Music & Theatre

683 - Acting 1: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12

Acting 1 emphasizes the fundamental skills and techniques of the actor, including concentration, imagination, observation, and ensemble work. This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the craft of acting while encouraging guided practice in improvisation, scenes from comedic and dramatic plays, and acting training techniques that develop performance skills. This course fosters a sense of community among participants and enhances each student’s self-confidence.

684 - Acting 2: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Acting 1

Acting 2 is designed to meet the needs of students interested in furthering their acting skills and training their acting 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 effective communication of relationships. 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

Prerequisite: Acting 2

This course is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding 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 student-directed workshop production at the end of the term. A grade of B or better in Acting 2 is recommended for enrollment in this course.

686 - Improvisation & Comedy Studies: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12

Students will gain experience in improvisation as a foundation for both non-scripted performances and sketch comedy. This course will focus on improvisation as a tool in traditional theatre and 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

Prerequisite: Directing

This independent study option runs concurrently with 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 other related areas. 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 creating new student theater performances. Over the course of the term, students will work towards creating their own show from scratch. Students will select a focus of study and develop their theatrical skill set by completing a range 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

See Unified section

681GE – Unified Communications: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10–12

See Unified section

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

Music Production 1 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, emphasizing the creation of individual compositions with strong structure and musical elements. Students will also explore the various tools available in GarageBand, including effects, voice editing, and automation. This class assumes that students can 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 diverse 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. This class will study Western classical music, popular styles, and traditional folk music from various societies. 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 the exam. 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 & Ear Training: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12 

This course is designed primarily for students with prior music instruction who wish to deepen their understanding of written music and ear training; it is best suited for students with experience in band, orchestra, choir, Music Production, or private instrumental or vocal study, including 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 earn at least a “C” in their most recent math course.

644 - Honors Music Theory & 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 prior music instruction in band, orchestra, choir, or private instrumental or vocal study, including 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; identifying 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 planning to take AP Music Theory, it is strongly recommended that they enroll in Honors Music Theory & Ear Training in the same year they enroll in Advanced Placement Music Theory.

645B - 645C - AP 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 & Ear Training in the same year in which they enroll in Advanced Placement Music Theory.

646 - Guitar: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of guitar playing. The curriculum explores various musical genres, featuring both solo and ensemble repertoire. While specifically tailored for beginners, with no prior guitar or musical experience required, the course is inclusive of students with diverse musical backgrounds.

Throughout the term, students will engage with fundamental concepts of music theory, including standard and tablature notation. They will develop essential guitar skills, including playing simple melodies, mastering basic chords and strumming patterns, understanding the guitar's anatomy, and refining ensemble-playing techniques. Additionally, the course will highlight the careers of influential guitarists across multiple musical genres.

The Wayzata High School Choir Program offers a wide range of opportunities for students interested in developing their vocal techniques. Educational goals for choral ensembles focus on tone production, developing musicianship and choral skills, enhancing music literacy, strengthening sight-reading skills, providing performance opportunities, and presenting a diverse range 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 in grades 10-12 who are members of choirs, 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 10th- and 12th-grade students perform in “Moment in Time,” a choral revue of Broadway, Pop, and Jazz music.

Students in 10th through 12th grade 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 interested in singing in a choir should register for 660 Choir.

2. Current 10th- and 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

All 9th-grade treble voices are required to register for this choir. Cantabile is a singing group that provides students with opportunities to develop their vocal techniques, improve music reading skills, 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

All 9th-grade tenor and bass students interested in singing at the high school level are encouraged to register for this course. Troubadours is a singing group that provides students with opportunities to develop their vocal technique, improve music reading, and perform a variety of TTB music. The 9th-grade choirs participate in the Winter Concert alongside 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 the Minnesota State High School League Solo/Ensemble Competition.

660 - Cantori: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 10

Prerequisite: Audition

Cantori is a singing group that provides 10th-grade students with opportunities to develop their 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

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 is an integral part 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

Prerequisite: Audition

Bel Canto Choir is an upper-division choir of junior and senior treble voices. Bel Canto provides opportunities for students to develop vocal techniques, prepare three- and four-part treble choir music from a wide variety of style periods, and become 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

Prerequisite: Audition

The Concert Choir offers students the opportunity to develop their vocal techniques, prepare music from a diverse range of style periods, and become part of a dedicated 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. The Region VIAA Choral Competition offers an opportunity for interaction with area, regional, and conference schools. Every three years, this group will embark on a 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, Wind Ensemble, and Marching Band. Co-curricular ensembles that rehearse outside of the school day include 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 a 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 / Concert Band Silver: 2 Terms/2 Credits, Grade 9

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 8th-grade band is recommended for enrollment in this course.

650 - Concert Band Blue: 2 Terms/2 Credits, Grade 9

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 to refine intermediate skills and introduce 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 B or better in 8th-grade band is recommended for enrollment in this course.

650 - Symphonic Band: 2 Terms/2 Credits, Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Audition

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

650 - Wind Symphony: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12

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

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. Students regularly and consistently practice their individual parts to contribute thoughtfully to ensemble learning. 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 Dr. Krubsack, Mr. Elmhirst, 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

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 daily for one term during the fall school year. Students will perform at all home football games, several parades, and some other fall sporting events. Being in the 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 the Marching Band will be expected to attend practices before school starts in the fall. 

Note: All sophomores in the band program are expected to participate in Marching Band. In special circumstances, an individual’s schedule may prevent them from 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. The curricular goals of increased confidence in instrumental technique, enhanced understanding of musical expression, and heightened awareness of ensemble skills are achieved 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 their time and talents with like-minded peers, and enriched by performing a variety of music in diverse 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 have the opportunity 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, the Pit Orchestra, and opportunities for local, regional, and national travel/performance.

Registration:

1. All students interested in playing in orchestra should register for course 670 - Orchestra, grades 9-12.

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 & Intermezzo Silver: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 9

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

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 to refine intermediate skills and introduce advanced skills through sequential study and an expanding range of string literature. Audition requirements can be obtained 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, Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Audition

Camerata is the next sequential step for most students currently enrolled in Intermezzo Gold. Coursework continues to refine intermediate skills and introduce 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

Prerequisite: Audition

Sinfonia is the next sequential step for most students currently enrolled in Intermezzo Blue, but is also open to juniors and seniors. Coursework continues to refine basic skills and introduce and develop 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

Prerequisite: Audition

The String Orchestra offers opportunities to refine intermediate skills and to introduce and develop advanced skills through sequential skill study and an expanding breadth of string literature. In addition to three home concerts, the 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

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, the Chamber Orchestra performs joint concerts with the Concert Choir, serves as the Symphony Orchestra's string section, 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.