- This class is for the student who is interested in learning basic guitar skills and applicable music theory. The class is designed for the student who wishes to develop and expand their accompaniment and picking techniques. This class requires that the student has access to a guitar for the school year and the student must bring the guitar to class. PREREQUISITE: Student must have access to a guitar.
- Counterpoints is a performing class which presents approximately twenty programs each year and demands considerable time outside class. Attendance at these additional performances is mandatory. Emphasis is placed on rhythmic and complex music, choreography, stage presence and good vocal production. It is necessary for each student to purchase a pair of dance shoes as designated by the Vocal Music Department. PREREQUISITE: Audition.
- Women’s Choir is open to all females who display an interest in vocal music regardless of ability. Class includes a study of basic music skills, and work on voice production. Participation in scheduled concerts is required.
- Concert Choir is open to all students who have at least one year experience in a high school music ensemble (with exception to freshmen boys); any exceptions are made at the discretion of the director. This course offers the opportunity to develop voices, music reading ability and gain poise from public performance. Participation in scheduled concerts is required. PREREQUISITE: “B” or better in Women’s Choir or Instructor approval.
- This class introduces the student to the more advanced study of music skills and vocal production. Membership is through acceptance only. Acappella Singers requires that the student be willing to spend additional time outside of the regular school day for rehearsal and performances. PREREQUISITE: “B” or above in Women’s Choir or Concert Choir and Instructor approval.
This group consists of 9th grade students and its members perform at football games, pep rallies, parades, and other functions of the combined group. Members of this group can expect to perform in several large group, ensemble and solo festivals. Students in the concert band are encouraged to study with a private music teacher and travel with the band to all music performances. This group will act as a training group focusing on fundamentals, individual skills, and procedures. Solo and ensemble festival (in the spring) is another individual competition and each member will be encouraged to perform a solo and/or in an ensemble. The band director and private lesson teacher will assist with the selection of music and ensemble members. The Concert band will perform at the District Band and Orchestra Festival in March.
- The jazz band will consist of the any 9th - 12th grade players in the instrumental program that is interested in jazz. This group accepts members at all levels of performance. Note reading and knowledge of rhythms are a pre-requisite. This ensemble will perform at festivals and public events throughout the year. Members of this ensemble also participate in Marching Band.
- This group consists of 10-12 grade students and performs at all football games, pep rallies, parades, and other functions of the combined groups. The Symphonic band is the most advanced of all the bands and is the preeminent instrumental performing group at Niles High School. Members of this group can expect to perform in large and small groups. Students in the Symphonic band are encouraged to study with a private music teacher and travel with the band to all music performances. The music is more advanced and each member of the Symphonic band will be expected to prepare his or her own music outside of the school day—just as homework would be expected from any other academic class. Solo and ensemble festival is another individual activity and each member will be encouraged to perform a solo and/or in an ensemble. The band director and private lesson teacher will assist with the selection of music and ensemble members. The Symphonic band will perform at the District Band and Orchestra Festival in March.
- In Ceramics I, third dimensional artistic design shall be developed through the use of clay medium. Individual methods of construction and their combinations are the main focus of this class. The process of designing each clay form two dimensionally prior to construction, physically constructing, and lastly, decorating each piece prior to its final firing will b the expected procedure.
Ceramics II will demonstrate the students’ ability to create three dimensionally in a more sophisticated manner in utilitarian, aesthetic figures, bust, and pottery.
Ceramics III will emphasize construction size and creativity. The students’ knowledge of the clay’s abilities is a must.
Ceramics IV: The students’ prior experiences with the clay medium will have given them a solid foundation from which to continue their education. This knowledge will enhance their creativity an move them to a more professional attitude in their outlook and work.
Studio Ceramics is a culmination of the ceramics curriculum. The students will expand their clay experiences to include unique throwing and decorating techniques.
