This course explores movement as a creative art form. Students learn basic choreographic principles, structures and processes. Movement skills and performance values are studied. A movement portfolio is created. Students analyze dance and explore connections in history, to other arts disciplines, and to health. Students will begin to self assess their dance based on established criteria. If a student has successfully completed dance in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, the student should enroll in Dance (Intermediate)

This course builds upon technical movement and choreographic skills. A movement portfolio is further developed. Students learn anatomical concepts in relation to dance; how to analyze dance on the basis of established criteria; and to evaluate personal performance. Connections between dance and civics, economics, health, and other arts disciplines are explored. Students will participate in self assessments and aesthetic evaluations.

This course emphasizes dance as a creative and expressive art form. Students increase their technical movement skills and create dances that fulfill choreographic intent, utilize production design choices, and meet aesthetic criteria. Examining and evaluating dance from cultural and historical perspectives with emphasis in the U.S. is a part of dance at this level. Connections to literary works are explored. Students are expected to reflect upon personal performance and establish goals for growth. Students are expected to perform in dance concerts.

This course emphasizes an advanced level of technique and refinement of skills as a choreographer and performer. Students are expected to analyze, critique, evaluate and interpret dance from personal, cultural, and historical contexts. Incorporation of complex dance structures, performance values, and response to constructive feedback should be demonstrated when dancing. Students are expected to perform in dance concerts.

This introductory course is for students interested in singing. Students study the fundamental skills of music, sight-singing, proper vocal production, and vocal health. Choral music study involves listening, describing, and evaluating music. Students also study basic vocal health and wellness issues. Any student who loves to sing is welcome to join. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected. If a student has successfully completed chorus in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, the student should enroll in an Intermediate Level course.

This course includes students of varied vocal talents and abilities. Students should have a general understanding of music theory and notation, sight-reading, and a willingness to sing actively each day. Mixed Chorus performs a variety of music ranging from historical choral literature to the music of today. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Each course is designed specifically for male and female singer to improve their vocal skills in a wide range of musical settings. Traditional choral skills of blend, balance, intonation, and phrasing will be learned through the rehearsal and performance of gender specific repertoire. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

This course is for students who have demonstrated skill and serious commitment to singing. Students must be able to sing with intonation accuracy and demonstrate advanced knowledge of music theory and sight-reading skills. Concert Choir performs complex music of all styles and varieties. Key components of this course include the ability to listen to, analyze and evaluate musical performances. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Each course is designed for smaller groups of select male and female singers who perform chamber choral music from all traditional and contemporary musical periods. Both Women’s and Men’s Chamber Choir require high technical and interpretive skills. Students apply the elements of music and musical techniques within a variety of parameters and learn to critique their performance. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

This course utilizes a small performing group of mixed voices, which requires the highest level of technical skill and the ability to perform music in a variety of meters and keys, using both traditional and non-traditional notation. Mixed Chamber Choir students perform with subtle nuances making their work unique, interesting, and expressive. Exploration is highly encouraged to interpret music from personal, cultural, and historical contexts. Participation in afterschool rehearsals and performances is expected.

This course is an introductory level class for students with no instrumental experience. As a performance-based class, students develop fundamental skills of music, characteristic tone production, terminology, posture, intonation, and expressive skills through ensemble playing and the study of simple band literature. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected. If a student has successfully completed band in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, the student should enroll in an Intermediate Level course.

This course is designed for students who are continuing instrumental music study. Emphasis is placed on the development of musicianship, tone production, and basic skills. Concert Band students study Grade III-IV band literature. Participation in afterschool rehearsals and performances is expected.