• Music Pathway
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  • Band

    Band Pathway Progressions

     
     Band

    Level 1          Intermediate Band

    Level 2          Advanced Band

    Level 3          Mastery Band

     

    Percussion

    Level 1          Instrumental Ensemble

    Level 2          Advanced Instrumental Ensemble

    Band Overview
    Since its inception in 2015, the Discovery High School Bands have established themselves as one of the eminent band programs in Gwinnett County. From its award winning marching band through two different concert bands, and winter guard over 500 students have benefitted from a creative atmosphere that fosters the development of artistic thought and expression, coupled with a critical and disciplined adherence toward the highest possible individual standard of performance and leadership. It is one of the largest student organization in Discovery High School with a student membership of 130+ members. Our students are consistent recognized as top performing students in our school academics, clubs, and honor societies.
    The Discovery Band is proud of its legacy created by our band program, the history of our music and the representation of the Discovery community and its continuing endeavor to bring music into the lives of high school students, providing positive experiences for growth and leadership.
    It is the mission of the Discovery High School Band Program to develop a lifelong appreciation for music and the arts within each of our students. In addition, we strive to help students build skills that will allow them to be valuable members of society once they graduate Discovery High School.

  • Orchestra

    Orchestra Pathway Progressions 

    Level 1.         Beginning Orchestra I-IV -- Titan Strings (no pre-requisites)

    Level 2.         Intermediate Orchestra I-IV-- Concert Orchestra (pre-requisite: at least 3 years of playing in MS)

    Level 3.         Advanced Orchestra I-IV-- Symphonic Orchestra (pre-req: same as Concert)

    Level 4.         Mastery Orchestra I-IV-- Philharmonic Orchestra (pre-req: same as Symphonic PLUS 1 year playing in Concert or Symphonic)

     (note from instructor) Any student from ANY grade could be in any one of the orchestra courses.  For example, an 11th grader could be in Intermediate Orchestra III and their senior year could be in Advanced Orchestra I.  They may never make it to Mastery and that's okay.

    Titan Strings-- No pre-requisite.  No playing experience required.  Anyone in any grade may join by signing up for Beginning Orchestra on their elective registration sheet.  Students will receive instruction in violin, viola, cello, or bass and will have opportunities to learn how to perform and experience the joy of playing music with a group of friends.
     
    Concert Orchestra-- At least 3 years experience required.  Applicable students should sign up for Intermediate Orchestra on their elective registration sheet.  Entry level orchestra for 9th graders who started playing in middle school.  Concert Orchestra performs in 4 concerts each year and students also have the opportunity to perform in the Spring Chamber Music Recital.
     
    Symphonic Orchestra-- At least 3 years experience required.  Students should sign up for Intermediate Orchestra II on their elective registration sheet.  Students will continue to grow in technique and musicality.  Symphonic Orchestra performs in 4 concerts each year and students also have the opportunity to perform in the Spring Chamber Music Recital.  This orchestra may also receive performance activities outside the theater or even the school (such as Paint Gwinnett Pink or the Georgia Swarm Lacrosse Game).
     
    Philharmonic Orchestra-- At least 4 years playing experience required.  Applicable students should sign up for Advanced Orchestra on their elective registration sheet.  Students will be challenged with harder music and will have opportunities to perform outside of school at special events, including DHS graduation.  Philharmonic Orchestra performs 4 concerts a year and student will have the opportunity to perform in the Spring Chamber Music Recital.
     
    Chamber Orchestra-- At least 3 years playing experience required.  Membership by audition only.  Accepted students should sign-up for Mastery Orchestra on their elective registration sheet.  Discovery High School's top orchestra gives students who are passionate about their string instrument the opportunity to perform the most challenging music at special events and concerts.  Chamber Orchestra performs 4=5 concerts a year and students have the opportunity to perform in the Spring Chamber Music Recital.  Musicians in the Chamber Orchestra also get invited to perform in outside-of-school events like Paint Gwinnett Pink and the Georgia Swarm Lacrosse Game and in-school events like Honors Night, Graduation, 8th Grade Visit, and more!

  • Chorus

    Chorus Pathway Progressions

    Beginner Women's Choir -is a developmental level choral ensemble with emphasis on building basic vocal technique and music reading skills. This group is open to any student who wishes to sing, but is mostly comprised of freshmen. Attendance at the fall, winter, pre-LGPE, and spring choral concerts is a required component of this performing arts course.

     
    Intermediate Women's Choir - continues to develop in building basic vocal technique and music reading skills. This group is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have already had a year of chorus at Discovery. Attendance at the fall, winter, pre-LGPE, and spring choral concerts is a required component of this performing arts course. 
     
    Men's Chorus - is a developmental level choral ensemble with emphasis on building basic vocal technique and music reading skills. This group is open to any student who wishes to sing. This group has varying levels of musicianship and is comprised with grades 9th- 12th. Attendance at the fall, winter, pre-LGPE, and spring choral concerts is a required component of this performing arts course. Within this group is a select Men's Ensemble that represents Discovery at various events. Audition is required for the Select Men's Ensemble. 
     
    Advanced Women's Choir - is an upper level choral ensemble with membership by audition only. Prerequisites include previous choral experience and music-reading ability. Emphasis is placed on continuing vocal development and fostering independent musicianship skills. This advanced ensemble represents Discovery at numerous contests and festivals. Attendance at the fall, winter, pre-LGPE, and spring choral concerts is a required component of this performing arts course as well as extracurricular events. 

  • Guitar

    Guitar Pathway Progressions 

    Level 1          Beginning Guitar

    Level 2          Intermediate Guitar

    Level 3          Advanced Guitar

    Level 4          Mastery Guitar

  • Keyboarding

    Keyboarding Pathway Progressions

    Level 1            Beginning Keyboarding Technique

    Level 2            Intermediate Keyboarding Technique

    Level 3            Advanced Keyboarding Technique

    Level 4            Mastery Keyboarding Technique

    Beginning Keyboard Technique

    This is an introductory course designed for students with no previous keyboard or piano experience. Physically, students will develop strength and agility of all fingers and independent coordination of the two hands. The skill of note reading will be emphasized through daily practice and will incorporate tonic-dominant chords and major scales as well. By the end of this class, students will be able to play simple right hand melodies accompanied by block chords or arpeggiated harmony in the left hand.

    Intermediate Keyboard Technique

    This course proceeds from the foundation established in Beginning Keyboard Techniques. In addition to introducing pieces with more complicated textures, course material also includes minor scales and chord progressions in all keys. Sight-reading and Ear-training will be a regular class activity.

    Advanced Keyboard Technique

    In this course, students will begin to play more advanced solo piano repertoire with increasing attention to using their keyboards skills to enhance musicianship. By the end of this class, students will be able to fluently play chord progressions in chromatically ascending or descending keys (as used in vocal warm-ups), play from a chord chart / lead sheet, and experience an introduction to composition and improvisation.

  • Music Technology

    Music Techonology Pathway Progressions

    Level 1            Beginning Music Technology

    Level 2            Intermediate Music Technology

    Level 3            Advanced Music Technology

    Level 4            Mastery Music Technology

    The Discovery High School Music Tech Program offers three periods of music tech each day – Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. Students learn basic music skills and work in GarageBand, Logic Pro X, and Reason to foster their creativity and appreciation for quality music. Music Technology students often work independently and need to have time management skills with each project.

    Topics may include: Basics of a Sound System, Audio Effects, Garageband - Desktop and iOS, MIDI Sequencing, Audio Sequencing, Logic Pro X, Reason, Composing, Arranging , Podcasting, Remixing, Film Scoring & Live Performance using Technology, Audio Engineering, Music Production & The Music Business / Industry

    How do Intermediate/Advanced classes differ from Beginning Music Tech?

    More emphasis on independent work, projects are more in depth, there will be required readings, tests/quizzes, YouTube summaries, reading responses, listening assignments and more.

  • Student Plan of Study for Music Pathway

    Student Plan of Study for Music Pathway