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Music Courses
Cadet Choir -- Q30/Q31
Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Freshman
This choir is open to all Freshman students who are interested in singing. There is
no audition for this class, and all students are encouraged to join, especially those
who have participated in musical activities in junior high school. Students will be
introduced to basic vocal techniques and will begin to develop sight-singing skills
and performance skills. Emphasis will also be placed on the development of self-esteem,
self-confidence, and a sense of teamwork in moving toward a common goal --- performance.
Cadet Choir members will perform at four concerts during the year.
Concert Choir -- Q34/Q35
Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Membership in Concert Choir is by audition or by consent of the instructor. This choir
is an extension of the Cadet Choir and serves as a training ground for students wishing
to improve their musical skills and musical knowledge, with the intention of earning
a promotion to the Rocket Choir. Students will receive extensive work in ear training,
music theory, and choral repertoire.
Concert Choir members will perform at four concerts during the year.
Rocket Choir -- Q36/Q37
Two Semester
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior (by Audition)
Students in Rocket Choir are eligible to select the honors credit option.
Membership in Rocket Choir is by audition or by consent of the instructor. An audition
includes demonstration of sight-singing skills, vocal ability, and knowledge of basic
music theory. All students are expected to refine and improve their musical skills
throughout their tenure in this class. Rocket Choir members will perform many times
during the year, both at Rich East and in the Chicagoland area. Highlights include
bi-annual spring performance tours, bi-annual Broadway musical productions, and occasional
opportunities to perform in New York City's famed Carnegie Hall.
Introduction to Musical Instruments -- Q50/Q51
Two semesters
Prerequisite: Must have own instrument
This class is designed for students who want to learn to play a band instrument. The
following instruments will be taught: Trumpet / Coronet; Trombone / Baritone; Flute;
Clarinet; Saxophone; Snare Drum; and Xylophone. Students who excel in this class will
be considered for transfer into the Cadet Band Class.
Cadet Band -- Q60/Q61
Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Ability to play a band instrument at the intermediate level; that is,
with some previous training.
Membership involves:
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Further development of fundamentals of music.
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Experience performing in small and large ensembles.
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Active participation in the Rich East Marching Band (requires some out-of-school rehearsals)
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At least 2 evening concert performances per year.
Symphonic Band -- Q66/Q67
Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Cadet Band or comparable course of study and
qualifying audition (given at the end of second semester each year.)
Students in Symphonic Band are eligible to select the honors credit option.
This course is designed to give advanced-intermediate and advanced level students
an opportunity to concentrate on the finer points of musical performances through
the study of challenging high school band literature. Opportunities to perform in
selected small ensembles will be encouraged as well as enrichment experiences in the
preparation and performance of half-time shows as part of the Rich East Rocket Marching
Band. (Requires some out-of-school rehearsals and 3 to 4 concert performances per
year.)
Jazz Ensemble -- Q72/Q73
Two Semester
Prerequisite: Audition only, must be a member of Symphonic or Cadet Band
Students in Jazz Ensemble are eligible to select the honors credit option. Jazz Band
is open only to members of the Symphonic and Cadet Bands. Membership is determined
by auditions held in the spring of each year. The band plays all styles of jazz and
works on ensemble techniques as well as improvisation. During the school year, the
ensemble plays many concerts, assemblies and participates in jazz band festivals.
This class may be offered during Early Bird or during the regular school day.
Jazz Band Lab -- Q70/Q71
Two Semesters
Prerequisite: Must be a member of Symphonic or Cadet Band or approval of Band Director
The Jazz Band Lab is open to members of the Cadet and Symphonic Bands. This group
works on basic fundamental playing of music in the jazz styles. Beginning improvisation
is taught, as well as drill on big band charts. During the school year, this band
plays concerts and participates in festivals. This class may be offered during Early
Bird or the regular school day.
Music Survey -- Q82
One Semester
Prerequisite: None
This course is a non-performing music survey class. Listening will be a part of every
student's experience, both to recorded and live music. The class will be given field
trip opportunities to attend concerts in the immediate area as well as in Chicago.
A wide range of topics will be covered without spending in-depth time on one aspect
of music. The aim is to provide a frame of reference for students so that they can
later become involved in music as intellectual listeners, and be somewhat conversant
in the basic language of music. Following is a brief list of sample topics: The history
and development of American Jazz; the development of Pop Music; Rock and Roll; how
to read music; ethnic music from around the world; African-American music; African-American
composers; and careers in music.
Fundamentals of Solo Singing -- Q83
One Semester
Prerequisite: Approval of Choir Director
Fundamentals of Solo Singing is a class which is designed to educate the student in
the art of performing vocal solos as opposed to choral music. Particular emphasis
will be placed on learning proper tone placement, pitch, rhythm, breathing, diction,
text and translations, expressiveness, and appropriate musical style. Students will
work one-on-one with the instructor at least twice a week and will be expected to
contribute constructive comments about the work of other students in the class. This
class will be offered during Early Bird only.
Musical Theatre in America -- Q84
One Semester
Prerequisite: Sophomore, Junior, Senior
A non-performance class, this course will provide the student with an understanding
of the development of musical theatre in America, beginning with its roots in 19th
century minstrel shows and continuing through the "Golden Age" of Broadway up to the
most recent shows. Emphasis will be placed on recognition of plot outlines, identification
of characters and hit musical selections, and the relationship of certain musicals
to society as a whole. Some of the musicals to be studied include: Show Boat, Porgy
and Bess, Oklahoma, My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera, Les
Miserables, West Side Story, and Miss Saigon. A field trip
to a performance of a musical will be included in the semester's activities.
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