High School Music

“I believe arts education in music, theater, dance and the visual arts is one of the most creative ways we have to find the gold that is buried just beneath the surface. They [children] have an enthusiasm for life, a spark of creativity and vivid imaginations that need training…training that prepares them to become confident young men and women.”
 

Richard W. Riley -

Former U.S. Secretary of Education

Course Offerings
 

Performing Ensembles –

Chorus (2)

Orchestra

Symphonic Band (2)
Wind Ensemble
World Percussion

Music Knowledge Courses –

Music Theory 1
Music Theory 2
Music Theory 3
Music Theory 4 (AP exam)
Historical Perspectives of Music
Music in Our Lives 1
Music in Our Lives 2

See the complete course descriptions in the Guide to Program Planning.

Clubs

Chamber Strings

Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Band

Shaker Select Marching Band

Each music club rehearses after school and is specially selected. The groups provide
enrichment opportunities to experience music, and a great deal of enjoyment for the
participants. They perform at school concerts and within the community and have won
numerous awards.

Tri-M Music Honor Society - Chapter # 4097

Tri-M is a national music honor society sponsored by MENC: The National Association for Music Education. Its purposes are to honor students for outstanding academic achievement overall and in music, and to encourage service and dedication to the arts and community.

The selection process for Tri-M begins in the fall. Eligible music students (based on music
participation and GPA criteria) are invited to apply for consideration. The induction
ceremony is held in the spring.

The SHS Chapter is proud to have inducted honorary members: David and Sheila Kiehle, retired SHS teachers; Linda Wagner, former district music supervisor; David Alan Miller, Conductor and Music Director of the Albany Symphony Orchestra; and David Rosenthal, North Colonie Board of Education member and founder of the North Colonie Friends of Music.

Applied Music (private music study)

Students may earn one-half credit for private study outside the school if they:

1. Previously completed one year of private study without credit

2. Receive 30 minutes of instruction each week for 36 weeks and practice for a minimum of five hours per week (averaged over the year.)

3. Satisfactorily complete an examination for the District Music Supervisor or submit an NYSSMA score.

4. File quarterly reports, which must include a grade issued by the private music teacher.

Private study should focus on solos, methods, and technique development at a level beyond which the student would receive in the regular music program.

Applications are available at the beginning of
each school year and must be submitted to the District Music Supervisor no later than

Sept. 30.

Students may earn a maximum of two credits over a four-year period. Applied Music does not meet the graduation requirements for one credit of art/music study and may not be used as part of a three- or five-credit fine arts sequence.