9th Grade Electives Guide

This is the first of a two-year sequence that will progress through the second level of traditional language study. This is a sequential course that continues teaching of Chinese beginning at the Checkpoint B of the New York State standards. The student enters the course with basic concepts of Chinese. Students build upon vocabulary, grammar and character writing. Students will begin to express themselves with some degree of fluency and fluidity in all four language skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Prerequisite: Chinese 1C.
 

The four modalities (speaking, listening, reading, writing) are emphasized at this level through the study of the required NYS themes and topics. Communicative skills continue to be taught through the three modes of communication (presentational, interpretive and interpersonal) along with grammar. Students build the foundation for the work that they will do in Level III. Understanding of target language culture is a strong component of this course.
Prerequisite: Level I or IC
 

The four modalities (speaking, listening, reading, writing) are emphasized at this level through the study of the required NYS themes and topics. Communicative skills continue to be taught through the three modes of communication (presentational, interpretive and interpersonal) along with grammar. Students build the foundation for the work that they will do in Level III. Understanding of target language culture is a strong component of this course.
Prerequisite: Level I or IC
 

These courses are designed for the student who has never studied a world language before, who is starting their study of a second world language, or who has not yet completed the one year state requirement. The student receives neither the intensity nor the complete coverage obtained by the student who takes the IA/IB sequence. Basic grammar and vocabulary necessary to enter Level II, along with some cultural awareness, are stressed in this class. A local exam will be given at the end of the course.
 

These courses are designed for the student who has never studied a world language before, who is starting their study of a second world language, or who has not yet completed the one year state requirement. The student receives neither the intensity nor the complete coverage obtained by the student who takes the IA/IB sequence. Basic grammar and vocabulary necessary to enter Level II, along with some cultural awareness, are stressed in this class. A local exam will be given at the end of the course.

Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3D modeling software, and use an engineering notebook to document their work.
 

The High School Orchestra consists of orchestral string players in grades 9-12 and brass, woodwind, and percussion students in grades 9-12. Admission for string students is by audition where they demonstrate knowledge and proficiency of the instrument. The wind and percussion students are recommended by the high school band director.. Instrumental lessons are required. The lesson consists of individual or group instruction one period every six days and is scheduled on a rotation basis. Lesson materials include lesson books, solo literature, orchestra music, and small ensemble repertoire for more advanced students.

The orchestra presents a minimum of two concerts per year. Other types of musical activities and opportunities are available for students to further develop their musicianship. The performances are considered the same as examinations; therefore, credit will not be given to students who do not attend performances without a legal excuse.
 

Membership in Mixed Chorus is open to students in grades 9-12. A variety of choral works are explored to acquaint the students with various types of choral literature, and to develop concepts and performance skills associated with varying musical content, structures, and styles. Choral techniques such as phrasing, tone quality, diction, rhythm, balance, blend, intonation, expression, and musicianship are stressed. At least two concerts per year are given. The chorus rehearses two and a half times per week. In addition, group vocal lessons are required and are a large part of your grade. Each student will be assigned to a one period lesson every other week. The performances are considered the same as examinations; therefore, credit will not be given to students who do not attend the performances without a legal excuse.
 

Membership is open to all students in grades 9-12 who play band instruments and have prior band experience. Students should be prepared to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency on their instrument by playing the following materials:

• Seven major scales, (these do not need to be memorized)
• Chromatic scale, (this does not need to be memorized)
• Etude or exercise of appropriate difficulty

Instrumental lessons are required. The lesson consists of individual or group instruction one period per week and is scheduled on a rotating basis. Lesson materials will include lesson books, band music and small ensembles for more advanced players. Students should be prepared to make a commitment to learning from these materials by practicing on a regular basis. A minimum of three concerts per year are performed. The symphonic band may participate in other types of field trips and events. The performances are considered to be “exams”; therefore, credit will not be awarded to students who do not attend the performances without a legal excuse. Performance at the commencement ceremonies is also a requirement. Membership for the High School Orchestra is taken from the Symphonic Band on the director’s recommendations.
 

Music Theory I is open to students in band/orchestra/chorus, or students who play an instrument outside of school. (A basic understanding of written music is needed.) This course is designed to give students an understanding of the rules and principles, (or the “mathematics”) involved in reading and writing music. The course also teaches students to analyze music aurally and visually. Understanding key signatures, scales, chord structures, and chord progressions on a visual and an aural level is the primary focus.
 

Studio in Art (1-1) is a one year course to provide students with studio experiences using a variety of mediums and areas of art exploration such as painting, drawing, and sculpture. Projects will be based on the elements of art and principles of design and will engage the students in creating, presenting, connecting and responding to the arts. Students will acquire skills necessary to take an advanced level art as well as meet the required one credit in the arts in accordance with the New York State Visual Art Standards outlined by the NYS Education Department. This course is offered every other day for students who need flexibility in scheduling. Students are required to take two years of this before moving on in the sequence. It is highly recommended that students take the full year course if possible. However, if scheduling does not permit, this course should be taken in grades 9 and 10 to earn their 1 unit of study required for graduation.
 

Studio in Art is a one year course that provides students with studio experiences using a variety of mediums and areas of art exploration such as painting, drawing, and sculpture. Projects will be based on the elements of art and principles of design and will engage the students in creating, presenting, connecting and responding to the arts. This exciting course will prepare students to acquire the skills necessary to take an advanced level art class, as well as meet the required one credit in the arts in accordance with the New York State Visual Art Standards outlined by the NYS Education Department. It is highly recommended that this full year course be taken in grade 9 so that students are prepared to take advanced art classes in their future years and to prepare those who wish to take an art sequence.