MUSIC THEORY
Courses Offered
Music Theory provides students with the background and understanding of the study of music.
AP Music Theory
This college level advanced theory class is designed for students with at least two or more years of instrumental or vocal instruction/lessons. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement exam by developing them in the areas of sight-reading, part-writing, aural dictation, and harmonic analysis. Students will also complete a final composition project. This course meets period. 8, three times per week, specific days to be determined by the instructor
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 10, 11, 12
(f) UC Approved
Prerequisites: 2 or more years of instrumental/vocal classes or private lessons and teacher approval.
Note: This is a college level course. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the corresponding AP exam.
Music Group Performance SL IB
This advanced course must be taken in conjunction with Steel Drum Ensemble/Pit or Battery, Wind Ensemble, advanced level Orchestra, Handbells or advanced level Choir. Students will be expected to demonstrate the use of appropriate musical language and terminology to describe and reflect their critical understanding of music, to develop perceptual skills in response to music, and to know and understand music in relation to time and place. In addition, students must be able to demonstrate their performance skills through ensemble/group work. The two SL compulsory parts are Musical Perception and Analysis and a Group Performance, consisting of two or more public performances. The class meets 2 hours per week after school. Day and time are arranged by instructor and students.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 11, 12
(f) UC Approved
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in a school music performance group.
Note: Instruments are available to rent, $25.00 per year
Music IB HL 1
This advanced course develops an understanding of music theory and history. Study will include intervals, chord development, transposition, composition, analysis, ear training, an overview of music history and score analysis. External assessments of listening and musical investigation will constitute 50% of the grade and the internal assessment will be done by the teacher in the area of performance to fulfill the remaining 50% of the grade. This advanced course must be taken in conjunction with one of the following performance classes: Wind Ensemble, Steel Drum/Battery, Steel Drum Pit, Orchestra, Choir or Hand Bells. This class meets after school one day per week for 2 hours. Day and time are arranged by the instructor.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 11
(f) UC Approved
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in a performance group for a minimum of 2 years.
Music IB HL 2
This course is designed for the specialist music student with a background in musical performance and/or composition, who may pursue music at the University or Conservatory level. This course is a continuation of Music HL 1 IB, with an emphasis on music history, composition and solo performance. Students explore time frames of music history. Topics covered include baroque music, classical music, 20th Century and score reading. Students who have completed the HL 2 course will be expected to demonstrate the development of their performance skills through solo music making, the development of their compositional skills through exploration and investigation of musical elements and the use of appropriate musical language and terminology to describe and reflect their critical understanding of music. Each of these areas will also have development of perceptual skills in response to music, and the knowledge and understanding of music in relations to time and place. The three HL compulsory parts include Musical Perception and Analysis, a Solo Performance recital with four contrasting compositions and actual composition and performance of three musical pieces. External assessments of listening and musical investigation will constitute 50% of the grade and the internal assessment will be done by the teacher in the area of solo recital or performance of compositional assignments to fulfill the remaining 50% of the grade. This advanced course must be taken in conjunction with one of the following performance classes: Wind Ensemble, Steel Drum/Battery, Steel Drum Pit, Orchestra, Choir or Hand Bells. This class meets after school one day per week for 2 hours. Day and time are arranged by the instructor.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grade: 12
(f) UC Approved
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Music HL 1 IB and concurrent enrollment in a performance group for a minimum of 3 years.
Note: This is a college level course. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the corresponding IB exam.