(Updated 24-Oct-2008)
Theater I: Grades 9-12 (2 semesters) CSU/UC
This course gives students an overview of theater and basic experience in performance. Students will develop an understanding of theatrical history in the context of the theater’s relationship to society. Students will receive an introductory training in performing techniques. They will develop competency in vocal projections and physical expression. Students will learn the role of the production crew in the business and technical areas. Instruction will include performance, essays, design, constructive projects, text study with varied forms of assessment. This course is aligned to the California State Standards of the Visual and Performing Arts and satisfies the Visual and Performance requirements for both the University of California and the California State University Systems.
Theater II: Grades 9-12 (2 semesters) CSU/UC
The course is a continuation of Theatre Arts I together with advanced interpretation, criticism, and the technical aspects of complete play production. Theatre Arts II, as are all theatre arts courses, consists of four major areas of content: (1) Acting-developing dramatic elements, actions, and characterization: (2) Theatre Literature and History-derivation of meaning of theatre through historical context, aesthetic judgment, and criticism: (3) Playmaking and Writing-application of artistic writing skills to create original theatre pieces: and (4) Technical Theatre-application of the elements and technology of theatrical production. This course is designed to present types of drama, interpretations, and acting techniques, as well as studies in reading, acting, and the production theatre performances. This course is aligned to the California State Standards of the Visual and Performing Arts and satisfies the visual and Performance requirements for both the University of California and the California State University Systems.
Theater III Grades 9-12 (2 semesters) CSU/UC
This course is designed for advanced students with prior knowledge and experience in educational theater. Students will work in readers’ theater, children’s theater, and do scene work from different styles and time period. In addition, students will be required to view and critique a live, community theater performance. This course may be used to fulfill the Visual and Performing Arts graduation requirement. It meets the UC elective requirement and CSU Performing Arts Requirement.
Drama Production: Grades 9-12 (2 periods) (1 semester - by audition) [rc]
Drama Production is a practicum in theatre arts. It includes the study of all aspects of play production through classroom study and the actual production of major plays, one act plays, and touring productions. Drama Production is the "core" class for all theatre production. In addition to specific elements of theatre production, emphasis is placed on such related skills as business practices, personnel management, advertising, communication, general math, and English usage. Enrollment in both 6th and 7th periods is required with major play rehearsals lasting until 4:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. during the final week of each production). Students not involved in a rehearsal are not required to stay past 3:30 p.m. Students are required to participate in each production, either as a cast member or other role. This entails four to six evenings on each major production.
Dance Production Grades 9-12 (1 semester - by audition) [rc]
Students experience theory, laboratory and competition in the art forms of ballet, modern, tap, musical theatre, and jazz dance. Students develop advanced performance techniques while refining composition and staging of competitive routines. Students must demonstrate potential rhythmic and skill proficiency or level of expertise in dance to successfully complete an audition. Participation requires written permission from the dance instructor. This course is not eligible for P.E. credits.
Pageantry Production Grades 9-12 (1 semester) [rc]
Audition required. Students participating in this course are normally members of the auxiliary performing unit of the Marching Band. Routines emphasize choreography and dance movements. Auditions are held in the spring for the following year. Routines learned are performed with the Marching Band or on their own during special competitions and/or school or community events. Attendance is required at performances and at after school practices.
Concert Band: Grades 9-12 (1 or 2 semesters) [rc]
Teacher permission is required. Concert Band is designed for instrumental music students who are coming from middle school band. In fall, students must also enroll in the Marching Band class. Concert Band students, along with Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble students, make up the Marching Band. Concert Band performs at concerts, festivals, and school events. Attendance is required at performances.
Jazz Band: Grades 9-12 (2 semesters - by audition) [rc]
Jazz Band performs for concerts and civic and school programs. The class studies and performs many types of music from swing to rock and jazz. Attendance is required at performances.
Marching Band: Grades 9-12 (1 semester - by audition) [rc]
Marching Band must be taken concurrently with Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, or Percussion Ensemble. Marching Band is required to perform at assemblies, sporting events, parades, and half-time competitions.
Percussion Ensemble: Grades 9-12 (2 semesters - by audition) CSU/UC [rc]
Students will explore and develop different world percussive styles by hands-on training and rehearsal of various percussion instruments. Musical terms, rhythmic patterns and advanced musical reading skills will be prepared to strengthen this performance. The theory and history of instruments of music and percussion genre will be revealed. Students will perform from intermediate to advanced level literature of different eras of music history. Attendance at all performances is required. This course is aligned to the California State Standards of the Visual and Performing Arts.
Wind Ensemble: Grades 9-12 (2 semesters - by audition) CSU/UC [rc]
Wind Ensemble is for advanced instrumental musicians. They perform intermediate to advanced level literature from various styles and cultures including medieval, baroque, classical, romantic 20th century and from countries such as Russia, Italy, Spain and Korea to name a few. Students also learn the theory and history of the music performed. The director schedules required performances. This course is aligned to the California State Standards of the Visual and Performing Arts.
A Cappella Choir: Grades 9-12 (2 semesters) [rc]
Students learn how their voice works and how to improve their singing voices. Emphasis will be placed on music theory and learning to read music. Music from many periods of music history - secular, sacred, classical, and popular will be performed. Members are required to attend rehearsals and performances. Choral technique and advanced musicianship are stressed. Attendance is required at performances.
Treble Choir: Grades 9-12 (2 semesters) CSU/UC [rc]
Students will learn intermediate to advanced forms of treble choral literature from various areas of music history. This course is a performing arts choral group open to Soprano I, Soprano II, Alto I and Alto II. In addition to choral techniques of rehearsal and performance, the students learn the theory, history, and culture of the music performed. Attendance at all performances is required.
Madrigals: Grades 9-12 (2 semesters - by audition) CSU/UC [rc]
Students perform intermediate to advanced forms of choral literature from various eras of music theory. In addition to the choral techniques of rehearsal and performance, students learn the theory, history and the culture of the music performed. Audition and attendance at all performances is required.
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