Concert Strings, String Orchestra I, II, III - Mr. Jonathan Harris, Conductor

All students who play an orchestral string instrument in grades 9-12 are eligible to enroll in this class. First year members will enroll in "Concert Strings" while second, third, and fourth year members will enroll in String Orchestra I, II, and III, respectively.  Both string and full orchestra music will be studied, grades 3-5, along with music for small ensembles. Fundamentals of bowing, intonation, tone quality, and musicianship will be stressed along with advanced musicianship. Those students who enroll in these courses perform in 4-6 school concerts per year as well as certain designated special events such as assemblies, community performances and our annual festival trip. Recent trips have been to Washington D.C., Boston, Virginia Beach, and Orlando. Students in these classes are eligible to audition for places in the Region and All-State Orchestras and are encouraged to participate in smaller string ensembles.

Freshman Chorus 0611 Mrs. Leslie Mac Pherson, Conductor

This course is primarily designed to teach freshman students the fundamental techniques of vocal performance. The Chorus will participate in 3-5 school concerts per year, certain designated special events as well as an annual festival trip to Hershey Park. Members of the Chorus are eligible to audition for places in the County, Region, and All-State Chorus.

Sophomore Women’s Choir 0614 Mrs. Leslie Mac Pherson, Conductor

This course is a non-auditioned group for sophomore women. It is designed to act as a bridge between Freshman Chorus and Concert Choir. Students will learn the technical elements of vocal production and will be introduced to all types of choral literature. Music by recognized masters and contemporary composers, as well as art songs, folk songs, and spirituals will be studied. The Choir will participate in 3-5 school concerts per year as well as certain designated special events such as assemblies, community performances and an annual festival trip. Recent trips have included Virginia Beach, Boston, and Orlando. Members of the Chorus are eligible to audition for places in the County, Region, and All-State Chorus as well as the select choral ensembles.

Concert Choir 0621 Mrs. Leslie Mac Pherson, Conductor

The choir is a non-auditioned ensemble made up of sophomore, junior and senior men and junior and senior women and is designed to instruct the students in advanced methods of choral singing. He or she will learn the technical elements of vocal production and will be introduced to all types of choral literature. Music by recognized masters and contemporary composers, as well as art songs, folk songs, and spirituals will be studied. The Choir will participate in 3-5 school concerts per year as well as certain designated special events such as assemblies, community performances and an annual festival trip. Recent trips have included Virginia Beach, Boston, and Orlando. Members of the Chorus are eligible to audition for places in the County, Region, and All-State Chorus as well as the select choral ensembles.

Music Theory/Harmony, Mrs. Leslie Mac Pherson, Instructor (semester course)

This semester course serves as an introduction to Music Theory.  Students will study basic music vocabulary, music notation, rhythm and meter, intervals, scales, chords, and harmonization of melodies.  Basic four part voice leading will also be studied.  The course will conclude with student compositions using software that will transition into the Music Technology course.

Music Technology, Mrs. Leslie Mac Pherson, Instructor (semester course)

This semester course introduces students to music notation and sequencing software.  Sibelius will be used to compose original pieces, Band In a Box will be explored for accompaniment purposes, and Garage Band will be used to study form and texture.  The course will conclude with a short demonstration of Reason, a program used in professional studios.

Co-Curricular Ensembles

Marching Band/Color Guard, Mr. Jonathan Harris, Director

The “Marching Norsemen” perform at all school football games, an annual competition, and annual participation in the North Jersey Marching Band Festival. The Marching Band also performs in local parades, proudly representing Northern Valley Demarest. Students enrolled in Concert Band are required to participate in the Marching Band. The Marching Band rehearses twice per week after school and on the day of a performance.

Jazz Band, Mr. Jonathan Harris, Director

The Jazz Band is one of the few auditioned instrumental groups at NVD. The Jazz Band auditions in October and begins in November. The ensemble performs at 3-5 concerts per school year as well as school functions and assemblies. Students enrolled in an NVD music course are eligible to audition.

Pit Orchestra, Mr. Jonathan Harris, Conductor

Students in the String Orchestra may be selected to perform in the All-School Musical Production. Selection to the Pit Orchestra will be based on instrument needs, students’ class performance, work ethic, and dependability.

Bel Canto, Mrs. Leslie Mac Pherson, Conductor

Women who are already enrolled in a vocal music course during the school day are eligible to audition for Bel Canto, a small select choir of women. Auditions are held in June and all those who are currently in ninth grade through eleventh grade can audition as long as they are enrolled in a choir the next school year. Performances include concerts, the festival competition during the music department trip and community performances.

Oriana Singers, Mrs. Leslie Mac Pherson, Conductor

Students who are already enrolled in a vocal music course during the school day are eligible to audition for Oriana Singers, a small select choir of men and women. Auditions are held in June and all those who are currently in ninth grade through eleventh grade can audition as long as they are enrolled in a choir the next school year. All women who successfully audition for Oriana Singers are automatically placed in Bel Canto as well. Performances include concerts, the festival competition during the music department trip and community performances.