TESORO HIGH SCHOOL

NEW course for the school year 24-25.  The Beginning Orchestra class allows the students to learn to play an orchestral instrument for an entire academic year. The students and the teacher will collaborate to choose from violin, viola, cello, or double bass to study for the entire year. Physical characteristics, personality traits, prior musical experience, instrument availability, student interest, and the need for balanced instrumentation within the orchestra will all be considered in instrument selection. The goal of the class is to give the students the fundamental skills needed to continue their development in the higher-level orchestra course. Students will have the opportunity to perform music in various concerts.  Admission is open to all players.  THIS COURSE MEETS THE UC/CSU "VPA" REQUIREMENT. 

 

This course is for the student who has attained intermediate proficiency on his/her instrument. Music of increasing difficulty is presented with instruction designed to increase the range, flexibility, endurance, tone quality, and artistic interpretation of the student. This group performs in school and public concerts. It is strongly advised that concert band members enroll in “Marching Band,” in which physical education credit is earned by the duel enrollment. Attendance at extra rehearsals and all performances is required. THIS COURSE MEETS THE UC/CSU "VPA" REQUIREMENT. 

 

This course develops the intermediate-level orchestra and utilizes increasingly complex scales and repertoire to develop string pedagogy further.  Students will rehearse, analyze and perform various string ensemble music at 2.5 and 3 levels.  Sectional lessons for each instrument are scheduled twice a month during class time.  Three/Four required public concerts /festivals per year.  Admission is open to all players.  THIS COURSE MEETS THE UC/CSU "VPA" REQUIREMENT. 

 

Sinfonia is a high-level orchestra.  Musicians in this ensemble will study pieces from various musical periods.  Students will rehearse, analyze and perform string ensemble music at the Grade 3+/4 level.   Private study is recommended as students must meet strict audition criteria to be considered for this group.  Course content includes critique, sight reading, and study of music history, theory, and the role of music in various cultures and our current society.  Daily home practice of performance literature is expected. Sectional lessons for each instrument are scheduled twice a month during class time.  Students in this course will work on the three areas of music study: music performance, music reading, and musical knowledge. Four or more public concerts/festivals are required per year.  The course includes written and playing tests, solos, small ensemble and full ensemble performances, and a comprehensive final exam.  THIS COURSE MEETS THE UC/CSU "VPA" REQUIREMENT. 

 

This is the most advanced of the ensembles and is designed for the student who is a highly competent performer. The student is challenged by music of the highest caliber, requiring more sophisticated understanding of complex rhythms, all key signatures, musical terminology, ensemble skills, and extra effort on the part of the student. Wind Ensemble is a major performing ensemble, and participation in concerts, festivals and assemblies is required. Members may also enroll in “Marching Band” as a separate period for physical education credit. Admission is by audition.  THIS COURSE MEETS THE UC/CSU "VPA" REQUIREMENT. 

 

 Chamber Orchestra A, B (P) Audition Only 

The Chamber Orchestra is the most advanced string orchestra ensemble that provides continuing growth in music through the study and performance of advanced orchestral literature ranging from grade 4 /5+ to collegiate+ level.  Private study is highly recommended as students must meet strict audition criteria to be considered for this group.  This orchestra, comprised of elite performers, regularly performs in the community and competes at district and state festivals. Additionally, students in the Chamber Orchestra will be expected to participate in the full symphony rehearsals outside of the school day during the months of January, February, and March once a week after school.  Solo, small ensemble, and school/ community performances are highly encouraged.  Members must be dedicated to this time commitment to refining and perfecting musical skills. A history of excellence in music participation, preparation, performance, and attitude is required for this group.  The curriculum will also prepare students to audition for the various honor orchestras; District, Southern, and State.  Students in this course continue working on the three areas of music study: music performance, music reading, and musical knowledge.  Students will participate in public performances, become more proficient in reading music on their instruments, and learn the advanced concepts of music theory.  THIS COURSE MEETS THE UC/CSU "VPA" REQUIREMENT. 

 

Students must have concurrent enrollment in Concert Band/ Wind Ensemble and/or Orchestra.  This Marching Band, "Titan Regiment"   course is open to any student with previous training on a wind or percussion instrument and also welcomes students without prior training who desire to learn a wind or percussion instrument.  The Titan Regiment performs for home football games, weekend field show competitions, parades, and other community events throughout Southern California. Attendance at extra rehearsals and all performances is required. The Marching Band class fulfills Physical Education credit.  

 

It is a Sport of the Arts!  Color Guard is an international competitive sport in which highly skilled members combine artistry with athleticism to perform complex sequences of dance while spinning sabers, rifles, and flags in competition.  When the field season ends (Marching Band/PE 1st semester), the Color Guard competes indoors and is known as Winter Guard.  It is similar to outdoor color guard (called Marching Band/PE 1st semester), except the performances are indoors on gymnasium floors through the winter season.  The traditional marching band music is replaces with a recording of music.  The gymnasium floor typically is covered by an individually designed tarp (called a floor by performers).  Guards compete against one another on skill level.  

Winter Guard is a combination of the use of flags, sabers, mock rifles, other equipment, dance, and interpretive movement in a choreographed routine to express emotions and tell stories through their use.  Winter guard is a color guard taken indoors and performed without the band, typically to recorded music.  Within the high school guard groups, there are multiple classes based on the guard member’s abilities.  Unlike other sports, when a Winter Guard is consistently performing at the top of their class the group is moved to the next higher skill level class, even within the same competition season. Winter guard currently exists in 10 countries around the world, and in high schools, middle schools, universities, and independent organizations.  The Tesoro High School participates in the WGASC circuit.  Winter Guard provides the opportunity to teach and develop high school color guards, and expand individual’s performance skills and opportunities. 

Tesoro High School's Winter Color Guard is second semester, 7th period.  Practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays after school for three hours each.  This course gives half a semester of PE credit. 

 

*To become a member of the Winter drumline, students must be enrolled in a concert ensemble such as Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Sinfonia Orchestra, or Chamber Orchestra.   

A winter drumline is a group of percussionists who perform indoor competitive shows that usually include both music and marching in formations. Different types of percussion instruments from both marching and concert bands can be incorporated into a winter drumline show, depending on the demands of the show’s theme. These indoor percussion ensembles have competitive seasons that run from December to March each year. Each drumline performance takes place in an indoor gym, usually on a basketball court. 

Students are accepted into the Winter Drumline by audition only.  

Tenor, snare, quad, and bass drums are commonly used in these types of shows. A winter drumline can include a stationary percussion section known as a pit, in addition to the drums used in marching routines. This band consists of musicians who play larger instruments like xylophones, timpani, chimes, and even drum kits like those used in rock bands. With electric keyboards and guitars, some winter drumlines add more musical creativity to their pit sections. The only element that is normally not allowed is a previously recorded music track, so competition rules usually allow for this wide range of instrument choices. 

Winter drumline shows usually include a lot of theatrical elements, such as elaborate sets and costumes for the performers. The majority of these indoor percussion ensembles perform on top of a large tarp that covers the gym floor where the competition is held. These tarps are usually made of vinyl with designs painted on them to match the drumline show’s theme. To create a more complete picture of the show theme, some ensembles include backdrops placed in the upstage area of the floor. 

Themes and music for a winter drumline show can be quite diverse. Many groups choose to re-enact popular movie or television show plots, complete with musical scores adapted for percussion instruments. These types of show themes frequently change from year to year, depending on what is currently popular in theaters and on television. Other drumlines put on classical or popular music performances, complete with sets and costumes that include visual elements.  

Tesoro High School's Winter Drumline is second semester, 7th period.  Practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays.  This course gives half a semester of PE credit.   

 

Jazz Band emphasizes instruction in advanced techniques of jazz instrument playing. These include skills in tone, intonation, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, articulation, harmony, phrasing, style, and improvisation. Students will also experience a variety of music activities through participation, performance, creation, interpretation, and evaluation. In addition, the course will explore jazz literature and performance practices from various historical/cultural sources as well as provide many opportunities for music appreciation and knowledge of college/career opportunities.  Auditions are held during the month of November.