Walter Payton College Prep



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Music Dept Course Offerings

Beginning Chorus

If you like to sing, do not have much experience but would like to learn more, this chorus is for you! While working toward the final goal of a choral performance students will learn the basics of note reading and good, solid vocal production. Choral music appropriate to the age and vocal maturity of the group will be explored, as well as an eclectic approach to choral literature. Students will begin to understand the steps to singing and performing well thus building self-confidence and esteem. Open to any Payton student.

Intermediate Chorus

The intermediate chorus is for those students who have previous experience in a choral program and want to expand their knowledge of choral singing, music theory and choral literature. Ear training and sight singing will be emphasized. Membership in this group is by audition only. Any student with previous choral experience may audition. There will be a final, concert performance with the possibility of other performing opportunities (e.g. the Chicago Public Schools, State Choral Competitions and community performances). Open to freshmen, sophomores and juniors, with consent of the instructor.

General Music

This course is designed to answer one, basic question: why do humans value music? Viewing music in a social context and understanding how humans use music help us to understand and respect the musics of all peoples, past and present. By trying to understand what is going on in the music, we can not only learn about others but begin to broaden our own musical tastes. In this class we will study an incredibly wide variety of music from a wide variety of times, peoples and cultures. By understanding music we can better understand each other.

Advanced Chorus (Concert Choir)

The Advanced Chorus is for those students who have extensive choral experience and an intense love of choral singing. The group will explore advanced choral singing skills and choral literature as well as music history, theory and sight singing. A final concert, performance will be presented. The Concert Choir will also attend CPS and Illinois State competitions and will be featured in other community performances as they present themselves. You be a sophomore or a junior and must audition and have approval from Mr. Weaver to enroll in this class. Open to sophomores and juniors only, with consent of the instructor.

Advanced Orchestra

Open to all students who have experience on a string instrument (violin, viola, cello and double bass). The course includes the study of various styles and composers of orchestral literature. Performances will occur at various events throughout the year. This course must be taken in conjunction with the orchestra seminar. Permission of the instructor required.

Beginning Band

Instruction offered on woodwind, brasswind and percussion instruments. These instruments are furnished by the school. Course includes the study of musical rudiments, theory and the applications to the specific instrument of study. No previous experience is required. Open to freshmen and sophomores. Juniors: permission of instructor.

Advanced Band

Open to students who have successfully completed Beginning Band or who already play a woodwind, brasswind or percussion instrument. Various styles of band literature are presented for study. Performances will occur at various events throughout the year. Permission of the instructor required.

Jazz Ensemble

Comprised of students interested in learning more of the musical form native to the United States. The focus is on ensemble performance plus improvisational skills and jazz theory.

TEACHER BIOS

Jeffrey Weaver
Glenn Rode

COURSES

Beginning Chorus
Intermediate Chorus
General Music
Advanced Chorus (Concert Choir)
Advanced Orchestra
Beginning Band
Advanced Band
Jazz Ensemble