The music program provides students with the opportunity to find a richer life by guiding them to a better understanding of music. There are courses for students who are interested and skilled in vocal or instrumental performance and wish to concentrate in these areas. Students who are not performing musicians, but wish to learn more about music, will find valuable courses in Music in Our Lives, MIDI Studio and Music Theory courses.
Music Department Head: Erica Nirsberger (ext. 35109)
Graduation requirements
To fulfill graduation requirements, all students must complete at least one unit in music or art to earn a Regents Diploma. Foundation level courses include Concert Band, Concert Orchestra, and Bel Canto Choir.
Pathways for prospective music students
Since most music schools require an audition, (one which includes performing either vocally or instrumentally as well as sight-singing and theory), courses such as Music 1 University, AP Music Theory and Performing Ensembles are recommended.
Sample Music Progressions
Band Progression:
- Grade 9: Concert Band
- Grade 10: Concert Band or Symphonic Band or Jazz Ensemble
- Grade 11: Concert Band or Symphonic Band or Jazz Ensemble and Music Theory 1
- Grade 12: Concert Band or Symphonic Band or Jazz Ensemble and Music Theory 1 or AP Music Theory
Orchestra Progression:
- Grade 9: Concert Orchestra
- Grade 10: Concert Orchestra or Symphonic Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra
- Grade 11: Chamber Orchestra or Symphonic Orchestra and Music Theory 1
- Grade 12: Chamber Orchestra Symphonic Orchestra and Music Theory 1 or AP Music Theory
Chorus Progression:
- Grade 9: Mixed Chorus Or Bel Canto Choir (treble)
- Grade 10: Mixed Chorus or Bel Canto Choir or Choraliers
- Grade 11: Mixed Chorus or Bel Canto Choir or Choraliers and Music Theory 1
- Grade 12: Mixed Chorus or Bel Canto Choir or Choraliers and Music Theory 1 or AP Music Theory
General Music Progression:
- Grade 9: Music In Our Lives
- Grade 10: MIDI Studio
- Grade 11: Music Theory 1
- Grade 12: Music Theory 1 or AP Music Theory
MUSIC IN OUR LIVES
0604 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 9-12
Mixed Chorus is a non-auditioned mixed voice choral ensemble. Students in Mixed Chorus will learn proper vocal techniques, music reading skills, breath control, and overall poise and confidence in their singing ability, while performing music from many different time periods and cultures. Each chorus member is expected to participate in all of the scheduled concerts for the school.
This course can be used to fulfill the Fine Art requirement.
MIDI STUDIO
0605 1 Semester .5 Credit Grades 10-12
Students will study the various processes and procedures used to record and edit music using a computer. Topics will include digital recording, MIDI sequencing, sound design, loops, and signal processing. Students will be able to actively apply this technology to enable themselves to use similar equipment in their home studio or a professional recording studio. Knowledge of chords and basic music theory is helpful.
Prerequisite: One unit of any high school music course
MUSIC 1 UNIVERSITY
(University in the High School) (2024 – 2025)
0602 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
This course is offered for music majors and for students who want to “test out” a career related to music. It is a course in the fundamentals of music such as melody, keys, scales, rhythm, harmony, and the study of chords. In addition, writing, ear-training, and music literature will be studied. Students in this course should have more music background than just Music in Our Lives. Good candidates are students in a performing group or students that play piano or guitar and have studies with a teacher. College credits offered through the University at Albany may be received upon completion of this course for a fee. This course is offered every other school year.
Teacher recommended. Prior music reading experience is recommended. College credit: University at Albany. Fee required for college credit. Student may opt to take the course for only high school credit.
AP MUSIC THEORY (2023 – 2024)
0600 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 11-12
AP Music Theory is designed for music majors. A continuation of the study of harmony with concentration in modulation, altered chords, and creative composition. In addition, writing, ear-training, and music literature will be studied. University credit or AP credit may be earned. This course is offered every other school year. It is recommended that students take the AP Music Theory examination.
Prerequisite: Music I University.
MIXED CHORUS
0624 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 9-12
Mixed Chorus is a non-auditioned mixed voice choral ensemble. Students in Mixed Chorus will learn proper vocal techniques, music reading skills, breath control, and overall poise and confidence in their singing ability, while performing music from many different time periods and cultures. Each chorus member is expected to participate in all of the scheduled concerts for the school.
BEL CANTO CHOIR
0625 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 9 – 12
Bel Canto Choir is an auditioned treble voice choral ensemble and is open to singers with the proper qualifications and with the recommendation of the conductor. Students in Bel Canto Choir will learn proper vocal techniques, music reading skills, breath control, and overall poise and confidence in their singing ability, while performing music from many different time periods and cultures. Each chorus member is expected to participate in all scheduled concerts for the school. Activities may also include NYSSMA evaluations and performances in school and throughout the community.
Prerequisite: Admission is by audition and/or invitation by the teacher
CHORALIERS
0620 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Choraliers is an auditioned mixed choral ensemble and is open to singers with the proper qualifications and with the recommendation of the conductor. Choraliers challenges the advanced student with outstanding and demanding literature. Balance of voice parts of the ensemble dictates the number of students accepted. Students in Choraliers will learn proper vocal techniques, advanced music reading skills, breath control, and overall poise and confidence in their singing ability, while performing music from many different time periods and cultures. Each chorus member is expected to participate in all of the scheduled concerts for the school. Activities will also include NYSSMA evaluations, many performances in school and throughout the community, and performance competition trips.
Grades 9-12: Tenors & Basses
Grades: 10-12 Sopranos & Altos
Prerequisite: Admission is by audition and/or invitation by the teacher
CONCERT ORCHESTRA
0615 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 9-12
This orchestra is open to instrumentalists with the proper qualifications and with the recommendation of the conductor. The program includes performing in concerts, working on music projects, and lessons.
Prerequisite: Admission is by audition and/or invitation by the teacher
SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
0614 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Symphonic Orchestra is open to instrumentalists with the proper qualifications and with the recommendation of the conductor. The program includes performing in concerts, working on music projects, and lessons.
Prerequisite: Admission is by audition and/or invitation by the teacher
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
0612 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Chamber Orchestra challenges the advanced student with outstanding and demanding literature. Acceptance into the ensemble is contingent upon successful audition. Balanced instrumentation of the ensemble dictates the number of students accepted.
Prerequisite: Admission is by audition and/or invitation by the teacher
CONCERT BAND
0609 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 9-12
Concert Band is open to instrumentalists with the proper qualifications and with the recommendation of the conductor. The program includes school concerts and group lessons which rotate throughout the day.
SYMPHONIC BAND
0608 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Students will be involved in performing band literature of all styles. Acceptance into the ensemble will be contingent upon a successful audition. Instrumentation of the ensemble will dictate the number of students accepted into this course.
Prerequisite: Admission is by audition and/or invitation by the teacher
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
0606 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Students will be involved in performing music of the jazz and contemporary idiom. Aspects of performance such as style, articulation, and rhythmic interpretation (history, theory, and improvisation) will be covered and demonstrated. The jazz ensemble will perform at school and community concerts as well as at various jazz festivals. Acceptance into the ensemble will be contingent upon a successful audition. Instrumentation of the concert Jazz Ensemble will dictate the number of students accepted into this course.
Prerequisite: Admission is by audition and/or invitation by the teacher