Music and Theater Arts

Prerequisite:   Previous Band experience or instrumental music experience.

Band is an active class which performs at least two school concerts, all home football games, in area parades and other civic and school events.  A wide variety of music - marching band, popular and classical - will be rehearsed and performed.  While the emphasis will be on performance preparation, care will be taken by the instructor to provide music with a level of difficulty appropriate for the ability level of the group and challenging enough to foster individual musical growth.  Band generally does not conflict with JV or Varsity sports participation.  (Conflicts, which do occur, are resolved on an individual basis.)

Prerequisite:   Band 1

Band is an active class which performs at least two school concerts, all home football games, in area parades and other civic and school events.  A wide variety of music - marching band, popular and classical - will be rehearsed and performed.  While the emphasis will be on performance preparation, care will be taken by the instructor to provide music with a level of difficulty appropriate for the ability level of the group and challenging enough to foster individual musical growth.  Band generally does not conflict with JV or Varsity sports participation.  (Conflicts, which do occur, are resolved on an individual basis.)

Prerequisite:  

1. Audition- Students should not sign up for Jazz band until AFTER they are accepted into the Jazz band. 

2. Brass, woodwind and percussion must also take band

3. Open to students by audition only

Jazz Ensemble is a performance-based course designed for musicians of advanced skill levels who want to explore the rich tradition of American music-making. Students will collaborate in a small group setting to rehearse and perform a diverse repertoire, encompassing various styles such as swing, bebop, Latin jazz, funk, and contemporary jazz. Emphasis will be placed on improvisation, arrangement, and developing a strong sense of ensemble playing.

Prerequisite: Two years of Concert Choir 1

Concert Choir is open to all students who enjoy singing.  Through performing, students learn the fundamentals of vocal technique, music literacy, and self expression.  Through responding students evaluate performances and collaboratively engage in reflection to improve their personal performance.  Students create a performance that blends their personal experiences with that of ensemble peers.  A wide variety of music styles are performed including classical, jazz, pop and Broadway.  Attendance is required at the performances and dress rehearsals.

Prerequisite:  None

Concert Choir is open to all students who enjoy singing.  Through performing, students learn the fundamentals of vocal technique, music literacy, and self expression.  Through responding students evaluate performances and collaboratively engage in reflection to improve their personal performance.  Students create a performance that blends their personal experiences with that of ensemble peers.  A wide variety of music styles are performed including classical, jazz, pop and Broadway.  Attendance is required at the performances and dress rehearsals.

Prerequisite:  

1. Audition

2. Participation in Concert Choir or permission of the instructor

Chamber Choir is an advanced singing ensemble for students with prior choir experience. Students apply choral skills at a more advanced level with more challenging repertoire in Chamber Choir. This ensemble meets one evening per week for 2 hours. In addition, students are required to learn music and parts from home - a minimum of 30 minute - each week. In addition to regular school concerts, students are required to attend additional performances as scheduled throughout the school year. 

Prerequisite:  Student must be concurrently enrolled in CHOIR: Concert Choir

Students learn the fundamentals of music through singing a variety of solo pieces in this course.  Skills will include music literacy, vocal technique, interpretation, expression, and performance.  Students perform in a studio style setting as well as in recitals each semester.  In class, studio performances will include critique, feedback, and masterclass style instruction to help all students learn and grow in their performance.

Prerequisite:  None

Music & Media Tech Beats and Podcasting introduces students to the world of sound and technology. Students create beats, drum tracks, short songs, and a piece of their choice while learning the basics of technology and composition. Students then work on podcasts, sampling, FX, and storytelling with sound. Students apply these skills to assist with a variety of projects - for example creating the music for the morning announcement into and the audio tracks for our monthly mindfulness presentations.  Additional skills include basic gear management, copyright, and basic business topics.

Prerequisite: None

Music & Media Tech - Vodcasting 1 is a course that links the creation of audio and video. This course focuses on producing a daily morning announcement broadcast for PHS. In this class students will develop and apply skills in leadership, communication, collaboration, advanced podcasting, media creation, and media production. Students collaborate with teachers, students, and the community to gather news information that is shared daily via a video podcast on a student managed youtube channel. Students direct, host, and produce all aspects of the daily broadcast. 

Prerequisite: Music: MMT Vodcasting 1

For students who completed MMT Vodcasting 1, this course allows you to continue to work with the announcement vodcasts while taking on a leadership role directing and producing the broadcasts

Prerequisite: None

Music Theory 101 is an introductory course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of music. Through a combination of lectures, listening exercises, and practical applications, students will explore concepts of melody, harmony, rhythm, chords, and compositional techniques. The course emphasizes both the theoretical aspects and the practical skills necessary to analyze and create music. 

Dive into the world of music theory and enhance your musical understanding and creativity!

Prerequisite: Music Theory 101 or Teacher Approval 

Music Theory 102 is for students who have a grasp on the basic fundamentals of music theory. This class will explore more advanced compositional techniques like extended harmonies, chord progressions, and modes. Through a combination of lectures, listening exercises, dictation, and analysis of compositions, students will gain a vast insights into a songwriter's compositional practices and intentions.

Prerequisite: None

Songwriting 101 is an introductory course designed for aspiring songwriters who want to explore the art and craft of writing compelling music. Students will learn the foundational elements of songwriting, including melody, harmony, lyrics, and structure. Through hands-on exercises, analysis of various musical genres, and collaborative projects, participants will develop their unique voice and style. 

Join us to unlock your creativity and start your journey as a songwriter!

Prerequisite:  None 

This course examines American popular music within its historical and social context, primarily throughout the 20th and 21st century. It will encourage you to think critically and creatively about popular music in relation to topics of diversity. We will study significant styles of American popular music, with a focus on select artists and songs that exemplify their respective genres, and explore several recurring themes throughout the course:

• the role of popular music as a symbol of identity (race, ethnicity, gender, social class, generation, etc.)

• the interaction of European American, African American, and Latin American traditions

• the influence of mass media and technology (printing, recording, radio, video, internet)

This course affords the student the opportunity to register for the University of Connecticut’s MUSI 1003: Popular Music and Diversity in American Society course through our Early College Experience program and earn 3 college credits. 

Only students who are registered in the UCONN/ECE Program for this course will receive UCONN credit. These credits are transferable to other colleges.  Note: Credit transfer policies vary from college to college, hence students must check with their colleges of interest. Typically grades below a C do not transfer, and grades of a C or higher transfer as a “T” which carries no GPA or grade

Prerequisite:  None

This class is a basic introductory course to acting.  Through monologues, scenes, and student created pieces, students will apply an improvisational approach to acting, learn to create plausible situations, make choices, justify them, and learn to analyze scenes.  You must obtain a grade of B or higher in Acting 1 or permission of the instructor to take Advanced Acting.  This class may be repeated.

Prerequisite:  Acting 1 

 Offered in school years starting in EVEN years. 2026-2027 school year.

This class covers the acting styles of Improvisation, repetition and method  acting.  Through monologues, scenes, student create theatrical performances pieces. Students will apply their study in characterization learning to create plausible situations, make choices, justify them, and learn to analyze scenes.  You must obtain a grade of B or higher in Acting 1 or permission of the instructor to take Advanced Acting. 

This course affords the student the opportunity to register for the Central Connecticut State University's TH 145: Acting I course through our Concurrent Partnership Program and earn 3 college credits. 

Only students who are registered with CCSU Concurrent Enrollment Program for this course will receive CCSU credit. These credits are transferable to other colleges.  Note: Credit transfer policies vary from college to college, hence students must check with their colleges of interest. Typically grades below a C do not transfer, and grades of a C or higher transfer as a “T” which carries no GPA or grade

Prerequisite:  None

 Offered in school years starting in ODD years. Available on 2025-2026 school year.

The purpose of Introduction to Theatre is to familiarize students with the basic elements of plays and productions. Students will learn to apply technical theater skills of stage management, costume, lighting, sound, and set design. The course will help students develop the analytical skills to think, speak and write critically about the theatre. 

This course affords the student the opportunity to register for the Central Connecticut State University's  TH 110 Introduction to Theater course through our Concurrent Partnership Program and earn 3 college credits. 

Only students who are registered with CCSU Concurrent Enrollment Program for this course will receive CCSU credit. These credits are transferable to other colleges.  Note: Credit transfer policies vary from college to college, hence students must check with their colleges of interest. Typically grades below a C do not transfer, and grades of a C or higher transfer as a “T” which carries no GPA or grade

Prerequisite:   1) Recommendation from Instructor & Approval by Career Center.  2) Independent Study is only available to students who have successfully completed ALL of the courses offered at Plainville High School in a particular subject area, as outlined in the program of studies.

Juniors and seniors who have a specific career path in mind, have a unique opportunity to earn high school credit and participate in a career focused internship through the Plainville High School Fieldwork Experience Program.  An internship provides invaluable real-world experience, grows knowledge in a professional setting, develops crucial soft skills, and builds a network that can significantly enhance future career opportunities.

Students will partner with a local business, organization or professional in a capacity that aligns with their future goals. Student participants will complete 60 hours (approximately 5 hours per week) of internship related work requirements over the course of a high school semester.  The students will be responsible for transportation to and from the internship site.

The success of the internship program relies on a collaborative partnership involving the student, the school, and community professionals. The active involvement of student interns significantly influences these relationships.  Therefore, elevated expectations are in place to foster the enhancement of the partnerships. The program requires students to show initiative, follow through, and a high level of professional behavior.  

Review the expectations for an internship.  If you feel you are a good candidate for this course, meet with Mrs. Bradley in the Career Center to discuss the possibilities.