DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Sutton High School music program is to provide opportunities for all students to realize their potential for positive aesthetic experience in music, to provide a foundation of musicianship and an appreciation of the value of music, and the tools to critically evaluate music.

The Instrumental and Choral Music Department assumes responsibility for the following SHS Learning Expectations:

The Sutton High School student is an effective communicator.

The Sutton High School student demonstrates cultural awareness.

The Sutton High School student works cooperatively.

The Sutton High School student works independently.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, 1 credit Open to all grades as listed below

Instrumental Music I (4841) Grade 9

Prerequisite: Successful experience in middle school band or successful audition.

Instrumental Music II (4842) Grade 10

Instrumental Music III (4843) Grade 11

Instrumental Music IV (4844) Grade 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of preceding instrumental music course and recommendation of Band Director.

Instrumental Music V Honors (4845) Grade 11

Prerequisite: Successful completion of preceding instrumental music course with a grade of 90

and recommendation of Band Director.

Instrumental Music VI Honors (4846) Grade 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of preceding instrumental music course with a grade of 90 and recommendation of Band Director or a grade of 85 in Instrumental Music V Honors.

Students receive instruction on one of a variety of wind and percussion instruments, participate in ensembles, which meet every day for a full period, and participate in performances at various times throughout the year. Special ensembles are available by audition or appointment. Fundamentals for instrumental musicianship are stressed through the study of music from a wide variety of styles and historic periods. Music theory and history are elements of the curriculum.

Students are expected to participate with appropriate demeanor at all rehearsals and performances. Students are expected to practice regularly, continuously improve, and master all assigned parts. Students are expected to develop habits that will enable them to achieve musical independence.

CHORUS (4850) 1 credit

Open to All Grades

Chorus I (4850) Grade 9

Prerequisite: Successful experience in middle school chorus or approval of director

Chorus II (4851) Grade 10

Chorus III (4852) Grade 11

Chorus IV (4853) Grade 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of preceding chorus courses with a grade of 90 and recommendation of director.

Chorus V Honors (4854) Grade 11

Prerequisite: Successful completion of preceding chorus courses with a grade of 90 and recommendation of director or a grade of 85 in Chorus V Honors.

Chorus VI Honors (4855) Grade 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of preceding chorus courses with a grade of 90 and recommendation of director.

The high school chorus meets every day for a full period and prepares special programs for public performance throughout the year. Students will explore the fundamentals of musicianship through the study of musical literature selected from a wide variety of styles and historical periods. Choral students will study the elements of musical structure and research composers from various historical periods. Students are expected to develop and master the following skills in order to achieve musical independence: reading musical notation, singing with correct vocal technique, ensemble singing, musical technique and interpretation, and ear training. A cooperative learning environment is an essential aspect of choral singing and appropriate attitude is expected at all rehearsals and performances.