Music
Modern Band
Modern Band is a full year long class that meets the California State Arts requirements (VPA). This class is open to experienced instrumentalists and vocalists that are ready to perform in a band. The group rehearses and performs music of all styles, Pop, Rock, Country etc. There are several performance opportunities throughout the school year. In addition topics essential to life long music involvement are covered such as standard music notation, improvisation, ear training, vocal harmony etc. The Cardinal Newman music room is lucky to be equipped with state of the art instruments (electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, drums) an electronic synthesizer laboratory and audio/recording equipment (full PA system, microphones, digital audio workstations).
Introduction to Music
An introduction to the process of active music listening. It also serves as an opportunity for hands-on exposure to music-making on guitar, keyboard, and drums, plus the art of rapping and hip-hop beat creation. The basic elements of music such as form, rhythm, harmony, melody, and texture are explored. The importance of various music styles such as Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Country, Electronic, World Music, and Popular music are discussed with analysis of the most important composers and performers in those areas. It is expected that through this process, the student will gain a greater awareness of formerly unfamiliar music as well as a deeper understanding of the music they may already know.
Performance Guitar
This course is intended for guitar players of all abilities and interests. The class will include developing repertoire in many styles, as well as scale and music theory. The instructor will assess each student’s abilities and knowledge at the beginning of the semester in order to design a program for that particular student. The emphasis will be on understanding the guitar as both a rhythm and lead instrument and will include instruction in playing both open and closed-chord positions, improvisational soloing, and learning songs for pleasure and performance. This class will include time for practice and self-study so the student can develop their guitar-playing skills and work toward goals established by the student and teacher. This course meets the UC/CSU Visual and Performing Arts (f) course requirement.