Contact: Patricia Aquino- Department Chair

Phone: 201-646-8038

E-mail: p.aquino@hackensackschools.org

Lisa MacVicar

John Zisa

Courses Offered

Band

Mixed Chorus

Musical Theater/Drama

AP COURSE OFFERINGS

Pre AP Music Theory

AP Music Theory

Band

Band is a course open to all students. Some proficiency on a stringed, wind, percussion instrument or piano is a prerequisite. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the instructor.

Participation consists of five 40-minute classes per week. In addition, each student will have one period of sectional rehearsal each week on a rotating basis. The sectional lesson may be waived in case of an examination or special class session.

Mixed Chorus

Mixed chorus covers methods and procedures for the attainment of superior choral singing, posture breathing, resonance, distinct and natural pronunciation, phrasing, style and interpretation. Students will acquire skills of reading music and singing individual parts with balance and blend, while developing good habits of diction, intonation, deep breathings and breath control. Students will learn techniques of phrasing, dynamics, tone production and of expressing the mood and spirit of each composition sung. In this course, students will become acquainted with varied selections from the world’s finest choral music, interpreting them with accuracy and effectiveness. They will contribute to the musical life of the school and perform at various school and community organizations.

Musical Theater/Drama

This course is designed for the beginning drama student. Improvisation, speech, movement, and scene study are in integral part of the program. Through daily participation in a variety of activities, students will be encouraged to explore their own creative potential on stage in a supportive, yet challenging learning environment. The second half of the year focuses on theater production, as students are involved in all facets of the spring musical. Both performances based and written assessment are used to determine the student's success in this course.

Pre-AP Music Theory:

Pre AP Music Theory is designed for the student interested in pursuing a career in the field of music. Previous experience playing an instrument or singing in a choir is recommended, but not necessary. The course will cover: note recognition, triads, seventh chords, melodic and harmonic intervals, scales, four-part writing, composition, ear training, and sight singing. Weekly quizzes and chapter tests will be given to assess student achievement. An original composition will be assigned as a final project at the end of the year.

AP Music Theory:

AP Music Theory is designed for the student interested in pursuing a career in the field of music. Students entering this class must have completed and passed Pre-AP Music Theory as a pre-requisite. The course will pick up where the Pre-AP class left off and will cover: secondary dominants, non-chord tones, arranging, analysis, ear training, and sight-singing. The course is regulated by the College Boards and students must meet all their criteria. Students will take the College Board AP Music Theory exam in May and will compose a song with extracted parts as a final project to be recorded.