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

For students interested in vocal, instrumental, or general music, the music pathway off ers a fl exible and engaging route to explore their passions. With diverse opportunities to complete the pathway, students can tailor their experience to fi t their interests. Our scheduling also allows for split classes, giving students the unique opportunity to participate in both band and choir using a single scheduling block, leaving room in their schedule to take classes of other interests. The music pathway emphasizes the importance of music-making as a source of connection, creativity, and community. Students also develop real-life skills that extend far beyond the classroom, such as discipline, collaboration, critical listening, time management, and confidence.

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.

Honors 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.

Honors 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

This is a beginning guitar course, designed to give students a space to learn guitar with guidance from an instructor. This course teaches not only the basics in guitar, but gives students a chance to learn self-discipline, and to diagnose and problem-solve through developing the skill. Students will learn the fundamentals of guitar performance. Instruments will be provided or students can bring their own guitar. Topics covered include: basic technique, music theory, harmony, chordal and solo line playing, ensemble and solo work.

Vocal Courses

Treble Choir

This ensemble is treble singers entering their 9th grade year. Singers may opt to re-enroll as a 10th grade student. This ensemble performs a wide variety of music arranged for treble voices 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.

Honors 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 enrolled in the regular-ed setting 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 class for beginning/intermediate/advanced voice students who may or may not have previously taken voice lessons. In this class you will learn basic music theory, fundamentals, the technique of singing and the science behind it. Each week you are expected to progress through assigned group songs, individual songs (of the students’ and teachers’ choosing), weekly assignments, and perform in an informal setting. The class is structured in a way to help you gain confidence in your singing voice and improve performance techniques, which can transfer to other skill sets such as public speaking. The end of the year culminates in a final formal recital in the auditorium.

General Music Courses

Music Technology

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.