Performing Arts Course Descriptions

LL010BEGINNING INSTRUMENTS 15
LL011BEGINNING INSTRUMENTS 2 5

A course available to students who have little or no musical experience, but are interested in learning to play an orchestral or band instrument. The class is also open to students who are already proficient on an instrument and want to learn to play another. Many school owned instruments are available at no charge. Promotion to another musical group is based upon proficiency and the director's approval.

A year course available to students who are eligible for the intermediate band, based upon proficiency and the recommendation of the director. Many instruments are furnished by the school. During the fall football season, all concert band members should be enrolled in the marching band. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances before, during, and after the regular school day, and on non-school days, will be mandatory and is part of the course curriculum. Prerequisite: Teacher approval.

A semester course, primarily designed for ninth grade students who have not yet achieved the individual performance standard of the Concert Band. Students who are identified as being advanced are pre-enrolled in Concert Band, all other students are assigned to this class in their freshman year. Cadet Band is an intermediate step in the progress of the band musician toward a standard of high school musical maturity. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances before, during, and after the regular school day, and on non-school days will be mandatory and is part of the course curriculum.

Symphonic Band I is a year course for advanced wind, brass and percussion players. Members must have demonstrated proficiency to the director and are admitted only upon his or her recommendation. Strong emphasis is placed on performance demonstrating the highest possible standards of playing ability and choice of music. Formal concerts, festivals, occasional trips and clinical events are listed on its schedule. During the fall semester, all symphonic band members should be enrolled in the marching band. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances before, during, and after the regular school day, and on non-school days will be mandatory and is part of the course curriculum. Prerequisite: Concert Band and/or teacher approval. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

A semester course open to all students with or without a musical background. An understanding of the interrelations of melody, harmony and rhythm in music will lead the class toward a more thorough aesthetic appreciation of the great music to be found in all ages and idioms.

Music Analysis 1 is a year elective course designed to help prepare advanced music students for careers in music. The course content includes a basic introduction to:

(a) scales, modes, key signatures, musical terminology

(b) beginning harmony, conducting, sight singing, dictation, transposition

(c) analysis of musical scores

(d) orchestration and transcription

(e) composition of music

(f) knowledge of music literature and composers

This course is open to students who are presently enrolled in music classes, or those who have completed at least four years of private study on their instruments, i.e. piano, organ, etc. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

Music Analysis 2 is a second year elective course, open to all students (with the consent of the instructor) and will provide advanced music students with a continued opportunity for learning in the area of music theory, piano keyboard, beginning instruments and voice training. The first year Music Analysis 1 offers a basic introduction to elementary concepts of music theory. This second year course provides opportunity for a less structured, high ability level, directed study in the areas listed above. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

This one-semester course will explore the study of ensemble rehearsal and performance techniques. Students who desire experience in small ensemble playing should be challenged by this class. Open to all instrumental music students with the consent of the director. Ensemble types will depend upon the instrumentation of the students enrolled. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances before, during, and after the regular school day, and on non-school days, will be mandatory and is part of the course curriculum.

A year course available to students who have little or no experience, but are interested in learning to play a string instrument. Most instruments are provided by the school. Each student must budget his/her time for outside practice if he/she is to make progress. Promotion to the advanced orchestra is by conductor recommendation only. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances before, during, and after the regular school day, and on non-school days will be mandatory and is part of the course curriculum.

LL120ORCHESTRA, ADVANCED 15

A year course for orchestral string instruments only. Emphasis is placed upon the development of correct bowing techniques, hand positions, and studies of advanced phases of performance. School and public performances are given during the year, both as a string orchestra and a full symphonic orchestra. (The brass, woodwind, and percussion players are members of the symphonic band who rehearse separately and combine with the strings in after school rehearsals.) Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances before, during, and after the regular school day, and on non-school days, will be mandatory and are part of the course curriculum. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

Stage Band is a semester class stressing advanced musical skills and improvisational techniques of the professional band idiom. This class is open to experienced brass, woodwind, rhythm (string bass, bass guitar, piano, vibes, drum set, etc.) by audition or consent of the director. (Wind and percussion players must also be a member of another performing group within the department.) Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances before, during, and after the regular school day, and on non-school days, will be mandatory and is part of the course curriculum.

A year course open to students of all grades who are interested in joining a unique group which carry out the Scottish theme at Helix High School. Individual instruction is given for the pipes or drums and the dances or drill formations. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances before, during, and after the regular school day, and on non-school days will be mandatory and is part of the course curriculum.

Colorguard is an advanced semester course and students are admitted into the class by audition and teacher approval. The course develops sensitivity to the expressive qualities of music; encourages musical responsiveness; involvement and discrimination; develops awareness and understanding of the styles, idioms, performance media and purposes of music and dance that are a part of our multi-cultural heritage; and provides a sound basis of musical value. During the first semester, the Colorguard combines with the marching band and participates in competitions and various performances. During the second semester, the Colorguard competes in indoor court (Winterguard) activities as well as other performances with the band. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances before, during, and after the regular school day, and on non-school days, will be mandatory and is a part of the course curriculum. Prerequisite: Teacher approval.

LL150CHORUS, BASS CLEF 15

Bass Clef Chorus is a unison through four-part harmony unit for the student having little or no choral experience, with changed, changing or unchanged voice. Emphasis is placed on music fundamentals and techniques for proper vocal production. Students may perform in district and county choral festivals as well as in local school concerts. The students will gain experience and maturity in preparing for one of the advanced performing groups. Enrollment in this course is dependent upon the approval of the vocal music director. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the regular school day will be expected.

Mixed Chorus is an elective, performance oriented, intermediate choir for ninth through twelfth grade boys and tenth* through twelfth grade girls. Singing basics and music fundamentals are stressed as encountered in unison through octavo literature representing a variety of periods and styles. Enrollment in this course is dependent upon the prior approval of the vocal music director. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the regular school day will be expected. *Assuming a ninth grade Treble Class 1.

LL170GLEE, TREBLE CLEF 1, 9th GRADE 5

This is a choral group for the 9th grade alto and soprano voice. Emphasis is placed on music fundamentals and techniques for proper vocal production. Literature is presented for the treble voices, including unison, two-part and three-part music. Students may perform in the district and county choral festivals as well as in local school concerts. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the regular school day will be expected. Enrollment in this course is dependent upon the prior approval of the vocal music director.

LL180GLEE, TREBLE CLEF 15

This is an elective course for students with alto and soprano voices and little or no choral experience. Unison through four-part treble literature is presented, with strong emphasis given to music fundamentals. Students may also participate in district and county choral festivals while gaining experience for one of the advanced performing units. Enrollment in this course is dependent upon the prior approval of the vocal music director. Because of the performance nature of this course, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the regular school day will be expected.

Choir is a selective group with membership dependent upon tryouts and the teacher's recommendation. Generally a year's previous experience in one of the other choral units is required. Attention is given to the performance of major choral works and participation in district and area festivals. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the regular school day will be expected. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.
LL195CHOIR H5

A course offered to a highly selective group with membership based upon tryouts, observation, and teacher recommendation. The majority of students in this course will be GATE students (either by test or teacher identification). Generally a year's previous experience in one of the other choral units is required. Attention is given to the performance of major choral works and/or participation in district and area festivals or concerts. Over half of the choral literature performed will be of collegiate-level difficulty. Because of the performance nature of this course, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the regular school day will be expected. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

A course offered to a selected group of students, with membership dependent upon proven reliability of those students (absent no more than five times per semester) and upon audition/tryout. Generally a year's previous experience in Choir is desired and preference will be given to the student who can be a member of the Concert Choir and the Jazz Choir simultaneously. This class offers instruction in musicianship and vocal technique as it specifically relates to the jazz idiom. The members of the choir are expected to already possess a foundation in basic musicianship/choral technique as it relates to the classical style. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the school day will be expected. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

Ensemble I is a year course and may be for treble, bass, or mixed voices. Generally the class enrollment should not exceed eighteen persons. This is a select group requiring at least a year's experience in another choral group. The students participate in festivals and perform for the school and local groups. Acceptance in the class is dependent upon tryouts and the teacher's recommendation. Because of the performance nature of this course, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the regular school day will be expected. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

Madrigals is a choral unit of mixed voices which specializes in the singing of a specific form of music which is generally from the 14th through the 17th Century. Usually the music is of Italian, French or English origin. This group is usually limited to sixteen performers and, in most schools, is considered as an enrichment program. Students are selected on the basis of interest and proficiency. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the school day will be expected.

LL215ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY 1 5
LL216ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY 2 5

This two-semester course is recommended for students that plan to major/minor in music in college. The course is designed to improve the student's ear training, sight singing, rhythmic drills, and keyboard harmony. There is simultaneous work in ear training, visual analysis, and composition. The curriculum will follow advanced placement course requirements and students will prepare to take the advanced placement examination for college credit. Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and proficiency in reading music.

This class offers instruction in basic music as related to the guitar. Chords, note reading, picking, essential harmony, and other aspects of popular and folk music are taught. Students must provide their own instruments.

This class offers intermediate instruction on the guitar. Students learn the use of secondary chords, barr'e chords and substitute chords. They continue to develop fingerstyle and plectrum (pick) techniques and participate in solo and ensemble performances. Students must provide their own instruments.

This class offers instruction in basic techniques and music fundamentals related to classical guitar performance. Note reading, fingering and positions are presented as they pertain to classical guitar performance. Students must provide their own guitars.

This class offers intermediate instruction in the performance skills of classical guitar. The students continue to develop fingering and picking techniques and are introduced to the full bar, scales, vibrato and beginning literature. Students must provide their own classical guitars.

A semester course for percussion players. Rudiments, cadences, parade and field show music are emphasized in the fall. Solo and ensemble percussion literature and keyboard (mallet) instruments are stressed in the marching band. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances before, during, and after the regular school day, and on non-school days, will be mandatory and is part of the course curriculum. Prerequisite: Teacher approval.

LL285MUSICAL PRODUCTION WORKSHOP5

A one-semester course open to students at all levels through audition and instructor invitation (with the exception of first semester ninth graders who may be initially programmed without audition). The course is designed to develop individual and ensemble performance skills in acting, dance, and vocal music. Using materials and techniques from Broadway theater, the students will be required to learn and perform individual selections before various audiences for evaluation and experience. Students will also be required to meet performance criteria in each of the three performance areas of acting, dance, and vocal music. In addition to individual contributions, each student will be required to participate in ensemble and rehearsal performances demonstrating skills and techniques in choreography, dramatic scenes, and choral harmony. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the regular school day will be expected.

Drama 1 is the first semester of a year of study. The course is open to students in grades 9 through 12. Students study dramatic theory, pantomime, acting, dramatic writing, history of drama, and team directing.

This course is the second semester of the first year of drama. Students must complete the first semester to be eligible. A continuation of the theory of drama and use of the body in acting is emphasized.

Drama 3 is the first semester of the second year of dramatic study. Students do advanced work in their specific areas of interest--acting, staging, directing, and lecturing. Approval of the drama teacher is required. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

This course is the second semester of the second year of drama. It is designed for students who are interested in advanced dramatic work. Acting, directing, lecturing, and staging are emphasized. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

Drama 5 is the first semester of the third year of dramatic study. It is open to junior and senior students. Enrollment is based upon the drama instructor's approval. The emphasis is upon production. Students take part in rehearsals and plays selected by the instructor. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

LL295DRAMA 65

This course is the second semester of the third year of drama. Enrollment is based upon the instructor's approval and the completion of five semesters of drama. It is open to those students interested in play production. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

Drama 7 is the first semester of the fourth year of dramatic study. It is offered only to the senior student who has completed three years of drama. Students work in specialized areas of play production and may help the instructor with coaching underclassmen. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

This course is the second semester of the fourth year of drama. Enrollment is dependent upon instructor approval. Open to seniors only. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

Students in this class will study various acting styles by watching films, stage productions, and doing some performance work. Emphasis will be on styles of expression, the effectiveness of various film and stage techniques, and the effects theater has had on history (and history on theater). Students will be required to see two live plays outside of class. The final will be a performance by the student or a presentation illustrating concepts learned during the semester.

This is a one-semester course designed to expose students to all disciplines of the performing arts, music, dance, and drama. Students will attend one musical or opera, one play, one movie, and one dance performance per semester and write a critique for each. The final will be a performance or a presentation illustrating concepts learned during the semester.

This course covers the basic techniques of scenery building, stage lighting, sound management, scene design, and general play production. Technical support of school activities (such as half time at football games, assemblies, choral and band concerts) will provide realistic experience. The students will build and manage the scenery for plays presented by the drama department for public presentation.

LL332STAGECRAFT 35

Advanced theories and application of set design and construction, lighting, sound, makeup, costuming, publicity, and house management are presented in conjunction with the school's major play productions. (This is an elective course to be taught by either the drama or wood shop instructor.)

A course to introduce students to the movement possibilities of the human body. The course will emphasize good body mechanics and alignment techniques to develop muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness. Students will be given opportunities for both personal and group creative expression through this dance form. This course is also listed for Physical Education (P330).

See P.E. Section (P332) for course description. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

See P.E. Section (P334) for course description. This course meets the University of California "F" requirement.

A semester course for 11th and 12th grade students, offering an introduction to drama in which the student will read, analyze, and discuss plays and playwrights. This course is also listed for English (E240).

Advanced theories and applications of set design and construction, lighting, sound, makeup, costuming, publicity, and house management as a continuation course of Stagecraft 3 and 4 for upper classmen who are advanced students. This is an elective course with permission from the instructor. Prerequisite: Completed previous semester in this sequence.

A continuation of the advanced theories and applications of set design and construction, lighting, sound, makeup, costuming, publicity, and house management for advanced junior and senior students. This is an elective course with permission from the instructor. Prerequisite: Completed previous semester in this sequence.

L350SHAKESPEARE 15

A course for 11th and 12th grade students, covering Shakespeare's plays. Field trips and guest speakers may be used to add depth, especially during the summer when the workshop approach incorporates trips to the Old Globe Theater. This course is also listed for English (E470).

This semester course is offered as a performance-oriented production class. Included within the basic curriculum will be instructions in the fundamentals of modern, social, tap, musical comedy, ballet or interpretive dance. There will be opportunity for interested students to explore and develop skills in body movement, muscle control, and self-expression through dance techniques. Particular emphasis will be placed on the development of programs for the purpose of performance and cooperative efforts of the entire department.

A year course offered to students in grades 10, 11, and 12, who have had one year of dance and who have earned a "C" or better. The course will include a review of basic dance skills, bar work and center work, including adagio and allegro combinations. This course should be taken in conjunction with Choreography Workshop 1 (L360).

This course is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 who are interested in International Folk Dance. Students will learn to perform folk dances with the proper stance, character, and style. Students will also learn the names, backgrounds, and origins of dances from all over the world. This course, when taken with Multi-cultural Dance 2, will satisfy the one-year Visual and Performing Arts requirement for graduation.

This is a year course available to all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. The course provides instruction in the production of television programs and the use of television equipment including stationary and portable cameras, editing console, special effects console, audio and lighting equipment, recorders, TV modulators, and VTR's. Students would be involved with productions for classroom use as well as a video production of the daily bulletin over the West Hills closed circuit TV station, WPAC. Script writing, editing, and program production would be a part of the class curriculum.

L L404 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 5 5
L L405 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 6 5

This addition would add a third year to the Telecommunications course of study. Students would participate in the study/work of advanced television production which would include advanced study of areas included in the first and second year and add areas of production such as documentaries, dramatizations, and production of the video yearbook.

Students enrolled in this program will be assigned to individual instructors to develop an educational program. Enrollment and completion of this course will achieve 2.5 credits.

Students enrolled in this program will be assigned to individual instructors to develop an educational program. The instructor will designate the number of credits (normally 5 per semester).

This course has been taken by a student who has been attending a school outside the Grossmont District. The subject matter field has been identified, however, the course description or title is not readily matched with a course in the Grossmont District Master Course Title Book. Elective credit has been granted.

This is a second semester transfer course. In cases where students remain in the same subject matter field during the second semester, using this course identification will allow a more accurate recognition of the course work.