Music Courses

BAND
Course Length: 1 or 2 Semesters
Credit per Semester: 3.0
This course will focus on the study and performance of band music. Class activities emphasize the development of instrument technique, tone production, tuning, music reading, and listening skills. In order to take this high school music class, students need to have two-three years of experience with an instrument and be able to read music. This high school performing arts course is open to all concert band or orchestra instruments, with limited spots for amplified guitars, basses, and drummers.

CHOIR
Course Length: 1 or 2 Semesters
Credit per Semester: 3.0
This is an introductory choral class offered at CIVA Colorado Charter High School that is designed to help those who have never taken a choir class and could benefit from a refresher on how to sight-read music or some help with developing healthy singing techniques.  We will cover a wide range of genres, from classical to contemporary.
 
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Credit per Semester: 5.0
This high school performing arts course primarily focuses on chamber music for strings, such as quartet music as string orchestra repertoire.  The music course covers advanced playing techniques for bowed string instruments, ensemble playing with and without a conductor, scales up to 3 octaves, and basic arranging/composing skills.  The styles of music played range from classical music to contemporary popular music.  Students must audition with the instructor to be in this ensemble.

CONCERT CHOIR ADVANCED
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Credit per Semester: 5.0
This performing arts high school course is designed for singers with previous choral experience and established sight-singing skills.  Each member of this ensemble must complete an additional audition for honor choirs around the state, and the ensemble will be a competitive choir.  We will cover a wide range of genres, from classical to contemporary.  Students interested in this advanced course need to be pre-approved by the music instructor at CIVA Colorado Charter School.

GUITAR 1
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Credit per Semester: 2.0
Students interested in this course need to have no experience in playing guitar or reading music.  This high school performing arts music class is designed to teach basic chords, note and rhythm reading, and techniques needed to play the guitar.

STRINGS 1
Course Length: 1 or 2 Semesters
Credit per Semester: 3.0
This music course serves as an introduction to basic playing techniques for bowed string instruments. The course covers basic techniques/posture/instrument care, beginning ensemble playing, and basic notation reading. The styles of music played in this high school performing arts class range from classical music to contemporary popular music. This course is open to any student of CIVA Colorado charter school.