The Music Department offers a comprehensive music curriculum comparable to what's offered by the preparatory divisions at major conservatories across the country. After graduation, many of our students are accepted into these prestigious institutions, where they are often exempt from the basic theory, ear training and keyboard courses.

 

The courses described below are typical arts offerings. Not every course is offered every year, and course descriptions may change.

 

In addition to preparing the students in every aspect of the Advanced Placement Music Theory Examination, this course includes the study of the sonata allegro form, score analysis and orchestration.

 

Music equipment is used to enhance and/or support good musicianship and compositional talent, not distract from it or replace it. This class presents students with an overview of the development of music technology from microphones and tape recorders to today’s powerful computer-based recording/sequencing systems. Students get hands-on experience in LIHSA’s state-of-the-art recording studio, working on a variety of class projects that result in professional-quality recordings.

 

A senior’s musical abilities may be excellent but if he or she fails to present these abilities confidently and correctly at a college entrance or placement audition, the student’s musical accomplishments may not shine through. The audition course develops performance and communication techniques to ensure that the instrumentalist or vocalist appears relaxed and self-assured. Also covered: selection of audition material, conquering nerves, appropriate attitude, dress and posture.

 

Chamber Ensemble acquaints students with the literature for small instrumental ensembles and instructs them in the performance of music from various periods. Emphasis is placed on sight-reading and interpretive skills.

 

This class focuses on classical repertoire in Italian, French, German and English. Students work collaboratively on ensemble selections and on solo performances. Seniors prepare repertoire geared toward college auditions and competitions.

 

Music from the Middle Ages to the present is covered in this course, which is designed to develop listening skills and an appreciation of the diverse elements represented in western music tradition. Students become familiar with the characteristics of music from different periods in music history and develop the ability to discuss them using appropriate music terminology.

 

Students learn about popular music from folk songs around the world to the present day. In particular, the course illustrates how America is a musical melting pot.

 

HISTORY OF POPULAR MUSIC APPLIED

This course is a companion piece to History of Popular Music. Students perform popular music from the distant and not-so-distant past.

 

JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Students practice sight-reading and jazz improvisation techniques. Class sessions focus on jazz repertoire, with emphasis on modes, form and style. Works studied include jazz, blues, classical and contemporary music, with an eye toward in-school and outside performance opportunities.

 

Literature and Materials is a basic music theory class combining ear training, sight singing and keyboard literacy. Students learn scales, key signatures, intervals and voice leading. In ear training, the class covers chord and interval identification, scales and harmonic structure. All students learn sight singing according to their abilities, and have the opportunity to work in the Music Technology Lab.

 

This class is a continuation of the Basic class. It presupposes a working knowledge of scales, key signatures and intervals. More advanced skills are developed as preparation for Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory or a college music theory class.

 

 Literature and Materials II deepens the understanding of music gained in the previous course, with an emphasis on the intricacies of four-part harmonic writing and principles of voice leading.

 

Students develop reading skills and perfect their drum set technique in the areas of Rock/Funk, Jazz/Swing and Latin music. Music writing and transcription are included.

 

Piano Ensemble provides students with a background in the repertoire for the piano, starting with music originally written for other keyboard instruments, such as the clavichord and the organ. They play a wide variety of pieces, including compositions for four hands on one piano and piano concertos originally written for piano and orchestra and transcribed for two pianos.

 

POPULAR ENSEMBLE

In Popular Ensemble, students are introduced to the discipline of reproducing the sounds heard on radio and other mass media. Songs are chosen, arrangements are provided and vocalists are added to create a complete product. The Ensemble is often called upon to perform outside engagements and to represent LIHSA at various events.

 

Students study artists and movements in jazz from the 1930s through the 1960s, becoming familiar with the styles of such personalities as Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. They prepare vocal selections including ballads, swing, Latin and blues, with an emphasis on key selection, rhythm, phrasing and tempo—and they even memorize solos to perform in “scat syllables.”

 

Digital Music Production Track (for music, musical theatre and dance majors)

 

MUSIC PRODUCTION - INTRODUCTION

From the scientific foundations of sound and digital recording to the new digital creative genres, this course begins the study of technological skills required of professional musicians in today’s digital age. It includes an overview of music and multimedia production techniques as well as covering the foundations of composition.

 

The intermediate course extends topics students explored in the introductory class, with an emphasis on student projects and marketing.

 

Advanced Music Production students have the opportunity to explore film scoring, orchestration and instrumentation.