Course Catalog Details

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Credit: 1

This course is available as an Honors credit with instructor consent.
This class may be offered in a blended format.

The Bass Choir is predominately for Tenor, Baritone, and Bass singers. This ensemble will focus primarily on 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part musical selections. Students in this ensemble are highly encouraged to participate in ILMEA and IHSA sponsored events. Prospective singers should audition at the end of the school year or schedule a meeting/audition with the director if interested in joining this ensemble.
 

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: An advanced audition with the instructor
Credit: 1

This course is available as an Honors credit with instructor consent.
This class may be offered in a blended format.

Chamber Choir is an advanced level mixed choir selected through vocal and written auditions. Students must have advanced vocal skills and mature musical understanding. The group will sing advanced repertoire, both a cappella and accompanied, from various genres in four to eight voice parts. All singers are required to participate in IHSA Solo & Ensemble contest and to audition for ILMEA District 8 Festival. Singers are also encouraged to participate in other non-curricular performance opportunities. The audition will include sight-reading and a written theory test. Students must re-audition each year to remain in the Chamber Choir.
 

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Credit: 1

This course is available as an Honors credit with instructor consent.

The Chamber Orchestra is for advanced and experienced players. Students are selected based on a comprehensive audition process. Students must have strong basic technique with introductory advanced technique. Only a select number of students will be chosen at the discretion of the teacher. Instruction focuses on the further development and refinement of advanced techniques, musical knowledge, and performance of advanced orchestral literature. The orchestra will combine with Symphonic Band to perform full-orchestra literature.
 

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Credit: 1

This course is available as an Honors credit with instructor consent.

Concert Band is open to student grades 9-12 with at least 1 year instrumental music background. Instruction focuses on the development of instrumental technique, musical knowledge, and the performance of quality wind and percussion ensemble literature. Students enrolled in this class may also participate in Jazz Band and color guard. During the first quarter all students enrolled in Concert Band combine with the Symphonic Band to form the marching band. The Marching Spartans perform at all home football games and local and regional contests. During the 2nd semester all students enrolled in Concert Band combine with the Symphonic Band to form the Basketball Pep Band.
 

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Credit: 1

This course is available as an Honors credit with instructor consent.

This is an introductory level mixed choir that will continue to improve and build good vocal techniques and music reading skills. Students should have vocal skills training and basic music reading skills. This choir will sing 3 and 4-part literature that may be both accompanied and a cappella. Singers are encouraged to participate in IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest, ILMEA District 8 activities, and other non-curricular performance opportunities.
 

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Credit: 1

This course is available as an Honors credit with instructor consent.

The Concert Orchestra is open to all students regardless of grade, ability, or experience. The curriculum focuses on reinforcing basic skills and introducing advanced technique, musical knowledge and performance styles.
 

Level: 11, 12
Semesters: 1
Prerequisites: None. You must meet placement requirements for Kishwaukee College. 
Credit: SHS (1/2) + Kishwaukee College (3)
Dual Credit Opportunity (College credit towards MUS 220 at Kishwaukee College)

This class is offered in a blended format. This class will be offered 2nd semester.
There is a $50 tuition fee to be paid to Kishwaukee College.

Music Appreciation is an introduction to representative music masterpieces through perceptive listening. This course emphasizes the elements of music, various musical forms and periods, and great composers and performers. This course broadens the non-music major's understanding and enjoyment of music. Three hours lecture/discussion a week. IAI: F1 900

While staying on SHS’s campus, students will take Kishwaukee College’s MUS 220. The 3 credit hours earned from the successful completion of this course (in which the student earns a C or higher) are transferable to any college or university that accepts Kishwaukee College credit.
 

Level: 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 1
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Credit: 1/2

Fall Semester

This course is designed to introduce and study the systems that serve as the basis for Western music. The elements of music will be examined in great detail, starting with an overview of basic skills and then moving into the area of advanced analysis. The curriculum will also include aural development, singing, composition, and music history. This course is designed to serve the needs of both the novice musician and the student planning to pursue a career in music. While prior musical knowledge is not necessary to enroll in the course, it is highly recommended.
 

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Credit: 1

This course is available as an Honors credit with instructor consent.

Symphonic Band is open by audition only to students grades 9-12 with at least 3 years of instrumental music background. Instruction focuses on the further development and refinement of advanced instrumental techniques, musical knowledge, and performance of advanced wind and percussion ensemble literature of the highest quality. Students in this organization will be eligible to perform with the Orchestra; they will also be able to participate in special performances and contests. Students enrolled in this class may also participate in Jazz Band and color guard. During the first quarter, all students enrolled in Symphonic Band combine with the Concert Band to form the marching band. The Marching Spartans perform at all home football games and local and regional contests. During 2nd semester, all students enrolled in Symphonic Band combine with the Concert Band to form the Basketball Pep Band. Freshmen may be admitted by special audition and the consent of the instructor.
 

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Credit: 1

This course is available as an Honors credit with instructor consent.
This class may be offered in blended format.

The Treble Choir is a select all-female choir focusing on 3 and 4-part accompanied and a cappella literature from a variety of genres. Students must have advanced vocal skills and a solid understanding of music symbols and terms. All singers are required to participate in IHSA Solo & Ensemble contest and are encouraged to audition for ILMEA District 8 Festival. Singers are also encouraged to participate in other non-curricular performance opportunities. The audition will include sight-reading and a written theory test. Students must re-audition each year to remain in the Treble Choir.