Welcome to the 
Middletown High School North 
Music Department Page:

Teaching Staff: 

  • Maura Domashinski
  • Peter Isherwood

Music Department Courses

Rock History and Pop Culture Semester                    
(Grades 10 - 12)
Rock history is a study of the origins and contributions of Rock and Pop music from Elvis to the Rolling Stones to present day bands and performers.  The cultural relationship between great rock musicians, their music, media and trends in culture and society will be studied along with the evolution of music from early Be-Bop to Jazz, Motown, R & B, Alternative and present-day chart toppers.

Music Theory I                     
(Grades 9 - 12)
Music Theory I is an in-depth study of the basic elements of music geared for all musicians regardless of their previous training. Students will focus on writing, reading, and listening to music in different styles.  A broad variety of musical concepts are covered, along with musical styles and periods from Bach to Rock. Harmony, melody, rhythm, key signatures, scales, and creative composition are among some of the topics covered in this course. Whether a beginner or advanced musician, Music Theory I will develop and refine the skills of any interested musician.

Advanced Placement Music Theory                         
(Grades 10 - 12)
Music Theory AP  is a further study of the elements of music, focusing on composition and the contemporary elements of music. Students will refine their skills as a composer, performer, and listener. Music History from the Impressionist Period of composition through Jazz, Blues, Rock, and Contemporary styles is studied in depth. Students will gain a fluency in using the keyboard, reading music in different styles and clefs, and composition in contrasting styles, all preparing them to gain college credit by successful completion of the AP Music Theory Exam in May.
(Pre-Requisite: Theory I/Teacher Recommendation)

Concert Choir                              
(Grades 9 - 12)
Concert Choir is open to all students interested in singing. Concert Choir is the primary level choir that is open to all students in the 9th through 12th grades regardless of their previous musical training. Students in Concert Choir will gain a fundamental knowledge of how to sing and use the voice, as well as basic note reading skills. Concert sings a wide variety of music from early Classical through Broadway and Popular styles. Students in Concert Choir are offered the opportunity to not only sing as part of a mixed chorus of men and women, but also perform solo repertoire and participate in local and state competitions such as the All Shore Chorus, Region Choir, and All State Choir. 

Chamber Choir                          
(Grades 10 - 12)
Chamber Choir is the top level choir of Middletown HS North. Chamber is made up of men and women in the 10th through 12th grades who have shown a great interest and ability in music and singing. Chamber represents North at school, community, state and national music competitions, as well as performing annual concerts at HS North. Music performed by the ensembles ranges from early Classical selections through Folk, Broadway, and Popular arrangements. Members of the Chamber Choir frequently perform in small group and solo competitions from All Shore Chorus to All State Choir.
(Pre-Requisite: Concert Choir or Instructor Permission)

Chorale Choir                             
(
Grades 10 – 12 Women) (Pre-Requisite: Concert Choir or Instructor Permission)
Chorale is open to women in the 10th through 12th grades. Upon recommendation and successful completion of one or more years of Concert Choir, women may lend their voices to this high level vocal ensemble. The Chorale performs a wide variety of music for women’s voices from early Classical to Rock, Jazz, and Broadway. Students receive vocal and musical instruction to refine every member’s musical abilities. Chorale performs through the school, community, and state, while also representing North at State and National choral events.    (Pre-Requisite: Concert Choir or Instructor Permission)

Marching Band / Symphonic Band
(Grades 9 - 1 2
)
This is an instrument music course in marching and symphonic band compositions for students beyond the basic performance level.  This course will encourage the sequential and systematic study of a variety of repertoire in developing ensemble and solo skills.

Areas of emphasis: participation in marching band during the fall football season, parades, community performances and symphonic concerts throughout the school year.

Concert Band / Instrumental Ensemble
(Grades 9 - 1 2
)
This course will prepare musicians for concerts performed with the Symphonic Band.  Students in the Concert Band / Instrumental Ensemble will not be required to participate in the Marching Band.