7143A STRING ORCHESTRA
(f) UC Approved
String Orchestra is an intermediate level performing instrumental class designed for students who wish to continue their study of music through the string instrument medium. This course requires prior experience. It includes a study of note reading; sight reading; basic theory concepts and knowledge of musical symbols and terminology. Also included is the study of tone production, posture, hand position, bowing techniques, as well as proper care, handling, and storage of musical instruments. In addition, the class provides performance opportunities to develop the performance skills acquired in class. Mandatory performances include, but not limited to, are the Fall Concert, Promotional Concerts, the Christmas Production (mandatory), Festivals, Spring Concert and the Pops Concert. Students will also prepare a Fall Semester final exam where they will be individually assessed on various performance-based music criteria.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

7143C STRING ORCHESTRA HONORS
(f) UC Approved
String Orchestra Honors is an advanced level performing instrumental class designed for students who wish to continue their study of music through the String Orchestra medium. The ensemble is devoted to the preparation and performance of the richest and most varied traditional and contemporary music written for string orchestra. This ensemble is a listening-focused, process-oriented group that provides opportunities for students to gain interactive musical skills in various large ensemble settings. It also includes a continued study of theory concepts and knowledge of musical symbols and terminology. Also included is the study of tone production, posture, hand position and bowing techniques. In addition, the class is expected to present a 30-minute program introducing instruments and musical examples to feeder schools. . Mandatory performances include, but not limited to are the Fall Concert, Promotional Concerts, the Christmas Production (mandatory), Festivals, Spring Concert and the Pops Concert. Students will also prepare a Fall Semester final exam where they will be individually assessed on various performance based music criteria.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Audition and Director’s approval.

7110C WIND ENSEMBLE HONORS
(f) UC Approved
Wind Ensemble Honors is an advanced instrumental ensemble class open to all students with prior musical experience on woodwind, brass, and/or percussion instruments. They will learn wind band repertoire ranging from advanced High School to University Level. Mandatory performances include, but not limited to, Fall Concert, Promotional Concerts, the Christmas Production (mandatory), Festivals, Spring Concert and the Pops Concert.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

7122A STEEL DRUM/PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
(f) UC Approved
This is an introductory instrumental ensemble class open to all students wishing to learn performance techniques on Trinidadian steel drum set, and other percussion instruments.. Students in this class will begin the year covering topics of basic music theory, rote learning, technical and reading studies, and progress into its performance application on steel drums, snare drum, marimba, drum set, auxiliary percussion, and hand drums. Repertoire includes standard music for steel band, percussion ensemble, wind ensemble/orchestra sectionals, and solos/etudes. Historical appreciation of the steel drum, respect to Trinidadian tradition, and aesthetic appreciation of cultural differences will be emphasized. Performances may include but not limited to Fall/Spring Concerts (mandatory), Christmas Production (mandatory), Music Festivals, Open House, Mother’s Club Fundraiser, and community performances. Students will also prepare a Fall Semester final exam jury where they will need to demonstrate proficiency Major/Chromatic scales and sight-reading. Students with a strong knowledge of reading musical notations, pitches and rhythm are encouraged to audition for the Honors class.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

7122C STEEL DRUM/PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE HONORS
(f) UC Approved
This is an advanced instrumental class open to students with prior musical training. Students will cover topics ranging from technical studies, music theory/history, rote learning, and musical expression through performance on Trinidadian steel drums, marimba, drum set, hand drums, and other percussion instruments.. Repertoire includes standard music for steel band, percussion ensemble, wind ensemble/orchestra sectionals, and solos/etudes. Historical appreciation of the steel drum, respect to Trinidadian tradition, and aesthetic appreciation of cultural differences will be emphasized. Performances may include, but not be limited to: Fall/Spring Concerts (mandatory), Christmas Production, music festivals, Open House, Mother's Club Fundraiser, and community performances on and offcampus. A fall semester-final exam jury demonstrating technical and musical proficiency on all major scales/chromatic/minor scales (by memory), and sight-reading will be required. A spring final project is also required, and can include one of a variety of topics, such as an original musical arrangement/composition, a solo performance, a research project, an original poster/program, or an original music video.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Steel Drum/Percussion Ensemble and/or audition

7123A GUITAR ENSEMBLE 1
(f) UC Approved
This is an ensemble class open to all students with previous ensemble music or music theory experience. Students in this class must have basic knowledge of music notation and rhythms as well as its application to the classical guitar. They will learn Ensemble Classical Guitar repertoire from the Renaissance period through the 21th Century music period. Performances may include but not limited to the Fall Concert, the Christmas Recital, and a Spring Concert. Materials for this class include: classical nylon string guitar, foot pedal, pencil, and Frederick Noad’s Solo Guitar Playing Book 1. Due to heightened interest in this course, enrollment will be limited.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

7124A GUITAR ENSEMBLE 2
(f) UC Approval
Pending This is an ensemble class open to students with prior classical guitar experience. Students in this class must have strong knowledge and understanding of music notation, rhythms, dynamics, articulations as well as its application to the classical guitar. Students will prepare classical guitar ensemble repertoire from the Renaissance through the 21st century. Performances may include, but not limited to, the Fall Concert, SMCHS Christmas Production, Festivals and a Spring Concert. Materials for this course include: classical nylon string guitar, foot stool, pencil and Fredrick Noad’s Solo Guitar Playing Book 1. Students will also prepare a Fall Semester final exam where they will be individually assessed on various performance based music criteria. Due to heightened interest in this course, enrollment will be limited.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Audition and Classical Guitar Ensemble I

7100A CONCERT BAND
(f) UC Approved
Concert Band (no experience necessary) is a beginning to intermediate level instrumental music class designed for students who wish to learn an instrument, want to continue their study of music and advance to Wind Ensemble. The course emphasizes the fundamental techniques involved in playing and performing on woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments; sight reading, proper breath control, proper tone production, understanding of musical phrasing, proper care of musical instruments, basic music theory concepts and knowledge of understanding of musical symbols and terminology. The class includes performing, which provides an opportunity for the student to put into practice what he/she has learned in class.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

7158A CONCERT CHOIR
(f) UC Approved
This choral ensemble class is designed to introduce students to the art of choral singing. This is an entry level class designed for the student with little or no vocal music experience. Students will learn the fundamentals of singing technique; the basics of music theory and sight-singing and performing various pieces of music. Performance is an important component in this art; therefore, students are required to attend some performances outside of the regular school day. Participation in the annual SMCHS Christmas Production is mandatory. This class fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for graduation.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 9,10,11,12