• 9-12th Grade Curriculum
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Music Course Title:      Freshman Choir   Department:  Music

    Grade Level:  9   
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes per day/5 days per week   Length of Course: Year
     
    Primary Resources: Choral Scores; Resources Designed by Teacher (aligned to PA Academic Standards)
     

    Units of Study:  
    Unit 1: Vocal Tone Production
    Unit 2: Music Literacy and Sight Reading
    Unit 3: Choral Literature
    Unit 4: Vocal Performance
    Unit 5: Critical Thinking and Evaluation
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Individual Vocal Assessments (teacher-designed), Concerts, Mid-term, and Final Exams

    Standardized Assessments:  N/A

    Description of Course:  
    This choir is organized as the basic element in the vocal music program and the foundation for more specialized work in the advanced choirs. The class involves sight-reading, tone production, voice placement, and other fundamental singing techniques. Attendance at rehearsals and concert performances is required for those who select this course.
     
     
    Music
     
    Course Title:  Concert Choir   Department:  Music
     
    Grade Level:  9-12   
     
    Time Per Day/Week:  5 days per week   Length of Course: Year
     
    Primary Resources:  Resources designed by teachers and Aligned to PA Academic Standard
     
    Units of Study:
    Unit 1: Vocal Tone Production 
    Unit 2: Music Literacy and Sight ReadingChoral Literature
    Unit 3: Vocal Performance
    Unit 4: Critical Thinking and Evaluation

    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Individual Vocal Assessments (teacher-designed)

    Standardized Assessments: N/A
     
    Description of Course:
    Concert Choir is an ensemble class for students who enjoy singing and working in a group. The class objectives include good ensemble singing, improving each individual's vocal technique, and high-level performance of quality literature. Class activities include warm-up exercises and rehearing challenging choral selections for mixed ensembles. Attendance at rehearsals and concert performances is required for those who select this course.
     

    Music Course Title: Chamber Singers   Department:  Music
     
    Grade Level: 10-12   
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 5 days per week   Length of Course: Year
     
    Primary Resources:  Resources designed by teachers and Aligned to PA Academic Standard
     
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Vocal Tone Production
    Unit 2: Music Literacy and Sight Reading
    Unit 3: Choral Literature, Vocal Performance
    Unit 4: Critical Thinking and Evaluation

    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Individual Vocal Assessments (teacher-designed) three times per year

    Standardized Assessments:  N/A
     
    Description of Course:  
    Chamber Singers is a highly select ensemble dedicated to choral music written for mixed voices. The course provides the opportunity for the advanced singer to learn and perform a more challenging and diverse repertoire. Emphasis will be placed on tone production, musicality, sight-reading, and developing the advanced singer. Attendance at rehearsals and concert performances is required for those who select this course.
     
     
    Course Title:  Harmony and Theory   Department:  MusicMusic
     
    Grade Level:  10-12   
     
    Time Per Day/Week:  42 minutes/5 days per week   Length of Course: Semester

    Primary Resources:  Resources Designed by Teacher
     

    Units of Study:  
    Unit 1: Music Theory Fundamentals
    Unit 2: Scales and Key Signatures
    Unit 3: Intervals
    Unit 4: Triads and Harmonic Analysis
    Unit 5: Advanced Harmonic Analysis and Cadences
    Unit 6: Composition
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: In-Class work, Unit Tests, and Final Exam

    Standardized Assessments:  N/A

    Description of Course:  
    The purpose of Harmony and Theory is to give students a better understanding of the mechanics of music and to provide special preparation for those students who intend to study music further. A student need not, however, to be planning a music career to take the class. The piano background is helpful but not necessary.
     
    Course Title:  Women’s Ensemble  Department:  MusicMusic
     
    Grade Level:  10-12   
     
    Time Per Day/Week:  42 minutes per day/5 days per week   Length of Course: Year
     
    Primary Resources:  Resources designed by teachers and Aligned to PA Academic Standard
     
     
    Units of Study:  
    Unit 1: Vocal Tone Production
    Unit 2: Music Literacy and Sight Reading
    Unit 3: Choral Literature
    Unit 4: Vocal Performance
    Unit 5: Critical Thinking and Evaluation

    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Individual Vocal Assessments (teacher-designed) three times per year 

    Standardized Assessments:  N/A
     
    Description of Course:
    Women’s Ensemble is a highly select ensemble dedicated to choral music written for treble voices in two, three, and four parts. This class encompasses a large area of challenging repertoire and sight-reading is essential. Emphasis is placed on tone production, musicality, and developing the advanced singer. Attendance at rehearsals and concert performances is required for those who select this course. 
     

    Music
     
    Course Title: Beginner Piano   Department:  Music

    Grade Level:  9-12   
     
    Time Per Day/Week:  42 minutes/5 days per week   Length of Course: Semester

    Primary Resources:
    Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Book 1
    Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Book 2
    Resources Designed by Teacher

    Units of Study:
    Unit 1: Introduction to Playing
    Unit 2: C Position
    Unit 3: G Position
    Unit 4: Middle C Position
    Unit 5: Scales and Chord Progressions
    Unit 6: Extended Positions and Beyond
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Individual Playing Assessments, and Final Exam

    Standardized Assessments:  N/A

    Description of Course:  
    Piano is a course designed to introduce the student to the proper playing of the piano and simple song performance. Music notation, hand position, and rhythmic accuracy are emphasized. This course is for students who have had no prior piano experience.
     
    Music
     
    Course Title: PRHS Honors Band 9-12   Department:  Music
     
    Grade Level:  9-12 
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 42 Minutes Per Day/5 Days Per Week   Length of Course:  Year
     
    Primary Resources:  Selections from our Music Library, Listening Examples and custom generated materials
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Quality of sound
    Unit 2: Ensemble movement
    Unit 3: Matching pitch
    Unit 4: Technique and Artistry
    Unit 5: Expression
    Unit 6: Phrasing
    Unit 7: Stylistic traits
    Unit 8: Feeling
    Unit 9: Cultural understanding
    Unit 10: Marching techniques and routines
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments:  Seating Auditions, Concerts, peer adjudication, research assessment, performance jury
     
    Standardized Assessments:  N/A
     
    Description of Course:
    Students will rehearse music throughout the year and focus on improving important elements for musical success.  Areas of focus include:
    • Quality of Sound
    • Ensemble Movement
    • Matching Pitch
    • Technique & Artistry
    • Expression
    • Nuance
    • Sensitivity  

    These rehearsals will culminate in many performances throughout the year.

    Research assignments will be completed as well as high-level independent performance assignments.

    Music
     
    Course Title: PRHS Jazz Ensemble 9-12   Department:  Music
     
    Grade Level:  9-12 
     
    Time Per Day/Week: Every other day/Week    Length of Course:  Year
     
    Primary Resources:  Selections from our Music Library, Listening Examples and custom generated materials
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Quality of sound
    Unit 2: Ensemble movement
    Unit 3: Matching pitch
    Unit 4: Technique and Artistry
    Unit 5: Expression
    Unit 6: Phrasing
    Unit 7: Stylistic traits
    Unit 8: Feeling
    Unit 9: Cultural understanding
    Unit 10: Improvisation
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments:  Seating Auditions, Concerts, professional and peer adjudication
     
    Standardized Assessments:  N/A
     
    Description of Course:
    Students will rehearse many different styles of music throughout the year and focus on improving important elements to musical success such as:
    • Quality of Sound
    • Ensemble Movement
    • Matching Pitch
    • Technique & Artistry
    • Expression
    • Nuance
    • Sensitivity
    • Improvisation

    These rehearsals will culminate in several performances throughout the year.

    Music
     
    Course Title:  PRHS Jazz Band 9-12   Department:  Music
     
    Grade Level:  9-12

    Time Per Day/Week: Every other day/Week    Length of Course:  Year

    Primary Resources:  Selections from our Music Library, Listening Examples and custom generated materials
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Quality of sound
    Unit 2: Ensemble movement
    Unit 3: Matching pitch
    Unit 4: Technique and Artistry
    Unit 5: Expression
    Unit 6: Phrasing
    Unit 7: Stylistic traits
    Unit 8: Feeling
    Unit 9: Cultural understanding
    Unit 10: Improvisation
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments:  Seating Auditions, Concerts, Professional and Peer Adjudication
     
    Standardized Assessments:  N/A 
     
    Description of Course:
    Students will rehearse many different styles of music throughout the year and focus on improving important elements to musical success such as:
    • Quality of Sound
    • Ensemble Movement
    • Matching Pitch
    • Technique & Artistry
    • Expression
    • Nuance
    • Sensitivity
    • Improvisation

    These rehearsals will culminate in several performances throughout the year.

    Music
     
    Course Title:  PRHS Marching Band and Ensemble 9-12   Department:  Music
     
    Grade Level:  9-12 
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes per day/5 days per week Length of Course:  Year
     
    Primary Resources:  Selections from our Music Library, Listening Examples and custom generated materials
     
    Units of Study:
    Unit 1: Quality of sound
    Unit 2: Ensemble movement
    Unit 3: Matching pitch
    Unit 4: Technique and Artistry
    Unit 5: Expression
    Unit 6: Phrasing
    Unit 7: Stylistic traits
    Unit 8: Feeling
    Unit 9: Cultural understanding
    Unit 10: Marching techniques and routines 
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments:  Marching performance assessments, Seating Auditions, Concerts and peer adjudication
     
    Standardized Assessments: N/A
     
    Description of Course:
    Students will rehearse marching routines and music throughout the year and focus on improving important elements to musical success such as:
    • Quality of Sound
    • Ensemble Movement
    • Matching Pitch
    • Technique & Artistry
    • Expression
    • Nuance
    • Sensitivity

    These rehearsals will culminate in many performances throughout the year.

     Music
    Course Title:  Color Guard   Department:  Music
     
    Grade Level:  9-12   
     
    Time Per Day/Week:  43 minutes/everyday Length of Course:  Semester
     
    Primary Resources:  N/A
     
    Units of Study:  N/A
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments:  N/A
     
    Standardized Assessments:  N/A
     
    Description of Course:
    In conjunction with Marching Band and Ensemble for the first nine weeks, movement is used for the development and appreciation of good music, literature, rhythmic accuracy and technical abilities related to musical interpretation. All students chosen for this course take part in Marching Band and perform at other related events throughout the semester. Additional rehearsal time outside of class is mandatory. This course will transition into a study hall during the second nine-weeks.

    Music
     
    Course Title:  Dance Team   Department:  Music
     
    Grade Level:  9-12 
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 42 minutes/school day (additional practice time with after school practices approximately 5 hours after school time and additional time for performances, as scheduled)
     
    Length of Course: Semester 1 - .5 credit (additional after school time - Semester 2 - with practice and performances, as scheduled)
     
    Primary Resources: Coach, Universal Dance Association (UDA), Marching Band Directors (with band website resource)
     
    Units of Study: Technical elements of all types of dance with a unified team approach
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments:  Cleaning of routines
     
    Standardized Assessments:  N/A (Performance assessments)
     
    Description of Course:
    In conjunction with Marching Band and Ensemble for the first semester, movement is used for the development and appreciation of good music, literature, rhythmic accuracy and technical abilities related to music interpretation. Students must audition and be chosen for the dance team each year. All students that are chosen, take part in Marching Band and perform at all related events up until the end of Semester 1 (credit portion of course). Additional rehearsal time outside of class time is mandatory, including mandatory attendance at summer band camp and summer dance team camp. 
    (Note: Dance Team participation extends Semester 2; however, this portion of the year is mainly outside of the school day and includes practices and performances outside of the school day.)
     
     
    Music
     
    Course Title:  Honors Orchestra   Department:  Music
     
    Grade Level:  9-12    
     
    Time Per Day/Week:  42 minutes 5 days per week    Length of Course:  Year
     
    Primary Resources:  Music purchased by district, instruments, music stands, chairs
     
    Units of Study:  
    Unit 1: Pitch/Left Hand
    Unit 2: Tone/Right Hand
    Unit 3: Music Reading
    Unit 4: Ensemble Skills
    Unit 5: Ear Training
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments:  Playing Tests, Concert Review Papers, Music Writing, Performance quizzes, Concerts
     
    Standardized Assessments:  N/A
     
    Description of Course:   
    Proper pitch is reviewed and practiced every day, and bowing exercises are also used in each class. Music reading is a part of daily classes, Ensemble Skills are reinforced on a daily basis, and ear training or listening skills are repeatedly reinforced. Honors Orchestra members write concert review papers and complete various extra assignments. They also may have extra performances.
     

    Music
     
    Course Title:  Music Technology   Department:  Music
     
    Grade Level:  9-12   
     
    Time Per Day/Week:  42 minutes/5 days a week   Length of Course:  Semester

    Primary Resources:  Pro Tools, Sibelius, CPU’s, Keyboard Lab, Recording Tools
     
    Units of Study:
    Unit 1: Electronic Music: Loops & Sequencing 
    Unit 2: Melody & Rhythm
    Unit 3: MIDI
    Unit 4: Recording 
    Unit 5: Audio Mixing 
    Unit 6: Creative Writing & Original Music Collaboration

    Curriculum Based Assessments:  Quizzes, Projects, Classroom Participation

    Standardized Assessments:  N/A

    Description of Course:  
    Students will use music software programs (ProTools & Sibelius) in order to create original music technology projects. Students will focus on Melody, Harmony, & Rhythm in order to create original electronic music compositions. Students will also learn about MIDI and it’s role in music technology. Students will learn about recording, mixing, & editing music to create high-quality projects. Students will incorporate creative writing skills and music composition to create original stories with original music soundtracks.
     

    Music Course Title:  Orchestra   Department:  Music

    Grade Level:  9-12   
     
    Time Per Day/Week:  42 minutes per day/5 days per week  Length of Course:  Year
     
    Primary Resources:  Music purchased by district, instruments, music stands, chairs
     

    Units of Study:  
    Unit 1: Pitch/Left Hand
    Unit 2: Tone/Right Hand
    Unit 3: Music Reading
    Unit 4: Ensemble Skills
    Unit 5: Ear Training

    Curriculum-Based Assessments:  Playing Tests, Concert Review Papers, Music Writing, Performance quizzes, Concerts

    Standardized Assessments:  N/A
     
    Description of Course:  
    Proper pitch is reviewed and practiced every day, and bowing exercises are also used in each class. Music reading is additionally a part of daily classes, Ensemble Skills are reinforced on a daily basis, and ear training or listening skills are repeatedly reinforced.