DANCE
BEGINNING DANCE
GRADES 10 -12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: None
Students will learn and develop fundamental dance skills in the areas of Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Musical Theatre, Tap and Folk Dance, as well as gain experience in both production methods and performance. The student will gain an understanding of dance from a historical context; gaining knowledge in dance as it developed from merely a means of communication to its social significance in today’s society. Students are expected to participate in a dance concert at the end of each semester which may require rehearsals outside of normal school hours. Students will also be encouraged to attend one live dance performance off campus. (Fine/Applied Arts, PE) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
INTERMEDIATE PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE
GRADES 9 – 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Teacher approval with a “B” grade or better in Beginning Dance or through audition. Intermediate dance students will refine their skills and dance technique.
Students will continue to develop dance skills and be introduced to performance of more abstract dance forms, staging and rhythms. Intermediate dance students will learn the necessary tools in order to choreograph their own dance for upcoming performances. Students will apply the principals of composition in order to choreograph pieces and will be given the opportunity to audition to be in a dance concert at the end of each semester. Enrollees are expected to participate in rehearsals outside of the normal school hours. Dancers will explore the historical and academic areas related to the field of dance. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts/PE) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
PERFORMANCE DANCE ENSEMBLE
GRADES 10 -12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “B” or better in Beginning Dance and/or permission of instructor and audition.
Students will continue to refine their skills and dance techniques. They will develop more advanced dance skills and expand their knowledge in the understanding and performance of more abstract dance forms, staging and rhythms. Students will apply the principals of composition in order to choreograph performances and are expected to participate in a dance concert at the end of each semester which will include rehearsals outside of normal school hours. Dancers will explore the historical and academic areas related to the field of dance. Students will also be required to attend at least one live dance performance, each semester, off campus. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts/PE) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
DANCE TEAM
GRADES 9 - 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Audition only. 2.0 GPA and previous dance experience either at school or studio
This performance based class meets daily, first period. Dancers are expected to perform in field shows, at rallies, concerts and other school events, attend daily practices both on and off campus and compete during spring season. Students will develop more advanced dance skills and expand their knowledge in performance venues. Dance Team members will collaborate in order to choreograph for upcoming performances and build a disciplined company unit. Dancers will explore historical and academic related to the field of dance. Competitions involve travel both nationally and internationally. Practices and performances take place outside the normal school hours and include, evenings, weekends, holidays, summers, and vacation breaks. Dance Team begins its season the second week of August and attendance is required. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts/PE)
PEP
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITES: Tryout/Audition and personal recommendations after attending week-long clinic.
The major emphasis of the Pep Squad (Cheerleaders/ Songleaders) is to lead school spirit, provide opportunity for skilled students to support other athletic teams, and compete at nationally ranked competitions. The Pep Squad builds character and self-esteem, develops leadership skills, responsibility, accountability, builds athletic skills and provides a basic understanding of the rules of a variety of sporting events. Those selected are expected to attend all practices (beginning after tryouts), performances, and competitions and most of which take place outside of the normal school day; in the evenings, on weekends, on holidays and on vacations. Repeatable for credit. (Applied Arts/PE)
MUSIC
MARCHING BAND (P.E.)
GRADES 9-12
5 CREDITS FALL SEMESTER ONLY
PREREQUISITE: Must have previous band experience on a band instrument
This class emphasizes marching band and includes techniques of both parade and field marching. Performances occur outside of the regular school day in the evening, on weekends, and holidays. Marching band may be taken in lieu of P.E. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts/P.E.)
CONCERT BAND
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Must have previous band experience on a band instrument
This course is intended to give the student a balanced program of music representing a variety of styles and cultures. This class is intended for freshmen students but is open to all grade levels. Performances occur outside of the regular school day in the evenings, on weekends and holidays. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
CONCERT ORCHESTRA
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PRE-REQUISITE: Consent of instructor
This course is designed for the intermediate string, wind and percussion student who has moderate experience on traditional orchestral instruments. The class will focus on large and small ensembles. Performance and rehearsal music will be selected from the standard orchestral and string ensemble repertoire. Emphasis will be placed on a comprehensive understanding of proper performance practice, an understanding of the historical context of the music, analysis of form and harmony, and the ability to evaluate both the quality of performance, and the long term value of the music. Performances occur both within the school day, and outside of the regular school day in various settings. (Fine/Applied Arts – UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
SYMPHONIC BAND
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Must have previous band experience on a band instrument.
This course is intended to give the student a balanced program of music representing a variety of styles and cultures. This class is intended for the intermediate high school player. Performances occur outside of the regular school day in the evenings, on weekends, and holidays. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. This class is repeatable for credit. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
WIND ENSEMBLE
GRADES 10-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Enrollment by audition and consent of Instructor.
This course is for the advanced music student. Open by audition only, select students will also provide the wind section to the symphonic orchestra, the spring musical, and participate in chamber ensembles. Performances occur outside of the regular school day in the evenings, on weekends and holidays. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
STRING ORCHESTRA
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Prior string instrument experience
This course is designed for students who have experience on traditional string orchestra instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass). Based on enrollment, the class will focus on large and small string ensembles. Music will be selected from current orchestral and string ensemble literature. Performances occur outside of the regular school day in the evenings, on weekends, and holidays. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. This class is repeatable for credit. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Enrollment by audition and consent of Instructor.
This course is designed for advanced students who have experience on traditional string orchestra instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass). Music will be selected from current and traditional orchestral literatures. Open by audition only, select students will also perform in the spring musical and participate in chamber ensembles. Performances occur outside of the regular school day in the evenings, on weekends, and holidays. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
MUSIC THEORY AP
GRADES 10-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Previous music performance experience and ability to read music.
This AP course is designed for the advanced music student to be introduced to theory, musical materials, and procedures integrating all aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition, and, to some extent, history and style. Musicianship skills such as dictation and other listening skills and sight-singing are included. (Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU* “F” Elective VPA)
MUSIC COMPOSITION IB SL
GRADES 11 – 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of two years of high school music ensemble experience
and/or instructor approval.
(Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU* “F” Elective VPA)
MUSIC GROUP PERFORMANCE IB SL
GRADES 11 – 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of two years of high school music ensemble experience
and/or instructor approval.
(Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU* “F” Elective VPA)
MUSIC SOLO PERFORMANCE IB SL
GRADES 11 – 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of two years of high school music ensemble experience
and/or instructor approval.
(Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU* “F” Elective VPA)
MUSIC IB HL1
GRADE 11
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of two years of high school music ensemble experience
and/or instructor approval. (Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU* “F” Elective VPA)
MUSIC IB HL2
GRADES 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of two years of high school music ensemble experience
and/or instructor approval.
Students involved in the IB Music sequence of classes will experience the breadth and variety of music in our world. Through in-depth analysis of representative works, the study of genres and styles found around the world, and concentrated effort in solo performance, group performance, or composition, students will gain an educated insight into music and enhance their personal skills as musicians. (Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU* “F” Elective VPA)
COLOR GUARD
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Minimum 2.0 GPA. Tryout/Audition after mandatory week-long clinic
Attendance is expected at all rehearsals and performances which begin in August and occur outside of normal school hours; in the evenings, on weekends, holidays and vacations. Color Guard may be taken for P.E. credit. Repeatable for credit. (Applied Arts/P.E.)
CHAMBER SINGERS
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Audition or Director’s Approval
“Chamber Singers” is an advanced and elite choral ensemble that sings a variety of a cappella and accompanied traditional music throughout the year. They also participate in adjudicated choral festivals. Knowledge of music theory and voice training are important assets for this course but not mandatory. The Chamber Singers is open to all students by audition only or Director’s approval. Members are expected to attend scheduled performances and occasional after school rehearsals. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
CONCERT CHOIR
GRADES 9 – 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
“Concert Choir” is open to anyone on campus who enjoys singing in a group. This ensemble sings traditional choral literature in the fall and becomes an intermediate competing show choir in the spring. No dance audition is necessary. Repertoire will include a wide variety of music from the 1600s through contemporary choral literature. Repertoire includes a wide variety of music from various music eras including madrigals, classical, pop and show choir literature. All members are expected to attend scheduled performances and occasional after school rehearsals. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts) (CSU/UC “F” Elective VPA)
SOLITAIRE
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Director’s approval
“Solitaire” is an advanced girl’s ensemble that sings traditional choral literature in the fall and becomes an advanced competing show choir in the spring. This course is open to all female students who complete a singing and dancing audition and have the desire and experience to explore music from all eras including madrigals, classical, pop and show choir literature. Repertoire will also include music in other languages and ethnicities. Choral experience is necessary. Knowledge of music theory and voice training are important assets for this course but not mandatory. All members are expected to attend weekly choreography rehearsals and all scheduled performances. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
MARQUIS
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Director’s approval
“Marquis” is an advanced choir that sings traditional choral literature in the fall and becomes an advanced competing show choir in the spring. This course is open to all students who complete a singing and dancing audition and have the desire and experience to explore music from all eras of music including madrigals, classical, pop and show choir literature. Repertoire will also include music in other languages and ethnicities. Choral experience is necessary. Knowledge of music theory and voice training are important assets for this course but not mandatory. All members are expected to attend weekly choreography rehearsals and all scheduled performances. This course fulfills the IB Music prerequisite. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
DRAMA
BEGINNING DRAMA
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
The class covers basic theatre skills and vocabulary. Focus of the class is on physical and vocal preparation for acting, oral interpretation and developing stage presence. Students also study improvisation and monologue preparation and performance. Second semester the course extends basic performance principals applied to monologues and scene study. Characterization, audition technique, mime, Commedia dell’arte, and an overview of world theatre are also studied. During second semester, students will complete an overview of the theories and work of seminal theatre practitioners and devise their own theatrical pieces. Students are encouraged to attend two plays during the school year and to participate in at least two performance showcases that will occur outside regular school hours and may require rehearsals during evenings and on weekends. Repeatable for credit. (Fine Arts/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
ADVANCED DRAMA
GRADES 11-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Beginning Drama, or Intermediate Drama with a grade of “C” or better and audition for instructor.
This course is designed for the student who has shown exceptional promise and motivation in the performing areas of theatre. Students are required to compete in theatre arts festivals, to assume leadership roles in the theatre events on campus, in Drama Club and with Thespians, and to participate in annual Children’s Theatre and other school and/or public productions. The course also requires audition for all main stage performances. Enrollees are expected to attend all rehearsals, performances, festivals and travel which most often takes place outside of normal school hours; at night, on weekends and during vacations. Repeatable for credit. NOTE: Students on academic probation are not eligible to audition or participate in this class.
(Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA)
ADVANCED THEATRE – PLAYWRITING & DIRECTING
GRADES 10-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: 1. Completion of Beginning Drama with grade of B or better, or 2. commensurate course at another school and audition for instructor.
This course is designed for the student who wants to deepen his or her knowledge of theatre through the application of skills in performance, dramaturgy, writing, and theatre leadership. Students will learn the principles of playwriting and are required write at least two short length plays, to assume leadership roles in the theatre events on campus and through the Thespian honor society. Students in this class will be primarily responsible for writing, directing, and acting in the Children’s Theatre show. Students will learn the principles of directing and apply those principles in casting and directing Beginning Drama students in scenes and plays for the Fall and Spring Showcases. During second semester students will write 10 minute plays which they will then cast and direct for the Spring Showcase/10 Minute Play Festival. Students are expected to attend rehearsals and performances which most often take place outside of normal school hours; at night, on weekends and during vacations. Repeatable for credit. (Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA – Pending Approval)
ADVANCED THEATRE – THEATRICAL PRODUCTION
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
Prerequisite: Successful Audition or Application for Production Job
This course will offer instruction focused on the techniques of theatre production including acting, dance, vocal performance, and movement. The course will focus on hands on training in specific areas to create well rounded performances in each discipline culminating in live performance of staged shows. Students will be provided with additional support, master classes, coaches, and resources to prepare them for career and collegiate opportunities in the field of Theatre and Performing Arts. Students will have numerous formal and informal performance opportunities throughout the year. Students who are cast in any main stage production (the Fall Play or Spring Musical) must enroll in this course. Students who successfully apply for Production Jobs must enroll in this course and will complete projects in theatre management, publicity, design, marketing, and/or fundraising. All students will learn set construction, painting and other technical theatre skills. Students must be academically eligible and maintain a “B” grade or higher in this course. Individuals enrolled in this course are expected to participate in additional rehearsal and project management, and technical theatre work time outside of the school day including after school, weekends and vacation time. (Fine/Applied Arts) (UC/CSU “F” Elective VPA – Pending Approval)
THEATRE ACADEMY
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: APPLICATION AND AUDITION
This course is designed for the student who has shown exceptional promise, motivation, and interest in Theatre. The focus of this course is to prepare students for acceptance into a college theatre program and for a career in theatre or the performing arts. The course will provide students with hands on in-depth experience in the application of theatrical techniques. Students will receive in-depth instruction in theatre history, in the major movements in literature and art influencing the development of contemporary theatre, seminal theatre practitioners and theories, and in the interaction of theatre with the other performing and visual arts. Students will complete a rotation through three major disciplines of theatre: acting, technical theatre, and production management. Students will engage in an individualized program of study in selected areas of theatre including acting techniques, vocal technique and performance, movement & dance, direction, production management, theatrical design, and technical theatre. Students will be provided with additional support, master classes and individual coaching in design, acting, or production management. Each student will be expected to take main leadership roles in school productions in acting, design, or production management; to complete two semester-long internships; and to attend and report on 6 outside theatrical performances per year. Prerequisite: Application, audition, and teacher recommendation. (Individualized scheduling and instruction- 280 minute per week minimum) (Fine/Applied Arts)THEATER IB SL
GRADE 12
10 CREDITS YEAR
This class covers basic theatre skills and vocabulary. The focus of the class is on theatrical techniques in acting, oral interpretation, and movement through exploration of world theatrical traditions. Students study and apply theatrical traditions and methods from around the world. Second semester extends basic principles to application in a design or performance project based on some theatrical tradition. Students will begin learning about dramaturgy, direction, and design. Students are encouraged to attend 4 theatrical performances including 2 from non-western theatrical traditions and participate in several field trips during the school year including overnight trips. Enrollees are expected to engage in rehearsal, research, and projects outside of regular school hours, including evenings and weekends. (UC “F” requirement)
THEATER ARTS IB HL1
GRADES 9-12
10 CREDITS YEAR
PREREQUISITE: NONE