Resources for Students

Instrument Care Guides and Resources--Regular maintenance will keep you from spending money on preventable repairs.  See the best ways to care for your instruments.  Also, listen to professionals on your instrument.

Tackling the Monster: Wynton Marsalis's 12 tips for more efficient practice--Save time and frustration with these simple practice tips.

Forms and Handouts--Any administrative or academic material passed out in class.

Music and Drill-- Visit this password protected section to reprint any lost drill or music.  See Ms. Mattison for the current password.

Online Resources--Helpful websites for performers.

Careers in Music

Ideal Schedules for Music Students

Freshman Year

• English 9 or Seminar English 9
• Integrated Math 1 or 2
• Physics or Biology
• Language year 1/2
  
• Band, Orchestra, or Colorguard
• Elective
• Marching Band PE (First Semester only)

Sophomore Year

• English 10 or Seminar English 10
• World History or European History
• Integrated Math 2 or 3
• Biology or Chemistry
• Language year 3/4
  
• Band, Orchestra, or Colorguard
• Marching Band PE (First Semester only)

Junior Year

• AP English Language or American Literature
• Integrated Math 3 or Pre-Calculus
• American History or AP American History
• Chemistry or Physics
• Band, Orchestra, or Colorguard
• Language year 5/6 (recommended) or another elective
  
• Marching Band PE (First Semester only)
  

Senior Year

• AP English Literature, Writer's Workshop, or Expository Writing
• Pre-Calculus or Calculus (recommended) or an elective
• Government/Economics or Political Science
• Band, Orchestra, or Colorguard
• Elective
• Elective
• Marching Band PE (First Semester only)

Graduation Requirements with UC a-g recommendations

• 4 years English
• 4 years Math
• 3 years Social Sciences
• 3 years Laboratory Sciences
• 3 years Foreign Language
• 2 years Physical Education (PE)
• 1 year Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA)
  • (Band, Orchestra, and Colorguard will all satisfy this year of VAPA credit.  It is recommended that students keep these classes on their schedules for all four years of high school, as college admissions look favorably on consistent commitment to music programs.)

A note on participation in ensembles: 

• Students who wish to participate in Marching Band or Wind Ensemble must be enrolled in a class during the day.  In rare circumstances of scheduling dilemmas (with documentation from a counselor) students would be allowed to participate; however, students not involved during the day are subject to additional playing tests to maintain their involvement in the ensemble.
  
• Students wishing to participate in extra-curricular ensembles like All-Southern, All-State, or All-District must be enrolled in a music class at the time of auditions in order to receive a signature from Ms. Mattison--no exceptions will be made.
• We realize that fitting orchestra into a schedule is difficult for Sophomores.  For this reason, students in orchestra are encouraged to participate in marching band to allow them to receive PE Credit.  See Ms. Mattison for a way to be a part of the Marching Band.
• Ensembles like Jazz Band and Winter Drumline are a privilege, and participation in these ensembles requires extra commitment.  If you are not able to attend rehearsals regularly, you may be dismissed from the ensemble.  Leaders who have difficulty attending rehearsals may also be removed from Leadership positions.
• For all classes, attendance and participation within the class time will be a big factor of both your Citizenship and Scholarship Grades.  Regular absences and tardies will result in the lowering of grades, and will also jeopardize any Leadership positions.