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

Course Descriptions

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.
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC
One year, two credits
This is a non-performance music class designed to give students an informative survey of music from all of the major global influences that have contributed to the international music culture. This course will incorporate reading and writing assignments as well as listening examples, with emphasis placed on research, discussion, and exploration. Due to course design, students will be introduced to music from differing cultures dependent upon the specific semester of enrollment over the course of four years. The classroom activities include guest speakers, library visits, inter-disciplinary field trips, group presentations, and individual projects.
JAZZ TECHNIQUES AND IMPROVISATIONS
One semester, one credit
Prerequisite: 2 years experience in a UHS music ensemble or consent of the instructor.
This course will explore the history and development of jazz music. We will study the musical, stylistic, technical, and social evolution of jazz. Students will analyze, transcribe, and play many different types of jazz based music. Although this class does not give public performances, students will be expected to perform for each other in class.
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 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 group training in full band with emphasis placed on basic 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.
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.
CONCERT BAND 1-2
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Previous training on a band instrument and placement by audition.
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
One quarter, partial physical education credit.
Prerequisites: Wind and percussion players will have previous training on their instruments and basic musical literacy.
Members of the color guard 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 and selected regional marching competitions and festivals, and local parades. Band members will participate in one-week “band camp” prior to the school year. In addition, there are night rehearsals that are required of members. Participation at 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. It will cover the beginning levels of music fundamentals and good vocal production. It will give the students an opportunity to sing music specifically designed for the beginning choral music student. It is usually expected that the inexperienced should successfully complete this class before requesting admission to one of the concert choirs. 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: A positive attitude, 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. Basic 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 level.
CONCERT CHOIR 1-2 (Section B)
One year, two credits
Prerequisites: A positive attitude, Urbana Singers 1-2 and/or audition.
Prior choral or instrumental music experience is preferred. The course is designed for students who are serious about performing choral literature suitable for advanced high school singers. Basic 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 level. The performance groups that emerge from Concert Choir 1-2, Sections A & B are: Combined Concert Choir, The Honors Choir, Special Ensembles, duets and soloists. There are required evening and weekend performances for concerts, contests, festivals, special engagements, etc. where attendance is mandatory. Absences from any event are dealt with on an individual basis, with the director making the final decision regarding the authenticity of the excuse of the absence. All students who elect Concert Choir 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.
CONCERT ORCHESTRA 1-2
One year, two credits
Prerequisite: Previous training on an orchestral instrument and audition.
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 and audition.
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 8-23-05

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

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