Requirements July 1976 until January 1998

1. Sing or play a simple song or hymn picked by your counselor using good technique, phrasing, tone, rhythm and dynamics. Read all the signs and terms of the score.

2. Name the five general groups of musical instruments. Tell how you get tones from one of each group.

3. Do TWO of the following:

(a) Go to a classical or semi-classical musical performance or listen to three hours of such programs on radio, television, compact discs, tapes, records, or videos. Report what you heard. Name the composers, artists, and conductors. Know the story of any program music or opera you heard. Talk over how you feel about the music.
(b) Outline the development of music in the United States. Show that you know the lives and works of five better-known American composers and musical artists.
(c) Serve for six months as a member of a school, church, Scout unit, or other town musical organization; or take part as a soloist in public six times.

4. Do ONE of the following:

(a) Teach three songs to a group of people. Lead them in singing the songs. Use proper hand motions.
(b) Compose and write the score for a piece of music of twelve measures or more.
(c) Make a primitive musical instrument. Learn to play it.
(d) Catalog your own or your family collection of twelve or more tapes or records. Show how to handle and store them.

Requirements January 2004 until January 2012

1. Sing, or play a simple song or hymn chosen by your counselor, using good technique, phrasing, tone, rhythm, and dynamics. Read all the signs and terms of the score.

2. Name the five general groups of musical instruments. Create an illustration that shows how tones are generated and how instruments produce sound.

3. Do Two of the following:

(a) Attend a live performance, or listen to three hours of recordings from any two of the following musical styles: blues, jazz, classical, country, bluegrass, ethnic, gospel, musical theater, opera. Describe the sound of the music and the instruments used. Identify the composers or songwriters, the performers, and the titles of the pieces you heard. If it was a live performance, describe the setting and the reaction of the audience. Discuss your thoughts about the music.
(b) Interview your parents and grandparents about music. Find out what the most popular music was when they were your age. Find out what their favorite music is now, and listen to three of their favorite tunes with them. How do their favorites sound to you? Had you ever heard any of them? Play three of your favorite songs for them, and explain to them why you like these songs. Ask them what they think of your favorite music.
(c) Serve for six months as a member of a school band, choir, or other local musical group, or perform as a soloist in public six times.
(d) List five people who are important in the history of American music and explain to your counselor why they continue to be influential. Include at least one composer, one performer, one innovator, and one person born more than 100 years ago.

4. Do ONE of the following:

(a) Teach three songs to a group of people. Lead them in singing the songs, using proper hand motions.
(b) Compose and write the score for a piece of music of 12 measures or more.
(c) Make a traditional instrument and learn to play it.
(d) Catalog your own or your family’s collection of 12 or more compact discs, tapes, or records. Show how to handle and store them.