CASHS Music Class Offerings
BAND
Members of the band are selected by audition with the band director. Band rehearses each
morning from 7:25 to 8:04. Participation in other instrumental ensembles requires being in band.
Participation includes band camp, football games, parades, formal concerts, and exhibitions.
Some extra rehearsals are required. Students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 are eligible. Career
Technology and Career Magnet students may be scheduled in the band.
JAZZ BAND
PREREQUISITE: Band A or Band B, instrumental ability, audition, proper instrumentation
Membership in the jazz band is determined by audition. Only those instruments used in such an
ensemble are screened and students must show an above-average ability in reading, sight-reading,
and overall ability.
GLEE CLUB
PREREQUISITE: See Mrs. Stahl
Glee Club (chorus) is open to all interested singers. Glee Club is a scheduled class
during the school day with concerts in December and May. Students learn and
perform a wide variety of music including classical, multicultural, jazz, and pop while
gaining singing and music reading skills.
MUSIC THEORY I
Students must also be currently enrolled in band, chorus, or orchestra or studying music privately
with an approved performance concentration taught by an approved certified instructor. The
ability to read and perform music is essential for development in this class. Guitar students that
read tablature only will find this class very difficult.
This course is designed for students that want to strengthen basic music fundamental skills and
improve their ability to sing and read music at sight. Dictation is used as part of the course to
help with aural skills and the reading of melody, harmony and rhythm. This course is of great
value to students involved in musical organizations in or out of school and those students
planning to pursue further training in music after graduation. Fundamentals of Music Theory I
are essential components of university auditions and placement exams.
AP MUSIC THEORY
PREREQUISITE: Music Theory I. Prospective
students must be able to read and write musical notation and have basic performance
skills with voice or an instrument. Completion of Music Theory I is recommended.
AP Music Theory is an introductory college-level music theory course. Students cultivate
their understanding of music theory through analyzing performed and notated music as
they explore concepts like pitch, rhythm, form, and musical design.
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
PREREQUISITE: Music Theory I or AP Music Theory.
Students must also be currently enrolled in band, chorus, or orchestra or studying music privately
with an approved performance concentration taught by an approved certified instructor. The
ability to read and perform music is essential for development in this class. This course is all
about music composition and an introduction to various elements of music technology, including
synthesizer performance and programming and MIDI (musical instrument digital interface), and
using notation and sequencing software to create compositions and arrangements. This is a
"hands on" lab course. Students use computers, synthesizers and recording equipment to create
individual and class projects. Recommended for students going into college music programs.
The number of computers and synthesizers available limits class size.
SYMPHONY
PREREQUISITE: Instrumental Ability and Audition
Members of the orchestra are selected by audition with the directors. Symphony Orchestra
rehearses on Thursday’s after school from 3:30 – 5:10 p.m. with extra rehearsals
scheduled as necessary. String players attend a group lesson for one full period
each week. Students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 are eligible. CMS and FCCTC
students may be scheduled for Symphony.
MUSIC EXPLORATION
PREREQUISITE: None
Students will study music through the ages, world music, popular music, and learn to play the
piano and write a melody.
Students will study music through the ages, world music, popular music, and learn to play the
piano and write a melody.
Music through the ages – students will create a “radio show” from a time period in
history, play music and announce events from that time. Through this, students will learn
what music was popular at a particular time.
World Music- students will sing and play music of Latin America, African, AfricanAmerican, Native American and Japanese cultures. Drumming and singing will be a
large part of this.
Popular Music –students will choose a style, artist, or group to research and present to the
class.
Piano – students will learn to play basic songs on the piano, using the keyboards, and will
write their own melody.
Students will gain a broad understanding of many music topics in a largely participation-based
class.
INTRODUCTION TO PIANO
PREREQUISITE: None
Students will learn to play the piano from a beginner level. Within a given lesson,
students will be able to progress at their own pace. Students will receive group and
individual instruction while practicing individually on the keyboards with
headsets. Students will learn to read music and play for the teacher. Students will
also perform individually and in groups. This course is not for experienced piano
students.
ADVANCED PIANO
PREREQUISITE: Enrolled in band, chorus, or orchestra or earned an “A” in Introduction to
Piano or has taken private lessons. The ability to read and perform music is essential for this
class. It is designed to strengthen the advanced beginner to intermediate student’s keyboard
skills. Students will play a wide variety of music, read music, chord charts, lead sheets and
perform in recitals.
BEGINNING GUITAR
PREREQUISITE: None
Students will learn to play the guitar from a beginner and intermediate level. Within a given
lesson, students will be able to progress at their own pace. Guitarists will receive group and
individual instruction while practicing individually. Students will participate in performance
assessments and recitals, performing individually and in groups. Upon completion of this course,
students will be able to play proficiently using chords. Students will also gain an understanding
of basic music theory applicable to the guitar. Experienced players should not take this class.
ADVANCED GUITAR
PREREQUISITE: Beginning Guitar or Teacher Approval
Students will learn to play guitars with other players in a musical performing ensemble at an
intermediate to advanced level. Students should have their own guitars and optional amps. This
is a performance based ensemble. Students will learn how to read both standard notation;
individual treble clef notes in first and second position, and guitar TBA music. Concerts and
recitals will be scheduled as well as limited engagements in the community. Experienced players
should take this class.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ENSEMBLES
PREREQUISITE: Auditions in Band, Glee Club, Symphony
Membership in Choristers, Pep Band, Steel Band, Percussion Ensemble, Cantamos Band, Bell
Choir, Combo, and Philharmonic are determined by the directors of Band, Glee Club and
Symphony. Members of these groups should contact the director if interested in performing