• Music
    Cantus Femina (Women’s Choir) (Beginning/Intermediate level)       (9, 10, 11, 12) (3 Trimesters)
    This beginning level choir is designed for the soprano and alto who enjoy singing many different types of music in the female chorus setting. The singers will be exposed to good singing methods and music skills development; rehearsals may be held outside the school day. This group will perform for many audiences during the year, and the students are required to participate in the concerts to receive credit for the class. The singers will be encouraged to participate in the Michigan School Vocal Association Solo and Ensemble Festival, and the Regional and State Honors Choir, and they will be required to participate in District and State Choir Festival. An understanding, appreciation and sharing of the art of music is the goal of this vocal ensemble.
    NOTE: All choirs are year long classes and choir students are expected to stay in choir the entire year. If a choir student decides to drop a choir class before the end of any semester, the teacher reserves the right to issue a failing grade for that semester if, in the opinion of the teacher, circumstances warrant a failing grade.
    Concert Band (9, 10, 11, 12) (3 Trimesters)
    The concert band will be composed of freshman; students not yet at the proficiency level necessary for the wind ensemble and students not able to participate in the Wind Ensemble because of instrumentation requirements. Members of this band will participate in M.S.B.O.A.-sponsored festivals, marching band, school concerts, and daily rehearsals. Attendance at all scheduled performances is mandatory.
    The High School Marching Band will be made up of students from the wind ensemble and concert band. Student obligations include but are not limited to: practice after school, performances at football games, and other activities after school and on weekends.
    Concert Choir:  Intermediate SATB Ensemble (10, 11, 12) (3 Trimesters)
    Prerequisite: Audition. Concert Choir is a BRAND NEW Intermediate select male and female vocal ensemble of approximately 35-50 singers designed for the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass who enjoy singing many different types of music in a large chorus setting. The singers will be exposed to good singing methods and music skills development. Rehearsals and performances may be held outside the school day. This vocal ensemble will perform for many audiences during the school year and the singers will be required to participate in these performances to receive credit for the class. The ensemble will participate in the MSVMA Festivals at both the district and state levels. An understanding, appreciation and sharing of the art of vocal music is the goal of this vocal ensemble.
     
    NOTE: All choirs are yearlong classes and choir students are expected to stay in choir the entire year. If a choir student decides to drop a choir class before the end of any semester, the teacher reserves the right to issue a failing grade for that semester if, in the opinion of the teacher, circumstances warrant a failing grade.
     
    Guitar Class (9, 10, 11, 12) (1 Trimester)
    The Guitar Class teaches students the basic skills needed to become a lifelong Guitar player. Skills such as music/tab/chord reading, song writing, and Guitar history are included.
    Jazz Band (9, 10, 11, 12) (3 Trimesters)
    Membership in the jazz band is gained through AUDITION and the approval of the director of bands. Students must be members of the Concert Band or Wind Ensemble or must receive special permission. Special permission will be granted to guitar, bass, or piano players who do not play a conventional band instrument. The Jazz Band will study the art of improvisation, the history of jazz, and various genres within jazz music. Members of this band will participate in M.S.B.O.A.-sponsored festivals, school concerts, and many other outside performances. The Jazz Band actively performs throughout not only Jackson County but also the State of Michigan. Attendance at all performances is required.
    Men’s Choir (Beginning/Intermediate level) (9, 10, 11, 12) (3 Trimesters)
    This choir is for male high school musicians who enjoy singing many different types of music. The singers will be exposed to good singing methods and music skills development; rehearsals may be held outside the school day. This group will perform many times during the school year, and the singers will be required to participate to receive credit for the class. The singers will be required to participate in the Michigan School Vocal Association Solo and Ensemble Festival and the District and State Choir Festival. An understanding, appreciation and sharing of the art of music is the goal of this vocal ensemble.

    NOTE: All choirs are year long classes and choir students are expected to stay in choir the entire year. If a choir student decides to drop a choir class before the end of any semester, the teacher reserves the right to issue a failing grade for that semester if, in the opinion of the teacher, circumstances warrant a failing grade.
    Music Theory & Composition (9, 10, 11, 12) (1 Trimester)
    The Music Theory and Composition course will teach students the basic skills needed to listen to, understand, and create music. Topics addressed include classical music history, basic ear training, introductory to intermediate music notation/theory, orchestration, and common compositional techniques. Students will compose their own music using both traditional (classical) and contemporary (Garage Band, Computer Music) techniques. Students hoping to major in music at the college level will receive instruction to help in the Music Theory portion of their auditions.
    Piano (9, 10, 11, 12) (1 Trimester)
    The Piano Class teaches students skills needed to perform on the piano. Skills such as music reading, chord progressions and composing are included.
    Serenade (Advanced Female Ensemble) (10, 11, 12) (3 Trimesters)
    Prerequisite: Audition. Serenade is an advanced level select women’s vocal ensemble of approximately 24-40 singers designed for the soprano and alto who enjoy singing many different types of music in the female chorus setting. The singers will be exposed to good singing methods and music skills development. Rehearsals and performances may be held outside the school day. This vocal ensemble will perform for many audiences during the school year and the singers will be required to participate in these performances to receive credit for the class. The ensemble will participate in the MSVMA Festivals at both the district and state levels. An understanding, appreciation and sharing of the art of vocal music is the goal of this vocal ensemble.
    Vocal Dimension (Advanced SATB Choir) (9, 10, 11, 12)       (3 Trimesters)
    Prerequisite:  Audition.  This choir is a very select, advanced music ensemble of about 34 singers. Admission is through rigorous audition. The group will sing many different kinds of music with the focus being on classical choral music and vocal jazz. There will be many required performances during the year and required after school or evening rehearsals. The group attains a high level of vocal performance through the development of exceptionally talented and interested students. The group will be exposed to good singing methods and music skills and will participate in Michigan School Vocal Association sponsored choirs, festivals and activities. An understanding, appreciation, and sharing of the art of music is the goal of this vocal ensemble. Students must audition each year, and being selected one year does not guarantee selection for subsequent years.
    NOTE: All choirs are year long classes and choir students are expected to stay in choir the entire year. If a choir student decides to drop a choir class before the end of any semester, the teacher reserves the right to issue a failing grade for that semester if, in the opinion of the teacher, circumstances warrant a failing grade.
    Wind Ensemble (10, 11, 12) (3 Trimesters)
    The wind ensemble represents the highest level of music performance at Northwest High School, through the utilization of exceptionally talented and interested students. Membership is gained by audition only. Members of this organization will participate in M.S.B.O.A.-sponsored band and orchestra festivals, marching band, school concerts, and daily rehearsals. The size of the wind ensemble will be governed by the instrumentation selected by the director.
    Before students register for band, each student will audition to
    determine which group he/she should be placed. After the audition, students will be notified as to their assigned group.
    Membership in any of the bands is dependent upon continuous growth and development of musical skills necessary to perform the assigned literature. Growth and development in either a positive or negative direction can constitute a necessity to reschedule a student into any of the instrumental groups at the appropriate time during the year. Attendance at all scheduled performances is mandatory.
    The High School Marching Band will be made up of students from the wind ensemble and concert band. Students who are not enrolled in Wind Ensemble or Concert Band will not participate in Marching Band. Student obligations include but are not limited to: practice after school, performances at football games, and other activities after school and on weekends.