James B. Conant High School Music Department

 Orchestra (c124, c224) has two ensembles divided by ability, accommodating intermediate to very advanced players on traditional orchestral string instruments. Performance opportunities include standard concerts with and without winds, brass, and percussion; a chamber music out-of-town retreat, various district and state honor ensembles, and touring opportunities to cities in the Mid-West.

Choir (c135/c136, c235, c336) offers students a wide variety of performance opportunities in and around the community including traditional concerts, solo and ensemble festival, small chamber ensembles, select honor choirs, and music tours. Both in and out of the regular school day, students learn the basic fundamentals of tone production, part-singing, and choral music theory necessary to create independent musicians. 

Band (c157, c257, c357) is for students that already have previous experience on traditional band instruments. Students continue to develop skills to improve individual musicianship and technical independence on their instrument. Opportunities exist outside the traditional concert band for marching band, basketball band, jazz band, jazz combos, small chamber ensembles, and audition-only district and state honor groups. Performances vary from jazz festivals, concert band concerts, marching band parades, the pit orchestra for the musical, as well as touring experiences.

Music Theory (c365) is a course for those who want to increase their skills in music fundamentals and/or to prepare for a career in music. Emphasis is placed on notation, chord and scale identification, analysis and traditional chorale writing. Ear training and keyboard preparation are a significant aspect to the course.  Academic ability and prior participation in school music (or formal private instruction) will help a student succeed. The course is geared for junior/senior level students, though a freshman or sophomore could take the course with the instructor’s approval.