Performing Arts (2025-26)

List of 13 items.

• Piano Keyboard 1 - Grades 8-12

  Grades 8-12
  0.5 Credit
  
  Required tools: Students will need to have a piano or keyboard at home for individual practice. The school has a limited number of instruments that can be loaned to students who need one.
  
  This elective course is designed for students with little to no piano experience. It introduces the fundamentals of piano playing and musicianship, including basic music theory, music history, aural skills, and note reading. Students will explore classical, contemporary classical, pop, and rock styles through a combination of group and individualized instruction. By the end of the course, students should expect to perform at least four solo pieces using both hands, as well as one pop or rock song.
  This class may be repeated for credit with the instructor’s permission.
  
  Units of Study
  Note Reading and Keyboard Basics
  Major Scales and Key Signatures
  Dynamics and Playing Technique
  Chords and Lead Sheets
  The Development of the Piano
  Piano Anatomy

• Piano Keyboard 2 - Grades 8-12

  Grades 8-12
  0.5 credit
  
  Prerequisite: Piano Keyboard 1 or proficiency in piano playing at an equivalent level, including the ability to read music.
  
  Required Tools: Students will need to have a piano or keyboard at home for individual practice.
  
  This elective course is designed for students who have learned the basics of piano keyboard. This course will further develop the fundamentals of piano playing and musicianship, including developing wrist technique, using the sustain pedal and songwriting basics. Students will continue to learn solo pieces throughout the course. Students learn through listening and responding, participating fully during class, and with some practice time outside of class.
  
  

  Units of Study:

  Major Scales and Key Signatures
  Playing Technique
  Minor Scales and Chord Inversions
  The Circle of Fifths
  Basics of Songwriting
  Principles of Arranging
  Interpreting Dynamics in Technique

• Piano Keyboard 3 - Grades 8-12

  Grades 8-12
  0.5 credit
  
  Prerequisite: Piano 2 or equivalent knowledge or experience in a supervised setting (such as group classes or private lessons) or by instructor permission.
  
  Required tools: Students must have access to a piano or piano keyboard at home.
  
  This course is designed for students who have progressed to an intermediate level of piano playing and music theory knowledge. Students will work on more advanced piano techniques and higher-level pieces and further develop an understanding of musical styles and the use of all pedals. Students will get more experience playing the upright or grand piano in addition to a piano keyboard. Students will learn by group and individual instruction in class. Practice outside of class is expected.
  
  Units of Study
  Scales, Key Signatures and Chords
  Playing Technique
  Composition and the Circle of Fifths
  Jazz chords and Improvisation
  Ensemble Playing
  Musicianship
  

• Preparatory Band - Grades 8-11

  Grades 8-11
  1.0 Credit 

  Required Tools:  Once an instrument choice has been made, students will need to rent or buy that instrument from area stores (except for tuba or electric bass)

  
  

  This yearlong course develops the fundamentals of playing a school band instrument. (brass, woodwind, percussion, or electric bass) Additionally, essential elements of music theory will also be explored. Students learn by playing as well as class discussion and analysis of musical selections. Students concurrently gain technique and musical knowledge, learn how to assess their playing, develop effective practice habits, and build musical independence and confidence. This class is open to all students, especially those who would like to eventually play in the school's Pep, Concert, and Jazz Bands. The main factors for student success in this course are determination and a willingness to practice consistently. There are several performance opportunities throughout the year. Students who wish to play in the Advanced Band (including Pep Band) the following year, should enroll in this class for both semesters. (total of 1 credit)

  
  

  Units of Study

  Fundamentals: Instrument Assembly, Sound Production and Maintenance

  We're Underway: Initial Notes, Rhythms, and Terms 1

  How to Practice, the Effective and Fun Way

  Listening All-Around: Playing in a Group

  Rhythmic Subdivision 1: 8th Notes and Rests

  Creating Musical Drama: Articulations and Dynamics

  Playing in 2/4 and 3/4 Time 

  Musical Patterns: Bb, F, Eb, Ab, Db, and C Major Scales

  Intermediate Notes (ranging beyond 1 octave), Rhythms and Terms 2

  Musical Flow: Structural Symbols

  Performances! (December, March, and *May) * play w/Advanced Band for some numbers

  Dotted Quarter and Dotted 8th Notes

  Syncopation

  Advanced Notes (functional range for Advanced Band), Rhythms, and Terms 3

  Musical Pattern: The Chromatic Scale

  Rhythmic Subdivision 2: 16th Notes and Rests

  Playing in 2/2 and 6/8 Time

• Advanced Band - Grades 8-12

  Grades 8-12
  1 Credit
  
  

  Prerequisite:  At least 2 years of playing experience in a supervised setting (school ensemble or private lessons) OR completion of the Preparatory Band course with at least a 'B' grade and teacher recommendation. The student MUST be able to read music well; if her/his music reading ability is not secure, then the best course choice is Preparatory Band. Percussionists should have at least basic familiarity with and playing skills on mallet instruments. Any student that reads music well but with less than the required experience needs to see the director for a playing assessment before enrolling in this course. 

  
  

  Required Tools:  Students must have their own instrument with the exception of the following: tuba, bassoon, oboe, baritone sax, bass clarinet. Percussionists should own a snare drum or drum set and a bell set or keyboard/piano. Students need to purchase the "Tuning CD" and a metronome (any type is OK). These are one-time purchases that can be used in successive years.

  
  

  This course is designed to further develop each student's playing technique, musicianship (theory, concepts, terms) and to employ these in creating artful performances. A wide variety of musical styles are performed each year. Students learn by playing in each rehearsal as well as class discussion and analysis via critical listening of musical passages during rehearsals. Students learn to assess their own playing, create and implement effective practice habits to refine their skills based upon the requirements of the music, and work toward becoming independent and proficient musicians. This class is for musicians that enjoy the challenge of playing a wide range of music. This course is especially useful for any student wishing to pursue a career in music or that would like to build substantial musical skills that they can continue to enjoy in their post-school lives. The key qualities for students to be successful in this course are having enthusiasm, strong focus during rehearsals, consistent and effective practice habits, and a desire to be a productive contributor to an ensemble that seeks musical excellence. All band students perform for several school concerts per year as well as have the opportunity to play in the Trinity Pep Band, which performs for numerous sporting events during the fall and winter sports seasons. Additional experiences such as participation in various ensembles (jazz ensemble, district, all-state honors bands) are available to interested students who meet the qualifying criteria. This class may be repeated for credit with teacher recommendation.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Individual Musicianship: Determining What the Music Tells You to Work Upon 

  Effective Practice: Planning and Implementation

  Ensemble Musicianship: Critical Listening to the Music, Group and Your Roles

  Developing Artistry: Tone, Intonation, Articulation, Phrasing, Dynamic Shading

  Musical Independence and Leadership

  Popular Music Styles and Performances: 1st Semester

  Concert Band Music Styles and Performances: 2nd Semester

  Cabaret! Annual Theme Show (November or January)

  Holiday Concert (December)

  Spring Concert (March)

  Final Concert (May Fine Arts Festival)

• Vocal Coaching - Grades 8-12

  Grades 8-12
  0.5 Credit

  
  

  Students in this course will develop vocal techniques to enhance tone and resonance, stabilize pitch, strengthen their sound, and expand their vocal range. They will explore both solo and ensemble singing across multiple genres while learning fundamental choral techniques. Students will also develop music-reading skills and perform as part of a larger ensemble at concerts, including Cabaret and the Spring Fine Arts Festival.
  This course welcomes students of all experience levels—success is achieved through active participation and a willingness to learn new musical skills. As an ensemble class, yearlong enrollment makes students eligible to audition for District Chorus and other VCDA audition ensembles.
  
  This course may be repeated for credit.
  

  
  

  Units of Study

  Vocal Anatomy and Breath Support
  Practice Skills
  Diction
  Music Theory
  Sight Singing
  Musicianship
  Microphone Use
  Performance Skills

• Preparatory Strings - Grades 8-12

  Grades 8-12
  0.5 Credit
  
  

  Required Tools:  Students must have their own instrument. Several area stores rent/sell string instruments.

  
  

  This elective course is designed for students with no experience with a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, or string bass) as well as those students who have limited experience and need additional instruction to be prepared for the Orchestra class. This course will introduce the fundamentals of string playing and musicianship, including basic music theory and note reading. Students learn through listening and responding, participating fully during class, and with regular practice time outside of class. This class will use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements Series.
  
  

  Units of Study

  Practice Skills
  Reading Skills
  Bow Skills
  Left-Hand Skills
  Listening Skills
  Musicianship
  

• Orchestra - Grades 8-12

  Grades 8-12
  0.5 Credit
  
  

  Prerequisite: At least one year of playing experience in a supervised setting (school ensemble or private lessons) or permission from the instructor.
  
  

  Required Tools: Students must have their own instrument. Several area stores rent/sell string instruments.

  
  

  This elective course is designed to further develop each student's playing proficiency, enhance their general musicianship (theory, concepts, terms), and become more artistic performers. Students will have the opportunity to perform in several school concerts during the year.  Students learn through listening and responding, participating fully during class, and regularly practicing outside of class. A variety of musical styles will be explored. Additional experiences such as participation in select ensembles (Central Regional and Senior Regional Orchestra, All-State Orchestra) are available to interested students who meet the qualifying criteria.
  
  This class may be repeated for credit.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Practice Skills
  Reading Skills
  Bow Technique
  Left Hand Technique
  Listening Skills
  Musicianship
  

• Music Writing and Production - Grades 8-12

  Grades 8-12
  0.5 Credit
  
  

  Prerequisite:  Any other Trinity music course with at least a 'B' grade or passing score on the Music Skills assessment

  
  

  This course investigates the musical (creating good song flow, solid bass lines and chord progressions, singable melody) and technical (proper recording levels, mic choices, and placement, effects such as EQ and compression, creating engaging mixes) aspects currently used in creating popular music. Students learn by critical listening to sample professional and student projects, active discussion of the topics being explored, and then apply these principles within their own audio projects. The bulk of class time is spent working on audio projects. Students will learn how to create songs that have solid musical construction and professional production values as well as analyze these facets in the works of artists that they listen to. This class is for student musicians who wish to improve their songwriting and production skills, particularly those who are considering a career in any musical media field. Students need to be inquisitive and open to listening to and drawing ideas from successful music in a variety of styles, not just those that are their favorites. Additionally, students taking this course need a solid sense of discipline to apply the principles that are learned and be able to remain on task when working independently.
  
  This class may be repeated for credit with instructor recommendation.

  
  

  Units of Study (Original Course)

  Studio Basics: Hardware and Software

  Song Structure 1: Bass and Drums

  Song Structure 2: Major/Minor Scales and Chord Progressions

  Melody Writing

  Microphones: Types and Placement Techniques

  Effects 1: EQ and Compression

  Effects 2: Reverb, Delay, and Other Time-based Effects

  Creating Dynamic and Engaging Mixes

  Independent Projects

  
  

  Units of Study (Supplementary Topics if course is repeated)

  Mastering and Distribution

  'Cover' Projects

  Lyric Writing

  Horn and String Section Writing

  Independent Projects 

  Stereo and Other Multiple Mic Techniques

  Video Game Scoring

  Jingle Writing

  Outboard Effects Processing

  TV and Film Scoring

  Creating an Audio Portfolio

• Guitar 1 - Grades 8-12

  Grades 8-12
  0.5 Credit

  Required Tools:  Students will need a functional Acoustic guitar for class. Ideally, they will provide their own instrument but there is a limited quantity of school instruments that may be checked out to a student for the semester if necessary. All students will also need a 1.5" 3 ring binder, an electronic tuner (preferably the clip-on type), 6 or more picks, 2 sets of extra strings for their style of guitar, and a capo. If a student borrows a school instrument, they will need to acquire these other materials and bring them to class.

  
  

  Guitar 1 investigates the universal language of music and how to express it with six strings. Beginning with rudimentary skills, the class works towards a solid understanding of both the instrument and basic music fundamentals. Students will learn about the elements of melody, rhythm, and harmony through an extensive variety of popular songs and other exercises.  In class, students will learn through interactive lessons and activities while playing songs together in a fun group environment. Students are also expected to use supplemental resources posted to Google Classroom and the instructor’s website to continue learning and effectively practice what is taught in class. This is not a performance-based class but students will be required to perform together once in the semesterly Fine Arts Festival.

  
  

  This class is appropriate for both aspiring players with absolutely no experience as well as guitarists who have experience but lack a strong comprehension of fundamental music skills.  Preparation, participation, focus, and respect are important for learning in a group setting and out of class, a routine of effective practice is imperative for improving skills.
  
  Enrollment in Guitar 2 is contingent upon either completing this class or demonstrating proficiency in the skills covered by an interview with the instructor.

   

  Units of Study

  Understanding Music as a Universal Language

  Instrumental Voices and Why the Guitar is Awesome!

  Transitioning from Enjoying Music to Playing It…

  What You Need to Know About Your Guitar and How to Use It

  Understanding, Speaking, and Reading Pitch as a Guitarist.

  Melody, Riffs, and Phrasing Musical Ideas as Conversation

  The Process of Progress: Effectively Learning and Practicing

  Comprehending, Reading, and Applying Rhythm as a Guitarist

  Building Harmony and Chord Shapes in the “Open Position”

  Chord Progressions, following Song Structure, and Common Strum Patterns

  Playing Songs in Different Styles/Genres using Similar Groups of Chord Shapes as an Application of Skills

  The Capo, How To Use It, and Making Difficult Songs Easy

  Pick Patterns, Basic Finger-Style, and Additional Techniques

  Preparing for and Performing as an Ensemble (December/May Fine Arts Concert)

  Life after Guitar 1

• Guitar 2 - Grades 8-12

  Grades 8-12
  0.5 Credit

  Prerequisite:  Guitar 1 and/or teacher recommendation

  Required Tools:   Students will need a functional Acoustic Guitar, a 1.5" binder dedicated to the class, an electronic tuner, 2 extra sets of strings appropriate to their style of guitar, 6 or more picks, and a Capo.

  
  

  Guitar 2 is intended for competent intermediate and advancing guitarists with a functional understanding of the material covered in Guitar 1. Students will move beyond the open position and delve into bar chord shapes, extended chords, building major and minor scales, relationships between chords and key, arpeggios, lead technique, improvising, and other areas of fretboard knowledge. This is not a performance-based class, but students will be required to perform together once in the semesterly Fine Arts Festival.

  Building on the fundamentals acquired in Guitar 1, this course continues to investigate understanding the diverse language of music and how it can be expressed with the instrument. Students will learn to build their vocabulary by unlocking the fretboard and delving into more advanced skills, styles, and techniques as well as music theory applied through a broad range of songs.  In class, students will learn through interactive lessons, lectures, activities, and playing songs together in a fun group environment. Students are also expected to use supplemental resources posted to google classroom and the instructor’s website to continue learning and effectively practice what is taught in class.

  
  

  This course is intended for competent intermediate and advancing guitarists with a functional understanding of the material covered in Guitar 1 and a desire to learn more. Enrollment is contingent upon either completing Guitar 1 this or demonstrating proficiency in the skills covered by an interview with the instructor.

  
  

  Guitar 2 prepares students for a more informed pursuit of their musical interests and to take other departmental classes such as Guitar 3, Studio Music Production. It also puts students on track to take IB Music or CoLAB if they aspire to do so.  With increasingly complex material, the importance of engagement, focus during class and routine use of resources for effective out-of-class practice become even more imperative.

  
  Units of Study
  

  Leaving the Open Position with “Floating” Chord Shapes

  Unlocking the Fretboard and Playing Melodically Beyond the 5th Fret.

  Introduction to Major Scale Theory, Key Signatures, Intervals, and Building

  The Circle of 5ths and Why It is Useful

  Introduction to and Application of Basic “Closed” Barre Chord Shapes

  Extended Harmony, Evolving Chord Shapes, and Arpeggios

  Introduction to and Application of Major Pentatonic Scales

  Relative Minor Scales, Natural Minor Scales, and Building Harmony in minor Keys

  Introduction to and Application of Minor Pentatonic Scales

  Expression and Additional Techniques

  Introduction to Improvisation and Innovation

  Critical Listening Development

  Appreciation of the History and Evolution of the Guitar in Popular Music

  Preparing for and Performing as an Ensemble (December/May Fine Arts Concert)

  Life After Guitar 2

• Guitar 3 - Grades 9-12

  Grades 9-12
  0.5 Credit
  
  

  Prerequisites:  Guitar 2 and Instructor Approval. This class may be repeated for credit with the approval of the Instructor as specific content taught varies each semester.
  
  

  Required Tools:  Students will need a functional Acoustic Guitar, a 1.5" binder dedicated to the class, an electronic tuner, 2 extra sets of strings appropriate to their style of guitar, 6 or more picks, a Capo, and a Guitar Strap.

  
  

  Continuing to grow from the knowledge, theory, and skills learned in previous courses, Guitar 3 moves towards an exploration of instrumental communication on an advanced level through an in-depth study of songs, playing styles, and influential musicians in the evolution of sonic culture. Specific songs and application of content rotate from year to year but students will continue to develop melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic skills, connecting chord and scale theory with playing techniques to build a stronger musical vocabulary.

  
  

  In class, students will learn through interactive lessons, lectures, and activities and by playing songs together in a fun group environment. Students are also expected to use supplemental resources posted to google classroom and the instructor’s website to continue learning and effectively practice what is taught in class.  Guitar 3 prepares students for serious pursuit of musical interests beyond the classroom and opens the door for them to take either IB Music or CoLAB with approval from the instructor. Motivated learning, engagement, and focus during class as well as routine use of resources for effective out-of-class practice are crucial.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Review of Knowledge and Skills Expected to Be Known

  Recognizing Similarities and Differences Between Songs by Key

  Engaging I-IV-V Chord Progressions, Variations, and Riffs

  Songs by Notable Guitarists

  Stylistic Explorations

  Drop and Alternate Tunings, Partial Capo Techniques

  Improvising

  Fingerpicking

• Collaborative Music Studies - Grades 9-12

  Grades 9-12
  0.5 Credit
  
  

  Prerequisite: Guitar 3 and/or Instructor Recommendation after demonstration of satisfactory proficiency on a primary instrument. 
  
  

  Required Tools:  Students are expected to provide their own primary instrument.
  

  
  

  CoLAB is about investigating the possibilities of what can be done with 12 notes, building confidence, and practical skills, and learning to navigate the experience of musical collaboration in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. Students learn experientially by playing and exploring structured songs together, exercises designed to develop and apply practical skills, experimenting with instruments from the school’s collection, workshops, and demonstrations by guest artists, using laptops in conjunction with studio resources to record and grow ideas, working towards the ultimate goal of performing together in a live setting.
  
  This class is appropriate for serious musicians who have achieved a strong level of technical proficiency on their instrument and are interested in developing practical collaborative skills working together with other musicians.
  
  This course may be repeated for credit with instructor permission.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Instigating Collaboration and Finding Common Ground in the Vast Potential of 12 Notes.
  The Art of Conversation: Leading, Following, and Dropping into Uncharted Musical Territory
  Challenges and Pitfalls of Working with Musicians and How to Manage Them
  Bringing Songs to the Table, Building a Repertoire, and the Importance of Structure
  Improvising: Listening, Responding, and Learning to Take Risks with Confidence.
  Sonic Diversity and Developing Versatility from the Familiar
  Exploring the Un-familiar...Vocals and Other Instruments
  The Creative Cycle: Imitation, Inspiration, and Innovation
  Developing Ideas, Demos, and Studio Recording
  Gigging: Preparing, Rehearsing, and Doing it Live