Music Curriculum

Private Music Lessons (641 - 645)

1 - 4 terms, non-solid, 1/2 credit

Students at Culver may take private lessons in piano (641), organ (642), voice (643), and band and orchestra instruments, and carillon (644), and composition (638). This is an opportunity for those who wish to explore their musical studies seriously, and for those who just want to try something new. Private lessons are usually given once per week, and the students are expected to practice about one half hour a day as a minimum. When high demand exceeds the available time of our current teachers' schedules, we ask adjunct teachers to help with the needed lesson times. There is a fee charged for music lessons, but musicians who contribute to the school by being enrolled in choir, band, or orchestra may be eligible to receive a fee reduction for private lessons. As well, scholarship students may be eligible for a fee reduction based on the amount of assistance they receive.

Private Lesson Website

Special Topics in Music: History of Rock and Roll (641)

1 term, non-solid, 1/4 credit

The goals and objectives of this course are to take an in depth look at special topics in music, to provide musical experiences through a variety of media, including live artists, introduce students to the vocabulary and language necessary to discuss with a basic degree of music literacy, performances, performers and their technique, as well as relate it meaningfully to a larger context. This course will take an in-depth look at the musical development of Rock and Roll from the early 1950’s to the late 1970’s. Ultimately, students would be able to formulate intelligent, literate critiques within the topic, and express those to themselves and others via writing, and speaking.

Special Topics in Music: Ragtime to Rap (642)

1 term, non-solid, 1/4 credit

The goals and objectives of this course are to take an in depth look at special topics in music, to provide musical experiences through a variety of media, including live artists, introduce students to the vocabulary and language necessary to discuss with a basic degree of music literacy, performances, performers and their technique, as well as relate it meaningfully to a larger context. This course will study the creation and development of American popular music in relation to the cultural, social, political and economic context of the United States from the early 1900’s through present day. Ultimately, students would be able to formulate intelligent, literate critiques within the topic, and express those to themselves and others via writing, and speaking.

Music History (646)

1 term, solid, 1/2 credit

This course surveys Western music against the background of the social, economic, political, cultural, and philosophical developments of the last 2,500 years. We examine significant composers, their compositions, and musical styles. Music History (646) and/or Music Theory (647) are required classes for all Honors in Music Candidates.

Music Theory (647)

1 term, solid, 1/2 credit

Music Theory is a one-term solid that meets every day. The course investigates the craft of musical composition found in the "Common Practice Period" of Western music (1600 - 1900), and develops a basic understanding of musical skills. Extensive use of MIDI and music notation by computer are form a basis for class activities, which include sight singing, ear training, music writing, and music analysis. The textbook used for Music Theory is "The Tradition of Music Theory," by David Weirich. Music History (646) and/or Music Theory (647) are required classes for all Honors in Music Candidates.

AP Music Theory (640)

3 terms, solid, 1/2 credit

This course is a continuance of our present Music Theory class. Much of the same material, such as scales, intervals, melody, and harmony will be covered in AP Music Theory. Only basic concepts of each skill are taught in Music Theory, while a deeper application of each concept is covered in AP Music Theory.

Concert Band (648)

4 terms, solid, 1/2 credit

The Concert Band, an ensemble of approximately 90 musicians, performs a variety of music suitable for school ensembles. The class is open to any capable musician who plays a band instrument, both in CGA and CMA. There is at least one performance in every term, and musicians participate in other activities such as the state solo and ensemble competition, and various special ensembles, musical groups and honor groups off campus. At various times during the year, select wind players and percussionists join with the strings of the orchestra to perform appropriate full orchestra literature. This class meets every term, three times per week and plays for wide variety of school activities.

Representative literature recently performed by the Concert Band:

• Frescobaldi: Toccata
• Robert Johnson: Concert Overture

Choir (649)

4 terms, solid, 1/2 credit

Choir invites all students to improve personal vocal skills, sing as a member of an ensemble, and experience all genres of music. Music skills, sight singing, and vocal and performance techniques are developed in choir. Small ensemble work, and various performances on and off campus are included as part of the curriculum. Choir meets twice a week, and can be taken all 4 terms.

Orchestra (651)

4 terms, solid, 1/2 credit

Orchestra is a string ensemble of about 20+ musicians, performing at least once per term. The class is open to any capable musician who plays an orchestral string instrument, both in CGA and CMA. Orchestra meets three times per week, and members participate in other activities such as the state solo and ensemble competition, and various special ensembles, musical groups and honor groups off campus. At various times during the year, select wind players and percussionists join with the strings to perform suitable full orchestra literature. This class meets every term, three times per week and plays for variety of school activities.

Representative literature recently performed by the Orchestra:

• Mozart: Symphony #14, movement 4
• Handel: Concerto Grosso #6, movement 4

Other Non-Credit Performing Ensembles

• Lancer Band
• Flute Choir