Performing Arts Department

Performing is an artistic process, a consistent endeavor to improve upon one's skills in an effort to create a performance that is inspiring. Our goal in the Performing Arts is to focus on this process, with significant attention to
• Developing critical and creative thinking skills
• Strengthening tools for self reflection and correction
• Techniques and skills required to create art
• Fostering respect for the artistic process for self and others
• The establishment of an arts centered process, with the focus on the art in you, not yourself in the art

MUSIC

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE (Band/Orchestra)
1 credit   Level 3
How do instrumentalists collaborate in pursuit of creating music? We learn to think critically, we develop the skills of reflection, and we explore the tools necessary to grow musically. This large performance ensemble welcomes any student with experience on a brass, woodwind, percussion or orchestral string instrument who enjoys making music with others. Members of the ensemble participate in both curricular and extracurricular functions throughout the year such as concerts, assemblies, and community service performances.

ADVANCED INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE (Band/Orchestra)
1 credit    Level 2
Students enrolled in this class must have been in the Instrumental Music Ensemble for at least two years and received a grade of B+ or better. Students continue to perform with the Instrumental Music Ensemble and serve as musical leaders for the group.

VOCAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE (Chorus)
1 credit   Level3
How does a singer use his or her voice for musical expression? Male and female singers develop a comprehensive understanding of proper singing technique while studying and performing music within an ensemble setting. Members of the ensemble participate in curricular and extracurricular functions throughout the year such as concerts, assemblies, and community service performances. No prior experience is necessary.

ADVANCED VOCAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE (Chorus)
1 credit    Level 2
Students who have completed two years of Vocal Music Ensemble with a grade of B+ or better are eligible to take this course. Students continue to perform with the Vocal Music Ensemble and serve as musical leaders for the group.

CONTEMPORARY VOCAL ENSEMBLE
1 credit Level 2
Interested in singing contemporary music with a small ensemble of vocalists? Students in this ensemble explore the evolution of vocal styles through the study of Blues, Rock, Jazz, and Folk. Advanced ear training skills are developed. Research into vocal pedagogy and the study of significant vocal artists and ensembles is required. Extra-curricular performances are integrated into the curriculum to complement the study of performance technique.
Enrollment in the course is at the discretion of the instructor. Enrollment in the Vocal Music Ensemble is encouraged and previous singing experience is recommended.

AUDIO PRODUCTION
1 credit   Level 2
What process is used to make a digital audio recording sound real? How is a Rock CD created? What tools are used in the recording process? These audio production questions are explored in addition to advanced mixing and mastering techniques used in the process of CD creation. Learn to manipulate audio to create realistic replications of live performance. Pro Tools software with additional plug-ins is used. No musical experience necessary.
This course fulfills either the Arts credit or the Technology credit required for graduation.

ELECTRONIC MUSIC WORKSHOP
1 credit   Level 3
Interested in creating electronic music in a variety of genres: house, break beat, trance, hip hop and more? Learn how music has been influenced by technology and investigate the tools being used by contemporary musicians. We look to the past, present and future for these answers, while exploring the software and hardware that is used to create contemporary electronic music. Students of any musical ability are encouraged to enroll.
This course fulfills either the Arts credit or the Technology credit required for graduation.

THE HISTORY OF MUSIC: FROM BACH TO ROCK
1 credit   Level 2
Why is music known as the "universal language?" How did this come to be? Explore these questions through an analysis of visual art, political structures, religion, gender, music, and literature from the 1600's to the present. Students engage in a variety of interactive projects to discover the evolution of music and draw connections to significant historical events. This course is available to all grade levels and requires no pre-requisite.
This course fulfills either the Arts requirement or fourth- year Social Studies elective requirement for graduation.

THE MUSICIAN'S PROCESS
1 credit   Level 3
What skills must a musician possess to be successful? Students discover the tools, concepts, and practice the techniques needed to become a musician. Instrumentalist and vocalists of any ability, interested in learning the most efficient ways to improve their musicianship, benefit from the content presented. Individualized and group instruction is offered, complemented by workshops presented by professional musicians.

MUSIC THEORY: SONG WRITING AND ANALYSIS
1 credit    Level 2
This course involves an in-depth study of the harmonic, melodic and formal structures of music composition. Students interested in song writing or in enhancing their own musical performance benefit greatly by developing a deeper knowledge of the compositional practices in music. Through computer-assisted instruction, students of all levels of musical ability are able to develop a greater appreciation of music at a rate that accommodates their learning style.

THEATER

THE ACTOR'S PROCESS: DRAMA WORKSHOP
1 credit    Level 3
What are the essential skills needed to be an actor? What is the process that actors go through to rehearse for and perform a play? For beginning and intermediate actors, this course focuses on the rehearsal process and the techniques actors use to develop their instruments (body, voice and mind) in order to create compelling characters. Students work on one play throughout the course, with break-out sessions on the following topics: auditioning, improvisation, physical and vocal technique, script analysis, character development, and costume/set/lighting/sound design. The course culminates in a performance before a live audience.

ADVANCED DRAMA
1 credit   Level 2
Students in this class continue to perform with the Actor's Process ensemble and gain additional experience by studying the art of directing, monologue work, and theatrical management. Prerequisite: at least two semesters of Actor's Process with a grade of B+ or higher.

TECHNICAL THEATER: FIELD STUDY
1 credit Level 3
This course introduces the student to a basic understanding of principles of scenic design, lighting design, sound reinforcement, and other technical aspects of the theatre. Working closely with the Riley Center's technical director, this select group of technicians develops the necessary skills to run all backstage operations for school and community productions, including set construction, tool safety, sound and light programming, and systems for theater management. Additional requirements may include running crew for evening and weekend performances. Course enrollment is limited and is at the discretion of the instructor.
This course, although in Field Study, fulfills the Arts requirement for graduation, and has limited enrollment.

DANCE

THE DANCER'S PROCESS
1 credit  Level 3
What does it take to be a dancer? This exploratory course is designed to provide students with the basic techniques needed to express themselves through the art of movement. Students explore a variety of dance styles as well as the use of body conditioning, the understanding of the body in motion and an introduction to technique and concepts of dance. Students of any level, beginner through advanced, benefit from this class. This class may be repeated.
This course fulfills either the Arts requirement or Physical Education requirement for graduation.

ADVANCED DANCE
1 credit  Level 3
Students continue to perform with the Dancer's Process ensemble and serve as dance captains in the class. Prerequisite: at least two semesters of The Dancer's Process and a grade of B+ or higher.
This course fulfills either the Arts requirement or Physical Education requirement for graduation.