The study of music theory includes the study of melody, harmony, rhythm, ear training, music history and music appreciation.  Students will learn to compose original music, as well as analyze compositions from a variety of musical styles.  Music theory will be offered Terms 1 and 2, so students who register for it may also want to register for Advanced Music Theory to continue this study Terms 3 and 4. Students must have participated in an MHS ensemble for at least 1 year or have permission of the instructor. Students should have the ability to read standard music notation.

This course is a continuation of skills and topics from Music Theory.  It includes advanced analysis, music composition, advanced chords and progressions, and ear training.  Students may register for this course at the same time they register for music theory. Students will be able to take the AP Music Theory test at the end of this course.

This course is designed to introduce the basic techniques and skills required to perform on guitar in several styles. Students will learn a variety of fundamental techniques including basic chords, finger-picking and strumming patterns. Students will learn the fundamental technical skills required to perform basic classical guitar literature. These fundamental skills will be introduced using acoustic, steel-string guitars. Basic music-reading skills are not required but are highly recommended for the best experience. All students will need to supply their own nylon or steel string acoustic guitar.

Concert Band is our entry-level band designed to build on the fundamental instrumental skills covered in junior high school and middle school bands. Students perform wind and percussion literature of an intermediate difficulty level and a standard concert band setting. Students are required to perform in 3 concerts that take place outside of the day each year. No audition is necessary to enroll, but participation in Marching Band is mandatory for all band students. Please see the Marching Band course description for additional performance requirements associated with Marching Band. *Students enrolled in Concert Band will be enrolled in Marching Band terms 1 and 4.

Symphonic Band is our intermediate-level band designed to further develop advanced skills in ensemble performance beyond what is covered in Concert Band. This ensemble performs literature of a moderate to advanced difficulty level. Enrollment in Symphonic Band is contingent upon a student audition during the spring of the previous year. Students are required to perform in 3 concerts and 1 festival that take place outside of the school day, each year. Participation in Marching Band is mandatory for all band students. Please see the Marching Band course description for additional performance requirements associated with Marching Band. *Students enrolled in Symphonic Band will be enrolled in Marching Band terms 1 and 4.

Wind Ensemble is our most advanced band designed to refine instrumental music skills through performance. This ensemble performs literature of an advanced difficulty level. Enrollment in Wind Ensemble is contingent upon a student audition during the spring of the previous year. Students are required to perform in 3 concerts and approximately 2 festivals that take place outside of the school day, each year. Participation in Marching Band is mandatory for all band students. Please see the Marching Band course description for additional performance requirements associated with Marching Band. *Students enrolled in Symphonic Band will be enrolled in Marching Band terms 1 and 4.

Jazz Lab is our entry level jazz big band that is designed to develop the basic skills associated with jazz and popular styles of music. In addition, students will develop the skills required for improvisation within the big band setting. Students are required to perform in 3 concerts and 3 festivals throughout the year including the Mundelein Invitational. Students are also expected to attend the MHS summer jazz camp. Participation in a concert band (Concert, Symphonic or Wind Ensemble) is required for all jazz students with the exception of guitar, bass and piano players. These students are subject to exemption from this requirement via director permission. Jazz Bands rehearse exclusively outside of the school day for approximately 3.5 hours each week with in addition to occasional sectional rehearsals.

Jazz Ensemble is our most advanced jazz big band and is designed to refine instrumental skills associated with the performance of jazz and popular styles of music. In addition, students will develop the skills required for improvisation within the big band setting. Students are required to perform in 3 concerts and 3 festivals throughout the year including the Mundelein Invitational. Students are also expected to attend the MHS summer jazz camp. Participation in a concert band (Concert, Symphonic or Wind Ensemble) is required for all jazz students with the exception of guitar, bass and piano players. These students are subject to exemption from this requirement via director permission. Jazz Bands rehearse exclusively outside of the school day for approximately 3.5 hours each week with in addition to occasional sectional rehearsals.

Jazz Combo students will focus on the fundamentals of small group jazz performance. This group focuses on individual and group improvisation in the bebop and post-bebop tradition. Rehearsals occur exclusively outside the school day during the Early Bird period 2 mornings each week with occasional sectional rehearsals. Students enrolled in this class will participate in a variety of different improvisational settings including basic jazz combos, improvisation classes and master class style performances. Students are required to perform in 3 concerts and 3 festivals throughout the year including the Mundelein Invitational. Students are also expected to attend the MHS summer jazz camp. Participation in a concert band (Concert, Symphonic or Wind Ensemble) is required for all jazz students with the exception of guitar, bass and piano players. These students are subject to exemption from this requirement via director permission.

The Sound Combo is an instrumental ensemble that accompanies the show choirs of Mundelein High School. Students will learn the art of accompanying live singing in a variety of styles for a variety of venues. Students will travel with the show choirs to their community and competitive destinations