Advanced Studies
Music Theory
This is an enriching course for the arts-minded Fairmont student. For students considering the IB Music program as a junior or senior, it is advised, if possible, to take this class in the 10th grade year. The goal of this class is to provide students with basic musicianship, theory, and harmony skills needed to pursue further studies in music. It will integrate aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, music analysis, and basic composition skills into a one-year program. Students will study key signatures, triads, basic chord progressions, part-writing, and analyze pieces from various musical styles. Ear training and dictation will also be a part of this course. Students will also study basic arranging and transpositions of instruments found in ensembles. This class is part of the College Credit Plus program through Sinclair. This class is also a part of the AP program. Students have the option to do CCP and/or the AP exam for additional credits. Students who take this course are NOT required to take the AP exam or sign up for CCP.
IB Music (Grades 11 and 12)
The IB Music program allows students freedom and flexibility to construct their own projects based around their interests and musical goals. Students are eligible for the IP diploma, but this is not required to take the course. The class covers music history, composition, theory, and other topics to help students prepare for musical study at the collegiate level if desired.
Music theory is strongly encouraged as a prerequisite for the IB music program, but is not required.
IB Music is not a performance class, although students must remain enrolled in their current band/orchestra/choir class to be eligible for IB music, as there are components of the class that require performance skills in conjunction with those courses.