A Cappella Choir

Pali Choir is an audition ensemble which requires participation in Pali Chorus for at least one semester. Continuing in the exploration of Choral music and performance, Pali Choir has additional performances throughout the year as well as a Spring Choir Tour.

AP Music Theory

Students develop oral and written music skills. They learn how to sing, hear, notate, and identify music in a variety of forms. The year long class consists of four major seven week units. Each unit builds musical concepts starting with the fundamentals of western music; progressing to interval training; harmonic analysis; and harmonization & composition.

Chamber Orchestra

Students in this ensemble learn string technique in an intimate setting focusing on basic skills including right/left hand set up, tone production, note reading, rhythm and independence in part preparation. Students perform in the Harvest Concert, Holiday Concert and Final Concert. This ensemble is open to 9-12^th graders; prior experience is helpful.

Chorus

This group of students will work together to learn about and perform Choral music from various genres and cultures; from Renaissance to Romantic, World Music and Folk music, and Jazz, Gospel and Pop. We will also study some basic music theory and sight-reading as it applies to choral music and performance. We will sing music in multiple parts and in various languages, and will discuss the historical and cultural context of the music we are singing. The Choir performs at the end of each semester.

Concert Band (spring semester)

After the conclusion of the competitive marching band season, the 6^th period instrumental course shifts focus from marching to concert repertoire. The Concert Band performs in one on-campus concert per year. The band also leaves campus to perform in festivals and to maintain strong ties with the local middle school program. The Concert Band plays traditional concert band repertoire appropriate to the proficiency and pedagogical level of the ensemble. The course includes three to four required school-day curricular trips to performance festivals. Enrollment in fall semester Marching Band is required. Students must provide “concert black” to wear at concerts.

Drum Line AB (“Marching Dynamics”)

7^th period Drum Line is specifically geared toward students wishing to participate in competitive indoor drum line. In fall, class members will learn percussion rudiments, note reading, pitch identification and proper playing techniques.

Guitar A and B Classes

Students with beginning to advanced skill levels learn a variety of music styles and playing techniques on guitar. Students practice individually and in small groups pieces they are assigned. Tests are administered in the form of performance in class. Other opportunities include performances at school and at district guitar festivals.

Jazz Band

This ensemble is by invitation (contact Mrs. Stoyanovich) and meets 7^th period M-F. We focus on standards in many different styles including swing, funk and rock. Students perfect note reading, rhythm and learn jazz riff, improvisation and transposition. We are competing in the SCSBOA Jazz Festival in Santa Barbara this year. We also support PCHS by performing at shows like “Rocky Horror Show” and serve as pep band for basketball games. Prior experience on an instrument is required, but not playing in a jazz band. This ensemble is open to 9-12^th graders.

Marching Band - 2014 Southern California Champions!

The Palisades Charter High School Marching Band course is officially titled "Marching Dynamics". Marching Band members earn P.E. credit for their participation in the field show rehearsals and performances that make up the fall curriculum for the class. There is summer training, and a two-week mandatory band camp at the end of summer to prepare band, drum line and color guard members for the upcoming season. Drum Line members are required to attend additional summer training. The course includes required after-school and weekend rehearsals, weekend curricular trips to competitive events, and weekly performances at Pali football games. The Marching Band supports Pali's football team and special events throughout the year. Enrollment in spring semester 6th period Concert Band is required.

Pali Philharmonic/Symphony Orchestra

Pali Phil is a string ensemble for the most advanced string players at PCHS. It is an audition only group, with auditions taking place in the spring prior to the fall academic year. Currently we meet M-F everyday before school at 7 am. When we combine with the most advanced woodwind/brass/percussion from Wind Ensemble, we become the Symphony Orchestra. This year we are working on Beethoven Symphony #1, Saint Saens “Dance Bacchanale” from Samson and Delila and Sibelius’ Finlandia. We will be attending the SCSBOA Festival at Poway High School in April. We also have other activities like our recent “Lock-in” filled with rehearsals, social activities (swing dancing/hiking/food/games) over a weekend. We typically perform at the Harvest Festival, Holiday Concert, Festivals and Final Concert. Internal groups (string quartets) are often called upon to perform in our area as well. This ensemble is open to 9-12 graders; for incoming 9^th graders, students need to contact Mrs. Stoyanovich by May 15.

Wind Ensemble

The PCHS Wind Ensemble meets during zero period (7 AM, daily). The Wind Ensemble performs in two on-campus concerts per year. The Wind Ensemble plays masterworks of the concert band repertoire appropriate to the proficiency and pedagogical level of the ensemble. The course includes three to four required school-day curricular trips to performance festivals. Year-long participation is required. Students must provide “concert black” to wear at concerts.

Women’s Chorus

Instruction in vocal technique; Preparation and performance of vocal and choral literature. Students are required to perform in two on-campus concerts per year. Students must provide “concert black” to wear at concerts.