Music

List of 8 items.

• AP Music Theory

  This advanced placement course is designed to provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that of a first-year college course in music theory. Students will develop the ability to listen, notate, perform, create, and analyze the cognate areas of music as presented in a musical score, following the precepts of the Common Practice period of music.
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Grades 11-12. Prior training in music through lessons or participation in instrumental or vocal ensembles or private lessons. All students interested in taking this course must either take Music Fundamentals or an entrance exam to validate their skill level. Instructor permission is required. (UC “f” VPA)

• Guitar I (Beginning)

  Note: Are you a beginner and interested in learning to play the guitar? Guitar 1 starts from the beginning and is designed to help inexperienced and novice guitarists to learn the basics in a fun and low-pressure environment. Students are taught basic guitar knowledge, instrument maintenance, notation/chords, and technique through popular songs. The semester culminates in a guitar recital where students show off their new skills! (This course is not open to advanced guitarists or students who already play guitar confidently.) To fulfill VPA requirements, students must take another semester course in the Music genre.
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Inexperienced beginning students only. Students provide their own acoustic or electric guitar. Students using electric guitars must also provide a small, portable amplifier to hear their guitar in class. (UC “f” VPA)
  

• Guitar II/III - Intermediate/Advanced

  If you have successfully completed Guitar I, or are at an intermediate level, this class is for you! In Guitar II, you build on your knowledge of basic chords and technique and expand your understanding of more advanced concepts including scales, arpeggios, improvisation, and theory. The semester culminates in a guitar recital where students get to show off their new skills! For VPA requirements, students must take another semester course in the Music genre.
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Completion of Guitar I or instructor's approval. A placement audition may be required. Students provide their own acoustic or electric guitar. Students using electric guitars must also provide a small, portable amplifier to hear their guitar in class. (UC “f” VPA)
  

• Music Fundamentals

  Music Fundamentals introduces students to basic music theory as well as the skills needed to read and notate western music. The course covers material such as pitches and scales, intervals, clefs, rhythm, form, meter, phrases and cadences, and basic harmony. While this course is important for all who wish to improve their skills and understanding of music, it is also recommended as a strong foundation and preparation for those who may be interested in testing for placement in AP Music Theory the following year. Students must take another semester in the Music genre to fulfill the VPA requirements.
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - A strong interest in the study of music.  (UC “f” VPA pending)

• Music Technology

  This course will introduce students to the uses, concepts, techniques, and terminology associated with music technology. Students will gain experience with current hardware and software for music sequencing, notation, synthesis, recording, sound design, and live music performance practice. Students also receive an introduction to music fundamentals, notation, and theory through computer technology including MIDI, online and software applications, and digital recording. Students will produce original compositions, arrangements, and compilations using Logic Pro and notation software. To fulfill VPA requirements, students must take a year or two semesters in the same Arts genre (e.g. Music).
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Open to all students. No prerequisite needed. There is a fee for this course. (UC “f” VPA pending)

• Music Technology II

  Music Technology II builds on the foundational skills acquired in Music Technology I. In Music Technology II, students will not only learn much more about recording techniques and the digital audio workstation, but they will embark on the entire production process from beginning to the end product including recording, MIDI sequencing, mixing, and finally, mastering. There is a fee for this course. To fulfill VPA requirements, students must take a year or two semesters in the same Arts genre (e.g. Music).
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Completion of Music Technology I or instructor's approval based on demonstrated experience and competency. There is a fee for this course. (UC “f” VPA pending)

• Notre Dame Choir

  Are you interested in singing music that ranges from sacred to popular; from Palestrina to Pentatonix? Then welcome to ND Choir! Not only do we sing for festivals, competitions, Masses, and local events, but we hope to travel to an annual domestic or international choral event. If you're a beginner, welcome, and if you're more advanced, you're encouraged to try out for solos or even learn to conduct and arrange! Expect to be challenged, to learn, to have fun, and most importantly, to make amazing music with new friends! To use to fulfill VPA requirements, students must take a minimum of two semesters.
  
  Prerequisites/Comments - This is a performance course open to grades 9 through 12. This course may be repeated for credit. (UC “f” VPA)

• Strings

  We are excited to offer ND Strings with instructor Michelina Wright for the 2023-2024 school year!

  
  

  Strings Classes Offered FREE to Grades 9-12:

  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello 
  • Upright Bass

  
  

  All classes taught in the Gym Lobby twice a week year round on: 

  • Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. 
  • Saturdays from 10a.m. -12p.m. 

  
  

  Notre Dame Strings Live Performances:

  • ND Open House in November 5th 2023
  • Christmas Concert December 9th, 2023
  • Semester 2 May Concert in 2024

  
  

  SIGN UP HERE TO PARTICIPATE: EMAIL STRINGS

  Questions about ND Strings may be directed to instructor Michelina Wright strings@ndhs.org 

    MEET THE INSTRUCTOR: MICHELINA WRIGHT

  
  Michelina Wright, ND Strings Instructor and Director, hails from Chicago. She received her Bachelor's degree in music performance from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 2000. Ms. Wright received her Master’s degree in music performance at the California Institute of the Arts, where she was active in various ensembles including the New Millennium Players. She has played with the St. Louis Philharmonic, the Las Vegas Philharmonic, the El Paso Opera, has sat Principal Second with the Culver City Chamber Orchestra, and was Concertmaster for the Santa Clara Chamber Orchestra, where she was a featured soloist in 2005. She plays regularly with the Riverside Philharmonic, the Santa Barbara Symphony, the Santa Cecilia Orchestra, the LA Virtuoso Chamber Orchestra, and has had the honor of performing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on numerous occasions, once under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. Michelina has appeared on episodes of Boston Public, has recorded for Sony Classical artist Mario Frangoulis, and is the featured violinist on the IMAX soundtrack Mystery of the Nile. She has been the Strings Director at Laurel Hall School since 2002 and at Village Christian since 2018.