CASTLE VIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Performing Arts
(303) 387-9000
GUITAR, PIANO, AND PERCUSSION TECH CLASSES
GUITAR I
Guitar I is designed for students to begin the process of creating their own brand of guitar playing. Students will create a promotional packet that will include a flyer, business card and a digitized cd cover that exemplifies their personal style and ultimately visualizes their brand for others to see. Students will learn basic guitar skills and methods. At the end of the term, students will be able to play songs in at least 6 different keys, read chord charts, identify the parts of the guitar, play various strum patterns, read and play chord progressions, play simple melodies, play root-fifth bass parts, play the 12 bar blues, read bass charts, play in a guitar ensemble and will have a basic knowledge of music theory.
A 2-3 minute recital performance during finals at the end of the term is required. Materials Needed: Acoustic (not electric) guitar and several guitar picks(.73 thickness or more). Instrument Rental ($50.00 optional/if needed) includes Jerry Snyder Guitar Book. Jerry Snyder Guitar Book $12.00 if not renting.
GUITAR II
Guitar II is designed for students to continue the process of creating their own brand of guitar playing. Students will build upon their previously created promotional packet that will include an updated flyer and business card. In addition, students will also record a 3 - 5 song demo album that exemplifies their personal style. A hard copy of their cd cover in a jewel case will be used to bring a visual to their brand and allow them to include a cd, thumb drive or link to their demo album. Students will learn intermediate and advanced guitar skills and methods.
At the end of the term, students will be able to play melodies in multiple positions, play barre chords, use and read tablature, understand transposition, play power chords, arpeggios, scales, play in upper position and play in guitar ensembles. In addition, students will gain a better understanding of music theory, compositional and music writing elements. A 5 - 8 minute performance at a local coffee shop in Castle Rock, CO is required. Past performances have taken place at Lost Coffee, Briccy’s Coffee and Applebees.
Materials needed: Acoustic(not electric) guitar and several picks(.73 thickness or more). Although electric guitars will not be used primarily in the classroom, students will be allowed to prepare for their final performance on electric guitar. Most of the skills learned are easily transferable to electric guitar. Final performance is required. Instrument Rental ($50.00 optional/if needed) includes Jerry Snyder Guitar Book. Jerry Snyder Guitar Book $12.00 if not renting.
PIANO I
Piano I is designed for students with no piano background and begins with single hand playing. By the end of the term students will be playing 2 hands with melody and accompaniment. Students will record and/or perform each week to show their learning and progression through the variety of repertoire. Students will be encouraged to choose a song of their choice to perform for their final that best represents their ability. They may choose to sing, but are not required to do so.
Students will be exposed to various rhythms, melodies, chords and styles. They will also have a basic knowledge of music theory. Materials needed: headphones. All other materials will be provided.
PIANO II
This course is a continuation of the skills built in Piano I. The focus is on improving and expanding two hand repertoire as well as chordal accompaniment. Students will also be applying their piano skills to basic music.
PERCUSSION TECH
This class is designed to teach percussionists a full range of percussion techniques from simple snare drum to mallet keyboard studies. The class will focus on specific techniques in playing all percussion instruments, perform a variety of percussion ensemble literature and work on band literature.
Performance opportunities include 2-3 scheduled percussion ensemble concert performances and performances with the Castle View Band or Orchestra. All percussionists wishing to continue their skill development should sign up for this class. Participation in all performances is required.