Skyline High School Music Program

The music program at Skyline High School will be developed by the school’s music staff which will have the ability to inspire students to strive for excellence. The music department will start with beginning and intermediate classes appropriate to ninth and/or tenth grade students, with the addition of appropriate ensemble(s) each year. The courses and ensembles offered at Skyline will be based on the interest and needs of the students.

• Music programming at Skyline will be based upon student population and specific instrumental and vocal program enrollment.
• Music ensembles meet as classes during the instructional day.

Year One, Fall 2008

• Men Singers
• Women's Contando
• Advanced Mixed Choir*

Year Two, Fall 2009

• Add Bel Canto  (Advanced Women’s Choir)*
• Add A Cappella (Mixed Advanced Choir)*
• Add Madrigal groups and other groups that match student skills and interest*

Year One, Fall 2008

• Philharmonic (Beginning Orchestra)
• Varsity Band  (Beginning Band)
• Concert Orchestra (Intermediate)*
• Concert Band (Intermediate)*

Year Two, Fall 2009

• Symphony Orchestra (Advanced)*
• Symphony Band (Advanced)*
• Add Jazz Band and other ensemble opportunities as student needs and capacity indicate*

Year Three, Fall 2010

• Fully developed music program complete and in place.

*Advanced programs by audition

Results

This plan will:

• Provide Skyline High School music students with more individual and small group instruction from the teachers in the first two years
• Create a solid foundation as the basis for a program of excellence
• Develop additional ensembles to be added as student ability and interest grows, such as pep bands and drum lines
• Provide music students with the opportunity to participate in district-wide ensembles whenever possible
• Provide students with opportunities to participate in district and state competitions
• Provide students with opportunities work with other schools and community ensembles to see and hear established ensembles at work

Course Offerings for Band at Skyline High School

Varsity Band – All band members will audition in the Spring of their 8th grade year.  If you do not qualify for either Concert or Symphony Band, you will be placed in Varsity Band.  Varsity band is the marching band during the fall season.

 
Concert Band – You are a member of this ensemble if you qualify after your Spring audition.  This is an intermediate ensemble playing more difficult literature than Varsity Band.  This ensemble is also the Marching Band during the fall season.

Symphony Band – This is the top ensemble at Skyline.  You can be placed in this ensemble after your Spring audition if you qualify.  This ensemble will be playing very difficult, recognized band literature as well as refining their skills from Varsity and/or Concert Band.  This ensemble also is the Marching Band during the fall season.

 
Jazz Band – Jazz Band occurs during the school day and is open to band students as well as other students who play an instrument outside of the school day.  If you are not currently in the band program, you must audition in order to be placed in Jazz Band.  Instruments are as follows: Saxes (Alto, Tenor Bari), Trumpet, Trombone, Drumset, Keyboard/Piano, Bass guitar.  After school/evening commitments are a part of this ensemble.
 
Pep Band – This ensemble is still being considered.  If there is enough interest in this ensemble, their role will be to support the athletic events that occur mainly during the Spring season, in order to help support the team members of that sport.

 
Music Theory/Technology – You will be learning the basics of music theory through many composition projects while working with music keyboards, computers, and other software technology.  This is class is open to any interested students wanting to learn more about music, composition and arranging.