Program of Study
High School music courses with descriptions
The comprehensive music program offered at Niskayuna High School is designed to serve the musical needs of each and every student enrolled. The basic purpose of the music program is to give students the opportunity to find a richer life by guiding them to a better understanding of music. The program provides an avenue of learning for both the person who will be a consumer of music and the person who will be the professional. There are courses for students who are interested and skilled in vocal or instrumental performance and wish to concentrate in these areas, as well as those for students who are not performing musicians, but wish to learn more about music and its significance in their lives.
Skill Development
The high school offers various performing ensembles for students to participate in. Each ensemble has its own prerequisites and requirements.
Musical Knowledge
The high school offers courses in music study, analysis and written harmony. The complete program includes instruction in ear training and keyboard harmony as well. In addition, lessons during the school day focus on general performance practice and musicianship.
Attitude Development
The high school offers courses that allow students to create and experience music using computers and to continue their experiences with music outside of the classroom. These outlets help students come into contact with the experimental aspects of music.
The music program provides students the opportunity to find a richer life by guiding them to a better understanding of music. There are courses for students who are interested and skilled in vocal or instrumental performance and wish to concentrate in these areas. Students who are not performing musicians, however, but wish to learn more about music, will find valuable courses in Music Theory and Music Technology.
High School Music Courses
58530 STRING ORCHESTRA
String Orchestra is an open-enrollment ensemble that focuses on intermediate works from the string orchestra repertoire as well as symphonic works arranged for string ensemble. This ensemble is an opportunity for students to work on developing instrumental technique, strong rehearsal habits, leadership, and an increased experience with the world of orchestral music.
Prerequisite: Previous members and ninth grade students who as eighth graders played in the middle school orchestra are eligible for automatic enrollment. All other interested students must demonstrate proficiency on their instrument before enrolling in the course.
58550 SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA H
1 year, 1 credit – Honors, Grades 9-12
Symphony Orchestra focuses on performing advanced string and symphonic works. A wide variety of music will be explored, with the opportunity to perform classical masterworks, chamber music, film scores, and a concerto movement. The ensemble incorporates winds and percussion for rehearsals and concerts. Students accepted into the ensemble are expected to maintain a high standard of playing and leadership throughout the year.
Prerequisite: Participation is by audition and/or invitation by the conductor. Maintaining a balanced instrumentation in the ensemble is considered in the selection process.
58500 CHAMBER STRINGS H
1 year 1/2 credit – Honors, Grades 9-12
The Chamber Strings study music from string and chamber orchestra literature. Opportunities for performance outside of school are available throughout the year. Chamber members are required to be members of the Symphony Orchestra.
Prerequisite: Advanced string students may audition.
58600 SYMPHONIC BAND H
1 year, 1 credit – Honors, Grades 10-12
Maintaining proper instrumentation is considered in the selection
process. The music studied and performed is from the finest band literature, both contemporary and traditional. Performance opportunities include evening concerts and assembly programs both on and off campus. Principal players serve as the Orchestra Winds/Percussion for our Symphony Orchestra.
Prerequisite: Admission is by audition and/or invitation by the conductor.
58650 CONCERT BAND
1 year, 1 credit, Grades 9-12
This ensemble performs medium to medium-advanced band literature, emphasizing the refinement of basic musicianship skills. Performance opportunities will include evening concerts and assembly programs. Previous members and ninth grade students who in eighth grade played in a middle school band are eligible for automatic enrollment. All other interested students must demonstrate proficiency on their instrument before enrolling in the course.
58685 JAZZ BAND
1 year, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12
This ensemble performs medium to medium-advanced jazz ensemble music. Admission to this ensemble is by open audition. Performance opportunities include evening concerts and occasional additional out-of-school events. It is required that Jazz Band members also be members of the Concert Band or Symphonic Band, with the exception of piano and guitar players.
58700 JAZZ ENSEMBLE H
1 year, 1/2 credit – Honors, Grades 10-12
Study and performance will include music of jazz, Latin, and fusion idioms. Performance opportunities include evening concerts and occasional additional out-of-school events. It is required that Jazz Ensemble members in grades 10 and 11 also be members of the Concert Band or Symphonic Band, with the exception of piano and guitar players.
58850 CHOIR
1 year, 1 credit, Grades 9-12
Choir is a comprehensive foundational ensemble for all secondary school choral experiences and a prerequisite to any honors choral ensemble (Bel Canto Voices, Concert Chorale, Studio Singers). Choir is a large mixed-voice choral ensemble that is open to all high school students. The music studied and performed is from the finest choral literature of both sacred and secular styles. Choir members will have the opportunity to audition for Concert Chorale, Studio Singers, and/or Bel Canto Voices.
58901 A-CHOIRED TASTE
1 year, 1 credit, Grades 9-12
A-Choired Taste is a comprehensive foundational ensemble for all secondary school choral experiences and a prerequisite to any honors choral ensemble (Bel Canto Voices, Concert Chorale, Studio Singers). A-Choired Taste is a treble choir open to all young singers with treble voices. The music studied and performed is from the finest choral literature for treble voices in both sacred and secular styles. A-Choired Taste members will have a chance to audition for Concert Chorale, Studio Singers, and/or Bel Canto Voices.
58890 CONCERT CHORALE H
1 year, 1 credit – Honors, Grades 10-12
Concert Chorale is an auditioned large mixed-voice choral ensemble. Students will be admitted to this advanced choral group after passing an audition that includes Level 4 sight-reading and teacher recommendation. The music studied and performed is from the finest advanced choral literature of both sacred and secular styles. Concert Chorale members will have the chance to audition for All-State, Area All-State, ESYO Chorale, Suburban Council, and All County. Activities may include national competitions, NYSSMA evaluations and major choral works performed with Symphony Orchestra. While this course is primarily comprised of students in grades 10-12, students in grade 8 may be invited to audition based upon current teacher recommendation and ensemble need for participation in grade 9.
Prerequisite: Choir or A-Choired Taste
58800 BEL CANTO VOICES H
1 year, 1/2 credit – Honors, Grades 10-12
Bel Canto Voices is an auditioned a cappella vocal ensemble. Study and performance will include Renaissance music from England, Italy, France, and Germany. Students will be admitted to this advanced choral group after passing an audition. It is required that Bel Canto Voices members, by virtue of their musical experience and leadership, also be members of Concert Chorale, Choir, or Ladies First. Bel Canto Voices is highly active in the community and often performs during the year at outside venues. A one-time fee of $75 will be assessed for concert wear. While this course is primarily comprised of students in grades 10-12, students in grade 8 may be invited to audition based upon current teacher recommendation and ensemble need for participation in grade 9.
Prerequisite: Choir or A-Choired Taste
58750 STUDIO SINGERS H
1 year, 1/2 credit – Honors, Grades 10-12
Studio Singers is an auditioned “commercial” style vocal jazz ensemble. Study will include popular, folk, jazz, rock and standard styles. Students will be admitted to this advanced choral group after passing an audition. It is required that Studio Singers members, by virtue of their musical experience and leadership, also be members of Concert Chorale, Choir, or Ladies First. Studio Singers is highly active in the community and often performs during the year at outside venues including Niska Day in May. A one-time fee of $110 will be assessed for concert wear. While this course is primarily comprised of students in grades 10-12, students in grade 8 may be invited to audition based upon current teacher recommendation and ensemble need for participation in grade 9.
Prerequisite: Choir or A-Choired Taste
58950 MUSIC THEORY I
1 year, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12
This course is open to all students in the high school. This course establishes a foundation in the materials and structures of music including pitch, rhythm, scales, intervals and chords. Aural skills will also be learned through sight singing and dictation. Prior music reading experience is recommended.
58970 MUSIC THEORY II
1 year, 1/2 credit – Honors, Grades 11-12
This course offers students the opportunity to study music theory at an advanced level. Topics include the principles of voice leading, part-writing and the analysis of chord structure from the 1600s through the twentieth century. Sight-singing and dictation will also be emphasized. Students are provided the opportunity to earn college credit for qualifying work on the Advanced Placement Music Theory Examination. It is recommended that Theory II be taken in the senior year.
Prerequisite: Music Theory I or demonstrate proficiency by passing an exam for Music Theory I equivalency.
59010 MUSIC AND MIDI TECHNOLOGY I
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12
It is recommended (although not required) that students enrolling in this course possess a basic proficiency in music, as evidenced by one of the following: the completion of Theory I, enrollment in an ensemble, teacher recommendation or informal interview. Students will learn how to use MIDI sequencing software for arranging and composition.
59030 MUSIC AND MIDI TECHNOLOGY II
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12
This is a course primarily for students who have completed Music and MIDI Technology I or those who can demonstrate a knowledge and proficiency of MIDI technology extending beyond that of the first course. Students will develop extended projects in the areas of electronic composition, arranging and film scoring. To fulfill Regents art requirements, students must successfully complete both Music and MIDI Technology I & II courses.
Prerequisite: Music and MIDI Technology I or teacher recommendation.
59990 APPLIED MUSIC INSTRUCTION
1 year, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12
Students may seek private instruction on those instruments not offered as part of the school music program. These typically include, but are not limited to, guitar and piano. One-half credit is available for students who study music privately, provided the course of study is approved by the Director of Music Education, and High School Principal. Students may receive Applied Music credit provided State regulations and governing procedures and standards are satisfied. Registration must be submitted to the Director of Music by October 1st.
Please Note: Credit for Private Applied Music Instruction is not applicable toward a diploma. Applied Music Instruction can only be used for elective credit. Applied Music Credit does not fulfill the music credit needed for graduation. Students can earn a maximum of (.5) credit per year.