If you are interested in adding a class fro next semester, three new courses have been created.

Starting in the second semester, three exciting new classes will be added as elective options. The first two are Music History and Appreciation and Jazz 2, both music classes that will be taught by Sandi Green, and the third one is Sociology, which will be taught by Dr. Jenoge Khatter. 

In Music History and Appreciation, students will learn about the rich history of music and how it connects to our everyday lives.

“It’s a general class, an introduction to music. We’re gonna do a little bit about European music history, a little bit about American music history and [we’ll play some music],” Green said. “I really don’t want to do a study, test, study, test kind of class. It’ll be pretty interactive and won’t be too difficult.”

When asked why Music History is an important class to have at South, Green responded, “Music is such a big part of our lives, everywhere we go. So to know the history of something is to kind of understand the present.”

Since South doesn’t have a History of Rock ‘n Roll class anymore, Music History and Appreciation is a great addition to the offered music electives. It’s a more hands-on class with lighter work and more general and introductory content, making it a great elective option for any music-lovers. 

Jazz 2, the other new class Green is teaching next semester, is a lower level jazz ensemble class focusing on introductory skills (though a small amount of experience is still required). Jazz 2 includes trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, bass, drums, and guitar.

“We have a great Jazz 1 [and] it’s really fun music to play,” Green said. “And Jazz 2 will be a place where you can just [try out] the style.” Green has a lot of fun with Jazz Band and she’s looking forward to getting to know new students.

“Jazz Band is so much fun. It’s fun music, it’s a good challenge. And to have two jazz bands at South? So awesome.”

Jazz 2 is a great addition to South’s music program. A class where students who are interested in learning to play jazz can practice the basics and develop their skills in a comfortable environment will be a valuable addition to the music program.

The third new class that will be offered next semester is Sociology, taught by Dr. Jenoge Khatter. Sociology is the study of human behavior regarding social life, social changes, and the structure of different groups and societies.

“We’re interested in looking at how different groups use what’s called material culture, things that can be very clearly seen or observed, and how different groups use immaterial culture, which are their beliefs,” Khatter said. “[It’s about how groups] behave in different situations and what leads groups to change.”

Sociology will be a very interesting class, for high school students in particular, because teenagers move from group to group every day at school. 

“Each class itself is a group, and then there’s constant navigating in the hallways and social situations,” Khatter said. “Studying sociology gives new insight on why groups behave the way they do and gives people the ability to start developing new questions and new patterns to look for.”

Anyone interested in social studies, philosophy, or just learning new ways to think about the world we live in would likely enjoy Sociology. 

When asked why Sociology is a good class to have at South, Khatter answered, “It’s just wonderful to have a class that helps you see the world a new way and see yourself a new way.”

South is lucky to have such a wide range of elective options and anyone interested in these new classes should definitely give one a try next semester.

Article by Maya Robershaw