ARTS
PERFORMING ARTS

The Mansfield High School Performing Arts Department is committed to every student having access to a high quality and equitable performing arts education. Through the study of masterworks across multiple genres and mediums, our students will experience, perform, and carefully scrutinize the best of the music, dance, and theater repertoire in order to hone their skills as performers and consumers of fine arts. Each program and class offered will provide opportunities for a greater level of expression and understanding of the performing arts as a whole. We intend for graduates to become lifelong, enthusiastic participants and supporters of the arts. 

Concert Choir is a singing organization at MHS open to all students who enjoy singing. Concert Choir is the core, entrance ensemble for all vocal students. Vocal parts range from Soprano I and II, Alto I and II, Tenor, and Bass. Students will have many opportunities to perform a wide range of choral music. Students will be asked to attend some extra rehearsals for the Winter and Spring Concerts, and other events that may be scheduled by the director and the Performing Arts Department. As a member in good standing, students are eligible to audition for the S.E. District, All-State, or other competitive opportunities sought by the director. All after school and evening rehearsals and performances are mandatory. Overnight trips are not mandatory, but it is our goal to allow every student to participate regardless of their financial situation. There will be fundraising opportunities. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 – Students may elect to take concert choir for one semester or a full year.

The Mansfield High School Orchestra is a diverse musical performance ensemble. Orchestra provides the opportunity to learn and apply the reading skills, performance skills and interpretive skills of music. Members are expected to reach a high level of proficiency on their instrument as well as an appreciation for orchestral string and symphonic music. Students will study a variety of literature composed for string orchestra, chamber orchestra, and symphonic orchestra. A minimum of two concerts will be performed each year, with some rehearsals and performances occurring outside of the school day. All rehearsals and performances are mandatory. Meetings and special events are scheduled at the discretion of the director. As members in good standing, MHS Orchestra students are eligible to audition for state music festivals and regional performing groups. Chamber orchestra or other advanced groupings may be available to orchestra members by audition. Overnight trips are not mandatory, but it is our goal to allow every student to participate regardless of their financial situation. There will be fundraising opportunities. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

The Mansfield High School Band is a diverse musical performance ensemble. The Band provides the opportunity to learn and apply reading skills, as well as performance and interpretive music skills. Band members are not only able to attain a high degree of proficiency on their respective instruments but also an awareness of and appreciation for fine music. Band is available to students at the CP and Honors levels.

Students who elect to take band at the CP level do not have to participate in marching band and evening and weekend rehearsals related to marching band. Students who elect to take CP band will participate in class and evening concerts as well as the MICCA festival in the spring. Additional after-school rehearsals may be scheduled at the discretion of the director prior to a concert. Band members who elect to take band at the honors level will be required to meet all of the criteria for the CP level as well as full participation in the competitive marching band. 

Honors/Marching band members must attend a mandatory band camp in August as well as all preseason rehearsals. From the end of band camp until the final competition, students must attend two rehearsal nights per week and Saturday rehearsals in order to participate in band. 

Honors/Marching Band students must attend all evening and weekend rehearsals and performances, including competitions, as part of the class grade. Honors level students will be required to participate in town parades and all home football games. All band students may have an opportunity to participate in in-state, out-of-state and overnight band trips. Overnight trips are not mandatory but it is our goal to allow every student to participate regardless of their financial situation. There are opportunities for fundraising and scholarships provided by the Mansfield Band Parents Association. There is no impact to a student’s grade if they do not participate in an out-of-state trip.

Students are responsible for the upkeep of their personal instruments and any repairs due to neglect of a school instrument. All students must be members in good standing of the band program to participate in Districts, SEMSBA, and All-State. 

Band members may elect and/or audition for Jazz Band, Winter Percussion, and Color Guard which all meet in the evening and on weekends during competition season. Percussion will be split into a separate class from the winds if scheduling allows. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 

The Mansfield High School Band is a diverse musical performance ensemble. The Band provides the opportunity to learn and apply reading skills, as well as performance and interpretive music skills. Band members are not only able to attain a high degree of proficiency on their respective instruments but also an awareness of and appreciation for fine music. Band is available to students at the CP and Honors levels. 

Students who elect to take band at the CP level do not have to participate in marching band and evening and weekend rehearsals related to marching band. Students who elect to take CP band will participate in class and evening concerts as well as the MICCA festival in the spring. Additional after-school rehearsals may be scheduled at the discretion of the director prior to a concert. Band members who elect to take band at the honors level will be required to meet all of the criteria for the CP level as well as full participation in the competitive marching band. 

Honors/Marching band members must attend a mandatory band camp in August as well as all preseason rehearsals. From the end of band camp until the final competition, students must attend two rehearsal nights per week and Saturday rehearsals in order to participate in band. 

Honors/Marching Band students must attend all evening and weekend rehearsals and performances, including competitions, as part of the class grade. Honors level students will be required to participate in town parades and all home football games. All band students may have the opportunity to participate in in-state, out-of-state, and overnight field trips. Overnight trips are not mandatory but it is our goal to allow every student to participate regardless of their financial situation. There are opportunities for fundraising and scholarships provided by the Mansfield Band Parents Association. There is no impact to a student’s grade if they do not participate in an out of state trip. 

Students are responsible for the upkeep of their personal instruments and any repairs due to neglect of a school instrument. All students must be members in good standing of the band program to participate in Districts, SEMSBA, and All- State. 

Band members may elect and/or audition for Jazz Band, Winter Percussion, and Color Guard which all meet in the evening and on weekends during competition season. Percussion will split into a separate class from the winds if scheduling allows.

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

This course will cover the basics of guitar, music fundamentals and essential theory. The guitar will be introduced at a beginner’s level with instruction in the accompanying notation. A history of the guitar and overview of different musical styles will be studied as well. The course aims to create an appreciation for music through playing. Students should expect to play alone, in small groups, and as a large ensemble. There will be a performance component. There may be a requirement for students to participate in at least one evening performance as part of the student's grade. Guitars will be provided for class use and students will be required to have a tuner or download a tuner app to their phone. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 

This course expands on the foundation built in Guitar I and will provide a deeper study of music fundamentals, music theory, and musicianship. Building on what students learned in Guitar I, students will examine different genres, notation and chord structures. A history of the guitar and overview of different musical styles will be studied as well. The course aims to create an appreciation for music through playing. Students should expect to play alone, in small groups, and as a large ensemble. There will be a performance component and students may be required to perform during at least one evening performance. Guitars will be provided for class use and students will be required to have a tuner or download a tuner app to their phone. This class may be repeated multiple times. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Guitar I or approval of teacher and department chair. 

Music Theory is a course designed for students who have a serious interest in understanding the fundamentals of music and applying those fundamentals to composition and arranging. Students will learn basic concepts of pitch, rhythm, harmony, scales, and modes. Students will also be drilled in ear training, sight singing, and dictation. In Music Theory, students will learn to apply those fundamentals to basic composition projects. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Open to students who have previously been or are enrolled in a performance ensemble. This course is designed to help students enrolled in Band, Orchestra, Guitar or one of the Choirs become better musicians by engaging in the study of ensemble literature, basic music theory, musical vocabulary, and practice and performance techniques. Students will develop a specific and intensive practice regimen based on a study of best practices. A focus on the development of technical and ensemble abilities allows each student to take responsibility for their musical development in a structured environment. Continual self-assessment is a key part of the class as students examine their own strengths and needs and then find best practices or innovative and creative ways to improve needs and further enhance strengths. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

This introductory theatre course is designed for students who are interested in learning more about theater and acting. Students will explore improvisational acting techniques, scene work, monologues, character and script analysis, and performance challenges. Students will be required to attend and critique a live theatrical performance. This is a performance/project-based course in which students will be expected to participate in all areas of study. A final class play may be performed for an audience.

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

This advanced theatre arts course is designed for students who are serious about acting and directing. Students will analyze scripts, write and perform original plays, and study a variety of theatrical genres. This is a performance/project-based course in which students will be expected to participate in all areas of study. Projects will include performances that are written, directed, and produced for an audience. Students will be expected to analyze and critique their theatrical experiences. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drama 1.

Students will learn improvisational techniques that will be explored by doing laugh-filled exercises and skill driven “short form” games. Structured, simple play will guide each improviser to experience individual success, discover the joy of ensemble support, and build a foundation to increase their creative and critical thinking skills. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 

This introductory technical theatre class provides students with essential knowledge about the operation of sound and lighting equipment in the MHS auditorium. Students will learn to use a variety of tools for set construction and design, build scenery, and work cooperatively as part of the stage crew to move scenery backstage during dress rehearsals and performances. Additionally, students will explore specialized painting techniques to create visually engaging images, design and craft props, select appropriate costumes, and collaborate with local theatre professionals. Participation as members of the backstage crew for dress rehearsals and performances is required after school.

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 This class may be repeated.

Recorded media is a performance art, requiring multiple components of production skills. Over the course of the semester students will learn about different media tools.  They will develop research skills as well as creative planning and production knowledge in a number of recording platforms. Students will develop a long-range project specific to their interests and produce a podcast or television programming. The semester will culminate in the production of a television program or podcast in relation to their topic of their choice. Students will develop skills as “on air” talent, producers, researchers, and recording artists in an effort to create a piece of media.

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

This course examines musical styles attributing to the emergence of Rock and Roll in the 50’s through its different incarnations today. Rock history will cover a diverse range of genres including the blues, country, jazz, and hip hop, as well as the social movements and events that encouraged change in the music industry. Hands on exploration of the music studies should be expected. Instruments used in class will include ukulele and various percussion instruments. No prior instrumental experience is necessary. Course work will be lecture, research, reflection, and discussion based. Students should expect to improve upon writing, research, application of technology, critical thinking and debate. Honors students will complete additional assignments and projects.

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

This course will examine the role of music in film and media throughout history. It will focus on the functions of music within society, the cultural language music provides as well as the different elements/styles of music used in visual media. Students will explore the story telling of the radio era, silent films, commercial/sound effects, news reel, and styles of popular film from the classic era to today’s Hollywood. Students can expect to participate in class discussions, research projects, writing assignments, presentations, and analytical reflections and debates of film and score resources. Audio/visual components will be utilized in presentations. 

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Unified Music provides a unique opportunity for students with an without disabilities to connect through ongoing opportunities through education and music. Individuals with disabilities and their peers will collaborate on a variety of music-based activities and projects. This creative sound play class will focus on singing, movement, percussion, and theater-based music activities. Students can expect to create sound stories and other similar projects. Students will be encouranged to perform their work at school events and concerts. Beyond being exposed to the musical experiences within this course, students will spend time in the classroom learning about topics such as inclusion, self-advocacy, and various disablities. Upon completion of this course, students will be empowered to help create a more inclusive and unified school environment.

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12. 

 Dive into the captivating world of Taylor Swift, where music meets poetry, business, and cultural phenomenon. This is not your typical music class, it's a journey for anyone curious about how one artist can shape an era. We will go beyond the catchy hooks to explore Swift's evolution as a songwriter, analyzing her lyrics as a form of powerful storytelling and modern poetry. Students will get hands-on experience by learning simple chords and basic guitar skills using the songs themselves, proving that anyone can play a song (no performance required). Furthermore, we'll harness technology to explore the business of music, create original remixes, and critically analyze the cultural impact of her music videos and digital presence. Whether you're a devoted Swiftie or just want to learn practical skills through the lens of a global icon, this course offers an awesome opportunity to explore creativity, culture, and connection.

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12. 

This course is an introduction to the craft of writing music. Students will learn how to use digital audio workspaces and modern written notation to create and produce music.  Students will also study landmarks in songwriting from Woody Guthrie and Chuck Berry to more modern artists like Charlie Puth, FINNEAS and Taylor Swift. Through the lens of composition and songwriting, students will learn basic music theory concepts and basic lyric/poetry concepts. Throughout the course, students will demonstrate skill development through writing their own music and songs that they can perform themselves or have “guest artists” perform/record. This course has no prerequisite and is designed for students to be successful without having any previous formal musical training. Honors students will complete additional projects and/or more in-depth projects.

Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12