Course Descriptions

All music courses are one credit per semester. Classes requiring audition must have auditions completed by April 1 of the year of registration.

MUSIC THEORY
One year, two credits
This is a non-performance class. Students must have some musical background and training. The course will focus on
fundamentals of music, including notation, intervals, scales, etc. In addition, the course will advance to include four-part writing. In addition to theoretical writing assignments, aural training exercises will be incorporated. Students will develop aural skills for recognition of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic musical elements.

PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES
All Urbana High School performing arts classes have performances and/or rehearsals outside of the regular school day as a
requirement for the course. These events are considered an integral part of the course content and an essential part of functioning within a performance ensemble. As individual absences affect the efficiency of instruction and ultimately the success of the ensemble and the majority of instruction is geared towards the group as a whole, the participation of each individual is needed at each rehearsal and performance.
Attendance and participation at all performances and/or rehearsals outside of the school day will be a factor when determining the final grade for the course. On the first meeting day of the course, students will be provided with a syllabus that includes a list of all outside commitments. For specific questions about courses, please contact the individual teacher.

SYMPHONIC BAND 1-2
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Previous training on a band instrument and/or placement by audition. All freshmen will enroll in this course until they audition to be selected for Wind Ensemble or Concert Band.
This course will focus on basic level group training in full band with emphasis placed on musical literacy and improving skills in
musicianship. Opportunities exist for participation in regional and state festivals. There are required evening and weekend
performances for concerts, contests, festivals, and pep band.

WIND ENSEMBLE 1-2
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Previous training on a band instrument and placement by audition
This course will focus on intermediate level training in full band with emphasis placed on musical literacy and improving skills in
musicianship. It includes concert and small group experiences. Opportunities exist for participation in university, regional, and
state festivals. Orchestra experience is available for winds and percussionists enrolled in this class. There are required evening
and weekend performances for concerts, contests, festivals, and pep band.

WIND SYMPHONY 1-2
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Previous training on a band instrument and placement by audition
This course will focus on advanced level group training in full band with emphasis placed on musical literacy and improving skills in musicianship. This band is designed for students who are serious about performing band literature suitable for advanced high school musicians. It includes concert and small group experiences. Opportunities exist for participation in university, regional and state festivals. Orchestra experience is available for winds and percussionists enrolled in this class. There are required evening and weekend performances for concerts, contests, festivals, and pep band.

TIGER MARCHING BAND (TMB)
One quarter, partial physical education credit
Prerequisites: Wind and percussion players will have previous training on their instruments and basic musical literacy skills.
Members of the color guard and percussion section are admitted by audition the previous spring. Wind and percussion players must be enrolled concurrently in an instrumental or choral ensemble to be eligible for membership in TMB.
Instructional emphasis is placed on improving skills in musicianship, marching, maneuvering, and showmanship. The Urbana
Tiger Marching Band performs at all UHS home football games, selected away games, selected regional marching competitions and festivals, and local parades. Band members will participate in “band camp” prior to the school year. In addition, there are night rehearsals that are required of members. Participation at rehearsals and performances is required of all Tiger Marching Band
members.

THE URBANA SINGERS 1-2
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: A positive attitude and a desire to sing in a choir
This class will prepare students for involvement in choral music while covering the beginning levels of music fundamentals and
good vocal production. Urbana Singers will give the students an opportunity to sing music specifically designed for the beginning choral music student. There are required evening performances for concerts, festivals, community activities, and rehearsals that affect a major portion of the student’s assessment. There is no required audition for this choral ensemble, however, students are encouraged to utilize this entry-level vocal experience to its fullest, and actively seek placement in one of the Urbana High School Concert Choirs upon completion.

CONCERT CHOIR: 1-2 (SECTION A)
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Urbana Singers 1-2, and/or audition
This course is designed for students who are serious about performing choral literature suitable for advanced high school singers. Intermediate vocal music techniques, music theory, and sight singing techniques will be studied in this course. Students who sing in this choir are eligible to sing in a variety of engagements on the local, state, national, and international levels. There are required evening performances for concerts, festivals, community activities, and rehearsals that affect a major portion of the student’s assessment.

CONCERT CHOIR HONORS: 1-2 (SECTION B)
One year, two credits
Prerequisites: Urbana Singers 1-2 and/or audition
Prior choral or instrumental music experience is REQUIRED. The course is designed for students who are serious about
performing choral literature suitable for advanced high school singers. Many singers choose this class because they have a desire to continue with music in some way after high school. Advanced vocal music techniques, music theory, and sight singing
techniques will be studied. Students who sing in this choir are eligible to sing in a variety of engagements on the local, state,
national, and international levels. Participation in solo/ensemble contest, organizational contest, and IMEA is STRONGLY
encouraged. There are more required outside performances in Concert Choir Honors than in regular Concert Choir. All students who elect Concert Choir Honors as a course are also eligible to take this subject as one of the weighted classes. Please be reminded that this is not a requirement for admission to the Concert Choir Honors.

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA 1-2
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Previous training on an orchestral instrument and audition. Students who enroll in this course must demonstrate
fluency in shifting, vibrato, tone production, and bow articulations such as spicatto, staccato, and marcato.
The curriculum includes instruction and performance on instruments, which make up the string choir in the orchestra (violin, viola, cello, and string bass). Emphasis is placed on improving skills in musicianship. Members of the wind and percussion sections are selected from those registered in CONCERT BAND. Performance groups are full orchestra, small ensembles and soloists. There are required evening and weekend performances for concerts, contests, festivals, and rehearsals.

SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA 1-2
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Previous training on an orchestra instrument is helpful but not mandatory. All freshmen will enroll in this course
until they audition to be selected into chamber strings. This course involves instruction and performance on instruments, which
make up the string choir in the orchestra (violin, viola, cello, and string bass). Emphasis is placed on improving technical skills and musicianship. Members of the wind and percussion sections are selected from those registered in WIND EMSEMBLE.
Performance groups are full orchestra, string orchestra, small ensembles, and soloists. There are required evening and weekend performances for concerts, contests, festivals, and rehearsals.

NOTE: Students in grades 10, 11, or 12, who are enrolled in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert
Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, or Concert Choir, may elect to take the course with the weighted option. The course content of weighted music classes includes all preparation and performance expectations of the student’s group plus a fall audition, spring contest, and a paper each semester. Students must enroll for weighted music classes within the first two weeks of each semester. Weighted courses meet the same period as regular courses. Writing, research, and individual practice for the audition and contest requirements will be done outside of class. If selected for one of the all-district groups, students must attend the all-district rehearsals and concert. If chosen as a soloist or ensemble member for the contest, students must attend the contest performance.

Page Updated 10-17-07

Urbana High School
1002 S. Race Street
Urbana, Illinois 61801

Phone: 217-384-3505
Fax: 217-384-3532
Attendance: 384-3522