Music at Carroll /

Welcome from the Chair

For years, Carroll's performance ensembles have represented the program in a number of venues nationwide and earned dozens of trophies that line the walls of their rehearsal space.  The staff and students of the Archbishop Carroll High School Music Department have developed a mutual commitment to quality, on and off the stage and performance field.  In addition to excellent musicianship, the Carroll Music Department also emphasizes development of leadership skills, dedication, discipline, and integrity.

The students in the Archbishop Carroll High School Music Department understand the value of hard work and the real rewards of the constant pursuit of excellence.  In each ensemble, there is a large collaboration of student leaders who set the standard for all other members.  Every student is responsible for personal growth through the school year, in terms of musicianship and character.  This individual development is a necessary ingredient in the overall growth of the program.

Music Theory

Music Theory allows interested students opportunities to explore the elements of musical construction.  Included is the study of melodic and harmonic notation, musical form and style, music composition, ear training, and listening techniques.

Music Theory I

This course begins with the study of the elements of music and progresses to a basic understanding of how music is written and performed.  Basic ear training and listening techniques are also introduced.

Music Theory II

Prerequisite: Music Theory I or teacher recommendation

More emphasis is placed on advanced musical construction, performance techniques, and ear training.

Advanced Placement Music Theory

Prerequisite: Music Theory II and teacher recommendation

This course is a continuation of Music Theory II. This class prepares students for the Advanced Placement Music Theory test.

Instrumental Music

Instrumental Music

This is a course designed to acquaint students with limited or no prior musical training to the broad field of instrumental music.  Emphasis is placed upon the development of musical performance skills.  This will include elementary skill in music reading and writing through participation and listening.  Students will learn to play one or more instruments of choice.  Instrument rental fees may apply.  Students may repeat course for credit.

Introduction to Guitar

Note: Students must bring their own guitar to each class

This course allows students of all levels of experience to develop their guitar skills in a group setting.  Students will gain an understanding of concepts such as tuning, maintenance, chord structure, and melodic development.  Varied styles of music will be performed, and basic music theory will accompany technical development.

Chamber Strings 101

Note: Students must own a violin, viola, cello, or string bass

This course will give string players with limited or extensive backgrounds an opportunity to rehearse and perform with others.  Students will learn to correctly tune their instruments, discover bowing techniques, and develop an understanding of rhythm and melody.  In addition to individual technique, there will be a strong focus on ensemble playing through the exploration of chamber music literature.  Students may repeat course for credit.

Chamber Strings 102

Note: Students must own a violin, viola, cello, or string bass.  Successful completion of Chamber Strings 101 or approval of Director required

This course will give string players with limited or extensive backgrounds an opportunity to rehearse and perform with others.  Students will learn to correctly tune their instruments, discover bowing techniques, and develop an understanding of rhythm and melody. In addition to individual technique, there will be a strong focus on ensemble playing through the exploration of chamber music literature. Students may repeat course for credit.

Symphonic Band 101

Prerequisite: A basic ability on any instrument (Students with no prior experience will be considered by the Director along with an agreement to study privately).  Additional rehearsals outside of class time are sometimes necessitated with Symphonic Band, as well as individual practice requirements.  Students taking Symphonic Band will participate in Marching Band.  The only exception to the Marching Band requirement is full participation in a Carroll High School fall sport.

This course enables students to further develop their basic skills of instrumental technique and musicianship through marching and concert literature.  This course will enable students to learn the basics of his or her particular instrument through both the fundamental and more advanced study of scales, arpeggios, rhythmic études, and music literature.  The course will develop the student’s ranges, as well as enhance both tone quality and intonation of the individual performer.  Outside performances are an integral part of this class.  Participation at all performances is mandatory.  Students may repeat course for credit.

Symphonic Band 102

Prerequisite: Successful completion of first semester of current year band or approval of Director

This course is a continuation of Symphonic Band.  Preparation of a solo or ensemble from the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) contest list is required.

Advanced Symphonic Band 101

Prerequisite: Approval of Director

Advanced Symphonic Band is designed to promote technical ensemble and full band performance through more difficult wind ensemble literature.  The student should gain a broader appreciation and understanding of music.  Outside performances are an integral part of this class, and participation at all performances is mandatory.  Students may repeat course for credit.

Advanced Symphonic Band 102

Prerequisite: Successful completion of first semester of current year band or approval of Director

This course is a continuation of Advanced Symphonic Band.  Preparation of a solo or ensemble from the OMEA contest list is required. Students may repeat course for credit.

Jazz Band

Prerequisite: Acceptance by audition

This course is designed to allow students who qualify the opportunity to raise their skills to a higher level of achievement through the performance of contemporary and jazz literature.  This class will meet for two, 2-hour sessions per week, plus additional practices per arrangement with Director, after the marching band season has been completed.  Members are required to remain in the group for the rest of the school year.  Jazz band classes are after school enrichment classes.  Students may repeat course for credit.

Marching Band

Note: The class meets during the summer and after school in the fall semester.

This course enables the students to further develop their basic skills of instrumental technique, musicianship, and physical coordination through performance of contemporary literature, accompanied by movement.  Students will have multiple performance opportunities, locally and nationally, in settings of competitions, parades, football games, and concerts.  After school rehearsals and weekend performances are mandatory.  Students may repeat course for credit.