Music

Chorus (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)

Year Course

Fulfills “F” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to help the untrained young voice. The course covers basic principles in vocal production, tone, diction, projection of the individual voice, and music reading. A variety of music will be performed, including rock, jazz, folk, and classical. Emphasis will be placed on performance. This class, which is primarily for 9th grade, can be used as a training ground and feeder group for the mixed chorus. Attendance at all performances is required.

Advanced Chorus (Grades 10, 11, and 12)

Year Course

Fulfills “F” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

Prerequisite: Previous singing experience or teacher recommendation required

This course offers students the opportunity to continue to develop the basics of singing, to study all types of music ranging from classical to rock, and to perform frequently. Emphasis will be placed on the study of advanced choral music with regard to the fine art of interpretation and tone production. Attendance at all performances is required. MBRFC

Concert Band (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)

Year Course

Fulfills “F” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

Prerequisite: Previous basic instrumental training and teacher recommendation

A class designed for the band student not quite ready for the difficult music literature offered in Symphonic Band. It is also an excellent opportunity for current Symphonic Band members to study a new or secondary instrument. Attendance at all performances is required. MBRFC

Jazz Ensemble — Grades 9, 10, 11 & 12

Year Course

Fulfills “F” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

This is a course offered to a limited number of advanced students interested in ensemble playing and modern music. Rehearsal and training are carried on throughout the year in areas of musicianship, improvisation, sight reading, and the establishment of excellent musical standards. Literature ranges from jazz standards to contemporary jazz ensemble literature. Attendance at all performances is required. MBRFC

Advanced Jazz Ensemble (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)

Year Course

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

This is a capstone course offered to a limited number of advanced students interested in ensemble playing and modern music. Rehearsal and training are carried on throughout the year in areas of musicianship, improvisation, sight reading, and the establishment of excellent musical standards. Literature ranges from jazz standards to contemporary jazz ensemble. Attendance at all performances is required. MBRFC

AP Music Theory (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)

Year Course (SSFHS only)

Prerequisite: None

Students should be able to read and write musical notation, and it is strongly recommended that the student has acquired at least basic performance skills in voice or on an instrument. This course covers first semester of college music theory for the music major or minor and satisfies one semester of college level fine arts/humanities elective. The course covers basic musicianship, notation, harmonic and rhythmic studies, composition, counterpoint, and musical analysis from the renaissance through 21st Century Music. Ear training includes sight singing and melodic/harmonic dictation. Open to all students with an adequate background in music.

Symphonic Band (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)

Year Course

Fulfills “F” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

Prerequisite: Previous advance band experience or teacher recommendation

This is an elective course open to all students. The student’s proficiency on the instrument must be great enough to ensure active band participation. Band activities include football band, concert band, and ensembles. Students are encouraged to participate in as many of these groups as possible. By performing, students gain self-confidence, a sense of teamwork, and responsibility. Attendance at all performances is required. MBRFC

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when do I show up for an audition?

What do I do when I get to the audition?

What happens during the auditions?

What happens after the audition?

What ensembles are offered at South San Francisco Hight School?

Are students required to participate in symphonic or concert band, if selected for jazz ensemble?

What should students do, if they are not selected for a top band?

How should students prepare for their audition?

Students should obtain a copy of the audition materials and ask their current music teacher(s) to help them practice
Following are some additional recommendations:

Scales. Practice slowly and focus on sound quality and intonation. Practice at a faster tempo only after achieving good sound quality and intonation.
Prepared piece. For jazz band, try for a great jazz feel. For symphonic band, try to emulate a pure tone. Pay attention to dynamics and articulation marks.
Sight reading. Practice sight reading with sheet music. Play slowly until you can play the rhythms correctly. Use a metronome. Pay close attention to the key signature and read through a tune before starting to play it in order to anticipate difficult spots.
Jazz solos. Listen to great jazz masters playing solos on the same tune you are learning. Learn their solos in order to learn the jazz vocabulary they are using. Jazz musicians ultimately sound like a mixture of all the musicians they have listened to and studied with a little bit of their own personality mixed in. Use this audition as an opportunity to get started on this great, lifelong project.
Classical solos. Listen to great musicians and imitate and emulate their tone and phrasing.