AP MUSIC THEORY (MU5000) 1.0 credit
The goal of AP Music Theory course is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. The achievement of this goal may be best promoted by integrated approaches to the student’s development of aural skills through listening exercises, sight-singing skills through performance exercises, written skills through written exercises, compositional skills as creative exercises, analytical skills through analytical exercises, Ultimately, this course is to prepare students who might be interested in a career in the music field or industry and to prepare students for the AP Music Theory Exam. Certain colleges accept the AP Music Theory test score to preclude students from having to take a 1st semester music theory class. Notes: The grade for this course is weighted. It is imperative that the student already knows how to read music before taking this class.
MUSIC APPRECIATION (MU9239) 0.5 credit
Students will explore many elements of music including history, theory, singing and keyboard skills. This introductory music course will help students develop their ear to identify instruments, musical pieces, and musical periods by their sound. Students will also learn music terminology in order to give accurate descriptions of music. This course is designed to be a broad overview of the many aspects of music and develop an appreciation and understanding of music.
MUSIC PRODUCTION 1 (MU9189) 0.5 credit
This nine-week course will introduce students to the fundamentals of software and hardware tools used to produce and record music. Students will use arranging software, synthesizers, and recorded instruments to create digital audio compositions. Students will learn the basics of digital audio editing, mixing, and signal processing. Note: Students must have a basic understanding of music before taking this course.
MUSIC PRODUCTION 2 (MU9199) 0.5 credit
This course will reinforce and expand upon the concepts and skills acquired in Music Production 1. Students will be familiarized with the appropriate implementation of various studio microphones while recording musicians, groups and ensembles. Students will also apply advanced digital audio editing, mixing, and mastering techniques using industry standard software and equipment. The emphasis of the course will be career readiness in the music production industry and related fields.
VOICE CLASS (MU9159) 0.5 credit
Techniques of proper breathing, care of the voice, tone production, phrasing, music reading, and general musicianship are emphasized. A beginning singer’s repertoire is presented in addition to student-selected repertoire for analysis, singing, and performing. Students will sing and demonstrate their voice for both their instructor and classmates weekly. Students may take this course in sequential marking periods or multiple times, since repertoire and skill development will be varied and differentiated for each player.
PIANO 1 (MU9229) 0.5 credit
This course is designed for the student who wants to learn how to play the piano. Students will be assigned their own electric piano in the piano lab for use during class. Students will use a textbook to navigate through the basic fundamentals of music reading. After demonstrating proficiency, students will have the opportunity to select their own piece that will be performed in class recital at the end of the marking period.
PIANO 2 (MU9129) 1.0 credit
Students who have completed Piano 1 will have the opportunity to continue their progress in Piano 2. This class will focus on both the instrument as a solo instrument as well as a group instrument. Students will play duets and trios as well as learn how to play chord progressions to songs of their choice. Technique including performing various styles of repertoire including classical and present day music. This semester-long class can be repeated for credit if scheduling allows.
GUITAR 1 (MU9209) Offered at Freedom High School 0.5 credit
The Guitar 1 elective provides the opportunity to learn basic guitar playing techniques or build upon current skills in a supportive setting. Students will work on basic guitar repertoire and songs of choice with the overall goal being performances throughout the semester. Students may take this course in sequential marking periods or multiple times, since repertoire and skill development will be varied and differentiated for each player.
GUITAR 2 (MU9219) Offered at Freedom High School 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Guitar 1
The Guitar 2 elective provides the opportunity to learn more advanced guitar playing techniques than those taught in the Introduction to Guitar course and build upon current skills in a supportive setting. Students will work on various guitar repertoire and songs of choice with the overall goal being performances throughout the semester. Students may take this course in sequential marking periods or multiple times, since repertoire and skill development will be varied and differentiated for each player.
FREEDOM MUSICAL PERFORMANCE OFFERINGS
PATRIOT BAND (MU9009) 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Audition
The Patriot Band meets first period every other day. Throughout the football season, rehearsals begin at 7:00 A.M.
Summer rehearsals begin in mid-August. Performances include football games, parades, and assembly programs, pep rallies and concerts. Grading, seating and continued membership are determined through auditions and attendance.
ORCHESTRA (MU9019) 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Audition
The Orchestra meets the first block from September to June. From November through June, rehearsals begin at 7:00 a.m. This course provides students with an excellent opportunity to explore and study orchestra literature while performing in a full-size orchestra. On occasion, the group will divide into a string orchestra and wind ensemble format. Concerts are presented throughout the school year. Students are required to perform a holiday concert, two spring concerts, and at graduation to obtain credit.
PATRIOT CHOIR (MU9059) 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Audition
The Patriot Choir is a choral organization, which meets first block every other day. Membership in this choir provides an opportunity for singing a variety of music repertoire. Two major concerts are presented each year (December and May), in addition to occasional assemblies and/or community programs. Opportunity is provided to strengthen abilities in music reading and to improve techniques in breathing, tone quality, diction, and phrasing through the preparation of music to be presented in concerts. A formal and informal choral setting enhances the repertoire.
CONCERT CHOIR (MU9049) 1.0 credit
The Concert Choir is a choral organization, which meets first block every other day. Membership in this choir provides an opportunity for singing a variety of music repertoire. Two major concerts are presented each year (December and May), in addition to occasional assemblies and/or community programs. Opportunity is provided to strengthen abilities in music reading and to improve techniques in breathing, tone quality, diction, and phrasing through the preparation of music to be presented in concerts. A formal and informal choral setting enhances the repertoire. This ensemble is open to all interested students in 9th through 12th grade.
LIBERTY MUSICAL PERFORMANCE OFFERINGS
GRENADIER BAND (MU9009) 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Audition
The Grenadier Band meets first block from September to June. Rehearsals begin at 7:00 a.m. every day. Summer rehearsals begin around August 15. The course provides the student with an excellent opportunity to explore the many phases of the modern day band. The first ten weeks of the school year are devoted to marching band techniques; the remainder of the year is devoted primarily to concert music. The L.H.S. Grenadier Band is nationally known and has traveled throughout the USA and abroad. Students are required to perform at all football games, two basketball games, several announced parades, and a spring concert to obtain credit.
ORCHESTRA (MU9019) 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Audition
The Orchestra meets the first block from September to June. From November through June, rehearsals begin at 7:00 a.m. This course provides students with an excellent opportunity to explore and study orchestra literature while performing in a full-size orchestra. On occasion, the group will divide into a string orchestra and wind ensemble format. Concerts are presented throughout the school year. The Orchestra often participates in exchange concerts with other schools. Students are required to perform a holiday concert, two spring concerts, and at graduation to obtain credit.
VOCAL ENSEMBLE (MU9249) 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Audition
Ensemble is a leadership ensemble that performs in conjunction with Choraliers at all concerts. Additionally, they learn the components that go into forming a successful concert, including appropriate repertoire, staging, creating promotional materials, programs, and tickets. Once comfortable with the material, they take on an administrative role in planning both the Holiday and Spring Concerts with director guidance. These students will lead the Choraliers singers in vocal sectionals, as well as teach them choreography for upcoming performances.
CHORALIERS (MU9029) 1.0 credit
Choraliers is a performing ensemble that emphasizes singing technique, sight reading, and group singing in four part harmony. Music styles performed include holiday, formal literature, popular music, culturally diverse selections, as well as music made for stage and screen. This ensemble performs at two major evening concerts a year and attendance at both concerts and dress rehearsals is graded and mandatory. The Choraliers’ meeting time is arranged to provide all students involved in Band and Orchestra to fit this into their schedule.