Performing Arts
Course Offerings
Drama
Dance
Music
* These courses do not count towards NCAA eligibility
Department Information
The Performing Arts Department provides opportunities in the three allied arts: Music, Drama, and Dance. Through classroom study, rehearsals, and performances, students develop skills, techniques and knowledge that foster their intellectual, emotional, and physical growth and development. Students of all experience levels are encouraged to participate. Students considering college majors or minors in a performing art can gain a solid foundation of pre-professional training through consecutive years of study within a program area as well as through “Intensive” honors courses in senior year. N.B. Course meeting patterns and credits vary. Course numbers ending in “A” indicate that an audition or interview is prerequisite to admission. Course numbers ending with other letters indicate combined ensemble options.
Intensive Honors Courses
Seniors who wish to experience more in depth study can apply and audition for admission into “Intensive” versions of selected courses offered by the department. Grades awarded for “Intensive” courses will be averaged into the student’s Grade Point Average at Honors Level. Intensive students will be assigned college-preparatory advanced projects and responsibilities demanding independence and diligence within the context of these courses.
Music seniors who have been consistently enrolled in and have a history of high achievement in music ensembles and/or courses are eligible to apply and audition for acceptance as an Intensive student in a designated honors course. Students must meet standards assessed by a pre-entry audition, essay, and/or interview. Intensive students are expected to serve as student leaders within the ensemble/course and complete advanced enrichment projects designed with the teacher in addition to the regular course assignments. It is highly recommended that, prior to application for Intensive status, the student has studied music theory. Music Intensive seniors should be taking private instrumental or vocal lessons.
Drama seniors desiring admittance to 938A Acting Intensive must have completed 936 Acting III and interview/audition with the instructor. Tech and Production students seeking admittance to 944A Stagecraft & Design Intensive must complete Stagecraft 942 and 943. Design students wishing to enroll in 944A Stagecraft & Design Intensive must complete Stagecraft 942 OR 943 and Theatrical Design
Senior Projects
Performing Arts students who elect to do Senior Projects, whether in the arts or other subjects, must continue to attend the meetings of their music or drama ensembles/courses and participate in all public performances required in those courses during the Senior Project term.
Required Concert Attire for Music Ensembles
Members of Sinfonia, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Choir, Song Sisters, Brooks Brothers, Keynote Singers, and Rice Street Singers, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble are required to purchase standardized uniforms. These can be purchased through POPS (Parents of Performing Students). Financial Assistance is available for students and families by request.
Jazz Band members will wear uniform concert attire consisting of personally owned black dress shirt and black dress slacks. Black hard-soled dress shoes are required for all performers in all ensembles during performances.
Co-Curricular Extensions
The Performing Arts Department offers after school co-curricular extensions for students. Students wanting to learn more about dance, may join the Moving Company. Acting students, dance students, and music students have the opportunity to extend their learning by auditioning for musicals or plays. Band, choir, and orchestra students are encouraged to enroll in the Instrumental and Vocal Extension Program where they can take private lessons.