Performing Arts Course Listing
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HONORS COURSES |
ELECTIVE COURSES |
This course is intended for juniors and seniors who want to study acting and directing on an advanced and in-depth level. It is geared toward developing the young actor's tools through scene study projects, improvisation, and directing projects. Memorization and performance are regular aspects of this class. On this advanced level, there will be written reports relevant topics such as: plays, playwrights and related subjects. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite : (5) “B” or better in Theatre Workshop II.(8) Permission of Instructor
This course is open to juniors and seniors who have earned a minimum grade of “B” in Concert and Parade Band. Students will participate in researched based projects including class presentations and written reports. Ensemble playing and audition for an adjudicated competition is required. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: (11) Minimum of “B” in Concert & Parade Band.(8) Permission of instructor .
This course is open to juniors and seniors who have earned a minimum grade of “B” in Orchestra. Students will participate in researched based projects including class presentations and written reports. Ensemble playing and audition for an adjudicated competition is required. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: (12) Minimum of “B” in Orchestra & String Orchestra.(8) Permission of instructor.
This course is intended for any student interested in learning basic theatre and acting skills including pantomime, improvisation, vocal production, stage geography and terminology and is an introduction to monologue and scene work. Memorization of monologue and scene work is expected. Student will act on a daily basis, write their own scenes and produce productions.
Theatre Workshop II is for the student who has developed a deeper interest in drama. In this course students will spend more time on scene work and monologs. They will also learn more of historical eras and styles of drama and acting. Since this is an advanced class, students will be required to do additional work as they concentrate on studying drama in greater depth.
Prerequisite: (4 ) “B-“ or better I Theatre Workshop I
56214 56224 56234 56244 CONCERT & PARADE BAND
The Durfee High School Band program is open to any student who plays an appropriate band instrument. Band members must attend all rehearsals, concerts, and parades scheduled for the group. The band performs several concerts and parades throughout the year. All students will audition for placement within the band. This course may be repeated for credit.
This ensemble receives training in the fundamentals of playing contemporary musical styles. In addition, students will learn improvisation. Jazz Band members perform outside of school at various functions. Grading is done in conjunction with in-class assessment and attendance at all performances. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: (3) An audition with the instructor is required.
56284 INTRODUCTION TO PERCUSSION
This percussion class is for the student who is interested in learning how to perform the various instruments of the percussion family (snare drum, xylophone, timpani, drum-set, etc.).
The Percussion Ensemble is a performing ensemble in which students perform music written for a group of percussion instruments. The class will perform at concerts and other performance opportunities. Students must audition for placement within the ensemble. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: “B” or higher in Introduction to Percussion. (8) Permission of instructor.
This course is intended for any student who plays an orchestral instrument. In this course students explore and learn all styles of orchestral music, are afforded opportunities to perform in large groups, small ensembles and to perform solos. All students are required to perform in a concert held at the end of each semester as well as at other school functions such as the National Honor Society Induction.
It is recommended that students enrolled in this course, practice individually each week at home to improve their class performance. Orchestra affords students, who play a musical instrument, extensive opportunities for growth in performing orchestral repertoire, encompassing all genres of music and literature, from classical to contemporary. A wide range of selections include works from Dvorak, Beethoven, Handel, Bach, Del Borgo, and Smith. This course may be repeated for credit.
This course is intended for any student who plays a string instrument. This course explores all styles of string orchestra music. There are opportunities for the more advance players to perform solos. Students learn music by practicing in large groups and small sectionals. All students are required to perform in concerts held at the end of each semester. The String Orchestra performs for many school functions.
Students in this course are requested to practice individually each week at home to improve their class performance. String Orchestra affords students, who play a string instrument, extensive opportunities for growth in performing a repertoire of musical compositions encompassing all genres of music from classical to contemporary. This course may be repeated for credit.
Mixed Chorus is intended for students who want to sing in large groups and perform a variety of styles of choral music. Students sing in 3 or 4 voice parts and are graded on effort and participation within the class. There is one concert per semester and attendance is required in order to receive credit. This course may be repeated for credit.
56474 HISTORY OF AMERICAN FILM I
This course will study the greatest films of the 20 th century. Semester I will examine films of the 1900's – 1940's. The most significant films of each decade and examples of the finest directors will be the main focus. This course will examine the entire culture of the times and focus of film: Does it create culture or does it examine culture?
56484 HISTORY OF AMERICAN FILM II
This course will study the greatest films of the 20 th century. Semester II will examine films of the 1950's – 2000. The most significant films of each decade and examples of the finest directors will be the main focus. This course will examine the entire culture of the times and focus of film: Does it create culture or does it examine culture?
This course is intended for those students who want to explore singing techniques in a variety of styles of music. Students will learn to properly create sound, how to breathe correctly and how best to use their voices. Art songs, pop music and musical theatre styles are incorporated into this singing class. Small groups and solo singing are introduced as well. This can be considered a voice class in a group setting
This course is intended for those students who want to continue to focus on the study of production values and the technical aspects of theatrical production. Elements studied included: lighting design and production/operation, set design and construction, sound design and production/operation.
Prerequisite: (7) Passing grade in previous music or theatre class at Durfee or permission from the instructor.
This course is intended for those students who want to continue to focus on the study of production values and the technical aspects of theatrical production. Subjects studied are: make-up design and execution, costume design and construction, and stage management.
Prerequisite: (1) Student must have a passing grade in the previous course in the group.
56534 AUDIO RECORDING TECHNOLOGY I
This course is intended for those students who want to study audio engineering. Students will learn the fundamental concepts of analog recordings as well as computer-based recording techniques and will have hands-on training in these areas.
Prerequisite: (7) Passing grade in previous music or theatre class at Durfee or permission from the instructor.
56534 AUDIO RECORDING TECHNOLOGY II
This course is intended for those students who want to continue their study of audio engineering. Students will learn the fundamental concepts of analog recordings as well as computer-based recording techniques and will have hands-on training in these areas.
Prerequisite: (1) Student must have a passing grade in the previous course in the group.
This course is designed for the serious music students who have basic understanding of music in its written form. Singing is a requirement. Students will learn how to write music.
Prerequisite: (7) Passing grade in a previous music or theatre class at Durfee or permission from the instructor.
Complex harmonic structures will be explored in this course. Preparation for Honors Music Theory and the Advanced Placement Music Theory Test will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: (6) Minimum of “B-“ in the previous course in the group.
56714 PIANO LAB I
Piano Lab is intended for any student who is interested in applying the fundamental principles of music and integration of music principles with the introduction in basic keyboard skills. Students will learn to play the piano while understanding the basics of music.
56724 PIANO LAB II
This course is a natural extension of Piano Lab I/Music Theory I. In this course students will continue to learn more of the fundamental principles of music and the basic/intermediate piano keyboard skills to which they are applied. Students will learn to play more advanced traditional, as well as contemporary repertoire. Some singing in reference to intervals and scales is required. Owning a keyboard for home study is useful but not required.
Prerequisite: (2) Passing grade in Piano Lab I or permission from the instructor.
56924 INDEPENDENT PERFORMING ARTS
Permission must be granted by instructor. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: (8) Class is given by permission from the instructor only.