BAND
Band offers students an opportunity to play in a large wind ensemble the music of many styles, cultures, and eras. Band gives student musicians a medium for self-expression, a path for excellence and achievement, and an experience in group cooperation and team work. Band is a continuing program that may be selected each year, with expectations for growth, ability, and leadership increasing for each grade. Performances are a required part of the course and include evening concerts at the end of each quarter, the Tolland Memorial Day Parade, graduation, and other performances to be announced at the start of the course. Competitions, auditions, and festivals are available for advanced students only through enrollment in band.
JAZZ BAND
Jazz Band is designed for highly motivated students seeking a further understanding of jazz styles. Jazz Band offers students the opportunity to play in a big band setting, combo setting and as a soloist. Jazz Band is a continuing program that may be selected each year with expectations for growth, ability and leadership increasing for each grade. Performances are a required part of the course and include evening concerts at the end of each quarter. Competitions, auditions and festivals are available for advanced students. An audition on selected repertoire and instructor’s approval are required.
INDEPENDENT MUSICAL STUDIES
Independent Musical Studies is designed for those students who are interested in music, have previous experience playing and instrument and singing and work well independently. The course will focus on solo, small ensemble playing and individual work on one's own instrument or voice. Preparation for Eastern Region and All-State and other festivals may be included. This course may be repeated for credit.
GUITAR
This course is designed for students who have little or no prior knowledge or experience playing the guitar. Instruction is provided in the following areas: types of guitars, care and handling of the guitar, posture/positioning, tuning, music notation, an introduction to chord playing, accompanying techniques/strumming, and styles and techniques of playing. Not open to students who have had private guitar lessons.
MUSIC THEORY
Students will examine the basic concepts of melody, harmony, rhythm and form through the study of music notation. Class activities will include the development of notation skills, music reading, listening and music dictation. Students will also engage in the study of harmonic progression, examining the rules that have developed through the progress of musical composition in western history. As skills develop, students may write their own compositions using the techniques and styles examined in class. Students who intend to major in music in college will find that most conservatories and music schools expect students to have taken this course and will include a music theory test as a requirement for admission.