The Music Department at Monroe‑Woodbury High School offers a comprehensive program which allows students to perform in a wide variety of instrumental and vocal performance ensembles. Courses in music theory are also offered.

Students are reminded that one credit is required in the Performing and/or Visual Arts to meet graduation requirements.

This course is designed to allow students to participate in a formal choir.  The course meets on alternate days for the full-year.  Objectives of the course include: development of the human voice and accompanying skills, development of self-expression, ability to read and perform a musical score, and exposure to a variety of vocal literature.

PREREQUISITE:   Chairperson approval.   Open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

The Crusader Pep Band performs at all football games and approved community activities and parades.  The Pep Band is a highly visible performing group and offers the opportunity for student leadership positions. The Crusader Pep Band is open to all instrumental music students who are enrolled in the instrumental music program.  

This band meets after school.

These performing groups are very selective. Admission is based upon audition, teacher recommendation, instrumentation needs, performance evaluations and student readiness. Performances include at least four school concerts and adjudication festivals. Ensemble students may also participate in Pep Band or Jazz Ensemble. Both groups meet every day during the same period to allow for crossover ensemble participation. Students also partake in a required small group weekly lesson. 

Enrollment by audition only.

Admission to the Concert Ensembles is by audition. Students are expected to be able to play music at NYSSMA levels III and IV. All groups will meet on alternate days for the full-year. Band students may also participate in Pep Band, Jazz Ensemble. Students will perform at least twice yearly. All students are encouraged to participate in local and state solo and ensemble festivals. Students also partake in a required weekly small group lesson.

All freshmen vocal students will participate in Freshman Chorus. The course meets on alternate days for the full-year. Objectives of the course include: development of the human voice and accompanying skills, development of self-expression, ability to read and perform a musical score and variety of vocal literature.

PREREQUISITES: Auditions, previous vocal music experience.

The Jazz Ensemble is an advanced performing group consisting of the following instrumentation: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, electric guitar, electric bass, keyboard, and percussion. With an emphasis on improvisation, the group performs swing, rock, jazz, etc. dating from 1920’s to the present. Members must be highly skilled at music reading and be capable of performing music at NYSSMA levels V‑VI. Rehearsals are scheduled according to available after school and non‑school time of the participants. The Jazz Ensemble performs in at least two school concerts as well as festivals and performances outside of school.

PREREQUISITE: Audition; students must be enrolled in one of the school ensembles. This group meets after school.

The Symphonic Band performs at least twice yearly. Students are expected to be able to play music at NYSSMA levels IV and V.  The course meets on alternate days for the full-year and includes weekly small‑group lessons and rehearsals.  Students in this group may also serve in the Pep Band and Jazz Ensemble.  Students are encouraged to participate in state and county solo and ensemble festivals.  

PREREQUISITE:  Chairperson approval for students with appropriate skills.  Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

The purpose of the course is to give the students a theoretical understanding of all the elements of music. This course offers students the chance to develop the skills needed to enhance their creative and aesthetic potential and provides them with an understanding and use of the musical language. These attributes will assist the student in pursuing personal goals as a performer, a creator or consumer of the musical arts.

This course is REQUIRED for any student pursuing a five-credit music sequence and meets on alternate days for the full year.

This is a select choir whose members are chosen by individual audition. The group performs more challenging music, both of the traditional masters as well as contemporary composers. The audition includes a range test, sight‑reading material, and a general evaluation of vocal quality. This course may be offered on alternate days for the full year to students with extenuating scheduling conflicts.   Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

PREREQUISITE: Enrollment by audition only.

The purpose of this course is to give the students a basic understanding of the elements of music production.  This course will explore the online and computer based programs involved in producing and editing music and music videos.

This course takes place in the music lab and is open to all students.

This course is designed for those students wishing for a more in-depth study of music/sound production.  It involves Logic Pro for use of sound editing and live sound recording (e.g., music concerts and other school events). 

PREREQUISITE: 

Music Production

Christopher Taborsky
ctaborsky@mw.k12.ny.us

Music Department

Tri-M Music Honor Society