Instrumental and Vocal Music
Program Goal: All students will experience the understanding, the appreciation and the creation of the Fine Arts in a Catholic/Christian setting for lifelong learning. Students will develop the following skills:
- Expressing oneself creatively in various media in the visual and performing arts
- Communicating with others through the language of the arts
- Respecting the rights of others’ artistic expression
- Critically evaluating the artistic works of self and others
- Comprehending the arts in a historical and cultural context
- Cultivating creative solutions to problems and opportunities
- Learning to be a discerning artist while manifesting an open mind to the arts in everyday life
*All Instrumental and Vocal Music courses are elective courses; however, students must earn a minimum of 1 credit hour in either Computer Science courses, Engineering and Innovation courses, Fine Arts courses, Instrumental and Vocal Music, or Media Arts and Design courses (or a combination of these courses) prior to graduation.
Elective Courses
Marching Band
Course Number: MU025
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (first semester)
Prerequisite: Audition or Director Permission Required
Open to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Description: This course is available to all musicians who have actively studied an instrument and have attained a music proficiency level meeting the director’s standards set for incoming freshmen. This class consists of preparing for and executing several marching performances and the Christmas concert. Two Full Credits of Marching Band/Concert Band can be substituted for ½ credit of Physical Education. Beginning with the Class of 2026, PE Waivers will no longer be accepted.
Requirements for ALL Bands: Men are required to have white dress shirts and black ties. Women are required to wear the pre-selected band dress. All are required to have black shoes and black socks.
All members are required to attend Band Camp prior to the start of school and weekly evening rehearsals in the fall.
Concert Band
Course Number: MU026
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (second semester)
Prerequisites: Marching Band and Director Permission
Open to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Description: This class consists of learning to play concert music at a high intrinsic level. This will be achieved through careful indoor rehearsals and performances. Individuals will also have the opportunity to participate in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s District Solo and Ensemble Festival. Basic music theory and some music history will also be instructed. Marching Band first semester is required. Concert performances are required.
Jazz Band
Course Number: MU027
Credit Hours: Credit/No Credit Only (no grade assigned)
Prerequisite: Marching Band, Concert Band or Choir AND Audition or Director Permission
Open to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Description: Jazz Band students will further refine their musical abilities through jazz on their primary or secondary instruments. Selections will be performed at concerts and at various events throughout the year. Jazz Band meets afterschool two days per week. Auditions take place just after the beginning of the school year.
Music Appreciation
Course Number: MU018
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: None
Open to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Description: From Bach to Pop, music is appreciated, researched and analyzed. How is music used? Why is it important? How does it impact us? How does it reflect our culture, history and faith? Students will learn to listen to music critically and recognize both the positive and negative influences it can have. They will also learn of the various instruments used to make music, primarily in the western tradition.
Concert Choir
Course Number: MU028
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Teacher Approval (signature required)
Open to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Description: Basic vocal and choral techniques will be employed on a daily basis. Students will explore music theory and sight-reading as a way of understanding the musical language. A wide variety of choral literature will be studied and performed. A desire to learn and perform music to the best of their ability should motivate students to enroll in this class. Selections will be performed at concerts, liturgies and other outside events throughout the year. These performances are required.
Concert Choir (Zero Hour)
Course Number: MU028Z
Credit Hours: Credit/No Credit Only (no grade assigned)
Prerequisite: Teacher Approval (signature required)
Open to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Description: See Concert Choir description (above). This course begins at 7:15 a.m. and is held Tuesday-Friday.
Requirements for ALL Choirs: Men and Women are required to wear the pre-selected choir uniforms (black shirt, tuxedo pants and dresses). All are required to have black dress shoes and black socks.
Theatre I
Course Number: MU023
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (first semester)
Prerequisite: None
Open to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Description: Students will learn the basics of the theatre including theatre vocabulary, movement, vocal interpretation, improvisation, theatre history and acting. This course is an introductory course to the world of theatre and requires a number of projects and performances designed to expose students to the various elements of theatre for a well-rounded understanding of the art form. Final showcase performances may be scheduled for the evening and are required.
Theatre II
Course Number: MU024
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit (second semester)
Prerequisite: Theatre I or Director Approval
Open to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Description: Building on things covered in Theatre I, in this course students will learn the basics of different aspects of theatre including understanding the cultural influence of theatre, the development of creative expression in ensemble/small group/solo performances, directing, designing and critiquing theatre. This course seeks to deepen students’ understanding of theatre production as a whole and requires a number of projects and performances designed to expose students to the various elements of theatre for a well-rounded understanding of the art form. This is primarily a performance-based class. Final showcase performances may be scheduled for the evening and are required.