Get to Know the Music Department!
Mr. Marty Dr. Clark Mr. Powell Ms. Bagwell
Band
Symphonic Band: These groups play a variety of music from a wide range of composers and participate in UIL Concert and Sight-Reading contest. Pre-requisites: prior experience in
a Middle School or High School Band. Placement is by audition by audition by audition.
Concert Band: Is the junior varsity performing band comprised of students continuing from Prep-Band (Band 1) and/or may not be quite ready for varsity UIL Concert/Sight Reading. Opportunity to audition and perform with the varsity band is offered to those who progress and attend weekly sectionals. Placement is by audition. by audition. by audition.
Percussion Ensemble: Students will perform on both concert mallet and battery instruments as well as marching battery instruments throughout the year. They play a variety of music from a wide range of composers. Additionally, students will perform with the Symphonic and Concert Band ensembles during concerts and for UIL Concert and Sight-Reading contest. Pre-Requisites include prior experience in a Middle School or High School Band. Placement is by audition by audition by audition.
Band 1: Beginning band class that focuses on the developmental skills needed for performance of a band instrument. There are no pre-requisites for this group.
Jazz Ensemble: Open to all experienced music students interested in learning jazz by auditory styles and improvisation. Placement is by audition.
Choir
Choir 1, Treble Choir and Tenor/Bass Choir: Beginning choir ensemble that focuses on the developmental skills needed for becoming a vocalist. Groups sing a variety of music from a wide range of composers and time periods and perform concerts. There are no pre-requisites for this group and auditions are not required.
Advanced Treble Choir/Small Vocal Ensemble (Chamber Choir): Our advanced choir ensembles. Groups sing a variety of music from a wide range of composers and time periods, perform concerts and participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble and Concert and Sight-Reading contest. Pre-requisites: prior experience in a Middle School or High School Choir. Placement is by audition audition only.
Orchestra
Orchestra 2, 3, and 4 (Junior Varsity and Varsity Orchestra): Groups play a variety of music from a wide range of composers and time periods, perform concerts and participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble and Concert and Sight-Reading contest. Pre-requisites: prior experience in a Middle School or High School Orchestra. Placement is by audition.
Orchestra 1: A beginning level string class that focuses on the developmental skills needed for performance in an orchestra. Students may have some previous experience in an elementary or middle school orchestra, or they might be beginners with no experience. Placement will be based on the discretion of the teacher. This class is to be taken in preparation for admission to the non-varsity ensemble.
Strings: An intermediary class of students with prior training in their instruments from Orchestra 1, and/or who are still working on skills to be placed in Junior Varsity Orchestra. Placement is by audition.
Other Fine Arts Credit Courses
Music History: Grade 11 and 12 students study the historical background of music from all over the world of varying composers and styles and its impact on Western Civilization. This class also includes exploration into art and literature as crosscurrents to our rich musical heritage. Jazz and the music of popular culture is also components of this enlightening class.
AP Music Theory: Students study the theoretical elements of music including sound pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony and notation. AP Theory requires a previous background in music study. This course is not offered to beginners in music.
Questions???
Contact: Mark Marty, Music Department Coordinator and Choir for more information: [email protected]
Band and Jazz: [email protected]
Choir and Percussion: [email protected]
Mr. Marty Dr. Clark Mr. Powell Ms. Bagwell
Band
Symphonic Band: These groups play a variety of music from a wide range of composers and participate in UIL Concert and Sight-Reading contest. Pre-requisites: prior experience in
a Middle School or High School Band. Placement is by audition by audition by audition.
Concert Band: Is the junior varsity performing band comprised of students continuing from Prep-Band (Band 1) and/or may not be quite ready for varsity UIL Concert/Sight Reading. Opportunity to audition and perform with the varsity band is offered to those who progress and attend weekly sectionals. Placement is by audition. by audition. by audition.
Percussion Ensemble: Students will perform on both concert mallet and battery instruments as well as marching battery instruments throughout the year. They play a variety of music from a wide range of composers. Additionally, students will perform with the Symphonic and Concert Band ensembles during concerts and for UIL Concert and Sight-Reading contest. Pre-Requisites include prior experience in a Middle School or High School Band. Placement is by audition by audition by audition.
Band 1: Beginning band class that focuses on the developmental skills needed for performance of a band instrument. There are no pre-requisites for this group.
Jazz Ensemble: Open to all experienced music students interested in learning jazz by auditory styles and improvisation. Placement is by audition.
Choir
Choir 1, Treble Choir and Tenor/Bass Choir: Beginning choir ensemble that focuses on the developmental skills needed for becoming a vocalist. Groups sing a variety of music from a wide range of composers and time periods and perform concerts. There are no pre-requisites for this group and auditions are not required.
Advanced Treble Choir/Small Vocal Ensemble (Chamber Choir): Our advanced choir ensembles. Groups sing a variety of music from a wide range of composers and time periods, perform concerts and participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble and Concert and Sight-Reading contest. Pre-requisites: prior experience in a Middle School or High School Choir. Placement is by audition audition only.
Orchestra
Orchestra 2, 3, and 4 (Junior Varsity and Varsity Orchestra): Groups play a variety of music from a wide range of composers and time periods, perform concerts and participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble and Concert and Sight-Reading contest. Pre-requisites: prior experience in a Middle School or High School Orchestra. Placement is by audition.
Orchestra 1: A beginning level string class that focuses on the developmental skills needed for performance in an orchestra. Students may have some previous experience in an elementary or middle school orchestra, or they might be beginners with no experience. Placement will be based on the discretion of the teacher. This class is to be taken in preparation for admission to the non-varsity ensemble.
Strings: An intermediary class of students with prior training in their instruments from Orchestra 1, and/or who are still working on skills to be placed in Junior Varsity Orchestra. Placement is by audition.
Other Fine Arts Credit Courses
Music History: Grade 11 and 12 students study the historical background of music from all over the world of varying composers and styles and its impact on Western Civilization. This class also includes exploration into art and literature as crosscurrents to our rich musical heritage. Jazz and the music of popular culture is also components of this enlightening class.
AP Music Theory: Students study the theoretical elements of music including sound pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony and notation. AP Theory requires a previous background in music study. This course is not offered to beginners in music.
Questions???
Contact: Mark Marty, Music Department Coordinator and Choir for more information: [email protected]
Band and Jazz: [email protected]
Choir and Percussion: [email protected]
Music Department
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do music programs compete?
A: Yes. B, C, and O participate in TMEA (Region, Pre-Area, Area, and All-State) and U.I.L. Solo and Ensemble (Region and State) and Concert and Sight Reading Contests. Health Careers competes as conference AAAAAA.
Q: Do music programs travel?
A: Yes. There will be some day activities, camps and area competitions. We have just returned from Disney-Orlando. Plans are beginning for the 2017-18 school year.
Q: Are there Summer Camps and are they mandatory?
A: Yes. There are Summer Camps. They are not mandatory but attendance is strongly encouraged. Music Camp is scheduled for the week of August 1, 2016 8:00 am to Noon. Camp is free and details will be forthcoming.
Q: Which groups/classes require auditions, and which do not?
A: Auditions Required: Vocal--Small Vocal Ensemble (Madrigals/Chamber Choir), Advanced Women’s Chorus.
Instrumental--Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz, Orchestras--
Varsity and Junior Varsity. Auditions not required but are optional: Treble Chorus, Tenor-
Bass Choir, Prep Choir, Prep-Band, and Prep Orchestra.
Q: How many concerts and rehearsals may I expect?
A: Fall, Winter, U.I.L. Concert and Sight Reading, and Spring. Additional performances may be scheduled due to requests by the district or civic groups—especially for Varsity groups.
Q: How often are extra rehearsals required and are they mandatory?
A: After and before school sectional rehearsals are required and mandatory as per the handbook given out at the beginning of each school year. A schedule will be given by each director prior to the commencement of sectionals.
Q: How are students placed, assessed, and graded?
A: Students are placed according to skill level determined according to the assessment rubric utilized by each division. Students enrolled in organizations that are team directed may be auditioned, assessed, and graded by either instructor according to the established rubric. Incoming students who do not audition are placed in a lower level group. You must audition in order to have a chance of a higher level group to be on your schedule at the beginning of school.
Q: Why are some incoming talented 9th graders not placed in Varsity Ensembles?
A: Students who do not audition are automatically placed in Non-Varsity ensembles. Students, who demonstrate in their audition skill levels appropriate and developed enough to work effectively among highly skilled, trained, and experienced upperclassmen, may be placed in Varsity ensembles--if there is space. It is very important to complete the audition process according to the established deadlines in order to be considered for a Varsity ensemble. Also, schedule conflicts with AP and Pre-AP classes may preclude scheduling in a Varsity ensemble, although it is our hope that most conflict might be resolved. However, students placed in N.V. groups are expected to practice regularly and show good attitudes in order to be considered for a Varsity group their sophomore year and beyond.
Q: Are uniforms provided?
A: Concert Black uniforms (Dresses and Tuxedos) are provided. Students are responsible for their own black dress shoes and socks. There is a cleaning fee assessment due at the beginning of the school year and uniforms are issued prior to the Winter Concert. Students are to purchase their own Band, Choir, or Orchestra Polo Shirt which is worn for more informal concerts. Typically spirit T Shirts are sold within the program which students are encouraged to purchase, but not required.
Q: What other costs are associated with the music programs?
A: Solo and Ensemble fees (Region and State) are the responsibility of the student. Most other fees are covered. Students are responsible for purchasing their own TMEA tryout music as well as their own solo for Solo and Ensemble Contests. Accompanist fees are also the responsibility of competing students engaged in U.I.L. Solo and Ensemble. Lock fees are also assessed of instrumental students for their instrumental lockers.
Q: Does Health Careers Have a Marching Band?
A: No.
Q: What instruments are provided; which are not?
A: Typically, small band instruments including flutes, clarinets, trumpets, and alto saxophones are not provided as well as violins and violas in orchestra. Larger instruments such as cellos and double basses in orchestra, and tubas, trombones, euphoniums, French horns, baritone saxophones, tenor saxophones, and bass clarinets may be provided in band, depending upon availability. Parents are encouraged to have small instruments insured through their home policies, or instrument insurance may be purchased on line at: www.musicagencyinc.com
Q: Is there secure instrument storage available?
A: Yes, student instrument lockers are assigned as well as combination locks for individual instrument security. The exits to the instrument locker rooms are on video surveillance cameras and the rooms are kept locked and supervised by the directors. The rooms are opened before school, before each rehearsal, and after school; they are locked after school before the directors leave. However, students who leave their instruments about school, on busses, or outside of the music facility are entirely on their own regarding loss or damage. These issues should be reported to the campus police with notification to the director(s).
Q: How can I contact the directors for more information?
A: Email is the best way. Addresses are listed below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do music programs compete?
A: Yes. B, C, and O participate in TMEA (Region, Pre-Area, Area, and All-State) and U.I.L. Solo and Ensemble (Region and State) and Concert and Sight Reading Contests. Health Careers competes as conference AAAAAA.
Q: Do music programs travel?
A: Yes. There will be some day activities, camps and area competitions. We have just returned from Disney-Orlando. Plans are beginning for the 2017-18 school year.
Q: Are there Summer Camps and are they mandatory?
A: Yes. There are Summer Camps. They are not mandatory but attendance is strongly encouraged. Music Camp is scheduled for the week of August 1, 2016 8:00 am to Noon. Camp is free and details will be forthcoming.
Q: Which groups/classes require auditions, and which do not?
A: Auditions Required: Vocal--Small Vocal Ensemble (Madrigals/Chamber Choir), Advanced Women’s Chorus.
Instrumental--Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz, Orchestras--
Varsity and Junior Varsity. Auditions not required but are optional: Treble Chorus, Tenor-
Bass Choir, Prep Choir, Prep-Band, and Prep Orchestra.
Q: How many concerts and rehearsals may I expect?
A: Fall, Winter, U.I.L. Concert and Sight Reading, and Spring. Additional performances may be scheduled due to requests by the district or civic groups—especially for Varsity groups.
Q: How often are extra rehearsals required and are they mandatory?
A: After and before school sectional rehearsals are required and mandatory as per the handbook given out at the beginning of each school year. A schedule will be given by each director prior to the commencement of sectionals.
Q: How are students placed, assessed, and graded?
A: Students are placed according to skill level determined according to the assessment rubric utilized by each division. Students enrolled in organizations that are team directed may be auditioned, assessed, and graded by either instructor according to the established rubric. Incoming students who do not audition are placed in a lower level group. You must audition in order to have a chance of a higher level group to be on your schedule at the beginning of school.
Q: Why are some incoming talented 9th graders not placed in Varsity Ensembles?
A: Students who do not audition are automatically placed in Non-Varsity ensembles. Students, who demonstrate in their audition skill levels appropriate and developed enough to work effectively among highly skilled, trained, and experienced upperclassmen, may be placed in Varsity ensembles--if there is space. It is very important to complete the audition process according to the established deadlines in order to be considered for a Varsity ensemble. Also, schedule conflicts with AP and Pre-AP classes may preclude scheduling in a Varsity ensemble, although it is our hope that most conflict might be resolved. However, students placed in N.V. groups are expected to practice regularly and show good attitudes in order to be considered for a Varsity group their sophomore year and beyond.
Q: Are uniforms provided?
A: Concert Black uniforms (Dresses and Tuxedos) are provided. Students are responsible for their own black dress shoes and socks. There is a cleaning fee assessment due at the beginning of the school year and uniforms are issued prior to the Winter Concert. Students are to purchase their own Band, Choir, or Orchestra Polo Shirt which is worn for more informal concerts. Typically spirit T Shirts are sold within the program which students are encouraged to purchase, but not required.
Q: What other costs are associated with the music programs?
A: Solo and Ensemble fees (Region and State) are the responsibility of the student. Most other fees are covered. Students are responsible for purchasing their own TMEA tryout music as well as their own solo for Solo and Ensemble Contests. Accompanist fees are also the responsibility of competing students engaged in U.I.L. Solo and Ensemble. Lock fees are also assessed of instrumental students for their instrumental lockers.
Q: Does Health Careers Have a Marching Band?
A: No.
Q: What instruments are provided; which are not?
A: Typically, small band instruments including flutes, clarinets, trumpets, and alto saxophones are not provided as well as violins and violas in orchestra. Larger instruments such as cellos and double basses in orchestra, and tubas, trombones, euphoniums, French horns, baritone saxophones, tenor saxophones, and bass clarinets may be provided in band, depending upon availability. Parents are encouraged to have small instruments insured through their home policies, or instrument insurance may be purchased on line at: www.musicagencyinc.com
Q: Is there secure instrument storage available?
A: Yes, student instrument lockers are assigned as well as combination locks for individual instrument security. The exits to the instrument locker rooms are on video surveillance cameras and the rooms are kept locked and supervised by the directors. The rooms are opened before school, before each rehearsal, and after school; they are locked after school before the directors leave. However, students who leave their instruments about school, on busses, or outside of the music facility are entirely on their own regarding loss or damage. These issues should be reported to the campus police with notification to the director(s).
Q: How can I contact the directors for more information?
A: Email is the best way. Addresses are listed below:
- Mr. Mark Marty, Choir, Department Coordinator: [email protected]
- Dr. Jennifer Clark, Orchestra: [email protected]
- Mr. James Powell: Band, Theory/Theory AP: [email protected]
- Ms. Martha Bagwell: Band, Choir, Music Appreciation, and Percussion: [email protected]
Band Audition Procedure
We are happy you have chosen to be a part of the Health Careers Band. Your audition is to determine which band class best fits your instrument and skill level. We accept anyone who has previously played a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument into our band classes, or anyone who wishes to begin participation in band. Please note that without an audition you will automatically be scheduled for Non-Varsity ensemble.
Following the submission of your Letter of Confirmation, submit your audition electronically as an audio/video file. The deadline to for submitting auditions is May 1, 2016. On your recording, please state the following:
Required audition materials to record are as follows:
• All ascending and descending 12 major scales, two octaves where possible
• Ascending and descending chromatic scale-- full playing range
• Brass and Winds-- perform the Etude 14 specified for your instrument.
• Percussion-- perform snare Study #154 and Le Petit Rien on mallets
Note: Pdf files of the audition etudes for your instrument are on this Acceptance CD under the file:
Music/Fine Arts
Submit your audition by attaching your recording as a file and emailing it to:[email protected]
Questions or Clarification-- Please contact: Mr. Jim Powell at the above email address.
Remember—Students who do not audition will NOT be preregistered in a Varsity ensemble.
We are happy you have chosen to be a part of the Health Careers Band. Your audition is to determine which band class best fits your instrument and skill level. We accept anyone who has previously played a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument into our band classes, or anyone who wishes to begin participation in band. Please note that without an audition you will automatically be scheduled for Non-Varsity ensemble.
Following the submission of your Letter of Confirmation, submit your audition electronically as an audio/video file. The deadline to for submitting auditions is May 1, 2016. On your recording, please state the following:
- Name
- Middle School your are attending
- Awards and recognitions
Required audition materials to record are as follows:
• All ascending and descending 12 major scales, two octaves where possible
• Ascending and descending chromatic scale-- full playing range
• Brass and Winds-- perform the Etude 14 specified for your instrument.
• Percussion-- perform snare Study #154 and Le Petit Rien on mallets
Note: Pdf files of the audition etudes for your instrument are on this Acceptance CD under the file:
Music/Fine Arts
Submit your audition by attaching your recording as a file and emailing it to:[email protected]
Questions or Clarification-- Please contact: Mr. Jim Powell at the above email address.
Remember—Students who do not audition will NOT be preregistered in a Varsity ensemble.
Choir Audition Procedure
We are happy you have chosen to be a part of the Health Careers Choir. Your audition is to determine which choir class best is the best fits your voice and skill level. We accept anyone who has previous singing experience or who wishes to start as a beginner. Beginners need not audition, and will be automatically placed in Girls Prep Choir or Tenor/Bass Choir. Remember that without an audition, you will automatically be scheduled for a Non-Varsity ensemble.
Following the submission of your Letter of Confirmation, submit your audition electronically as an
audio/video file. The deadline for submitting auditions is May 1, 2016. On your recording, please state the following:
We are happy you have chosen to be a part of the Health Careers Choir. Your audition is to determine which choir class best is the best fits your voice and skill level. We accept anyone who has previous singing experience or who wishes to start as a beginner. Beginners need not audition, and will be automatically placed in Girls Prep Choir or Tenor/Bass Choir. Remember that without an audition, you will automatically be scheduled for a Non-Varsity ensemble.
Following the submission of your Letter of Confirmation, submit your audition electronically as an
audio/video file. The deadline for submitting auditions is May 1, 2016. On your recording, please state the following:
- Name
- Middle School you are attending
- Awards and recognitions
- Record the following song in your preferred key, accompaniment is optional:
If you would like to demonstrate your ability further, you may choose to record one of the following to be included on your audio/video recording:
a) Vocal Solo from Solo and Ensemble Contest or other performance venue.
b) Your part from one of the songs in your middle school (or other) choir.
c) Any other song that demonstrates your ability.
Submit your audition by attaching your recording as a file and emailing it to: [email protected]
Questions or Clarification-- Please contact: Mark Marty at the above email address.
Remember—Students who do not audition will NOT be preregistered in our Varsity ensembles (Advanced Treble Choir and Chamber/Madrigal Singers).
a) Vocal Solo from Solo and Ensemble Contest or other performance venue.
b) Your part from one of the songs in your middle school (or other) choir.
c) Any other song that demonstrates your ability.
Submit your audition by attaching your recording as a file and emailing it to: [email protected]
Questions or Clarification-- Please contact: Mark Marty at the above email address.
Remember—Students who do not audition will NOT be preregistered in our Varsity ensembles (Advanced Treble Choir and Chamber/Madrigal Singers).
Orchestra Audition Procedure
We are happy you have chosen to be a part of the Health Careers Orchestra. Your audition is to determine which orchestra class best fits your instrument and skill level. We accept anyone who has previously played violin, viola, cello or bass into our program. Please remember that without an audition you will automatically be scheduled for a Non-Varsity/prep ensemble.
Following the submission of your Letter of Confirmation, submit your audition electronically as an audio/video file. The deadline to for submitting auditions is May 1, 2016. On your recording, please state the following:
The following is to be played on your recording:
Submit your audition by attaching your recording as a file and emailing it to: [email protected]
Questions or Clarification-- Please contact: Dr. Jennifer Cahill Clark at the above email address.
Remember—Students who do not audition will NOT be preregistered in a Varsity ensemble.
We are happy you have chosen to be a part of the Health Careers Orchestra. Your audition is to determine which orchestra class best fits your instrument and skill level. We accept anyone who has previously played violin, viola, cello or bass into our program. Please remember that without an audition you will automatically be scheduled for a Non-Varsity/prep ensemble.
Following the submission of your Letter of Confirmation, submit your audition electronically as an audio/video file. The deadline to for submitting auditions is May 1, 2016. On your recording, please state the following:
- Name
- Middle School your are attending
- Awards and recognitions
The following is to be played on your recording:
- A 2 octave scale - up and down: F, C, G or D Major, quarter note = 60
- A piece of your choice - either a solo or an orchestra piece (something that will demonstrate the best of your performance abilities).
Submit your audition by attaching your recording as a file and emailing it to: [email protected]
Questions or Clarification-- Please contact: Dr. Jennifer Cahill Clark at the above email address.
Remember—Students who do not audition will NOT be preregistered in a Varsity ensemble.