Arts/Wellness Department Music Curriculum
Grades 9-12

Norwell Public Schools’ grade 9-12 music curriculum is aligned to the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework, last revised in 2019, through its performance-based courses (Wind Ensemble/Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble/Jazz Workshop, Chorus/Vocal Workshop/Musical Theatre, and Guitar Workshop I/II), and its non-performance-based courses (Music Theory/Composition, History of Popular Music, and Music Technology).  

The music program at Norwell High School offers a wide range of rigorous coursework that addresses students at both what the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education refers to as basic and extended levels of study in the arts.  The coursework is designed to prepare students to be lifelong musicians, intelligent consumers of music, and engaged, contributing members of their society.  It is also designed to build upon the skills and sensibilities that students develop through their participation in general music, band and chorus at the middle school level, and to fully prepare students who intend to continue the study of music at the university level and to pursue a professional career in music or the arts.

All courses are open to students in grades 9-12, provided that they have completed any prerequisites necessary for enrollment.  See the full Program of Studies for details

The Arts/Wellness Department believes that musically proficient students should have the opportunity to engage meaningfully with music through the four processes summarized best by the 2016 National Core Arts Anchor Standards. 

• Creating: Conceiving and developing new artistic ideas and work.
• Performing: Realizing artistic ideas and work through interpretation and presentation.
• Responding: Understanding and evaluating how the arts convey meaning.
• Connecting: Relating artistic ideas and work with personal meaning and external context.

2019 Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework
The Norwell High School Program of Studies provides more detailed information about courses, expectations and opportunities.