Barrington High School

Requirements and responsibilities for all performing organiziations:

• Attendance at class and mandatory attendance at all rehearsals and performances

• Attitude compatible with achieving success in rehearsals and making daily progress

• Responsibility of knowing one's music and being prepared with instrument and necessary materials

• Cooperation in rehearsals and performances so that the performing organizations can achieve their maximum capabilities

947 Popular Music of the 20th Century
1/2 Credit, One Semester, Level 2, Grades 9-12

This course involves the study of all periods of jazz history including New Orleans Jazz, swing, bebop, cool, hard bop, fusion, and the composers and performers of each. In addition, the class will study form, chord progressions, instrumentation and the evolution of jazz through the major cities that helped invent it such as New Orleans, New York City, Kansas City, and Chicago. The decline of jazz due to the explosion of rock-n-roll will also be studied and artists from the 1950's- 1980's will receive the most focus.

948 Jazz Ensemble
1 Credit, Full Year, Level 1, Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition

Jazz Ensemble is comprised of a select group of students who have advanced instrumental ability. Study of various jazz styles and improvisation will be stressed. The course allows for all members to familiarize themselves with the principles of jazz theory, improvisation, and interpretation. The course also provides students with many school, community, statewide, and festival performing opportunities. Acceptance into the ensemble is based on an audition in March of the previous year. Each participant must re-audition every year.

950 Introduction to Drumming
1/2 Credit, One Semester, Level 2, Grades 9-12

Have fun playing drums while learning about the history and technique to each instrument. African, Afro Cuban and Western rhythms will be covered as well as the hand or stick technique specific to each instrument. Pitched and non-pitched, keyboard and auxiliary percussion instruments will be used. Learn to read rhythms, play in a percussion ensemble, drum circle, as well as develop your own technique in a cooperative learning environment. No experience necessary. All levels welcome.

951 Concert Band
1 Credit, Full Year, Level 2, Grades 9-12

Concert Band is open to all students with prior instrumental experience. Development of a varied repertoire and ensemble performance skills are encouraged. Students are taught the fundamentals of good ensemble playing such as intonation, breath control, articulation, dynamics, posture, phrasing, balance, tone, and musicality. Members of the Concert Band are expected to practice daily, attend all rehearsals and performances, and show continuous improvement throughout the year.

952 Chorus
1 Credit, Full Year, Level 2, Grades 9-12

Chorus is open to all students. A variety of choral styles are studied while emphasizing proper vocal production. Each student is taught the fundamental skills of singing include breath control, balance, dynamics, phrasing, and diction. The opportunity for solo and small ensemble singing is offered. Members of Chorus are expected to practice daily, attend all rehearsals and performance, and show continuous improvement throughout the year.

954 Music History (EEP Course*)
1/2 Credit, One Semester, Level 1, Grades 9-12

This course is dedicated to enriching the individual's knowledge of music and developing a greater appreciation of our musical heritage. Various musical periods and styles are investigated with an emphasis on developing better listening habits. Discussion of the art, social, historical, and literary influences of the period are included as they relate to the music discussed. This course does not require previous musical training and is open to all students.

Click here for Music History syllabus

955 Theory and Composition (EEP Course*)
1 Credit, Full Year, Level 1, Grades 9-12

This course is available to all students regardless of their musical background and is designed to introduce the fundamentals of music and composition. It is helpful, however, for students to have some prior musical experience. 

Activities include learning the major and minor scales and various rhythms and melodic intervals. Students write their own compositions. The second semester includes advanced work in these areas, plus additional compositions and orchestration. The harmony section includes major, minor, augmented, diminished, and secondary dominant chords.

This course is strongly recommended for band and chorus students. Students who wish to be admitted to only the second semester must have the approval of the instructor.

Click here for Theory and Composition syllabus

957 Electronic Music (EEP Course*)
1/2 Credit, One Semester, Level 2, Grades 9-12

This offering is a "hands on" studio course designed for students with little or no experience in electronic music.

Students become familiar with the basic components (synthesizers, amplifiers, reel-to-reel recorders, and other recording equipment) of the electronic lab. Through the use of this equipment, students will learn to create their own electronic compositions. Students who are interested in continuing with Electronic Music may inquire about Electronic Music 2 with their guidance counselor.

Click here for Electronic Music syllabus

958 Audio Production (EEP Course*)
1/2 Credit, One Semester, Level 2, Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Electronic Music or Permission of Instructor

This offering is a "hands on" course designed for students interested in live and studio audio production. Students will become familiar with aspects of live audio (Microphones, Mixing Consoles, Equalizers, Portable Audio Systems) as well as studio based audio (computer platforms, digital audio workstations, MIDI, Virtual plug-ins and VST’s). Through the use of this equipment, students will run live audio, record live performance, edit recordings, and produce recordings in the computer based studio.

Click here for Audio Production syllabus

For specific course content please refer to your Aspen X2 course page!

*What is EEP?

High schools enter into a partnership with Rhode Island College by identifying and offering certain courses for EEP credit. These courses are the equivalent to corresponding courses offered at RIC. Rhode Island College professors meet with high school teachers to discuss the details of their partnership. Once the course content proposed by the high school has been examined and approved, each course is given the name and number of its corresponding RIC course. Students who register for EEP courses enter into a partnership with Rhode Island College by paying a significantly reduced tuition fee for each course in which they enroll.

When students successfully complete an EEP course, their grade appears on their high school transcript and on an official RIC transcript. They may carry over the credits when they enroll at RIC, or they may transfer them to one of the many colleges or universities that accept RIC credits.

For more information see the RI College EEP website. http://www.ric.edu/eep/index.php