Performing Arts Department

236 Beginning Band (9, 10, 11, 12, elective)     1 credit

This course is open to all students who would like to play a woodwind or brass instrument (i.e., trumpet, trombone, sousaphone, French horn, baritone horn, clarinet, flute, saxophone). Students will learn instrument techniques, reading music, instrumental performance practices and music theory. Performances outside class will be required.

Prerequisite: An instrument rental fee will apply to all students who do not own their instruments.

238 Wind Ensemble (9, 10, 11, 12, elective)     1 credit

In this class, emphasis is placed on the development of performance skills through the study of music of a wide variety of styles and periods. Students in this course will have individual and group lessons.  After-school rehearsals will be frequent and are mandatory. Performances outside of class are required.

Approval: An audition and an interview with the band director are required for all students who wish to enroll in this course. Prerequisite: An instrument rental fee will apply to all students who do not own their instruments.

248 Concert Choir (9, 10, 11, 12, elective)     1 credit

This course places an emphasis on the development of performance skills through various styles of music, including gospel, traditional Catholic liturgical music, and secular works. Performances outside of class are required.  

Approval: An audition and an interview with the choir director are required for all students who wish to enroll in this course.

Intro to Music (9, 10, 11, 12, elective)     ½ credit

In this class, emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of music: listening, reading, composition, performance and audience etiquette. Students will be able to describe what they are hearing when the listen to familiar music. They will compose their own pieces and perform them in class. Students will also be required to attend performances outside the school day.

220 Music Theory (9, 10, 11, 12, elective)     ½ credit

Music Theory teaches concepts that explain the structure of music, such as harmony, melody, triads, chords, rhythm and style. This course is designed for vocalists or instrumentalists and is particularly recommended for those who wish to pursue advanced musical studies.

Prerequisite: Intro to Music/Beginning Band/Choir/Wind Ensemble. This course is required of all sophomores being considered for the International Baccalaureate Diploma who choose music as their fine art.

224 I.B. Music 11 (11)     1 credit

This course will guide students in acquiring musical knowledge and developing an awareness of the history, performance, and evolution of music from Western and non-Western cultures. Students will be able to research, identify, evaluate, and reflect upon the similarities and differences between any two musical selections. To do this students will need to have knowledge of the assorted scales, intervals, tonalities, modalities, key signatures, rhythms, and chords used by the various cultures and traditions that will be studied. The 11th grade I.B. course will examine Australian Aboriginal, Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Western European music from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period.

Approval: This course is required of all 11th grade I.B. students who have chosen music as their Group 6 subject. Music Theory is a pre-requisite; all I.B. music students are also required to take choir or band.

226 I.B. Music 12 (12)     1 credit

This course continues the analysis begun in I.B. Music 11. Works studied will include European and American music from Beethoven through jazz, as well as the music of Indonesia, Sub-Sarahan Africa, and the Americas.

Approval: This course is required of all 12th grade I.B. students who have chosen music as their Group 6 subject. I.B. Music 11 is a pre-requisite; all I.B. music students are also required to take choir or band.

Theatre Courses

250 Drama I: Introduction to Theatre (9, 10, 11, 12 elective)     ½ credit

This course provides students with a general overview of the many components of theatre: acting, speaking, elements of design, play analysis, movement, history and theory. Students will be guided in the acquisition of these skills and their application through research projects, readings, lecture, in-class exercises, and individual assignments. Included in this course are many practical assignments, through which students will gain valuable experience, further developing the understanding of how these components work together to create a theatrical production. Taking this course will allow students to increase their understanding, appreciation, and critical perceptions of the Theatre Arts. Students will be required to see two to three theatrical productions during and beyond the school day.

251 Drama II: Advanced Acting & Directing, Honors (9, 10, 11, 12 elective)     ½ credit

Advanced Acting and Directing is intended for the student who wants to focus on developing a higher level of acting and directing skills that extends beyond those covered in Introduction to Theatre. Physical movement and character development will be explored, including researching roles and creating effective performance skills. Students will work with others in acting and directing a variety of scenes, making thoughtful artistic decisions to create appropriate stage movement and pictures that support the dramatic content of the action. Assignments will be arranged sequentially to focus on each technique culminating in the use of the entire skill set for actual performance. Major areas of focus include observation, physical and vocal expressiveness, building a character, text analysis, monologues, scene work, and professional development. Students will be evaluated on performance, written assignments, tests, progress, and participation.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre or permission from instructor.

252 Drama III ~ Technical Theatre & Theatre Production (9, 10, 11, 12 elective)     ½ credit

Students enrolled in this elective will learn the various elements of the technical side of theatre. This course will lead students through hands-on project-based units immersing them in each element. The course introduces students to stage equipment, safety procedures, weights and balances for the fly system, set design and construction, makeup, sound, stage management, public relations and publicity, as well as lighting properties and instruments. Students enrolled in this course will have the opportunity to design and work on current productions and events held in the theatre. After school and weekend opportunities will be available and may be mandatory – those dates will be determined at least three weeks prior to the engagement.