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Music Course Offerings

A young musician plays a brass instrument in an orchestra setting.

CONCERT BAND/INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS

Length of Time: Full Year
Number of Periods Per Week: 6
Number of Credits: 6.00
Instructors: Mr. Kuntz

The ability to perform on an instrument is required for membership. Instruments include piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Students who do not play one of the listed instruments, but are interested in learning one, should meet with the band teacher before enrolling in the class and a recommendation will be given based on musical ability and instrumentation needs.


The course should be treated as an entry-level course (level 1) and is geared towards the developing music student to participate in a performing ensemble. Students who took middle school band are recommended to sign up for Concert Band. Every student will receive a group lesson once a week in addition to the daily ensemble rehearsal. Students will be required to attend rehearsals and performances that may include evenings and/or weekends. Students will be assessed by attendance of rehearsals/performances, class participation, written and performance-based benchmarks, and individual music development. Membership in the WHS Marching Band is highly recommended. Students who successfully complete this class will be placed into Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble the following school year, based on band director recommendations. Students may repeat this class for credit for multiple years.

A silver trumpet rests on a sheet of musical notes.

WIND ENSEMBLE/INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS HONORS – 6 Credits

Length of Time: Full Year
Number of Periods Per Week: 6
Number of Credits: 6.00
Instructors: Mr. Kuntz

WIND ENSEMBLE/INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS HONORS – 4 Credits
(Limited to students taking an AP Lab Science course.)
Length of Time: Full Year
Number of Periods Per Week: 4
Number of Credits: 4.00
Instructors: Mr. Kuntz
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

The WHS Wind Ensemble is designed for the musically accelerated student to participate in a premier performing ensemble. Students are placed by audition only, based on musical ability and instrumentation needs. Instruments include piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Every student will receive a group lesson once a week in addition to the daily ensemble rehearsal. Students will be required to attend rehearsals and performances that may include evenings and/or weekends. Students will be assessed by attendance of rehearsals/performances, class participation, written and performance-based benchmarks. Students may repeat this class for credit for multiple years.

JAZZ BAND
Length of Time: Full Year
Number of Periods Per Week: 5
Number of Credits: 5.00
Instructors: Mr. Kuntz

Jazz Band focuses on jazz styles and improvisation. Students are allowed to study and perform various jazz styles, as well as learn to improvise solos. Individual and group performance in and out of class will be required and evaluated. Students must meet minimum instrumental standards as determined by the instructor for public performance.

Close-up view of a piano keyboard with black and white keys.

PIANO LAB
Length of Time: Full Year
Number of Periods Per Week: 5
Number of Credits: 5.00
Instructors: Mrs. Huntsinger

This hands-on course is designed for students with little or no keyboard experience who are interested in learning how to play the piano. The basics of music reading will be covered, along with lessons in proper keyboard technique, music history, and style. Students will learn to play scales, chords, and songs from various musical genres. Activities will include daily practice and performance.

TREBLE CHOIR/VOCAL LESSONS
Length of Time: Full Year
Number of Periods Per Week: 5
Number of Credits: 5.00
Instructors: Mrs. Huntsinger

Treble Choir is a non-auditioned ensemble open to all students in grades 9–12 who sing in the treble range (SSA). This course provides a supportive environment for developing vocal technique, sight-reading skills, and ensemble musicianship. Special emphasis is placed on helping students with changing voices build confidence, strengthen healthy singing habits, and prepare for transition into the SATB (mixed) choir. Repertoire includes a variety of musical styles, languages, and cultures, allowing students to explore both traditional and contemporary works. Performances throughout the year give singers the opportunity to share their progress, contribute to the school’s choral program, and grow as musicians and performers.

 

A choir performs on stage, with a conductor leading the performance.

CONCERT CHOIR/VOCAL LESSONS
Length of Time: Full Year
Number of Periods Per Week: 5
Number of Credits: 5.00
Instructors: Mrs. Huntsinger

Concert Choir is a non-auditioned SATB (mixed) ensemble for students with changed or maturing voices. Concert Choir focuses on advancing vocal technique, developing stronger musicianship, and performing more challenging repertoire. We will foster the musical growth of all students and our continued journey in choral singing and musical literacy through the study of diverse repertoire, sight-singing, and basic music theory. In addition to class time, each student is required to attend scheduled small group lessons outside of the classroom. This class can be taken for credit multiple times.

CHAMBER CHOIR/VOCAL LESSONS HONORS – 5 Credits
Length of Time: Full Year
Number of Periods Per Week: 5
Number of Credits: 5.00
Instructors: Mrs. Huntsinger

CHAMBER CHOIR/VOCAL LESSONS HONORS – 4 Credits
Length of Time: Full Year
Number of Periods Per Week: 4
Number of Credits: 4.00
Instructors: Mrs. Huntsinger
(Chamber Choir 3-day is limited to students in an AP Lab Science course.)

Chamber Choir is an auditioned SATB (mixed) ensemble for advanced singers in grades 9–12. Chamber Choir emphasizes refined vocal technique, advanced sight-reading, and independent musicianship through a wide variety of repertoire including: classical, jazz, pop a cappella, spirituals, and traditional choral works. Members are expected to demonstrate strong commitment and leadership within the choral program. The ensemble performs at school concerts, community events, festivals, and other special performances throughout the year. In addition to class time, each student is required to attend scheduled small-group lessons outside the classroom. This class can be taken for credit multiple times.


MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
Length of Time: Full Year
Number of Periods Per Week: 5
Number of Credits: 5.00
Instructors: Mrs. Huntsinger

This class is designed for the student who wishes to learn basic computer composition and performance. Students will experience the power of technology through the use of midi-equipped computers. Students will input music through different devices into the computer for composition or performance. Students will be exposed to the latest computer programs in the field of music. Students must have basic computer skills and demonstrate knowledge of music as determined by the instructor.

MUSIC THEORY AND BASIC COMPOSITION I HONORS
Length of Time: Full Year
Number of Periods Per Week: 5
Number of Credits: 5.00
Instructors: Mrs. Huntsinger

This course is intended for students who want to develop their musical skills to the highest level.  The skills to be developed include: harmony, composition, ear training, historical relevance, style, and form. The students will develop skills that will enable them to write and evaluate their compositions.  Students will develop listening skills which will enable them to recognize various compositions, their composers, and the musical period. Sight singing is required to successfully complete this course.

MUSIC THEORY AND COMPOSITION AP
Length of Time: Full Year
Number of Periods Per Week: 5
Number of Credits: 5.00
Instructor: Mrs. Huntsinger
Prerequisite: Music Theory and Basic Composition 1 or Teacher Recommendation

This course is intended for students who want to develop their musical skills to the highest level. The skills to be developed include: harmony, composition, ear training, historical relevance, style, and form. The students will develop skills that will enable them to write and evaluate their compositions.  Students will develop listening skills, which will enable them to recognize various compositions, their composers, and the musical period. Sight singing is required to successfully complete this course.