encouraged.
Wind Symphony (4 terms, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Audition and/or director’s approval based on formal instruction and proficiency on a band instrument
Level: Fr, Soph, Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $35.00 (Supplies and uniform cleaning)
This course is designed for the most advanced instrumentalists seeking extensive training in ensemble performance. The main objectives for this group include: formal study of band and wind ensemble literature, public performance, and development of techniques for expanding musical expression and technical expertise. Participation in band performances at concerts and music contests are considered part of the course requirement as well as rehearsal outside of the school day. Wind Symphony members also serve as the Philharmonic Orchestra winds and percussion. Private instrumental study is strongly encouraged at this level of performance.
Choir
Chorale (4 terms, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: None
Level: Fr, Soph, Jr, Sr
Fee: $35.00 (Supplies and uniform cleaning)
This choir is focused on the development of good singing habits including proper body posture, breath support and control, and healthy choral tone. Students will learn the fundamentals of music literacy and theory for the beginning musician. Beginning note reading is expected. Students will learn about and sing a variety of music styles including classical, sacred, contemporary, musical theater, and gospel. Participation in scheduled public performances is required.
Varsity Choir (4 terms, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Audition or Instructor Approval
Level: Fr, Soph, Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $35.00 (Supplies and uniform cleaning)
Varsity Choir includes singers who have demonstrated basic vocal technique, consistent pitch-matching skills, and a working knowledge of ensemble singing. Students will continue to develop healthy singing habits as individuals and as a group. Participation in scheduled public performances is required.
Treble Choir (4 terms, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Treble-voiced singers only, Audition only
Level: Soph, Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $35.00 (Supplies and uniform cleaning)
Treble Choir includes young women who demonstrate a working knowledge of vocal technique and choral part singing. Singers will increase their vocal confidence and overall musical aptitude. Participation in scheduled public performances is required. Private voice study is strongly encouraged.
Chamber Singers (4 terms, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Audition only
Level: Soph, Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $35.00 (Supplies and uniform cleaning)
Chamber Singers is the most advanced mixed choral ensemble. Music reading abilities and the demonstration of advanced vocal proficiencies are required. The class focuses on advanced choral techniques and independent singing skills. Participation in scheduled public performances is required. The winter repertoire for Chamber Singers includes sacred and secular Renaissance music and seasonal carols in preparation for the Festival of Carols performances in December. Students will also participate in local performing opportunities and gigs throughout November and December. All performances, dress rehearsals, and the ILMEA District Choir auditions are mandatory. Private voice study is strongly encouraged.
Orchestra
Concert Orchestra (4 terms, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Formal instruction and proficiency on a string orchestra instrument
Level: Fr
Fee: $35.00 (Supplies and uniform cleaning)
The Concert Orchestra is designed for freshmen students just entering the Music Program at Batavia High School who are working on mastery of fundamental technique and musicianship. Emphasis is placed on developing independence and confidence as well as performing with excellent tone and intonation. Participation in evening performances throughout the year (approximately one per term) is required. Private study is encouraged for students participating in the Concert Orchestra.
Philharmonic Orchestra (4 terms, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Audition only.
Level: Fr, Soph, Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $35.00 (Supplies and uniform cleaning)
The Philharmonic Orchestra is the most advanced curricular orchestra at Batavia High School. It is designed for students with excellent technique and clear mastery of their instrument. Emphasis is placed on applying advanced techniques to the classical repertoire for full and string orchestra. Participation in evening performances throughout the year (approximately one per term) is required. Private study is strongly recommended for students participating in the Philharmonic Orchestra.
Symphony Orchestra (4 terms, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Audition only.
Level: Fr, Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $35.00 (Supplies and uniform cleaning)
The Symphony Orchestra is for advanced string players to develop and expand upon fundamental technique and musicianship by exploring a more challenging repertoire for string ensemble. Emphasis is placed on cultivating mastery and refining advanced technique. Participation in evening performances throughout the year (approximately one per term) is required. Private study is encouraged for students participating in the Symphony Orchestra.
Sinfonietta (4 terms, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Audition or Instructor Approval
Level: Soph, Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $35.00
The Sinfonietta is for intermediate string players to develop and expand upon fundamental technique and musicianship by exploring a more challenging repertoire for the string ensemble. Emphasis is placed on developing independence as well as learning more advanced techniques. Participation in evening performances throughout the year (approximately one per term) is required. Private study is encouraged for students participating in the Sinfonietta.
Electives
AP Music Theory (2 terms, 1 Credit)
Prerequisite: Enrollment in a music ensemble at Batavia High School or instructor approval
Level: Soph, Jr or Sr standing
Fee: $15.00
AP Music Theory is an advanced music theory course that covers one and a half semesters of collegiate music theory and aural skills. High levels of musical complexity will be studied including harmonic analysis, counterpoint, composition, and analysis of musical form. Auditory training will include melodic and rhythmic dictation with multiple simultaneous parts, interval identification, formal identification in major works as well as sight-singing. This class is considered a priority for students interested in pursuing a career in music. Students must have instructor approval to enroll in the class.
Rock n’ Roll Methods (1 term, .5 Credit)
Prerequisite: None
Level: Soph, Jr, and Sr Elective
Fee: $10.00
Rock and Roll methods is a course designed for the student who loves music and has always wanted to learn more about popular music history, music performance, and how music affects our culture. No prior musical training is needed. The course begins with the elements of music and ventures into music’s relation to popular culture and how people are affected by music as a common goal. The musical material is drawn from all genres and periods including: Blues, Motown, R&B, Rock, Metal, Punk, Hip-Hop, Rap, Dance, Techno, Trance, Grunge, and Indie.
