NOTE: All vocal and instrumental music performance courses for Grades 10-12 can be taken multiple times for credit. All performances are mandatory and all band and choir members must abide by MN State High School League Rules.
Students who wish to take BOTH band and choir will need instructor approval. Those who do take both band and choir will receive .5 credit in each course each term.

Band and Guitar Courses are taught by Mr. Bruce Bodelson. You may reach him at 651-748-6059 or BBodelson@ISD622.org To receive weekly updates on Band Courses make sure you register your email at WWW.Northhighband.org . Go to "register" fill in the blanks and make sure you checkmark "all bands" and "Send" at the bottem of the page.

Varsity Band

Open to: Grades 9 – 12 1 Credit/term
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Freshman Band or show comparable musical skills and understanding in an audition.

This is a year-long intermediate level ensemble. Members are expected to participate in marching band, concert performances, and may participate in pep band and music contests.

169/170/171 CONCERT BAND

Open to: Grades 9 – 12 by audition only 1 Credit/term
Prerequisite: Varsity Band or ability to demonstrate comparable skill

This is a year-long course which performs challenging musical literature many times each year, both locally and on out of state tours. Members are expected to perform in marching band and Region 4AA Large Group and Solo and Ensemble contests.

150 BEGINNING GUITAR

Open to: All Grades 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None – no experience necessary

Beginning Guitar is a trimester-long course in which students will learn to read music notation, memorize fifteen basic chord fingerings, practice several strumming and finger techniques for accompanying songs, and perform many songs.

Students must provide their own acoustic guitar, nylon or steel string, and purchase the class book, Guitar Method, Volume I, by Will Schmid. The book will be available for purchase in the class.

151 GUITAR II

Open to: All Grades 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Beginning Guitar or audition with the instructor

Guitar II is a trimester-long course and is appropriate for intermediate level guitar players. Students will further their music reading skills, learn advanced strumming and fingering techniques, study blues, jazz and classical styles, and improvise.

Students must provide their own acoustic guitar, nylon or steel string, and purchase the class book, Guitar Method, Volume II, by Will Schmid. The book will be available for purchase in the class.

Beginning and Advanced Jazz Bands are available as activities that meet outside of the regular school day. No credit is earned.
VOCAL MUSIC

177/178/179 FRESHMAN CHOIR

Open to: Grade 9 ONLY 1 Credit/term
Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed 8th grade choir or show comparable musical skills and understanding in an audition.

This is a year-long course. Areas that will be explored in this class include: proper vocal techniques, various styles of choral music, sight singing, rhythmic and listening skills to enhance ensemble intonation, balance and blend. Special attention will be given to the development of the changing voice.

181/182/183 VARSITY CHOIR

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 by audition 1 Credit/term
Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed Freshman Choir or show comparable musical skills in an audition.

This is a year-long intermediate ensemble designed to refine the student’s vocal and interpretive skills. Students are exposed to a variety of choral literature for mixed voices. Members have the opportunity to participate in Region 4AA State music contests.

189/190/191 CONCERT CHOIR

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 by audition only .5 Credit/term
Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed Varsity Choir or show comparable musical skills in an audition.

This is a year-long course, alternating every other day with Show Choir or study hall. This mixed choir is for the serious singer who wishes to pursue more difficult musical challenges, and perform more advanced choral literature. The ability to read music is a requirement. Members are expected to perform in Region 4AA Large Group and Solo and Ensemble Contests, and participate in an out of state tour.

193/194/195 NORTHERN LIGHTS SHOW CHOIR

Open to: Concert Choir students only, by audition
.5 Credit/term
Prerequisite: audition with instructor

This is a year-long commitment, meeting every other day opposite Concert Choir. The students are responsible for learning the music and choreography for each song and are required to attend all performances for school events and competitions, and are also expected to work outside of class time to improve their skills. A fee is charged for costumes every year.

OTHER MUSIC

198 MUSIC THEORY

Open to: Grades 10 – 12 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Prior experience with vocal or instrumental music

This is a course designed for students who understand basic music note reading, have had experience singing or playing an instrument and wish to learn a lot more about harmony, ear training, melodic dictation and composition. Preparation for the AP music test will be included as part of our studies.