Music Classes

IB Music Course Description

This course is designed for music students with varied backgrounds in music performance, either solo and/or group performers. The aim of the IB music program is to give students the opportunity to explore and enjoy the diversity of music throughout the world by enabling them to creatively develop their knowledge, abilities and understanding through performance and composition.

Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of music by performing solo and in a group, by using appropriate musical language and terminology in analyzing musical works from many and varied cultures and periods, and by exploring their own composition writing.

External assessments of listening and musical investigation will constitute 50% of the grade, and internal assessment will be done by the teacher in the areas of performance and composition to fulfill the remaining 50% of the grade.

All IB students must take this course in conjunction with one of the school’s large ensembles (Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Concert Choir, etc…).

Music Appreciation Course Description

This course is designed for students who are interested in studying music but who are not in a performing ensemble. The class provides the opportunity to explore and enjoy the diversity of music throughout the world by enabling them to creatively develop their knowledge, abilities and understanding through a variety of means, including performance and basic music composition.

Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of music by actively listening to music. Students will use appropriate musical language and terminology in analyzing musical works from many and varied cultures and periods, and by exploring their potential for performance and composition.