School District of Waukesha High School Course Selection Guide ...

Introduction to Music Theory (Course #7160)The basis of this comprehensive course is to introduce students to the beginning concepts of music theorythrough tonal Western harmony. It shall provide a foundation for more in depth synthesis of musicunderstanding in our performance groups as well as AP Music Theory class. The course will cover a widerange of disciplines including, but not limited to: music literacy, history, sight singing, dictation, aural skillsand technology.Students will be able to recognize, analyze, create and demonstrate their understanding of the contentmaterial through written, aural, and composition exercises. Collectively these disciplines will help engagethe student in the understanding of basic tonal music theory.Music in Film (Course #7164)Film is one of our most prominent art forms. In many ways it is a reflection of our culture, as it is a primarymeans of entertainment and diversion for our society. The study of film has often centered on the visualaspects of the medium, with little attention given to the important role that music plays. The purpose of thiscourse will be to obtain an increased awareness of the many functions of film music and learn about itsprominent role in the cinema. We will study the works of many prominent film composers as well as some ofthe lesser known ones. In addition, we will explore the elements of music, musical forms, and style periods.Combining an increased knowledge about music with an understanding of the functions of the film score willenhance our awareness of the not‐so‐hidden dimension of film, its music.AP Music Theory (North #7156, South #7256, West #7356)Fee: Students are required to purchase a workbook. Additionally, there is a fee of approximately $80 forstudents to take the AP Music Theory Exam. Students have the option to purchase the text.This course is designed to be a rigorous study of music theory to aid those who are interested in pursuingmusic beyond high school. The focus will be on skills required to be successful as a first year music studentat a college, university, or conservatory. The course is designed to prepare students to take the AP musictheory test in the spring. This course is for students with a strong background in music, including the abilityto read both bass and treble clef fluently. Course content will include harmony and harmonic analysis,melodic and rhythmic structure, part writing, formal analysis, score reading, and a music history overview.Personal music skills will be developed daily through ear training, dictation and sight singing. Althoughkeyboard skills are not required, they are beneficial and should be developed during the term of the class.48