PERFORMING ARTS

CHORUS

Credits: 5 (Year) or 2.5 (Semester)

The chorus sings all types of music from Broadway to classical to popular. Performances include concerts and field trips to local schools and organizations. Occasional rehearsals (usually 2-3 per year) occur outside normal school hours, especially before the winter and spring concerts. This course may be taken for the full year, or for the fall or the spring semester for 2.5 credits only. Previous singing experience or knowledge is unnecessary. Students may take this class more than once.

BAND

Credits: 5.0 (Year) or 2.5 (Semester)

Students need not have previous experience playing a band instrument to enroll in this course. Performances include concerts and field trips to band festivals and local schools. Occasional rehearsals occur outside normal school hours (usually 2-3 per year), especially before the winter and spring concerts. This course may be taken for the full year, or of the fall or spring semester for 2.5 credits only.

Those who enroll in band are encouraged to participate in Marching Band, although it is not required. The Marching Band practices during the fall season outside of school hours and performs at competitions, festivals, sporting events, and parades. Rehearsals are scheduled so as to allow students who play a sport to participate in Marching Band. Students may take this class more than once.

INTRODUCTION TO GUITAR

Credits: 2.5 (Semester)

The students learn to play the acoustic guitar. This course will offer the student the opportunity to learn to read and comprehend the basic rudiments of music. At the same time, the student will achieve the level of proficiency one may obtain through successfully completing most of Book 1 of the Jerry Snyder Method for Guitar.

Students will be graded via written examinations on basic theory and by aural examinations on the proficiency on their instrument. Students must provide their own instruments. This class is offered to any student (grades 9-12) and may not be repeated. Class size is limited.

GUITAR: INTERMEDIATE to ADVANCED

Credits: 2.5 (Semester) PREREQUISITE: Introduction to Guitar

The next level of guitar playing after the introduction course. Students work on more difficult music along with advancing their overall technique on the guitar.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Credits: 2.5 (Semester)

This course is designed to expose students to the constantly changing art of electronic music. Through the use of synthesizers, computers, and other electronic sound equipment, students learn to produce, modify, and control both electronic and acoustic sounds. Students receive basic training in playing electronic keyboards and music theory. The course is open to all students and no musical background is necessary. Students must have departmental approval to take this course more than once.

EXPLORING MUSIC

Credits: 2.5 (Semester)

This course will focus on providing students with a basic understanding of the area of music. Students will examine the history and theory of music from antiquity to the modern era. The areas to be explored include historical periods and well known composers, as well as the basics of reading and understanding written music. Students may have an opportunity to create and perform musical works.

MUSIC IN FILM

Credits: 2.5 (Semester)

This course reviews the history and development of film music through reading, lecture, and film viewing. Throughout the course, the class will study the process of film scoring and how music in film has evolved. In this class there will be many opportunities to discuss and evaluate how the music has changed and its relationship with the films. No prerequisites are required for this course.

IB MUSIC SL or HL

Credits: 5.0 (Year)

IB Music is a course designed to explore and truly understand the art of music. From studying the music of other cultures and time periods, to producing musical performances, the IB Music student will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of music. Students will develop a broad knowledge of many styles of music, and develop their potential as musicians. Students do not need prior music experience to take the class.

ELEMENTS OF DANCE

Credits: 2.5 (Semester)

This course is designed to expose, enhance, and develop students’ understanding and abilities in different aspects of the dance world. Dance uses the human body to express feelings and emotions through movement. In an increasingly techno local age, dance is especially suited to keeping in touch with what is human. Students will learn to use their body as a form of expressing their creativity. The course will entail total body awareness through the experiences of locomotors, aerobic movement, as well as rhythm and cadence. Students will gain both historical understanding and physical experience with different disciplines of dance including but not limited to: jazz, ballet, modern, social, and aerobic dance. Students will be evaluated on their development in the art of dance as well as their ability to critically evaluate the elements of dance. Students can request and receive credit for this course each year.

PERFORMANCE DANCE

Credits: 2.5 (Semester)

This course is designed to expose students to dance performance opportunities. Performance Dance is a class that will give students with prior dance experience an opportunity to continue training in a variety of dance styles. Techniques in Modern Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Ballroom, and Multicultural dance will be covered. Students in Performance Dance will be given opportunities in creating original choreography, performing in dance showcases, competitions, and festivals. This is to include The All County and State Teen Arts Festivals which is a requirement of the course curriculum. Students enrolled in Performance Dance will be eligible to audition for the extra-curricular dance team.

DANCE LAB

Credits: 1.25 (Quarter)

Dance Lab is a class structured for students to develop the physical aspects of dance. By studying and participating in a variety of dance disciplines, students will develop a physical awareness of isolated muscle movements, locomotors, and kinesthetic awareness. Through the physical experience of these different genres of dance students will develop an improved sense of self-awareness, self-confidence, and overall health. Lastly, students will gain an appreciation for the synthesis of creativity and physicality that dance offers to the learner. This course can be used to meet the requirements for one quarter of a student’s Physical Education graduation requirement. Students can request and receive credit for this course each year and multiple times within a year.

IB DANCE

Credits: 5.0 (Year)

The course focusses on the composition, performance and analysis of dance, or “expressive movement,” which is practiced amongst peoples of various backgrounds, and for a variety of purposes, throughout the planet. Students create, participate in, and reflect upon dance forms and styles from a range of cultures and traditions, both familiar and unfamiliar.