Music

Grades 6, 7, or 8
In Beginning Band, students learn proper playing technique on an instrument well-suited to their natural abilities. Students learn to play both individually and in an ensemble setting and learn maintenance of the instrument. The teacher follows the county-adopted curriculum, which is based on the Virginia Standards of Learning. Evaluation of progress is based on individual playing tests, written work, and daily class participation. Daily, at-home practice is necessary to master playing technique. Since performances are an integral and vital extension of this course, participation in performances outside of the school day may be required.

Grades 7 or 8
Background: Successful completion of Beginning Band
Intermediate Band is a continuation of Beginning Band. In intermediate band, students continue to learn proper playing technique and develop ensemble skills. The teacher follows the county-adopted curriculum, which is based on the Virginia Standards of Learning. Evaluation of progress is based on individual playing tests, written work, and daily class participation. Daily, at-home practice is necessary to continue mastering playing technique. Since performances are an integral and vital extension of this course, participation in performances outside of the school day may be required.

Grade 8
Background: Successful completion of Intermediate Band
Advanced Band is a continuation of beginning and Intermediate Band. In Advanced Band, students refine playing skills and develop higher-level listening skills. Students are highly encouraged to attend All-County band auditions, All-District band auditions and Solo and Ensemble Festival. The teacher follows the county adopted curriculum, which is based on the Virginia Standards of Learning. Evaluation of progress is based on individual playing tests, written work, and daily class participation. Daily, at-home practice is necessary to continue mastering playing technique. Since performances are an integral and vital extension of this course, participation in performances outside of the school day may be required.

Grades 6, 7, or 8
Beginning Chorus introduces students to the study of vocal technique, vocal pedagogy, proper vocal production, correct abdominal breathing, intonation, posture, and conducting patterns. Music theory, ear training, sight-singing, music repertoire development, music history, analysis, and technology are components of this course. The teacher follows the county-adopted curriculum, which is based on the Virginia Standards of Learning. Students also develop their abilities to perform as an ensemble. Additional goals for the course focus on assisting students in understanding the role of music in our society, appreciating different cultures and customs, acquiring stage presence and decorum, and fostering positive attitudes for further choral study.

Grades 7 or 8
Background: Successful completion of Beginning Chorus
Intermediate Chorus is a continuation of Beginning Chorus. This course extends students' skills and understanding of musical compositions, basic theory structure, music history, vocal pedagogy, proper vocal production and technique. The goals of the course set higher expectations of a student's knowledge and understanding of vocal technique, music theory, ear training, sight-singing, music history, analysis, and technology. Development of the student's ability to perform as an ensemble is a strong focus for the course. Students study the role of music in our society, different cultures and customs, stage presence, and decorum. Since performances are an integral and vital extension of this course, participation in performances outside of the school day may be required.

Grade 8
Background: Successful completion of Intermediate Chorus
Advanced Chorus is a continuation of Intermediate Chorus. This course establishes a high expectation level for a student's development and refinement of skills and understanding of musical compositions, vocal technique, proper vocal production, and technique. These goals target increasing and deepening a student's knowledge and understanding of music theory, ear training, sight-singing, music history, analysis, and technology. The development of ensemble performance skills is a strong focus for the course. Students extend their understanding of music through interdisciplinary activities and exploration of career opportunities in the field of music. Students increase their understanding of the role of music in our society, different cultures and customs, stage presence, and decorum. Students are highly encouraged to attend All-County and All-District Chorus auditions. Since performances are an integral and vital extension of this course, participation in performances outside of the school day may be required.

Grades 6, 7, or 8
In Beginning Orchestra, students study an instrument from the string family (violin, viola, cello, bass). Students learn correct technique on their chosen string instrument and perform in an ensemble through sequential music exercises, folk songs, and age-appropriate repertoire. Students are guided to the understanding of musical compositions, basic theory structure, music history, music interpretation, articulation, dynamics, phrasing, ensemble balance, bowing technique, instrument care, tone production, and conducting patterns. Daily, at-home practice is necessary to continue mastering playing technique. Since performances are an integral and vital extension of this course, participation in performances outside of the school day may be required.

Grades 7 or 8
Background: Successful completion of Beginning Orchestra
Intermediate Orchestra is a continuation of Beginning Orchestra. Students continue the mastery of string technique and ensemble performance through the study of advanced music exercises, folk songs, and age-appropriate repertoire. Daily, at-home practice is necessary to continue mastering playing technique. Performance opportunities will be more abundant. Since performances are an integral and vital extension of this course, participation in performances outside of the school day may be required.

Grade 8
Background: Successful completion of Intermediate Orchestra
Advanced Orchestra is a continuation of Beginning and Intermediate Orchestra. Students continue the mastery of string technique and ensemble performance through advanced technical etudes, scales and arpeggios, and age-appropriate repertoire. Daily, at-home practice is necessary to continue mastering playing technique. Preparation for performances is more intensive. Since performances are an integral and vital extension of this course, participation in performances outside of the school day may be required.

Grades 7 or 8
This course is designed for students with a passion for music and desire to learn guitar . Guitar instruction emphasizes basic technique, music reading, progressions, and music theory. Music literature is selected from classical and contemporary repertoire. This course offers a comprehensive study of all musical styles. This course may only be taken once. No prior experience is required.