Performing Arts

The Performing Arts program at Trinity builds confidence in self-expression, develops the creative process and cultivates an appreciation of the human experience. Performing Arts courses ask students to examine the nature of creativity, the development of both onstage and supporting position skills and techniques unique to both musical and theatrical performance. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all students, with entry-level courses in music and theater for those who want to start their exploration to sequentially more advanced offerings, for those who wish to pursue a more in-depth study (including courses for students considering a potential career in the performing arts).

Students solidify their understanding of performance via active experience: music students play, sing and record/write music; theater students act and learn about script-writing and technical-support areas such as set-building, lighting and sound reinforcement. Music and theater students develop and apply their performance skills within both individual and group contexts. Collaboration amongst peers and faculty is a prevalent quality of the Performing Arts Department. Not only do students work cooperatively within a class setting but there are also frequent opportunities for music and theater students to work in conjunction on a performing event. Students investigate the manner in which performing arts mirror the societies from which they originate and make connections to their own backgrounds.

Graduation Requirement: Trinity requires all students to acquire 1 year (either 1 year-long or 2 semester offerings) of Fine Arts courses (may be from the Performing or Visual Arts or a combination of a semester course from each area).

CURRENT COURSES OFFERED (2023-24)

Listen Up! Music Fundamentals - Grades 8-12

Grades 8-12
0.5 Credit

This one-semester course explores the essence of what music is, how it's created, and its uses in cultures throughout the world. Students will gain an understanding of the core elements in music: melody, rhythm, harmony, texture, and timbre, and learn how these are manipulated for artistic effect in a variety of musical styles. (Classical, Popular and World music) Students will learn to accurately identify musical aspects through focused listening and also acquire a familiarity with basic musical notation. (note and rhythm reading, scale and chord construction/identification, terms) In addition, the connections between music and its origin society/culture will be studied. Students learn through listening to a wide variety of music, with discussion and analysis of musical elements. They will learn to use music software including Garage Band and Sibelius to further understand and notate musical concepts.

Units of Study

Rhythm

Melody

Harmony

Music In Society

Piano Keyboard

Style and Form
Preparatory Band - Grades 8-11

Grades 8-11
0.5 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 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 that would like to eventually play in the school's Pep, Concert, and Jazz Bands. The main factors for student success in this course are some determination and a willingness to practice consistently. There are several performance opportunities throughout the year. Students that 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)
Chorus - Grades 8-12

Grades 8-12
0.5 Credit

This elective course is designed to further develop each student's singing proficiency, enhance general musicianship (theory, concepts, terms) and grow as a more artistic performer. Students will have the opportunity to perform in several school concerts during the year. A variety of musical styles will be explored. Students learn through listening and responding, performing, singing in small groups and large ensembles, and performing mock auditions. Any student, regardless of previous experience, can be successful in this class by participating fully and being willing to learn new musical skills. Additional experiences such as participation in select ensembles (District and All-State Chorus) are available to interested students who meet the qualifying criteria. This class may be repeated for credit with the instructor’s permission.

Units of Study

General Musicianship

Solfege

Rhythms

Music Theory

Languages

Performance and Practice Skills

Cabaret! Theme Show

Winter Fine Arts Festival

Spring Concert

Spring Fine Arts Festival
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 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, history, and note reading. Students learn through listening and responding, participating fully during class, and with regular practice time outside of class. Additional experiences such as participation in select ensembles (District and Regional Orchestras) are available to interested students who meet the qualifying criteria. This class may be repeated for credit with the instructor’s permission.

Units of Study

General Musicianship Skills

Ensemble Playing Skills

Stringed Instrument Knowledge and Care

Music Theory

Tone Production and Intonation

Cabaret! Theme Show

Winter Fine Arts Festival

Spring Concert

Spring Fine Arts Festival
Orchestra - Grades 8-12

Grades 8-12
0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: At least 2 years of playing experience in a supervised setting (school ensemble or private lessons)

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 with the instructor’s permission.

Units of Study

General Musicianship

Ensemble Playing Skills

Practice Skills

Performance Skills

Music Theory

Stringed Instrument Care and Maintenance

Cabaret! Theme Show

Winter Fine Arts Festival

Spring Concert

Spring Fine Arts Festival
Studio Music 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 application of 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 works of artists that they listen to. This class is for student musicians that wish to improve their songwriting and production skills, particularly those that 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 10-12

Grades 10-12
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.

Repeat enrollment in this class is possible at the discretion of the Instructor.

CoLAB is about investigating the possibilities of what can be done with 12 notes, building confidence, practical skills, and learning to navigate the experience of musical collaboration in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. Student’s 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.

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

IB Music - Grade 11

1 Credit

Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on a music skills placement test and teacher permission

Required Tools: Instrumentalists must have their own instrument at home with the exception of percussionists, who should have the core instruments (snare and bells) at home but can use the school's percussion inventory to diversify their recital program.

Additional Fees: Though not a school fee, private music lessons on a student's primary instrument or voice must be taken through the senior year PRESENTING recital. IB assessment fees will be incurred in the second year of the course.

This is the first year of a two-year course that examines music with regard to several distinct functions: music used for worship, sociocultural and/or national/political reasons; music used for dramatic impact to support movement/dance, theater, film, video games, and other media; music developed largely or completely through electronic/technological means; and music with a foremost purpose to be a listening experience.

The course helps students develop 3 roles required for comprehensive musicianship:

(1) RESEARCHER - Students conduct analyses yielding scholarly written observations about both musical (melody, rhythm, harmony, form...) and extra-musical (time period, societal context/function ...) aspects of works encompassing a wide variety of styles. (Popular, World, Art Music -"Classical", Hybrid works mixing these styles) Students will investigate music with which they are either somewhat or even completely unfamiliar as well as works they know well.

(2) CREATOR - Students compose, arrange and improvise music using style/genre guidelines.

(3) PERFORMER -Students through their voices, instruments, and/or technology bring musical works into sound realizations.

Students learn by frequent critical listening and analysis of musical works. The findings of their research inform the subsequent Creating and Performing activities.

This course is a year-long elective for juniors. Students who would like to develop their musical skills to a high level, especially those who are considering a career in any music-related field should take this course. Key skills are the ability to listen critically and express findings from analysis (both in class discussion and in writing) and to work both independently and in collaboration with peers. It is important that students approach all studied music with an open mind and seek to understand both the emotional and intellectual aspects that are present in all well-crafted musical works.

Students must take private instruction with a qualified instructor on her/his instrument or voice through the senior year PRESENTING recital. Interested students should contact the instructor to arrange for an inventory of musical concepts no later than the end of their freshman year.

Units of Study

Elements of Music 1: Melody, Rhythm & Harmony

Aural Dictation

Elements of Music 2: Texture, Dynamics, Articulations, Timbre

Structure: Musical Organization

Modal Jazz

Major, Minor & Blues Scales and Derived Chords

Music for Social Discourse: Reggae, Rock, Hip Hop, West African Jeli Music, Blues

Electronic Dance Music around the World: American/European & World Hybrids

Synthetic Sound-source Film & Video Game Scoring

Key changing Theory: Dominant & Diminished Triads/7th Chords

Multi-section Writing: Vocal or Instrumental Solo w/Piano Accompaniment

Music for Dance: Zydeco, Waltz, African Benga, Cuban Son, Ballet

Music for Worship: Chorales, Mass, Spirituals, Indigenous Ceremonial Music

Soundscape Creation: Experimental Music Using 'Found' and/or Electronic Sounds

Far Eastern Theater: Japanese Kabuki, Cantonese Opera, Indonesian Wayang Kulit

Modern Era Writing: 12-Tone, Extended Chords, Quartals/Quintals, Clusters

IB Music HL/SL - Grade 12

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on the expectation of B or higher in IB Music

Additional Fees: Though not a school fee, private music lessons on a student's primary instrument or voice must be taken through the senior year PRESENTING recital. Students in this course are expected to complete the IB assessments. An IB assessment fee applies to all students taking this course.

This is the final year of a two-year course that examines music with regard to several distinct functions: music used for worship, sociocultural and/or national/political reasons; music used for dramatic impact to support movement/dance, theater, film, video games, and other media; music developed largely or completely through electronic/technological means; and music with a foremost purpose to be a listening experience.

Students finish out the EXPLORING phase of their studies early in the year and then move into the EXPERIMENTING stage, in which they further develop researching, creating, and performing work from their choice of prior explorations. As this process moves forward, students then refine different select creations and performances that represent their best work from the totality of the course to submit as the PRESENTING portfolio.

Each HL student also plans and collaboratively creates a project, the Contemporary Music Maker, that draws on the competencies, skills, and processes in all of the musical roles of the course, and is inspired by real-life practices of music-making.

All SL students as a group collaboratively plan, create and perform a single composition for the Fine Arts Festival in May.

This course is a year-long elective for seniors. Students who would like to develop their musical skills to a very high level, especially those who are considering a career in any music-related field should take this course. Key skills are the ability to listen critically and express findings from analysis (both in class discussion and in writing) and to work both independently and in collaboration with peers. It is important that students approach all studied music with an open mind and seek to understand both the emotional and intellectual aspects that are present in all well-crafted musical works. Students must be forward-looking in their time management; judicious planning for the various submission schedules is of critical importance.

Students must take private instruction with a qualified instructor on her/his instrument or voice through the senior year recital portion of the PRESENTING portfolio.

Units of Study

Jazz and Pop Music Harmony for Musical Theatre and/or Film

Studio Orchestra and/or Pop Music Film Scoring

Selection, Compilation, and Submission of EXPLORATION Portfolio

Experimenting: Development of Other Selected Exploration Analyses, Creations & Performances

Compilation and Submission of EXPERIMENTING Portfolio

Presenting: Written Program Notes and Refinement of Other Selected Creations & Performances

*HL Students -The Contemporary Music Maker Project

*SL Students -Fine Arts Festival Collaboration Project (all SL collaborate for group creation & performance)

Compilation and Submission of PRESENTING Portfolio (with performance recital)

*Each HL Student Finishes, Compiles, and Submits Contemporary Music Maker Project

Both HL & SL present Projects at Fine Arts Festival

Elements of Theatre - Grades 8-12

Grades 8-12
0.5 Credit

Additional Fee: Possible ticket fee if we attend performances

Elements of Theatre is a semester course in which students are introduced to the art and craft of theatre-making and theatre performance through participatory exercises and projects in mime, theatre games, improvisation, and rudimentary scene work as well as lecture/demonstrations on basic theatre terminology, direction, design, and production. The course seeks to develop the student's knowledge and understanding of the many elements that comprise a theatrical production and to develop the ability to analyze and evaluate these elements as both participant and spectator. This work culminates with each student creating a Production Notebook of their own. In addition, students develop creativity, collaborative skills, and comfort in presenting and/or performing for others. Consistent, active engagement and participation in the exercises, scenes, and projects and respect for peers are the key components for success in the course.

Units of Study
Tell Me a Story
Talking Theatre
Theatre Practice
Putting It Together - Theatre Making
Improv – Fake It Until You Make It?
Your Mind's Eyes and Ears - Production Notebook
Acting - Grades 10-12

Grades 10-12
0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: Elements of Theatre or instructor permission

Additional Fee: Possible ticket fee if we attend performances

The Acting Class is open to those students who have demonstrated a focused interest in performance. The course is designed for the dedicated student of acting and is based on a process/workshop approach. Through a combination of readings, research, and scene work students will study and develop their acting techniques. Specifically, students will develop their skills in script analysis, line memorization, character analysis and development, monologues, and improvisation. Students are required to keep an actor's journal, participate in the performance projects and attend school productions as well as participate in post-performance critiques. A final project consisting of an in-class presentation and performance is required. Students are assessed on the honesty and consistency of their work ethic as well as their willingness to support and collaborate with their peers. "Talent" is not a factor in assessments.

Units of Study

To Be….or…Not….

What a Character!

Words, Words, Words and the Sound of Silence

The Magic If

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Full of Sound and Fury…

Go Ahead...Make a Scene
Technical Theatre - Grades 8-12

Grades 8-12
.5 Credit

Additional Fee: Possible ticket fee if we attend performances

This course offers students the opportunity to learn and practice the fundamental methods and skills used to technically support a theatrical performance. The class combines lecture/demonstrations with applied, hands-on labs and projects. Students will learn the basic processes and materials used in theatrical scenery construction, lighting, and sound with an emphasis on safety. Students will be instructed in, develop and demonstrate the skills required for the proper use and application of standard hand and power tools as well as a variety of common construction materials and techniques which are utilized by both theatrical technicians and DIYers. No prior skill or knowledge is needed - only an interest in basic construction and/or technical theatre and a willingness to be an active participant. This class may be repeated for credit with the instructor’s permission.

Units of Study

Telling Stories

Safety First!

Tech Talk

Hammer Time! The Essential Basics

What's' Up Doc? Telling the Technical Story Visually

If You Build It...

Lights Up!

That Sounds Good!

Knot Now!
Entertainment Lighting Design and Technology - Grades 10-12

Grades 10-12
0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: Technical Theatre or instructor permission

Additional Fee: Possible ticket fee if we attend performances, events, or conferences

Light, or its absence, plays a major role in shaping our perception of the world around us. This is especially true in the managed environments of entertainment. From theatrical productions to dance, opera, architecture, concerts, spectacles and more, the intentional manipulation of light is a cornerstone in the process shaping the spectator’s experience. This course provides students the opportunity to learn, research, analyze, and apply the properties, theories, and technologies of light and lighting in order to serve and enrich various forms of entertainment. Students will study and apply the processes of creating and implementing a lighting design and develop the artistic, collaborative, and technical skills required for the successful realization of the design. Upon completion of the core units, each student will choose a track specific to their individual interest--Design or Technology--and develop and implement their collaborative thesis project within their chosen track. 10 Practical lab hours required.

Units of Study

Introduction to Entertainment Lighting: Storytelling & Environments

What does what U C say 2 U?

Qualities, Characteristics, and Functions of Light

Color

Projection & Media

Design Basics

Design Process

Welcome to the “Real World” - Design Application

Don’t get ZAPPED: Electrical Theory and Practice

Hardware: don’t BE a tool – KNOW your tools.

But what’ll it look like? - Communicating the Design Idea

Makin’ it REAL: Communicating the Design Realization

Lighting Production Team: Organization and Responsibilities

Getting Along: Collaboration

Bits, Bytes, and Blackouts: Programming

Just do it! Thesis Project Tracks:

• Designer

• Electrician

• Programmer
Intro to Piano - Beginning Keyboard Skills - 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 minimal to no experience with playing the piano. This course will introduce the fundamentals of piano playing and musicianship, including basic music theory, history, aural skills, and note reading. We will cover a wide variety of styles, including classical, jazz, pop, rock, and blues. Students learn through listening and responding, participating fully during class, and with some practice time outside of class. We will be using Alfred’s Adult Group Piano Method Book. There will be an end-of-semester opportunity for performance as a solo, duet, or small group.

This class may be repeated for credit with the instructor’s permission.

Units of Study
Keyboard Basics
Grand Staff Notation
Major and Minor Scales and Arpeggios
Chord Qualities in Major and Minor Keys
Improvisation and Harmonization
Solo Repertoire