Division Jon Grice, Director. Art Department. Dance Department. Music Department. Theatre Department The curriculum focuses on the necessary skills, concepts, and artistic traditions that allow each student to achieve his or her potential within each art discipline, and provides a shared common cultural experience. The curriculum encompasses well-established methods, processes, and outcomes, as well as contemporary approaches, subject matter, and themes. It includes introductory opportunities for the novice learner. It also provides a solid foundation for students to pursue post-secondary programs with confidence, well-developed problem solving skills, and refined higher order thinking abilities. The curriculum presents students with artistic material of high and enduring quality from a variety of historical periods, artistic styles, and cultures. Elective courses in the Division may be eligible for the GPA waiver option. Dance courses satisfy the Physical Education graduation requirements. See Dance Department page 39 for more information. 33
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ART DEPARTMENT The activities in the art classes are designed to develop skills of perception, problem solving, understanding, and sensitivity through a variety of experiences. The aim of the art curriculum is to give the students an understanding and appreciation for the endless and constant results of artistic efforts which surround us in our daily lives. The unique character of the art curriculum provides students an opportunity to express and nurture their creative instincts and to develop a high sense of appreciation for humankind and nature in an atmosphere where individual expression is encouraged. Courses are offered to meet the varied interests and abilities of the students. Students may be required to purchase specialized supplies and tools for some art classes. Art and Design (College Prep) ART101-Semester 1, ART102-Semester 2 In this course, students will explore a variety of tools, techniques, and media which provides them with the foundation necessary to expand into more specialized areas. The studio activities will focus on developing skills in drawing, painting, and sculpture/ceramics. Ceramics 1 (College Prep) ART201-Semester 1, ART202-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Art and Design or Art Form 1 This course is a hands-on studio class designed for those art students who like to create in clay. Students will learn basic hand building techniques and how to use a potter s wheel. They will be introduced to a variety of surface embellishments, glazing and firing techniques, and will produce a number of creative pieces of stoneware. 35
Ceramics 2 (College Prep) ART211-Semester 1, ART212-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Ceramics 1 This course is a hands-on studio class designed for those students who want to continue their experience with clay. Students will learn more advanced techniques in hand building and wheel throwing. Students will also continue to build on their glazing skills and personal creative expression. Computer Art 1 (College Prep) ART501-Semester 1, ART502-Semester 2 This course is designed to introduce students to Photoshop and other imaging software as a design tool and a means of producing finished art work. Study and production in the areas of digitized photographic images, visual communication, and drawing and design will be included in the course. Computer Art 2 (College Prep) ART511-Semester 1, ART512-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Computer Art 1 This course is designed to be an advanced or second level of computer graphics instruction. Students will be introduced to more complex concepts and techniques of graphic design, illustration, digitized photographic manipulation, and animation. The course will have fine arts, photographic and commercial art components. Computer Animation (Accelerated) ART521-Semester 1, ART522-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Computer Art 1, 2 This advanced course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to continue developing their portfolios of digital artwork by focusing on the future study and exploration of computer animation. Students will increase their knowledge of the process of animation from initial concept and story boarding through final rendering by using animation software and studying both traditional and digital animation techniques. Drawing 1 (College Prep) ART221-Semester 1, ART222-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Art and Design or Art Form 1 This course provides the art student with the opportunity to learn more advanced realistic drawing and shading techniques. Students will use the principles of design to create a good composition, and to explore and develop a drawing style. Projects are composed from real objects and photographic references. Various color and black and white media are explored. Drawing 2 (College Prep) ART231-Semester 1, ART232-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Drawing and Design 1 or Drawing 1 This course provides students with additional approaches to drawing. Students will experience in-depth visual concepts, color applications, and techniques. Students will learn how to take a project from a concept through completion. Observation and interpretation of subject matter is emphasized through individual expression. Jewelry and Metal Design 1 (College Prep) ART241-Semester 1, ART242-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Art and Design or Art Form 1 In this course students will be introduced to the principles of design as applied to jewelry and metalwork. Students will learn to cut, file, texture, and polish metal pieces. They will also solder with a torch and set a cabochon stone. Students will be expected to purchase a set of needle files. (Approximate cost $8.00.) Jewelry and Metal Design 2 (College Prep) ART251-Semester 1, ART252-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Jewelry and Metal Design 1 In this course students will explore advanced design and metalworking skills. The focus will be casting with liquid metal. Methods for creating molds and casting metal pieces, wire working techniques, and the working lamp process for creating glass beads will be explored. Students may need to purchase miscellaneous supplies used in their work. Painting 1 (College Prep) ART261-Semester 1, ART262-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Art and Design or Art Form 1 This course is designed to teach students the concepts, skills, methods, and processes necessary to explore oil painting. Students will explore a broad spectrum of images used in quick studies and a concentration on more extended and complex paintings. There is an emphasis on color theory, design principles, media, tools and a variety of painting techniques. Students will need to supply their own brushes. (Approximate expenditure $11.00.) Painting 2 (College Prep) ART271-Semester 1, ART272-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Painting 1 This course is designed to encourage a personal response to painting. Students will investigate dynamic compositions and meaningful images based on observation, memory, the imagination, and as a vehicle for self-expression. In a variety of media in oil, watercolor, or acrylic, students will use tools and materials to explore space, light, color, and form at an advanced level. Photography 1 (College Prep) ART401-Semester 1, ART402-Semester 2 Prerequisite: 35 mm camera with manual operation is preferred, however, students may use school owned cameras to check out for assignments Photography 1 is an introductory course designed to give students 36
a background in visual literacy and the basic skills of camera operation, film processing, printing, enlarging, and print finishing. All work is black and white. Students must supply their own film and photo paper (approximate expenditure of $100.00). All darkroom materials and equipment are supplied. Photography 2 (College Prep) ART411-Semester 1, ART412-Semester 2 Prerequisite: 35 mm camera with manual operation is preferred, however, students may use school owned cameras to check out for assignments Photography 2 is designed to refine students photographic skill and expand their photographic experiences. Areas of study covered are portraiture, studio work, night photography, lenses and lens accessories, advanced composition, and advanced and experimental darkroom techniques. Digital photographic image making is introduced. All work is done in black and white. Students must supply their own film and photo paper (approximate expenditure of $100.00). All darkroom materials and equipment are supplied. Advanced Photography (Accelerated) ART421-Semester 1, ART422-Semester 2 Prerequisite: 35 mm camera with manual operation is preferred, however, students may use school owned cameras to check out for assignments This course offers a concentrated study of photography for the student who wants to pursue image-making in a serious manner. Students are introduced to large format printing, toning, infrared, and digital photography. Students explore a series, compile a portfolio, and assemble a one-person show to be exhibited in the spring. (Approximate expenditure of $100.00 per semester.) Sculpture 1 (College Prep) ART281-Semester 1 Only Prerequisite: Art and Design or Art Form 1 This course provides a hands-on approach for understanding contemporary sculpture. Students will have the opportunity to work with clay, alabaster stone and their own choice of materials to create their sculpture. A clay head, an abstract stone sculpture along with the production of a pop art piece are the final results of the creative problem-solving techniques explored through sculpture media. Sculpture 2 (College Prep) ART282-Semester 2 Only Prerequisite: Sculpture 1 This course is designed to give students who have learned sculpting basics the opportunity to further their study of three dimensional art. The students will learn new materials, techniques, and concepts used by artists to create sculpture. An understanding of and appreciation for modern sculpture, new techniques, and contemporary artists will be developed. Studio Art 1 (College Prep) ART611-Semester 1, ART612-Semester 2 The artistic focus in this course is the development of individual expression through the use of creative visual problem solving. Students will be challenged to brainstorm and to work quickly. Experimentation with different techniques, compositional approaches, and media will be encouraged. Studio Art 2 (College Prep) ART602-Semester 2 Only Prerequisite: Studio Art 1 This course offers the student an in-depth study of expression and opportunities to develop a personal style. Emphasis is on idea development and non-verbal communication. The study of artists and their styles, with a focus on abstraction, is included in this course. Art History 1 (College Prep) ART701-Semester 1 Only This course is designed as an introduction to the histories of art. Students will become familiar with the major forms of artistic expression from antiquity through the early Renaissance. They will become informed observers of their visual culture. Art History 2 (College Prep) ART702-Semester 2 Only This course is designed as an introduction to the histories of art from the last five centuries. Students will become familiar with the major forms of artistic expression from the late Renaissance to the present. They will become informed observers of their visual culture. Advanced Placement Art History (Honors) ART721-Semester 1, ART722-Semester 2 This course is designed as an introductory college-level course in the history of art. Students will examine the major forms of artistic expression of the past as well as those of our time and of various cultures. They will study architecture, sculpture, painting and other art forms with intelligence and sensitivity. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam. Advanced Placement Drawing Portfolio (Honors) ART801-Semester 1, ART802-Semester 2 Prerequisite: A portfolio review, Art and Design or Art Form 1, Drawing 1 and 2 or Drawing and Design 1 and 2, Studio Art 1, Painting 1 This course offers art students a concentrated program which 37
enables them to apply for college credit in Art. Emphasis is centered on studio work, the preparation of a portfolio, and the submission of a portfolio for an Advanced Placement grade. In the spring each student will exhibit his/her work in a one person show. Advanced Placement 2-D Design Portfolio: Photo Concentration (Honors) ART871-Semester 1, ART872-Semester 2 Prerequisite: A portfolio review, Photo 1 and 2, Advanced Photography This course offers 2-D design students a concentrated program, which enables them to apply for college credit in Art. Emphasis is centered on studio work, the preparation of a portfolio, and the submission of the portfolio for an Advanced Placement grade. In the spring each student will exhibit his/her work in a one person show. Advanced Placement 2-D Design Portfolio: Media Concentration (Honors) ART881-Semester 1, ART882-Semester 2 Prerequisite: A portfolio review, Art and Design or Art Form 1, Computer Art 1 & 2, and Photo 1, Studio Art 1 or Computer Animation This course offer 2-D design students a concentrated program, which enables them to apply for college credit in Art. Emphasis is centered on studio work, the preparation of a portfolio, and the submission of the portfolio for an Advanced Placement grade. In the spring each student will exhibit his/her work in a one person show. Advanced Placement 3-D Design Portfolio (Honors) ART821-Semester 1, ART822-Semester 2 Prerequisite: A portfolio review, Art and Design or Art Form 1, Sculpture 1, Jewelry 1, Ceramics 1 and one of the following: Sculpture 2, Ceramics 2, Jewelry 2 This course offers 3-D design students a concentrated program which enables them to apply for college credit in Art. Emphasis is centered on studio work, the preparation of a portfolio, and the submission of the portfolio for an Advanced Placement grade. In the spring each student will exhibit his/her work in a one person show. 38
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DANCE DEPARTMENT Stevenson High School provides dance as a creative and rewarding art experience where artistic integrity and appreciation are developed. Dance is a physical and mental discipline. Students are provided opportunities to develop body strength, agility, coordination, creative problem solving skills, organizational skills and the ability to work effectively in cooperative learning groups. They gain self-confidence, self-discipline, and satisfaction in movement. All dance students are required to purchase and wear appropriate attire as designated by the dance teacher. Beginning Dance (College Prep) DNC101-Semester 1, DNC102-Semester 2 Students are introduced to contemporary dance techniques, dance vocabulary, choreographic concepts, and dance anatomy. Students will work independently and in groups, engaging in self, peer and teacher assessments. Students are required to attend and critique the Winter and Spring Dance concerts. Students will have the option of participating in a recital at the end of the year. Intermediate Dance (College Prep) DNC201-Semester 1, DNC202-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Placement by instructor Designed for students with previous dance training. This course concentrates on contemporary dance techniques and composition. The continued development of the student s dance knowledge, creative expression, and dance vocabulary is achieved through the study of locomotor and axial techniques, dance anatomy, choreographic projects, and movement vocabulary. Students 40 are required to attend and critique the Winter and Spring Dance concerts. Students are required to participate in a recital during second semester. Advanced Dance (College Prep) DNC301-Semester 1, DNC302-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Placement by instructor Designed for students who have achieved a high degree of skill in contemporary dance, this course explores different contemporary dance styles and focuses on the detailed aspects of contemporary dance technique at an accelerated pace. This course concentrates on movement qualities, composition, and dance anatomy. Students are required to assess their progress. Students must attend and critique the Winter and Spring Dance concerts. Students are required to participate in a recital during second semester.
Concert Dance (College Prep) DNC401-Semester 1, DNC402-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Placement by invitation from Advanced Dance This course is designed for students who have had advanced training in contemporary dance, as well as a strong background in ballet, jazz and composition. Concert dancers are responsible for maintaining a high quality of technical skill. The Concert Dance class will work toward developing and enhancing performance and choreographic skills in preparation for college level dance study and/or professional studio experience. Concert dancers will perform in the Winter and Spring Dance concerts. Daily and after school rehearsals will be scheduled a week to two weeks prior to the opening of the Winter and Spring concerts. Rehearsals may also be scheduled after school for the guest choreographer. These rehearsals are required if the student auditions and is cast in a piece. Ballet (College Prep) DNC311 Prerequisite: Two semesters of Intermediate or Advanced Dance Ballet is the base of all classical dance styles, and is based on posture, turnout of hips, alignment of the body and fluid movement. This course will stress strict academic technique. Students will explore technical skill and theory, history of ballet dance, and anatomy. This course may be repeated once for credit. Dance Leadership: (College Prep) DNC601-Semester 1, DNC602- Semester 2 Prerequisites: Students must complete a minimum of one year in Advanced Dance and approval of instructors Dance Leadership is a one-year course where students will intern and assist with dance instruction in beginning level dance classes. The student leader will learn and demonstrate, the teacher created combinations including warm-ups, across the floor, and center combinations Dance leaders will model proper technique and assist students. Students will periodically work one- on- one with dance students in a peer mentoring fashion. While taking this course the Dance Leadership student will also meet individually with the teacher outside of class to learn dance pedagogy. The leadership student will create exercises and a lesson that they will instruct at the end of each semester. This course may be repeated once for credit. Dance Leadershp applications are available through the Dance office on December 5 and are due on December 12. Jazz Dance (College Prep) DNC312 Prerequisite: Two semesters of Intermediate or Advanced Dance This course will examine different elements of jazz dance as well as its origin. Students will begin to understand dynamics, syncopated rhythms and explore a mixture of jazz dance styles including classical, funk, and lyrical. This course may be repeated once for credit. Men's Rhythm Core (Men's Dance) (College Prep) DNC501-Semester 1, DNC502-Semester 2* No experience required This course is designed for male students who want to enhance their flexibility, musicality, endurance, and creativity. Students will develop an improved movement capacity in a dance setting. Students are introduced to conditioning systems used by dancers, actors, and athletes. This course also addresses core strengthening and injury prevention. Students will occasionally watch themselves on video and critique their work. Students will have the option of participating in a performance at the end of the semester. This course may be repeated once for credit. *Student may opt to take full year. 41
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MUSIC DEPARTMENT Music study helps students develop skills in comprehending, creative problem solving, working as a team, logical reasoning, using symbols, conceptualizing, making value judgments, and communicating. It promotes cultural awareness and provides unique opportunities for self-expression and creativity. The Stevenson Music Department offers a variety of classes that allow students to continue or begin a strong, sequential program of music study. Courses are offered in instrumental music, vocal music, and non-performance classes. Though many objectives for music education can be met in the classroom, it is important that students who are developing music skills are provided opportunities to display their accomplishments through concerts, recitals, parades, festivals, and other performance experiences. These are a direct outgrowth of the nature of the art which is being studied. Therefore, performing ensembles include an emphasis on the importance of participation in occasional after-school rehearsals and performances. NOTE: Seniors who are enrolled in Honor Band, Patriot Orchestra, Patriot Singers or Advanced Chorus, and have been active for 4 semesters in a performing ensemble, earn accelerated level grade points unless requesting a GPA waiver. Students enrolled in any band are offered a PE Waiver for the first semester. Instrumental Music Classes *Freshman Band (College Prep) MUS101-Semester 1, MUS102-Semester 2 Open to 9 Prerequisite: Prior Band experience and/or approval of Band Director All entering freshmen with band experience enroll in Freshman Band to continue work on total musicianship, developing performing skills, and building further knowledge of fundamental materials of music theory. For the first 8 to 9 weeks of first semester, the Freshman Band combines with the Symphonic, Advanced Symphonic, Concert and Honor Bands to perform as the highly acclaimed Marching Patriots. During this time, students study contemporary marching performance techniques, culminating in halftime and parade performances. For adequate preparation of halftime shows, a two week August rehearsal "camp" at Stevenson is provided for all members. Freshman Band members also perform in four formal concerts. (PE Waiver offered for first semester.) *Concert Band (College Prep) MUS111-Semester 1, MUS112-Semester 2 (Qualified Students) Prerequisite: Audition with Director Upperclassmen with band experience enroll in Concert Band to continue work on total musicianship, including the development of advanced performing skills, and building further understanding of music theory. For the first 8 to 9 weeks of first semester, the Concert Band combines with the Freshman, Symphonic, Advanced Symphonic, and Honor Bands to perform as the highly acclaimed Marching Patriots. During this time, students study contemporary marching performance techniques, culminating in halftime and 43
parade performances. For adequate preparation of halftime shows, a two week August rehearsal "camp" at Stevenson is provided for all members. Concert Band members perform in four formal concerts and also perform at several home basketball games as members of the Pep Band. (PE Waiver offered for first semester.) *Symphonic Band (College Prep) MUS121-Semester 1, MUS122-Semester 2 (Qualified Students) Prerequisite: Audition with Director 44 Upperclassmen with band experience enroll in Symphonic Band to continue work on total musicianship, including the development of advanced performing skills, and building further understanding of music theory. For the first 8 to 9 weeks of first semester, the Symphonic Band combines with the Freshman, Concert, Advanced Symphonic and Honor Bands to perform as the highly acclaimed Marching Patriots. During this time, students study contemporary marching performance techniques, culminating in halftime and parade performances. For adequate preparation of halftime shows, a two week August rehearsal "camp" at Stevenson is provided for all members. Symphonic Band members perform in four formal concerts and also perform at several home basketball games as members of the Pep Band. (PE Waiver offered for first semester.) *Advanced Symphonic Band (College Prep) MUS131-Semester 1, MUS132-Semester 2 (Qualified Students) Prerequisite: Audition with Director Upperclassmen with band experience enroll in Advanced Symphonic Band to continue work on total musicianship, including the development of advanced performing skills, and building further understanding of music theory. For the first 8 to 9 weeks of first semester, the Advanced Symphonic Band combines with the Freshman, Concert, Symphonic and Honor Bands to perform as the highly acclaimed Marching Patriots. During this time, students study contemporary marching performance techniques, culminating in halftime and parade performances. For adequate preparation of halftime shows, a two week August rehearsal "camp" at Stevenson is provided for all members. Advanced Symphonic Band members perform in four formal concerts and also perform at several home basketball games as members of the Pep Band. (PE Waiver offered for first semester.) *Honor Band (College Prep/Accelerated) for College Prep only MUS141-Semester 1, MUS142-Semester 2 (Qualified Students) Prerequisite: Audition with Director The Stevenson Honor Band is open by audition to the most advanced wind and percussion students. The Honor Band performs advanced repertoire at festivals, concerts and community events. For the first 8 to 9 weeks of first semester, the Honor Band combines with the Freshman, Concert, Symphonic, and Advanced Symphonic Bands to perform as the highly acclaimed Marching Patriots. During this time, students study contemporary marching performance techniques, culminating in halftime and parade performances. For adequate preparation of halftime shows, a two week August rehearsal "camp" at Stevenson is provided for all members. Honor Band members also perform at several home basketball games as members of the Pep Band. (PE Waiver offered for first semester.) Seniors may earn accelerated credit in this course. *Important Note: All band classes participate in activities of the Marching Patriots. All band students should be available for two weeks of Band Camp rehearsals beginning Monday, August 6, 2012, for preparation of the upcoming season s marching show. Band Camp is held after the end of Summer School second session and before the opening day of regular classes. There will be a public performance of the Marching Patriots in the evening on Monday, August 20, 2012. Vocal Music Classes Stevenson Chorus (College Prep) MUS201-Semester 1, MUS202-Semester 2 This course combines the best of personal enjoyment while developing vocal skills and studying the fundamentals of musicianship. Special emphasis is put on the development of sight singing skills necessary for future placement into advanced choral groups. Advanced Chorus (College Prep/Accelerated) for College Prep only MUS211-Semester 1, MUS212-Semester 2 (Qualified Students) Prerequisite: Audition with Director This advanced treble ensemble is designed for experienced altos and sopranos. The development of vocal skills and musical concepts is achieved through the study and performance of varied literature. The importance of musicianship is stressed, along with continuing work on basic music theory. This ensemble is active at school performances and often participates in music festivals and competitions. Seniors may earn accelerated credit in this course. Patriot Singers (College Prep/Accelerated) for College Prep only MUS221-Semester 1, MUS222-Semester 2 (Qualified Students) Prerequisite: Audition with Director, treble voices need to have completed one year in Advanced Chorus (MUS211/MUS212) This course is designed for advanced students who perform a wide variety of choral literature, from classical to contemporary. Patriot Singers also focuses on music reading, sight-singing, and more advanced music theory concepts. Students who wish to become members of Patriot Singers are urged to participate in Stevenson Chorus to gain experience and training. The Patriot Singers perform for concerts, contests and community events. Seniors may earn accelerated credit in this course. Orchestra Classes Concert Orchestra (College Prep) MUS311-Semester 1, MUS312-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Players must have previous experience in school orchestra (junior high or high school level OR private lessons) plus permission of Stevenson Orchestra faculty. Auditions are not required for this ensemble. Violin, viola, cello and bass players with previous orchestra experience are encouraged to enroll in this ensemble. This orchestra explores a variety of string orchestra and chamber music repertoire. Building on previous musicianship and performing skills training,
students will become better prepared to make the transition to Symphonic Orchestra and Patriot Orchestra as well as college/ adult level orchestras and chamber ensembles. Students in this class typically are mastering two octave scales and learning three octave scales, having reasonably good sight reading skills, and are working on book four to seven solo repertoire. Students who are not yet at this level are welcome in the program but a consultation with an orchestra director is advised. All students enrolled in any orchestra are expected to own or rent an instrument for home use and for performances. Cello and bass students may use school instruments for daily rehearsals. All students will be required to attend periodic rehearsals and performances outside of the school day. Symphonic Orchestra (College Prep) MUS331-Semester 1, MUS332-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Auditions are required for most students. Students with two years of Symphonic Orchestra experience will be exempt from the audition process with the approval of the instructor. The repertoire performed includes chamber works, string orchestra, and full orchestra repertoire from advanced works written for school ensembles to works commonly performed in professional orchestras. Repertoire will focus on music of the Baroque, Classical and early Romantic eras. Strong support is given for development of chamber ensembles. Most students in this class have mastered all three octave major and minor scales, are working on the concerto repertoire, have excellent technique, and have excellent sight-reading capabilities. This ensemble combines with members of Advanced Symphonic Band for several concerts each year for performance of the full orchestra repertoire. Students will be required to attend periodic rehearsals and performances outside of the school day. Patriot Orchestra (College Prep/Accelerated) for College Prep only MUS321-Semester 1, MUS322-Semester 2 Only Prerequisite: Auditions are required for all students. Students with two years of Patriot Orchestra experience will be exempt from the audition process with the approval of the instructor The repertoire performed includes chamber works, string orchestra, and full orchestra repertoire from advanced works written for school ensembles to works commonly performed in professional orchestras. Repertoire will focus on music of the mid 19th century to living composers. Strong support is given for development of chamber ensembles. Most students in this class have mastered all three octave major and minor scales, are working on the concerto repertoire, have excellent technique, and have advanced sightreading capabilities. This ensemble combines with members of Honor Band for several concerts each year for performance of the full orchestra repertoire. Students will be required to attend periodic rehearsals and performances outside of the school day. Other Music Courses Piano Technique and Musicianship (College Prep) MUS401-Semester 1 Only This course is designed primarily for students with little or no piano experience. Using the electronic piano lab (MIDI Lab), the class will introduce the student to music notation, basic music theory, keyboard technique and musical terminology through the study of keyboard repertoire. Students may repeat this class once for credit. Students may repeat this class once for credit. Students repeating the course, or students with some piano experience, will be able to pursue more advanced repertoire and musical topics. Students may repeat this class once for credit. Guitar Technique and Musicianship (College Prep) MUS421-Semester 1, MUS422-Semester 2 This course is designed for guitarists who are seriously interested in working hard to become good musicians. Previous experience is helpful but not required. The course will teach the technique and musicianship needed to develop a classical guitar performance repertoire. The skills and knowledge learned will be applied to other musical styles. Emphasis is placed on development of technique, music-reading skills, sight-reading, chords (first position and barred), and expressive performance. Students will also receive basic training in flat picking, bass line construction and blues improvisation. Nylon string classical guitars are provided for class use but it is essential that students have their own nylon string classical guitar for home practice. Students may repeat this class once for credit. Discover Music (College Prep) MUS431-Semester 1, MUS432-Semester 2 This course is for students who wish to develop a better understanding of music and musical creativity. The course will cover the following basics: music reading; music theory; basic keyboard (piano) skills; music history; musical form and composition. The class will listen to, and discuss, music of various styles and eras from classical to jazz to contemporary. In this hands-on course, the students will use synthesizers and various MIDI software programs. 45
Composing and Arranging (College Prep) MUS412-Semester 2 Only Prerequisite: Any of the following: Discover Music or semester one of AP Music Theory; Piano Technique and Musicianship or Guitar Technique and Musicianship with instructor approval; minimum of one year experience in a Stevenson Band, Orchestra or Choir with instructor approval. In this course, students with basic knowledge and skills in music theory will build on those abilities and apply them in composing and arranging music. Projects will involve a variety of assigned and chosen forms, orchestrations and styles. Students will learn to use MIDI software to aid in the creative, editing, and publishing processes. AP Music Theory (Honors) MUS801-Semester 1, MUS802-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Membership in either high school Instrumental or Vocal Ensemble or approval of instructor This course is designed to prepare students for a possible major or minor in music at the college level. Students learn the basics of tonal harmony, including: chord construction; four-part voice writing; harmonic analysis; and harmonic sequence. Students also study ear training, sight singing, melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic dictation, 20th century techniques and form/structure. Students are expected to take the AP exam. 46
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THEATRE DEPARTMENT Theatre is an opportunity for students to express themselves through creating characters in dramatic situations. Whether they have had previous drama experience or not, the theatre classes at SHS offer them the chance to develop their drama skills. The focus in all theatre classes is on participation and hands-on experience. Theatre classes at Stevenson feature a sequential and cumulative curriculum which allows students to develop internal and external resources, explore creative potential, investigate the social and historical context in which they live, form aesthetic judgments, and experience the discipline of the artist. The courses are process oriented, primarily concerned with fostering integrity in the student s work. Some courses include a public performance component. While the theatre courses can provide pre-professional training for students, the ultimate goal is to promote appreciation of the art, as well as deeper self-awareness and more sensitive and reflective understanding of the human condition. Acting 1 (College Prep) THR101-Semester 1, THR102-Semester 2 This course emphasizes basic acting techniques of the theatre including concentration exercises, theatre games, improvisation, character development, and the fundamentals of preparing a scene. At the end of the semester, students will have the option to participate in an informal presentation of their character monologues. 48 Acting 2 (College Prep) THR111-Semester 1, THR112-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Acting 1 Acting 2 is designed for the student who wishes to expand his/ her acting skills and expertise. The student studies concentration, observation, sensory skills, movement, voice and articulation, and characterization. Emphasis in Acting 2 is on building character relationships through both improvised and scripted/memorized scene work. The student also is expected to perform monologues and scenes, to read and analyze plays, and to perform a final acting scene.
Acting 3: Performing Contemporary Drama THR211-Semester 1 only Prerequisite: Acting 1 & 2 Students will read and perform several contemporary plays as well as write and perform a personal monologue. This course will also include improvisation, as well as written assignments. The course will culminate in a public workshop production of a play studied in class. Students are required to rehearse after school the week of the production. Acting 4: Exploration of Performance Styles (College Prep) THR212 Semester 2 only Open: 10-11-12 Prerequisites: Acting 1, Acting 2, and Acting 3 OR Contemporary Drama Workshop Students will use improvisation as a building block for non-script based performance, studying improvisation theory and technique as related to improvisation as performance. Students will also read, study, and perform multiple plays from two different theatrical periods: the Italian Renaissance and Elizabethan England. This course will also include written assignments and occasional quizzes. Theatre Design and Stagecraft THR121 This is a one semester course designed to familiarize students with the basic areas of technical theatre. Students will learn about tool and scene shop safety, theatre geography, set design, set construction, scene painting, light design, and production technologies. The course include theory, hands-on experiences, and will culminate with a design project. After successfully completing this course students may continue their studies in Theatre Design and Stagecraft by electing to apply for an independent study option in the Theatre Department. performance. This class may be repeated once for credit. After successfully completing this course students may continue their studies in Musical Theatre by electing to apply for an independent study option in the Theatre Department. Advanced Acting (Accelerated) THR401-Semester 1, THR402-Semester 2 Prerequisite: Acting 1-4 This course will provide upperclassmen the opportunity to continue their theatre study (specifically actor-training) in a focused learning environment with challenging material that will assure their preparedness for further college, university, conservatory, and/or professional theatre pursuits. Advanced Acting will include the following units for study: characterization through movement, advanced script analysis, and auditioning for professional theatre After successfully completing this course students may continue their studies in Advanced Acting by electing to apply for an independent study option in the Theatre Department.. Directing the Actor (College Prep) THR302-Semester 2 only Prerequisite: Acting 1-4 This is a one semester course that allows the student to explore and develop his/her directorial ability. The course will emphasize the development of play conceptualization, techniques for working with the actor, and directorial analysis of a play. The culminating project of the course will be a public performance of scenes directed by members of the class. There will be a secondary emphasis placed on techniques an actor may use to adjust to working with different directors.after successfully completing this course students may continue their studies in Directing by electing to apply for an independent study option in the Theatre Department. Musical Theatre Workshop (College Prep) THR201-Semester 1 only Prerequisite: Acting 1 & 2 or one year Choral Music Through the workshop process, students will learn all facets of musical theatre as a distinct performance genre. The course will include a historical survey of the evolution of musical theatre and an in-depth study of several different musical theatre performance styles. Students will learn and practice acting, vocal, and movement skills. They will also develop proficiency in analyzing and staging scenes and musical numbers. The course will culminate in a public performance of scenes studied in class. Students will be required to attend after-school rehearsals during the week of this 49