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Prerequisite: Admission to this ensemble is by audition only and at least 2 years prior playing experience is recommended.
The Panther Marching Band is the most visible and thus most important performing ensemble representing HHS. Marching band is a physical activity and at times can be very strenuous. Students must have a recent physical on file in the activity office at HHS to participate. The Panther Marching Band offers a unique opportunity to develop valuable life skills such as teamwork, punctuality, self-discipline, respect and honor. When marching with the Panther Marching Band, each band member proudly represents their own family, their school and their community.
With the exception of the drum line and color guard, all students who register for Marching Band must also register for Wind Symphony!
Prerequisite: Admission to this ensemble is by audition only and at least 3 years prior playing experience is recommended.
The Wind Symphony is the premier instrumental ensemble at HHS. This group plays quality literature and has high standards of performance. The HHS Wind Symphony consistently receives Superior Ratings in both performance and sight-reading at the three large-group music festivals they attend each year. Students also have performance opportunities as a soloist or as part of a chamber ensemble, and each student is required to participate in the annual C.H.S.A.A. Solo and Ensemble festival.
Each student has the opportunity to be individually recognized for their achievement by auditioning for chair placement, being elected into leadership positions, participating in regional honor bands or being selected to perform solo on concert.
Prerequisite: Admission to this ensemble is by audition only. Only students who are concurrently enrolled in Marching Band, Wind Symphony, or Percussion may audition for this ensemble.
The Panther Jazz Ensemble serves a dual purpose for the HHS Music Department. The performing aspect of the ensemble exposes students to literature of the big band genre, and teaches the performance practices that the diverse styles and influences of the music demands. There will be several performance opportunities throughout the year including participation in at-least one jazz band festival.
The other primary focus for the class is improvisation. Improvisation is the heart of any definition of jazz, and it will be heavily emphasized. Multiple instructional strategies including (but not limited to): transcriptions, weekly or bi-weekly listening assignments, keyboarding assignments, lecture and class combo/large group improvisation will be utilized regularly.
Prerequisite: Prior band experience is preferred, but is not required. Students must rent an instrument or provide an instrument in good working order.
This course is intended for Freshman/Transfer students who are new to the music program. However, the class is open to students of all ages who either never took band or used to be in band but still have an interest in learning to play an instrument.
The ensemble provides a less rigorous environment for students to gain playing experience and a better understanding of instrumental technique and musicianship skills. Large group rehearsal, individual and small ensemble instruction will be used during class time, however all students will be expected to bring their instrument home every night for individual practice.
Students who successfully compete this course with a “B” or higher are welcome to audition into the Panther Marching Band and HHS Wind Symphony the following academic year.
Prerequisite: Prior band experience or director approval.
Percussion class serves the needs of percussion students during the 2nd half of the school year. Instead of counting rests in band, percussion students will receive personal instruction on proper performance practice, history and maintenance of percussion instruments. Topics covered over the course of the semester include: snare drum technique and rudiments, keyboard instruments, timpani, auxiliary percussion (cymbals, tambourine, triangle, etc.), and drum set performance styles.
Students enrolled in Percussion will have the opportunity to participate in winter percussion competitions sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Percussion Association, perform with the HHS Wind Symphony and perform as a chamber ensemble. All performances are mandatory.
Prerequisite: None, open to all students with a genuine interest in music.
Music Theory is the “science” of music that explains how music is put together. Music Theory teaches the principals of functional harmony beginning with the basic elements of note reading and rhythms. Students will learn the 12 key signatures and major and minor scales, intervallic relationships, figured bass, voice leading and diatonic harmony. This course is highly recommended for any student who is involved in choir or band.
Prerequisite: Music Theory I
Music Theory II is intended for students who are highly involved in music and are considering careers in the music industry or being music majors in college. Students will learn advanced principals of harmony including: seventh chords, secondary dominants, modulations and form and analysis. This course is only recommended for dedicated students with a serious interest in music.
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