(Beginning) Drama

This course will include a study of theater from historical and technical perspectives, but the primary focus will be on the development of acting skills. Instruction will be given in improvisation, character development, interpretation, memorization and concentration.

Advanced Drama

Designed for general or college-preparatory students. This course will include instruction in advanced acting techniques and styles; costume design and application; technical skills in stage direction, lighting and sound; set construction; and publicity. Students will be encouraged to participate in all of these dramatic learning areas. Students are required to attend practices and rehearsals before and after school, as well as performances held at night and on weekends.

Brass Ensemble

Brass Ensemble is designed to improve the musical skills of marching band brass players. Emphasis will be placed on individual development of tone, technique and performance. Students will participate in Marching Band performances and will be required to attend all after-school rehearsals and evening and Saturday performances.

Color Guard

The Color Guard is an integral part of the marching band, and a separate competition unit throughout the spring semester. Students will learn to interpret music through marching formations, body movements, and various color guard equipment work. Members of the Marching Band Color Guard should be enrolled in this class and are required to attend all after-school rehearsals and public performances. Members of the Winter Guard will be enrolled in this class for Spring Term. This course may be repeated for credit. It does not meet VAPA requirements.

Concert Band

The Concert Band class is for all musicians of any grade level. Concert Band students will participate in concert and festival performances and will be required to attend night and Saturday performances. This course may be repeated for credit.

Dance 1

Dance 2

This class is the next step for students who have completed Dance 1. Students will build upon what they have learned in Dance 1 in the study of jazz, ballet, tap, Polynesian, and other forms of dance such as contemporary, modern, and hip hop.

Dance 3

This class is the next step for students who have completed the Dance 1 and Dance 2 class. Students will build upon what they have learned in the study of jazz, ballet, tap, Polynesian, contemporary, modern, and hip hop.

Dance 4

Designed for advanced dance students only. This class builds on the skills taught in previous dance courses. This course will provide instruction in a variety of dance forms and performance. Students will also learn dance terminology, history, and choreographic elements .

Dance Choreography/ History

This class offers the dance student the opportunity to choreograph dances in many styles with props and other creative elements. This class is for students who have completed Intermediate Dance. Students also have the opportunity to learn more about the world of dance: famous dancers, dance around the world and the history of dancing. Students will perform in fall and/or spring productions. Members of the class are required to participate in rehearsals and the dance performance(s) at the end of the year as their final grade. Students may be asked to provide some costuming for the show and purchase lyrical sandals.

Percussion Ensemble

Percussion Ensemble is for all percussionists or people wanting to learn percussion instruments. Percussion Ensemble will be learning the pep band music, parade music ,marching band music and drill in the Fall semester. Spring Percussion Ensemble will be working on concert techniques and music as well as music for winter percussion. Students will participate in all band and percussion performances and will be required to attend all after-school rehearsals and public performances held evenings and on Saturdays.

Professional Drama

This course will focus on putting on live stage productions continuously throughout the year. Advanced and college level acting and technical skills will be required and practiced, while experience in directing and backstage production will be focused on throughout the class. Students are required to attend practices and rehearsals after school as well as performances held at night and on the weekends. May be repeated for credit.

Woodwind Ensemble

Woodwind Ensemble is designed to improve the musical skills of marching band woodwind players. Emphasis will be placed on individual development of tone, technique, and performance. Students will participate in Marching Band performances and will be required to attend all after-school rehearsals and evening and Saturday performances.

(Beginning) Guitar

Guitar offers beginning instruction in basic chords, strumming, finger picking and flat-picking playing techniques, music reading and basic theory. Students will use classroom instruments.

Baritone Concert Choir

A one-term course in the 4x4 schedule, Baritone Concert Choir is a singing ensemble for voices that are comfortable in the baritone ranges-i.e. tenor and bass. This choir performs beginning, intermediate, and advanced literature from various selected eras and genres of musical histories in 2,3,and 4 parts. The Baritone Concert Choir will also rehearse and perform in conjunction with the Treble Concert and Treble Chamber Choir. In addition to the techniques of rehearsal and performance, the students learn the theory and history of the music performed the fundamentals of correct vocal technique, proper concert etiquette, interval recognition and basic note reading. Required performances are scheduled by the director.

Beginning Piano

Beginning piano is a one-term course designed for students who desire to acquire or develop piano keyboarding skills while engaged in music study. Students will learn to read music and will explore the elements of music theory. Students will develop fine motor skills, a technical and aesthetic appreciation of music, life-long learning disciplines and motivations related to music, music etiquette, ear training, rhythm, dictation and sight reading skills.

Chamber Choir

A one-term course in the 4x4 schedule, Chamber choir is designed for the advanced singer. A Cappella singing of historically significant music, as well as, contemporary, pop, and jazz selections will be rehearsed and performed. Ear training, theory and sight singing will be studied. Attendance at after school rehearsals and performances are required. Chamber students must be enrolled in Treble Choir or Baritone Choir in the fall, and purchase tuning forks.

Concert Choir

A one-term course in the 4x4 schedule, Concert choir is designed for less experienced singer. Choral music will be rehearsed and performed. In addition, vocalization, diction, breathing, note reading, basic vocal theory, group singing, solo singing, sight singing, and performance techniques will be studied. Attendance at after school, evening and weekend performances will be required.

Intermediate Guitar

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed the skills outlined in Guitar. This course is for those students choosing the guitar as a vehicle for a more rigorous study of music and performance-related standards and college-level expectations. This course includes further development of music theory, style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability and skills inherent to live performance. Students will receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to playing the guitar on an intermediate level and will learn many of the different styles, skills and techniques required to become more successful guitarists. Students are required to participate in classroom performances. Students will use classroom instruments. May be repeated for credit.

Intermediate Piano

Designed for students who are interested in further developing their piano skills. Students will continue their study of music history through research of composers and performers from the Baroque era through the 20th century. Students will also prepare and perform piano works by these composers, and continue their music education with a more advanced study of music theory.

Jazz Ensemble

Designed for all instrumental musicians at any grade level. Jazz Ensemble students will participate in jazz and festival performances. Students are required to attend performances held at night and on Saturdays.

Madrigal/ Show Choir

Designed for the advanced singer. Emphasis will be on preparation for performances featuring a cappella singing of sacred and secular madrigals and motets. Attendance at after school, evening and weekend performances will be required. May be repeated for credit.

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band class is for advanced musicians of any grade level. Students will be required to audition for this select ensemble. Symphonic Band members will participate in concert and festival performances and will be required to attend night and Saturday performances. This course may be repeated for credit.

Treble Chamber Choir

A one-term course in the 4x4 schedule, Treble Chamber Choir is a singing ensemble for voices that are comfortable in the treble ranges i.e. soprano and alto. This choir performs intermediate and advanced literature from various selected eras of musical histories in 3-8 parts. The Treble Chamber Choir may also rehearse and perform in conjunction with the Baritone Concert Choir and/or Treble Concert Choir. In addition to the techniques of rehearsal and performance, the students learn the theory and history of the music performed, the fundamentals of correct vocal technique, interval recognition and writing, and note reading. Required performances are scheduled by the director.

Treble Concert Choir

A one-term course in the 4x4 schedule for students in grades 9-12, is a singing ensemble for voices that are comfortable in the treble ranges –i.e. soprano and alto. This choir performs beginning and intermediate literature from various selected eras of musical histories in 3-4 parts. The Treble Concert Choir will also rehearse and perform in conjunction with the Baritone Concert Choir. In addition to the techniques of rehearsal and performance, the students learn the theory and history of the music performed the fundamentals of correct vocal technique, sight singing and note reading. Required performances are scheduled by the director.