Music Program

This page shows a brief overview of course options and descriptions. Visit the Westmont Music Website for more information about courses, schedules, photos, and other ways to get involved with the Westmont music program.

Graph to visually show the music course options.

Music Course Descriptions

Concert Band

This course is designed for students with some experience in performance of wind, brass, or percussion instruments. Students learn to read music notation, rhythmic notation, terms and concepts associated with performing, and the fundamentals of performance on the instrument of their choice. This ensemble performs periodically at the school site and possibly off campus.

Grade Level: 9-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts, General Elective

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f), College-prep Elective(g)

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band is a performance-based ensemble open to students who have prior experience on their instrument and the ability to read music. The ensemble consists of wind and brass instruments and percussion. Many styles of music are studied from classical to modern works. Study includes the care and cultivation of tone, building technique, responsible rehearsal habits, listening skills, and the ability to analyze and evaluate music and music performances. Several performances outside the school day may be required.

Prerequisite: Concert Band and Audition

Grade Level: 10-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts, General Elective

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f), College-prep Elective(g)

Wind Ensemble

This advanced band course is designed to extend the development of the serious music student. This class explores concert repertoire of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. The ensemble performs frequently and may include travel to festivals. Rehearsals outside the class period may be required to prepare for concerts and festivals.

Prerequisite: Concert Band and Audition

Grade Level: 10-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f)

Jazz Ensemble

This course extends the skills developed in Symphonic Band and adds jazz technique to the classically trained musician. Emphasis is placed in the areas of jazz history, theory, and performance. Students enrolled in Jazz Ensemble learn the fundamental aspects of jazz through the performance of standard literature from the 1920’s to the present. Students perform at two or more concerts and festivals per year. All performances are required.

Prerequisite: Audition

Grade Level: 10-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts

CSU/UC: Visual & Perf Arts(f), Elective(g)

AP Music Theory

AP Music Theory is designed to prepare students for a major or minor in music. This course is equivalent to a college level musicianship course, covering both music theory and aural perception 101. Through this course, students will be able to analyze all elements of a musical score through listening, notation, composition, and some performances. This course is not a performance-based class. The class will explore the mechanics of music through analysis of notation, Harmony, composition, music history, and aural perception.

Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent participation in an instrumental or vocal class. Strong musical skills recommended.

Grade Level: 10-12

Graduation Credit: Applied Arts

CSU/UC: VAPA (f)

Guitar