Music 

Music provides a means of expressing deep-rooted feelings in a way that words cannot. Throughout history, music has spoken a universal and essential language to those who make music, study music, even listen casually to music. Music education, therefore, is an important and necessary part of the total learning and growing process. It simultaneously organizes and challenges thought and feeling. Moreover, music history is part of the history of civilization.

In ninth grade students’ Introduction to Music begins with a study of rhythm, which becomes the focus for studying world music. Technology blends with history as students use the Macintosh software "GarageBand" to compose their own music as well as learn basic Western music notation and theory. The recording facilities of the music studio are used to give the students a chance to listen to their work.

In tenth grade, students continue the study of music appreciation, history, philosophy, theory, and performance.  Creative ways of musical listening are explored, and students undertake independent projects, singly and in groups. While the primary focus is on the music of Western culture, Asian, African, and Native American music shall also be discussed. Students use "Finale" software, MIDI keyboards, and the recording studio for composition and chordal analysis.

A class in vocal musicianship learns elements of singing technique (posture, breath management, range development) as well as ear training and Western theory. Vocal warm-ups consist of exercises to strengthen the vocal folds as well as their ear.  The remainder of the session is used to work on repertoire.  Students make use of the Finale software in order to understand more about the repertoire, develop theory, and delve deeper into the music.