Concert Band

Concert Band provides an opportunity for students who have reached the necessary degree of maturity of playing a wind or percussion instrument to perform in a group and to perform as a soloist. Development of comprehensive musicianship will be emphasized through a wide repertoire of original band literature, transcriptions, and arrangements. After school activities and rehearsals are integral to the course, and grades may reflect such participation, including required non-school hour performances and practices.

Concert and Chamber Orchestras

Orchestra provides an opportunity for students who have reached the necessary degree of maturity of playing an orchestral, string, wind, or percussion instrument to perform in a group and to perform as a soloist. Development of comprehensive musicianship will be emphasized through a wide repertoire of original string and orchestra literature, transcriptions, and arrangements. After school activities and rehearsals are integral to the course, and grades may reflect such participation, including required non-school hour performances and practices.

Marching Band

The CHS Marching Band is a competitive corps-style marching band featuring winds, drum line, front ensemble (“pit”), and color guard. Marching Band requires a significant time commitment outside of school hours. After school activities and rehearsals are required, as this course meets outside of school hours. Grades may reflect such participation, including required non-school hour practice, rehearsals, performances and competitions.

Jazz Band

Auditioned groups such as Jazz Band are the backbone of student musicians’ exposure to all forms of the jazz genre. Jazz Ensemble provides an opportunity for students who have reached the necessary degree of maturity in playing an instrument to perform different styles of jazz from the big band era as well as dance music, rock, and popular music of the present day. Improvisation and stylistic playing will be emphasized to develop comprehensive musicianship. Public musical performances will be expected. After school activities and rehearsals are required, as this course meets outside of school hours. Grades may reflect such participation, including required non-school hour performances and practices.

Percussion Class

Small group instruction is provided for students desiring to acquire skill in playing percussion instruments. Good tone production, instrumental techniques, sight-reading, and basic fundamentals of music are emphasized as well as balance and interpretation of music within a small group. Comprehensive musicianship is emphasized through a study of varied instrumental repertoire. After school activities and rehearsals are integral to the course, and grades may reflect such participation, including required non-school hour performances and practices.

Other Classes

Multiple options exist for other music elective classes. Piano and Guitar are performance emphasis courses that includes additional comprehensive activities in reading, creating, and listening to music as well as developing an understanding of history, vocabulary, structure, and symbols. Students will play a wide repertoire of keyboard or guitar music literature alone and in ensembles. Opportunities for public solo or group performance will be available.

Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory is offered to students who wish to pursue the study of music theory in a course equivalent to a college introductory course in music theory. This is a college level course.

Music Technology provides students with an introduction to basic music technology applications. Taught within a hands-on framework, students will be introduced to the creative use of music technology and the fundamentals of music using synthesizers, computers, Musical Instrumental Digital Interface (MIDI) keyboards, sequencers, and appropriate software.

In addition, vocal music classes are available for both auditioned and non-auditioned ensembles through Chesapeake Choirs.

Extra Instruction & Practice Space

We have (nearly) soundproof practice rooms, as well as extra instruction from faculty, available for preparation for Solo & Ensemble Festival, All-State, and All-County auditions.

Tri-M Music Honor Society

CHS is proud to participate as a local chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Tri-M’s mission is to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and provide leadership opportunities. Mr. Rupp is CHS’ Tri-M Music Honor Society advisor.