GEHRHSD Curriculum Guide 2026-27

HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL Grades 9-12, 5 Credits

History of Rock and Roll seeks to balance understanding the development and significance of Rock and Roll in its historical and social environment with maintaining a focus on listening to the music as the main mode of understanding. Students will have a chance to be the rock critic as they study the chronological history of rock and view Rock and Roll films and videos. Class assignments will be organized around lectures, small group discussions, and in-class activities. The course begins with an overview of ancestors and influences: blues, boogie-woogie, jazz, swing, country and western, gospel and popular music, and the crossover success of rhythm and blues acts that marked the true birth of rock and roll. We will study the musical and social trends of the 1960s, including the influence of the British Invasion, which really signaled the arrival of rock’s second generation, the rock explosion and social upheaval of the late 1960s, and the changes in Rock and Roll music during the seventies, eighties, and nineties. The course will culminate in an exploration of today’s current music trends and iicons. This honors course continues to build on the aesthetic experiences provided in the college prep level, and exposes students to higher rigor repertoire and technical skills. This course requires both ensemble and solo activities, which are designed to develop elements of musicianship. Students are required to participate in performance opportunities outside of the school day that support and extend learning within the classroom. Students in this course will engage in preparation for honors ensemble auditions through the mastery of scales and sight reading and preparation of solo and etude work. Prerequisite: This ensemble is available only during the junior year or senior year. Must include teacher recommendation. Honors weighting can only be applied once. HONORS BAND Grades 11-12, 5 Credits