*Freshman Choir - 1 Credit; Elective

This Ensemble is open to Freshmen Girls and Guys where easier choral music will be taught. Emphasis on choral and vocal will be stressed as well as reinforcing basic musical knowledge

*Fresh Look Show Choir - 1 Credit; Elective with Required Audition; Prerequisite: Freshman Choir

This is a small ensemble consisting of no more then 22 singers selected from the Freshmen choir. Introductory popular music and choreography will be rehearsed and performed in concerts and competitions.

*Concert Choir - 1 Credit; Elective

Open to boys and girls who show an interest and some degree of talent in music. Empahisis will be placed on sight-reading, ear training, and production of good vocal tone. Open to grades 10, 11, and 12.

*Sensations - 1 Credit; Elective with Required Audition; Prerequisite: Concert Choir

This is a small ensemble of no more than 22 singers that are selected from Concert Choir. They will rehearse and perform easier popular music and selections from musicals. Introductory choreography will be taught in this ensemble

*Chamber Chorale - 1 Credit; Elective with Required Audition

Open to boys and girls who show evidence of musical talent and have had considerable training in music. Students must be able to sight-read, produce a good vocal tone, and accept various responsibilities in connection with public performances, trips, and concerts. Open to grades 10, 11, and 12.

*Ambassadors Show Choir - 1 Credit; Elective with Required Audition; Prerequisite: Chamber Chorale

This is a small ensemble that is selected from the Chamber Chorale. They will rehearse and perform popular music of our times and an emphasis on performance will be stressed. More difficult and challenging music and choreogrpahy will be taught.

Band Music Theory/Ear Training - 1 Credit; Elective; Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and membership in at least one music ensemble course

This course will be designed for those that plan to pursue a collegiate degree or degree in music, but it may be taken by other qaulified music students. The class will include college entry-level music theory, as well as training in ear training and sight reading. Theory topics will include reading and knotting music in all clefs, key signitures, major and minor scales, intervals, triads and seventh chords, inversions of chords, chord progression analysis, and basic part writing. Students will use class materials and technology in order to see, hear, and create examples.

Advanced Music Theory - 1 Credit; Elective; Prerequisite: Basic Music Theory

Advanced Music Theory is designed to serve the needs of musicians wishing to pursue music as a career through college. This course will cover advanced theory topics, in-depth score analysis, and compositional technique.

Music History - 1 Credit; Elective; Prerequisite: Member of Band or Chior

This class is offered to the serious music student or to students wishing to pursue music past high school. It will provide a survery of Western Music history and a general study in form and style. Students will study styles, genres, eras, and composers who represent their styles. Activities will include listening, comparison, evaluations, in-depth composition study and basic score reading.

*Band - 2 Credits; Elective; Prerequisite: Proficiency on s standard instrument

Membership in the high school band program is open to students currently enrolled in 8th grade of high school band. Exceptions can only be granted by the instructor. Rehearsals will be held during the regular school day and before school as the situation dictates -- class attendance is required and imperative for the individual's progress. Since the band program strives for continuity and excellence, students must participate in all phases of the program -- Students must participate in marching band first semester in order to be in band second semester
Large group performance oppurtunities include the Trojan Gaurd marching Band, the symophonic band, and the winter pep band. Individual oppurtunities include All-State Musical Festival auditions, small ensemble and solo contest, SWIBA Honor Band Auditions, and the Southwest Iowa Honor Marching Band. Students are also expected to participate in the lesson cirriculum provided by the instructor in order to compliment and enhance class instruction. Assessment will include playing tests over scales and music throughout the year, as well as self-assassments and sectional work. All groups of the intstrumental music department follow the guidelines of the Iowa High School Music Association.

*Jazz Ensemble - .5 Credit; Elective; Prerequisite: Membership of Concert Band and audition required

Instrumentation will follow the standard big band instrumentation of 5 saxes, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, piano, bass, guitar, and drums. In order to encourage musical independence, members may be asked to rotate in or out when there are more than the standard instrumentation allows. Additional instruments may also be added as the music demands (flute, clarinet, vibes, etc.) or as soloists are developed. Although students must be a member of the concert band, a student may choose to be in jazz ensemble on a secondary instrument when their concert instrument is not one of the standard instruments.
Performance oppurtunities include local programs, jazz festivals, and All-State Jazz auditions. Instructional time will be spent learning standard jazz literature and how to play different types of jazz stylistically. Some time will be spent listening to jazz and teaching individual impovisation. Rehearsals are primarily before school, but other times are scheduled as needed. Performance will be based primarily on rehearsal and performance attendence.
The jazz ensemble follows the guidelines of the Iowa High School Music Association.