Performing Arts

This drama course is designed to give an introductory experience in theater arts and public speaking. Throughout the semester, there are many projects given to open students’ minds to different aspects of the theater. Students also participate in many activities to get themselves more comfortable and confident on stage and in front of an audience. Projects and assignments may include some of the following: writing and performing short skits, writing and presenting various speeches, designing and building a model set, memorizing and presenting a monologue, and all aspects of developing and presenting a class play.

This course is a sampling of music history, music theory, and performance. Music history will include a survey of music including Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth Century. Music theory will include a review of the elements of music and music reading. The performance section of the course will combine the principles addressed in music theory and allow students to explore music in a hands-on way. This course is designed to give a sampling of all types of music, allowing students to make informed decisions regarding their choice of music. This course will also allow students to converse about the different genres in an intelligent manner and give them an understanding of how music is the universal language.

Exploring Music will require students to demonstrate rudimentary music concepts, such as note value recognition and staff reading. Students will identify different meters and musical forms, and develop critical listening skills. They will demonstrate proper playing technique on pitched and unpitched percussion, including drums, xylophones, and ukuleles. This course includes projects that delve into the topics of music in film and electronic music composition.

This introductory theatre course will focus on creative expression through theatrical performance and design. Students will become skilled at employing: acting techniques, movement & body control, proper vocalization methods, and the development of characters from different periods and styles of drama. Students will explore historical and cultural studies in theatre and have an opportunity to see live professional theater. 

A brief introduction to acting, staging and design. This class will have some overlap with the fall play and culminate in a unique, all-encompassing production at the end of the semester. Students interested in both technical theater and performance are welcome.

Band is designed to be a performance-based course.  The course will cover studying a variety of jazz artists, jazz repertoire, developing improvisation skills, music theory,  sight reading and composition.  Students will be required to perform as soloist and/or small group.  This will give the student an opportunity to gain performance etiquette and allow assessment of the individuals learning of the music. Concert opportunities include school performances and may include off-campus events such as ECMEA and NYSSMA solo festivals. 

Chorus is designed to be a performance-based course. This course will cover a variety of repertoire, along with basic music theory, history, aural training, and sight singing. Students will be required to sing as a soloist and/or small group. This will give the student an opportunity to gain performance etiquette and allow assessment of the individuals learning of the music. Concert opportunities include various school concerts, and may include off-campus events.

Chorus will require students to demonstrate basic vocal technique by displaying proper breathing, blend, tone, and posture. Students will perform in two, three, or four part harmonies depending on proficiency. They will sing on pitch, in small and large group settings, maintaining a steady beat in a variety of tempi. Students will learn how to read standard notation in a variety of standard meters using solfege. They will identify, define, and interpret musical symbols and terms. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the function of music, roles of musicians, and connections to other disciplines. Depending on skill level, students may be invited to audition for NYSSMA and ECMEA solo contests or NYSSMA Majors ensemble evaluations.