GENERAL MUSIC
General Music is a non-performance music class offered to all students in Grades 9-12. This is a hands-on class with emphasis on the individual needs and interests of the students. 

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MUSICAL THEATER
This is a project-based, non-performance course that will study an overview of the history of theatre and musical theater, emergence of Broadway, basic acting techniques, improvisation work, script study, theatre production, set design, character analysis, and movement. Viewing and analysis of two performances is required. Anyone who is interested in the theatre, either acting or behind-the-scenes, is welcome; students do not need to have any theatre experience to enroll.

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CHORUS
Choir is open to any 7th or 8th grader who is interested in music, singing and performing. We focus on three-part repertoire from many genres, cultures and languages. This group performs at least eight times per year:  the Veterans Day Assembly, Winter Concert, Winter Community Tour, Singing Valentines, Solo/ensemble, Large Group Festival, Spring Concert and NPMS assemblies. Students’ performances at Solo/Ensemble include solos, duets, trios and large group ensembles. Outside of performances, we study vocal tone, music history and cultures, vocal percussion, music theory, drama activities and African percussion instruments. 

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INTERMEDIATE BAND
Students are provided with an opportunity to advance and progress in the development of instrumental performance. Students will have the opportunity to grow and mature as young musicians on their instruments and they will be able to participate in WSMA competitions.  Solo/Ensemble Contest and large group Festival begins at this level and carries on into the high school. This is a combined 7th & 8th Grade band. The Intermediate Band students perform at the middle school Holiday and Spring programs and join other band students at the 4th of July parades.

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JAZZ BAND
The Jazz Band course is offered to band students that are highly motivated and hard workers. Students will learn style characteristics common in various forms of Jazz, Swing, blues, Latin and Rock. Students will rehearse three times  a week and will have a resource period the other two days. Students must be in Intermediate Band to be in Jazz Band.

 

High School Courses Middle School Students May Take

 

CHORALE
This performance-based choir is open to any and all NPHS students.  We focus on three-and four-part songs from many different backgrounds. We develop basic music-reading skills through repertoire, sight singing, and music theory. This group performs at the Veteran's Day Assembly, Winter Concert, GNC Solo/Ensemble Festival, Pops Concert, WSMA Large Group Festival, Spring Concert, and Cabaret Concert.  Each student receives a weekly voice lesson. Optional performances include community performances and National Anthem at athletic events. A fee is associated with this course for Solo/Ensemble.  

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CONCERT BAND
Concert Band is a performance based class. It is designed to help instrumental students achieve high standards of proficiency on a musical instrument. The class is designed to reinforce fingerings, dynamics, articulations, and musicality. All students will have weekly required sectionals as well as individual lessons with SmartMusic. A small required amount of marching band & pep band is integrated into the course. All members are required to participate in marching band. All members are required to participate in Pep Band to some extent.