Course: MU630 Symphonic Winds

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Subject Area: Music

Type: Standard

Credits: 0.5

Course Information:

In Symphonic Winds, students are involved in a comprehensive, balanced band program that includes advanced concert band, solo & ensemble, parade marching, and pep band performances. Students are expected to participate in selected rehearsals and performances outside of the school day. A master calendar of these required events is provided at the beginning of the school year for student planning purposes.

Each student also attends individual band lessons on a regular basis as part of their grade. Students attend lessons during study hall, before/after school, during lunch, or on a limited rotating basis out of other classes; lessons are scheduled jointly with the student and director.

In addition to the performance aspect of the class, students will complete written work involving the critique of music and basic music theory.

Major highlights of the course include: Solo & Ensemble Festival, The Spring Awards Concert, and the Memorial Day parade.

This course is offered during Spring semester.

Outcomes:

• Understand and apply note-reading concepts appropriate for their level of experience

• Understand and apply rhythm-reading concepts appropriate for their level of experience

• Understand extensive music vocabulary and apply their meaning to performance and in written work in relationship to the seven elements of music (melody, rhythm, texture, harmony, expression, form, and timbre)

• Understand the relationship of pitches within major and minor scales (whole and half steps) and be able to apply that knowledge to music in any key or mode

• Experience, in rehearsal and performance, major works by master composers of various cultures and historical eras

• Perform with appropriate balance, tone and presentation (stage presence/professionalism)

• Participate in a structured rehearsal demonstrating understanding of each musician’s role and expectations within the rehearsal

• Perform with appropriate technique and playing position for their instrument(s) in all of the twelve major scales, and throughout the full range of their instrument

• Understand and apply a vast array of articulations within music and exercises (minimally: slur, staccato, accent, marcato, tenuto)

• Complete written analysis of a variety of musical selections, performances and musicians

Notes: Audition or recommendation of previous instrumental music instructor is required.