The courses and performing groups of the Music Department are designed to meet the needs, interests and talents of all senior high school students. The courses present the students with opportunities to study music from a technical aspect, to learn to understand and appreciate music through listening, and to 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 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.

To fulfill the graduation requirement of one credit in Music, students may take Band, Concert Choir, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, or Music Theory.

BAND 9/10, 11/12, Competitive and Non-Competitive - Course #640, 640H, 641, 641H

Offered to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

(1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly

Prerequisites: Satisfactory progress in Middle School or by audition.

This course satisfies the one credit in Music required for graduation. The Band program is a comprehensive program, which includes marching and concert band training and performances. Students may elect to be in the Competitive Marching Band or the Noncompetitive Marching Band. The non-competitive members will be required to perform as a pep band for all home football games including playoffs. These are the performance requirements for the Non-Competitive Marching program.

Students who wish to participate in the Competitive Marching Band will prepare a field show, which is performed at a variety of competitions on Long Island and in the northeast region throughout the fall. Competitive Marching Band members are required to attend two evening rehearsals per week as well as Saturday and Sunday practices or performances during the first quarter. Competitive Marching Band students receive a weighted grade for this additional work.

All Band students audition for seating in two concert bands which become the main program activity after the fall marching season. The Junior Band which consists of members in 9th and 10th grade will perform levels IV-V music. The Senior Band which consists of members in 11th and 12th grade will perform levels V-VI music. The Concert Bands will perform at several school concerts and special functions throughout the year.

The Blue Devil Marching Band has earned national acclaim as one of the finest competitive bands on Long Island. To date, the band has multiple first place awards in the NY State field band competitions. In 2004, the Band won first place in the New York State Field Band Conference Competition, Division LS3 and 2nd Place in the New York City Columbus Day Parade. In 2002, the Band won first place in the USSBA Mid Atlantic Marching Band Championship. The Blue Devil Band has also performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Fiesta Bowl Parade, the Miss America Parade, and at Yankee Stadium. In 1997, they performed in the Disney Hercules Parade in New York City and in 1998, participated in a Disney commercial for the opening of the Animal Kingdom.

REQUIREMENTS:All members of the Band course are required to participate in either Competitive or Non-Competitive Marching Band and perform in the performances listed above. You may not participate in concert band only. All students have a community service marching commitment. Exact 2015-16 rehearsal dates for all new band members as well as summer Band Camp dates and times for Competitive program will be mailed to all grade 8 - 11 band students when available.

IMPORTANT: Students who do not participate in the Summer Band Camp are not eligible for the Competitive Band. For questions about rehearsal and performance requirements, please contact Mr. Giachetti or Mr. Stellato at 673-2053.

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.

This course is offered to any student who can match pitches and who will attend rehearsals and concerts. The full high school choir performs at approximately four concerts a year. Study of correct breathing and voice production are also presented. Extra rehearsals are held occasionally throughout the year. (4 to 5 per year). Attendance at extra rehearsals and concerts is mandatory. Students are expected to attend group voice lessons every other week. 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: Membership by audition only.

This is a small select choir comprised of students who have been outstanding members of Concert Choir. The Honors Choir 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 other week. The Chamber Choir is a NYSSMA level 5 Gold with Distinction 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.

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 3-5 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.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - Course #646

(1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly

Offered to grades: 11, 12

Prerequisites: Satisfactory progress in high school string orchestra or NYSSMA 5A+ 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 Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra consistently receive level 5 and 6 Gold and Silver ratings at NYSSMA Major Organization Festivals. In past years, the Orchestra has won first place awards in Williamsburg and Pennsylvania in competition with orchestras from all over the East Coast.

NOTE: Advanced Orchestra students may be selected to participate in the Honors Orchestra. As a member of Honors Orchestra, students are required to participate in Chamber Orchestra and an Honor String Quartet. These activities require the preparation of a significant amount of additional music as well as participation in numerous community service performances. Participation in Honors Orchestra is by invitation only. Honors Orchestra students receive a weighted grade for this additional commitment.

Orchestra, students are required to participate in Chamber Orchestra and an Honor String Quartet. These activities require the preparation of a significant amount of additional music as well as participation in numerous community service performances. Participation in Honors Orchestra is by invitation only. Honors Orchestra students receive a weighted grade for this additional commitment.

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 theory: fundamentals, chords, 4-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. It is designed to enable the student to understand music theory in depth. It prepares the student for college study of music or for serious music understanding or 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.

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 program is comprised of a Mixed Group and a Women’s Group that perform music of several genres, mainly 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 - swing, rock and contemporary. Development of improvisation skills is a priority. Attendance is absolutely 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 concert band which performs level VI music. Rehearsals are held one evening per week. Attendance is absolutely 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 usually on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. The repertoire is mostly on the college level. Occasionally there are pieces with some wind parts, too. 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 students are required to participate.

HIGHSTEPPERS DANCE TEAM

The Highsteppers are a competitive dance team, competing in dance, kickline and pom routines as part of the Scholastic Kickline 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.

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.

TRI-M MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY

This is a service organization. Students must be in 10th, 11th or 12th grades 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 Mrs. Mainville and Mr. Stellato.

Music is an important element of a Finley student’s experience. Music is required of every student. At the Middle School, we have courses 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. Our music classes meet on alternate days opposite the youngster’s physical education classes.

PERFORMING MUSIC ENSEMBLES

BAND 7 & 8, ORCHESTRA 7 & 8, AND CHORUS 7 & 8 (40 Weeks - alternating days)

Prerequisite: 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.

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.

Students who wish to participate in band or orchestra as well as Chorus should register for the instrumental class. They will be invited to attend Choral rehearsals during lunch periods and will be permitted to sing in the concerts.

NON - PERFORMING COURSE:

GENERAL MUSIC (40 Weeks – alternating days)

This course is required of all students who do not participate in Band, Orchestra or Chorus. Students will learn about a variety of musical styles, including the study of American pop music. General Music may be taken in grade 7 or 8, but not in both. Students will have an opportunity to learn how to play world percussion instruments and keyboards as part of the curriculum.