Beginning Strings
Grade Level: 9-12
Does Not Meet UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: None

Beginning instruction in the playing of violin, viola, cello, and string bass.

String Orchestra 1-8 P
Grade Level: 9-12
Meets UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: Minimum of one year of prior study of a string instrument.

This course will develop the physical and intellectual abilities associated with playing a stringed instrument and reading music. Students will rehearse, analyze, and perform solo and ensemble music, while developing individual and group responsibilities and cooperation. May be repeated for credit.

Concert Orchestra 1-8 P
Grade Level: 9-12
Meets UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: Admission by audition only and/or written permission from the director.

Increasingly sophisticated music, tone, scales, and techniques will be explored in Concert Orchestra. The orchestra will perform at various venues throughout the school year. Sectional lessons for each instrument may be scheduled after school on a regular basis. May be repeated for credit.

Philharmonic Orchestra 1-8 P
Grade Level: 9-12
Meets UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: Admission by audition only and/or written permission from the director.

This is an advanced level full orchestra. The level of music played is challenging; Increasingly sophisticated music, tone, scales, and techniques will be explored. There will be public performances by the entire orchestra throughout the year. Sectional lessons for each instrument may be scheduled after school on a regular basis. May be repeated for credit.

Symphony Orchestra 1-8 P
Grade Level: 9-12
Meets UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: Admission by audition only and/or written permission from the director.

This is Samohi's most elite full orchestra. The level of music played is very challenging; increasingly sophisticated music, tone, scales, and techniques will be explored. There will be public performances by the entire orchestra as well as solos and small ensembles throughout the year. Sectional lessons for each instrument may be scheduled after school on a regular basis. May be repeated for credit.

Chamber Orchestra 1-8 P
Grade Level: 9-12
Meets UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: Admission by audition only and/or written permission from the director.

The Chamber Orchestra is the most advanced Orchestra ensemble at Samohi, comprised of the most advanced Symphony Orchestra members. This ensemble performs professional-level repertoire. Class meets after school, twice a week for two hours at each meeting. There will be public performances throughout the year, and in addition several performances at private functions, as the Chamber Orchestra will perform professionally. May be repeated for credit.

Piano 1
Grade Level: 9-12
UC Approval pending
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: None

Students will learn to read basic musical notation and perform Level 1 solo compositions. Students will learn correct fingering, major scales, exercises, and chord structure, as well as time signatures, note values, pitch names, dynamic markings, and musical terms.

Guitar 1-8 P
Grade Level: 9-12
UC Approval pending
Semester Course (5 credits)
Prerequisite: None

This course teaches students to play the acoustic guitar. Students will learn proper posture and positioning, as well as finger picking and strumming techniques. Students will play simple melodies and basic accompaniments and learn the basics of musical notation. May be repeated for credit.

Advanced Guitar CC
Grade Level: 9-12
Meets UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: Audition

Co-sponsored by SMC for community college credit

Concert Band 1 P
Grade Level: 9-12
Meets UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation. Concurrent enrollment in Marching Band is not required.

Most freshman band members will be enrolled in this intermediate instrumental organization, which emphasizes the development of techniques and musicianship, studies a variety of band literature, and participates in public performances.

Concert Band 2 1-8 P
Grade Level: 9-12
Meets UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: Selection by director based on audition

Samohi's Concert Band is our mid-level performance ensemble. Students should expect to perform grade 3 and 4 literature for intermediate to advanced high school ensembles. (Literature is graded on a scale of 1-6, 6 being the most challenging.) May be repeated for credit.

Concert Band 3 1-8 P
Grade Level: 9-12
Meets UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: Selection by director based on audition

(Course description not available at this time.)

Wind Ensemble 1-8 P
Grade Level: 10-12
Meets UC/CSU Requirements
Semester Course (5 credits)
Prerequisite: Selection by director based on audition

One of the most outstanding high school bands in California, meeting the highest national and world standards for wind and percussion music. The ensemble is reserved for the most advanced music students. Freshmen are generally not accepted into this ensemble, absent special circumstances. Seniors are given special consideration, but are not automatically admitted. Students should expect to perform grade 5 and 6 literature on a regular basis (litertaure written for college and professional ensembles.) (Literature is graded on a scale of 1 - 6, 6 being the most challenging.) May be repeated for credit.

Jazz Band
Grade Level: 9-12
Does Not Meet UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: Selection by director based on audition

A select band dedicated to a special focus on jazz genres and styles. Students should have a solid musical foundation before entering into the study of jazz. Advanced listening and playing skills are required in order to perform the many American and World styles encompassed in the ever-expanding definition of jazz.

Marching Band
Grade Level: 9-12
Does Not Meet UC/CSU Requirements
Year Course (5 credits per semester)
Prerequisite: Selection by director based on audition. Meets Physical Education requirement.

Samohi's most visible and popular music ensemble. One of the oldest high school marching bands in the western United States, Samohi has enjoyed an outstanding history of innovation and excellence. Students should maintain a high level of musicianship and behavior as members of this ensemble, and expect to spend extra time and energy during the marching season at football games, parades, and half-time tournaments, as well as weekend competitions. Marching Band meets fall semester and fulfills 1 semester of Physical Education credit. Freshmen should take a 9th Grade Physical Education class the second semester.