Performing Arts

HISTORY OF POPULAR MUSIC - CP 

Prerequisite: English 10
2.5 VPA Credits 

The History of Popular Music is a non – performance-based class, to explore the musical forms and styles of popular music and artists from the twentieth to present day. Students can expect to learn about a range of artists including Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Donna Summer, Madonna, Nirvana, Eminem, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga. In addition, students can also expect to learn about the birth of electronic music, the recording industry, and the varied mediums where Popular music can be found, such as music videos, theater, movies, television, and advertising.

DRAMA I - CP 

Prerequisite: None

2.5 VPA Credits

This course asks students to examine the principles of drama and the development of theatre production, as well as analyze plays to explore different types of theatrical presentations. The class aims to increase the knowledge and enjoyment of theatre by attending a theatre tour and experiencing live performances.  Performance skills will be honed and exhibited with activities such as role playing, dramatic monologue, soliloquies, and performance of chosen scenes for an audience. Written skills will be developed in script units and critical reviews of plays with a partner. 

DRAMA II - CP 

Prerequisite: None

2.5 VPA Credits

This course builds on the content and skills developed in Drama I in preparation for a Spring performance. 

CONCERT BAND - CP

Prerequisite: N/A

Credits: 5.0 

Concert Band serves as the advanced instrumental performance experience at the high school level. Students must have prior experience on a band instrument to be eligible for this group. The music progresses from medium to more difficult. Techniques and fundamentals are stressed while providing music that is enjoyable to perform. Upon completion of the fourth year, the experience provided should allow students to move on to any serious college band program with ease. Weekly small group lessons rotate throughout the day on a pullout basis. Two evening concerts and participation in the graduation band are required as part of the Concert Band class. Extra credit is offered to those who play in the stands during football games with the marching band and for other community outreach programs. Participation in Concert Band is required to perform with the Marching Band, Jazz Band, and chamber groups. 

CONCERT CHOIR -CP

Prerequisite: N/A

Credits: 5.0 

The curriculum of Concert Choir is a performance-based study of the standard choral configuration for mixed voices (SATB). Concert Choir serves as an advanced choral performance experience at the high school level. While prior good intonation and basic music reading literacy are encouraged, they are not prerequisites. The choral music studied in Concert Choir explores music from early Renaissance madrigals and motets to contemporary jazz and pop standards. Music reading literacy for singers is an integral part of the curriculum.  Students will also use a practical use of Solfege, moveable do and fixed do. Although a strong vocal and choral pedagogical technique is the focus, the joy of singing is very much stressed. Upon completion of the fourth year of Concert Choir, the experience should provide students with the technique and skill to graduate successfully to any conservatory vocal/choral program. Weekly small group lessons rotate throughout the day on a pullout basis. Two evening concerts and participation in the high school commencement choir are required as part of the Concert Choir class. Enrollment in this class enables students to audition for the Saddle Brook Middle/High School Choraleers, the select chamber choir in Saddle Brook. Students enrolled in Concert Choir are also eligible to audition for the All-Bergen County Chorus, the All-North Jersey Region I Chorus, and the N.J. All-State Chorus. Come sing with us. 

PIANO I - CP

Prerequisite: N/A

Credits: 2.5 

Piano I is offered within a lab setting, providing a comprehensive musical approach toward basic and intermediate piano performance. This course will enable students to read and play beginning piano literature while developing a strong keyboard technique. Piano I includes a strong focus on music reading literacy and basic keyboard theory. Students of all levels of piano experience (especially beginners) are welcome. 

PIANO II - CP

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Piano I

Credits: 2.5 

Piano II is offered within a lab setting, providing a comprehensive musical approach toward intermediate and more advanced piano performance. This course will enable students to read and play music at sight, transpose and harmonize melodies, create simple accompaniments and original compositions, and develop a strong keyboard technique. Piano II includes a strong focus on music reading literacy and keyboard theory. Students with an intermediate level of piano experience are encouraged. 

MUSIC & TECHNOLOGY - CP

Prerequisite: At least one year of High School Performance Ensemble or Music Theory 

Credits: 2.5 

This course will increase students’ musical awareness through technology-based experiences. Students will develop musicianship in a 21st century environment by completing projects utilizing critical response, reading and notation, improvisation, and composition as well as some singing and instrumental performance. The subject matter will include sound recording techniques, sound design, audio electronics, sound for video, and multimedia. 

MUSIC THEORY - HONORS (DUAL-ENROLLMENT OPTION WITH BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE; MUS 132)

Prerequisite: At least one year of High School Performance Ensemble or one full year of Piano

Credits: 2.5 

In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of writing music and analysis, including the construction of scales and chords, chord functions, and the study of musical form and analysis. Elementary Solfeggio and Music History are also included in the curriculum. As the class progresses, the basics of four-part writing are taught so students can compose their own music. An emphasis will be placed on musical analysis, composition, and literature from the twentieth century to the present day. 

DANCE - CP

Prerequisite: N/A

Credits: 5.0 

This course is a dance fundamentals class for any student interested in a variety of movement styles and approaches to dancing.  Students will work together to improve dance skills including alignment, strength, and flexibility.  In addition, students will create original movement pieces enhancing creativity and use dance as a means for expressive artistry. 

Techniques include:

• Body Conditioning (including yoga, Pilates, and physio-ball technique)

• Ballet and Modern Dance

• Cultural Dance Forms

• Social Dance Styles