Performing Arts

Due to the diversity of our student body, our performing arts courses are designed to cater to the needs of individuals with a great variety of talent, training, interest and attitude. There is something for everyone, no matter how elementary or advanced they may be. For more specific information, consultations with faculty members are recommended.

In addition to the courses listed here, students who enroll in high school music courses may qualify to receive credit for private music lessons. For further information, contact Mr. McGarry, Supervisor of Arts Education.

Theatre Arts

A scholarly as well as an experiential study of theater and drama, Drama provides students with a rich scope of theater experiences. Students will experience various aspects of theater production: acting, scene study, character examination, playwriting, set design, lighting, make-up, costumes, and directing. Students must be willing to perform monologues, scenes, and improvisations in front of the class.

Prerequisite: Advanced Theater Arts or World of Theater (CJHS)

This course allows students to refine their acting skills through intensive studies of scenes and monologues. Students will develop a richer understanding of Theatre History, from Ancient Greece to modern day through performance of repertoire from various time periods. Audition techniques and acting for film and television will also be explored.

In this semester course, students will explore all the major elements of stagecraft including set design and construction, lighting design, sound engineering, and stage management. Practical experience will be gained in developing and implementing technical plans for high school performances. This course requires some after-school work on sets, lighting, sound and costumes.

Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre is a practical quarter course to allow personal instruction in solo singing for musical theatre. Vocal technique, blocking, gestures, diction and characterization will be stressed using a variety of songs from Musical Theatre history.

Music Theory

This course is open to any student wishing to learn the fundamentals of music. Prior knowledge or experience in music is not necessary. Areas of study will include note reading, scales, rhythm, chord structure, and key signatures. Music from all periods and styles will also be explored. This course is recommended for students planning to take A.P. Music.

Prerequisite: Demonstrated Music Reading Skills/Faculty Recommendation

This course is designed for students who want to explore more about the structure of music through learning to arrange and compose songs. Students will use computers, MIDI keyboards and other instruments to create new songs and song arrangements in a wide variety of musical styles. Music and audio software will allow students to compose, record and edit music and to create original CD's.

1548

Advanced Music Studio

5 - 1.25

Prerequisite: Music Technology and Composition

Advanced Music Studio is designed for students who have completed Music Technology and Composition and want to learn more advanced composing and recording techniques. This class will focus on composing and arranging music for live performers, recording and editing live and digital performances, and creating music to sync with video.
 

1503

A.P. Music

5 - 5

Prerequisite: Previous music experience at an advanced level (or completion of Musicianship) and recommendation of a music teacher.

This course is designed specifically for the serious music student. A portion of the course is devoted to listening to music in order to understand how the elements combine to create a total composition. The course also offers an in-depth study of all the elements of music theory including harmony and counterpoint. Independent research and attending live concerts are encouraged.

Music Performance/Ensembles

(Brass And Woodwind)
(Sophomores and Juniors only)

This course is designed for students who want the opportunity to learn to play a band instrument (brass or woodwind). Students will follow an accelerated beginner approach with small group lessons each day as well as music theory drills and computer work. Successful completion of this course would allow students to play in an ensemble in subsequent semesters.

This course introduces the fundamentals of playing any keyboard instrument. A music technology lab equipped with MIDI keyboards, computers and headsets will be used to learn to read and play music in the treble and bass clef using two hands. It is recommended that students have access to an instrument at home or outside of school.

This course is designed to help students develop a sound METHOD of vocal production while studying and performing a varied selection of choral music. Compositions of different styles and periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern) are performed. The development of the proper production of vocal tone is emphasized. All classes combine to form the Mixed Chorus, which rehearses after school and at night in preparation for programs held throughout the school year. Chorus students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. In an effort to accommodate all students, a variety of classes are offered. Chorus may also be taken during lunch period with credit. Ask your counselor which class would best suit your schedule.

1508

Choir H

5 - 5

Prerequisite: Successful completion of an audition

Choir is an honors-level course open to the most advanced vocal students through an audition process. Audition requirements may be obtained from the Music Department. Performance of more technical and advanced choral music is explored. Public performances are scheduled throughout the year, along with regular school concerts. Attendance at all after-school and evening rehearsals and all scheduled performances is required. Auditioning for Region and All-State Chorus is highly recommended. Students not able to audition will complete an alternative performance experience. The SIZE of the Choir is limited to ensure a balance of voice parts (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass).

Orchestra is open to any student playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass). A broad selection of music, encompassing different styles and periods, is performed. Students are expected to attend group lessons, which are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the school day. Through group lessons and private practice, students increase their technical proficiency on their instruments. Students are required to attend all after-school and evening rehearsals and all scheduled performances.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of an audition

Chamber Orchestra is an honors-level course open to a limited number of string players through an audition process. Audition requirements may be obtained from the Music Department. Wind, brass, and percussion students from the Wind Ensemble may be added to form a Symphony Orchestra. Students study and perform music of greater difficulty written for chamber orchestra. Students are expected to attend group lessons, which are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the school day. Through group lessons and private practice, students increase their technical proficiency on their instruments. Students are required to attend all after-school and evening rehearsals and all scheduled performances. Students are expected to audition for Region Orchestra. Students not able to audition must complete an alternative performance experience. Due to the definition of a Chamber Orchestra, instrumentation is limited and based upon the need for a balance between violins, violas, celli, and basses.

Concert Band is open to any students playing a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument. Students study and perform standard literature written or transcribed for concert band. Students are expected to attend group lessons, which are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the school day. Through group lessons and private practice, students increase their technical proficiency on their instrument. Students are required to attend all after-school and evening rehearsals and all scheduled performances. Enrollment in band is a prerequisite for performing in any other ensembles such as marching band, jazz band, orchestra, or percussion ensemble.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of an audition

Wind Ensemble is an honors-level course open to a limited number of brass, woodwind, and percussion students selected through an audition process. Audition requirements may be obtained from the Music Department. Students study more difficult repertoire written for smaller wind bands. Students are expected to attend group lessons, which are offered on a rotating schedule throughout the day. Through private practice and group lessons, students increase their technical proficiency. Students are required to attend all scheduled afternoon and evening rehearsals and all performances. Students are expected to audition for Region Band. Students not able to audition must complete an alternate performance experience. Due to the nature of the wind ensemble, the following is the recommended instrumentation. This instrumentation may be modified to accommodate balance challenges with the group.

Participation in the Wind Ensemble is limited to the following instruments:

4 Flutes	2 Bassoons	3 Trombones
2 Oboes	2 Alto Saxophones	2 Euphoniums
6 BB Clarinets	1 Tenor Saxophone	1 Tuba
1 Alto Clarinet	1 Baritone Saxophone	3 Percussion
1 Bass Clarinet	4 French Horns	1 Mallet Percussion
1 Contrabass Clarinet	5 Trumpets	1 Tympani