Course Offerings
The Beginning Piano class is for students who wish to explore music on the keyboard. Class will be held in a keyboard/music lab where players practice and hear their work through headphones. Previous knowledge of music is not required. Students will learn basic music reading, music structure, melodic playing and chording.
The Beginning Guitar class is for students who wish to learn basic guitar playing and musicianship. Students in the class will learn to play chords and melodies, read music, tablature and chord notation. Songs and materials will be chosen from popular, folk, classical and contemporary music. The emphasis of the class will be on playing guitar but will also stress basic music skills. Students must take written and performance tests to pass the class. Reading music and past music experience is not necessary for admission. Instruments will be made available for classroom use.
The Wind Ensemble is an advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion-performing ensemble. This group prepares, studies, and performs appropriate literature for an advanced high school Wind Ensemble. The Wind Ensemble performs both publicly and at festivals. Attendance at all performances is mandatory as is participation in the San Rafael Pep Band, which plays at athletic events (Football/Basketball Games). Instruments are available based on need and availability. It is the student’s responsibly to make practice time available.
The Beginning Steel Pan class is open to all students. The Advanced class is open by recommendation of the instructor. The pan classes provide a nontraditional approach to music education and participation. The emphasis of the class is on performance, not music reading. Students will learn the major traditions of pan, classical and calypso as well as rock, pop, jazz and soca. Some students will play percussion instruments. Grades will be based on individual and group performance tests, work habits, attitude, and attendance. Instruments will be provided.
There are three jazz bands at San Rafael High School. Jazz Ensemble 4 P is the most advanced band. Members are selected by audition or the consent of the instructor. Jazz Ensemble 2 P is the next level and is composed of students who are advancing their musical skills. Jazz Ensemble 3 P members are accepted by audition or the consent of the instructor. Jazz Ensemble 2 P is made up of freshmen and students looking to develop their jazz skills. Jazz Ensemble 3 P members are accepted by audition. Because the bands participate in festivals and a variety of community functions, we look for students who are dedicated and like challenges. Attendance at all concerts and festivals is required. Instruments are available based on need and availability. It is the student’s responsibility to make practice time available.
The Chorus is open to anyone who enjoys singing and likes working with a group. Students will be singing a wide range of music from the choral repertoire (classical, world music in foreign languages, jazz, pop, etc.). Students are not required to read music, students will be required to learn musical terms, concepts and the fundamentals of music reading. Chorus is open to students who play piano and wish to accompany the class. All chorus students are required to attend school concerts and festivals.
Jazz Chorus is an exciting class for singers who have had music experience or are currently in another music organization. Members are selected by audition. Many performance opportunities are available for this group including festivals and concerts. Attendance at all concerts and festivals is required.
