Level 2
Concert Band
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Beginning Band or successful audition
Students continue developing as individual musicians and as members of a musical group. Emphasis is placed on the development of intermediate level technical and ensemble skills necessary for performance. After-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as an integral part of the course. Marching band techniques and performances may be included. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Level 2
Symphonic Band
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Successful audition
Students in this course form the representative-performing band for the school. Emphasis is placed on the sequential development of advanced technical skills and on the study of related literature. Based on successful completion of sequential concepts for each level, students will continue as specified in course level. After- school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of the course. Marching band techniques, rehearsals, and performances are included in this course. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Level 3
Wind Ensemble
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Successful audition
Students in this course form the representative performing band for the school. Emphasis is placed on the sequential development of advanced technical skills and on the study of related literature. Based on successful completion of sequential concepts for each level, students will continue as specified in course level. After-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of the course. Marching band techniques, rehearsals, and performances are included in this course. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Level 1
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Successful audition or permission of the instructor.
Corequisite: Schools may require membership in intermediate or advanced band class, and may require participation in marching band.
The instrumental jazz ensemble curriculum emphasizes improvisation and styles of the jazz idiom. Content includes the study of blues scale patterns and harmonic progressions innate in jazz music. Content also includes the study of the appropriate jazz literature and rehearsal and performance techniques from the jazz idiom. Performances and rehearsals both in and out of school may be required. Instrumentation of the jazz ensemble is at the discretion of the jazz instructor. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Successful audition
This course is designed to meet specific needs and/or interests. Content includes study of the appropriate ensemble literature, and rehearsal and performance techniques from the various areas of musical composition. Performances and rehearsals, both in and out of school, may be required. Schools may also require membership in intermediate or advanced band class, and may require participation in marching band. Instrumentation of the group is at the discretion of the instructor. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922. After school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as an integral part of the course.
Level 1
Level 1 - String Ensemble; Level 2 - Concert Orchestra
Level determined by required audition.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Attainment of beginning level skills and permission of instructor.
The course offers instruction in the development of intermediate and advanced performing skills, including individual playing and ensemble techniques, and disciplinary skills needed for performance. After-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of the course. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Level 2
Chamber String Orchestra
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Successful audition
Students in this course form the representative string performing group for the school. Emphasis is placed on the development of technical, ensemble, and disciplinary skills necessary for refined rehearsal and performance both in and out of school. Based on successful completion of sequential concepts for each level, students will continue as specified in course level. After-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of the course. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Women's Ensemble
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: none
Beginning level students will participate in a chorus of women's voices. Emphasis is placed upon correct vocal performance techniques through the singing of appropriate choral literature. Rehearsals and performances, both in and out of school, may be required. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Men's Ensemble
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: none
Beginning level students will participate in a chorus of men's voices. Emphasis is placed upon correct vocal performance techniques through the singing of appropriate choral literature. Rehearsals and performances, both in and out of school, may be required. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Concert Choir
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Beginning Chorus, or successful audition
Intermediate level chorus will provide for the continued study of correct vocal production and development of musicianship through the study of appropriate choral literature. Rehearsals and performances, both in and out of school, are required. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Symphonic Choir
Level 1
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Successful audition
Students are offered advanced choral experiences for mixed voices. Emphasis is placed on the development of musicianship and proficiency in ensemble performance. Course content includes a study of choral literature, vocal techniques, and sight-singing. Based on successful completion of sequential concepts for each level, students will continue as specified in course level. Rehearsals and performances both in and out of school are required. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Bella Voce
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Successful audition
Students are offered advanced choral experiences for women's voices. Emphasis is placed on the development of musicianship and proficiency in ensemble performance. Course content includes a study of choral literature, vocal techniques, and sight-singing. Based on successful completion of sequential concepts for each level, students will continue as specified in course level. Rehearsals and performances both in and out of school are required. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922
Level 1
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: none
Students learn the fundamentals of guitar. Guitar instruction emphasizes basic technique, reading, progressions, and music theory. Instructional literature is selected from classical and contemporary repertoire. Guest artists and field trips to performances and/or seminars may also be part of the curriculum. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Successful audition/successful completion of Guitar 1, or permission of the instructor.
Students continue to develop skills on the guitar. Guitar instruction emphasizes intermediate technique, reading, progressions, and music theory. Instructional literature is selected from classical and contemporary repertoire. Guest artists and field trips to performances and/or seminars may also be part of the curriculum. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Successful audition/successful completion of Guitar 2 or permission of the instructor.
Students continue to develop skills on the guitar. Guitar instruction emphasizes advanced technique, reading, progressions, and music theory. Instructional literature is selected from classical and contemporary repertoire. Guest artists and field trips to performances and/or seminars may also be part of the curriculum. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
After-school rehearsals and performances are required as an integral part of the course.
Level 2
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Successful audition or permission of the instructor.
Students in this course form the representative performing guitar ensemble for the school. Emphasis is placed on the sequential development of advanced technical skills and on the study of related literature. Based on successful completion of sequential concepts for each level, students will continue as specified in course level. After-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of the course. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Emphasis is placed on developing and understanding basic music theory skills. Course content includes recognizing and notating: all major and minor scales, rhythms in simple and compound meters, and triadic chord structures. Composition skills in standard notation of simple melodies, with accompanying chords and keyboard performance of simple tunes, may also be included. Students will become acquainted with appropriate musical terms.
Grades: 10, 11, 12 Credit: one/weighted +.5
Prerequisite: Music Theory or equivalency exam
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement music theory examination, with college credit and/or placement being awarded if a qualifying score is achieved. Students are given a solid foundation in intervals, pitch patterns, metric/rhythmic patterns, chords, and the terms that are part of a basic understanding of reading, performing, and listening to music. Analysis and some elementary composition, aural skills, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony will also be included. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Music Theory exam.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
This course involves the study of classic and award-winning films. Students critique both the artistic and technical merits of the films. They study the development of theme, plot, characterization, and setting in each production. They learn the vocabulary associated with film and use this vocabulary when discussing or writing about films. Students may create their own short films.
Students write detailed analyses of films.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Speech Communication is designed to introduce students to the basics of speech communication. Students participate in a variety of speech activities which help them develop self-confidence and poise through preparation, performance, and evaluation. Students participate in interpersonal, group, and public speaking activities.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Theatre Arts 1 provides students with a survey of the theatre arts, allowing students opportunities to experience and appreciate dramatic literature, and participate in the creative processes of performance and production. The course emphasizes skill development and provides theatrical opportunities that enable students to determine personal areas of interest. Participation in co-curricular theatre productions may be arranged. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Grades: 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 1 and/or recommendation of the theatre arts instructor.
Theatre Arts 2 integrates and builds upon concepts and skills from Theatre Arts 1. Through various modes of expression and performance, students investigate dramatic literature, theatrical styles, and historical periods. Students will study and respond to a variety of theatre experiences that will refine their communicative, collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem solving skills. Students will expand their artistic abilities and appreciation of the theatrical arts. Participation in co-curricular theatre productions may be arranged.
This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Develop Independent Skills in Theatre
Grades: 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 2 and/or recommendation of the theatre arts instructor.
Students exhibit independence, discipline, and commitment to the theatre process through their work on assigned projects. Advanced work in acting skills and preparation, play analysis, and character interpretation are expected. Collaboration with actors and directors is augmented by special assignments and opportunities. Participation in co-curricular theatre productions may be required. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Grades: 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 3 and/or recommendation of the theatre arts instructor.
Students identify areas of special interest in theatre arts, and initiate and complete major research and/or creative projects, such as play writing, producing, directing, designing, and stage-managing. Emphasis is placed on in-depth study and completion of projects, assumption of leadership roles, and expansion of criteria for self-evaluation. Students will analyze and evaluate scripts, concentrate on vocal and physical dramatics, and undertake a special theatre project in their area of specialization. Students are expected to assume leadership positions in co-curricular theatre productions. Participation in major projects related to the co-curricular theatre productions may be required. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 1 and/or recommendation of theatre arts instructor.
Students explore various areas of technical theatre such as lighting, costumes, sound, scenery, makeup, properties, and theatre management. An analysis of dramatic literature leads students to an understanding of the design and production process. Participation in co-curricular productions is strongly encouraged. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Grades: 10, 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Technical Theatre 1 and/or recommendation of theatre arts instructor
Students apply technical theatre knowledge and skills by participating in a variety of theatre lab activities and practical projects. Emphasis is on script interpretation and execution of the design concept. Students will collaborate to effectively and safely create functional scenery, properties, lighting, sound, costumes and makeup, and to develop stage management, business and public relations skills. Participation in co-curricular productions will be strongly encouraged. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Grades: 11, 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Technical Theatre 2 or recommendation of the instructor
Students exhibit independence, discipline, and commitment to the theatre process through their work on assigned projects. Advanced work in technical elements of production is augmented by special assignments and opportunities. Participation in co-curricular theatre productions may be required. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
Grades: 12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Technical Theatre 3 or permission of the instructor
Students identify areas of special interest in technical theatre and initiate and complete major research or creative projects in play production. Emphasis is placed on in-depth study and completion of projects, assumptions of leadership roles, and expansion of criteria for self-evaluation. Leadership positions and major projects related to co-curricular theatre productions may be required. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.