Music
The Music Department offers students a number of exciting opportunities to explore, create, and perform music. Newton North has thirteen performing ensembles, as well as courses in theory, composition, technology, history, and appreciation. These course offerings are designed to present opportunities for all students: students looking to study music in college, as well as students looking to gain a well-rounded education. Participation in Newton North Music presents many additional opportunities for students outside of the school day as well. North music ensembles perform locally and internationally. In April of ’09, students from each of North’s nine ensembles performed at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing, China! In 2010, another group of students traveled to Italy. In April 2014, 2016 & 2018, North music students traveled to our Fine & Performing Arts sister school in Melbourne, Australia. Many students participate in MMEA’s District & All-State Festivals (with a yearly Symphony Hall performance). They have had the opportunity to learn from and perform with guest artists representing some of America’s top musicians. They create their own compositions in music technology and film scoring. They make lifetime friends and learn skills to take them through a lifetime. The opportunities are endless.
Students enrolled in music classes have the opportunity to participate in the Fine & Performing Arts Department Exchange Program with Haileybury College, Melbourne, Australia. See the department website for more details on this opportunity.
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Music Opportunities
- Music
Semester, 6 Credits
Level: ACP
Course Number: 801
Vocal Ensemble is the chorus for ninth grade students and is the beginning of North’s choral program.
- 09
- Music
- No Prerequisite or Recommendation
Full Year, 12 Credits
Level: ACP
Course Number: 800
Concert Choir is for students, grades 10-12, who have a passion for singing and learning multi-part choral music from many styles and periods of music.
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
Full Year, 12 Credits
Level: ACP
Course Number: 803
Tiger Bebop is the vocal jazz component of the Newton North choral program. Tiger Bebop repertoire is based on music from the Great American Songbook past and present.
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
- No Prerequisite or Recommendation
Full Year, 12 Credits
Level: ACP
Course Number: 805
Join fellow violinists, violists, cellists and string bass players and make music with the Newton North orchestra.
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
Requirement: Open to all students by audition (pianists welcome!) – Note: String and Wind players must be a current member of Symphony Orchestra – Strings or Wind Ensemble.
Semester, 6 Credits
Level: H
Course Number: 806
This select ensemble is open by audition to students interested in performing chamber music.
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
- No Prerequisite or Recommendation
Any students interested in a full year band option should contact their band director for select registration.
Full Year/Semester, 12/6 Credits
Level: ACP
Course Number: 80821/808
Symphonic Band is an essential foundation for anyone who wants to participate in Wind Ensemble, Orchestra Winds & Percussion, the Jubilee Band, Jazz Ensemble and as well as school musical pit orchestra.
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
Requirement: an audition for the instrumental music director.
Full Year, 12 Credits
Level: H
Course Number: 809
The Wind Ensemble is the honors group for winds and percussion.
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
Quarter, 3 Credits
Level: N/A
Course Number: 810
Select wind and percussion players are chosen by audition from players in the Wind Ensemble.
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
Requirement: an audition is required for placement.
Full Year, 12 Credits
Level: H
Course Number: 811
As a member of Jazz Ensemble, you will explore various forms of jazz, Latin, funk, fusion, and pop music.
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
- No Prerequisite or Recommendation
Semester, 6 Credits
Level: N/A
Course Number: 833
Jazz Workshop provides students with the opportunity to explore various forms of jazz, Latin, funk, fusion, and pop music.
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
- No Prerequisite or Recommendation
Full Year/Semester, 12/6 Credits
Level: N/A
Course Number: 83121/831
Do you love music, play an instrument, and want to play with other musicians? If so, this class offers you the opportunity to play in a modern band setting and learn about various styles of modern music.
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
Prerequisite: Rock Workshop or permission by teacher or department head.
Full Year/Semester, 12/6 Credits
Level: ACP
Course Number: 71121/7111
Rock Studio explores real world applications of producing and promoting a final musical product.
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
Requirement: Permission from the Music Department.
Full Year, 12 Credits
Level: ACP
Course Number: 832
This course is for students seeking advanced study of jazz improvisation and builds on concepts presented in Jazz Workshop and Jazz Ensemble.
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
- No Prerequisite or Recommendation
Recommended for all music students.
Semester, 6 Credits
Level: ACP
Course Number: 812
Music Theory teaches the building blocks of music. This course is the first in a sequence that includes Advanced Placement Music Theory.
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
Requirement: Music Theory or teacher permission.
Full Year, 12 Credits
Level: H
Course Number: 813
Advanced Placement Music Theory is the continuation of Music Theory. It includes advanced harmony, analysis and ear training.
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
- No Prerequisite or Recommendation
Quarter, 3 Credits
Level: N/A
Course Number: 814
If you love music and love to create, music technology is for you.
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
- No Prerequisite or Recommendation
Music Technology is recommended as the precursor to Film Scoring, but not required.
Semester, 6 Credits
Level: ACP
Course Number: 815
Ever watch a movie without sound and realize how much of the drama disappears? Music is one of the key elements to creating a successful film, television show, or advertisement.
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
- No Prerequisite or Recommendation
Quarter, 3 Credits
Level: N/A
Course Number: 816
Popular music is a powerful, ever-changing force that has had a profound effect on American society and social issues.
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
- No Prerequisite or Recommendation
Quarter, 3 Credits
Level: N/A
Course Number: 819
The Beatles’ recorded output took place over roughly 8 years. What occurred musically in that incredibly short time has forever altered the course of the music world.
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12
- Music
- No Prerequisite or Recommendation
- Theatre
Quarter, 3 Credits
Level: N/A
Course Number: 8382
This course will walk you through the historic path that will eventually lead to musical theatre and Broadway as we know it today.
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12