Music

Mens Chorus allows students with little background or lots of background to enjoy an ensemble experience producing vocal music. The music selected for the Chorus includes the works of master vocal composers in the classical, pop, rock, sacred and secular areas. Activities of the Men's Chorus include public concerts, school assemblies, contests, and exchange tours. Students are also eligible to participate in All State, All East, and TAIS Honors Choirs. Chorus is intended to be a year-long course if at all possible in the student's schedule. Semester or Year long course. Grades 9-12. Prerequisites: None.

The Ensemble’s repertoire and performances are as varied as the seasons of the year. The selected McCallie Wind Ensemble performer will find himself in concert situations varying from the Chapel to outside concert halls and athletic events. Participation in the Pep Band is strongly encouraged in the fall semester. Members of the Wind Ensemble are eligible to audition for the All-East/All-State band, and to try out for numerous collegiate honor bands. Wind Ensemble is intended to be a year-long course if at all possible in the student's schedule. Grades 9-12. Prerequisites: 2 year participation in MS or HS band, must be able to read music, or placement/audition by teacher.

The McCallie Handbells has a rich and substantial tradition at the McCallie School. As one of the most dynamic musical ensembles, the members must be enthusiastic, committed, and possess a basic knowledge of musical skills. Whether performing on or off campus this outstanding group of McCallie's best represents and embodies the finest ideas of the school and Music Department. Repertoire runs the gamut from traditional religious music to current popular hits. Semester or year long course. Grades 9-12. Prerequisites: None.

This is an exploratory course designed to introduce students to the classical guitar. Emphasis will be on music reading and technical development. Training will include gaining knowledge of the parts of music: rhythm, harmony, melody and dynamics; learning how to practice efficiently and effectively. Students do not need to own a guitar, but practice outside of class is required. Semester or year long course. Grades 9-12. Prerequisites: None.

Designed for the self-motivated intermediate guitarist, this course is a study of the classical guitar in an ensemble setting. Emphasis will be on music reading, technical development and public performance. Students must own a classical guitar. Training will include gaining increased knowledge of the parts of music: rhythm, harmony, melody, texture, dynamics, and timbre; learning how to analyze technical problems and form effective solutions; exploring advanced practice techniques; gaining increased understanding of the fingerboard in higher positions, and studying principles of efficient movement and their importance to technical mastery of the instrument. Semester or year long course. Grades 9-12. Prerequisites: Placement by teacher

Designed for the self-motivated advanced guitarist, this course is a study of the classical guitar in an ensemble setting with an increased focus on solo repertoire. Emphasis will be on music reading, technical development and public performance. Training will include gaining increased knowledge of the parts of music: rhythm, harmony, melody, texture, dynamics, and timbre; learning how to analyze technical problems and form effective solutions; exploring advanced practice techniques; gaining increased understanding of the fingerboard in higher positions,and studying principles of efficient movement and their importance to technical mastery of the instrument. This course builds on previous guitar instruction, students will perform ensemble repertoire of the highest difficulty. Semester or year long course. Students must own a classical guitar. Grades 9-12. Prerequisites: Placement by teacher

A course of study for string instrumental musicians. Bach, Mozart, Handel and Vivaldi are staples for this fine musical group. The Orchestra consistently performs at a high level in its own right, offering occasional orchestral accompaniment for the Easter Oratorio/Cantata and Candlelight Chorus. Strings is intended to be a year-long course if at all possible in the student's schedule. Semester or year long course. Grades 9-12. Prerequisites: Placement by teacher

This course provides the opportunity to explore the historical and socio-cultural development of indigenous American ethnic and folk music. It traces the roots of rock and roll music to its origins, styles, composers, performers, and socio-political influences. Students will be expected to identify the elements of music through listening and class projects throughout the semester. Semester course. Grades 9-12. Prerequisites: None.

A second semester History of Rock 2 can be offered which will  continue to explore music through historical and socio-cultural studies of musicians from the 1960s to present day. It will begin with the music of the British Invasion and discuss the impacts of various historical and social events that helped change the culture of the world as well as music. Students will look at music through various media forms including the MTV era and the current music streaming services. Students will be expected to identify the elements of music through listening and various projects throughout the semester. Prerequisites: None