BEGINNING CHORUS, ACCENTS
Full year course, 1 credit per semester Prerequisites: None (DOE Course Code: 4182)

Accents girls’ chorus is a co-curricular ensemble open to any female who desires to improve her vocal technique, performing skills, and general musicianship. Daily work in this ensemble stresses the fundamentals of vocal technique while performing on a limited basis. Students will be exposed to a variety of repertoire appropriate to the age and skill level of the participants. Students are responsible for purchasing the required performance attire.

BEGINNING CHORUS, C.S.N.
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: None (DOE Course Code: 4182)

C.S.N. (Chorale Sine Nomine = the choir with no name) is open to any male who desires to improve his vocal technique, performing skills, and general musicianship. Daily work in this ensemble stresses the fundamentals of vocal technique while performing on a limited basis. Students will be exposed to a variety of repertoire appropriate to the age and skill level of the participants. Students are responsible for purchasing the required performance attire.

INTERMEDIATE CHORUS, A CAPPELLA
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Audition and permission of instructor (DOE Course Code: 4186)

A Cappella is a mixed chorus open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students that stresses intermediate to advanced vocal technique and performing skills. Members of this ensemble sing a wide variety of choral literature including traditional, Broadway, folk, popular, and world music. Staging and choreography are incorporated into some of this ensemble’s performances. A Cappella rehearses on a limited basis outside of school hours and has competitions on some weekends. Students are responsible for purchasing the required performance attire.

ADVANCED CHORUS, EXPRESSIONS
permission of instructor (DOE Course Code: 4188)

Expressions is a women’s show choir open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students by audition. Daily work stresses advanced vocal technique as well as medium to advanced vocal repertoire. Students will experience a variety of vocal styles and musical genres. Performance repertoire will include choreography. Students are responsible for purchasing the required performance attire.


ADVANCED CHORUS, VARSITY

Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Audition and permission of instructor (DOE Course Code: 4188)

Varsity Singers is a choir for women and men open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students by audition. Daily work stresses advanced vocal technique as well as advanced vocal repertoire. Students will experience a variety of vocal styles, musical genres, and historical periods of music. Introductions to music listening, music history, and music theory are incorporated into the course as well. Students are responsible for purchasing the required performance attire.

VOCAL JAZZ, FIRST EDITION
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Audition and permission of instructor (DOE Course Code: 4184)

First Edition is a choir for women and men open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students by audition. This choir experience stresses the performance of medium to advanced musical literature including traditional, Broadway, folk, popular, and world music. Advanced staging and choreography are incorporated into this ensemble’s performances. Students will be exposed to a variety of quality repertoire appropriate for their age and skill level. Students may have the opportunity to hear live performances by professionals during and outside of class. Students are responsible for purchasing the required performance attire.

DANCE PERFORMANCE
Learning activities in choreography are sequential and systematic and allow students to express themselves. A wide variety of materials and experiences are used in order to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and appreciation of the multi-styled and multicultural dance expressions. Activities are designed to develop students’ ability to: 
translate ideas, images, emotions, perceptions, and personal experiences into movement 
improvise, using immediate and spontaneous responses: 
experiment and apply concrete and abstract concepts; 
produce a concept and design using a selection of style, content, and accompaniment; 
understand musical phrasing, rhythmic structures, meters, and musical application within choreography; 
research production and technical skills required for an actual performance; make interpretive decisions; and 
create and include accompaniment rehearsals, costume and props, and set and lighting design 
identify ways that dance reflects, records, and influences history. 
identify patterns, relationships, and trends dance plays in at least two different cultures and discuss how aesthetic judgments vary between them. 
research the origins of and the universal themes of dance. 
Using a modern dance-based approach, Dance courses explore movement as a creative art form. Student learning includes opportunities to develop kinesthetic awareness, proper body alignment, physical strength, flexibility, endurance, and care of the dance instrument while exploring improvisational and expressive movement and basic modern dance technique. Dance elements and basic principles of composition are studied and practiced. Through dance ensemble work, students use creative and critical thinking skills to create and communicate meaning through dance movement. Students experience the role of both choreographer and dancer and have opportunities to present their work. Through the study of dance in various cultures and historical periods, students broaden their understanding of dance as an art form. Students will explore a variety of career opportunities in dance as well as connections with other art forms and subject areas. Students will create a portfolio which contains written and/or visual examples of their work. Choreographic activities provide students opportunities to participate in roles as soloist, a choreographer or leader, and in a subject role. Students experience and learn to use appropriate terminology to describe, analyze, interpret, and critique dance compositions by professional individuals or companies. Students may attend dance performances within class to broaden their understanding and appreciation of the art form.


DANCE PERFORMANCE I
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Must pass each semester before continuing on to next semester; or permission of instructor.  Due to space constraints, preference is given to upperclassmen.  
(DOE Course Code: 4146)

Students will begin their dance training with ballet and modern dance genres. Dance I will focus on proper terminology, body alignment and understanding of the specific dance genres. Students will study dance history.  Students in this course are expected to perform at the semester recital as part of their grade.


DANCE PERFORMANCE II
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Dance Performance I with grade of “C” or better and permission of instructor. Students with previous dance experience may obtain permission from instructor to enroll.  
(DOE Course Code: 4146)

After successfully completing Dance I, students may enroll in Dance II, which expands on their previous knowledge. Cultural dance is studied. Students also study and learn Broadway/musical theatre style dance, along with ballet, jazz and modern styles. Students will study dance history of specific genres.  As part of the student’s grade, they are required to perform at the semester recital, and may incur a costume fee.


DANCE PERFORMANCE III - TECHNIQUE
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Audition and permission of instructor (DOE Course Code: 4146)

At the advanced level students are expected to learn phrases more quickly. Students work to develop an articulate, alert and neutral body, ready for precise dancing with intricate coordination. Clarity, simplicity of movement, and attention to detail are key objectives. This class will focus on technique, strength, and flexibility.  As part of the student’s grade, they are required to perform at the semester recital, and may incur a costume fee.

DANCE PERFORMANCE, VARSITY DANCE TEAM
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Audition and permission of instructor (DOE Course Code: 4146)

This class is designed for members of the Bronchos Dance Team (auditions held in May of previous school year). Students have the opportunity to experience professional performances and master classes during and outside of the school day. A limited amount of time, outside of the school day, may be scheduled for additional rehearsals and performances. A limited number of public performances will serve as a culmination of daily rehearsal and dance goals. Students must participate in performance opportunities, outside of the school day, that support and extend learning in the classroom.

BEGINNING CONCERT BAND 
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Recommendation of 8th grade director or permission of instructor (DOE Course Code: 4160)

Concert Band is open to all qualified band students at Jefferson. The skill level of the players in this band has a minimum performance expectation. The Director of Bands will listen to interested students entering the Lafayette School Corporation and grant permission for enrollment in the band. The band stresses the basic skills of tone production, technical development, intonation, and rhythmic reading plus attention to balance, blend, interpretive markings, and response to conducting nuance.


INTERMEDIATE CONCERT BAND I, SYMPHONIC BAND I

Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Demonstration of basic skills proficiency, audition and permission of the Director of Bands (DOE Course Code: 4168)

Symphonic Band I is open to all students who choose to continue playing their musical instruments and who continue to demonstrate basic performance skills on their musical instruments. Students who take this class will be exposed to music which continues the development started in Beginning Concert Band. The members will be exposed to solo and ensemble activities which will develop many musical elements including improved tone production, more advanced technical skills (such as more advanced key signature demands, more complex rhythmic notation), increased listening requirements (mainly harmonic in nature), and further study of the style of the music studied. Music selected will be developmentally appropriate to support these advancements. Students will evaluate and analyze their practices and performances.


INTERMEDIATE CONCERT BAND II, SYMPHONIC BAND II
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Demonstration of basic skills proficiency, audition and permission of the Director of Bands (DOE Course Code: 4168)

Symphonic Band II is open to all brass and woodwind students who choose to continue playing their musical instruments and who continue to demonstrate basic performance skills on their musical instruments. Students who take this class will be exposed to music which continues the development started in Beginning Concert Band and/or Symphonic Band I. The members will be exposed to solo and ensemble activities which will develop many musical elements including improved tone production, more advanced technical skills (such as more advanced key signature demands, more complex rhythmic notation), increased listening requirements (mainly harmonic in nature), and further study of the style of the music studied. Music selected will be developmentally appropriate to support these advancements. Students will evaluate and analyze their practices and performances.


ADVANCED CONCERT BAND, WIND ENSEMBLE
 Full year course, 1 credit per semester-Prerequisites: Audition and permission of the Director of Bands (DOE Course Code: 4170)

The Wind Ensemble is the premier wind and percussion performance ensemble at Jefferson High School. Enrollment is limited to students selected by audition or promoted by the Director of Bands from successful completion of Beginning and/or Intermediate Concert Band. Students are required to take private lessons. Scholarship money for lessons will be available to students selected for this ensemble who have a financial need. Through the selection of appropriate advanced concert band literature, members will be exposed to advanced concepts such as: advanced technical skills, refinement in tone production, increased awareness of balance and blend, and increased demands to the performer due to the construction of the musical texturing. Students will be exposed to literature commensurate with the expectation of the most advanced musical techniques applicable to the high school setting. The musical literature will primarily be on the difficulty level found on the Group I Indiana State School Music Association music list.

BEGINNING CONCERT BAND, PERCUSSION
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Audition and permission of the Director of Bands and percussion instructor (DOE Course Code: 4160)

Beginning Percussion is open to freshmen and other developing percussionists at Jefferson High School. The skill level of the players in this class has a minimum performance expectation. Students in this class have at least 2-3 years of experience in the middle school. The class stresses the basic skills of technical development, rhythmic and melodic reading, and musical development for future placement in one of several concert bands. Principal focus is given to the snare drum, mallets, and timpani. 

INTERMEDIATE CONCERT BAND, PERCUSSION
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Audition and permission of the Director of Bands and percussion instructor.  Recommended prior experience:  Beginning Concert Band, Percussion (DOE Course Code: 4168)

Intermediate Percussion is an intermediate-level class ensemble consisting of developing percussionists at Jefferson High School. Students in this class have at least 2-3 years of experience in the middle school, and most will have completed Beginning Percussion, as well. The class continues developing basic skills in proper performance technique, rhythmic and melodic reading, and musical development. Principal focus is given to the snare drum, mallets, and timpani. 
 
ADVANCED CONCERT BAND, PERCUSSION
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Audition and permission of the Director of Bands and percussion instructor.  Recommended prior experience:  Beginning Concert Band, Percussion and/or Intermediate Concert Band, Percussion (DOE Course Code: 4170)

Advanced Percussion is the premier performance ensemble class for percussion students at Jefferson. Students have at least 2-3 years of experience in middle school and most have additional high school experience. The students in this class possess a special desire to study the techniques, music, and instruments associated with advanced percussion performance. Students gain skills and knowledge that are able to transfer to applications in traditional concert bands and orchestras. 

ORCHESTRA I, BEGINNING

Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: A minimum of one-two years playing in a school orchestra. (DOE Course Code: 4166)

This orchestra will focus on improving the technical aspects of the individual player. Goals for the class include executing basic orchestral and string playing techniques, e.g. scales, note reading, rhythms, tone production and listening as a member of an ensemble.

ORCHESTRA II, INTERMEDIATE
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: A minimum of three years of playing in a school orchestra.  (DOE Course Code: 4172)

This orchestra will focus on reading and working on intermediate string orchestra literature with a focus on music from ISSMA’s group II, III and IV lists. Basic and intermediate technical skills will be emphasized in every class. Goals for the class include reading and understanding a variety of rhythmic examples and producing a good tone. Students must be proficient in 2octave scales and 1st, 2nd & 3rd positions.

ORCHESTRA III, ADVANCED
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: A minimum of three years of playing in a school orchestra. Studying privately with a local professional. (DOE Course Code: 4174)

This orchestra will focus on reading and working on advanced string orchestra literature with a focus on music from ISSMA’s group I, II & III lists. Advanced technical skills will be emphasized in every class. Goals for the class include improving string techniques, producing a good tone, executing bowing articulations and rhythmic accuracy. Students must be proficient in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th positions.
   
DANCE PERFORMANCE, COLOR GUARD
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Audition and permission of Director of Bands and Color Guard Director (DOE Course Code: 4146)

The Color Guard is an active performing ensemble that participates in many co-curricular performances. During the first semester, the Color Guard performs as an integral part of the Jefferson Marching band, and during second semester, students in the Color Guard will participate in Winter Guard. Students will be exposed to a variety of dance concepts, including techniques used in ballet, modern, jazz, and interpretive dance. The class will expose students to dance work that includes activities which will develop students' ability to create movements from interpretation of music. They will be able to use images, both directed and self-created, to apply to movement. Through this class they will be able to experience how musical phrasing, rhythmic structure, and pulse affect dance movement. They will be encouraged to include props, costumes, and design into their learning experiences.

The class will include, but is not limited to, activities that develop the students' ability to understand the body's physical potential; develop listening, comprehension, and memorization skills; and identify and use, both orally and in writing, appropriate terminology related to style and technique.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Audition with Jazz Ensemble Director(s). Recommended Prior Experience: Participation in the Extracurricular Swing Band.  (DOE Course Code: 4164)

The Jefferson Jazz Ensemble is open to students who possess exemplary skills with their instrument and pass an audition given by the Jazz Ensemble Director(s).  Jazz Ensemble members automatically perform in the large jazz ensemble (“big band”), and select interested students may also perform in the smaller jazz combo (additional co-curricular rehearsal time is expected). Many styles of jazz literature are studied (swing, bebop, funk, Latin, etc.), as well as jazz theory and improvisation. There will be numerous performances throughout the year, including school functions, jazz clinics, contests, and community outreach performances. Instrumentalists other than guitarists and pianists should be enrolled in a concert band (or orchestra, for the bassist). Guitarists and pianists are expected to be highly proficient at reading music and are highly encouraged to take private lessons. Students are highly encouraged to take Piano and Electronic Keyboard I or Music Theory and Composition I prior to or concurrent with playing in this ensemble.

ELECTRONIC MUSIC: COMPOSING WITH DIGITAL TOOLS I
1 semester course, 1 credit, offered both semesters – Prerequisites: None (DOE Course Code: 4202)

Electronic Music: Composing with Digital Tools I is open to all students regardless of background.  Students will learn the science of sound; types and families of musical instruments, principles of organizing rhythm, melody, diatonic harmony, and form in music; the principles behind working in a digital audio workstation (DAW); and the techniques (editing, mixing, automation, processing, and basic MIDI sequencing) necessary to create digital music projects of high quality. Students in the course will experience the imagining, planning and making, evaluating and refining, and presenting phases of the composition process and reflect on that experience. No prior formal training or musical experience is expected.
The course is taught in a classroom/computer laboratory environment. Independent work is a significant component in the course, so students should be prepared to maintain their self-discipline and motivation.
 

ELECTRONIC MUSIC: COMPOSING WITH DIGITAL TOOLS II
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Semester 1: Successful completion of Composing with Digital Tools I (grade of “C” or higher); semester 2: successful completion of the 1st semester of Composing with Digital Tools II (grade of “C” or higher) (DOE Course Code: 4202)

Students in Composing with Digital Tools II will learn the principles of digital audio sampling and file formats; advanced audio production techniques (compression, spatialization, filtering, pitch changing and time stretching); MIDI sequencing and advanced MIDI editing; approaches to composing with sound objects, gestures and spectromorphological archetypes; texture, density, and form in acousmatic music; processes and techniques of melodic development; functional diatonic and chromatic harmony, outer-voice counterpoint, and voice leading; orchestration; and ; and composing with leitmotifs. Students will also explore the historical evolution of sound technologies, the difference between transparent and transformative uses of sound technologies, and historical approaches to composition.

Projects may include sound design and composing for film, children’s book multimedia adaptation, songwriting, and experimental approaches to acousmatic composition. Students in the course will further develop their awareness and experience of the imagining, planning and making, evaluating and refining, and presenting phases of the composition process.

The course is taught in a classroom/computer laboratory environment. Independent work is a significant component in the course, so students should be prepared to maintain their self-discipline and motivation.


MUSIC HISTORY AND APPRECIATION offered odd years (2021)

1 semester course, 1 credit, offered 2nd semester – Prerequisites: None (DOE Course Code: 4206)

Students in this class will receive instruction that is designed to explore major musical styles through understanding music in relation to both Western and non-Western history. Activities will include listening, analysis, evaluation of performance, and exposure to various musical performances. In order to understand these styles, basic musical elements will be explored. Segments included in this class will be music from the classical period to jazz to rock and roll and the influences of electronic music. 

MUSIC THEORY AND COMPOSITION I
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Semester 1: music-reading ability and working knowledge of keyboard (demonstrated through successful completion of Piano and Electronic Keyboard I-1 or by audition/placement exam); semester 2: successful completion of the 1st semester of Music Theory and Composition I (grade of “C” of higher). Recommended Prior Experience: Three years or more of middle- and high-school music performance classes (DOE Course Code: 4208)

Students in Music Theory I will learn the fundamental elements and collections of music (rhythm, pitch, scales, keys, intervals, and chords) and be introduced to higher-order principles of musical structure, relation, and organization in functional tonal music (meter, tonality, melodic structure, key relationships). Students will also acquire related musicianship skills in aural identification of rhythms, intervals, scales/modes, and melodies; singing fundamental melodic patterns; and playing fundamental melodic patterns at the keyboard.

Music Theory and Composition I is taught in a classroom/computer laboratory environment and is designed for those students who have prior formal musical training in band/choir/orchestra/piano and music-reading fluency. Students without that background should schedule an appointment with the music theory coordinator to determine whether admission is appropriate.

MUSIC THEORY, AP
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Semester 1: successful completion of the 2nd semester of Music Theory and Composition I (grade of “C” or higher) or by audition/placement exam; semester 2: successful completion of the 1st semester of AP Music Theory (grade of “C” or higher) (DOE Course Code: 4210)

Students in AP Music Theory will expand their grasp of higher-order principles of musical structure and organization in functional tonal music.  Topics will include species counterpoint, four-part chorale-style voice leading, reductive analysis, harmonic paradigms, analysis of phrase structures and relationships, and advanced musicianship (aural skills, sight singing, and keyboard).

Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory is taught in a classroom/computer laboratory environment and is designed for those students who have significant prior formal musical training and experience and who wish to receive AP transcript credit. Students without that background should schedule an appointment with the music theory coordinator to determine appropriate placement.

PIANO AND ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD I
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Semester 1: none; semester 2: successful completion of the 1st semester of Piano and Electronic Keyboard I or audition/placement exam (DOE Course Code: 4204)

Piano and Electronic Keyboard I is taught in a classroom/piano laboratory environment and is intended for those with little or no formal keyboard training. Students with previous formal training in piano should schedule an appointment with the class piano coordinator to audition to be placed in Piano and Electronic Keyboard I or II, as appropriate. Independent work is a significant component in Piano and Electronic Keyboard, so students should be prepared to maintain their discipline and motivation.

Fees: Students will purchase course materials from Book Rental and may also be responsible for purchasing additional solo material(s). Students may be required to pay admission fees to any concerts attended or field trips taken during the course.


PIANO AND ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD II
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Semester 1: “C” or better in the 2nd semester of Piano and Electronic Keyboard I or audition/place-ment exam; semester 2: successful completion of the 1st semester of Piano and Electronic Keyboard II or audition/placement exam (DOE Course Code: 4204)

Piano and Electronic Keyboard II is taught in a classroom/piano laboratory environment and is intended for those students who have successfully completed Piano and Electronic Keyboard I or acquired the equivalent skills through other formal training.

Independent work is a significant component in Piano and Electronic Keyboard, so students should be prepared to maintain their discipline and motivation. 


PIANO AND ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD II: H
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Semester 1: “B” or better in Piano and Electronic Keyboard I; semester 2: successful completion of the 1st semester of Piano and Electronic Keyboard II H or audition/placement exam (DOE Course Code: 4204)

The Honors level of Piano and Electronic Keyboard II is taught in a classroom/piano laboratory environment and is intended for those students who have successfully completed Piano and Electronic Keyboard I or acquired the equivalent skills through other formal training. Students with previous formal training in piano should schedule an appointment with the class piano coordinator to audition to be placed in Piano and Electronic Keyboard I or II, as appropriate.

The honors-level curriculum is significantly more rigorous than standard Class Piano II and is designed for those students who intend to major in music in college. Studied alongside standard-level Piano II students, those enrolled for honors credit will be expected to master considerably more material and present a public performance at the end of the year. Independent work is a significant component in Piano and Electronic Keyboard: H, so students should be prepared to maintain their discipline and motivation.