Music And Performing Arts

The courses and performing groups of the Music Department are designed to meet the needs, interests and talents of all high school students. The courses present the students with opportunities to study music from a technical aspect, learn to understand and appreciate music through listening, and develop self-expression through participation in the various instrumental and choral performing groups.

Students who plan to specialize in music or music education as a career are urged to begin music theory studies as early as possible during their high school years. It is also recommended that students specializing in music should engage in maximum participation in one or more of the music performing organizations.

BAND - Offered to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Course #640 - Junior Band (9/10); Course #640H - Junior Band Competitive Honors (9/10); Course #641 - Senior Band (11/12); Course #641H - Senior Band Competitive Honors (11/12) (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Prerequisite: Satisfactory progress in Middle School or by audition. These courses each satisfy the one credit in Music required for graduation. The Band program is a comprehensive program which includes community events and concert band training and performances. Students, during the first quarter, must elect to be in the Competitive Marching Band or Pep Band.

Students who wish to participate in the Competitive Marching Band will prepare a field show, which is performed at a variety of competitions regionally throughout the fall and at halftime performances during all Saturday home football games. Competitive Marching Band members are required to attend two evening rehearsals per week as well as Saturday and Sunday practices and performances during the first quarter. Competitive Marching Band members receive a weighted grade for this additional work and commitment.

The Huntington Blue Devil Marching Band has earned national acclaim as one of the finest competitive bands on Long Island. To date, the band has multiple top awards in the NY State Field Band Conference including 2nd place in 2018 and 2017 and LS3 State Champions in 2014. The Band also performed in the Main Street Parade in Disney World in 2017.MEDIA ART - Course #620 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Recommended for students interested in a course of study in the digital arts such as computer graphics, photography, cartooning, and animation. Prerequisite: None This entry level course will explore some of the most innovative and exciting modern art movements through the use of digital media. Students will be introduced to the basics of animation, and programs including Photoshop and Illustrator. This course is a great foundation for any student looking to continue their exposure in Computer Graphics, Photography or Video. This course satisfies the one credit in Art required for graduation.

Students who wish to participate in the Pep Band will prepare music during the first quarter for four Saturday home football games as well as tentative playoff games. Rehearsals will take place during the school day.

All band students will audition for seating in concert band at the end of the first quarter. The JUNIOR BAND consists of students in 9th and 10th grade and performs level III-IV music. The SENIOR BAND consists of students in 11th and 12th grade and performs level V-VI music. The two concert bands perform at several school concerts and special functions throughout the remainder of the school year.

REQUIREMENTS:All members of the Band course are required to participate in either Competitive Marching Band or the Pep Band for the first quarter.

Dates for rehearsals and performances will be posted online as soon as these dates are available.

IMPORTANT: Students who choose to participate in the Competitive Marching Band MUST attend the Summer Band Camp. For questions about rehearsal and performance requirements, please contact Mr. Stellato at bstellato@hufsd.edu.

CONCERT CHOIR - Course #643 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: An interest in singing and a simple voice test. Concert Choir is a course for students who would like to study proper vocal technique, sight-singing and music literacy while preparing and performing musical selections from a variety of styles, cultures and languages. Attendance at rehearsals, rotating group voice lessons and concerts is mandatory for all students. This course satisfies the one credit in Music required for graduation.

CHAMBER CHOIR HONORS - Course #644H (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Satisfactory progress in Concert Choir and successful audition. Open to exceptionally skilled students with teacher’s recommendation and successful audition. The Honors Choir is a small select choir that presents concerts in the community as well as joining with the Concert Choir in their concerts. Attendance at all extra rehearsals and concerts is mandatory. Members are expected to attend voice lessons every week. The Chamber Choir is a NYSSMA level V and VI performing group and consistently performs at a high level of musicianship. Students are required to learn their own program music as well as the concert choir repertoire. Chamber Choir students receive a weighted grade for their additional commitment.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - Course #646 SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HONORS – Course #646H (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Satisfactory progress in high school string orchestra or NYSSMA V A+ rating. Open to exceptionally skilled 10th graders with teacher recommendation. The course includes the study and performances of great masterpieces of orchestral compositions, developing playing skills, and understanding compositional ideas. This course satisfies the one credit in Music required for graduation.

There are at least three evening concerts per year, each performance preceded by an evening dress rehearsal. Students are required to be at all concerts and dress rehearsals. Students may also audition for Chamber Orchestra, an advanced string ensemble that rehearses at night.

The Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra consistently performs music at a level V and VI.

NOTE: Advanced members of the Symphony Orchestra may audition to participate in Symphony Orchestra Honors - Course #646H. Students who successfully audition for the Honors course are required to participate in the Chamber Orchestra and an Honors String Quartet. These activities require the preparation of a significant amount of additional music as well as participation in numerous community service performances. Students in Symphony Orchestra Honors receive a weighted grade for this additional commitment.

STRING ORCHESTRA - Course #645 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 9, 10 This course is for all 9th and 10th grade string students. This orchestra experience includes the study of NYSSMA Level III - V string literature. In addition, the Concert Orchestra studies several symphonic orchestra pieces and performs with the Symphony Orchestra. Concert Orchestra performs at least three evening concerts per year, each preceded by an evening dress rehearsal. Students are required to be at all concerts and dress rehearsals. This course satisfies the one credit in Music required for graduation.

MUSIC THEORY - Course #648 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Recommended for students who have an interest in music. No previous music reading experience is required. Required for: Regents Music Sequence This course presents a study of basic music theory: fundamentals, chords, four-part composition, dictation, and rhythmic training. It is the first course of a major sequence. This course satisfies the one credit in Music required for graduation.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) MUSIC THEORY - Course #649 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Recommended for: The music major - 2nd course music major sequence. Prerequisite: Music Theory I or approval of instructor. This course presents advanced concepts of music theory and a major concentration of the development of the ear. AP Music Theory is designed to enable the student to understand music theory in depth. This course prepares the student for college study of music or for serious music understanding and research. Students will be required to take the Advanced Placement Music Theory Exam at the completion of the course. This is a full year, college level course which receives a weighted grade.

SPECIAL AND HONORS ENSEMBLES: Membership in all Honors Ensembles is by audition, with priority given to students who are enrolled in one of the High School Major Performance Courses (Band, Orchestra, Choir, or Chamber Choir). Students not enrolled in a performance course may audition only if a seat is available.

A CAPPELA CHOIR The a cappella ensemble performs music of several genres, including pop. The groups perform at several venues throughout the year including concerts at the High School. Skill in sight-singing is highly desired, as there is no piano used and students must constantly use their musicianship skills. Rehearsals are held two hours a week after school.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE Rehearsals are held one evening per week. All styles of jazz are studied including swing, Latin, bebop, rock and contemporary. Development of improvisation skills is a priority. Attendance is mandatory. This honors ensemble is by audition only. Several performances within and outside the district are planned each year. This is a highly selective ensemble.

WIND ENSEMBLE This is an advanced level band which performs level VI music. Rehearsals are held one evening per week. Attendance is mandatory. This honors ensemble is by audition only. The Wind Ensemble will perform at several school concerts and special functions throughout the year.

ORCHESTRA CHAMBER ENSEMBLE Along with the High School Orchestra, there is also a CHAMBER ENSEMBLE, a highly advanced and select group. Membership is by audition or through teacher’s invitation. Rehearsals are held one evening per week. The repertoire is college level. Occasionally there are pieces with some wind parts. Several performances in and out of school are planned throughout the year.

WINTER PERCUSSION This program is designed to teach students the advanced techniques of concert and marching percussion performance. Rehearsals are held one evening per week, January through June, and are open to all students in grades 7-12. Competitive Marching Band students are required to participate.

COLOR GUARD/WINTER GUARD The Color Guard is an auxiliary unit of the Marching Band open to both male and female students. The Color Guard performs precision movements with flags, sabers, and wooden rifles creating a vitally important visual show for the Band’s field and parade competitions. The Color Guard begins training during the summer and performs throughout the fall season. They also perform in several spring parades and rehearse Winter Guard techniques during the winter months. Students who have an interest in music or dance are encouraged to audition. Students who are registered for Band may also audition for Color Guard. Auditions take place during the winter months of the previous year. New students may join at this time.

HIGHSTEPPERS DANCE TEAM The Highsteppers are a competitive dance team competing in dance, kickline, and pom routines as part of the Dance Team Union and Long Island Dance Team Association. The team also performs at home football and basketball games. Auditions for Highsteppers take place in the spring. Members may also participate in the Band’s Color Guard as there are no scheduling conflicts.

TRI-M MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY This is a service organization. Students must be in grades 10 – 12 and be an outstanding member of a school music ensemble. This includes membership in one of the extra non-credit music groups. Students must participate in the NYSSMA Festival to be eligible for and maintain membership in Tri-M. Students must attend meetings and perform at least ten hours of service to the Music Department each year. Applications are available from the Tri-M advisor.

Music is an important element of a Finley student’s experience. Music is required of every student. At the Middle School, courses are designed for the serious music student who wishes to continue with his/her performing group experience and courses for students who do not wish to perform in chorus, band or orchestral groups.

PERFORMING MUSIC ENSEMBLES: BAND 7 & 8, ORCHESTRA 7 & 8, AND CHORUS 7 & 8 (40 Weeks - alternating days) The Finley Band, Orchestra and Choral programs provide opportunities for our performing musicians to develop advanced skills while performing more challenging music. Complex rhythms, sight-reading, tone quality, balance, and interpretation are some of the many musical components that are stressed. Participation in a large performance ensemble also helps to develop self-discipline, teamwork, and esprit de corps. Our Band, Orchestra and Choral students perform at our annual Winter and Spring Concerts and at other special events during the year. In addition to the class period, students are required to attend a weekly lesson period which rotates throughout the school day as well as all evening dress rehearsals and concerts.

Prerequisite for Band, Orchestra, and Chorus: At least one year of successful participation in a Band, Orchestra or Choral program, or special permission of the director.

Important Note: Students in performance groups will not be permitted to drop or change these courses prior to the end of the first progress report period.

NON - PERFORMING COURSE: GENERAL MUSIC (40 Weeks – alternating days) General Music is required of all students who do not participate in Band, Orchestra or Chorus. Students will learn a variety of musical style including the study of American pop music. Students in General Music will also have the opportunity to learn how to play ukulele, and compose on music composition software. Students will also learn about composers from around the world through artists and composer research projects. General Music may be taken in 7th grade.