Music

  • All Music courses meet graduation requirements for Visual/Performing Arts.

    Orchestra
    For students who play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello or bass) and read music. Special attention will be given to the development of technique, intonation, sight-reading and tone production. Literature of all periods is performed, including one concert with full orchestra (strings combined with band students who play wind, brass and percussion instruments.) Performance in festivals and concerts for the school and community are requirements for the course.

    Concert Band
    For students who play an instrument (wind or percussion) and read music. Special attention will be given to development of techniques, intonation, sight reading, tone production and playing experience as a member of a performing ensemble. Performances at concerts and festivals are requirements of this course.

    Foundations in Band
    Designed for students who are interested in learning how to play a wind instrument. It includes learning playing technique, how to read music and all other basic concepts of performance. This course will also meet the fine arts requirement now mandated by the State of New Jersey for graduation of all incoming freshmen. Students may be required to rent or purchase an instrument. 

    Jazz Band
    Designed for students who are interested in the performance and mastery of literature written for Jazz Band. Offered to advanced instrumental students. All students must audition for the class and will be recommended by the director for admission into this course. Emphasis is on advanced instrumental techniques, performance of jazz music for the ensemble, and preparation for regional and college auditions. Performances at concerts, competitions, and festivals are requirements of this course. This course is currently under revision. Upon Board approval, the description of the course will be modified to align with the revised curriculum and current New Jersey Student Learning Standards. 

    Wind Ensemble
    All students must audition for the class and will be recommended by the director for admission into the course.  Emphasis is on advanced instrumental techniques, performance of wind ensemble literature, and preparation for regional band and college auditions.

    Piano Lab
    Designed for the student who has very little or no piano experience. In this course, the student will learn to read and write music; perform on the piano; compose and improvise music; and incorporate music history, music of different cultures, and music of modern society in the assigned pieces of music.

    Music Appreciation
    A survey of music from its origins to contemporary compositions. Requires much listening to music in class with subsequent discussion and analysis. Students will study the basic elements and history of music, different musical instruments and selections from a wide variety of musical styles. 

    Music Theory 1
    Provides elementary training in reading, writing, analyzing, and performing music. Prior experience in reading music suggested.

    AP Music Theory
    Advanced Placement Music Theory is for the accelerated music student pursuing a career in music. Basic musical skills and knowledge learned in Music Theory 1, such as clefs, rhythms, and notation, will be refined and enhanced. While students will study written theoretical topics like counterpoint, diatonic and chromatic harmony, part writing and harmonic and melodic analysis, students will spend the majority of their time working on developing their ability to aurally identify intervals, chord qualities, and dictate melodies. Students will also study music history, focusing on Western classical music, and will learn some basic composition and orchestration skills. Students taking this class are eligible to take the Advanced Placement examination in Music Theory. Prerequisite Music Theory 1 (Final grade of A or B) *Offered as RCBC Cap Course.   

    String Ensemble
    Offered to more advanced string students. Instruments in the ensemble include violins, violas, cellos and basses. Emphasis is placed on the development of advanced technique, musical interpretation and music reading skills. Literature of all periods is performed, including one concert with full orchestra (strings combined with band students who play wind, brass and percussion instruments). Performance in festivals and concerts for the school and community are required and membership in the Lenape Regional Orchestra is highly recommended. This course is currently under revision. Upon Board approval, the description of the course will be modified to align with the revised curriculum and current New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

    Jazz Improvisation
    Offered to instrumentalists with at least one year experience in the band program in the high school. All students must audition for the class and will be recommended by the director for admission into the course. This class explores the skills that it takes to improvise the jazz idiom. Students must be able to read written notation. Students will be required to learn some traditional theory and history of jazz and will perform in class, as well as community functions.

    Technology in Music 1
    Provides an overview of, and hands-on experience with digital audio workstations such as Garage Band and Logic Pro. Extensive class time is devoted to gaining a practical understanding of musical concepts, which will help with the creation of compositions, orchestration, recording, and performance. Other technology covered includes synthesis and sampling. No prior experience with performing or creating music is needed in order to take this class. This course satisfies the fine and performing arts requirement or the technology requirement for graduation.

    *Technology in Music 2
    An extension of Technology in Music 1, taking an in depth look at subjects covered in that class, with emphasis placed on digital audio and Multi-Media elements. Students will work toward creating original audio/video portfolios. Prerequisite: Technology in Music 1. *Offered as a RCBC CAP Course.

    Choir
    Specific choir section depends upon an audition as a prerequisite. Members of the non-audition choir will learn about vocal techniques to improve the quality of one’s voice, as well as singing a variety of pop, musical theater, and classical styles of choral music. Choir is open to all grade levels, and several performances will take place throughout the year. An ability to sing and hear at the highest level of accuracy and musicianship, as determined by the director, is expected. Frequent voice testing will take place to secure understanding of, and ability to sing repertoire. Choral/Vocal literature of different styles and periods will be performed. This course is currently under revision. Upon Board approval, the description of the course will be modified to align with the revised curriculum and current New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

    Guitar
    Guitar is a course for any student to either begin or further their study of the guitar.  Students will first learn the basic chords commonly used in popular music, which leads to further independent study of music of personal interest.  Students will learn the basic tuning techniques, alternative tunings, as well as basic home repair on the guitar including, but not limited to; restringing a guitar, pick removal and routine maintenance.  This course will prepare students for a variety of performance outlets beyond the classroom that can result in a lifetime of musical exploration.  This course is unleveled and available to all students.