**Brophy students must take at least 1.5 credits of Musical & Performing Arts to satisfy the 3-credit Art & Innovation requirement.
Intro to Theatre Elective-One Semester
For students who have little to no acting or theatre background but who are interested or curious to learn, this course will introduce students to the fundamentals. Activities will involve an introduction to the concepts of pantomime, voice production, improvisation, and blocking. Once mastered, students will focus on character development, script analysis, voice and diction, dialects, audition techniques, stage movement, and monologue work.
Students are expected to perform for the class, and see one production outside of the classroom to critique.
Intro to Theatre Production Design Elective-One Semester
For students who are interested in learning about all the behind-the-scenes "magic" that goes into theatre, this is an introductory course on the fundamentals of theatre production design. Areas of focus will be set, lighting, sound, and costume design. Students will also understand how to read a play as a designer, build models, and present a design concept.
Each semester, students will spend class time designing and building a Brophy Theatre Department production. Students are expected to participate in performances and productions outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.
Introduction to Salsa Dance & Culture: Elective-One Semester
We will learn the basics of salsa as a solo dance and as a partner dance, predominantly the On-2 style. We will learn dance etiquette, along with dance technique and body awareness. We will also dive into the historical background of Afro-Cuban Salsa, its roots in the deities of the Yoruba religion, and how these traces of the Yoruban Gods remain alive today on the dance floor. (This class can count as EITHER a Fine Arts class or a PE class)
Band Foundations (Beginning Band) Elective-Full Year
Prerequisites: Prior study of a band instrument (woodwind, brass, percussion) is beneficial but not required for this novice/intermediate-level band class. Students with no musical instrument experience can join this class.
This course is designed for freshmen instrumental students (woodwind, brass, and percussion) from novice through the intermediate level, who wish to either begin or continue fundamental instruction on a band instrument. This course is also appropriate for advanced high school students who want to learn a secondary instrument while still playing their primary instrument in another band class. Band Foundations will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and developing individual responsibility related to being a valuable contributing member of a musical performing group. Elements of music theory will also be included.
Through active participation in class and regular practice at home, students will acquire and/or develop:
Correct embouchure and characteristic tone.
Proper fundamental playing technique.
Ability to discern and adjust intonation.
Awareness of ensemble balance and blend.
An understanding and appreciation of music from the perspective of the performing artist.
Students are expected to participate in performances and productions outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.
Honors Chamber Winds Elective-Full Year
Prerequisites: Two to four years of prior study of a band instrument (woodwind, brass, percussion), Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and/or a placement audition is required for this advanced-level band class.
This course will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and fulfilling individual responsibility related to being a valuable contributing member of a musical performing group. Elements of music theory and music history will also be included.
Through active participation in class and regular practice at home, students will acquire and/or develop:
Correct embouchure and characteristic tone.
Proper fundamental playing technique.
Ability to discern and adjust intonation.
Awareness of ensemble balance and blend.
An understanding and appreciation of music from the perspective of the performing artist.
Students are expected to participate in performances and productions outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.
Honors Jazz Band Elective-Full Year
Prerequisites: One to two years of prior study of a jazz band instrument (Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drumset) and/or a placement audition is required for this proficient-level band class.
This course will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and fulfilling individual responsibility as it relates to being a valuable contributing member of a musical performing group. Elements of music theory and music history will also be included.
Through active participation in class and regular practice at home, students will acquire and/or develop:
Correct embouchure and characteristic tone.
Proper fundamental playing technique.
Ability to discern and adjust intonation.
Awareness of ensemble balance and blend.
An understanding and appreciation of music from the perspective of the performing artist.
Students are expected to participate in performances and productions outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.
Orchestra Elective-Full Year
Prerequisites: Prior study of an orchestra instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass) is beneficial but not required for this novice/intermediate-level orchestra class. Students with no musical instrument experience can join this class.
This course will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and fulfilling individual responsibility as it relates to being a valuable contributing member of a musical performing group. Elements of music theory and music history will also be included.
Through active participation in class and regular practice at home, students will acquire and/or develop:
Correct embouchure and characteristic tone.
Proper fundamental playing technique.
Ability to discern and adjust intonation.
Awareness of ensemble balance and blend.
An understanding and appreciation of music from the perspective of the performing artist.
Students are expected to participate in performances and productions outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.
Solo and small ensemble performances will be encouraged. More advanced students should request an audition for Honors Orchestra.
Honors Orchestra Elective-Full Year
Prerequisites: One to two years of prior study of an orchestra instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass) and/or a placement audition is required for this proficient-level orchestra class.
This course is for advanced students, includes more formal auditions at the regional and state levels and builds on the foundation of the regular class.
This course will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and fulfilling individual responsibility as it relates to being a valuable contributing member of a musical performing group. Elements of music theory and music history will also be included.
Through active participation in class and regular practice at home, students will acquire and/or develop:
Correct embouchure and characteristic tone.
Proper fundamental playing technique.
Ability to discern and adjust intonation.
Awareness of ensemble balance and blend.
An understanding and appreciation of music from the perspective of the performing artist.
Students are expected to participate in performances and productions outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester. Solo and small ensemble performances will be encouraged.
Musician's Exchange Elective-One Semester
Prerequisites: No required previous music classes, but a small audition may be expected (to demonstrate knowledge of instrument). Students should have familiarity with an instrument (self-taught or otherwise) and be open to performing in front of an audience.
This course is for students who have taught themselves an instrument and want to start performing with other student musicians. Many students have picked up guitar, drums or vocals (or any other instrument) without having taken a class. In Musician's Exchange, students will be given freedom and direction to choose music to rehearse and perform with musically inclined peers. No band experience is required. Instead, students should join the class if they’re motivated to practice and perform music with classmates and to receive direction on how to improve at their craft.
Students can expect to learn:
Proper fundamental playing technique.
Ability to discern and adjust intonation.
Awareness of ensemble balance and blend.
An understanding and appreciation of music from the perspective of the performing artist.
Freshman Choir Elective--One semester
Semester-long course. This is a choir for all first year students who are interested in singing. There is no prerequisite. First year students will learn to sing in a group setting. This learning will include vocal technique, sight reading and musical literacy, and musicality/interpretation. Students are expected to participate in performances outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.
Concert Choir Elective--Full Year.
Year-long course. This is a choir made up of Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. These students will learn to sing in a group setting. This learning will include vocal technique, sight reading and musical literacy, and musicality/interpretation. Though there is no prerequisite, students who have been in choir before will be “Honor Singers”, who will be given more advanced theory/sight-singing exercises, and granted leadership opportunities within the ensemble, along with an honor credit. Students are expected to participate in performances outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.
Honor Chorale Elective--By Audition only. Full Year; one semester with instructor approval.
Year-long course. This is an auditioned choir made up of Juniors and Seniors (and occasionally Sophomores). Prerequisite: Must have taken a year of Freshman Choir, Sophomore Choir, or Concert Choir. Students must have an advanced level of vocal technique and sight reading because of the difficulty level of the repertoire in this ensemble. Our group learning will include vocal technique, advanced sight reading, and musicality/interpretation. Students are expected to participate in performances outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.
Beginning Guitar Elective-One Semester
This is a one-semester course designed for beginners only; no previous guitar playing experience is required. The emphasis of the class is on proper playing technique and music reading. Students will be exposed to a variety of music styles, including rock, jazz, blues, folk and classical. Each student must have their own guitar for this class.
Beginning Piano: Elective-One Semester
Semester-long course. Students will learn the basics of music reading, piano technique, and basic repertoire. This course also seeks to give students a space to develop musical curiosity, musical enjoyment, and creativity. There is no prerequisite for this course.