This is a one-semester course that covers the basics of theatre arts, with a focus on performance skills. The student will learn how to perform in a variety of situations (including improv), how to use stage space effectively, how to develop vocal and physical characteristics to help portray a character, and how to transfer emotions from real-life situations to fictional scenes. This course will also include a brief survey of the technical and fundamental elements of theatre. Evaluation is based on critiques by the teacher and other students as well as by self-reflection.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: None. Theatre Arts: Introduction to Performance and CWU Theatre 107: Introduction to Theatre may be taken concurrently. Homework hours per week: 1-2 hours Course Video: bit.ly/3bf9FNE CADR

Advanced Acting and Directing - ART107

This is a one-semester course that will provide students with further instruction in the study of acting and directing. Using a brief lecture/discussion/workshop approach, students will explore scenes and monologues in order to study development of characters. Students will be expected to participate in classroom activities and rehearsals with the ultimate goal of directing and performing for the class. This course will also explore the technical elements of theatre at a greater depth than Introduction to Acting and CWU Theatre 107 Introduction to Theatre, including (but not limited to) set, costume, lighting, and sound design. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Credit earned in Introduction to Acting OR CWU Theatre 107: Introduction to Theatre

Homework hours per week: 1 hour Course Video: bit.ly/3prOHR1 CADR

Theatre Projects and Productions - ART108

This course is for students looking for the opportunity to take on their own projects in all areas of theatre production, including, but not limited to direction, casting, producing, costuming, marketing, playwriting, and design. This course will be primarily project-based, with students selecting, reading, casting, directing, blocking, and producing a dramatic piece(s) for the public performance. Additionally, students could participate in their peers’ productions as actors and/or designers. This course will be largely student-driven and collaborative, with the instructor serving in a mentoring role. Fundamentals of directing and producing will also be covered in this semester-long course. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Credit earned in Introduction to Acting OR CWU Theatre 107: Introduction to Theatre OR Instructor Permission. Homework hours per week: Dependent on role in production. Most work will be done in class Course Video: bit.ly/2OJTUXG   CADR

CWU Theatre 107 - ART109

Central Washington University Course: TH 107: Introduction to Theatre. Overview of the basic elements of the theatre arts and dramatic structure, and the environment for production of plays. Attendance at assigned outside events is required. Notes from Tahoma: This course differs from Introduction to Acting in that there is less focus on actual performance/acting skills, and greater emphasis on the fundamentals of theatre. Students who register for credit from Central Washington University can earn 5 college credits upon successful completion of the course. Theatre 107 is part of the Washington 45 list of courses transferable to any public, and most private, college or university in Washington State.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 1.5-3 hours

Course Video: bit.ly/37n0NES  CADR

Intro to Improv - ART110

Improvisation is the acting art made popular by the television show Whose Line Is It Anyway?  Improv explores acting in the moment without the aid of scripts, using specific games that provide the parameters of the story being created.  Students will learn how to create characters, relationships, objectives and settings (CROW) in order to tell stories that are interesting and entertaining.  This course will teach the students to first trust themselves and be comfortable performing in front of a small audience, and then will teach them various "short form" games (such as "Party Quirks") while developing their improv skills.  By the end of the semester, students will have gained the skills and confidence to take on the challenge of presenting a multiple game improv show. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit. 

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 0-0.5 hours

Course Video: bit.ly/49gSSqm   CADR

Instrumental Music

Beginning Guitar - MUS206

Beginning Guitar is for beginning to intermediate guitarists and/or bassists and teaches basic musical concepts of melody, harmony and rhythm. Bassists are instructed in various bass lines, rhythm, style, chord structures and concepts. After taking this course, students can play basic chords, simple melodies and supporting bass lines. The course allows for individualized needs. Solo work and small ensemble work, such as duet and trio literature are explored.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 1-2 hours   CADR

Intermediate/Advanced Guitar - MUS218

Intermediate-Advanced Guitar/Bass instructs students in more complex concepts of melody, harmony and rhythm. Scales and modes will be emphasized, along with alternate chord shapes and voicings. Students learn music theory and technique development/understanding and can explore a particular avenue/style of playing. Solo work and small ensemble work, such as duet and trio literature are utilized. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Previous successful guitar/bass playing instruction or ability; must be able to read basic tab, chord symbols and notated music; must have own guitar for class. Homework hours per week: 1.5-3 hours CADR

Concert Band - MUS156/157

Concert Band, a year-long elective, is a non-auditioned concert ensemble geared toward students in grades 9-12. Develops intermediate performance skills + beginning music & rhythm theory. In the fall, Concert Band members may either audition into the field show ensemble or sign up to participate with the Fall Parade Band.  There are specific concert attire guidelines. Additional opportunities include honor bands, solo/ensemble, spring tour, community groups, color guard, student leadership positions and music-based field trips. Students are encouraged to participate in the summer band camp experience in August. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Two years of previous band experience or teacher approval

Homework hours per week: Performances as scheduled including: evening concerts, marching band (fall), pep band (winter), parade band (spring)

Course Fee: $150 ($75 Fall/$75 Spring) - Financial Aid Available CADR

Symphonic Winds - MUS250/251

Symphonic Winds, a year-long elective, is an intermediate audition-based ensemble for grades 10-12 advancing from concert band and incoming 9th grade advanced players. This course develops advancing performance skills + intermediate music theory, rhythm theory and ear training. In the fall, Symphonic Winds members may either audition into the Field Show Ensemble or sign up to participate with the Fall Parade Band. There are specific concert attire guidelines. Fundraisers, scholarships and financial assistance are available to support any students who communicate a need. Additional opportunities include honor bands, solo ensemble, spring tour, community ensemble, student leadership, band outreach, color guard, winter drumline and music based field trips. Students are encouraged to participate in the summer band camp experience in August. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 (9 by instructor placement only) Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Audition or teacher approval

Homework hours per week: Performances as scheduled including: evening concerts, marching band (fall), pep band (winter), parade band (spring)

Course Fee: $150 ($75 Fall/$75 Spring) - Financial Aid Available CADR

Wind Ensemble- MUS252/253

Wind Ensemble, a year-long elective, is the advanced auditioned-only ensemble open to grades 10-12 advancing from Concert Band or Symphonic Winds. This course develops advanced performance skills + music theory,rhythm theory and ear training.   In the fall, Wind Ensemble members may either audition into the Field Show Ensemble or sign up to participate with the Fall Parade Band. There are specific concert attire guidelines. Fundraisers, scholarship and financial assistance are available to support any students who communicate a need. Additional opportunities include honor bands, solo/ensemble, spring tour, community groups, student leadership, band outreach, color guard, winter drumline and music-based field trips. Students are encouraged to participate in the summer band camp experience in August. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Audition or teacher approval

Homework hours per week: Performances as scheduled including: evening concerts, marching band (fall), pep band (winter), parade band (spring)

Course Fee: $150 ($75 Fall/$75 Spring) - Financial Aid Available CADR

Intermediate/Advanced Percussion Ensemble - MUS366/367

Intermediate/Advanced Percussion Ensemble teaches intermediate-advanced concepts on the entire percussion section. Students learn intermediate-advanced techniques in rudimental snare, timpani and mallet instruments. Techniques for multiple percussion, drum set, concert and marching band are included. Students perform with select advancing Concert Ensembles, Fall Parade Drum Line, may audition for the Fall Field Show Percussion, Pep Band, Spring Parade Band, and as soloists or in small percussion ensembles. There are specific concert attire guidelines. Additional opportunities include honor bands, spring tour, community ensembles and student leadership positions. Students are encouraged to participate in the summer band camp experience in August. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: 1 year previous enrollment in concert ensemble or percussion ensemble, audition, or teacher approval Homework hours per week: Performances as scheduled with Symphonic Winds, Field Show Ensemble (in some role), pep band, parade band, Percussion Ensembles and solo/ensemble. Course Fee: $150 ($75 Fall/$75 Spring) - Financial Aid Available CADR

Beginning Jazz Band - MUS268/269

Beginning Jazz Band, a year-long elective, is the second level of jazz band. This ensemble teaches a variety of jazz styles (swing, bebop, funk, rock, big band, Latin, etc.) and performs extensively in the school and community. Students must commit to preparation of their parts, working on both the technical and artistic aspects of their musicianship to experience higher levels of complexity and beauty in music. Students awaken their desire for improvisation and learn to express ideas through music. Learning is assessed through performances (in and out of class), play tests, sectionals, discussions and listening. Performances in concerts, festivals and competitions are required. Students must be concurrently enrolled in Concert Band, Symphonic Winds, Wind Symphony or Percussion Ensemble. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Open to all jazz instrumentalists.  Students must be concurrently enrolled in Concert Band, Symphonic Winds, Wind Symphony or Percussion Ensemble. Homework hours per week: Performances as scheduled CADR

Advanced Jazz Band - MUS266/267

Advanced Jazz Band, a year-long elective, is the premier level of jazz band. This ensemble teaches a variety of jazz scalestyles (swing, bebop, funk, rock, big band, Latin, etc.) and performs extensively in the school and community. Students must commit to preparation of their parts, working on both the technical and artistic aspects of their musicianship to experience higher levels of complexity and beauty in music. The literature often requires students to draw upon their different realms of knowledge, abilities and experience to perform music at the level of sophistication required. Learning is assessed through performances (in and out of class), play tests, sectionals, discussions and listening. Performances in concerts, festivals and competitions are required. Students must be concurrently enrolled in Symphonic Winds, Wind Symphony, or Percussion Ensemble. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Audition only in spring Homework hours per week: Performances as scheduled

CADR

String Orchestra - MUS168/169

This year-long elective course is a non-auditioned concert ensemble and is primarily geared towards any orchestral string players, starting musicians, second instrument musicians, and future Music Education students. Develops intermediate-advancing performance skills and beginning music theory. Members perform in evening concerts, contests, sectional support sessions and additional optional opportunities. Class requires students to rent their own instrument (violin, viola, cello or upright string bass). Students will need to provide their own specific concert attire. Additional optional opportunities include honor orchestras, solo/ensemble, spring tour, community groups and student leadership positions. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: At least 2 years of previous experience or director approval, student supplied concert attire, instrument requirements in description.

Homework hours per week: 1-2 hours plus performances as scheduled CADR

Sinfonietta - MUS220/221

This year-long elective course is an audition-only concert ensemble for grades 10-12 advancing from String Orchestra and incoming 9th grade advanced players. This course develops advancing performance skills + intermediate music theory, rhythm theory and ear training. Members perform in evening concerts, contests, sectional support sessions and additional opportunities. Class requires students to rent their own instrument (violin, viola, cello or upright string bass) for performance and practice access. Students will need to provide their own concert attire within provided guidelines.Additional optional opportunities include honor orchestras, solo/ensemble, bi-annual instrumental tour, student leadership, orchestra outreach and music-centered field trips. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Placement by audition or teacher permission

Homework hours per week: 1-2 hours CADR

Chamber Orchestra - MUS211/212

This year-long elective course is an audition-only concert ensemble and is primarily geared towards advanced string players. Develops advancing performance skills and intermediate-advanced music theory. Members perform in evening concerts, contests, sectional support sessions and additional optional opportunities. Class requires students to have an instrument to practice at home AND rehearse with at school. Limited supply available. Students are expected to supply their own specific concert attire. Additional optional opportunities include honor orchestras, solo/ensemble, spring tour, community groups and student leadership positions. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Placement by audition or teacher permission, student supplied concert attire, instrument requirements in description. Homework hours per week: 1-2 hours CADR

Choir

Men's Choir - MUS152/153

Men's Choir is a two-semester course for tenors and basses (traditionally male vocal ranges) that have not yet sung in a choir at THS or for those wanting to sing with other male-range voices. Students develop proper vocal technique and review music fundamentals, utilizing choral literature written for men’s voices. This course emphasizes the rewards of group effort and individual responsibility and leadership. The Men’s Choir performs at least four times during the year. Attendance at all performances is required. Evaluation is based on mastery of course objectives as determined by teacher observation, written assignments and quizzes, individual and/or small group singing and class participation. There is a $10 robe cleaning fee. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: Performances as scheduled CADR

Course Fee: $10 - Financial Aid Available Course Video: bit.ly/2NEZ6LZ 

Women's Choir - MUS154/155

Women's Choir is a two-semester course for sopranos and altos (traditionally female vocal ranges) that have not yet sung in a choir at THS or for those wanting to sing with other female-range voices. Students develop proper vocal technique and review music fundamentals, utilizing choral literature written for women’s voices. This course emphasizes the rewards of group effort and individual responsibility and leadership. The Women’s Choir performs at least four times during the year. Attendance at all performances is required. Evaluation is based on mastery of course objectives as determined by teacher observation, written assignments and quizzes, individual and/or small group singing and class participation. There is a $10 robe cleaning fee. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: Performances as scheduled CADR

Course Fee: $10 - Financial Aid Available Course Video: bit.ly/3qN8Odk 

Concert Choir - MUS150/151

Concert Choir is a two-semester course for experienced singers who have previously been part of the THS Choir program. This is a musically rigorous course. Students  develop proper vocal technique and review music fundamentals, utilizing a variety of choral literature. This course emphasizes the rewards of group effort and individual responsibility and leadership. The Concert Choir performs at least five times during the year. Attendance at all performances is required. Evaluation is based on mastery of course objectives as determined by teacher observation, written assignments and quizzes, individual and/or small group singing and class participation. There is a $10 robe cleaning fee. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Placement by Audition or teacher permission

Homework hours per week: None CADR Course Fee: $10 - Financial Aid Available Course Video: bit.ly/3qPOQyL 

Beginning Vocal Jazz - MUS166/167

The course explores the basics of vocal jazz music. Students in this large ensemble will learn and perform a variety of jazz music, including both group and solo singing. Evaluation is based on a mastery of course objectives as determined by teacher observation, occasional listening assignments, individual and/or small group singing, and class participation. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Concert Choir, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Treble Choir or Chamber Choir Homework hours per week: Performances as scheduled CADR Course Video: bit.ly/3sYV692 

Treble Choir - MUS254/255

Treble Choir is a two-semester course for sophomore, junior and senior students wishing to start or continue their vocal ambitions. Through singing a variety of music written for treble voices, students explore the elements of making quality music. Vocal production, music theory, listening skills and working cooperatively within a group setting are the primary goals. The Treble Choir performs in a minimum of four evening concerts each year. Attendance at all performances is required. Evaluation is based on mastery of course objectives as determined by teacher observation, written assignments and quizzes, individual and/or small group singing and class participation. There is a $10 robe cleaning fee. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Audition Homework hours per week: Performances as scheduled CADR

Course Fee: $10 - Financial Aid Available Course Video: bit.ly/2Yf0cA4  

Chamber Choir - MUS256/257

Chamber Choir is a two-semester course for advanced sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students sing music from all periods of composition. In addition, students develop proper vocal technique and advanced musical techniques. The Chamber Choir performs in four evening concerts during the year. Other festivals and performances are arranged both in and out of the local community. Attendance at all performances is required. Evaluation is based on mastery of course objectives as determined by teacher observation, occasional written work, individual singing and class participation.There is a $10 robe cleaning fee. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Placement by audition Homework hours per week: Performances as scheduled

CADR Course Fee: $10 - Financial Aid Available Course Video: bit.ly/3pn08Ki   

Vocal Jazz Ensemble - MUS258/259

Vocal Jazz Ensemble is a two-semester course for students desiring exposure to the field of vocal jazz literature and performance. This course is open to students who are concurrently enrolled in Concert Choir, Treble Choir, or Chamber Choir. This course emphasizes the rewards of group effort and individual responsibility and leadership, while increasing appreciation and awareness of jazz music. Many performances, including festivals and contests, are scheduled for the year. Attendance at all performances is required. This course is repeatable for continued growth and for credit.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Fine Arts Prerequisites: Placement by Audition - and concurrent enrollment in either Concert Choir, Treble Choir or Chamber Choir Homework hours per week: Performances as scheduled CADR Course Video: bit.ly/36enyKG   

General Music Education

Beginning Music Theory - MUS164/165