Welcome to the Livonia High School Music Department's Homepage!
Bob Leader, Dept. Chair
Instrumental Music 9-12
rleader@livoniacsd.orgSarah Whittel
Vocal Music 9-12, Music Theory
swhittel@livoniacsd.orgAndrew Lawton
Instrumental 7-8, High School Percussion, Jazz Lab
Alawton@livoniacsd.orgCourses offered:
Theory of Music I
Full year course in the fundamentals of music: Melody, harmony, rhythm, form, timbre.Class requirements include composition, creative projects, sight-singing, ear training, keyboard skills and use of music software. This course is required for a Regents Diploma with a Fine Arts or Music major. (1 credit)
Theory of Music II (AP Music Theory)
Pre-requisite: Theory of Music I
Full year course in advanced harmony and theoretical principles. This course is a continuation of the Theory I curriculum. Class requirements include composition, creative projects, sight-singing, ear training, keyboard skills and use of music software—all at a more advanced level. Students may take the Advanced Placement exam at the end of this course. (1 credit)
Senior High Chorus
A Choral organization of flexible size open to any student with the ability to match pitch and desire to sing. Sr. High Chorus is open to students in grades 10-12 and male choral students in grade 9. Through singing in chorus, students will learn fundamentals of vocal technique and vocal production, as well as sight-singing. Students will perform choral music of many styles. Attendance at regularly scheduled voice lessons during the school day is a requirement of this course. (.5 credit)
Women's Chorus
A choral organization open to female chorus students in grades 9-12. Freshman girls will be placed in this chorus, as well as any other female student wishing to participate. Students will sing choral music of varying styles in 3-4 part harmony, and learn fundamentals of vocal technique and sight-singing. Attendance at regularly scheduled voice lessons is a requirement of this course. (.5 credit)
Vocal Ensemble (Livonia Live)
A select group of students who will sing and dance a variety of music. Many selections will be performed in show choir or jazz choir format, as well as a cappella. An audition, consisting of singing, dancing and sight singing is required. Auditions are held in the spring of the previous school year. Members must also participate in Varsity Chorus. (.5 credit)
Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble
Students will learn about instrumental music through their experiences in band. There are two groups: Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Placement in Wind Ensemble is by audition. Those students not selected for Wind Ensemble will be placed in Symphonic Band. Band meets every other day and each student receives one lesson per week (1 credit)
High School Jazz Lab
An intermediate level jazz band in which students will learn about jazz and its many styles. This class meets one evening per week for ninety minutes. Jazz Lab members must also participate in band.(.5 credit)
Jazz Ensemble
Students will learn about jazz and its many styles through their experiences in this select group. It meets every other day and selection is by audition. Jazz Ensemble members must also participate in band. (.5 credit)
High School Musical
Students who participate in the high school musical will receive .25 credits, whether as a part of the cast or of the crew. Casting is done by audition in December, and rehearsals run from January-March in the evenings and on Saturday mornings. Students are expected to meet all attendance and behavior requirements to remain in the musical. (.25 credits)