Music
 

SYMPHONIC BAND/MODERN BAND 

Course #950
Level:
*
Credit:
1
Open to:
All Students
Prerequisite:
none

Through this course, students have the opportunity to collaborate with other student musicians in a performance ensemble. In this ensemble, which consists of a variety of band and orchestra instruments, students explore a variety of music genres and styles, representing different time periods and difficulty levels. They receive feedback to develop individual skills, and they are challenged to refine their individual performance within the ensemble, developing technique while preparing for multiple performances throughout the academic year. Students actively engage in the development of their musicianship through planning, preparing, practicing, refining, evaluating, and connecting through the repertoire. Performance opportunities include two or three school performances throughout the year and may also include auditions, honors festivals, trips/performance festivals. As this course is student-centered, performers’ interest in and knowledge of musical work(s), understanding of their own technical skill, and the context for a performance, all influence the selection of repertoire. 

In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, students are taught and encouraged to take personal initiative, responsibility, and show resilience with a collaborative spirit. Being actively engaged in the pursuit of music with others fosters relationships with loyalty, compassion, and empathy that will extend beyond their classroom experiences.

View SyllabUS 

PIANO STUDIES

Course #954
Level:
*
Credit:
1
Open to:
All Students
Prerequisite:
none

Students enrolled in Piano have the opportunity to develop individual music skills through the study of piano  performance. The study and execution of playing music through the piano requires a disciplined, step by step process, where skills and understandings are layered and built on the fundamentals and principles of music. Students explore a variety of music genres and styles, representing different time periods and difficulty levels. Frequent and relevant feedback is essential to the development of individual skills, and students are challenged to refine their individual execution and performance, thereby developing technique. Emphasis is given to progress, with students actively engaging in the development of their musicianship through planning, preparing, practicing, refining, evaluating, and connecting through the repertoire. Coursework emphasizes the importance of personal wellness, creativity, and feeding the soul and spirit through artistic endeavors.

In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, students are taught and encouraged to take personal initiative, responsibility, and show resilience with a collaborative spirit. Being actively engaged in the pursuit of music with others fosters relationships with loyalty, compassion, and empathy that will extend beyond their classroom experiences.

View Syllabus 

CHAMBER CHOIR

Course #962
Level:
*
Credit:
1
Open to:
All Students
Prerequisite:
none

In Chamber Choir, students collaborate as musicians in a performance ensemble. They explore a variety of music genres and styles that represent different time periods and difficulty levels, and they receive feedback to develop individual skills, refine their performance within the ensemble, and develop their vocal technique. Students actively engage in the development of their musicianship through planning, practicing, refining, evaluating, and preparing for performances. Performance opportunities include two or three school performances throughout the year and may also include auditions, honors festivals, trips/performance festivals.

In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, vocal students at Holy Cross regularly support the spiritual life of the school community and, as such, explore and affirm their faith through music. Coursework emphasizes the importance of personal wellness, creativity, and feeding the soul and spirit through artistic endeavors. Being actively engaged in the pursuit of music with others also fosters relationships based upon loyalty, compassion, and empathy that extend beyond the classroom experience.

View Syllabus 

MUSIC THEORY AND COMPOSITION

Course #960
Level:
*
Credit: 
1
Open to:
All Students
Prerequisite:
none

Music Theory and Composition is designed for those students who wish to study the language and inner workings of music. Students learn and expand their knowledge of music notation, symbols, expression markings, scales, key signatures, chords, and overall musicianship. They read, write, and analyze music at varying levels of difficulty, and they compose their own arrangements and original works using music technology, keyboards, and digital software. Coursework emphasizes the importance of personal wellness, creativity, and feeding the soul and spirit through artistic endeavors.

In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, students are taught and encouraged to take personal initiative, responsibility, and show resilience with a collaborative spirit. Being actively engaged in the pursuit of music with others fosters relationships built on loyalty, compassion, and empathy that extend beyond the classroom experience.

View Syllabus

ECE MUSIC APPRECIATION (MUSI1001)

Course #948
Level:
*
Credit: 
1
Open to:
Juniors and Seniors

Students enrolled in UCONN ECE Music Appreciation will be participating in a UCONN music course for three college credits. College credit will be awarded by the University of Connecticut upon successful completion of the coursework within the standards established by the UCONN Music Department. Students will receive a transcript that indicates credits earned. In this course, students explore the development of Western music (Europe and the Americas) for an historical time period spanning more than six hundred years. Coursework includes an analysis of the cultural influences, the trends, and the practices that led to the development of specific musical styles, including key composers and their most influential works. Styles and genres covered will include Classical, Jazz, Electronic, Rock, Opera, and Contemporary. Students will learn important academic vocabulary, develop a resource/catalog of  specific compositions from each time period, and demonstrate understanding of the role of music within the larger context of society. ECE Music coursework emphasizes the importance of personal wellness, creativity, and feeding the soul and spirit through artistic endeavors.

In alignment with the school's Portrait of the Crusader, students are taught and encouraged to take personal initiative, responsibility, and show resilience with a collaborative spirit. Being actively engaged in listening and discussion with others fosters relationships built upon understanding, compassion, and empathy that will extend beyond their classroom experiences.

View Syllabus 

AP MUSIC THEORY

Course #978
Level:
*
Credit: 
1
Open to:
Juniors and Seniors
Prerequisitie: Music Theory and Compostion or permission of the teacher 
Independent Study

This is an advanced course in the study of music theory, for the purpose of taking the AP Music Theory Exam. Students will engage in the coursework through an independent study, following the guide provided by the instructor. Students will be expected to meet deadlines for coursework, complete tasks, show understanding and demonstrate progress. Work will include music literacy, sight-reading, ear training, harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic dictation, as well as musical analysis.