856 MIXED ENSEMBLE
Grade Level: 9-12 Term: All Year (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Enrollment must be confirmed by audition or permission of the middle school and/or the high school vocal teacher.
Both serious and popular music will be studied and performed, advancing to medium difficulty. Activities will include concerts and programs. Instruction and assessment will include group singing, individual singing and written work. Homework will be expected. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is the backbone of achievement in a performance group such as this one. Freshman choir is scheduled in conjunction with lunch period. Points earned to establish grade for this class is based on three components: Participation(daily, after school and concerts), Performance Level(as assessed by playing/singing tests and teacher observation), and Written Assignments. Written explanation of reason for absence for any of the three participation areas is required and will be assessed as excused or unexcused. Excused lack of participation will be considered for make up points. Unexcused explanations will not be considered for make up points. Very careful attention should be given to the requirements for each class for consideration of excused or unexcused. Points will be assigned to each category and the school grading scale will be applied.
871 CONCERT CHOIR
Grade Level: 10-12 Term: All Year (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Enrollment must be confirmed by audition or permission of teacher.
All styles of music will be performed. Activities will include concerts, musicals, and tours. Special apparel for concerts will be determined as performances require. Instruction and assessment will include group singing, individual singing and written work. Homework will be expected. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is the backbone of achievement in a performance group such as this one. Concert choir is scheduled in conjunction with lunch period. Points earned to establish grade for this class is based on three components: Participation(daily, after school and concerts), Performance Level(as assessed by playing/singing tests and teacher observation), and Written Assignments. Attendance at performances is a part of the final grade. Please consult the Music Department Handbook for additional information.
874 CHORALE
Grade Level: 10-12 Term: All Year (2 credits)
Prerequisite: Audition. The student must have previous music experience. This experience can be school choir, school band or orchestra, or private instruction.
This class is a mixed ensemble of balanced parts and will meet a full period each day. There will be at least one performance per semester and usually there are two or more. Activities will include concerts, convocations, contests and perhaps tours. Special apparel will be determined as performances require. Instruction and assessment will include group singing, individual singing and written work. Homework will be expected. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is the backbone of achievement in a performance group such as this one. Points earned to establish a grade for this class is based on three components: Participation(daily, after school and concerts), Performance Level(as assessed by playing/singing tests and teacher observation), and Written Assignments. Written explanation of reason for absence for any of the three participation areas is required and will be assessed as excused or unexcused. Excused lack of participation will be considered for make up points. Unexcused explanations will not be considered for make up points. Very careful attention should be given to the requirements for each class for consideration of excused or unexcused. Points will be assigned to each category and the school grading scale will be applied. Please consult the Music Department Handbook for additional information.
876 JAZZ CHOIR/STAR SOUNDS
Grade Level: 10-12 Term: Semester One (1/2 credit)
Prerequisite: Audition. The student must have previous music experience. This experience can be school choir, school band or orchestra, or private instruction.
Enrollment may be limited to assure balance. Choreography is part of performances, complimenting the repertoire studied: pop, folk, gospel, rock and jazz. One after school or evening rehearsal per week may and probably will be standard. Special apparel will be required and some will be at the expense of the student. Several concerts and programs will be held during the semester. Instruction and assessment will include group singing, individual singing and written work. Homework will be expected. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is the backbone of achievement in a performance group such as this one. Jazz choir is scheduled in conjunction with lunch period. Points earned to establish a grade for this class is based on three components: Participation(daily, after school and concerts), Performance Level(as assessed by playing/singing tests and teacher observation), and Written Assignments. Attendance at performances is required and is part of the final grade. Please consult the Music Department Handbook for additional information.
877 BEGINNING PIANO
Grade Level: 10-12 Term: One Semester (1 credit)
Prerequisite: None
This course is strictly for the beginning piano student. Fundamental keyboard skills are stressed: fingering, reading simple melodies, scales and basic chords. Individual computer/keyboard stations facilitate practice. By the end of the course, students play the piano using both hands simultaneously.
878 MUSIC THEORY 1
Grade Level: 11-12 Term: All Year (2 credits)
Prerequisite: None
An introductory study of the structure of music and music appreciation: basic knowledge of music reading is helpful but not required before enrollment. This course is designed for the more serious-minded student or the college-bound student. The course will utilize computers for the Alfred Essentials of Music Theory curriculum, Finale music notation and Sonar Home Studio and Sony Acid software for audio processing. During the second semester, the class creates projects utilizing the technology as used in the business field of music: notation, internet, sequencing, digital recording, sound amplification and CD production. Students enrolled in the course will compose and arrange music using various technology applications.
879 MUSIC THEORY and TECHNOLOGY
Grade Level: 9-12, Term: All Year (2 credits)
An introductory study of the structure of music and music appreciation: basic knowledge of music reading is helpful but not required before enrollment.
This course is designed for the more serious-minded student or the college-bound student. The course will utilize computers for the Alfred Essentials of Music Theory curriculum, Finale music notation and Sonar Home Studio and Sony Acid software for audio processing. During the second semester, the class creates projects utilizing the technology as used in the business field of music: notation, internet, sequencing, digital recording, sound amplification and CD production. Students enrolled in the course will compose and arrange music using various technology applications.
880 CONCERT BAND (White Band)
Grade Level: 9-12 Term: All Year (2 credits)
Prerequisite: Membership is by approval of the middle school or high school director(s) and successful participation in their respective middle school or high school band during the current year. No audition is required.
The Concert Band is essentially the freshman band. Some upperclassmen play in this band as an extra performance ensemble or in the case of a course conflict which prohibits their participation in one of the other bands. The Concert Band performs music of a medium-easy to medium high school level incorporating a wide range of styles and serves as a preparatory group for the Symphonic Band and the Wind Ensemble. Performances include 4 or 5 formal concerts, ISSMA and IMEA Organizational Contest, Commencement and, upon occasion, concert or festival tours. Instruction and assessment will include group singing/playing, individual singing/playing and written work. Individual practice outside of class is expected. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is necessary for the highest achievement in a performance group such as this one. Please consult the Music Department Handbook for additional information.
884 SYMPHONIC BAND (Red Band)
Grade Level: 9-12 Term: All Year (2 credits)
Prerequisite: Membership is open to all band students in grades 9-11 who have successfully participated in their respective high school band for the current year. Eighth grade band members may audition for Symphonic Band. Auditions will be held in February and selection will be based on a student’s playing ability and instrumentation needs of the band.
The Symphonic Band is the second, or intermediate, concert band at BNL. The Symphonic Band performs music of a medium to medium-advanced level incorporating a wide range of styles, and serves as a preparatory group for the Wind Ensemble. Performances generally include 4 or 5 formal concerts, ISSMA and IMEA Organizational Festivals, Commencement, and, upon occasion, concert or festival tours. Instruction and assessment will include group singing/playing, individual singing/playing and written work. Individual practice outside of class is expected. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is necessary for the highest achievement in a performance group such as this one. Please consult the Music Department Handbook for additional information.
888 WIND ENSEMBLE (Blue Band)
Grade Level: 9-12 Term: All Year (2 credits)
Prerequisite: Membership is by audition only and is open to all band students in grades 8 thru 11 who have successfully participated in their respective high school or middle school band for the current year.
The Wind Ensemble is the most advanced of the three concert bands at BNL. Selection is based on technique, tone quality, rhythmic accuracy, intonation, and expression. Auditions are held in February for the upcoming year, and participation is required for the entire school year. Membership is limited to a specific instrumentation determined by the Director of Bands. The Wind Ensemble performs music of an advanced level, incorporating a wide range of styles. Performances generally include 4 or 5 formal concerts, community functions, ISSMA and IMEA Organizational Festivals, Commencement, and upon occasion, concert or festival tours. Instruction and assessment will include group singing/playing, individual singing/playing and written work. Individual practice outside of class is expected. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is necessary for the highest achievement in a performance group such as this one. Please consult the Music Department Handbook for additional information.
890 FRESHMAN ORCHESTRA
Grade Level: 9 Term: All Year (2 credits)
Prerequisites: Participation in middle school orchestra and recommendation of Middle School Director. Audition is required for students who did not participate in a middle school orchestra.
All freshman enroll in the Freshman Orchestra. Please consult the Music Department Handbook for additional information.
897 MARCHING BAND
Grade Level: 9-12 Term: Seasonal (1/2 credit)
Prerequisite: Membership is open to all band students in grades 8-11 who have successfully participated in their respective high school or middle school band. Prior participation in marching band is not required.
The Marching Band is the most visible part of the band program at BNL due to the number and nature of their performances. The Marching Band performs music of many styles and visual designs that are utilized by the contemporary competitive marching band. Since this is a co-curricular class, grades are issued and .5 credit is earned for participation. Membership by all band students is encouraged and recommended. All students who choose to play in the marching band are expected to play in one of the concert bands or orchestras. Performances include 4-5 home football games, 6-7 marching band contest weekends, 2-3 local parades or community functions and, upon occasion, regional or national parades, festivals, or competitions. Instruction and assessment will include group singing/playing, individual singing/playing and written work. Individual practice outside of class is expected. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is necessary for the highest achievement in a performance group such as this one. Please consult the Music Department Handbook for additional information.
892 JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Grade Level: 9-12 Term: All Year (2 credits)
Prerequisite: Membership is by audition only. All band students in grades 8-11 who have successfully participated in their respective high school or middle school band during the current year may audition. Exceptions to this can be made for pianists, guitarists, and bassists who may not have played in a concert band or orchestra.
Prior experience playing in a jazz ensemble is helpful but not required. All styles of jazz are covered and a high percentage of rehearsal time is spent on the development of improvisational skills. Students enrolled in Jazz Ensemble are expected to participate in a concert organization if at all possible. This ensemble performs music of a medium to advanced level, and performance opportunities may include 2 formal concerts, local and regional jazz festivals, ISSMA or IMEA playing festivals, and various school or community-related functions. Instruction and assessment will include group singing/playing, individual singing/playing and written work. Individual practice outside of class is expected. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is necessary for the highest achievement in a performance group such as this one. Please consult the Music Department Handbook for additional information.
894 SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Grade Level: 10-12 Term: All Year (2 credits)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Freshman Orchestra and Recommendation of High School teacher . Students who have not had Freshman Orchestra must audition and if necessary make arrangements to taken private instruction to meet the level of proficiency needed for Symphony Orchestra.
String players enroll in the class as a full credit course. Wind and percussion players are selected from the Wind Ensemble and rehearse as needed with the strings to form a full symphony orchestra. The Symphony Orchestra performs music of a variety of styles ranging in difficulty from medium to advanced literature. Performances and attendance at all performances form the backbone for the assessment of achievement. Please consult the Music Department Handbook for additional information.
COLOR GUARD
Grade Level: 9-12 Term: Seasonal (1/2 credit)
Prerequisite: Audition only.
The BNL Color Guard is a very unique and important segment of the Marching Band due to the fact that its contribution is strictly visual in nature. All members of the Guard, whether or not they play an instrument in a concert organization, are considered "band members". Visual and emotional ideas correlating to the music being played are conveyed on the field with drill movement, dance and body movements, and equipment handling such as flags, rifles, sabres and other types of props. The Guard performs with the marching band at all home football games, parades, marching band competitions, and other school or community-related functions. Credit is earned (.5) and students are enrolled in this activity in the same manner as other classes. Students are subject to all rules pertaining to add/drop procedures and attendance. Membership in the Guard is by audition only. Auditions are held in the spring for the upcoming year and are open to all students in grades 8-11. Prior dance or music participation is helpful, but not required. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is necessary for the highest achievement in a performance group such as this one. Most years, the BNL Winter Guard will be active and rehearse and perform at 2 or 3 basketball games, compete in the Indiana High School Color Guard Association and/or Tri-States winter guard circuit, and possible tours to the middle schools. Membership in this group is optional, but an audition is required. The Winter Guard season extends from November through March. Please consult the Music Department Handbook for additional information.
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