North Allegheny School District

Steve Baldanzi

Pat Bauer

Courtney Geary

Linda Granite

Steve Kraus

Dana Leasure

Beth Anne Leckey

Dennis Morton

David Novak

Ernie Pontiere

Todd Stefan

Kimberly Watton

Penny Zunski

General Music

Grades K-5

The Elementary General Music Curriculum is a creative and active learning experience in which all K-5 elementary students participate. To reach the whole musical learner, while also meeting the Pennsylvania Art Standards and the National Music Standards, the elementary general music classes will incorporate a wide variety of teaching techniques and approaches drawn from several schools of musical thought and research. The Elementary General Music Curriculum centers around an active understanding and use at different levels of Rhythm, Melody, Harmony, Form, Timbre, and Creativity. The main musical schools of thought include the following:

The Orff approach is a way of introducing and teaching children music on a level that they can easily comprehend. Musical concepts are learned through singing, chanting, dance, movement, drama and the playing of percussion instruments. Recorders are played in grades 3, 4 and 5. Improvisation, composition and a child's natural sense of play are encouraged.

The Gordon Music Learning Theory uses three basic learning sequences: skill learning, tonal content and rhythm content. As a method of instruction, the learning sequences are combined in various classroom activities. A skill level is achieved in combination with a tonal or rhythm content level.

Dalcroze Eurhythmics utilizes physical movement and musical rhythms to affect the student's performance and retention of musical basics. Through participation in simple games, exercises and improvisations, the students learn to combine music and movement in order to develop rhythmic unity between the eye, ear, mind and body.

The Kodaly Method uses a child-developmental approach to sequence the introduction of skills strongly focused on ear training and sight singing. Children are first introduced to musical concepts through experiences in listening, singing and movement. After the child becomes familiar with a concept, he or she then learns how to notate it. Concepts are constantly reviewed and reinforced through games, movement, songs and exercises.

The above four schools of musical thought join beautifully in a unique eclectic blend of musical methods. The book series Game Plan by Jeff Kriske and Randy Delelles creatively ties these concepts together in a grade by grade level plan for a school year. This curriculum will provide instructional consistency across our seven elementary schools while fostering individual creativity among our music educators.

Course Detail

Course Description

General Music

Grades K-5

(Continued)

In the general music class, the students will be exposed to musical literature, historical context, cultural diversity and exercises in creativity. By using this eclectic approach, the Elementary General Music Curriculum will be an ever-widening spiral based on the Pillars of the North Allegheny Music Curriculum.

The above four schools of musical thought and methods join beautifully in a unique four way collaboration of musical methods. To keep all nine elementary general music teachers on the same “page” without limiting their individual creativity and teaching style, the book series Game Plan by Jeff Kriske and Randy Delelles creatively ties these schools of thought together in a grade by grade level plan for a school year.

In the general music class the students will also be exposed to musical literature of all times and from cultures around the world. Using these four schools of musical strategies, the Elementary General Music Curriculum will be an ever-widening spiral K–5, up the Music Pillars on which the Music Curriculum is based.

Band

Grades 4-5

The beginning band program in the North Allegheny School District is designed for 1st and 2nd year players, in grades 4 and 5. Students may try band instruments at the end of 3rd or 4th grade, to choose an instrument to study in the following school year. Instruction is offered on flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone and percussion. Parents may rent or purchase an instrument for their child.

There are two components in beginning band instruction; students meet in a small group 30-minute lesson each week, and a 45-minute large full-band rehearsal each week. Throughout lessons and band rehearsals, students are

expected to perform with a sense of tone, breath support, intonation, rhythm, harmony and articulation.

The bands perform two in-school assemblies and two evening concerts per school year.

Chorus

Grades 4-5

In 4^th and 5^th Grade Chorus, the student will learn basic singing techniques to best develop the physical body as a singing instrument. During the two-year elementary chorus experience, the student will focus on five main units. The first unit is Respiration: learning to coordinate breathing to support the voice for speaking and singing production. The second unit is Phonation: developing agility in the various vocal registers. The third unit is Resonant Tone Production: producing uniform vowel colors when singing. Diction is the fourth unit: including word pronunciation, consonant articulation, and vocal tract freedom (i.e. correct positioning of the parts of the mouth and throat). The final unit is Expression: covering phrasing, meaning and mood of a song and learning to execute tempo and dynamic variations. These units are incorporated simultaneously over the two-year elementary choral experience.

Course Detail

Course Description

Orchestra

Grades 3-5

Beginning in 3^rd grade, students have the opportunity to play a string instrument in the school orchestra. Students who wish to play a string instrument can try out the violin, viola, or cello at the end of the 2^nd grade year in preparation for the following year. After one year of string instrument study, students may speak with their orchestra teacher if they wish to play the string bass. The string students in the elementary schools meet twice a week for class; once for a half hour small group lesson consisting of 4-6 students and once for a forty-five minute rehearsal in a large ensemble. Elementary orchestras perform two in-school assemblies and two evening concerts per school year.

Students have the opportunity to continue string instrument study through 12^th grade. There are over 1,500 students playing a string instrument in the District.We have nine string specialists that service the students in grades 3-12. There are seven elementary schools, three middle schools, an intermediate school and a high school.

Course Detail

Course Description

General Music

Grades 6-8

General Music is the study of music performance, history, theory, technology, and appreciation of the arts across various cultures approached by the following means:

1. Understanding many types of music through the study of guided listening, and moving to music.

2. Understanding and using music notation as a means to perform and compose music.

3. Understanding musical structures and forms by analyzing musical examples.

4. Creating music by improvising, composing, and arranging music for voices, instruments, computers and

electro-acoustical instruments.

General Music develops musical skills and understanding not readily acquired through ordinary school or social experiences. Students who have completed the prescribed sequence of General Music courses should:

1. Listen to music with understanding.

2. Describe music verbally and/or non-verbally.

3. Read music notation.

4. Perform music.

5. Improvise and/or compose music.

At the Middle Schools, General Music includes:

1. African Drumming

2. Guitar Playing

3. Keyboard Playing

4. Music History

5. Music Theory

6. Composition

Course Detail

Course Description

Band

Grades 6-8

The North Allegheny Middle School Band program includes instruction on wind and percussion instruments. Band is a co-curricular performance class that is offered in 6th, 7th and 8th grades with students grouped according to

grade level and instrument choice. This class meets every other day and the full ensemble meets during activity period. In the small group setting, students focus on reviewing concepts, skills and information learned in

elementary band but at a higher level of proficiency and understanding in keeping with the spiral curriculum. In class, emphasis is placed on proper breath support, embouchure development, tone quality, aural skills, intonation, instrument technique, music reading, listening skills, ensemble playing and teamwork. Within this curriculum, students can expect to perform a varied repertoire of music. Students will also learn appropriate rehearsal and concert etiquette. Students are not auditioned for inclusion in the program. Each group performs in two formal concerts (Winter and Spring) as well as assemblies and other performances throughout the year.

Chorus

Grades 6-8

The North Allegheny Middle School Choral program is a natural progression from the elementary choral program. The goal of middle school vocal music is to support and develop the adolescent changing voice by performing literature that is vocally age-appropriate. Students in the middle school choral program will sing a diverse repertoire that teaches them about the development of choral music. The courses include instruction in healthy vocal technique, proper tone production, and comprehensive musicianship. Within each grade level, there is an emphasis on independent musicianship including aural development, reading music, and part-singing depending on the grade and level of ensemble. Chorus students in the middle school meet every other day as a scheduled academic class.

Orchestra

Grades 6-8

The North Allegheny Middle School Orchestral program consists of any student with experience playing a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass). Orchestra students in the middle school meet every other day as a scheduled class. The orchestra performs literature of varying styles and time periods throughout the school year.

Music Theory and Composition I

· Semester/Full Time

· Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

· Credit .5

This course provides the foundation for all other music theory and composition classes. The focus is on mastering the fundamentals of music through literature and composition. The student will learn how to hear, read, write, analyze, and compose music from diverse genres. Students will learn to become independent musicians who can transfer their skills to any instrument, ensemble, or composition.

This course is an absolute must for anyone considering a career in music. It will also provide the non-music major with valuable skills that will enable him/her to understand and enjoy music better. Students do not have to be able to play an instrument to take this course nor is any prior music background required.

Music Theory and Composition II

· Semester/Full Time

· Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

· Credit .5

This course is an extension of Music Theory and Composition I. This level includes more advanced studies of melody and harmony. The student will continue to develop skills needed in order to learn how to hear music and write it down, how to read music, how to write music, how to analyze music and how to compose music.

Electronic Music

· Semester/Full Time

· Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

· Credit .5

This course improves a students’ listening, reading, performing and creating skills. The student will learn how to operate electronic music-making equipment, how to program and play a sound synthesizer and a music computer. The student will study a wide range of composers and styles of music to help them create original music projects. Students do not have to be able to play an instrument to take this course.

Advanced Electronic Music

·Semester/Full Time

·Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Credit .5

This course is a continuation of Electronic Music. The student will create projects through the use of recording techniques, sound synthesizers and computers. The course also includes activities to improve the student’s ear-training and music analysis skills.

Course Detail

Course Description

Songwriting I

·Semester/Full Time

·Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

·Credit .5

Activities in this course include: Creating original music, learning to use different kinds of instruments and sound-generating equipment, and how to express ideas to others by writing, performing, and recording music. Included is arranging for various instrument kinds, learning how artists develop their musical idea, and how to develop a musical idea into a final performance. Topics covered include: melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, form, and various song styles.

Songwriting II

·Semester/Full Time

·Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

·Credit .5

This course is a continuation of Songwriting. This level includes more advanced studies of melody and harmony. The student will continue to develop skills needed in order to compose and perform music. Topics covered include: advanced melody, advanced harmony, advanced rhythm, advanced texture, advanced form, and various song styles.

Honors Music Theory

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 11, 12

· Credit 1

The Honors Music Theory class is designed for students who have an interest in becoming a well-rounded musician. It is open to all Juniors and Seniors who have previous experience in music theory courses, music technology courses, or previous theory knowledge.

The class meets every day for the entire school year. It incorporates advanced web-based lessons, harmonic analysis, music history, aural development, sight-singing, composition, keyboard harmony, and melodic dictation. Students utilize a variety of music writing software such as Finale, Garage Band, and Reason to create original compositions.

Students are encouraged to take Honors Music Theory during their junior year and AP Music during their senior year. Honors Music Theory provides an opportunity for students to take more time to develop aural skills and compositional techniques.

Prerequisite: Previous music theory or electronic music classes, teacher recommendation, or successful completion of the entrance exam.

Course Detail

Course Description

Advanced Placement Music

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 11, 12

· Credit 1

Advanced Placement Music is designed for students who have desire to develop their knowledge and application of music theory and composition to the highest level. It is open to all Juniors and Seniors who have previous experience in music theory courses, music technology courses, or previous theory knowledge. Students are encouraged to take Honors Music Theory before taking AP Music.

AP Music is a natural progression from Honors Music Theory. The course focuses on advanced harmonic analysis, part-writing procedures, and non-traditional harmony. There is also a strong emphasis on advanced aural skills and creative composition leading up to twentieth-century music including non-traditional instruments and technologies.

Prerequisite: Honors Music Theory, teacher recommendation, or successful completion of the entrance exam.

Course Detail

Course Description

Concert Band

·Full Year/Full Time

·Grades 9, 10

·Credit 1

The Intermediate High School Concert Band is designed for brass, woodwind, and percussion students in grades 9 and 10. This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform a variety of music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions. Students are expected to have a sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation. In addition to the band repertoire, theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed.

Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required. After school rehearsals may also be required. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or MENC honors festivals, Marching Band, and\or chamber ensembles including Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.

Symphonic Band

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 9, 10

· Credit 1

The Intermediate High School Symphonic Band is designed for the advancing brass, woodwind, and percussion student in grades 9 and 10. This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform medium to advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions. Students are expected to have an above average sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation. In addition to the band repertoire, theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required. After school rehearsals may also be required. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or MENC honors festivals, Marching Band, and\or chamber ensembles including Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.

Wind Ensemble

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 9, 10

· Credit 1

The Intermediate High School Wind Ensemble is designed for the most serious and advanced brass, woodwind, and percussion student in grades 9 and 10. This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform the most advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions. Students are expected to have a highly developed sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation. In addition to the band repertoire, advanced theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required. After school rehearsals may also be required. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or MENC honors festivals, Marching Band, and\or chamber ensembles including Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.

Course Detail

Course Description

String Orchestra

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 9, 10

· Credit 1

The String Orchestra is for students with previous experience playing a string instrument. This course meets every day as a scheduled class. This course gives students the opportunity to improve techniques unique to orchestra and string music and prepares them for public performance. String Orchestra students perform with all students of the high school orchestra program in the “Golden Strolling Strings” program. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances is required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians interested in participating in PMEA honors festivals must be enrolled in String Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra.

Chamber Orchestra

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 9, 10

· Credit 1

The Chamber Orchestra is for the most serious and advanced string player in grades 9 and 10. The members of this ensemble are selected through audition and the ensemble meets every day as a scheduled class. This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform the most advanced music written for string orchestra. Students are expected to have a highly developed sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, and harmony. Advanced theoretical and technical concepts will also be addressed. Chamber Orchestra students perform with all students of the high school orchestra program in the “Golden Strolling Strings” program. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances is required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians interested in participating in PMEA honors festivals must be enrolled in String Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra.

Choral Ensemble

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

· Credit 1

This course is for the beginning or inexperienced singer to have the opportunity and training to grow as a vocalist.

Choral I

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 9, 10

· Credit 1

All types and styles of music are sung and performed in this course. The object of the course is to help develop the voice into a mature instrument.

Course Detail

Course Description

Choral I

· Full Year/Part Time

· Grade 9

· Credit .5

Same as Choral I on a part time basis for .5 credits. All types and styles of music are sung and performed in this part time course. The object of the course is to help develop the voice into a mature instrument.

Choral II

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 9, 10

· Credit 1

Choral II is a full time sequential course designed to lead to Mixed Choir and Concert Choir in the high school. The course explores all types of music and concentrates on the development of the voice and four-part ensemble singing.

Choral II

· Full Year/Part Time

· Grade 10

· Credit .5

This is a separate course on a part time basis for .5 credits. A sequential course designed to lead to Mixed Choir and Concert Choir; the course explores all types of music and concentrates on the development of the voice and four-part ensemble singing.

Honors Chamber Choir

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 10, 11, 12

· Credit 1

This course is a vocal ensemble designed for only the most serious singer. Students will perform many different styles of music with more challenging literature than previously handled. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances is required. Special emphasis will be placed on sight-reading, adaptations of different styles of music, diction, blending of voices, and vocal quality.

Concert Choir Male

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 11, 12

· Credit 1

Emphasis is placed on learning and performance of choral music of various periods. Participation in outside-of-school activities will be REQUIRED.

Course Detail

Course Description

Concert Choir Female

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 11, 12

· Credit 1

Emphasis is placed on learning and performance of choral music of various periods. Participation in outside-of-school activities will be REQUIRED.

Concert Band

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 11, 12

· Credit 1

The Senior High School Concert Band is designed for brass, woodwind, and percussion students in grades 11 and 12. This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform a variety music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions. Students are expected to have a sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation. In addition to the band repertoire, theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or MENC honors festivals, Marching Band, and\or chamber ensembles including Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.

Symphonic Band

·Full Year/Full Time

·Grades 11, 12

·Credit 1

The Senior High School Symphonic Band is designed for the advancing brass, woodwind, and percussion student in grades 11 and 12. This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform medium to advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions. Students are expected to have an above average sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation. In addition to the band repertoire, theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or MENC honors festivals, Marching Band, and\or chamber ensembles including Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.

Course Detail

Course Description

Honors Wind Ensemble

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 11, 12

· Credit 1

The Senior High School Wind Ensemble is designed for the most serious and advanced brass, woodwind, and percussion student in grades 11 and 12. This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform the most advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions. Students are expected to have a highly developed sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation. In addition to the band repertoire, advanced theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or MENC honors festivals, Marching Band, and\or chamber ensembles including Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.

String Orchestra

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 11, 12

· Credit 1

The String Orchestra is for students with previous experience playing a string instrument. This course meets every day as a scheduled class. This course gives students the opportunity to improve techniques unique to orchestra and string music and prepares them for public performance. String Orchestra students perform with all students of the high school orchestra program in the “Golden Strolling Strings” program. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances is required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians interested in participating in PMEA honors festivals must be enrolled in String Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra.

Honors Chamber Orchestra

· Full Year/Full Time

· Grades 11, 12

· Credit 1

The Chamber Orchestra is for the most serious and advanced string player in grades 11 and 12. This ensemble is by audition only and meets every day as a scheduled class. This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform the most advanced music written for string orchestra. Students are expected to have a highly developed sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, and harmony. Advanced theoretical and technical concepts will also be addressed. Chamber Orchestra students perform with all students of the high school orchestra program in the “Golden Strolling Strings” program. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances is required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians interested in participating in PMEA honors festivals must be enrolled in String Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra.

Course Detail

Course Description

Computer Multi-Media Arts

· Semester/Full Time

· Grades 11, 12

· Credit .5

In this course, the students design and create original media-rich web sites and computer multimedia presentations that include animation, video, photography, graphics, sound, and music. Students shoot, edit, montage, and apply special digital photo effects in Photoshop. Students shoot, edit, composite, and create special effects in video using Final Cut Pro software. Students learn sound recording, editing and design, and compose MIDI music using Garage Band. Students create animation and dynamic web content using Flash software. In the independent final project, students are encouraged to work to their interests and strengths, emphasizing a particular subject or artistic discipline. Projects have included digital art or music portfolios, web site development, online exhibits, learning games, multimedia stage performances, videos, and interactive presentations on a variety of topics. The course emphasizes conception and planning, solving design challenges, personal artistic expression, and communication through new media technology. The course provides a foundation for those planning for careers in the growing field of web and multimedia design as well as for the casual user. Art and music faculty teach this course.