The Music Department at Bishop Kelly High School subscribes to the belief that a balanced secondary education should incorporate opportunities for students to expand their musical awareness—both vocally and instrumentally. Such experiences can serve to provide cultural growth and personal fulfillment as well as unlimited enjoyment. Exposure to music theory and music history can lead students to a deeper understanding of and appreciation for a variety of types of music including classical, folk, jazz and contemporary. Through a study of the time-periods of music throughout the world—and the characteristics peculiar to them—Bishop Kelly students will be given opportunities to develop a lifelong appreciation for music along with the ability to become knowledgeable performers and attentive and sensitive listeners. In addition to performance-based offerings, the Music Department at Bishop Kelly High School will sponsor appreciation-based course offerings whose goals will be to provide the total student body with opportunities to encounter a cross-section of the richness of the world's greatest music in a non-performance environment.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC (BAND) -Two Semesters
Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Instructor Approval
This instrumental music offering will provide interested Bishop Kelly High School students with opportunities to begin, or continue, their development of performing skills with an emphasis on teamwork, self-discipline and precision. Operating from a menu of traditional and contemporary styles of music, students will strive to gain a knowledge of and understanding for the basic elements of instrumental music. An extension of the class will be its yearlong participation in a variety of school activities including involvement in school liturgies as well as appearances at football and basketball games and other school and community events. This class is offered zero hour.
WOMEN’S CHORALE -Two Semesters
Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Women’s Chorale is open to all interested female singers. The course is performance oriented and provides students with a rigorous introduction to choral singing. This ensemble performs a wide variety of sacred and secular art music from various time periods and languages. Students will advance their musical abilities by studying ensemble techniques and performance practices. Each singer will also improve their ability to read and interpret music notation. Women’s Chorale is a one year commitment and the students will regularly perform in concerts, liturgies and other engagements.
CLASSICAL GUITAR - Two Semesters
Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
This course is open to all interested students who own a playable classical guitar. No prior experience is necessary. Participants will develop the beginning skills necessary to play art music on the guitar. All aspects of guitar technique will be covered. The skills necessary for success in music include discipline, love, hard work and a sense of refinement and precision. Daily practice is essential for success in this course. Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of reading music, music theory, aesthetics and music history.
HONOR CHOIR -Two Semesters
Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Instructor Approval/Audition
Honor Choir is an audition-only, mixed ensemble. It is open to students with previous musical experience who successfully pass an entrance audition/interview. The ensemble performs difficult literature in a variety of genres and languages. Honor Choir regularly performs at concerts, liturgies, festivals and other special occasions. The students will refine their musical abilities by improving their rehearsal and performance techniques. This ensemble prepares singers to successfully audition for regional and all-state honor choirs as well as entrance auditions for university music programs.
PASTORAL ARTS -Two Semesters
Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
This course is designed as an adjunct to the current Campus Ministries course. It is open to all students interested in participating in school and parish related liturgical functions. The Pastoral Arts course will teach students how to apply music and other performing arts in the liturgy by building their musical skills and their knowledge of liturgical resources. Students taking the Pastoral Arts course will aid campus ministers in the musical elements of Mass and other services.