Theatre 1

452102CW

This course is an introduction to the basic elements of drama, with an emphasis on acting techniques and in-class performances. Students are required to memorize lines and perform rehearsed scenes and monologues while utilizing costumes and props.

Theatre 2

452202CW

Prerequisites: Theatre 1

Students study the practical and theoretical aspects of the theatre. The practical phase involves training in the fundamentals of voice production, body movement, and acting techniques. The course will enable students to study the history of theatre and participate in performances representative of various periods and style of this art form.

Theatre 3

452302CW

Prerequisites: Theatre 2

This course offers intensive exercises in concentration, movement, voice, imagination, and emotional recall. It also includes close examination of acting techniques for practical application of the craft through in-class productions. Students explore all aspects of technical theatre and are required to work as a crew member for a main stage production. Participating in a one-act play is also required.

Theatre 3 Honors

452303HW

Prerequisites: Theatre 2

This course offers intensive exercises in concentration, movement, voice, imagination, and emotional recall. In Honors Theatre, each student is encouraged to grow as an individual artist. Students learn to prepare themselves mentally and physically by using different acting techniques. Students learn through “hands-on” design and technical work how to represent abstract ideas visually and aurally. Participation in contest and festivals is expected. Drama 3 students will submit a research project on Theatre and Social Change. Honors Drama 3 students will be cast in student directing shows, competition shows, and main stage productions. Participation in a production is required as well as afterschool rehearsals.

Theatre 4

452402CW

Prerequisites: Theatre 3

This course provides a progression of the skills learned in Drama 3. It offers intensive exercises in concentration, movement, voice, imagination, and emotional recall. It also includes a close examination of Stanislavsky’s “method” acting for practical application of the craft through public performances. Participation in a one-act play is required.

Theatre 4 Honors

432403HW

Prerequisites: Theatre 3 Honors

This course provides a progression of the skills learned in Drama 3. It offers intensive work in the acting process, studying great acting teachers and their methods. Students are expected to pursue a more in-depth study of these topics. An independent research project, such as directing a show, carrying a mainstage lead or technical position for a show, as well as a portfolio is required. Participation in competition and main stage shows is required along with afterschool rehearsals.

Theatre 5

4599X2CW

Prerequisites: Theatre 4 or Theatre 4 Honors

This course is a progression of the skills learned in Drama 4. It includes an in-depth study of characterization techniques, as well as direction skills. Students are required to participate in main stage productions and direct a short play in class or in the studio theatre.

Musical Theatre 1

4599S2CW (Theatre Workshop 1)

Prerequisites: Director interview and approval

Note: Note: Students may enroll in Musical Theatre 1 and Musical Theatre 2 in the same academic year.

Music Theatre Workshop is a performance-based class for students interested in exploring and performing musical theatre. Students will learn how the human voice functions, strategies for healthy vocal production, and application of vocal, dance and acting techniques to musical theatre performance. Students learn about historical influences on musical theatre, role research, and character development through projects, singing, evaluations, tests, journal writing, personal and group performance evaluations and critical self-evaluations. Singers are expected to have a strong basic knowledge of their instrument upon entering the class and should be prepared to sing by themselves in front of their peers on a regular basis. Participating in a musical revue and the annual St. James High School musical is required.

Musical Theatre 2

4599T2CW (Theatre Workshop 2)

Prerequisites: Musical Theatre 1, Director interview and approval

Note: There is a $25 activity fee for this course

This course is a progression of the skills learned in Musical Theatre 1. Students must have a solid knowledge of their instrument upon entering the class and should be prepared to audition for and participate in major roles in the St. James High School musicals. Students will explore the various musical theatre acting styles as well as the role of choreographer, music director and director. Students are also expected to develop a musical revue to be presented to the public. Participation in the annual musical production is also required.

Show Choir

459972CW

Prerequisites: Audition and Director approval

This select group offers the show choir experience by combining vocal excellence with the visual aspects of choreography. The music performed will include pop and Broadway show tunes. This course will offer ensemble singing, solo opportunities, small ensemble singing, dance, sight-reading and theory studies. This course is designed to advance students in vocal technique, performance skills and vocal music repertoire. A number of extra performances may be available outside the regular school day. Participation is required at all rehearsals and performances.

Technical Theatre Arts

452501CW

Prerequisite: Theatre 1

This course will provide a beginning study in elements of technical theatre such as costumes, makeup, stage management, house management, and workshop development. These skills will be addressed through hands-on activities and various projects in class and for an actual performance.

Instrumental Music: Piano 1

454102CW

This class is designed to allow students the opportunity to develop basic piano techniques, music reading skills, and

knowledge of music theory. In additional to learning a varied repertoire of music literature, students will also study and practice scales, arpeggios, etudes, and a wide variety of essential piano-playing skills. The school will provide electronic keyboards for students enrolled in this course.

Instrumental Music: Piano 2

454202CW

Prerequisite: Piano 1

This class is designed to allow students the opportunity to continue to develop piano techniques, music reading skills, and knowledge of music theory. In additional to learning a varied repertoire of music literature, students will also study and practice scales, arpeggios, etudes, and a wide variety of essential piano-playing skills. The school will provide electronic keyboards for students enrolled in this course.

Instrumental Music: Piano 3

454301CW

Prerequisite: Piano 2

This class is designed to allow students the opportunity to continue to develop piano techniques, music reading skills, and knowledge of music theory. In additional to learning a varied repertoire of music literature, students will also study and practice scales, arpeggios, etudes, and a wide variety of essential piano-playing skills. The school will provide electronic keyboards for students enrolled in this course.

Instrumental Music: Guitar

356701CW

This class is designed to introduce students to basic guitar techniques, music reading skills, and knowledge of music theory. Students will be exposed to the guitar via a variety of musical genres. Students do not need to own their own guitar to enroll in the class.

Instrumental Music: Guitar 2

458001CW

Prerequisite: Guitar

Students will continue to develop their guitar skills through the study of more advanced techniques and more complex musical selections.

Instrumental Music: Guitar 3

458101CW

Prerequisite: Guitar 2

Students will continue to develop their guitar skills through the study of more advanced techniques and more complex musical selections.

Band (Fall Semester)

Course Numbers will vary

Prerequisites: Previous enrollment in Band/Orchestra OR Audition and Director approval

This course will provide students with the opportunity to play an active role in the award-winning Pride of St. James Marching Band. Topics to be covered include tone production, music literacy, critical listening, expression, communication, auditory perception, body control and awareness, and self discipline. Students will have the opportunity to perform high quality band literature while performing a visual production on the marching field. Students are required to participate in after-school rehearsals and performances.

Band (Spring Semester)

Course Numbers will vary

Prerequisites: Previous enrollment in Band/Orchestra OR Audition and Director approval

Concert Band allows students to continue honing their instrumental abilities through preparation for formal music concerts and festivals during the spring semester. Emphasis is on improving tone production, major scales, sight-reading, rhythmic comprehension and performance, and maturing technical facility on the student’s primary instrument. As students progress, focus shifts to the development of more advanced skills. Students are required to participate in limited after-school rehearsals and additional performances.

Orchestra/Strings

Course Numbers Will vary

Prerequisites: Previous enrollment in Band/Orchestra OR audition

Note: Students must enroll in both semesters of orchestra.

High school orchestra is an advanced instrumental ensemble that includes violin, viola, cello, and string bass. In this course students acquire advanced techniques on their primary instrument. As students progress through these course, greater emphasis is placed on more advanced techniques and musical selections. Winter and spring concerts are presented each year in addition to festival performances and participation in the HCS All-County Orchestra.

SJHS Shark Singers

Course Numbers will vary

Grade Level: 9-12

Note: Students must enroll in both semesters of chorus.

SJHS Shark Singers are a choir of beginning/intermediate singing students. Students will develop their singing technique, sight-singing, and perform in concerts after school. Students enrolled into the Shark Singers will sing beginning/intermediate choral, popular, and Broadway music. Students in this ensemble meet all year long in the fall and spring and will have some after school concerts and rehearsals. Students must have at least one year of experience in choir in middle school or be invited by the director to join. Fees associated with the class are for uniform and travel. Repertoire includes both sacred and secular music from all cultures and backgrounds.

SJHS Chorale

Course Numbers will vary

Grade Level: 10-12

Note: Students must enroll in both semesters of chorus.

The SJHS Chorale is an choir of students who possess advanced singing, choral, and sight-singing abilities. This group sings mostly choral literature at its highest standard. Students enrolled into the SJHS Chorale must have one year of high school choir experience at SJHS or another high school, have passed an audition in front of the director and be invited to be in the class. The class meets all year long in the fall and spring and has some after school concerts and rehearsals. Fees associated with the class are for uniform and travel. Repertoire includes both sacred and secular music from all cultures and backgrounds.