Fine Arts Courses

ART | DRAMA | MUSIC

ART

The Art Department requires that students take studio art courses in the following sequence:
Webbing 

The Art Department offers a comprehensive variety of courses, which are designed to enhance the individual artistic abilities of all students.  The process of communication is based largely on the written word and vision.  Visual communication cannot effectively take place unless one has learned the language of visual art.

DESIGN ARTS, THREE DIMENSIONAL DESIGN or DRAWING serves as introductory prerequisites for other studio art courses.  These contain the study of the elements of art and the principles of design. 

The College Board says, "Preparation in the arts will be valuable to college entrants whatever their intended field of study.  The actual practice of the arts can engage the imagination, foster flexible ways of thinking, develop disciplined effort, and build self-confidence.  Appreciation of the arts is integral to the understanding of other cultures sought in the study of history, foreign language, and social sciences.  Preparation in the arts will also enable college students to engage in and profit from advanced study, performance, and studio work in the arts.  For many others, it will permanently enhance the quality of their lives, whether they continue artistic activity as an avocation or appreciation of the arts as observers and members of audiences."

DESIGN ARTS                                                              027000
Grades: 9-12                                         
Design Arts                                                         
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  None

Students will be taught how to use the elements and principles of design to create well designed works of art  in a variety of art media, which may include drawing, painting, and sculpture.

DRAWING                                                                     027100
Grades: 9-12                                                         
Drawing                                                                
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  None

Students will be taught how to use line, shape, value, and compositional strategies to create drawings from observation.  A variety of subjects will be covered, some of which might be still life, portraits, figure drawings, landscapes, and interiors.  A variety of materials will be used.  This course serves as a prerequisite for a number of art classes.

THREE DIMENSIONAL DESIGN                              027030
Grades 9-12
3D Design
One semester – 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  None

Students taking Three Dimensional Design will use the elements of art and principles of design through a variety of sculptural projects.  The media used in the class may include ceramics, paper mache and assemblage.

DRAWING 2                                                                  027120
Grades: 9-12                                                                                                                                         
Drawing 2                                                                             
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Drawing (grade of A or B is recommended)

This course is for the student who loves to draw and wishes to   pursue  in-depth  work  with   familiar   techniques   and
materials.  Color theory may be studied and used.  Original ideas will be expressed through classroom assignments.

FIGURE AND PORTRAIT                                           027550
Grades:  9-12                                                        
Fig/Portrait                                                           
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit  
Prerequisite:  Drawing

This course offers a specialized study of the human figure and portrait in art.  It may include in-depth anatomy studies of human skeletal and muscle structure and proportions of the body.  It may include work in the major drawing, painting, and sculptural media.  Technical skill and accuracy of observation are emphasized and are followed by expressive interpretations.

PAINTING                                                                      027500
Grades: 9-12                                                                         
Painting                                                                                
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Design Arts or Drawing 

In this course one will learn to paint using the techniques and materials that could include: acrylics, oils, pastels, opaque and transparent watercolors.  Emphasis is placed on developing color schemes and compositional skills necessary for effective personal expression.

PHOTOGRAPHY                                                          027300
Grades:  10-12                                                                      
Photo
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Design Arts or Drawing

In this beginning Photography course, students will learn to produce good photographs using a single-lens reflex camera.  Instruction includes the operation and use of a single-lens reflex camera, black and white film processing, and darkroom enlarging procedures.  Digital photography may also be introduced.  Photography, as an art form, focuses on important artistic concepts while necessary  technical skills  are developed.  Students may be asked to purchase consumable supplies for this course.

DIGITAL DESIGN                                                         027810
Grades: 10-12                                                                       
Digital Des
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Drawing or Design Arts

The class will explore elements and principles of Art through computer   imagery.    Students  will   use  graphic    oriented

software to create complex and diverse images that may be incorporated into the Art portfolio.  Students will also be taught different advertising techniques (scanning, drawing, digital photography and layout design).

MIXED MEDIA                                                              027610
Grades: 9-12
Mixed Media
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit                  
Prerequisite:  Design Arts or Drawing

Using various media such as pencil, colored pencil, markers, oil pastels, collage, pastel, charcoal, or ink, the student will learn how to draw the object in a variety of styles.  The focus will be on arranging these drawings to create a strong composition, having a well-balanced arrangement of objects on the page.

CERAMICS                                                                    027200
Grades: 9-12                                                                         
Ceramics                                                                               
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Design Arts, Design Crafts, or Drawing

Instruction is offered in the materials, techniques, equipment, and vocabulary of ceramic art, which includes pottery and other forms.  Hand-built and wheel-thrown forms may both be taught.  Emphasis will be on skill development and craftsmanship using clay as a medium of expression.

SCULPTURE                                                                  027240
Grades:  9-12                                                       
Sculpture                                                                              
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit                  
Prerequisite:  Design Arts, Drawing, or Design Crafts

A study of art in the third dimension offers the student a selection from the following approaches: carving, modeling, casting, and assemblage.  A variety of materials such as clay, stone, wood, wax and metals are used.  Special emphasis is placed on the manipulation of the relationship of mass and space.  Safe practices in the care and use of tools are stressed.

PAINTING 2                                                                   027520
Grades: 10-12       
Painting 2                                                                             
One semester -1/2  Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Painting, or permission of instructor.  (grade of A or B recommended)

In Painting 2, students will continue to use and expand the skills learned in Painting.  They may initiate direction for study with emphasis on unique visual statements.

PHOTOGRAPHY 2                                                      027320
Grades:  11-12                                                                      
Photo 2                                                                                 
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: Photography

Work in Photography 2 will continue to build on the basic concepts and skills learned in Photography.  Students will have an opportunity to experiment and work in-depth with a single-lens reflex camera and digital cameras.  Advanced darkroom procedures will be extended and creative, open-ended assignments will be utilized.  Students may be asked to purchase consumable supplies for this course.

DIGITAL DESIGN 2                                                     027820
Grades: 10-12                                                                       
Digital Des 2
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Digital Design

Students can further explore and refine their skills in computer imagery. They will undertake more complex imaging projects using advanced equipment.

CERAMICS 2                                                                 027220
Grades:  10-12                                                                      
Ceramics 2                                                                            
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: Ceramics (grade of A or B recommended)

Students will further improve and refine their skills on the potter’s wheel.  They will undertake more complex hand-building projects and will learn and become responsible for the mechanics of a ceramic studio such as mixing glazes, stacking and firing kilns, recycling clay, and maintaining equipment.

EXTENDED STUDIO                                                    027790
Grades:  10-12                                                                      
Extnd Studio
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Design Arts, Drawing, or Drawing 2

This course is designed for advanced and artistic students to further their personal interests.  The curriculum is individualized to meet the needs for advanced and self-motivated students.  The students and teacher will draw up an individual student contract.  Strong artistic ability and self-motivation  are  qualities deemed necessary to complete
this course.  Students will be able to use work from Extended Studio for the A.P. Studio Arts’ course.

A.P. STUDIO ARTS (Honors)                     Seniors-029781
Grades: 11-12                                                   Juniors-029782
One semester - 1/2 credit
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit
+AP Stdo Art
Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation and department chairperson approval.  (Juniors take the class in spring semester and Seniors in the fall semester.)

The honors level A.P. Studio Art is structured as a college course.  Its purpose is to enable those enrolled to work towards building a portfolio for assessment by the College Boards in A.P Studio Art. This course is intended for highly motivated students committed to a serious study of studio art.  A.P. Studio Art involves a higher level of proficiency and significantly more time than other high school art courses.  Performance in other studio courses will be the criterion for placement in this class. Quality of the work should reflect first year college level standards.  A weighted grade is given.

A.P. ART HISTORY 1  (Honors)                                029560
Grades 11-12                                                                                
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
+Art Hist 1
Prerequisite:  None

This course is an exciting study of Western and Non-western painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Prehistoric to Gothic periods.  Artworks will be presented in the historical, social, and political contexts in which they were created.  The fundamental skills necessary to analyze art will be developed.  Both art history courses are necessary to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination and best if taken sequentially.  This course can be taken for three
college hours of credit through UMSL.  A weighted grade is given.

A.P. ART HISTORY 2 (Honors)                                 029570
Grades:  11-12                                                                              
+Art Hist 2                                                           
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Art History 1

This course is an exciting study of Western and Nonwestern painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Renaissance to Contemporary.  Artworks will be presented in the historical, social, and political contexts in which they were created.  The fundamental skills necessary to analyze art will be developed.  Both art history courses are necessary to prepare students to take the Advance Placement examination and best if taken sequentially.  This course can be taken for three college hours of credit through UMSL.  A weighted grade is given.

 

DRAMA

THEATRE ARTS                                                           057720
Grades:  9-12                                                        
Theatre Arts                                                        
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  None

This survey course is designed for both the student new to drama and the student with a general background in the theatre.  The class will cover all aspects of the theatre: the play, the actor, and the audience.  Group and individual work will be used to develop skills in movement, voice, story development, conflict building, characterization, use of theatre terminology, and application of production techniques.  Improvisation and limited line memorization are required.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE                                             057770
Grades:  9-12                                                                        
Child Thea                                                                            
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  None

This class will examine the wealth of children's literature and its adaptability to live performances.  Emphasis will be on improvised and prepared scripts, with mini-units on pantomime, storytelling, and story theatre.

ORAL INTERPRETATION                                         057780
Grades:  9-12                                                                          
Oral Intrp                                                                              
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  None

Oral interpretation is used as an introduction to the performances of prose readings, poetry readings, storytelling, humorous/dramatic interpretations and readers' theatre.  This course offers students the opportunity to choose, analyze, and perform good literature with increased self-confidence.  This class is strongly recommended for those individuals who plan to compete in competitive speech (Forensics) programs.

TECHNICAL THEATRE                                              057760
Grade:  9-2                                                                              
Tech Theatre                                                                       
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Permission of instructor

This course will survey major areas of technical theatre including elements of design, construction of sets, set painting, properties, stage lighting, sound, costuming, make-up, business, house and theatre management.  The course will allow the students to select an area of specialization.  After-school and/or evening work will be expected.  Students may repeat this course with an emphasis in advanced technical projects.

IMPROVISATIONAL THEATRE                              057730
Grades:  9-12        
Improv Thtre                                                                        
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Previous theatre experience and permission of instructor.

The student actor will become proficient in pantomime and creative improvisational acting skills.  Emphasis in this class will not be on memorization, but on the training of the performer to isolate movement and to respond spontaneously and appropriately to given situations and characterizations. 

ADVANCED IMPROVISATIONAL THEATRE                   
Grades:  10-12                                                                 057740
Adv Impr Th                                                                        
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Improvisational Theatre or membership in school Improv Team and permission of instructor.

This course is for the advanced improv student who is ready to perfect techniques valuable to improvisational performances.  These techniques will include: CORE, Concentration, Choices, Denial, Ensemble, Mime, Preconceiving, Storytelling, Strategy, and Long Form.

ACTOR’S STUDIO                                                       057800
Grades:  10-12                                                                      
Actor Studio                                                                        
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Theatre Arts or permission of instructor

The developing actor will be able to determine characterization, motivation, creative movement and staging through in-depth scene study.  Although improvisation is used, the memorization of both monologues and duet acting scenes will be required.  Emphasis is on 2Oth century material.

ACTOR’S STUDIO 2                                                   057810
Grades:  11-12                                                                      
Actr Stu 2
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Actor’s Studio or permission of instructor

Students in this class will develop characters through different methods and styles of acting.  This exploration includes a variety of approaches and mannerisms useful when performing literature from the Greek period to our own.                                                                                                       

DIRECTING (Honors Option)                                     057820
Grade:  12                                                                              
Directing                                                                               
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Actor’s Studio 2, Technical Theatre, equivalent co-curricular technical experience, and permission of instructor.

This course is for the advanced theatre student who is ready to demonstrate proficiency as a performer and/or director.  Students will be required to take part in directing or producing a theatrical performance.

ADVANCED ORAL INTERPRETATION                057790
Grades:  10-12                                                                      
Adv Oral Int                                                                         
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Theatre Arts or permission of instructor

This course is for the advanced interpretation student who wishes to perfect his/her interpretative techniques.  In addition to normal course work, students may be required to create and direct their own readers' theatre production.

STUDIES IN MUSICAL THEATRE                           127730
Grades 9-12                                                                          
Std Mus Thr                                                                        
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Permission of vocal and drama instructors

Studies in Musical Theatre will explore the related disciplines of music and drama using group  and individual work to develop the skills of vocal and physical performance.  This course will include instruction in stage terminology, vocal production, audition techniques, choreography, and scene composition.  As both a singer and an actor, the student will learn to use the tools of characterization in order to effectively communicate the emotions of songs.  Students will participate in performances of musical theater scenes and must have background or skill in both vocal music and drama. 

STUDIES IN MUSICAL THEATRE  2                       127740
Grades: 10-12                                                       
Std Mus Th2
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Studies in Musical Theatre

Studies in Musical Theatre 2 will incorporate the related disciplines of music and drama using group and individual work to develop the skills of advanced vocal and physical performance.  This course will include advanced instruction in stage terminology, vocal production, audition techniques, choreography, and  scene composition.  As both singers  and actors, students will work toward a high level of skill in using the tools of characterization to more effectively communicate the emotions of songs.  Students will participate in performance of musical theater scenes and must have completed the prerequisite course, Studies in Musical Theater.

 

MUSIC

CHORUS                                                                        127000
Grades:  9-12                                                                                
Chorus                                                                                          
One semester -1/2 Fine Arts credit                   
Prerequisite:  None                                             

The Chorus is open to anyone who enjoys singing.  No previous singing experience is required.  The class enables you to improve your singing skills with emphasis on understanding and enjoyment of music.  Various concerts are presented throughout the year.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals.  Uniform attire is required.

CHAMBER CHOIR (Honors Option)                        12706L       
Grades:  9-10                                                                   127061
Chambr Choir                                                                  127062
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Audition and recommendation of previous director.

The Chamber Choir is a small, select performing ensemble.  Emphasis is placed on the improvement of vocal production, music reading skills, and general musicianship through the study of advanced choral literature and techniques.  Choir members perform in several concerts and have the opportunity to participate in the St. Louis Suburban Choir and festival for solos and ensembles.  If enrollment warrants, the choir may be divided into separate sections.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals.  Uniform attire is required.  An honors grade may be earned (Sophomores).

CONCERT CHORALE                                                12704L
Grades:  9-12                                                                   127041
Conc Chorale                                                                  127042
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:   Audition                                      

The Concert Chorale is a performing ensemble selected by individual audition.  Designed for students with previous singing experience, this class emphasizes the improvement of vocal production, music reading skills, and general musicianship.  Chorale members perform in several concerts and have the opportunity to participate in the St. Louis Suburban Choirs and festival for solos and ensembles.  If enrollment warrants, the choir may be divided into separate sections.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals.  Uniform attire is required.

CONCERT CHOIR MIXED (Honors Option)          12717L
Grades:  11-12                                                                 127171
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit                             127172
Con Chr Mx
Prerequisite:   Audition

The Concert Choir is a major performing ensemble chosen by individual audition.  Emphasis is placed on singing skills, musicianship, and an understanding of choral literature.  Choir members perform in several concerts with other ensembles, participate in competitions and festivals and present off-campus concerts.  Students who sing in this choir are eligible to audition for the Missouri All-State Choir, the Missouri Honors Choir and the St. Louis Suburban Choir.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals.  Uniform attire is required.  An honors grade may be earned.

CONCERT CHOIR TREBLE (Honors Option)
Grades: 11-12                                                                  12718L
Con Chr Trb                                                                    127181
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit                             127182
Prerequisite:  Audition

The Concert Choir is a major performing ensemble chosen by individual audition.  Emphasis is placed on singing skills, musicianship, and an understanding of choral literature.  Choir members perform in several concerts with other ensembles, participate in competitions and festivals and present off-campus concerts.  Students who sing in this choir are eligible to audition for the Missouri All-State Choir, the Missouri Honors Choir and the St. Louis Suburban Choir.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals.  Uniform attire is required.  An honors grade may be earned.

SHOW/JAZZ/SWING CHOIR                                  12715L
Grades:  9-12                                                                   127151
Sho Jz Choir                                                                    127152
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit                                                  
Prerequisite: Audition and concurrent enrollment in Concert Choir, Symphonic Band or Orchestra

Show/Jazz/Swing Choir is a small select ensemble, which specializes in the performance of popular styles of vocal music.  For the audition, considerations will include vocal style, movement, and stage presence.  Many performances are given off-campus, which will require time in addition to normal class work.  Attendance is required at all performances and special rehearsals.  Uniform attire required.

STUDIES IN MUSICAL THEATRE                           127730
Grades:  9-12                                                                        
Std Mus Thr                                                                        
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Permission of vocal and drama instructors (or audition)

Studies in Musical Theatre will explore the related disciplines of music and drama using group  and individual work  to develop    the     skills    of    vocal   and  physical performance.  This course will include instruction in stage terminology,     vocal    production, audition       techniques, choreography, and scene composition.  As both a singer and an actor, the student will learn to use the tools of characterization in order to effectively communicate the emotions of songs.  Students will participate in performances of musical theater scenes and must have background or skill in both vocal music and drama. 

STUDIES IN MUSICAL THEATRE 2                        127740
Grades:  10-12                                                                      
Std Mus Th2
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Studies in Musical Theatre

Studies in Musical Theatre 2 will incorporate the related disciplines of music and drama using group and individual work to develop the skills of advanced vocal and physical performance.  This course will include advanced instruction in stage terminology, vocal production, audition techniques, choreography, and scene composition.  As both singers and actors, students will work toward a high level of skill in using the tools of characterization to more effectively communicate the emotions of songs.  Students will participate in performance of musical theater scenes and must have completed the prerequisite course, Studies in Musical Theater.

SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA (Honors Option)
Grades:  9-12                                                                   12744L
Sym Orch                                                                         127441
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit                             127442
Prerequisite:  Audition for the instructor and Concert Orchestra and/or high level of performance skill on a string instrument.

Symphonic Orchestra is the most advanced school orchestra and one of the major performing ensembles representing the school.  Membership is based on a high level of string instrument playing ability, prior orchestral experience, sight reading skills, and overall ensemble skills.  Students will be selected by audition only.  Members will be added to maintain a balanced orchestral instrumentation.  Brass, woodwind, and percussion students enrolled in Symphonic Band are selected for full orchestra experiences.  The ensemble will study and perform repertoire chosen from a wide variety of all historical periods stressing tone quality, musicianship, and interpretation of various styles.  This group offers the student many performance opportunities at school, off-campus, and at festivals.  Members of Symphonic Orchestra are eligible to audition for such honor groups as All-Suburban Orchestra and All-State Orchestra as well as various small ensembles.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals.  An honors grade may be earned (sophomores, juniors, and seniors only).

CONCERT ORCHESTRA 1                                       12741L
Grade:  9                                                                           127411
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit                             127412
Con Orch 1
Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience or audition for the instructor.  An audition may be scheduled at any time during the year before enrollment.

Concert Orchestra 1 gives the student an opportunity to develop individual and ensemble musical expression.  Skills taught include advanced bowing technique, left-hand technique including high-position patterns, ensemble playing, and improved sight-reading.  Students learn how to musically interpret a variety of styles as they are introduced to standard orchestral literature from classical to popular music.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals.

CONCERT ORCHESTRA 2                                       12742L
Grades: 10-12                                                                  127421
Con Orch 2                                                                      127422
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience or audition for the instructor.  An audition may be scheduled at any time during the year before enrollment.

Concert Orchestra 2 gives the student an opportunity to continue to develop individual and ensemble musical expression and expand playing technique and concepts introduced in Concert Orchestra 1.  Skills are improved in bowing technique, left-hand technique, including high-position patterns, ensemble playing, and sight-reading ability.  Knowledge of style and musical interpretation increase as students perform standard orchestral literature from classical to popular music.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals.

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA                                          12743L
Grades:  9-12                                                                   127431
Chmber Orch                                                                   127432
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisites:  Concert Orchestra 1, 2, or permission of instructor

Chamber Orchestra provides an opportunity for the student to gain increased exposure to more advanced orchestral literature than Concert Orchestras 1 and 2.  Music of many styles and periods will be studied and performed.  Students will acquire more advanced skills and accuracy in bowing, and fingering techniques, sight-reading capabilities, and musical interpretation necessary for advancement to Symphonic Orchestra.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals. 

SYMPHONIC BAND 1                                                12757L
Grades:  9-12                                                                   127571
Sym Band 1                                                                     127572
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience and consent of the instructor; audition may be required.

Symphonic Band 1 is designed for students who have a good level of performance, but wish to improve their musicianship through additional experience.  Members of the Symphonic Band are automatically included in the Marching Band and will participate in an exciting and active fall marching season.  Through many performance opportunities, students will be introduced to a wide variety of quality band literature representing many styles and historical periods.  Musicianship, listening, interpretive and reading skills will be increased and individual responsibility within the ensemble emphasized.  Symphonic Band students are eligible to audition and participate with the orchestra, the jazz band and with various small ensembles.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals, including an August band camp. 

SYMPHONIC BAND 2 (Honors Option)                  12758L
Grades:  9-12                                                                   127581
Sym Band 2                                                                     127582
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience and consent of the instructor; audition may be required.

Symphonic Band 2 is designed for students who have achieved an advanced level of performance through their previous musical experiences.  Members of the Symphonic Band are automatically included in the Marching Band and will participate in an exciting and active fall marching season.  Through many performance opportunities, students will be introduced to a wide variety of quality band literature representing many styles and historical periods.  Musicianship, listening, interpretive and reading skills will be refined and individual responsibility within the ensemble emphasized.  Symphonic Band students are eligible to audition and participate with the orchestra, the jazz band and with various small ensembles.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals, including an August band camp.  An honors grade may be earned (sophomores, juniors and seniors only).

SYMPHONIC BAND - PERCUSSION (Honors Option)
Grades:  9-12                                                                   12755L
Sym Perc                                                                          127551
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit                             127552
Prerequisite:  Previous instrumental experience and consent of the instructor.  Audition is required

Symphonic Percussion consists of students who have achieved  a   high  level  of proficiency  as performers on percussion instruments and are seeking many performance opportunities.  Symphonic Percussion is designed for students who are willing to accept the responsibilities of participating in an active performing group.  Students accepted in Symphonic Percussion are automatically included in Marching, Concert, or Symphonic Bands.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals.  An honors grade may be earned (sophomores, juniors and seniors only).

CONCERT BAND                                                        12751L
Grades:  10-12                                                                 127511
Concert Band                                                                  127512
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience and consent of the instructor.  Audition may be required.

Concert Band consists of students who have had previous instrumental experience.  Basic fundamentals of music, interpretation of performance styles, and musicianship are emphasized.  Several concerts are presented each year.  Members of the group are eligible to audition and participate with various other music ensembles.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals.  Uniform attire is required.

CADET WIND ENSEMBLE                                        12759L
Grade:  9                                                                           127591
Cdt Wnd Ensb                                                                127592
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit                  
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Previous instrumental experience and consent of the instructor.  May require audition.

Cadet Wind Ensemble is a performing ensemble designed for 9th grade students who have had previous instrumental experience but who are not yet ready for the demands of Marching Band and Symphonic Band.  Band members will continue their training in ensemble musicianship, tone production through the full range of the instrument, performance skills, and interpretation of all styles of music.  Participation in Cadet Wind Ensemble prepares students for future enrollment in all other band courses, including Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Concert Band.  Members of the group  are eligible to audition and participate with other music ensembles.  Attendance is required for all performances and special rehearsals.

JAZZ LAB                                                                     12752L
Grades:  9-12                                                                   127521
Jazz Lab                                                                           127522
Two semesters – 1 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Member of a concert unit and/or consent of instructor.  Audition may be required.

Jazz Lab is designed to give students an opportunity to develop group jazz and jazz related performance skills within a select instrumental ensemble.  Increasing individual improvisational and ensemble performance skills with an understanding of jazz theory is emphasized.  Instrumentation is flexible, but appropriate size and balance will be maintained in order to perform repertoire authentically and artistically.  Bass, piano, and guitar players are encouraged to contact the instructor to determine if they qualify prior to enrollment.  Attendance is required at all performances and special rehearsals.

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC THEORY                  127720
Grades:  9-12                                                                        
Int Mus Thry                                                                                       
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in a music ensemble or permission of the instructor.

Topics of study will include note recognition in all clefs, rhythm, all major, minor and modal scales, all key signatures, and interval recognition and dictation.  Basic ear training and piano keyboard skills will be covered.  The course is designed for the student with good basic solo skills on their instrument/voice and as an introduction to Music Theory.  The course is designed to teach the student comprehensive theory skills beyond those skills learned in school ensembles or in private lessons.

MUSIC THEORY (Honors Option)                            12770L
Grades:  10-12                                                                 127701
+Mus Th                                                                         127702
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit                                  
Two semesters - 1 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Permission of Department Leader

Music Theory is a course in the basic elements of music designed for the student with a sincere interest in music.  It is strongly recommended for prospective college music major/minors and for students interested in composition.  Topics include the study of rhythm, melodic and harmonic structure; practice in the skills that enable you to hear rhythm, melody and harmony and development of the basic skills needed to compose music.  This course will help prepare students for the Advanced Placement test in music.  An honors grade may be earned.

COMPUTERS AND MUSIC                                        127770
Grades:  9-12                                                                        
Cmptrs/Mus                                                                                         
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  None

Computers and Music is designed to enhance musical knowledge through the use of Macintosh computers interfaced with electronic keyboards.  The course will allow students to express musical thoughts and ideas as well as enhance keyboard and theory skills.  The course covers basic music theory, basic keyboarding, writing melodies, recording, composing and creating musical lyrics as well as writing piano scores.  M.I.D.I (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) will be explored.

PIANO                                                                             127610
Grades:  9-12                                                                        
Piano                                                                                     
One semester- 1/2 Fine Arts credit                   
Prerequisite:  None

This course is designed for beginning piano students.  Students will become familiar with the keyboard and will learn to read notes and chord symbols.  Personal headphones with an adapter are required.

PIANO 2                                                                         127620
Grades:  9-12                                                                          
Piano 2                                                                                  
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  Piano or permission of instructor

This course is designed for students who have had some previous piano experience.  Simple scales and chords will be presented along with the study of piano literature from every period of music history.  Personal headphones with an adapter are required.

MUSIC DESIGNS                                                          127760
Grades:  9-12                                                                        
Mus Designs                                                                       
One semester - 1/2 Fine Arts credit
Prerequisite:  None

The Music Designs course provides students important knowledge and skills necessary to better appreciate music and become informed music consumers.  Listening and analytical skills are developed as students become familiar with music from a variety of historical periods, styles, and cultures.