The Oakmont HS Visual and Performing Arts Departments' courses "convey knowledge and meaning not learned through the study of other subjects. Study in and through the arts employs a form of thinking and a way of knowing based on human judgment, invention, and imagination. Arts education offers students the opportunity to envision, set goals, determine a method to reach a goal and try it out, identify alternatives, evaluate, revise, solve problems, imagine, work collaboratively, and apply self-discipline. As they study and create in the arts, students use the potential of the human mind to its full and unique capacity. The visual and performing arts are a vital part of a well-rounded educational program for all students." ~CDE VAPA Curriculum Guide

  • Dance 1

    Dance 1

    This class is an introduction to dance, dance history, and technique. This is a performance based class designed for those who want to experience a dance environment. Students will gain knowledge of dance terminology and basic dance styles; including but not limited to jazz, modern, lyrical, character, cultural, and hip-hop. It will give students the opportunity to enhance their technical skills, learn and engage in historical contributions to dance, its style and evolution as well as opportunities for group choreography and performance. Students will be required to attend all scheduled after school rehearsals. Students are required to perform in at least one piece at the end of the semester dance show.

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  • Dance 3

    Dance 3

    Dance 3 is a performance based class, designed for those students who want to build upon Dance 2 skills and technique while increasing rigor. This class will learn elements of safety and injury, health and fitness as well as anatomy. Students will be given the opportunity to experiment with choreographic studies as well as create their own choreography. Creation and composition of movement will be required throughout the class. Choreography assignments may be given as homework. Students are required to attend all scheduled after school rehearsals as well as perform in the end of the semester dance show.

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  • IB Dance SL/HL 1

    IB Dance SL/HL 1

    This course is designed to meet the elective requirements of the International Baccalaureate Program. The dance curriculum aims for a holistic approach to dance, and embraces a variety of dance traditions and dance cultures—past, present and looking towards the future. Performance, creative and analytical skills are mutually developed and valued whether the students are writing papers or creating/performing dances. The curriculum provides students with a liberal arts orientation to dance. This orientation facilitates the development of students who may become choreographers, dance scholars, performers or those, more broadly, who seek life enrichment through dance.

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  • Drama

    Drama

    This performance-based course will include a study of theater with a primary emphasis on the development of acting skills and confidence. Instruction will be given in playwriting, pantomime, improvisation, character development, script interpretation, and scene study. Fulfills section F of A-G Requirements.

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  • Professional Drama

    Professional Drama

    Using a student-driven, goal-oriented approach to performances, this production course will focus on the development of advanced and college level acting, analysis, and technical skills. Students are expected to be active members of the department’s after-school public production component and will be individually responsible for one or more technical (non-acting) aspect of the production process. Students will be required to attend all scheduled before and after school rehearsals as well as performances presented on nights and weekends. May be repeated for credit.

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  • Intermediate Theater Art

    Intermediate Theater Art

    This technical theater course explores the major components of stagecraft with an emphasis on design and practical skills. Students will learn basic set construction, lighting, sound, and the principles of theatrical design by working in conjunction with the acting classes on acting projects and the main stage productions. Please note: students will be working with power tools and heavy lighting/set equipment. This course may be repeated for credit.

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  • Intermediate Guitar

    Intermediate Guitar

    The Intermediate Guitar program builds on sills acquired from the Beginning Guitar Class. Students will study classical guitar with finger picking. This course places a larger emphasis on the understanding of music theory and the ongoing development of improved sigh reading skills.

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  • Symphonic Band

    Symphonic Band

    It is strongly encouraged for the student to also participate in Marching Band for priority enrollment in Symphonic Band. Designed for the advanced instrumental musician of any grade level. This spring term class will emphasize concert techniques to prepare for festival, concert, and tour performances. Students will be required to attend all scheduled before and after school rehearsals as well as performances presented on nights and weekends. May be repeated for credit.

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  • Chamber Choir

    Chamber Choir

    This performance-based course will focus on advanced level choral music of a variety of styles ranging from historically significant literature to contemporary pop. Designed for the experienced singer and musically literate choral student, this course will focus on the preparation, rehearsal and performance of choral music in required co-curricular performances. May be repeated for credit.

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  • Dance 2

    Dance 2

    Dance 2 is a performance based class, designed for those students who want to continue and further their knowledge and skills in dance. This class will review and enhance existing dance skills and techniques. Students will be given the opportunity to experiment with choreographic studies as well as create their own choreography. Creation and composition of movement will be required throughout the class. Choreography assignments may be given as homework. Students are required to attend all scheduled after school rehearsals as well as perform in the end of the semester dance show.

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  • Dance 4

    Dance 4

    This is a performance based class and is designed to expand student knowledge and skills in dance. This class will review and enhance existing dance skills and technique. Students will be introduced to famous choreographers and choreography analysis. Creation and composition of movement will be required. The students in this course will be given the opportunity to perform for the purpose of showcasing the Dance Department at local venues as they are presented. Students in this class will be required to attend all scheduled after school rehearsals as well as perform in the end of the semester show.

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  • IB Dance SL/HL 2

    IB Dance SL/HL 2

    This course is a continuation of IB Dance SL 1/ HL 1.

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  • Advanced Drama

    Advanced Drama

    This intermediate-level acting course will include instruction in acting techniques and styles, playwriting, workshopping scenes, and directing. Students will be required to attend all scheduled performances presented on nights and weekends. May be repeated for credit.

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  • Musical Theater

    Musical Theater

    This production class is an extension of the fall production course (Professional Drama) and is designed for students who desire to further develop their acting, dancing, singing, character development, and technical theater skills in a real world application. The class will work together to define, promote, produce, research, and perform a musical during the term and will support the drama company with the student (winter) production. Enrollment in the class does not guarantee a role in the chosen musical, but provides each student with a production job. Additionally, all students will be individually responsible for one or more technical (non-acting) aspect of the production process. Students will be required to attend all scheduled before and after school rehearsals as well as performances presented on nights and weekends. May be repeated for credit.

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  • Guitar

    Guitar

    Designed for the beginning guitar student. Instruction will include acoustic guitar techniques and skills, chords, progressions, music reading, and theory.

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  • Marching Band

    Marching Band

    Designed for the advanced instrumental musician at any grade level. This fall term class will emphasize marching band performances and the winter concert. Students that are interested in playing in the percussion section will need to make the audition dates in the spring for placement. Students will be required to attend all scheduled before and after school rehearsals as well as performances presented on nights and weekends. May be repeated for credit.

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  • Music Appreciation

    Music Appreciation

    Music Appreciation is an elective course for students who desire a more in-depth understanding of music. This course will engage students in the study of music theory, history, instrumentation, and ethnomusicology. The course is designed for all students, those who play a musical instrument and those who do not. It will include all different forms of music, from America and from other cultures.

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  • Concert Choir

    Concert Choir

    This performance-based course will include a study of choral music with a primary emphasis on the development of the voice, music literacy skills and confidence. Designed for students who are new to choral singing and music reading, and students wishing to repeat the class for credit. Students will prepare, rehearse and perform in co-curricular required performances. Fulfills section F of A-G Requirements.

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