Performance Art

Additional Information

Below you will find information about all of the performance arts options you can participate in at Cottonwood High School.

• Dance

• Vocal

• Instrumental Music

• Debate & Drama

Beginning Dance (Dance 1) (500000)

Length: Year

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: $30.00

This is a beginning dance class designed for all students at any level. In this class we explore the elements of dance, a variety of genres and styles from hip hop to contemporary, improvisation, choreography, dance history, and even have a performance opportunity! 

Beginning Dance (Dance 1A) (500001)

Length: Semester

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: $15.00

This is a beginning dance class designed for all students at any level. In this class we explore the elements of dance, a variety of genres and styles from hip hop to contemporary, improvisation, choreography, dance history, and even have a performance opportunity! 

Dance Ensemble (Dance 2/3) (500100/500220)

Length: Year

Available For: 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: $30.00

Dance Ensemble is an advanced dance class for students that have taken dance before at school, in a studio, or in a recreational setting. This class will further your understanding of technique, improvisation, choreography, history, and theory. There are more performance and gear/swag opportunities for this dance class as well! This class is designed to be a prep for Dance Company. If you want to dance more in high school but are not ready for the commitment of the company, this is the place for you!  Pre-requisite: Dance 1 or Dance 1A 

Dance Company (500450)

Length: Year

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: $155.00

Dance Company is the premier performing art dance group at Cottonwood. This is an audition only class; auditions happen at the end of the school year in May in preparation for the upcoming year. Company performs at many events, festivals, and assemblies throughout the school year. They get to work with top notch choreographers and even go on a dance tour. Dance company rehearses during the 8B class until 3:30 each B Day. If you are longing for a sense of belonging at cottonwood, then join our dance family!  Must audition in the spring. Approval: Gagliardi-Campos  

Dance 1010 CE (500121)

Length: Semester

Available For: 11th, 12th

Fee: $15.00

This is a college level dance class that is open to any student; you do not have to be a dancer to take this class. This class will provide you with the cultural art college credit needed to complete your generals. This class explores dance culture, history, and theory which leads us to contemplate the ultimate question: Why do we dance?  Open to 11th and 12th grade students. No dance experience required. This class is offered through Weber State University and requires enrollment through Weber State University by the first week of class. This college level dance class fulfills a fine art college credit. This credit can be transferred to any college/university. Fees: Weber State University Enrollment Fee applies in addition to class fee.

Social Dance (500311)

Length: Semester

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: $15.00

Social Dance is for anyone and everyone! In this class we explore partnering/ballroom styles of dance such as the waltz, salsa, swing, cha-cha, etc. We also explore cultural forms of dance such as African, Irish, Bollywood, Belly dance, etc. In this class you will dance with a partner; it will strengthen your social connections!   

Concert Choir (510900)

Length: Year

Available For: 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: Up to $150.00

Uniform Fee: $80.00

This is the most advanced large group at the high school level. Members are expected to meet a much higher level of musicianship. Class work and content are increased, and members are expected to develop better vocal production. This class is a major commitment. That commitment includes attendance to class rehearsals and performances. Attendance at these rehearsals is as important as the musical ability. Teacher Approval: Sullivan. Audition Required.

Madrigals (510530)

Length: Year

Available For: 11th, 12th

Fee: Up to $150.00

Uniform Fee: $150.00

This is a select group in which attendance and commitment to the group is of highest priority and is expected of each individual.  There are a large number of performances and rehearsals during the year which makes the commitment to the group imperative.  Members are required to rehearse music on their own as well as during class time. Much is expected vocally and technically from each student. Vocal skills need to be more advanced and students should be able to read music notation with ease. Audition Required. Teacher Approval: Sullivan.

Mixed Choir (510600)

Length: Year

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: Up to $150.00

Uniform Fee: $80.00

This class is designed to help students develop a greater understanding in the areas of vocal production, music reading, and sight singing skills. Involvement in this group is also a preparatory commitment for those who wish to later audition for other groups.  There are concerts throughout the year requiring the attendance of every student. This class will help make students a greater asset in the choir setting through development of better singing and musicianship skill. 

Women's Choir (Bella Voce) (510810)

Length: Year

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: Up to $150.00

Uniform Fee: $80.00

Women’s Choir, is the premiere choir for women at Cottonwood High school. It is ranked in excellence with Concert Choir and Madrigals. Music reading and general musicianship will be a focus in the classroom. There must be a commitment with regards to attendance and performances. Students are expected to spend outside time studying their music and completing other required assignments. Audition Required.

Concert Orchestra (509800)

Length: Year

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: Up to $150

Instrument Rental: $75.00

Uniform: Men = $10/Women = $90.00 (This fee is only applied once for all new students)

Membership in the concert orchestra provides an opportunity for serious music students to become acquainted with the best music literature. In addition, opportunity is given to students to read many of the great symphonies and contemporary works of master composers. Students will be expected to practice at home as the music is challenging. The concert orchestra participates in concerts and festivals.

Guitar (508511)

Length: Semester

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: Up to $25.00

This class emphasizes the development of music reading skills, the understanding of basic music theory, and the development of guitar skills, the playing of guitar chords, light rock and classical styles of guitar music. The course provides sufficient instruction and practice for the students to accompany songs with chord accompaniment and to play guitar solos. This class is open to any student with an acoustic guitar. GUITARS ARE NOT PROVIDED! No electric guitars.

Intro to Theory and Harmony (Compositions) (507110)

Length: Year

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: $50.00

The introduction of theory and compositions in this course includes fundamental elements of music: pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony and form; and to explore the theoretical constructs of the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Students will learn basic composition skills and beginning ear training study. 

Jazz Ensemble (509550)

Length: Year

Available For: 9th,10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: Up to $150.00

Instrument Rental: $75.00

Uniform: $20.00

This class meets before school @ 6:15am on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for selected students interested in exploring and performing jazz literature. Players must have a high degree of proficiency to perform the intricate rhythms of jazz. A high level of commitment and dedication is necessary to participate in this class. Students must be in another performing class in order to be in jazz ensemble. Prerequisite: Audition with Tuckness. 

Music Listening and Literature (507201)

Length: Semester

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: $8.00

This course will explore the foundations of music and study its many forms. Class time will be spent learning basic music theory, music history, and many musical genres including classical, folk music, country, blues, and early rock

Piano 1 (508402)

Length: Semester

Available For: 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: Up to $25.00

This class is for beginning piano players. The class will focus on learning the notes on the piano keyboard and the grand staff, develop music reading skills, basic piano technique, and learning beginning music theory essentials. The course provides sufficient instruction and practice for the students to play easy piano literature and learn beginning accompaniment skills.

Piano 2 (508403)

Length: Semester

Available For: 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: Up to $25

This class is for intermediate to advanced piano players. The prerequisite for the class is the Piano 1 Class or get permission from the instructor. This class will focus on learning major and minor scales and chords, develop greater reading skills, intermediate level piano technic and music theory. The course provides sufficient instruction and practice for the students to play intermediate to advanced piano literature and learn basic accompaniment skills. Prerequisite: Piano 1, or approval from Sullivan.

Symphonic Band (509500)

Length: Year

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: Up to $150.00

Instrument Rental: $75.00

Uniform: Men = $10.00/Women = $90.00 (This fee is only applied once for all new students)

The class explores standard and contemporary concert band literature on an advanced level. Emphasis is placed upon individual excellence as parts usually have only one or two players per part. Students will be expected to practice at home as the music is challenging. The group performs at concerts and festivals. This class also serves as the Pep Band for football and basketball games.

AP Theory and Harmony (507180)

Length: Year

Available For: 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: $50

AP Music Theory Test: $95.00

The study of harmony in this course includes chord structure, tonal music, harmonization techniques, melody writing, modulation, altered chords, secondary dominants, and seventh chords. The content of the course also includes the use of repetition, imitation, and sequence in melody writing and provides practice in transposing from one key or clef to another. The course prepares students to write and arrange music to pass the AP Music Theory exam.

Debate 1-2 (570700)

Length: Year

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: $230.00

An introduction to the fundamentals of speech arts and debate, the principal focus of this class is on speech performance, critical thinking, research and content organization in debate and in individual speaking events. Students are required to participate in at least seven interscholastic tournaments each year and are highly encouraged to attend the out-of-state tournament. Students must be in Debate 1-2 to try out for the CHS Forensics Team (Does not give art credit)

Debate 3-4 (570730)

Length: Year

Available For: 11th, 12th

Fee: $230.00

Designed to give students advance training, this course is required for all members of the CHS Forensics/Debate Team. (Does not give art credit)

Film Making (504001)

Length: Semester

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: $8.00

In this course students will familiarize themselves with the history and art of motion pictures. This class is designed to give the student a basic knowledge and appreciation about the film industry. Through selected viewings and thorough discussion, the student will develop an understanding of the origin and growth of the film industry from its inception to the modern classics of a multi-billion-dollar industry. Special emphasis will be placed on theme, symbolism, acting, editing, and special effects.

Technical Theatre/Stage Crew (691051)
Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Advanced Stage Crew (691052)
Available For:  10th, 11th, 12th

Length: Semester

Fee: $0.00

This class is designed to give students an opportunity to learn and practice stage production and design. After completion of the class students will have acquired a basic knowledge of the design and building of sets, props, costumes, lighting, and sound. During class, students will work on Cottonwood plays and productions, as well as outside rentals. Additionally the students will participate in the maintenance and upkeep of the Cottonwood stages and performance spaces. Ideal for students who want to work backstage or gain a greater appreciation for the technical side of theatre. (Does not give art credit)

Theatre 1 (520110)

Theatre 2 (520200)

Length: Year

Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Fee: $30.00

This fun, entertaining, and multi-year course is designed for the student who wants to learn to get out of their shell and become comfortable in front of people, the student who has no, or minimal experience in the theatrical arts, students who have completed theatre at a Jr High School, or students who have completed one year of high school theatre.  This course promotes appreciation and enjoyment for all aspects of theatre where students will be introduced to theatre and performing. Focus will be on Improv skills, Shakespeare, and Stage Combat. In addition to increasing the student's appreciation of the stage, this class will emphasize ways in which young people can develop interpersonal communication skills. Outside work consists performance of scenes and monologues, and attendance at various plays and school performances. Students are encouraged to take this course over multiple years as it changes from year to year.

Theatre 3 (520300)

Theatre 4 (520350)

Length: Year

Available For: 11th, 12th

Fee: $30.00

This multiyear course is designed for the student who has had experience in high school theatre. Students will do an in-depth study of contemporary drama and character work for the first semester. The second semester will study additional contemporary acting styles, serious drama, comedy, and audition techniques. In addition, students will fine tune acting skills, prepare for student and school wide productions, direct, perform in the One Act Play Festival, and possibly go to a festival to represent Cottonwood High School in the region and state meets. Outside work consists of performing scenes and monologues, and attendance at various plays and school performances. Students are encouraged to take this course over multiple years as it changes from year to year. Teacher Approval: Wilkins.