Marblehead High School​
Marblehead Choral Music
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AP Music Theory
AP Music Theory is a challenging, year-long, college-level course in music theory and ear training. The course emphasizes aspects of music such as melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition, and some history and style. Musicianship skills like dictation, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are crucial to the course. Students are required to take the AP Music Theory exam in May to get credit for the class.
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Prerequisites: written permission of instructor; significant musical experience​
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Open to grades 10, 11, 12
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AP Music Theory Syllabus:
Music Theory CP1
Music Theory CP1 is a half-year course in music theory, studying the building blocks of music: the elements of melody, rhythm, and harmony. Students will learn to read and write music and to recognize common compositional techniques visually, aurally, and with technology. This class is essential for students pursuing a career in music. Prior musical experience is recommended, but not required.
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Prerequisites: none
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Open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Piano lab is a half-year course geared towards beginning and intermediate keyboard players who want to study a wide range of musical styles and techniques. Musical genres to be studied include classical, folk, rock, jazz, and blues. There will be an emphasis on composition, improvisation, theory, and reading. Students will keep a regular practice journal. No musical experience is required. Although focused towards beginners, advanced students may take this course if they desire more practice time.
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Prerequisites: none​
Open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Piano Lab
Musical Theater is a half-year, CP1 class open to all students at MHS. The course will explore the transition of musical theater into the multi-million dollar industry it has become today, picking up in 1960 with Stephen Sondheim's rise to fame. Students will study the historical context behind many groundbreaking shows, as well as the art of musical theater performance. In-depth character and script analysis will be required. Solo and ensemble vocal performance will be connected to character portrayal. Emphasis will be placed on developing character and performance technique. Featured musicals include Rent, Into the Woods, Wicked, and The Phantom of the Opera. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll both in Musical Theater 1 and 2; no prior musical or theatrical experience is required.
Prerequisites: None
Open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12