Course Offerings

BAND I CONCERT BAND: Course #650016 (Academic) 1 credit

HONORS SYMPHONIC BAND: Course #652018 (Honors) 1 credit

HONORS WIND ENSEMBLE: Course #650418 (Honors) 1 credit

There are three levels of band offered at Westminster High School. All Band Classes focus on the study of traditional band literature as well as transcriptions of great orchestral literature. Students will advance in technical skill, stylistic understanding of historical background, and aesthetic awareness through the study and performance of quality music literature. The instrumental music teacher will place students in the ensemble which, in his/her best judgment, will provide the most beneficial educational experience for the individual. Performances at school and community events are an integral part of the program. Participation in the public performances is a required component of this course.

ORCHESTRA: Course #652416 (Academic) 1 credit

HONORS ORCHESTRA: Course #652418 (Honors) 1 credit

There are two levels of orchestra offered at Westminster High School. All Band Classes focus on the study of contemporary string orchestra literature as well as transcriptions of great orchestral literature. Students will advance in technical skill, stylistic understanding of historical background, and aesthetic awareness through the study and performance of quality music literature. The instrumental music teacher will place students in the ensemble which, in his/her best judgment, will provide the most beneficial educational experience for the individual. Performances at school and community events are an integral part of the program. Participation in the public performances is a required component of this course.

HONORS STAGE BAND (Jazz Band): Course #651618 (Honors) 1 credit

This activity provides the opportunity for the study of dance band, jazz, and popular music. The stylistic elements of performance as well as some of the important artists and music of the jazz and popular field will be studied. The Stage Band is made up of qualified students selected on the basis of performing skill and required instrumentation. Auditions and teacher permission are required to register for this course.

BAND FRONT (Colorguard): Course #650806 (Academic) ½ credit

Band Front is a multi-leveled course designed to engage students in independent and collaborative learning activities that will help them visually interpret and enhance the musical performance of the marching band. Students gain technical and stylistic proficiency in individual skills and ensemble skills through performance of routine. Students explore the basic elements of music as well as historical and cultural context to extend knowledge for musical interpretation. Successful completion of the course should provide technical skills and knowledge of music to enable students to create performances which are precise, accurate, and exciting.

MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE: Course #653206 (Academic) ½ credit or Course #653216A (Academic) 1 credit

This is an introductory course for students who wish to study music from ancient times to the present. This course encompasses all periods, styles, and cultures. Technical knowledge of music is not necessary to enroll.

ELECTRONIC MUSIC: Course #650906 (Academic) ½ credit 

Students will learn how to use the computer, music synthesizer, and sequencer to produce musical compositions. They will experience increases in computer knowledge, musical notation and composition and digital sequencing. This course may be taken in sequence with music theory.

HONORS MUSIC THEORY: Course #653608 (Honors) ½ credit

Students gain academic proficiency in reading and writing music notation, scales and intervals, basic harmony, basic melody, and form. Successful completion of the course will provide an understanding of melody, harmony, rhythm, and form, thereby equipping the students to better understand existing music and to compose music using the principles of music theory as a guide.

AP MUSIC THEORY: Course #656519 (AP) 1 credit

AP Music Theory is an advanced level course designed to engage students in learning activities that will help them to achieve the outcomes measured by the College Board’s Advanced Placement Music Theory Examination. The design of the AP Music Theory course is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. These abilities will be developed through knowledge in aural skills, sight singing skills, written skills, compositional skills, and analytical skills. Students are encouraged to sit for the College Board’s Advanced Placement Music Theory examination. Students must successfully complete Honors level performance course or Honors level Music Theory.

INDEPENDENT STUDY: Course #656806 (Academic) ½ credit or Course #656816 (Academic) 1 credit

Where facilities and equipment permit, provision for independent study is recommended. Individualized listening centers and sound isolated practice areas are necessary. Independent study may be scheduled for vocal music students, instrumental music students, music theory, music literature, piano, conducting, etc. Students may also serve as teaching assistants in various capacities. Prerequisites and other notes: Permission of the instructor and approval of the principal are required.

Prerequisites and other notes: All performance ensembles may be repeated for credit. Participation in a performance ensemble class is required for students to be eligible should they chose to audition for All-County and/or All-State ensembles.

The Music Program of Studies is available at the Carroll County Public Schools website. Please note that all courses may not be run every year. Course availability is dependent on enrollment.