Music

Band at Irondale is a comprehensive course of music study providing a rich background in more advanced performance skills, musicianship, music theory, and history. Repertoire includes selections from all musical periods, contemporary and alternative styles. Students are encouraged to further strengthen their musicianship by playing in extracurricular Irondale musical opportunities outside of the school day such as Jazz Band, Marching Band, Region Solo & Ensemble Contest, Winter Drumline, Winter Color Guard, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra, and Honors Symphony Orchestra Winds. Previous experience in instrumental music is recommended.

Varsity Band

Course Numbers: 3149 & 3150 Grade: 9 Credit: 1.0

All bands at Irondale stress the development of technical performance skills, sight reading skills, and attainment of overall musical knowledge through daily rehearsals and sectionals. Groups perform a wide variety of music from the classics to current pop selections. All groups perform at Fall, Winter, Spring, Pop Concerts and participate in exchange concerts and yearly field trips.

Concert Band

Course Numbers: 3141 & 3142 Grade: 10, 11 Credit: 1.0

All bands at Irondale stress the development of technical performance skills, sight reading skills, and attainment of overall musical knowledge through daily rehearsals and sectionals. Groups perform a wide variety of music from the classics to current pop selections. All groups perform at Fall, Winter, Spring, Pop Concerts and participate in exchange concerts and yearly field trips. Performs at the Region Music Contest and Commencement. Course Numbers: 3139 & 3140 Grades: 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0 Note: Most advanced band comprised primarily of seniors, juniors and sophomores based on auditions. Registered juniors must successfully complete an audition in the spring. Registered sophomores must get instructor approval to audition.

All bands at Irondale stress the development of technical performance skills, sight reading skills, and attainment of overall musical knowledge through daily rehearsals and sectionals. Groups perform a wide variety of music from the classics to current pop selections. All groups perform at Fall, Winter, Spring, Pop Concerts and participate in exchange concerts and yearly field trips.Performs at the Region Music Contest, Seniors to Seniors Concert, Suburban East Band Festival, Spring Tour, and Commencement.

Orchestra

Orchestra at Irondale is a comprehensive course of music study. A variety of string literature is studied throughout the year including standard orchestral literature, alternative styles, world music and original concert works. Objectives include but are not limited to, development of rhythm and pitch accuracy as an individual and as an ensemble, advanced string techniques, increased knowledge of music theory, music history and music terms and a greater appreciation for music. All orchestras play in at least three concerts and annual field trips. Players are encouraged to further strengthen their musicianship by playing in extracurricular Irondale musical opportunities including Chamber Orchestra, Pit Orchestra and Region Solo and Ensemble Contest. Previous experience in instrumental music is recommended or instructor approval.

Varsity Orchestra

Course Numbers: 3185 & 3186 Grade: 9 Credit: 1.0

Varsity Orchestra is the study of intermediate string techniques and musicianship skills in preparation for upper level orchestra ensembles. Students study advanced string skills including shifting, fingerboard positions, vibrato and bow technique in addition to building orchestral ensemble techniques. Through daily exercises and repertoire, students learn music history and music theory which they can apply to all aspects of music making. Performs music exclusively from the string orchestra repertoire. Varsity Orchestra students perform four concerts during the year and participate in the MNSOTA Honors Orchestra Festival.

Course Numbers: 3175 & 3176 Grade: 10 Credit: 1.0

Concert Orchestra is open to 10th grade students and is the study of intermediate string techniques, music theory, music history, orchestral ensemble techniques and styles. This orchestra performs music exclusively from the string orchestra repertoire and prepares students for more advanced ensembles. Concert orchestra students perform five concerts a year including the annual Disney concert. The orchestra tours internationally every three years with Symphony Orchestra.

Symphony Orchestra

Course Numbers: 3181 & 3182 Grades: 11, 12 Credit: 1.0

Symphony Orchestra is an advanced orchestra ensemble that performs music from both the string and full orchestra repertoire. Students refine advanced right and left hand technique, ear training, music theory, music history and musicianship. Emphasis is placed on individual musical growth and how it connects to the larger ensemble. Symphony Orchestra students perform six concerts a year and tours internationally every three years Course Numbers: 4169 & 4170 Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credit: 1.0

Varsity Choir is open to all students who want to be part of a high quality choir experience in high school. The choir performs at all school concerts and the Region Large Group Contest each spring. Members receive small group lessons during the first semester and build musical skills and knowledge to help move them to higher level performing and musical experiences.

Knightingales

Course Numbers: 3154 & 3155 Grades: 10, 11, 12 (Audition) Credit: 1.0 Note: Knightingales is for Soprano and Alto singers that are in grades 10 through 12

Knightingales is for upper class treble singers with previous musical experience and a desire for high quality performance. Members continue to build music theory and musicianship skills for upper level music making. Members perform at all school concerts, Region Contest, and do an exchange concert with an area treble choir.

Honors Concert Choir

Course Numbers: 3191 & 3192 Grade: 10, 11, 12 (audition) Credit: 1.0 Note: Honors Concert Choir is for tenors and basses in grades 10 through 12, and sopranos and altos in grades 11 and 12 *Seniors in Concert Choir may be eligible to earn 3 ARCC credits in College Singing Fundamentals. This course is embedded in Concert Choir second semester. See further descriptions in this section.

Honors Concert Choir is an advanced, auditioned, mixed choir for students who possess strong musical and vocal skills. Members continue to build music theory and musicianship skills for upper level music making. Members are required to perform in many evening performances, at festivals, and have the opportunity to be a part of a national or international tour every other Spring.

Choir

Choirs at Irondale emphasize group effort toward a common goal of excellence. Students sing a wide variety of choral music, develop individual voice skills, participate in a variety of performance experiences, learn to read music, and improve their knowledge of music fundamentals. Choirs perform in four evening concerts: the Fall, Holiday, Spring, and Pops concerts. They also perform in exchange concerts, Region Large Group Contests, field trips, and tours.

Course Number: 8131H Grades: 11, 12 Credit: .75

Note: This is an Anoka Ramsey Community College course taught at Irondale. Students will earn 3 credits for MUSC 1100 upon successful completion. This course helps fulfill Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal 6C, Humanities and Fine Arts. Students must enroll for both high school and college credit. Students must meet concurrent enrollment eligibility standards to take this class.

Survey of the history and diversity found within primarily western music and its relation to culture and society including a brief survey of the elements of music, incorporating the extensive use of audio recordings and attendance at a live performance. Course Number: 8135 Grades: 12 Credit: .75 Sequential Course: Concert Choir for Junior & Senior years

Note: This is an Anoka Ramsey Community College course taught at Irondale. Students will earn 3 credits for MUSC 1109 upon successful completion. This course helps fulfill Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal 6C, Humanities and Fine Arts. Students in this ARCC course are simutaneously in Concert Choir and ARCC MUSC 1109. This is not an additional semester course requiring space in your schedule.

Students will learn to develop the voice as an instrument and learn basic fundamentals of music, as well as a diversity of singing styles and music history. Opportunities to perform for peers and instructor will help develop students as performers.