Music Department

Junior High Course Offerings

Rehearsals, concerts, clinics, festivals, and music performances outside of scheduled class time are defined as an extension of the District's formal classroom instructional program and, as such, require reasonable student participation and attendance.

Parents and students are invited to contact the counselor or music teacher at their respective school to determine the possible cost of instrument rentals and/or uniforms for performing groups. Students will not be denied membership in music groups for financial reasons.

All music classes are two semesters and two credits. Not all music courses are available at every school. Contact the counselors or music instructors for class availability.

Most of our Junior High Music curriculum is available on the District's Curriculum portion of the web site.

ORCHESTRA 1:   Grades 7,8,9   Prerequisite: Elementary school strings or equivalent training

This instrumental group learns and performs quality string orchestra music suited to ability level. They participate in clinics, festivals, and school and city-wide concerts.

ORCHESTRA 2:   Grades 8, 9   Prerequisite:  Elementary school strings or Orchestra 1

This instrumental group learns and performs quality string orchestra music suited to ability level. They participate in clinics, festivals, and school and city-wide concerts. The class teaches the student to recognize, identify, and understand essential elements of music. It emphasizes the polishing of individual skills to help the student become a capable performer.

BAND 1:  Grades 7,8,9  Prerequisite:  None

Open to all students who have a desire to learn to play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. They may participate in festivals and school concerts.

BAND 2:  Grades 7,8,9  Prerequisite:  Elementary Band or Band 1 or instructor approval

Open to the student with previous playing experience. The band participates in festivals and school concerts. Prime emphasis is placed on learning the fundamentals of instrumental technique.

BAND 3:  Grades 8,9  Prerequisite: Elementary Band, Band 1 or Band 2

Open to the student with previous playing experience. The band participates in festivals and school concerts. Prime emphasis is placed on learning the fundamentals of music and instrumental technique. The student in this group is exposed to a variety of solo, ensemble, and band music suited to ability level.

BAND 4:  Grades 8,9  Prerequisite: Elementary Band, Band 1, 2 or 3

This Band is the culminating junior high performing band. The group learns and performs a variety of fine music. The class teaches the student to recognize, identify, and understand fundamentals of music. Individual skills are stressed to improve technique and performing skills. Band 4 participates in parades, clinics, festivals, and school and city-wide concerts.

TREBLE CHOIR:  Grades 7,8,9  No prerequisite

Open to all treble voices who have a desire to learn to sing. The class teaches an understanding of the language and structure of music as it emphasizes such elements as melody, harmony, rhythm, and tempo. Treble choir develops skills so the student can become a capable performer. The choir participates in school programs and music festivals.

TENOR-BASS CHOIR:  Grades 7,8,9  No prerequisite

Open to all tenor and bass voices who have a desire to learn to sing. The class teaches an understanding of the language and structure of music as it emphasizes such elements as melody, harmony, rhythm, and tempo. Tenor-Bass choir develops skills so the student can become a capable performer. The choir participates in school programs and music festivals.

MIXED CHOIR:  Grade 7  No prerequisite

Open to any student with a desire to learn to sing. The class teaches an understanding of the language and structure of music as it emphasizes such elements as melody, harmony, rhythm, and tempo. Mixed choir develops group skills in performing. The choir participates in school programs and music festivals.

JAZZ/SWING CHOIR:  Grades 8,9  Audition only

The jazz/swing choir focuses primarily on contemporary music, including current popular favorites, old standards, selections from Broadway musicals, and selected folk music. The size of the choir averages 16 to 24 students. Open to the student with previous vocal music experience, through audition and recommendation by the instructor.

CHAMBER CHOIR:  Grades 8,9  Audition only

Students learn and perform representative pieces in the Renaissance Madrigal style as well as some vocal jazz and pop literature. The Chamber Choir performs at concerts and festivals of the vocal department as well as other performances for community groups.

CONCERT CHOIR:  Grades 8,9  Instructor/Counselor approval

This choir studies and performs a wide sampling of available choral works. The group develops more depth of knowledge of music fundamentals and polishes performing skills. The class improves technical quality of musical sound to refine vocal technique. Concert Choir participates in clinic festivals, and school and city-wide concerts.

Music Department
	8169 W. Victory Road Boise, ID 83709 PHONE ~ (208) 854-4155 FAX ~ (208) 854-4013