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High School - Grades 9-12 (26-27)

The Central Bucks School District provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in music performance and composition, and to appreciate music as an art form. Instrumental and choral performing ensembles form the core of the program. Music Technology, Music Theory and AP Music Theory are intended for students who desire a more in-depth study of music.
 
 
Courses are offered for Band, Choir, Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble, as well as a menu of music electives.  All high school music courses are offered on an elective basis. Performance groups meet for eighty-three minutes on alternate days for the entire year. Continued musical growth and development of technical skills, reading ability and general musicianship are emphasized. Students in these courses have opportunities to participate in many extra-curricular activities including marching band, pit orchestra, and various kinds of instrumental and vocal ensembles. Many groups also participate in exhibitions and competitions.
 
 
All courses in Music are offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.
 
 
Music Electives
 

8630 Rock Band18 weeks, A/B schedule .5 credit

This course is designed for students who would like to create and study music in a live modern band setting (i.e. rock band) The course will include original songwriting skills, use of music gear/equipment, elements of music promotion and marketing, practice and performance of modern rock songs, and recording of live music works. Students will have access to instruments like guitar, piano, synths, bass, drums, and other forms of digital media/software. This course may be repeated for credit.

8640 Music Technical Theater

18 weeks, A/B schedule, .5 credit

This hands-on course will focus on all aspects of musical theater production, including stage tech, set design, sound, lighting, and performing.  In addition, students will get a brief overview of the history of musical theater and learn the important trends and ideas in the world of musical theater today.  The course will culminate in projects and performances that show an understanding of all aspects of musical theater and will provide a foundation for a future in musical theater production.

8667 Music Theory 

18 weeks, A/B schedule .5 credit

Music Theory develops the basic rudiments of music and introduces functional harmony studies. This course is designed for music performers who wish to further their musical understanding.  This course is also intended to prepare students for Advanced Placement Music Theory.

8620 Music Production

18 weeks, A/B schedule .5 credit

This course allows students to explore computer applications used for both home and professional music studios in the field of audio  engineering. Each music technology lab is equipped with iMAC computers and the Pro Logic apps suite. Students will learn in a hands-on environment using software to experiment with music production techniques. Students will learn practical skills related to audio mixing/mastering, music notation, recording techniques, and synthesized sound.  

 8600 Advanced Placement Music Theory   

36 weeks, A/B, 1 credit

AP Music Theory provides an in-depth study of the processes of music performance, composition, and analysis by focusing on the development of (1) complex aural skills, (2) skills in written analysis of functional harmony, (3) sight singing techniques, (4) musical composition skills, (5) keyboard skills, and (6) understanding of musical form and history.  Students who take this course should have acquired basic skills in vocal or instrumental performance. Students taking this course should plan to take the Advanced Placement Music Theory Test given in May.  AP Weighted-Grade Course.  Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory OR a passing score on the Elective Placement Test.  NOTE:  AP Music Theory will be offered every other year.  At CB East and CB South, it will be offered for 2021-2022.  At CB West, it will be offered for 2022-2023.  Music students should plan accordingly.

 

8650S Collaborative Music

(18 weeks A/B, .5 credit)

Grades 9-12

Collaborative Music is an elective course that offers a unique opportunity for students of varying ability levels and backgrounds to collaborate and serve as both, a peer mentor and learner. This course is designed to provide students (with and without disabilities) the opportunity to experience music in a modified environment. The focus of this course is on the academic and social growth of all participants. Engaging in music alongside peers will support and foster social relationships within the school community. This course will allow each student to gain an appreciation and understanding of the various abilities that are present in a music setting.

Band

8663 Concert Band

(36 weeks, A/B schedule, 1 credit)

Concert Band is designed for students in grades 10-12 who choose to continue their educational interest in band music.  Students gain experience playing a variety of musical styles and continue their development of musical skills and techniques.  Public performances are scheduled throughout the year.  Individual instruction on specific instruments may take place within the larger group rehearsal.  However, ensemble experience and the individual's performance as a responsibility to the group’s overall success are emphasized.  Only students who are enrolled in Band are eligible to audition for County and District Band, as well as for select instrumental ensembles. 

Participation in the band program includes required after-school and evening rehearsals and performances as determined by the director. All band members are encouraged to participate in the Marching Band. Marching Band is one of the most visible co-curricular activities in the high school and provides the opportunity for motivated musicians to attain higher levels of performance.  Prerequisite: Participation in the middle school band program or the equivalent, by audition, and/or approval of the high school band director.

8660 Honors Wind Ensemble          

(36 weeks, A/B schedule, 1 credit)

Honors Wind Ensemble is an honors level course that is offered to students in grades 10-12 who play woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. Public performances including concert and marching settings are scheduled throughout the year.  Individual instruction on specific instruments may take place within the larger group rehearsal.  However, emphasis is on the ensemble experience and on the individual’s performance as a responsibility to the group’s overall success.  Only students who are enrolled in Band are eligible to audition for County and District Band, as well as for select instrumental ensembles.

Participation in the band program includes required after-school and evening rehearsals and performances as determined by the director. All band members are encouraged to participate in the Marching Band. Prerequisite: Participation in the Concert Band is preferred but not required. Admission is by audition or approval of the high school band director.

This course is weighted at .25 as a recognition of the fact that it is more demanding and has more requirements that go beyond those of the standard music ensemble courses.

 

8665 Honors Jazz Ensemble
(36 weeks, A/B schedule, 1 credit)
Jazz Ensemble is an honors level course that is offered as an opposite day companion course to Wind Ensemble. Students enrolled in this course must also be enrolled in Wind Ensemble. The course is open by audition to students who play the saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, or drums. Classes are devoted to a study of a wide variety of jazz music and styles. Emphasis is placed on the development of the style, interpretation, and the technical skills needed for jazz performance, as well as the historical aspects of this American art form.Participation in the Jazz Ensemble includes required after-school and evening rehearsals and performances as determined by the director. This ensemble will be involved in several jazz competitions and festivals in the spring that generally occur on Friday evenings and some Saturdays.  Prerequisite: Audition and/or approval by high school jazz ensemble director. 

This course is weighted at an additional .25 as a recognition of the fact that it is more demanding and has more requirements that go beyond those of the standard music ensemble courses.

Orchestra
 
 

8668 Honors Chamber Orchestra

(36 weeks, A/B schedule, 1 credit)

Chamber Orchestra is an advanced string orchestra. Students participating in Chamber Orchestra will actively engage in the creation and performance of rigorous orchestral music literature.Chamber Orchestra is offered to students who play violin, viola, cello, or double bass.  Students playing other instruments may only join orchestra with the approval of the high school orchestra director.

Participation in the Chamber Orchestra includes occasional required rehearsals and/or performances outside of normal school hours.   Students enrolled in Chamber Orchestra are eligible to audition for BCMEA and PMEA festivals, as well as other select ensembles. 

Prerequisite: Admission is by audition or the approval of the high school orchestra director.

This course is weighted at .25 as a recognition of the fact that it is more demanding and has more requirements that go beyond those of the standard music ensemble courses.

 

8664 Orchestra

(36 weeks, A/B schedule, 1 credit)

Students participating in string orchestra will actively engage in the creation and performance of orchestral music literature, which will expose students to a variety of musical genres and periods.  Students will advance their musical development through rehearsal and performance in small and large ensemble settings.

Orchestra is offered to students who play violin, viola, cello, or double bass.  Students playing other instruments may only join orchestra with the approval of the high school orchestra director.

Performances in the school and community will be scheduled throughout the year.  Only students who are enrolled in Orchestra are eligible to audition for BCMEA and PMEA festivals, as well as other select ensembles.  Participation in the orchestra includes occasional required rehearsals and/or performances outside of normal school hours.  Prerequisite: Participation in the middle school orchestra program or the equivalent, and/or approval of the high school orchestra director.

Choir
 

Concert Choir (36 weeks, A/B schedule, 1 credit)

Choir is offered to students who enjoy singing in a vocal ensemble. Active participation and pursuit of individual musical growth are essential for the successful performance of choral music. Students will learn to develop proper vocal technique and performance discipline. Emphasis will be placed on training the singers to become better musicians through the use of choral repertoire.

The choir will perform both classical and contemporary works at the appropriate developmental level. A repertoire will be chosen that reflects a variety of styles, forms, and cultures and includes both sacred and secular texts. School and community performances will be scheduled throughout the year. Only students who are enrolled in Choir are eligible to audition for County and District Choir as well as for select vocal ensembles.  Participation in the choral program includes required afterschool and evening rehearsals and performances as determined by the director.  Participation in the spring trip is optional but encouraged.  Prerequisite: Participation in the middle school choral program is preferred but not required.

 Honors Chamber Choir

(36 weeks, A/B schedule, 1 credit)

Choir is an honors level course offered to students who wish to sing in an advanced vocal ensemble. Active participation and pursuit of individual growth are essential for the successful performance of choral music. Students will continue to develop high-level vocal techniques.

The choir performs both classical and contemporary works at the highest standard. A repertoire will be chosen that reflects a variety of styles, forms, and cultures and includes both sacred and secular texts. School and community performances will be scheduled frequently throughout the year. Only students who are enrolled in Chorus are eligible to audition for County and District Chorus as well as for select vocal ensembles.

Participation in the choral program includes required afterschool and evening rehearsals and performances as determined by the director.  Participation in the spring trip is optional but encouraged. Prerequisite: Audition and/or approval by the high school choir director.

This course is weighted at .25 as a recognition of the fact that it is more demanding and has more requirements that go beyond those of the standard music ensemble courses. 

  

High School Music Teachers 

Central Bucks HS East
Central Bucks HS South
Central Bucks HS West