Welcome to Music Studies
BEGINNING BAND: COMPREHENSIVE MUSICIANSHIP (711) /full year
This course is an introduction to instrumental music for students seeking to learn how to play a band instrument (Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion). This entry-level course leads to qualification status for performance in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. No prior experience is necessary. No audition required. Available for freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Students must supply their own instruments.
INTERMEDIATE BAND: COMPREHENSIVE MUSICIANSHIP (711)/full year
This course offers organized instruction for students who already play a band instrument and are seeking continued development in order to meet qualification standards for Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Available for freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Students supply their own instruments. Although audition is not required, it is recommended. If, in the view of the director, the student has already attained enough requisite skill, it may be recommended that the student be registered for Symphonic Band.
SYMPHONIC BAND: COMPREHENSIVE MUSICIANSHIP (701, 702, 703, 712)/full year
This course provides organized instruction and participation in band music performance. This course is for students who have played instruments in an organized program. Students having 1 to 4-year instruction normally fit this profile. Students participating in this course may also qualify for Liturgical Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, or Percussion Ensemble. Classes are organized in standard rehearsal format. This course is open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Audition is required.
SYMPHONIC BAND: HONORS CURRICULUM (704, 705, 706)
Available for students in grades 10, 11, and 12. Students must have at least one unit of Symphonic Band prior to applying for Band (Honors).* Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for prior units of Symphonic Band. Student must receive departmental approval. Students must be cleared for approval by the Academic Dean. Symphonic Band (Honors) students will be required to take private instruction with a bona fide and approved private instructor. Private instruction must be on their primary or major instrument. Private lessons should average out to one per week and be a minimum of 30 minute lessons. *A special exception may be granted to students who are transferring into the school if he has experience commensurate with this requirement, pending an audition. A special exception may also be granted to students who have had experience in orchestras or band programs outside of the school.
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA:
The chamber orchestra program at Gonzaga College High School is offered to all interested students who play violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Educational emphasis is placed on the advancement of instrumental technique, further development of music reading and comprehension skills, ensemble playing skills, independent musicianship, style, and a deeper understanding of small group ensemble music, and orchestral literature. The orchestra will explore significant literature of multiple genres as the ensemble is able to do so. Students in the program are expected to perform with the orchestra in the Winter and Spring concerts during the academic year.
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA : HONORS
This section of the chamber orchestra program is available to any student who wishes to further enrich their musical experiences while participating in the orchestra. (Honors) students will be required to take private instruction with a bona fide and approved private instructor. Private instruction must be on their primary or major instrument. Private lessons should average out to one per week and be a minimum of 30 minute lessons. Also, honors students must pursue performance opportunities in addition to the two mandatory concerts during the year. Further details will be available from the music director upon further inquiry.
MUSIC APPRECIATION (713) seven periods per cycle/full year
This course is about what to listen for in music from all eras and cultures, and it encourages a better understanding of the variety of musical styles in the world. Students learn to recognize different genres of music by their sound through extensive listening. They are exposed to terminology and symbols used by musicians and music lovers, and to the technology that is so important in the production and business of music. A Music History component introduces students to the classic repertoire in a textbook format with coordinated listening exercises. They also learn to express their thoughts and impressions about music in an informed way. During each semester, students are expected to attend concerts of live music in different genres and to write about them
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TUTORIAL (714)/full year
This course is designed for advanced instrumental performance students who have demonstrated the ability to work in an independent format. Students who have an irrevocable schedule conflict that does not allow for that student to take Wind Ensemble may qualify for this course. Students meet with the instructor by appointment on a regular basis for individualized instruction and coaching. Students are assigned to specific small rehearsal groups that meet with the instructor weekly. Students participate in all sectional rehearsals and all performance related events in association with the Wind Ensemble. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of ensemble performance repertoire.
Note: This course is available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students in this course must study with a private instructor throughout the academic year.
MUSIC THEORY I (715)
This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of tonal music. Areas of study include music notation, terminology, keyboard harmony, harmonic analysis and rudimentary composition. (No pre‑requisite: Grades 10, 11 & 12)
MUSIC THEORY II (735)
This course in theory is a comprehensive approach toward analysis with emphasis placed on the literature of composition. Major musical forms are explored and used as models for compositional technique. Ear training and sight singing are introduced. (Pre‑requisite: 715)
APPLIED PIANO STUDIES (072)
This course is designed to supplement piano study that students are doing outside of school, and is adjunct to the Choral Arts Department. All students are required to be currently studying piano with a bona fide piano instructor. Students request permission to take this course from the Director of Choral Arts, who administers the program. All interested students are required to audition for the limited number of slots available. The course requires a regular on-campus practice schedule, weekly sessions with the Director of Choral Arts, a short recital each semester, assignments to accompany the chorus at liturgy or in concert, duets with other students, performance exams and a term paper.
CHORAL ARTS (716)/full year
This is the entry-level choral arts experience, and is open to freshmen and sophomores. Juniors and seniors may be admitted by permission only. Students will learn the basics of tone production and sight reading. They will learn to sing in unison and in parts, and will perform music of many styles and eras. Students participate in rehearsals daily, with additional mandatory evening rehearsals as scheduled. Students are required to perform at numerous liturgies and concerts throughout the year. Members of the Chorus have a performance exam and write one research paper each semester. Highly motivated Chorus students are given the opportunity during the term to participate in the Select Singers, which combines them with members of the upper level Chamber Choir for more challenging repertoire.
CHAMBER CHOIR (717)/full year
This is the upper level Gonzaga Choral Arts experience. Open to all students with requisite experience or talents, with permission of instructor. The Chamber Choir studies vocal techniques and sight reading, as part of an academic program which prepares them to perform the masterworks of vocal literature of all eras and styles. Rehearsals are daily, with additional evening rehearsals as scheduled. Students are invited to perform at numerous liturgies and concerts throughout the year, and to collaborate with other high school choirs in festivals and workshops. In addition, students have a performance exam and research paper each semester. Audition is required.
APPLIED VOCAL STUDIES (073)
Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors, the Applied Vocal Music Program is adjunct to the Gonzaga Choral Arts program, and provides Gonzaga students with an opportunity to sing in the Chamber Choir despite an irresolvable scheduling conflict. Applied Vocal students will learn the repertoire and participate in all performances of the Chamber Choir. All Applied Vocal students have a prerequisite of one or more years in the Gonzaga Chorus or Chamber Choir, and function as part of the combined choral ensembles in liturgies and concerts. In addition, highly motivated students will have opportunities to be cantors at liturgies and soloists in concerts, as well as to present a solo or duet concert. Each student has a regular on-campus practice schedule monitored by the Director of Choral Arts, which includes weekly rehearsal sessions and scheduled individual instruction sessions. Note: Audition is required and all Applied Vocal students must study with a private instructor outside of school.
INDEPENDENT MUSIC COMPOSITION and DIGITAL AUDIO (75O)/full year
Available to Juniors and Seniors who are concurrently enrolled in Gonzaga Music Performance classes. This independent study course is a project-based class, which will provide students with the basic skills needed to compose and perform music using modern technology. Projects require the use of computers, microphones, electronic and acoustic instruments, and other sound equipment for the creation of recorded works and for live performances. It includes an introduction to the principles of sound and digital audio (sound recording, editing, mixing, processing) and will involve extensive use of the Protools software platform. It is designed to complement the traditional skills students are learning in their ongoing music studies. Prerequisites: JUNIORS AND SENIORS ONLY, MUST BE ENROLLED IN MUSIC PERFORMANCE CLASS, PERMISSION OF DEPARTMENT AND ACADEMIC DEAN REQUIRED.
PERFORMANCE GROUPS
Wind Ensemble, Liturgical Chamber Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, Chamber Choir, Choral Arts Ensemble, Liturgical Choir