Introduction to Band will provide students at DePaul Prep with an introduction to playing wind and percussion instruments. In this semester-long course, students will be instructed on technique for Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion. After completion of this class, students will be encouraged to select an instrument to study moving forward into Intermediate Band.

Intermediate Band is the middle level of band instruction at DePaul Prep. Students who have successfully completed Intro to Band or who have some instrument experience can enroll in Intermediate Band. In Intermediate Band, students will develop individual and ensemble playing ability and work toward performing diverse repertoire in the concert setting.

The Honors Band is the premier instrumental ensemble at DePaul College Prep. Students in Honors Band will develop individual musicianship and ensemble performance skills as they prepare music for school performances. The prerequisite for placement in this course is successful completion of Intermediate Band/audition/director approval. This is a full-year course that may be repeated.

Beginning Choir, a one-semester course, is designed for incoming 9th graders and other students with little to no experience in a choral ensemble. Students in this course will learn the fundamentals of reading choral sheet music, develop strong vocal technique, and sing a variety of increasingly complex repertoire. Students in this class will not perform publicly, but they will be prepared to join an advanced performing choral ensemble at DePaul College Prep. Upon completion of this course, students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a higher-level choral ensemble.

Students in Advanced Choir will build upon their foundations in basic singing technique to learn and perform more difficult repertoire at a faster pace. They will also develop a better understanding of general musicianship and music theory. Students in Advanced Choir will provide music at liturgies, host traditional concerts at school, sing for various school events, and seek opportunities to share music within our neighborhood and city. To enroll in Advanced Choir, a student must have successfully completed Beginning Choir with a recommendation from the director, or have had a successful audition. Students are encouraged to continue in this class beyond one year. This class can be taken up to 4 times throughout a student’s career at DePaul College Prep.

Chamber Orchestra is the performing ensemble for string players at DePaul Prep. In Chamber Orchestra, students who play Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass will be able to develop individual and ensemble performance technique. This ensemble will perform a variety of repertoire for string ensemble. This group will perform concerts and at school functions (school liturgies, prayer services, open houses, etc...) Students must complete an audition and receive director approval to join this course. This class can be taken up to 4 times throughout a student’s career at DePaul College Prep.

Jazz Combo is a performing ensemble for piano, electric guitar, bass, and drums. In this class, students will learn the fundamental skills of playing jazz. Students will learn how to read lead charts, interpret chord symbols, improvise, and compose. The Jazz Combo class will learn instrument appropriate repertoire to be performed at concerts, open houses, school fundraisers, and other school events. Students interested in this class will need to demonstrate strong instrument technique and music reading skills by completing an audition with the director. This class can be taken up to 4 times throughout a student’s career at DePaul College Prep.

This course will provide students with the skills and technological understanding necessary to create, produce, perform, and share their own musical compositions. Students in this course will create music using standard instruments, and digitally with GarageBand and other apps and programs. Students will work individually, collaborate on projects, and objectively critique one another’s work. Much of the work in this class will be project-based, and students will compile a portfolio of their work. No prior experience is necessary. This is a one-semester course open to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders.