Buchanan Instrumental Music Four Year Plan
There are many ways to map out your high school career. The four year plan below will give you an idea of how the typical Buchanan Instrumental Music student makes it all work. The amazing thing is that being in music often gives you more time in your schedule because of access to summer school and 8th period PE (students who do Marching Band). We encourage you to explore all of your options as you enter high school. Our best advice is to be informed and ask questions. This is your education...make it work for you!
Buchanan is on a six-period odd-even block schedule. On a typical week, Mondays are six period days and Tuesdays-Fridays odd-even block days. Period 5 is Lunch Time. This is identical to the schedule at Alta Sierra Intermediate. Every student takes 6 classes each semester with the option of doing 0-Period (before school) or Lunch PE (5th period) and 8th period (after school) for some courses.
Our jazz bands are set by audition in the spring. Upon making the “A” Band, students must make room in their school-day schedule, by taking summer school and/or Lunch/0 Period PE. BHSA meets during 7th period, and BHS B meets during 8th period. For more information on making your schedule work to accommodate jazz band, please contact Ms. Shinaver.
Grade 9
1 English 9 (Honors)
2 Math: Algebra 1/Geo./Alg. II Honors
3 Science: Biology/Honors Biology/Chemistry (Rarely)
4 World Language (We recommend Spanish)
5 Core PE (Take 0-Period for more electives, like Jazz)
6 Band/Orchestra/Colorguard
Summer: Health (Recommended)
0-Period/Lunch: Core PE (Optional)
Marching Band in the Fall counts for Elective PE Credit!
Options: Want two performing arts? Take 0-Period or Lunch PE or delay foreign language until 10th grade.
Grade 10
1 English 10 (Honors)
2 Math: Geo./Alg. II Honors/Adv. Math Analysis
3 Science: Bio. (AP)/Chem. (AP)/Env. Science (AP)
4 World Language (We recommend Spanish)
5 Core PE (Take 0-Period for more electives, like Jazz)
6 Band/Orchestra/Colorguard
Summer: World History (Recommended)
0-Period/Lunch: Core PE (Optional)
Marching Band in the Fall counts for Elective PE Credit!
Options: Take 0-Period or Lunch PE for more elective options.
Grade 11
1 English: Comp (AP)/American Lit.
2 Math: Alg. II Hon./Adv. Math Analysis/Calc/Stats
3 Science: Physics (AP)/Any science class
4 World Language (We recommend Spanish)
5 Elective (Jazz) or Core PE (Marching Band - No Core PE!)
6 Band/Orchestra/Colorguard
Summer: Open or Directed Study PE (Orchestra students)
0-Period: Core PE (Optional)
Marching Band in the Fall counts for Elective PE Credit!
Options: CART? CTE? ROP? TA for a period? 2nd Music class?
*Only one history course may be taken during the summer.
Grade 12
1 English: AP English Lit/Comp
2 Math: Any science of your choice or elective
3 Science: Any science of your choice or elective
4 World Language (We recommend Spanish)
5 Elective (Jazz) or Core PE (Marching Band - No Core PE!)
6 Band/Orchestra/Colorguard
Summer: Open or Directed Study PE (Orchestra students)
0-Period: Core PE (Optional)
Marching Band in the Fall counts for Elective PE Credit!
Options: CART? CTE? ROP? TA? Free Period? 2nd Music class? Lots of options!
Have more questions? Click the link below!
