The music department at University High School includes a jazz ensemble, chamber orchestra, choir and an introduction to music class. On some occasions, classes are taught in musical theater and music theory. Each class meets during the day and students receive credit towards their transcript. Extra curricular musical activities include a lively pep band, which primarily plays for basketball games, and the spring musical.
2002 Godspell
2003 Lucky Stiff
2004 The Baker's Wife
2005 Jekyll and Hyde
2006 Guys and Dolls
2007 Once Upon a Mattress
2008 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
2009 Little Shop of Horrors
This class is designed for students in any grade who desire to participate in a musical (instrumental) ensemble. Students must be able to read music and perform on a wind or percussion instrument. In addition to learning the basics of music, the history of jazz, including well-known jazz performers and ensembles, is studied. Since an important element in learning to play jazz is listening, students learn through musical examples provided in class. This will be important when the student begins or continues to learn the art of improvisation.
This class is designed for students in any grade who desire to participate in a musical (instrumental) ensemble. Students must be able to perform on a stringed instrument and be able to read music. This class will provide students with the opportunity to study string literature in a chamber music setting. In addition, there will be an examination of the background information, (era, composer, etc.) of the piece(s) performed. There may also be an opportunity for students to study important solo literature.
This class is designed for students in any grade who desire to participate in a musical (vocal) ensemble. There is no prerequisite, although the ability to read music is strongly encouraged. In addition to learning the basics of the music, students sing in different languages, learn about other cultures, review important moments in history as it relates to the music (if applicable), study the text (poetry, literature, etc.) and learn general information about the composer.
This class is designed for students in any grade who desire to participate in a musical (instrumental) ensemble. There is no prerequisite, although the ability to read music is strongly encouraged. This class contains many people who may have never participated in a music class before. Students learn to play in an ensemble through the use of percussion instruments.
This is a performance class designed for students who have an interest in musical theatre. In a workshop-based format, students will perform scenes from popular musicals. Here, they will polish their acting and singing abilities as well as do a character analysis for each role they will perform. In addition, students may have an opportunity to direct a scene. The class will culminate in a public performance of scenes from the class.
