Performing Arts

Beginning Dance S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Beginning dancers will be introduced to a variety of dance forms that may include jazz, modern, ballet, lyrical, musical theatre, tap, and  hip hop. Students will acquire coordination, rhythm, flexibility, and receive instruction in composition, production, history, vocabulary, and performance. Students will develop an appreciation of dance through participation, observation, and self-evaluation. Performance is a requirement of all dance classes. If you are unwilling to perform in front of your classmates or other audiences, you may not enroll in any dance class. Participation in all performances, including dress rehearsals, is required. This course may not be repeated for credit. 

Intermediate Dance S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Intermediate Dance is for students that have completed Beginning Dance and wish to continue in the dance program.  Students will advance their studies in a variety of dance forms. Students will receive more in depth instruction in technique, history, vocabulary and performance. Students will begin creating their own choreography. Dancers will further enhance their appreciation of dance through participation, observation, and self-evaluation. Performance is a requirement of all dance classes. If you are unwilling to perform in front of your classmates or other audiences, you may not enroll in any dance class. Participation in all performances, including dress rehearsals, is required. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Advanced Dance S1-S2 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Audition only, teacher recommendation 

Advanced Dance is for students with enhanced technique skills and have the ability to contribute to a performance. Students will advance their studies of a variety of dance forms as well as creating choreography. Students will further their knowledge in technique and performance and receive more in depth training in both technique and performance. Performance is a requirement of all dance classes. If you are unwilling to perform in front of your classmates or other audiences, you may not enroll in any dance class. Participation in all performances, including dress rehearsals, is required. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Performance Dance S1-S2 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Audition only 

Performance Dance is the most serious study of dance offered in GUHSD. Students will have further training in Ballet, Jazz, Modern Dance, contemporary, hip hop, and choreography. Technically difficult combinations of steps and turns are emphasized as well as continued improvement in alignment. This course will provide an opportunity for students who have mastered advanced techniques and are ready for a more intense study of choreography and performance. Students perform in formal concerts and numerous informal shows throughout the year. Participation in all performances, including dress rehearsals and assemblies are required. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Beginning Band S1-S2 (Brass, woodwind, percussion) Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

All campuses except Apollo, Cortez, and Thunderbird

This class is designed for any student who has a desire to play a band instrument. A limited number of instruments are available. The course consists of instruction in the fundamentals of music notation, the development of fundamental playing skills, tone production, and the development of proper attitude. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Intermediate Band S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: One year of beginning band and/or audition by the director 

Activities may include marching in football games and parades, performing in concerts, etc. The course includes continued development of music reading skills, further development of technique, increased emphasis on tone production and intonation, development of attitude with an emphasis on group participation. Elements of music theory and music listening are included. Attendance at all performances is required. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Advanced Band S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: One or more years of band experience and/or audition by the director 

Activities include marching in football games and parades, performing in concerts, music festivals, pep rallies, assemblies, etc. The course includes the development of sight-reading skills, development of fluent technique, perfection of tone production and intonation with emphasis on ensemble quality, acceptance of all responsibilities of group participation. Elements of theory and music listening, and music history are included. Attendance at all performances is required. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Beginning Guitar S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Cortez, Greenway, Independence, Moon Valley, Thunderbird, and Washington

This course is designed for those interested in learning how to play classical guitar from the beginning level. The student will develop skills in reading music, the use of the guitar fretboard, the use of chord symbols, the basic tuning and care of the guitar, the basic methods of playing chords. The school has a limited number of guitars available for student use; however, the student should be prepared to furnish his/her own guitar. 

Rentals are available through local music dealers. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Intermediate Guitar S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Cortez, Greenway, Moon Valley, and Washington 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Beginning Guitar S1-S2 and instructor approval 

This course is designed for those students who have attained basic technique on the guitar and can read music. Students will further develop their technique in solo as well as an ensemble, and will cover music of moderate difficulty. This course may be repeated for credit.

Advanced Guitar S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Cortez, Greenway, Moon Valley, and Washington 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate Guitar S1-S2 and/or Audition by the instructor 

Designed as an elective performance organization primarily involved with ensemble performance techniques, the Advanced Guitar student prepares music to be performed at schools, community organizations, and concerts. Development of music reading skills, advanced technique, and acceptance of all responsibilities of group participation is required. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Jazz Ensemble S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Audition by the director  

This course is designed for those students who have an interest in performing jazz/jazz-rock literature. The course includes development of sight-reading skills in various jazz styles, ensemble playing, and rhythmic interpretation and improvisation methods. Acceptance of all responsibilities of group participation and attendance at all performances is required. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Orchestra S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Approval by the director   

Students in the beginning to advanced levels of development will receive instruction in the basic fundamentals of string instruments; bowing, technique, and tone production. Student may be required to provide his/her own instrument. Attendance at all performances is required. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Piano S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

All campuses except Greenway, Moon Valley and Washington 

This class is open to beginning, intermediate, or advanced pianists who wish to study piano or improve their piano skills. Musical styles to be studied will include classical, popular, jazz, folk, country-western, and rock and roll. Techniques in the fundamentals of music, sight-reading, and transposition will be basic to the course structure. Opportunities for qualified students to perform in public concerts will be encouraged. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Theatre Arts 1-2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Designed to introduce the student to the basic elements of theatrical arts, this course includes units on acting, technical theatre, history, directing, and drama as literature. Activities for the class include: pantomime, voice, dialect study, set construction, painting, lights, sound, and play analysis through in-class performance and written work. 

Theatre Arts 3-4 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 1-2 or teacher recommendation 

This course emphasizes practical hands-on application of the basic skills of the theatre arts introduced in 1-2. Additional units in advanced acting techniques, mime, improvisation, make-up, lights, sound, and set design are included. Individual growth in all areas relating to theatre arts in the school and the community is encouraged through performance, written work, outside reading and attendance of outside productions. As in all theatre classes, emphasis will be on demonstration and practical experience in a working atmosphere.

Theatre Arts 5-6 Grades 11-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 3-4 and/or teacher recommendation 

This advanced course for career-minded theatre students is a performance-oriented course in which the skills and knowledge acquired in Theatre Arts 1-2 and 3-4 are used. Advanced work in acting, directing, and technical theatre is included. Students will be active in production work throughout the year by working scenes, plays and audition monologues. 

Theatre Arts 7-8 Grades  12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 5-6 and/or teacher recommendation 

Designed for seniors with a career interest in the theatre, this advanced theatre course emphasizes instruction and practice in production work--technical, acting, and directing. Emphasis is placed on the individual's major interest in the field of theatre. 

Stagecraft 1-2 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Glendale, Greenway, Independence, Moon Valley, Thunderbird, and Washington 

Prerequisite: Theatre 1-2 or Instructor’s approval 

Students investigate employment opportunities in all areas of technical theatre. Shop safety, attention to detail, problem-solving, and positive communication techniques are some specific across curriculum items that will be focused on. Students will be required to complete design projects using professional computer-aided design programs in the areas of set, props, lighting, sound, makeup, and costume. Students will have an opportunity to show their work, make design presentations, and present portfolio reviews through the CTSO student program. 

Advanced Stagecraft S1-S2 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Glendale, Greenway, Independence, Moon Valley, Thunderbird, and Washington 

Prerequisite: Theatre 1-2 and Stagecraft 1-2 or Instructor’s approval 

Students will develop skills in the areas of set, props, lighting, sound, makeup, and costume. The course is for students who plan on pursuing a career in technical theatre. Professional computer-aided design projects will be created for each area of technical theatre. Leadership is mandatory for this course. Students will have opportunities to become crew heads, assistants, and stage managers; furthermore, event management training may lead to students working rentals. Students will have an opportunity to show their work, make design presentations, and present portfolio reviews through the CTSO student program. 

Stagecraft 5-6 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Glendale, Greenway, Independence, Moon Valley, Thunderbird, and Washington 

Prerequisite: Advanced Stagecraft or Instructor’s approval 

Students will continue to master skills in the areas of set design, lighting, sound, props, costume and makeup.  Stagecraft students gain practical experience through leadership roles in student theatrical productions and facility rentals.  Leadership skills are  further realized through participation  in Career and Technical Student Organizations. 

Stagecraft 7-8 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Glendale, Greenway, Independence, Moon Valley, Thunderbird, and Washington 

Prerequisite: Stagecraft 5-6 or Instructor’s approval 

Stagecraft students will choose to pursue further skills within a specific area: set design, lighting, sound, costume, or makeup.  Any student completing Stagecraft 7-8 will be prepared for a number of employment opportunities in the technical theatre or event production industries. 

Choir 1-2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

This course is designed to give each student the basic fundamentals of vocal production and part-singing. The students also learn basic music notation and sight singing. Attendance at all performances is required. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Choir 3-4 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

This course is designed to continue the student's training in proper vocal production and part-singing. The literature presented will be more difficult than that studied in Choir 1-2. Attendance at all performances is required. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Concert Choir S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Audition by the director 

Students chosen for this choir demonstrate good tone production, sight singing ability, and a desire to sing music of a worthwhile quality. A continued emphasis is placed on vocal development and sight singing skills. Attendance at all performances is required. This course may be repeated for credit. 

Vocal Ensemble S1-S2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Audition by the director 

The members of the vocal ensemble will learn and perform the finest of choral literature. Music of a variety of periods will be studied. All students have the opportunity to sing solos and to sing in small ensembles. Attendance at all performances is required. This course may be repeated for credit.