Music

Band H

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets on Cycle Days plus sectionals
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Middle school band ability and above or Teacher Recommendation
Note(s): It should be noted that rehearsals scheduled apart from the school day are a necessary aspect of this course. Attendance at these rehearsals, as well as all performances and concerts, is mandatory. Concerts are normally scheduled during the evenings on weekdays.

This course is open to all qualifying students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument. Admission is obtained by audition or through recommendation by the middle school or high school instrumental music directors. This course is designed to provide a marching, concert and parade band experience. The concert band experience will be the main, year-long focus of the curriculum where wind players and percussionists will be assigned to various ensembles. Weekly group lesson opportunities are scheduled during the school day (during study halls, lunch and learn, or free periods) to assist students. This is a required part of the course as is attendance at all concerts. The marching aspect will begin with a band camp starting August 21st and running through September 1st with an evening session each day from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. There will be one evening rehearsal per week in September and two weeks in October. Students in Drum Line and Color Guard may have an additional week of practice in August (TBA). Band Camp is an assessed part of the course. The band will perform at all football games. The parade aspect will be limited to special community events, including the local Santa and Memorial Day Parades. The concert band experience will be the main, year-long focus of the curriculum where wind players and percussionists will be assigned to various ensembles. Weekly group lesson opportunities are scheduled during the school day (during study halls, community or free periods) to assist students. This is a required part of the course as is attendance at all concerts. A schedule of all events will be published in the summer. The curriculum will focus on the development of pedagogical techniques idiomatic of the student’s particular instrument which will be explored through the performance of contemporary band literature.

Full Orchestra H

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily plus sectionals
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Middle School string ability and above or Teacher Recommendation

Note(s): It should be noted that rehearsals scheduled apart from the school day are a necessary aspect of this course. Attendance at these rehearsals, as well as all performances and concerts, is mandatory. Concerts are normally scheduled during the evenings on weekdays. This course provides both a string and full orchestra experience and is open to all qualifying students who play a string instrument. A weekly group sectional (lesson) is scheduled during the school day (study hall or free period) and is a required part of the course. Small ensembles created from the big group will perform for various school and community events in addition to the winter and spring concerts.

Guitar I

0.5 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Semester; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

The course is designed for beginners and students with one year of experience, but all levels are accommodated. Students are taught in a class ensemble and given individual instruction at their own level ranging from beginner to intermediate. Students will have many options to grow in their skill: learning to read tab, playing melodies and chords by sight or by ear, learning popular riffs, and playing together as an ensemble. Students will have an opportunity to play in a band setting with other musicians and perform for one another. Guitars will be provided in the classroom, and it is highly recommended to have one at home for practice. This course can be taken multiple times.

Guitar II

0.5 Credit; Weighted
Length: Semester; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Guitar I

This course is designed for students with one or two years of experience or who have taken Guitar One. With guidance and commitment, any intermediate guitarist can stop feeling “stuck in a loop” and move toward “next level” playing, even if you’ve been playing for years. In this class you will learn how to make up your own music, whether it’s improvising solos, adding some of your own flavor to chords, or just playing some riffs to relax. Also, you can become so familiar with the fretboard that you’ll feel comfortable jamming with friends, confident that you’ll find the right notes and chords exactly when you need them. Students are taught in a class ensemble and given individual instruction at their own level, ranging from intermediate to advanced. Students will have an opportunity to play in a band setting with other musicians and perform for one another. Students will prepare a concert for a Courtyard Jam performance in the spring. Students must have access to a guitar at home; one will also be provided at school. This course can be taken multiple times.

Jazz Ensemble H

0.5 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year (includes lesson); Format: Meets on Cycle Days, or Length: Semester, Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in Band, Full Orchestra or String/Full Orchestra (except for guitar, bass and piano)

This course is open to all qualified students who are interested in jazz and popular Big Band music. Participation is open to students who are also enrolled in Band or Orchestra (except guitar, bass, voice, strings & piano). An emphasis is placed on advanced pedagogical techniques associated with jazz interpretation. Students also explore the world of improvisation as it relates to twentieth century harmonization. The ensemble performs at three concerts a year as well as various school and community events.

Rock Band 

Formerly known as Modern Band
0.5 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets on Cycle Days
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Audition and Teacher Recommendation

Rock Band is a music program that utilizes popular music as its central focus. Styles that are studied include rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, rhythm & blues, electronic dance music, and other contemporary styles as they emerge. Learn to play the songs that can be heard today by contemporary popular artists. Rock Band utilizes (but is not limited to) the musical instruments that are common to these genres: guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice and technology. No experience necessary! You will be taught all the basics and get a chance to create your own band! Rock Band teaches students to perform the music they know and love in a group setting. Musicians will have an opportunity to create and compose their own tunes and realize them with instruments. The class will be utilizing the recording equipment for production and learning how to set up sound for the gigs. In school and community performances opportunities are provided for the students to showcase their bands. This course could be taken multiple times.

Chorus

0.5 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets on Cycle Days, or Length: Semester, Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

Note(s): It should be noted that rehearsals scheduled apart from the school day are a necessary aspect of this course. Attendance at these rehearsals, as well as all performances and concerts, is mandatory. Concerts are normally scheduled during the evenings on weekdays. The Full Chorus is open to all students who enjoy singing. It is a four-part (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass) chorus that performs a wide variety of music ranging from the early masters to the composers of today.

Meistersingers H

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily plus Sectionals
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation

This course is open to all 9th through 12th grade students who enjoy singing in a large ensemble setting. Meistersingers perform in two mandatory evening concerts (one in the winter and one in the spring) and have opportunities to perform at various school and community events throughout the school year. Performances include challenging historical choral works as well as lighter pop and Broadway tunes. Students are required to attend sectionals (lessons) throughout the school year which will be scheduled during a student’s free period or Lunch and Learn. Students will strengthen their singing voice and deepen their musical knowledge. There is no audition to enroll. Come be part of Radnor history by joining RHS’s longest running choir! Students are encouraged to enroll in Meistersingers consecutive years. 

Cantabile H

Formerly known as Select Choir H
1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily plus Sectionals
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Audition and Teacher Recommendation

Cantabile (Can - TAH - bih - lay - an Italian musical term meaning 'in singing style') is Radnor’s premiere mixed vocal ensemble. Students in grades 9-12 audition for this course in January of the previous school year. Seating is limited based on the balance of the ensemble.
Cantabile performs a wide variety of advanced and collegiate level repertoire in a small, chamber sized setting. Students will have the opportunity to become stronger vocalists, music interpreters, and sight-singers. Cantabile performs in two mandatory evening concerts (one in the winter and one in the spring) and have opportunities to perform at other school and community events throughout the year. Students are required to attend sectionals (lessons) throughout the school year which will be scheduled during a student’s free period or Lunch and Learn. Students scheduled for Cantabile may also enroll in Meistersingers, but membership in both ensembles is not required.

Note: Combination courses are for students who participate in more than one ensemble and are selected and scheduled as a single unit.

Band and Orchestra H

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily plus Sectionals
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation

This course allows students who play a string and wind instrument the opportunity to participate in both Band and Orchestra. Additionally, band students who play a wind or percussion instrument and wish to participate with the full orchestra, may also enroll in this course. Students share class time with students scheduled in both Band and Orchestra. To successfully maintain their contribution to both ensembles, students are required to practice their music outside of class. Prospective students must gain teacher approval from both directors prior to enrollment. For more detailed information about each ensemble, please refer to the individual course descriptions for Band and Orchestra

Meistersingers and Band H

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily plus Sectionals
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation

This course allows students who sing and play a wind or percussion instrument the opportunity to participate in both Meistersingers and Band. Students share class time with students scheduled in both Meistersingers and Band. To successfully maintain their contribution to both ensembles, students are required to practice their music outside of class. Prospective students must gain teacher approval from both directors prior to enrollment. For more detailed information about each ensemble, please refer to the individual course descriptions for Meistersingers and Band

Meistersingers and Orchestra H

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily plus Sectionals
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation

This course allows students who sing and play a string instrument the opportunity to participate in both Meistersingers and Orchestra. Students share class time with students scheduled in both Meistersingers and Orchestra. To successfully maintain their contribution to both ensembles, students are required to practice their music outside of class. Prospective students must gain teacher approval from both directors prior to enrollment. For more detailed information about each ensemble, please refer to the individual course descriptions for Meistersingers and Orchestra.

Meistersingers, Band, and Orchestra H

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily plus Sectionals
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation or Grade 9 by Teacher Invitation Only

This course allows students who sing and play an instrument in both band and full orchestra an opportunity to participate in Meistersingers, Band, and Orchestra. Students share class time with students scheduled in Meistersingers, Band, and Orchestra. To successfully maintain equal contribution to all three ensembles, students enrolled in this course must perform at an advanced level on each instrument. Music must be practiced outside of class and students will occasionally miss lunch to prepare for upcoming ensemble performances. Acceptance into this course is very limited and must be approved by all three directors. For more detailed information about each ensemble, please refer to the individual course descriptions for Meistersingers, Band, and Orchestra.

AP Music Theory

1.0 Credit; Weighted
Length: Year; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation

This course is designed for students wanting to gain a deeper understanding of music theory and composition, and/or planning to major or minor in music in college. The course follows the curriculum and instructional goals of the Advanced Placement Music Theory program as determined by the College Board. Students will develop advanced skills in aural theory, sight singing, composition and musical analysis. These areas are cultivated through listening, performance, analytical exercises, and writing an original composition. Interested students should have a strong background in reading musical notation and key signatures. The “Song Writing” course is recommended, but not a prerequisite to taking this course.

Guitar Class

0.5 credit; Unweighted
Length: Semester; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

This course is designed for students wishing to play the guitar. It is for beginners and students with 1 year of experience. Students are taught in a class ensemble and given individual instruction at their own level ranging from beginner to intermediate. Students have many options to develop: learning to read notes, playing melodies and chords by sight or by ear, playing together as an ensemble, composing original music. Students will use a guitar to create music. Students should have access to a guitar at home; one will be provided at school. This course will provide a foundation for Music Theory and AP Music Theory.

Modern Band

0.5 credit; Unweighted
Length: Semester; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

Modern Band is a music program that utilizes popular music as its central focus. Styles that are studied include rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, rhythm & blues, electronic dance music, and other contemporary styles as they emerge. Learn to play the songs that can be heard today by contemporary popular artists. Modern Band utilizes (but is not limited to) the musical instruments that are common to these genres: guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice and technology. No experience necessary! You will be taught all the basics and get a chance to create your own band! Modern Band teaches students to perform the music they know and love and to compose and improvise.

Music in the Media 

Formerly known as Intro to Music Technology
0.5 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Semester; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

In the 21st Century, the technology exists that makes it possible for anyone to create or produce music! This course will teach you the skills needed to use what is readily available to get your “song” out there. No music experience required, just the love of learning in a new way and being creative. This course utilizes both Garage Band and Logic Pro to learn about sound reproduction, mixing tracks and beats, creating your own songs, learning about recording, using FX, creating podcasts and creating music for video. We will explore how music impacts a variety of media outlets, including advertisements, social media, and movies and television. This class is designed to get students engaged in the technology used every day for music and to inspire them to continue to develop their skills beyond the classroom

Song Writing H

Formerly known as Practical Music Theory for the Modern Musician H
0.5 Credit; Unweighted
Length: Semester; Format: Meets Daily
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

This course is designed for students wishing to understand how a song is put together. You do not need to have prior musical knowledge to succeed in this course. Students will explore the building blocks of music starting with piano, rhythm, and pitch. Students will learn to create catchy drum grooves and later piece together chord progressions, melodies, and lyrics to create cover songs or original tunes. With access to RHS’s cutting-edge MIDI Lab and recording studio, students will have the tools and knowledge to perform, record, and ultimately bring their musical ideas to life. This course is ideal for aspiring songwriters and future music theorists preparing for the AP Music Theory class. No prior experience is necessary, so step into the studio and make some music!