Course Offerings

Here at the Colts Neck High School Music Department, we strive to provide the very best in music education. We provide many unique courses that expand your musical abilities and enlighten you in a way that no other course can.

The Courses offered include:

• CONCERT BAND I-IV, 5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12 Prerequisite: Basic technical skills on a band instrument Concert Band is open to students with a basic playing ability, and to those students who want instruction and group experience on a second instrument. The members of the Concert Band are involved in the development of individual and group performance skills. Members are required to participate in all rehearsals, concerts, and marching band.
• SYMPHONIC BAND I-IV, 5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12 Prerequisite: Audition by band instructor. Symphonic band is open to those students who possess greater technical skills on a band instrument. Technical expertise on the instrument is developed with an emphasis on a more advanced repertoire. Students learn music theory and how it relates to basic musicianship. Creativity is encouraged in the classroom in group and individual experiences. Members are required to participate in all rehearsals, concerts, and marching band. NOT AVAILABLE AT COLTS NECK.
• BEGINNING BAND, 2.5 or 5 credits, Grades 9 - 12 Prerequisite: None The student starts from the very beginning and learns to play a band instrument.
• HONORS BAND, I-IV, 5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12 Prerequisite: Audition by instructor The student is automatically a member of the Concert Band and receives Honor Credit by performing at an advanced level typical of Region II and All-State Band. Solos and recitals are required. This course may be taken all four years or in non-consecutive years. Participation in all rehearsals, concerts, and marching band is required.
• HONORS ORCHESTRA I-IV, 5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12 Prerequisite: Audition by instructor The student participates in the String Orchestra and receives honor credit by performing at an advanced level typical of Region II and All-State Orchestra. Solos and recitals, in addition to concert performances, are required. This course may be taken all four years or in non- consecutive years. NOT AVAILABLE AT COLTS NECK.
• WIND ENSEMBLE I-III, 5 Credits, Grades 10 - 12 Prerequisite: Audition by band instructor This group is an advanced ensemble with a strong emphasis on performance. Students are required to participate in all rehearsals, an active concert season, and to perform with the Marching Band during the marching season. NOT AVAILABLE AT COLTS NECK.
• STRING ORCHESTRA I-IV, 5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12 Prerequisite: Basic technical skills on orchestral string instruments preferred. Beginners accepted with approval of the instructor, as well as musicians wanting to learn a string instrument. This course provides students with a performing string ensemble designed to expose the school and community to traditional and contemporary orchestra literature. The student develops skills in playing technique, theory fundamentals, and musical interpretation of orchestral literature. Exceptional string players may audition to participate in regional orchestras and community recitals. NOT AVAILABLE AT COLTS NECK.
• CONCERT CHORUS I, II, 5 Credits, Grades 9 - 10 (Grades 11 and 12 with the approval of instructor) Prerequisite: None for Level I The student develops knowledge of vocal technique, musical notation and terminology, rhythms, diction, sight-singing, and musical styles. Through the development of choral singing, the students perform music ranging from unison to four parts. Concert performance is required.
• TREBLE CHORUS I-IV, 5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12 Prerequisite: None for Level I, approval of instructor for Levels III, IV The student develops knowledge of vocal techniques, musical notation and terminology, rhythms, diction, sight- singing, and musical styles, through the study and performance of choral music for women's voices. Concert performance is required. NOT AVAILABLE AT COLTS NECK.
• MIXED CHORUS I-IV, 5 Credits, Grades 11 - 12 Prerequisite: Two years of Chorus for Levels III, IV or approval of instructor This chorus offers its members advanced vocal technique and choral skills, a more challenging choral repertoire, and the opportunity to perform extensively throughout the school year. There are increased demands for critical and evaluative thinking and musical leadership. Concert performance is required. (This course can be adapted to provide Madrigal and Glee Club experiences.) NOT AVAILABLE AT COLTS NECK.
• HONORS CHORUS I-IV, 5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12 Prerequisite: Audition by instructor The student is enrolled in the Treble or Mixed Chorus but receives Honor Credit by performing at an advanced level typical of All-Shore and All-State Chorus. Solos and recitals, in addition to concert performances, are required. This course may be taken all four years or in non- consecutive years.
• SHOW CHOIR I-III, 5 Credits, Grades 10 - 12 Prerequisite: Concert Chorus or the approval of the instructor The student learns how to combine the singing of contemporary choral music with choreography. Show Choir develops the student?s aesthetic sensitivity to music and dance through vocal and physical training, repertoire, and performance. NOT AVAILABLE AT COLTS NECK.
• MUSICAL KEYBOARD I-IV, 5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12 Prerequisite: None (placement by instructor) The student learns musical keyboard techniques on both electronic type keyboards and traditional pianos. This course, open to all levels of ability, may be taken all four years or in non-consecutive years. (Offered only at Freehold Township and Marlboro)
• POPULAR MUSIC OF THE 20TH CENTURY I, II, 2.5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12 Prerequisite: None The student focuses on various popular music styles including jazz and rock.
• DISCOVERING CLASSICAL MUSIC I, II, 2.5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12 Prerequisite: None The student follows a traditional study of classical music, including Gregorian Chant, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionism, and Modern Music.
• MUSIC THEORY I-IV, 5 Credits, Grades 9- 12 Prerequisite: None (placement by instructor) The student follows a progressive study of the writing and composing of music. This course may be taken all four years or in non-consecutive years.
• MUSIC THEORY (Honors) I-IV, 5 Credits, Grades 9 - 12 Prerequisite: Permission of instructor-enrollment in a performing ensemble This course is for advanced, serious, highly- motivated students seeking further study in music beyond high school. Music Theory may be taken all four years or in non- consecutive years.