ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
MUSIC

Students will demonstrate the acquisition of a body of knowledge by:

  • solving musical problems through the use of acquired musical skills
  • participating in public performances
  • evaluating performances of themselves and others
  • auditioning for All State ensembles (Advanced and Honors Ensemble)
  • documenting ongoing private study with an expert instructor on their instrument (at least 6 lessons per quarter for Advanced and Honors Ensemble)
Students will communicate effectively by:
  • effectively articulating musical thoughts in verbal and in written form
  • participating in public performances
  • critiquing performances using specific guidelines
  • written and aural reflections on performances
  • perform a solo at RIMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival (Advanced and Honors Ensemble)
  • participate in one additional group either in school or outside of school (Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble, community groups, etc. for Honors Ensemble)
Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and to work cooperatively and independently to solve problems by:
  • working independently and in groups to solve musical problems
  • developing independent preparation skills through daily practice
  • participating in music festivals, clinics and workshops
  • performing a solo recital (one major work) each semester, the first in front of their core performance class in school and the second in the evening with full piano or ensemble accompaniment (Honors Ensemble).
Students will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the rights and responsibilities necessary to learn, live and work in a culturally diverse and democratic society by:
  • being on time and prepared for each rehearsal
  • actively and effectively contributing and participating in their ensemble and ensemble events
  • effectively working together in groups
  • performing in public concerts
  • respecting the rights, similarities and differences of others
  • demonstrating a high standard of behavior as delineated in the RHS Student Handbook.

Music Course Offerings

Basic Ensemble - As described in the course below Band #800
Advanced Ensemble

Includes criteria from the Basic Ensemble with additions of:

  • Documented ongoing private study with an expert instructor on their instrument (at least 6 lessons per quarter)
  • Audition for All States
  • Solo performance at RIMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival
  • Attend one formal non-Newport School Department concert each quarter and write a concert review following specified guidelines.
Honors Ensemble
  • Documented ongoing private study with an expert instructor on their instrument (at least 6 less audition for All States
  • Solo performance at RIMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival
  • Attend one formal non-Newport School Department concert each quarter and write a concert review following specified guidelines.
  • Performing a solo recital (one major work) each semester, the first in front of their core performance class in school and the second in the evening with full piano or ensemble accompaniment (Honors Ensemble).
bulletBAND (JAZZ BAND) #800
1 Credit – Grades 9-12
Experience is provided in instrumental ensemble performance with training towards achieving the standards established by the MENC Nation Standards for Music. Literature from all the major musical periods is studied in rehearsal and performed for the public. Students are required to fulfill the following to meet the requirements of the course: attend and actively participate in rehearsals and performances; actively participate in the development of their musicals skills; reflect comportment suitable to a positive ensemble environment.
Prerequisite: Ability to perform on a wind or percussion instrument and/or permission of instructor.
bulletCHORUS #802
1 Credit – Grades 9-12
Experience is provided in choral ensemble performance with training towards achieving the standards established by the MENC National Standards for Music. Literature from all the major musical periods is studied in rehearsal and performed for the public. Students are required to fulfill the following to meet the requirements of the course: attend and actively part participate in rehearsals and performances; actively participate in the development of their musicals skills; reflect comportment suitable to a positive ensemble environment.
bulletSYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA #803
1 Credit – Grade 9-12
Experience is provided in choral ensemble performance with training towards achieving the standards established by the MENC National Standards for Music. Literature from all the major musical periods is studied in rehearsal and performed for the public. Students are required to fulfill the following to meet the requirements of the course: attend and actively participate in rehearsals and performances; actively participate in the development of their musicals skills; reflect comportment suitable to a positive ensemble environment.
Prerequisite: Ability to perform on an orchestral instrument or permission of instructor.
bulletMUSIC PRODUCTION STUDIO #809
.5 Credit – Semester Course – Grade 9-12
Experience is provided in music production through the use of the digital-audio software, music notation software, online resources and midi on the Macintosh computer. Working alone and in small groups, students will create their own songs as well as arrange well-known popular, jazz, classical, and folk songs from online midi resources. These songs will be arranged on the software programs, fine-tuned with a computer mixer, and then recorded to CD. Students are required to fulfill the following to satisfy the course requirements: attend and actively participate in all class work; produce several diverse projects using midi, digital audio technology and notation software.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Grades 6-8 music curriculum or equivalent, or permission of the instructor; ability to perform basic functions on the Macintosh computer. The ability to perform on a musical instrument is not a Prerequisite for this class.
bulletMUSIC PRODUCTION STUDIO 2 #810
.5 Credit – Semester Course – Grade 9-12
This class is designed to further develop the knowledge and skills learned in MUSIC PRODUCTION STUDIO 1 with an emphasis on multi-media production and music composition.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Production 1 and/or permission of instructor.
bulletGUITAR CLASS #811
.5 Credit – Semester Course – Grades 9-12
Experience is provided in basic music literacy using the guitar. Through study of adverse repertoire of music including classic, folk, and popular styles, students will develop solo and ensemble techniques on the guitar and will develop their ability to read and interpret standard and non-traditional music notations. Students are required to attend and actively participate in all class work; prepare for each class by reviewing assignments at home, and actively participate in the development of their musical skills.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Grades 6-8 music curriculum or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
bulletHISTORY OF AMERICAN POP MUSIC #812
.5 Credit – Semester Course – Grades 9-12
This class will review American popular music from mid 19th century through the 20th century. Musical styles included in this survey course will be: Folk, slave music, ragtime, blues, military music, minstrelsy, church and gospel music, Tin Pan Alley, Vaudeville, Broadway, jazz, country, rock, rap, hip-hop and contemporary styles. Students will discuss and research historical perspectives, timelines and important composers/performs and trends. Classes will include the use of a variety of media including text, DVDs, CDs and films, guest speakers/performers and field trips. Students are required to attend and actively participate in all class work and to successfully complete all class work, assignments and projects.
bullet MUSIC THEORY AND COMPOSITION #815
1 Credit - grade 12
Students will learn traditional and modern music theory with applications for music composition. Topics will include scale theory, harmony, counterpoint, scoring and music composition. Students will produce 3 major projects to be performed electronically or by the RHS band, chorus or orchestra.
Prerequisite: At least two years successful participation in a school ensemble, ability to read music, play an instrument and or sing at a proficient level, and or permission of instructor.