Performing Arts

DRAMA

This course is the beginning level for high school students with no previous theatre experience. It is an in-depth study of theatre arts in which students will learn about the different areas of theatre, with emphasis on acting technique. Students will develop performance skills in speaking, oral interpretation, memorization, characterization, pantomime, and audience awareness through performance of individual and small group exercises leading to performance of multiple character scenes. The development of theatre through history and technical theatre will also be examined. This course is also for those students who need time to further develop skills acquired in previous theatre courses. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts.

DRAMA WORKSHOP

Students will maintain and extend the skills, knowledge, and appreciation developed in previous theatre courses. Students will work on classical theatre as well as contemporary theatre. They may attend conferences, festivals and competitions. This may involve work during some nights, weekends and holidays. Participation at selected play festivals may be required. This course may be repeated for credit. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts.

FILM STUDIES

This course is a study of film as both an art and a means of communication. The course will focus on film history, criticism, and film analysis. Students will learn to read a film, analyzing its narrative structure, genre conventions, subtext, technical and artistic elements, and purpose. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts. Open to grades 10-12.

THEATER PRODUCTION

After auditioning and being cast, students will develop characters through memorization and rehearsal, finally performing roles in a major production. Students will also complete technical theatre assignments given related to the individual production. This class is for actors, technicians, and musicians. Grades and credits will be based on participation. This course is offered during 7th period. Course Prerequisite: Audition only

MUSICAL THEATER PRODUCTION

After auditioning and being cast, students will rehearse and perform a major musical theatre production. This class is for actors, technicians, and musicians. Grades and credits will be based on participation. This course is offered during 7th period. Course Prerequisite: Audition only

SHAKESPEAREAN THEATER

This class will cast, rehearse, build and produce a Shakespeare play for school and community performance. Students will research and study the language and theatrical conventions of Shakespeare. This course is offered during 7th period Course Prerequisite: Audition only

WOMEN'S CHORUS

This course provides all female students the opportunity of participating in the school’s choir program. Students will develop their vocal skill and gain confidence by singing in a group. Students will learn to sing in harmony, and sing a variety of music, incorporating classical, folk, do-wop and contemporary styles. Personal enjoyment of music is stressed. Music reading is included in the curriculum, and students will learn basic musicianship through ear training and notational skills. No prior experience is necessary. Performances are a part of this course. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts.

MEN'S CHORUS

This course provides all male students the opportunity of participating in the school’s choir program. Basic skills of singing are stressed, as well as personal enjoyment of music. Vocal music instruction will introduce music theory while students gain confidence and skill in singing with a group. Students will learn to sing in harmony, and sing a variety of music, incorporating classical, folk, do-wop and contemporary styles. Music reading is included in the curriculum. Public performances are a part of this course. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts.

CHOIR

This class is for outstanding vocal music students. Students will sing four-part music and solos. They will develop choral/vocal techniques as well as music reading skills. They will sing music from a variety of cultures and time periods. Students will have the opportunity to perform in a variety of venues and to hear other groups perform. Choir members will also work individually to prepare solos and small group projects. This course may be repeated for credit with teacher permission. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts.

ANGELS

This class is for female vocal music students. Advanced vocal techniques are stressed, and students will sing in three- and four-part harmony. The group will perform throughout the community and in a wide variety of venues including concerts, festivals and competitions. The course stresses personal enjoyment of music as well as performance skills. Angels will provide opportunities for learning advanced reading techniques, advanced music theory concepts, and music from a variety of time periods, cultures, and choral styles. Students will also work individually to prepare solos and small group projects. Students will be financially responsible for their performance outfits. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts. Course Prerequisite: Audition

ENSEMBLE

This is a year-long course designed for advanced choral students. Students will learn advanced music theory concepts and sing music from a variety of time periods and cultures. Singers will also work individually to prepare solos and small group projects. The Ensemble will perform throughout the community and in a wide variety of venues including concerts, festivals and competitions. In addition, the group takes a tour each year. This course stresses personal understanding and enjoyment of music as well as performance skills. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts. Course Prerequisite: One-year choral experience and audition.

GUITAR 1

This year-long course is designed to provide students with beginning through intermediate guitar instruction while completing their a-g requirement in fine arts. Throughout the semester students will learn musicianship, music reading skills, and guitar technique as well as performance practices. The class will perform throughout the year on and off campus. Students will feel confident playing guitar for their family and friends after this yearlong course. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts.

GUITAR 2

Guitar 2 is a one year course within the performing arts program that is open to all students who have either passed the first year of Guitar 1 with a C or higher or have auditioned with the instructor. Students in the class will learn about practical, historical, theoretical, and applicable aspects of intermediate guitar playing. The physical aspects of intermediate guitar playing will incorporate a larger range of the instrument as well as more complex chords and harmony as it applies to solo and ensemble guitar playing. This course will be submitted for UC/CSU approval.

BANNER/FLAG AND DRILL TEAM

Banner and Flag/Drill Team develops dance, flag, and rifle skills needed to compliment the marching band, and the Winterguard performs at indoor competitions 2nd semester. Students will gain knowledge of the fundamentals of dance, flag, rifle and saber while studying historical/social implications and performance practices of their genre. Students will enhance their cardiovascular fitness and endurance, including the use of marching and dynamic, rhythmic dance. Students will perform at a level that reflects understanding of the mechanical aspects of their movement as well as artistic interpretation. Many public performances are required, and are not an optional part of this course. Drill Team is a 7th period course. Banner/Flag course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts. Course Prerequisite: Students must attend workshops, then audition. Course Co-requisite: Banner/Flag students must also be enrolled in Drill Team.

BEGINNING STRINGS/ORCHESTRA

Students learn how to play one of the following string instruments: violin, viola, cello or bass. Beginning techniques for each instrument are taught along with an introduction to music through its language, notation and historical background. Students perform concerts on campus and in the community. Some instruments can be loaned out upon teacher approval. No audition necessary. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts.

ADVANCED STRINGS/ORCHESTRA

Intermediate and advanced musicians will perform in various settings including orchestra competitions, community events, and school functions. Students will enhance knowledge of music foundations including music theory, and historical/social implications and performance practices of various genres. Students will perform at a level that reflects understanding of the mechanical aspects of their instruments. Many public performances are required, and are not an optional part of this course. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts. Course Prerequisite: Completion of Beginning Strings or teacher recommendation.

JAZZ BAND

This advanced ensemble explores improvisation and various styles of Jazz and Latin music. Students will perform in various settings including jazz festivals, concerts, community events, and school functions. Students will enhance knowledge of music fundamentals and study historical/social implications. Students will learn to demonstrate basic improvisation. Students will perform at a level that reflects understanding of the mechanical aspects of their instruments as well as artistic interpretation. Many public performances are required, and are not an optional part of this course. One to two years of concert band is recommended as a prerequisite. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts. Course Prerequisite: Students must audition or receive teacher recommendation.

MARCHING BAND

Intermediate and advanced musicians will perform in various settings including competitions, community events, and school functions. Students will perform at a level that reflects understanding of the mechanical aspects of their instruments, and the understanding needed to perform while in motion. Marching Band develops the ideas and concepts learned in Concert Band, and integrates them with body movement and drill formations. Many public performances are required, and are not an optional part of this course. This course is offered first semester during 7th period and earns elective credit. Course Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

CONCERT BAND

Intermediate and Advanced musicians will perform in various settings including concert festivals, community events, and school functions. Students will enhance knowledge of music fundamentals including music theory, and historical/social implications and performances practices of various genres. Students will perform at a level that reflects understanding of the mechanical aspects of their instruments. Many public performances are required, and are not an optional part of this course. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts. Course Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

Percussion Ensemble helps students develop their musical skills, further developing repertoire for indoor productions 2nd semester, combining theatrical skills with percussion. Students will enhance knowledge of music fundamentals and study historical/social implications. Students will enhance their cardiovascular fitness and endurance, including the use of marching and dynamic, rhythmic dance. Students will perform at a level that reflects understanding of the mechanical aspects of their instruments as well as artistic interpretation. Many public performances are required, and are not an optional part of this course. This course is offered during 7th period 2nd semester Course Prerequisite: Students must audition or receive teacher recommendation. Course Co-requisite: Percussionists must also be enrolled in Concert Band (Course # 1508) or Jazz Band (Course # 1515).

AP MUSIC THEORY

This course explores how music is written and created. Students will study chord structure, harmonic progressions and musical form. Students will also compose and analyze music. Students enrolled in this class will take the Advanced Placement Examination in Music Theory. Recommended: Students who pass the AP Music Theory class may receive college credit. Therefore, this course models college level work in both content and pacing. It is recommended for students who are proficient on the CST in English/Language Arts. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts. Course Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation