CLASSES
ROYAL REGIMENT BAND & COLOR GUARD
Enrolling in the Band at NHHS allows students to be part of one of the finest performance organizations in LAUSD. By taking this course, students can fulfill their physical education requirements, as well as their visual and performing arts graduation and college entrance requirements. The course not only equips students with essential musical skills but also helps them develop strong interpersonal skills in a positive and supportive environment. Students learn the value of hard work and cooperation through teamwork while creating inspiring performances. During fall, the Band and Color Guard perform together to produce a field show for football games and marching band competitions. In the spring, the two groups work separately, with the band focusing on concert repertoire while the Color Guard transforms into a Winter Guard.
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CLICK HERE to learn more about the program
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ADVANCED ORCHESTRA
The Advanced Orchestra is a program designed for students who have been playing violin, viola, cello, or string bass for three or more years. The course not only equips students with essential musical skills but also helps them develop strong interpersonal skills in a positive and supportive environment. Students learn the value of hard work and cooperation through teamwork while creating inspiring performances. The experience carries through to every aspect of their personal growth. In the past, the repertoire for advanced orchestra has included full works such as Greig's Holberg Suite, Rutter's Suite for Strings, Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Copland's Clarinet Concerto, and Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings.
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JAZZ ENSEMBLE
The Jazz Ensemble is an advanced performance class for students with prior experience playing saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar, or drum set. The class holds auditions towards the end of the spring semester and again at the beginning of the school year. Since it's a zero-period class, students can avoid scheduling conflicts while distinguishing their transcripts. The class meets daily at 7:30 a.m., focusing on big band and jazz combo repertoire. The course covers various jazz styles, including blues, swing, Latin jazz, and funk, and teaches basic improvisation techniques to students. The group performs several times throughout the year at school concerts, events, music festivals, and community events. To be eligible, students must complete one full year of Band, Advanced Orchestra, or Vocal Ensemble OR be concurrently enrolled in Band, Orchestra, or Vocal Ensemble while enrolled in Jazz Ensemble.
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VOCAL ENSEMBLE
We are delighted to announce that a vocal program is returning to NHHS starting in the fall of 2024! This advanced ensemble course will cover various choral literature styles, from Pre-Baroque to Contemporary. Essential vocal technique training will be provided, along with an opportunity to explore the art of musical theatre. The Vocal Ensemble course is open to all students interested in choral music. It meets the Visual and Performing Arts "F" credit of the A-G subject requirements.
AP MUSIC THEORY
Students with a music background who want to deepen their understanding of music can enroll in the Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory course and take the College Board exam to earn college credit. The course is available to juniors and seniors. The course curriculum entails an extensive study of music notation, pitch, key signatures, and scales. However, the core focus of the course is on harmonic analysis, part writing, melodic and harmonic dictation, solfège, sight-reading, and composition. Students interested in the course should already have a solid understanding of music notation and be comfortable sight-reading music.
GUITAR / MODERN BAND
The Guitar / Modern Band is open to any student with an interest in learning music.The class teaches beginning and advanced guitar technique with an emphasis on popular music. In addition to guitar, the course offers instruction on all modern band instruments, including drum set, bass, piano, and vocals. Additionally, the course covers songwriting, music production, and pop music theory. Successful completion of Guitar 1 will count towards the Visual and Performing Arts "F" credit in the A-G course requirements. Students who wish to continue their studies in guitar / modern band can sign up for Guitar 2.
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Both courses are year-long, and students new to guitar are advised not to transfer into the class mid-year.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
INDOOR DRUMLINE
The Indoor Drumline program provides students another opportunity for music comradery and competition. This after-school program is open to all NHHS students registered with our after-school program, Educare. Under the instruction of Dylan Campbell, the Indoor drumline won numerous competitions and tournaments throughout Southern California. Whether you've been playing percussion your whole life or have never touched a drumstick, you can attend this free afterschool program. The course will cover marching battery, such as snare drums, tenor drums, bass drums, and cymbals, keyboard percussions, such as marimba, vibraphone, and bells. During the summer, a free 4-week class is often offered to new and returning NHHS music students. Incoming freshmen meet some band members at NHHS before school starts, and returning students get to strengthen their chops and learn something new!
HERBIE HANCOCK INSTITUTE
JAZZ IN THE CLASSROOM ENSEMBLE
The NHHS Music Department is honored to participate in the Jazz In The Classroom Program directed by the world-renowned Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. Each year, 5-7 students are hand-picked by Mr. Sharp to join the NHHS Herbie Hancock Honor Jazz Combo. Students in this ensemble work each week with members of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. To learn more about this program, click here!
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