PERFORMING ARTS
The Performing Arts unite and integrate all other core studies – math, science, history, and language. The members of the Performing Arts faculty feel that the Performing Arts program fosters the expressive and artistic nature and abilities of the whole child, while developing educated observers, creators and participants.
Students who elect courses from the Performing Arts Department are:
Competent learners whose academic goals are to:
Responsible individuals whose civic goals are to:
Complex thinkers whose social goals are to:
ORCHESTRA
5 Credits Full Year Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Seating of the Orchestra is by recommendation of the elementary string teacher or by audition. The Orchestra will prepare and perform standard string orchestra and full orchestra repertoire. Additional opportunities include local, regional, and state audition and festival participation, school quartet, and small chamber group activities. Attendance and proper concert dress are required at the department concerts which are held throughout the year.
CONCERT BAND
5 Credits Full Year Unweighted
Prerequisite: Recommendation of the department.
Seating of the Concert Band is by recommendation of the elementary instrumental instructors or by individual audition. The Concert Band repertoire will include marches, symphonic compositions and orchestral transcriptions. One lesson per week is recommended. Additional opportunities include participation in local, regional, and state auditions and festivals. Due to high school level instrumentation requirements, students may be assigned to parts other than their major instrument. Attendance and proper concert dress are required at the department concerts which are held throughout the year.
JAZZ BAND I
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Jazz Band I introduces and develops the basic tools needed to improvise in the jazz idiom. The jazz band will perform music in a wide range of styles and genres. In class, topics include: scales, modes, 12 bar blues, jazz patterns, and improvisation techniques. Where applicable, jazz band members must participate in concert band. Attendance and proper concert dress are required at the department concerts which are held throughout the year.
JAZZ BAND II
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: Jazz Band I
Jazz Band II continues the basic tools needed to improvise in the jazz idiom. The jazz band will perform music in a wide range of styles and genres. In class, topics include: scales, modes, 12 bar blues, jazz patterns, and improvisation techniques. Where applicable, jazz band members must participate in concert band. Attendance and proper concert dress are required at the department concerts which are held throughout the year.
GUITAR
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This course is recommended for beginners. The material introduced in this course includes: basic major, minor and seventh chords; strumming in 4/4 and 3/4 time; music alphabet, half/whole steps and their positions on both piano and guitar. The student will become familiar with the names of strings, guitar anatomy, scales and scale theory; chords and chordal theory; musical symbols and several songs appropriate to the level of the students. Emphasis will be placed on playing every day.
PIANO
2.5 credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This course is for students with little or no musical experience as well as for students who have some background in music and/or piano. For beginners, the class will involve group lessons at individual keyboards and will include the basics of music reading, exercises, and literature appropriate for the first year piano student. Students with more experience may choose their own music to learn and will have the opportunity to practice and develop their skills. Use of computers and the software program Finale will also be a part of the class activities as well as the opportunity to compose. Assessment will be performance-based with a written component that will cover the elements of music theory learned throughout the class.
FRESHMEN CHORUS
5 Credits Full Year Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Freshmen Chorus is a year of training and transition for the beginning chorister and is strongly recommended for students who want to continue singing in grades 10-12 in mixed chorus. Through the use of appropriate exercises and choral literature, emphasis will be on developing a foundation of healthy vocal production technique, instilling musicianship through performance and the study of basic theory, and fostering a sense of community within the chorus through mutual respect and support. Additional opportunities include participation in local, regional, and state auditions and festivals. Attendance and proper concert dress are required at the department concerts which are held throughout the year.
MIXED CHORUS
5 Credits Full Year Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Mixed Chorus, an ensemble that performs a variety of choral repertoire, is open to all students, grades 10-12. Additional opportunities include participation in local, regional and state auditions and festivals. Freshmen chorus is highly recommended as a preliminary course. Attendance and proper concert dress are required at the department concerts which are held throughout the year. Minnesingers must participate in Mixed Chorus.
VOCAL ENSEMBLE
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: Juniors & Seniors
This course is designed to develop the treble voice through choral literature written specifically for higher voices and to provide the student with community service opportunities. In addition to preparing a selection of choral repertoire, a major component of the class will involve learning basic music therapy techniques. Visits to Windemere and Island senior centers to perform and to present music therapy workshops will be regularly scheduled.
MUSIC THEORY I
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted
Prerequisite: Recommendation of the department.
Music Theory I is designed for students with little or no previous musical background. The basic topics of rhythm, melody, scales, key signatures, ear-training, and harmony will be studied, as well as an introduction to form, composition, and rhythmic and melodic dictation. This course is especially recommended for students who wish to pursue vocal and instrumental performance during their high school career.
MUSIC THEORY II
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted
Prerequisite: Music Theory I or recommendation of the department.
This course is a continuation of Music Theory I, with emphasis on advanced harmony, composition, arranging, listening skills, and individual projects.
AP MUSIC THEORY
5 Credits Full Year Advanced Placement
Prerequisite: Recommendation of the department. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. Payment for the exam is due to the principal at the end of the first quarter. Offered based on student interest.
AP Music Theory is an accelerated honors course which integrates 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 activities, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are an important part of the course
SOUNDTRACK TECHNOLOGY I (MIDI/DIGITAL AUDIO AND BEYOND)
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Create your own music using MIDI recordings and learn how to edit, arrange and experiment with music. Then, take the electronic medium a step higher and combine the convenience and flexibility of MIDI composition with the high quality sound and subtlety of digital sound recording. Learn to save your work in the formats most commonly used on the net for web publishing possibilities. The course is primarily a project-oriented survey of understanding MIDI, digital audio and its many applications at an introductory level using Garage band, iTunes and iMovie. Projects will include using pre-recorded loops to make songs and learning to play a MIDI keyboard to create a drum track. Use Garage Band and iMovie to create a soundtrack for a movie, and record your voice (or other instrument) to use in a song.
SOUNDTRACK TECHNOLOGY II
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: Soundtrack I
This secondary level course is designed as a project-based course where students can utilize the skills they have gained from Soundtrack Technology I coursework in order to develop an electronic portfolio and an independent CD/DVD production. Rudimentary music theory topics will be discussed (time signature, chords, keys, form) in order to create more complex music. Those enrolled will go to the next level of sound editing, composition and arranging as it relates to soundtracks. Students have freedom within this class to explore other vehicles of artistic communication such as experimental creations and finding opportunities for collaborations with other art disciplines or classes using Garage Band, Finale, iTunes, iMovie and iDVD.
THEATRE WORKSHOP I
5/2.5 Credits Full/Sem Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This is a survey and practical course in the theatre arts. Areas of study include dramatic literature, history of the theatre, acting styles and techniques, directing, design and scenery, lighting, costumes, stagecraft, oral interpretation, TV, and film. Students are expected to keep a journal and present several projects including improvisation, a self-scripted piece, and monologues.
THEATRE WORKSHOP II
5/2.5 Credits Full/Sem Unweighted
Prerequisite: Theatre Workshop I or recommendation of the department.
Students will explore intermediate to advanced acting skills, including improvisation, dance and stage movement, vocal and dialect coaching, scene study and monologue work, advanced stage terminology, and writing/directing techniques. Students will create a piece for the Massachusetts High School Drama Guild Festival and participate in the competition second semester.
MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION
5/2.5 Credits Full/Sem Unweighted Prerequisite: None
A class for everyone! From designing to performance, enter the world of theatre production with opportunities for set, lighting, sound, costume and makeup design. Students will participate as performers or technical staff to produce a series of small-scale theatre performances on a professional level. Course includes local and off-island field trips as well as work with school and community personnel in the areas of business, visual arts, theatre, dance, history, and English.
JUST MUSIC or MY iPOD and ME
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This course will explore the music in our lives. Class activities will center on listening to and sharing music. Sample units include the elements of music, the history of protest music, the study of movie and television soundtracks, music in entertainment, and song lyrics. Other units will be designed based on the individual interests of class members, and students will have the opportunity to develop their own activities.
ADVANCED THEORY PORTFOLIO
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: Juniors and Seniors, Theory I and II, or recommendation of the department. Offered based on student interest. Theory Portfolio is an accelerated theory course designed for the student who is considering majoring or minoring in the fields of music performance or music education. Projects may include composition, integration of advanced theory concepts, arranging, jazz theory, and other areas of student interest.