Performing Arts: Music

Music Pathway Teachers

Name	Course	Phone Ext.	Room
Christopher Burkhart (Dept. Chair)	Band Director	263142	C142
Marian Sunnergren	Choir Director	263130	C129 & C139
Elizabeth Rolfes	Assistant Band Director	263131	C135

Pathway Description

Students that would like to study band and choir are able to take the courses simultaneously while only using one period in their schedule. In order to register for the joint Band/Choir course, please select: Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Concert Choir or Cape Chorale, and then contact one of the directors (Ms. Sunnergren marian.sunnergren@cape.k12.de.us, Mr. Burkhart christopher.burkhart@cape.k12.de.us, or Ms. Rolfes elizabeth.rolfes@cape.k12.de.us) to work out the details. Freshman that want to register for treble choir or percussion ensemble as well as a corresponding band or choir should also contact one of the above directors and we will work out the logistics.

Instrumental Courses

Symphonic Band

The Cape Henlopen Symphonic Band is the largest instrumental music ensemble at Cape and performs on stage in our theater twice per school year. Additionally, the class travels to a festival each year at a local university. There is no prerequisite for joining the ensemble and it is open to students in grades 9-12, however, students that do not already play an instrument should contact Mr. Burkhart when registering for the course in order to set up extra help or lessons. Symphonic Band members are involved in many outside extracurricular activities and conflicts with the two extracurricular performances are easily resolved for students each year. Marching Band is an extracurricular activity that most students in Symphonic Band elect to join but is not tied to this curricular course or mandated in any way.

Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble is an audition-only ensemble open to students in grades 10-12. The Wind Ensemble shares concerts and festivals with the Symphonic Band as well as other playing opportunities throughout the year. Students in the Wind Ensemble practice regularly outside of school, generally audition for county and/or all-state ensembles, and are encouraged to take private lessons if possible.

Percussion Ensemble

The Cape Henlopen Percussion Ensemble performs music written entirely for percussion instruments and shares concerts with the Symphonic Band. The course is a prerequisite for participation in Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble for Cape Percussionists. The rationale for this prerequisite course is that percussion students are required to learn the widest variety of instruments and techniques in the instrumental music program, but often receive less attention in band classes because they are located in the back. A class specifically dedicated to them gives them that extra attention and an opportunity to develop those skills. Many students move on to one of the other ensembles after they take the course, but many take it again because they enjoy playing music only for percussion. There are no extracurricular conflicts aside from the two concerts and the conflicts that do arise are easily resolved in a way that allows students to meet their extracurricular responsibilities and receive full credit for the course.

Jazz Ensemble

The Cape Jazz Ensemble is the most active group in the Cape Instrumental Music Program. Cape Jazz performs at local events throughout the year and participates in a variety of jazz festivals and performances throughout the Mid-Atlantic states in the spring. Students learn advanced music, and improvisation and spend a significant amount of time performing in and out of class. Students must meet prerequisite requirements (either previous course completion or an audition) in order to participate. Please contact Mr. Burkhart (christopher.burkhart@cape.k12.de.us) before registering for the class in order to set up an audition.

Piano

This is a class for beginning/intermediate piano students with very little to no years experience. In this class you will learn basic music theory, and the basic fundamentals and technique of playing the piano. Each week you are expected to progress through pieces in our book, weekly assignments, and play in class recitals as assigned. The end of the semester culminates in a final recital in the auditorium.

Guitar

Vocal Courses

Treble Choir

This ensemble is for all Treble singers entering their 9th-grade year. This ensemble performs a wide variety of music arranged for treble singers including gospel, classical, pop, Broadway, and other standard choral repertoires. There is no formal audition required. There will be at least one ensemble adjudication each semester. There will be two formal concerts in December and May.

Concert Choir

This is a choir open to all students interested in singing in a choral setting. It is also open to incoming freshmen who are enrolled in the band and would like to join the choir. This ensemble performs a wide variety of music, including gospel, classical, pop, Broadway, and standard choral repertoire. There is no formal audition required. There will be at least one ensemble adjudication each semester. There will be two formal concerts in December and May.

Cape Chorale

This SATB ensemble is by audition only and is open to 10-12th graders who have participated in Concert Choir or Treble Choir and successfully passed a music theory exam. This is a rigorous class that studies a variety of advanced repertoire. Students who audition successfully are expected to learn music outside of class. This group has regular outside engagements and is also expected to perform in two required school concerts in December and May.

Unified Choir

This ensemble class is in partnership with the Sussex Consortium and CHHS Special Education department and offers an opportunity for students of all abilities. The class provides an inclusive choral experience where special needs students and high school students sing alongside each other to build a supportive and enthusiastic community of singers within the choral department. The focus is on basic vocal technique and choral technique through peer-to-peer interactions and activities. Students will participate in a formal concert at least once a year, and in several informal performances where families will be welcomed into the classroom for a participatory learning experience. All grades and abilities levels are welcome to enroll for the course. Junior/Senior choral students who are interested in a peer tutoring experience are also encouraged to enroll for the course.

Voice

This is a group voice class where students learn to sing in a group setting. Beginning through advanced students are welcome. Anyone who has ever wanted to sing but was afraid they would sound bad, or worse, they were told they “couldn’t sing” are also welcomed into this class. Students will learn about the fundamentals of singing: breath support, creating good resonance, and phonation. We explore voice science and vocal production in all its phases. Students will learn how to harness their nerves and turn them into good energy and will leave the class as more confident singers. Repertoire includes a variety of songs chosen by both student and teacher. The class culminates in a final recital.

The Music of Musical Theatre

Students are exposed to a variety of musical theatre vocal styles, vocal technique, vocal performance, audition technique, musical theatre history, keyboard musicianship, basic music theory, singing with an accompanist/pit orchestra, score study, and interacting with a music director. Musical guest artists will be introduced within the scope of musical theatre. The class will culminate in a musical theater concert performance.

Music Technology

Music Technology is a course intended to introduce students to the digital world of music. Students will work with a variety of software programs including: GarageBand and Logic Pro X. Students will learn the basics of recording and production and utilize the music technology lab and recording studio to create their own music, record the music of others and score films and videos. There are no prerequisites other than an interest in making music.

AP Music Courses

AP Music Theory

AP Music Theory

Students in AP Music Theory study musical analysis and compositional techniques generally taught in the first year of study in university music programs. At the conclusion of the course students should possess the written and aural skills of a first-year music major. The AP Music Theory curriculum is rigorous and prospective students should be prepared to practice and complete coursework outside of class. Students should be pre-approved for this course by the performing arts faculty.