Ensembles

The LHS Music Program was started in 2007 and has grown tremendously in the last several years. Today, Lincoln offers a variety of opportunities for every level of musician.

Students who participate in our programs should expect to be prepared to pursue any musical aspirations they have. Whether they intend to be lovers of music or professional musicians, there are many outlets and opportunities. We strive to prepare students for all of their goals and aspirations regardless of whether or not they choose to continue with music into higher education and adulthood.

You can get all the latest class offerings at: https://www.pps.net/domain/4296.

Cardinal Choir

Department: Performing Arts, Choir. 1 credit | Fine Art credit I Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

Note: Occasional evening and weekend commitments, full-year commitment Cardinal Choir is an auditioned vocal ensemble of mixed voices grades 9-12. If you like to sing, Cardinal Choir is a great way to have an outlet in your day, make friends, be creative, and learn music. We sing songs in a variety of music styles, learn to read music better, and build vocal skills. The Cardinal Choir performs at seasonal choir concerts, Portland-area festivals, and school and community events. Cardinal Choir is also a touring ensemble and in recent years has toured to Seattle, Anaheim, San Francisco, and Victoria, British Columbia

CONCERT BAND

Department: Visual and Performing Arts 1 credit | Fine Art credit I Grade: 9

Students rehearse and perform a wide variety of band literature while continuing to develop their notational literacy, individual technical skills, ensemble performance skills, and musical knowledge. This course is open to all band students without an audition and emphasizes improving students’ levels of performance as part of preparation for Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble auditions. The Concert Band performs continually throughout the year at school concerts, community events, school athletic events, and festivals. Opportunities for differentiation and extension include performance as a soloist and/or in small ensembles. Students will develop the necessary skills to prepare them for auditions into more advanced ensembles.

Guitar Lab 1-2

Department: Performing Arts, Instrumental Music. 1 credit | Fine Art credit I Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

NOTE: Students must provide their own acoustic guitars. This class will encompass beginning and lower-intermediate levels of guitar work. No audition is required. Primary study will emphasize individual skills of technique, scales, chords, and songs. Material covered will include the 18 first-position chords, minor and major pentatonic scales, Blues form, and E barred-root chords. Other components address music theory, history, music production, and song writing. Willingness to perform alone and with others is essential to the successful learning environment. Space is limited.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Department: Visual and Performing Arts 1 credit | Fine Art credit I Grade: 10, 11, 12

In this auditioned, year-long course designed for experienced instrumentalists who are passionate about jazz and seek to challenge themselves in a dynamic and collaborative musical setting, students delve deeper into the stylistic nuances of jazz music, including swing, bebop, Latin, funk, and fusion styles. Emphasis is placed on advanced stylistic techniques such as improvisation, syncopation, swing feel, articulation, and phrasing, allowing students to develop a sophisticated command of the jazz language. Through ensemble rehearsal, students study jazz theory, improvisational frameworks, composition, melodic development, and active listening. By the end of the course, students elevate their musicianship to an advanced level and leave with the technical proficiency, artistic sensitivity, and ensemble cohesion necessary for high-quality jazz performance at competitive festivals, concerts, and other community events. This ensemble may participate in state-qualifying festivals and students must meet eligibility requirements in accordance with OSAA policy. Students will develop the necessary skills that prepare them for auditions into college-level and honor ensembles.

JAZZ LAB

Department: Visual and Performing Arts 1 credit | Fine Art credit I Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

In this year-long preparatory ensemble for students with prior instrumental experience, students develop jazz fundamentals by performing standard and contemporary jazz in a big band as well as in a variety of jazz combo configurations. A strong emphasis is placed on jazz style/interpretation, improvisation, and performance. Prior experience on an instrument is required, but no previous jazz experience is needed. Students will perform at concerts, festivals, and other community events. By the end of the course, students are prepared to audition for advanced jazz ensembles.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

Department: Visual and Performing Arts 1 credit | Fine Art credit I Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Students in this year-long course explore the diverse world of percussion music through ensemble performance. This course is designed for students with a passion for rhythm and percussion instruments, whether they are experienced players or beginners. Through collaborative learning and ensemble rehearsals, students develop their technical skills, musicality, and teamwork in a supportive and creative environment. Students become familiar with the wide variety of percussion instruments (traditional, marching, auxiliary, world instruments, mallets), learn theory and composition, and have opportunities to perform at concerts, assemblies, competitions, athletic events, and other community outreach events. By the end of the course, students hone their percussion skills, develop a deeper understanding of ensemble performance, and cultivate a greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of percussion music.

SYMPHONIC BAND

Department: Visual and Performing Arts 1 credit | Fine Art credit I Grade: 10, 11, 12

In this year-long concert ensemble, students of various ability levels rehearse and perform a wide variety of literature while continuing to grow in their abilities regarding blend and balance, intonation, rhythmic accuracy, and the production of characteristic tone. Opportunities for differentiation and extension include performance as a soloist and/or in small ensembles. Symphonic Band performs throughout the year at school concerts, school athletic events, community events, and festivals. Students will develop the necessary skills that prepare them for auditions for advanced ensembles. This ensemble may participate in state-qualifying festivals and students must meet eligibility requirements in accordance with OSAA policy.

WIND ENSEMBLE

Department: Visual and Performing Arts 1 credit | Fine Art credit I Grade: 10, 11, 12

In this high-level, year-long concert ensemble, advanced student musicians perform challenging standard and contemporary wind band literature. With a strong emphasis on professionalism, members rehearse and perform continually throughout the year at school concerts, community events, school athletic events, and festivals. Students are expected to consistently demonstrate collaborative rehearsal skills, a cooperative attitude, and a personal commitment to improvement. Opportunities for differentiation and extension include performance as a soloist and/or in small ensembles. This ensemble may participate in state-qualifying festivals and students must meet eligibility requirements in accordance with OSAA policy. Students will develop the necessary skills that prepare them for auditions into college-level and honor ensembles.