Music

Concert Choir | Freshman Band | Elements of Music Performance & Composition | Freshman Choir | Freshman Orchestra | Philharmonic Orchestra | Symphonic Band | Varsity Choir | Wind Ensemble

Music Department Goals:

The Music Department at Faribault High School will enrich the lives of music students, the Faribault student body, and the Faribault community through musical performances and community service.

1. The Music department will strive to maintain a high level of performance while incorporating music theory through technology into the curriculum.
2. The music department will continue to use skills in reading and math on a daily basis.

Course Descriptions

Concert Choir

Concert Choir is a select auditioned ensemble of men and women in grades 10-12. This course is for the more serious student who desires a strong background in choral singing. In this course students will continue to develop vocal technique, sight singing skills and advanced musicianship. Students will perform a wide variety of choral literature and will represent the community at many concerts. The Arts Standard of Creation and Performance will be met after the successful completion of two years of this course. Successful completion of the contract embedded in this course will satisfy the CREATION AND PERFORMANCE PORTION OF THE ARTS STANDARD. [Back to the top]

Freshman Band

The Concert Band is comprised of freshman students who wish to participate in the Faribault Band program. This class meets every other day and focuses on preparing students for Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Although the required Arts Standard is not met at this level, background knowledge for earning the standard is a class focus. Members of the Concert Band also participate in the Pep and Marching Band. [Back to the top]

Elements of Music Performance & Composition

This class is designed for students not involved in curricular band, choir, or orchestra. This class will teach the basic elements of music, composition, and performance. The first quarter will be spent learning the basic elements of music including pitch, notation, rhythm, vocabulary, and keyboard layout. The second quarter will concentrate on composing and performing simple melody and harmony using the musical keyboard. This class is designed for 11th - 12th grade students who need to meet the Arts Creation and Performance Standard in order to graduate. No music background is required. This class meets the CREATION AND PERFORMANCE PORTION OF THE ARTS STANDARD required for graduation. [Back to the top]

Freshman Choir

Freshman Choir is an ensemble open to all freshmen interested in participating in choir at the Faribault High School. The course emphasizes the enjoyment of choral music and the development of basic skills necessary for quality choral singing. Sight-reading and vocal independence will be taught in this course, and students will perform a wide variety of literature. This course meets every other day and focuses on preparing students for completing the Arts Standard of Creation and Performance in Varsity Choir and Concert Choir. [Back to the top]

Freshman Orchestra

The Orchestra is comprised of freshman students who wish to participate in the Faribault Orchestra program. This class meets every other day and focuses on preparing students for Orchestra. Although the required Arts Standard is not met at this level, background knowledge for earning the standard is a class focus. [Back to the top]

Philharmonic Orchestra

The orchestra program is designed to meet the needs of all string students who have successfully completed the curriculum of the middle school orchestra program. The best students of the woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments will perform with the string students to create a full orchestra experience. All students registering for orchestra must play violin, viola, cello or bass. Any additional players must speak with the instructor prior to enrolling in this class. Students will need to complete two successful years of enrollment to earn the required creation and performance arts standard. Successful completion of the contract embedded in this course will satisfy the CREATION AND PERFORMANCE PORTION OF THE ARTS STANDARD. [Back to the top]

Symphonic Band

The symphonic band is comprised of sophomore, junior, and senior members of the FHS band program and utilizes a multi-player per part philosophy to perform a broad spectrum of music. Emphasis will be placed on individual development in the context of a large group performance setting. The symphonic band is open to any student with current or previous band experience. Members of the symphonic band also participate in the pep and marching bands. Students will need two years of successful enrollment to earn the creation and performance arts standard. Successful completion of the contract embedded in this course will satisfy the CREATION AND PERFORMANCE PORTION OF THE ARTS STANDARD. [Back to the top]

Varsity Choir

Varsity Choir is an ensemble open to all 10-12 grade students interested in choir. The course emphasizes the enjoyment of choral music, as well as the development of the basic skills necessary for quality singing. Sight-reading, vocal technique, and vocal independence will be taught in this course, and students will perform a wide variety of literature. The Arts Standard of Creation and Performance will be met after the successful completion of two years of this course. Successful completion of the contract embedded in this course will satisfy the CREATION AND PERFORMANCE PORTION OF THE ARTS STANDARD. [Back to the top]

Wind Ensemble

The wind ensemble is open to all 10th-12th grade students based upon audition and generally implies a one-person-per-part philosophy. Incoming freshman are also welcomed to audition but require approval of the middle school and high school director. This ensemble is devoted to the preparation and performance of a wide variety of repertoire, including established master works of the wind band repertoire and the finest contemporary literature for band. This ensemble is the main representative in the community and performs annually at the Big 9 Music Festival. Students in the wind ensemble will also be required to perform as wind players for the orchestra program, as well as members of the pep and marching bands. Successful completion of the contract embedded in this course will satisfy the CREATION AND PERFORMANCE PORTION OF THE ARTS STANDARD. [Back to the top]