In accordance with Florida Dept. of Education and Florida School Music Association course standards, all WHS ensembles require graded after-school participation.
Concert Chorus
The Concert Chorus is comprised of 9th- to 12th-grade singers at Western High School. The objectives of this course will be to demonstrate basic to intermediate sight-reading skills, identify vocabulary; to sing in sections independently and perform sacred and secular choral literature for mixed voices. The Concert Chorus performs at the Florida Vocal Association assessments and community events, school functions, and choral concerts.
Women’s/Treble Choir
The Women’s/Treble Choir is comprised of 10th- to 12th-grade singers at Western High School. The objectives of this course will be to demonstrate basic to intermediate sight-reading skills, identify vocabulary; to sing in sections independently and perform sacred and secular choral literature for higher voice parts. The Treble Choir performs at the Florida Vocal Association assessments and community events, school functions, and choral concerts.
The Western Singers
The Western Singers are composed mostly of upperclassmen. Singers is a standard vocal ensemble and provides instruction in basic and intermediate vocal technique through the performance of secular/sacred choral literature with additional study in choreography. The Western Singers will perform at various locations throughout the community, Florida Vocal Association Music Performance Assessment, school concerts, special events, and on regional and when possible, national tours.
Other vocal performance opportunities
Auxiliary vocal ensembles include
- the Women’s Barbershop Ensemble, performing standard repertoire in the style of Barbershop harmony. This ensemble meets after school.
- Show Choir, performing secular and/or popular music with choreography. This ensemble meets after school.
Other music coursework available at Western
Not all courses available each year.
- Keyboard I
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop basic keyboard skills, including interpretation of notation and performance in varied styles.
Course content includes notation and expressive markings; posture, hand position, fingering and technique; reading and performance skills; music theory and music literature.
- Guitar I
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop basic skills in guitar performance, including interpretation of notation and performance in varied styles.
Course content includes technical performance proficiency, notation and tablature, chord structure, performance styles, improvisation, composition, arranging, performance analysis, instrument care and maintenance, role and influence of guitar music and musicians, and connections between music and other subject areas.
- Music Technology & Sound Engineering I
The purpose of this course is to teach the care and use of electronic equipment and synthesizers commonly used in the production of today’s popular music, along with the necessary theoretical, technical, and physical properties of sound and music.
- Music Theory I
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop knowledge of basic music structures and elements and their uses in varied music styles and genres.
Course content includes rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic notation; ear training; sight reading; composition, arranging, and improvisation; harmonic structure; analysis of compositional structure and form; influence of history and culture.
- Advanced Placement Music Theory
The purpose of this course is to develop the student’s ability to recognize and understand the basic materials and processes in any music that is heard or read in score. Course content is specified by the Advanced Placement program.
For Band courses see the Band director or website.