Music
Music Courses Offered at SBJHS:
Vocal Ensemble (Choir) (7th/8th): This class offers an opportunity for singers of all levels to showcase and improve their talents. In this non-auditioned class: any singer may join regardless of past experience. We will learn basic theory elements, harmony, and use of the voice as we prepare for our concerts during the year. Students will sing many different genres of music including Broadway, pop, jazz and classical. Opportunities for solo and small ensemble performance are also available in this class throughout the year. Members accept an obligation to participate in public performances outside the school day.
Beginning Band (7th /8th): Course is designed for students with limited, or no prior experience on a woodwind (flute, clarinet, saxophone, bass clarinet), brass (trumpet, trombone, french horn, baritone, tuba) or percussion instrument or for those students who cannot read music. This class prepares students for advanced performing instrumental ensembles. Students learn basic skills on their instrument and an introduction to basic music theory, harmony, ear training, and performance of appropriate repertoire. Members accept an obligation to participate in public performances outside the school day.
Advanced Band (7th/8th): Admission to Advanced Band requires completion of Beginning band, or Director approval and is open to students who play a woodwind (flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bass clarinet), brass (trumpet, trombone, baritone, French horn, tuba) or percussion instrument and can easily read music. This class does not include students who play electric guitar, electric bass or piano. Coursework consists of developing musicianship, including music theory, music history, harmony, ear training and performance of appropriate repertoire. Members accept an obligation to participate in public performances outside the school day, including concerts and parades.
Pre-Req: Completion of Beginning Band or Director approval
Jazz Ensemble (7th/8th) (0 period/Audition Only): Course is designed for students with at least one year of private lessons or school music instruction on saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, vibraphone, piano, bass, and drums. STUDENTS MUST BE ABLE TO READ MUSIC NOTATION AT A PROFICIENT LEVEL OR HIGHER. Coursework consists of fundamentals of musicianship, including basic jazz theory, harmony, ear training, jazz improvisation and performance of appropriate repertoire. Members accept an obligation to participate in public performances outside of the school day. Enrollment in this class REQUIRES AUDITION OR DIRECTORS APPROVAL. Please contact your counselor for more information.
Orchestra (7th/8th): Course is designed for string players (violin, viola, cello, and string bass) with at least one year of experience in private lessons or school orchestra, and can read music at a proficient level or higher. Coursework consists of fundamentals of musicianship, including basic music theory, harmony, ear training, and performance of appropriate repertoire. Members accept an obligation to participate in public performances outside of the school day. This class may be combined with the advanced or beginning band if there are not enough students signed up to hold a separate class.
Percussion/Drumline (7th/8th): Students in this class will learn both pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments. Students will learn to read music and will become the backbone of our Marching Band! Members of the percussion/drumline class accept an obligation to participate in the State Street Holiday Parade, Milpas Street Holiday Parade, SBJH Winter and Spring Concerts, and All-District Percussive performance in the Spring. This class may be combined with the advanced or beginning band if there are not enough students signed up to hold a separate class.