Course Electives
BAND
Beginning Band Grade(s): 9, 10
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
Beginning Band covers the skills needed to develop a mastery of a band instrument. The class will cover music reading skills, performance skills, and students will play and analyze music from many genres. There will be several concerts over the year. We will cover basic note reading skills, rhythms, sound production on all band instruments, the history of the instruments, tools of musical expression, breathing, practice habits, and music interpretation skills.
Intermediate Band Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
Intermediate band is the second level of band. The course continues where beginning band left off, bringing students to a higher level of performance proficiency on their instrument. Students will perform in multiple concerts and will attend a local band festival and clinic in the spring.
Advanced Band Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
This class is third in the instrumental band sequence and is intended for serious music students who have studied their instrument for one or more years. We will perform at 3-4 concerts, and participate in athletic events and regional concert band festivals/competitions.
Concert Band Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
Concert Band is the most advanced band ensemble at Lincoln Park High School and is intended for the most motivated, experienced, and serious music students. We will perform at 3-4 concerts, collaborate with guest conductors and soloists, participate in competitions, and all members of Concert Band form the Lincoln Park Marching Band that participates in local parades and football games. This ensemble is the public face of Lincoln Park Bands and serves as a liaison to the community.
Jazz Band Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
This course is for experienced music students who have an interest in playing Jazz. Students will learn and play blues, swing, bop, cool, fusion, and latin jazz styles. The jazz band will perform at 3-4 concerts, collaborate with guest conductors and soloists, participate in competitions, and will represent Lincoln Park at various public events and assemblies.
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
Beginning Band covers the skills needed to develop a mastery of a band instrument. The class will cover music reading skills, performance skills, and students will play and analyze music from many genres. There will be several concerts over the year. We will cover basic note reading skills, rhythms, sound production on all band instruments, the history of the instruments, tools of musical expression, breathing, practice habits, and music interpretation skills.
Intermediate Band Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
Intermediate band is the second level of band. The course continues where beginning band left off, bringing students to a higher level of performance proficiency on their instrument. Students will perform in multiple concerts and will attend a local band festival and clinic in the spring.
Advanced Band Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
This class is third in the instrumental band sequence and is intended for serious music students who have studied their instrument for one or more years. We will perform at 3-4 concerts, and participate in athletic events and regional concert band festivals/competitions.
Concert Band Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
Concert Band is the most advanced band ensemble at Lincoln Park High School and is intended for the most motivated, experienced, and serious music students. We will perform at 3-4 concerts, collaborate with guest conductors and soloists, participate in competitions, and all members of Concert Band form the Lincoln Park Marching Band that participates in local parades and football games. This ensemble is the public face of Lincoln Park Bands and serves as a liaison to the community.
Jazz Band Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
This course is for experienced music students who have an interest in playing Jazz. Students will learn and play blues, swing, bop, cool, fusion, and latin jazz styles. The jazz band will perform at 3-4 concerts, collaborate with guest conductors and soloists, participate in competitions, and will represent Lincoln Park at various public events and assemblies.
CHOIR
Beginning Treble Choir Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
This chorus is for students with treble voices (soprano and alto range) with little or no previous choral experience. They will be taught fundamental music theory and vocal technique. By the end of the course they will demonstrate an ability to read music and sing independent parts in harmony. The choir performs at two school concerts per year.
Beginning Bass Chorus Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
This chorus is for students with bass voices (tenor and bass range) with little or no previous choral experience. Students will be taught skills uniquely needed to develop the changing bass voice, as well as good vocal sound, production, diction, and the ability to read music. The choir performs at two school concerts per year.
Intermediate Treble Choir Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required and audition and/or previous choral experience)
This chorus is for students with treble voices (soprano and alto range) with some previous choral experience and music majors. The singers will understand increasingly difficult musical concepts while continuing to develop a strong independent voice. Sight-singing and vocal technique will be fundamentals of the course. The choir performs at three school concerts per year.
Intermediate Bass Chorus Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
This chorus is for students with bass voices (tenor and bass range) with previous choral experience and music majors. Students will be taught skills uniquely needed to develop the changing bass voice, as well as good vocal sound, production, diction, and the ability to read music. The choir performs at three school concerts per year as well as IHSA choral competition.
Advanced Treble Choir Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required and audition and/or previous choral experience)
This class is for students with treble voices (soprano and alto range) who demonstrate an advanced level of vocal technique and the ability to read music independently. Music from various musical styles and cultures form the repertoire for this chorus. The choir performs at four school concerts per year as well as IHSA choral competition.
Concert Choir Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required and audition and/or previous choral experience)
This mixed chorus is for students who demonstrate a high level of vocal technique and the ability to read music. Prior participation in an organized choir class is a prerequisite. Advanced vocal technique, sight-reading, and part-singing are the primary goals of this class. A varied repertoire from the various musical styles and cultures are studies and performed by the Concert Choir. The choir performs at five concerts per year as well as IHSA choral competition.
Chamber Singers Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required and audition, choir experience, and strong music literacy)
This chorus is for upper-classmen who demonstrate an highly advanced level of vocal technique and the ability to read music independently. A multitude of music from various musical styles and cultures form the repertoire for this chorus. The choir performs over ten concerts per year and participates in IHSA Choral Competition.
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
This chorus is for students with treble voices (soprano and alto range) with little or no previous choral experience. They will be taught fundamental music theory and vocal technique. By the end of the course they will demonstrate an ability to read music and sing independent parts in harmony. The choir performs at two school concerts per year.
Beginning Bass Chorus Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
This chorus is for students with bass voices (tenor and bass range) with little or no previous choral experience. Students will be taught skills uniquely needed to develop the changing bass voice, as well as good vocal sound, production, diction, and the ability to read music. The choir performs at two school concerts per year.
Intermediate Treble Choir Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required and audition and/or previous choral experience)
This chorus is for students with treble voices (soprano and alto range) with some previous choral experience and music majors. The singers will understand increasingly difficult musical concepts while continuing to develop a strong independent voice. Sight-singing and vocal technique will be fundamentals of the course. The choir performs at three school concerts per year.
Intermediate Bass Chorus Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
This chorus is for students with bass voices (tenor and bass range) with previous choral experience and music majors. Students will be taught skills uniquely needed to develop the changing bass voice, as well as good vocal sound, production, diction, and the ability to read music. The choir performs at three school concerts per year as well as IHSA choral competition.
Advanced Treble Choir Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required and audition and/or previous choral experience)
This class is for students with treble voices (soprano and alto range) who demonstrate an advanced level of vocal technique and the ability to read music independently. Music from various musical styles and cultures form the repertoire for this chorus. The choir performs at four school concerts per year as well as IHSA choral competition.
Concert Choir Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required and audition and/or previous choral experience)
This mixed chorus is for students who demonstrate a high level of vocal technique and the ability to read music. Prior participation in an organized choir class is a prerequisite. Advanced vocal technique, sight-reading, and part-singing are the primary goals of this class. A varied repertoire from the various musical styles and cultures are studies and performed by the Concert Choir. The choir performs at five concerts per year as well as IHSA choral competition.
Chamber Singers Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required and audition, choir experience, and strong music literacy)
This chorus is for upper-classmen who demonstrate an highly advanced level of vocal technique and the ability to read music independently. A multitude of music from various musical styles and cultures form the repertoire for this chorus. The choir performs over ten concerts per year and participates in IHSA Choral Competition.
ORCHESTRA
Beginning Orchestra Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
This class offers beginning instruction on violin, viola, cello, and string bass instruments with a focus on fundamental skill development on a string instrument. Beginning orchestra students perform in the Winter and Spring Orchestra Concerts. No audition is required for placement—all that is necessary is the desire and motivation to study a musical instrument!
Intermediate Orchestra Grade(s): 9, 10, 11
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
This class is for students who already have an understanding of basic music reading, instrument assembly and maintenance, correct playing position and sound tone production. Instruction offers continued skill development and focus on the refinement of tone quality, technique, aural skills and music literacy. Placement in the Intermediate String Orchestra is by audition.
Advanced String Orchestra Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
This class is composed of students with extensive experience on one of the major string instruments. Instruction concentrates on advanced technical and expressive skills in an ensemble-focused setting. Membership in the advanced groups are selective and require advanced reading, musicianship and student responsibility. This group performs in the Winter and Spring Orchestra Concerts. Placement in Advanced String Orchestra is by audition and at the discretion of the director.
Advanced Orchestra Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
This class is an advanced ensemble comprised of experienced student players. Based on the chamber ensemble concept and the literature written for this medium, the Chamber Orchestra is the top-performing orchestra at Lincoln Park High School. Instruction concentrates on advanced technical and expressive skills in soloistic chamber and full ensemble setting. This group will perform in the Winter and Spring Orchestra Concerts, Pop Concert, the IHSA Band and Orchestra Festival. Placement is by audition and at the discretion of the director.
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
This class offers beginning instruction on violin, viola, cello, and string bass instruments with a focus on fundamental skill development on a string instrument. Beginning orchestra students perform in the Winter and Spring Orchestra Concerts. No audition is required for placement—all that is necessary is the desire and motivation to study a musical instrument!
Intermediate Orchestra Grade(s): 9, 10, 11
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
This class is for students who already have an understanding of basic music reading, instrument assembly and maintenance, correct playing position and sound tone production. Instruction offers continued skill development and focus on the refinement of tone quality, technique, aural skills and music literacy. Placement in the Intermediate String Orchestra is by audition.
Advanced String Orchestra Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
This class is composed of students with extensive experience on one of the major string instruments. Instruction concentrates on advanced technical and expressive skills in an ensemble-focused setting. Membership in the advanced groups are selective and require advanced reading, musicianship and student responsibility. This group performs in the Winter and Spring Orchestra Concerts. Placement in Advanced String Orchestra is by audition and at the discretion of the director.
Advanced Orchestra Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required and audition)
This class is an advanced ensemble comprised of experienced student players. Based on the chamber ensemble concept and the literature written for this medium, the Chamber Orchestra is the top-performing orchestra at Lincoln Park High School. Instruction concentrates on advanced technical and expressive skills in soloistic chamber and full ensemble setting. This group will perform in the Winter and Spring Orchestra Concerts, Pop Concert, the IHSA Band and Orchestra Festival. Placement is by audition and at the discretion of the director.
OTHER
Music Theory I Grade(s): 10, 11
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
Music Theory I is designed for music majors or other students in large music ensembles that would like to learn more about the essentials of music theory. The class will help them develop skills to advance as a musician and prepare them for the A.P. Music Theory class.
A.P. Music Theory Grade(s): 11, 12
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required)
A.P. Music Theory is designed for students with previous theory training. It is an in depth look at all aspects of theory. The class is designed to prepare students for the A.P. exam in May and to continue their musical education beyond high school.
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
Music Theory I is designed for music majors or other students in large music ensembles that would like to learn more about the essentials of music theory. The class will help them develop skills to advance as a musician and prepare them for the A.P. Music Theory class.
A.P. Music Theory Grade(s): 11, 12
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required)
A.P. Music Theory is designed for students with previous theory training. It is an in depth look at all aspects of theory. The class is designed to prepare students for the A.P. exam in May and to continue their musical education beyond high school.
IB SL Music II Grade(s): 12
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required)
IB Music is a very individually structured course. All of the assignments are geared toward preparing for the IB requirements: Listening Test (sit-down test in May), Musical-Links Investigation (project comparing two musical cultures), and Solo or Group Performance. Students should be proficient on an instrument and be able to competently analyze music both and without a score.
Beginning Piano Grade(s): 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
In beginning piano, students will learn basic piano technique and music theory through weekly assignments that encompass scales, short pieces, and composition. Students will perform longer pieces for their class once a quarter and will give a recital at the end of the year.
General Music Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: none)
This class focuses more on reading and writing about music rather than performing music. Students will learn basic music literacy, notation, and history. Students will also present various projects throughout the year as well as participate in discussions on music and it’s role in our lives. This class meets the CPS requirements for graduation.
Level: H (prerequisite: signature required)
IB Music is a very individually structured course. All of the assignments are geared toward preparing for the IB requirements: Listening Test (sit-down test in May), Musical-Links Investigation (project comparing two musical cultures), and Solo or Group Performance. Students should be proficient on an instrument and be able to competently analyze music both and without a score.
Beginning Piano Grade(s): 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: signature required)
In beginning piano, students will learn basic piano technique and music theory through weekly assignments that encompass scales, short pieces, and composition. Students will perform longer pieces for their class once a quarter and will give a recital at the end of the year.
General Music Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: R (prerequisite: none)
This class focuses more on reading and writing about music rather than performing music. Students will learn basic music literacy, notation, and history. Students will also present various projects throughout the year as well as participate in discussions on music and it’s role in our lives. This class meets the CPS requirements for graduation.