Wind Ensemble is the highest level of large wind band available. Audition or instructor permission is required. Course content includes rehearsals, sectionals, performances, festival adjudications, guest conductors and performers, and travel, all based in the preparation and study of the highest quality wind band repertoire available. Students must commit to preparation of their parts, working on both the technical and artistic aspects of their musicianship in order to experience higher levels of complexity and beauty in music.

Learning will be assessed through performances (in and out of class), playing tests, discussions, written work, etc.

Chamber Winds is the most select wind band available. Audition or instructor permission is required. This course is designed for serious students of symphonic music and is the smallest, most demanding wind band opportunity at MTHS. Students must be able to prepare their parts on their own with little or no help from the instructor and will most often be the only person on their part. Private lessons are required of all participants. Course content includes rehearsals, sectionals, performances, festival adjudications, chamber music, guest conductors and performers, and travel, all based in the preparation and study of the highest quality wind band repertoire available. Students must commit to preparation of their parts, working on both the technical and artistic aspects of their musicianship in order to experience higher levels of complexity and beauty in music.

Learning will be assessed through performances (in and out of class), playing tests, discussions, written work, etc.

Jazz Ensemble 3 is the preparatory ensemble for Jazz Ensembles 1 and 2. This ensemble teaches students a variety of jazz styles and improvisation skills. Course content includes rehearsals, sectionals, and performances all based in the preparation and study of big band and small ensemble jazz. Students will learn how the art of jazz requires logic and imagination, simplicity and sophistication.

Learning will be assessed through performances (in and out of class), playing tests, discussions, written work, etc.

Jazz Ensemble 2 is the second level of jazz band available. This ensemble teaches students a variety of big band jazz styles and performs extensively in the school and community. Students must commit to preparation of their parts, working on both the technical and artistic aspects of their musicianship in order to experience higher levels of complexity and beauty in music. Students awaken their desire for improvisation and learn to express ideas through music.

Learning will be assessed through performances (in and out of class), playing tests, discussions, written work, etc.

Jazz Ensemble 1 is the highest level of jazz band available. This nationally recognized ensemble teaches students a variety of big band jazz styles and performs extensively in the school, community, and nation. The literature often requires students to draw upon their different realms of knowledge, abilities, and experience in order to perform the music at the level of sophistication required.

Learning will be assessed through performances (in and out of class), playing tests, discussions, written work, etc.

The Chamber Orchestra plays advanced string repertoire. Membership is by audition only and students are strongly encouraged to take private lessons. The students focus on advanced musical skills to prepare them for post-high school orchestra auditions. Members are required to participate in all rehearsals, concerts and programs at which the group performs.

Members will be able to demonstrate their ability and technique through various concerts and performances throughout the year.

Chamber Choir is an choral ensemble suitable for students who are motivated to learn to sing and perform. Chamber Choir performs a variety of quality choral music, including vocal jazz and traditional choral literature. Students are required to provide the required uniform and attend all performances and activities.

Participation in rehearsals and performances and quizzes of musical elements are used to evaluate students.

Accents is a select women's vocal ensemble that performs a variety of literature, including vocal jazz, classical and popular songs. Students are required to attend all rehearsals, performances, tours, festivals, and competitions throughout the year. Girls are required to provide the required uniform and accessories.

Assessment is by a variety of methods, including rubric scoring, performances, participation throughout the year.  Girls are required to provide the required uniform and accessories.

Dynamics Vocal Jazz Ensemble is a premier vocal jazz choir that performs in concerts, festivals, and competitions throughout the Northwest. Students are required to provide the mandatory uniform and accessories and attend all performances and activities that the group is engaged in. Dynamics performs a variety of quality choral literature, depending on the season.

Learning will be assessed in a variety of methods, including rubric scoring, participation in class & performances.

In this course we learn how rock music has evolved from the early part of the 20th Century and the important part it has played in our society. Class includes a lot of music listening, some student-generated projects, and gobs of assorted rock and roll trivia nuggets.

Assessment includes rubric scoring of class presentations, individual projects and tests.

This course is for anyone who wishes to either begin to learn how to play a guitar, continue their learning, or for advanced players to simply get credit for playing guitar. Credit will be based on completion of assigned curriculum. All levels of players are welcome.  The curriculum is not designed for bass guitar.

Students will be assessed by rubric scoring of their playing performance. There will be some written tests involving guitar chord identification and basic music theory.