Music & Theatre

683 - ACTING 1: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video]

Acting 1 emphasizes the basic skills and techniques of the actor including concentration, imagination, observation, and ensemble. This course provides students the opportunity to investigate the craft of acting while encouraging the guided practice of improvisation, scenes from comedic and dramatic plays, and acting training techniques, which develop performance skills. This course cultivates a sense of community among the participants and heightens each student’s self-confidence.

684 - ACTING 2: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Acting 1

Acting 2 is designed to meet the needs of the student who is interested in furthering acting skills and training the actor’s instrument. Students will study concentration, observation, sensory skills, movement, voice and articulation, and characterization. Students will engage in improvised and scripted/memorized scene work. Emphasis is placed on in-depth character analysis, movement, and relationship communication. A grade of B or better in Acting 1 is recommended for enrollment in this course.

685 - DIRECTING: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 11-12 [Watch Course Video]

COURSE CURRENTLY NOT OFFERED

Prerequisite: Acting 2

This course is designed to give students the fundamental knowledge of the creative and artistic process of directing for the theatre. Students will explore the work of accomplished directors and get hands-on experience directing their peers in monologues, scenes, devised pieces, and short plays. This course will culminate in a workshop production of student-directed work at the end of the term. A grade of B or better in Acting 2 is recommended for enrollment in this course.

686 - IMPROVISATION AND COMEDY STUDIES: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video]

Students will gain experience in improvisation as a building block for both non-script-based performances as well as sketch comedy. This course will focus on improvisation as a tool used in traditional theatre as well as a performance genre in its own right. Students will learn to create authentic improvisation-based characters and solid scene structures through individual work while appreciating the mechanics and ethics of an improvisational ensemble.

687 - ADVANCED THEATRE PERFORMANCE: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grade 12

COURSE CURRENTLY NOT OFFERED

Prerequisite: Directing

This independent study option runs concurrent to the Directing class and provides students with the opportunity to further their theatre education through an independent study project in an area of their choosing. Potential topics could include playwriting, stage management, advanced scene performance, monologue portfolio creation, commedia dell'arte, devised theatre, theatrical design, classical drama, and more. This course is open to 12th-grade students who completed Directing in 11th grade.

688 - THEATRE PRODUCTION: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12

Theater Production will focus on the creation of new student theater performances. Over the course of the term students will work towards creating their own show from the ground up. Students will select a focus of study and build their theatrical skill set by completing an array of hands-on projects. Learn to design a light plot, build a set, write a play, create a costume design, act the role, and weave it all together into a final performance!

680GE - UNIFIED MUSICAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE: 1 TERM / 1 CREDIT, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video]

Unified Musical Theatre is a course designed for the inclusion of students in general education and students in special education to work together in a performance-based musical theatre environment. Course objectives include the development of communication skills, foundations of characterization, and introduction to rehearsal and performance techniques. Students will collaborate in active daily work, including theatrical and vocal warm-ups, character exploration and development activities, improvisation, rehearsal strategies, and audience etiquette. This course will meet for one term, and the course will culminate in a final public performance by the students. In term 1, students will perform in Spotlight Showcase, a variety show featuring our students’ talents, and a “sneak peek” at a few songs from Frozen. At the end of term 2, the musical Frozen will be performed.

640 - MUSIC PRODUCTION 1: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video] 

Music Production is a class that focuses on creating music on the computer using GarageBand and working hands-on with the latest in music production gear. Emphasis is placed on creating beats, chord progressions, and melodies, and recording them into GarageBand. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how songs are constructed by analyzing popular music and learning about musical forms, styles, and compositional practices.

641 - MUSIC PRODUCTION 2: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12 [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Music Production 1

This class focuses on the composition of music; there is an emphasis on creating individual music compositions with strong structure and musical elements. Students will also delve deeper into the many tools available in GarageBand, including effects, voice editing, and automation. This class assumes that students are able to work independently while composing and arranging their music and have a thorough understanding of all concepts from Music Production 1. A grade of B or better in Music Production 1 is recommended for enrollment in this course.

642 - MUSIC HISTORY: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12 

This course teaches students how to listen to, identify, and analyze music from a variety of traditions and genres. From Bach to Beyoncé and everything in between, students in Music History will explore how music plays a role in theatre, dance, storytelling, national identity, cultural life, and more. Western classical music, popular styles, and traditional folk music from many different societies will all be studied in this class. Students will be provided access to recordings for use with the online textbook, and tests will require recall of specific pieces and composers. This course is strongly recommended for AP Music Theory students in the same year they take AP Music Theory. Topics from Music History appear on the AP Music Theory test. It is also recommended that all students registering for this class have previous musical experience through school programs or private study.

643 - MUSIC THEORY AND EAR TRAINING: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12 

This course is designed primarily for students with previous music instruction who wish to deepen their understanding of written music and ear training; it is best suited for students who have experience in band, orchestra, choir, Electronic Music 1, or private instrumental or vocal study, including the study of guitar or piano. Course content includes note names, rhythmic decoding, major and minor key signatures, interval identification chord quality, inversion analysis, and construction. Ear training skills will include interval identification, chord quality, inversion identification, and rhythmic ear training skills. It is recommended that students with a limited music background be earning at least a “C” in their most recent math course.

644 - HONORS MUSIC THEORY AND EAR TRAINING: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12 

This course is designed as a prerequisite for, but is not limited to, students enrolled in Advanced Placement Music Theory; it is intended primarily for students with extensive previous music instruction in band, orchestra, choir; or private instrumental or vocal study, including the study of guitar or piano. Students enrolled in this course should already be fluent in reading notes in at least one clef. Beginning with a quick review of the circle of fifths and scale patterns, the written skills emphasized will include: writing, and analyzing intervals, identifying chord quality, inversion and function within a key, using Roman and Arabic numbers, and dominant seventh chords in root position and inversion. Harmonic ear training will focus on harmonic intervals, chord quality, inversion recognition, dominant seventh chords in root position, and inversion. Some aural chord progression identification will be included. Melodic dictation skills will include passages up to four measures long in major and minor keys. For students who plan to take AP Music Theory, it is strongly recommended that students enroll in Honors Music Theory and Ear Training in the same year in which they enroll in Advanced Placement Music Theory.

645B - 645C - ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12 

Prerequisite: Honors Music Theory and Ear Training 

This is a rigorous course designed for students who are seriously considering further music study at the college level and contains the two elements of first-year college music coursework: written theory and ear training. Daily activities will emphasize melodic and harmonic dictation, 4 part writing, and score analysis. Students who successfully complete the course will be well prepared to be successful on the AP Music Theory Exam.  It is strongly recommended that students enroll in Honors Music Theory and Ear Training in the same year in which they enroll in Advanced Placement Music Theory.

The Wayzata High School Choir Program offers a broad range of opportunities for students who are interested in building vocal techniques. Educational goals for choral ensembles center on tone production, building musicianship and choral skills, enhancing music literacy, strengthening sight-reading skills, providing performance opportunities, and performing a variety of musical repertoire. 

There are six curricular choirs: Bel Canto (11-12), Cantori (10), Concert (11-12), Cantabile (9), Troubadours (9) and Varsity (10-12). For students who are members of choirs in grades 10-12, there are three co-curricular opportunities: Madrigals, Vive Voce, and Chamber Singers.

10th-12th grade students perform in at least three concerts throughout the year. 9th-grade choir students perform in two concerts. In the spring, 9th-grade students are featured in a concert of their own, while 10-12th grade students perform in “Moment in Time,” a choral revue of Broadway, Pop, and Jazz music.

10th-12th grade students also participate in Lake Conference Festivals and Minnesota State High School League Large Group contests. Members of WHS Choirs have the opportunity to participate in several MSHSL Solo/Ensemble contests in the spring.

Registration:

1. All students wanting to sing in a choir should register for 660 Choir.

2. Current 10th-11th grade students will be placed in the appropriate choir following auditions in March.

9th Gr. Choir Registration & FAQ Handout

10th-12th Gr. Choir Registration & FAQ Handout

660 - CANTABILE: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 9 [Watch Course Video]

All 9th-grade treble voices should register for this choir. Cantabile is a singing group that provides students with opportunities to develop vocal techniques, improve music reading, and perform a variety of SSA music. All 9th-grade choirs will participate in the Winter Concert with the other high school choirs. In addition to this concert, the 9th-grade choirs conclude the year with a Spring Concert in May. Assessment in choir is based upon sight-reading tests, part tests, performance, and daily participation. Co-curricular opportunities available to Cantabile members include voice lessons and a Solo/Ensemble Competition.

660 - TROUBADOURS: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 9 [Watch Course Video] 

All 9th-grade tenor and bass students interested in singing at the high school level should register for this course. Troubadours is a singing group that provides students with opportunities to develop vocal technique, improve music reading and perform a variety of TTB music. 9th-grade choirs participate in the Winter Concert with the other high school choirs. In addition, the 9th-grade choirs conclude the year with their own Spring Concert in May. Assessment in choir is based upon sight-reading tests, part tests, performance, and daily participation. Co-curricular activities available to Troubadour members include voice lessons and Minnesota State High School League Solo/Ensemble Competition.

660 - CANTORI: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 10 [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Audition

Cantori is a singing group that provides 10th-grade students with treble voices opportunities to develop technique, improve music reading, and perform a wide variety of SSA music. Performances include the Winter Choir Concert, a Classics Concert, and the spring “Moment in Time” Broadway Revue. Participation in the Lake Varsity Choir Festival and Region VIAA Competition is an integral part of this group experience. Co-curricular opportunities available to Cantori members include Madrigals, voice lessons, and MSHSL Solo/Ensemble Competitions. A grade of B or better in Cantabile is recommended for enrollment in this course.

660 - VARSITY CHOIR: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Audition

Varsity Choir is a singing group that provides 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students with tenor and bass voices an opportunity to develop vocal technique, improve music reading skills and perform a variety of TTBB music. Performances include the Winter Concert, Classics Concert, and the spring “Moment in Time” Broadway Revue. Participation in the Lake Conference Varsity Choir Festival and MSHSL Region Large Group Choir Competition are integral parts of this group experience. Co-curricular opportunities available to Varsity Choir members include voice lessons and MSHSL Solo/Ensemble Competitions. Members are eligible to audition for Madrigals, a co-curricular ensemble of Varsity Choir and Cantori members that meets after school. A grade of B or better in Troubadours is recommended for enrollment in this course.

660 - BEL CANTO: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12 [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Audition

Bel Canto Choir is an upper-division choir of junior and senior treble voices. Bel Canto provides opportunities for students to build vocal techniques, to prepare three and four-part treble choir music from a wide variety of style periods, and become a part of a committed performing group. The Bel Canto Choir will perform in the Winter Choir Concert, a Classics Concert, and the spring “Moment in Time” Broadway Revue. Participation in the Lake Conference Treble Festival and Region VIAA Competition is an integral part of this group experience. Co-curricular opportunities available to Bel Canto members include voice lessons and solo/ensemble competitions. Members are eligible to audition for Vive Voce and Chamber Singers, co-curricular ensembles that meet after school. A grade of B or better in Bel Canto, Cantori, or Varsity Choir is recommended for enrollment in this course. 

660 - CONCERT CHOIR: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12 [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Audition

Concert Choir provides opportunities for students to build vocal techniques, prepare music from a wide variety of style periods, and become a part of a committed performing group. Concert Choir is designed to be a vocally balanced group of juniors and seniors. The Concert Choir will perform in the middle school/high school choir festival, a Winter Concert, a performance with the WHS orchestra, a Classics Concert in March, and the spring “Moment in Time” Broadway Revue. Region VIAA Choral Competition provides an opportunity for interaction with area, region, and conference schools. Every three years this group will tour. Co-curricular opportunities available to Concert Choir members include voice lessons and solo/ensemble competitions. Members are eligible to audition for Vive Voce and Chamber Singers, co-curricular ensembles that meet after school. A grade of B or better in Bel Canto, Cantori, or Varsity Choir is recommended for enrollment in this course.

The Band Program at Wayzata High School offers opportunities in all aspects of a well-rounded band curriculum including Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, and Wind Ensemble. Co-curricular ensembles include Marching Band, Jazz Ensembles, Spirit Band, Musical Pit Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble. All band students will perform at three or more concerts throughout the school year. Some band members will also play at the Lake Conference Band Festival. All band students participate in the Solo/Ensemble Festival. The Marching Band (grades 10-12 only) performs at all home football games and several community parades, and tours every other year with juniors and seniors. The Wind Ensemble tours periodically.

Registration:

1. All students wanting to play in band should register for 650 - Band, grades 9-12.

2. Current 9th-11th grade students also register for 652 - Marching Band.

3. Current 9th-11th grade students will be placed in Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, or Wind Ensemble following evaluations. 

650 - CONCERT BAND GOLD AND SILVER: 2 Terms/2 Credits, Grade 9 [Watch Course Video] 

Emphasis for this course is placed on building and refining basic and intermediate instrumental techniques, developing independent and cooperative musicianship, and performing appropriately challenging and varied literature. A grade of B or better in Band is recommended for enrollment in this course.

650 - CONCERT BAND BLUE: 2 Terms/2 Credits, Grade 9 [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Audition

This course’s accelerated pace helps students transition from eighth grade to the high school’s upper-level ensembles. This course offers opportunities for the refinement of the intermediate skills and the introduction of advanced skills through sequential study and an expanding range of band literature. Audition requirements are available from the teacher. To maintain proper instrumentation, meeting placement requirements does not guarantee placement in this course. A grade of A- or better in Band is recommended for enrollment in this course.

650 - SYMPHONIC BAND: 2 Terms/2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Audition

Symphonic Band studies and performs a wide variety of current and traditional band repertoire. Class emphasis will be on furthering the development of individual and ensemble playing skills.

650 - WIND SYMPHONY: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Audition

Wind Symphony is an intermediate-level band stressing technical proficiency, musical fluency, and rehearsal preparedness. A variety of band literature will be studied and performed. Chamber music and enrichment opportunities will be offered during the course. Many Wind Symphony members take individual lessons on their instruments to develop personal musical understanding, playing techniques, and musicianship. To maintain proper instrumentation, enrollment in this course is limited. Meeting placement requirements does not guarantee consent to enroll in this course. Please visit with Mr. Elmhirst, Dr. Krubsack, or Mr. Tewalt if you have questions.

650 - WIND ENSEMBLE: 3 Terms / 3 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Audition

Wind Ensemble is an advanced performing ensemble. A variety of advanced-level wind ensemble and concert band literature will be studied and performed. Wind Ensemble members take individual lessons on their instruments to develop personal musical understanding, appreciation, playing techniques, and musicianship. To maintain proper instrumentation, enrollment in this course is limited. Meeting placement requirements does not guarantee consent to enroll in this course. Please visit with Mr. Elmhirst, Dr. Krubsack, or Mr. Tewalt if you have questions. Because of the advanced nature of this class, it meets for a full block every day during terms 2, 3, and 4.

652 - MARCHING BAND: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Concert Band

Corequisite: Participation in Marching Band requires corequisite participation in Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony or Wind Ensemble.

The Wayzata High School “Marching Machine” meets for one term in the fall of the school year. Students will perform at all home football games, several parades, and some other fall sporting events. Being in Marching Band requires hard work, sacrifice, dedication, determination, as well as mental and physical perseverance. The result is excellent performance and a whole lot of fun! Students in Marching Band will be expected to attend practices before school starts in the fall. Note: All sophomores in the band program are required to participate in Marching Band. In special circumstances, an individual’s schedule may prohibit meeting this requirement. Please see Mr. Elmhirst, Dr. Krubsack, or Mr. Tewalt if you believe you may be eligible for a requirement modification.

The Wayzata High School Orchestra Program offers exceptional opportunities for students across a wide range of abilities, from those who have primarily received instruction through the Wayzata Middle School Orchestra program to those who have studied privately for many years. Curricular goals of increased confidence in instrumental technique, increased understanding of musical expression, and increased awareness of ensemble skills are met through the study of pedagogical materials and both traditional and contemporary repertoire. Students will be engaged by the process of building on past skills and experiences, excited by the opportunity to share time and talents with like-minded peers, and enriched by the experience of performing varied music in varied settings. All orchestras meet every other day for the full year.

All orchestras perform at least three times each year. Depending on their placement, students may be able to access additional competitive and non-competitive large group, small ensemble, and solo experiences such as the All-State Orchestra, the Minnesota State High School League contest, the Middle-Level Orchestra Festival, Pit Orchestra, and opportunities for local, regional, and national travel/performance.

Registration:

1. All students wanting to play in an orchestra should register for 670.

2. Students will be placed in the appropriate orchestra (Intermezzo, String, Camerata, Sinfonia, or Chamber) following auditions which typically occur in March.

3. Contact the teacher for more information about placement auditions and/or specific course expectations.

670 - INTERMEZZO BLUE: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 9 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Audition

Emphasis for this course is placed on building and refining basic and intermediate instrumental techniques, developing independent and cooperative musicianship, and performing appropriately challenging and varied literature. A grade of B or better in Orchestra is recommended for enrollment in this course.

670 - INTERMEZZO GOLD: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 9 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Audition

This course’s accelerated pace helps students transition from eighth grade to the high school’s upper-level ensembles. This course offers opportunities for the refinement of intermediate skills and the introduction of advanced skills through sequential study and an expanding range of string literature. Audition requirements are available from the teacher. To maintain proper instrumentation, meeting placement requirements does not guarantee placement in this course. A grade of A- or better in Orchestra is recommended for enrollment in this course.

670 - CAMERATA: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 10 [Additional Course Information]

Prerequisite: Audition

Camerata is the next sequential step for most students currently enrolled in Intermezzo Gold. Course work continues the refinement of intermediate skills and the introduction of advanced skills through sequential study and an expanding range of string literature. A grade of B+ or better in Orchestra is recommended for enrollment in this course.

670- SINFONIA: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 10-12 [Additional Course Information]

Prerequisite: Audition

Sinfonia is the next sequential step for most students currently enrolled in Intermezzo Blue but is also open to juniors and seniors. Course work continues the refinement of basic skills and the introduction and development of intermediate skills through sequential study and an expanding range of string literature. A grade of B or better in Orchestra is recommended for enrollment in this course.

670- STRING ORCHESTRA: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12 [Additional Course Information]

Prerequisite: Audition

String Orchestra offers opportunities for the refinement of intermediate skills and the introduction and development of advanced skills through sequential skill study and an expanding breadth of string literature. In addition to three home concerts, String Orchestra participates in the Lake Conference Orchestra Festival and travels once every three years. A grade of B+ or better in Orchestra is recommended for enrollment in this course.

670 - CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Additional Course Information]

Prerequisite: Audition

Students in Chamber Orchestra explore advanced instrumental techniques and musicianship through a wide and challenging range of string and symphonic literature. To maintain proper instrumentation, enrollment in this course may be limited. Placement requirements are available from the teacher. Meeting placement requirements does not guarantee placement in this course. Please consult the teacher if you have questions. In addition to three home concerts, Chamber Orchestra presents joint performances with the Concert Choir, is the string section of the Symphony Orchestra, participates in the Lake Conference Orchestra Festival, and travels once every three years. A grade of A- or better in Orchestra is recommended for enrollment in this course.