Performing Arts Curriculum

In Grade 4 music, students will learn about beat and rhythm-how to keep a steady beat and read/perform rhythms.  Students will also start learning the basics of sight reading-how to sing the solfege scale, singing in tune, and how to read/sing notes based.  They will also focus on learning good vocal technique while applying each of these skills by playing various instruments throughout the year. Finally, grade 4 students will participate in our annual Christmas pageant in December. 

GENERAL MUSIC
Students learn the history of music, its origins, and historical composers and explore how music has progressed in society. Hands-on theory teaching allows students to have an experience with music, giving them knowledge and access to pursue whatever musical journey they desire in middle school.

THEATRE ARTS
This course introduces students to basic theatre skills, exposing them to the building blocks of a theatrical performance, including volume, diction, stage position, and physical and emotional character creation. This course culminates with a small performance in which the actors are challenged to put these skills into practice for an audience of their parents and peers. 

Meets the 6th grade one-year performing arts requirement.

This course is the beginning study of a band instrument and is designed for students with no prior experience on a band instrument. Basic skills such as correct hand positioning, tone production, and note reading are taught. Several performances are planned throughout the year. Rental or purchase of a band instrument is required.

The following are the Beginning Band instruments in this course:

• Flute
• Clarinet
• Alto Saxophone
• Tenor Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Baritone (Euphonium)
• Tuba
• Percussion (drums, bells, etc.)

Meets the 6th grade one-year performing arts requirement. Prerequisite: Beginning Band or placement audition with teacher recommendation.

Designed for students who have been playing for one to two years, this course offers a fun and challenging atmosphere that equips them with the fundamental skills necessary to develop technical excellence. Music theory, music history, scale, and rhythmic studies are incorporated into daily lessons. Students refine the mechanics of proper sound production, acquire knowledge of more difficult music reading, rhythm, and rhythm patterns, and further develop the social skills necessary to function successfully in a large group situation. Students participate in several performances throughout the school year. Students are assessed in both written and performance formats. Rental or purchase of an instrument is required.

Meets the 6th grade one-year performing arts requirement. Prerequisite: Intermediate Band or placement audition with teacher recommendation.

This course is designed for students with one or more years of school band and/or private lessons on a band instrument. It includes the study and performance of advanced band literature with emphasis on tone, intonation, balance, blend, and musicality. Several performances are planned throughout the year. Rental or purchase of an instrument is required.

Meets the 6th grade one-year performing arts requirement.

This course is designed for students with no prior experience with a string instrument. Basic skills such as correct hand positioning, tone production, and note reading will be taught. Several performances are planned throughout the year. Rental or purchase of a string instrument is required.

The following are the Beginning Orchestra Strings instruments in this course:

• Bass
• Cello
• Viola
• Violin

Meets the 6th grade one-year performing arts requirement. Prerequisite: Beginning Orchestra Strings or placement audition with teacher recommendation.

This course is designed for students with one or more years of school strings and/or private lessons on a string instrument. It builds on the skills learned in Beginning Strings and encourages students to develop the fundamental skills necessary for technical excellence. Music theory, music history, scales, and rhythmic and technique studies are incorporated into daily lessons. Students refine the mechanics of proper sound production, acquire knowledge of more difficult music reading and rhythm patterns and further develop the social skills necessary to function successfully in a large group situation. Students are assessed in both written and performance formats. Students participate in at least one performance per semester. Rental or purchase of a string instrument is required.

Meets the 6th grade one-year performing arts requirement. Prerequisite: Intermediate Orchestra Strings or placement audition with teacher recommendation.

This course is designed for students with one or more years of school strings and/or private lessons on a string instrument. It includes the study and performance of advanced string literature with emphasis on tone, intonation, balance, blend, and musicality. Music theory, music history, scales, and rhythmic and technique studies will be incorporated into daily lessons. This class maintains a quick pace of learning music so students should be able to fluidly read basic notes and rhythms in various key and time signatures and maintain excellent social conduct. Students participate in several performances throughout the year. Rental or purchase of a string instrument is required.

(Semester or year-long commitment) Meets the 6th grade one-year performing arts requirement.

This course is designed to help students find and develop a love for singing and performance in a fun and safe environment. Students grow in voice and develop ensemble singing. They study different styles of vocal music and develop needed vocal skills to sing in these styles. Students learn movement skills necessary to make performances more dynamic and expressive, while acquiring acquire the foundational elements of music literacy. Students also participate in various performances throughout the year.

(Semester or year-long commitment) Meets the 6th grade one-year performing arts requirement. Prerequisite: Middle School Vocal Ensemble and/or placement audition and teacher recommendation.

This vocal class is an intermediate to advanced level of mixed voice singing. Students learn various styles of vocal music and build on the foundational elements of music literacy including music theory and sight singing. Students learn to sing in two- and three-part harmony. Advanced Vocal Ensemble performs several times throughout the year.

For 7th and 8th grade students only. Prerequisite: Middle School Vocal Ensemble, Advanced Vocal Ensemble, and/or placement audition and teacher recommendation.

Students learn various vocal styles with a focus on a cappella singing and will build upon music theory and sight singing skills. Students learn to sing in three- and four-part harmony and work on contemporary a cappella and microphone technique. Noteworthy performs several times throughout the year.

(Semester) For 7th and 8th grade students only.

Beginning Guitar is an introduction to the history and performance of guitar in its many styles. It includes the study of American folk genres, such as blues, jazz, folk, and modern rock, as well as classical repertoire transcribed for the guitar. These genres are used as a tool for understanding the rudimentary elements of music, expressive devices, and how these can be used to evoke feelings and meaning in a cultural context. Students learn how to play single-note melodies as well as rhythmic harmonic accompaniment through chords.

(Semester) For 7th and 8th grade students only.

In this course, students build on the basic concepts learned in Beginning Guitar. More advanced chords are taught including bar chords, as well as alternative chord voicings in various fret positions. More advanced melodic playing and note reading is covered, and students will continue to explore a variety of musical genres and styles. Developing theory and performance practice are emphasized.

For 7th and 8th grade students only and meets annual physical education requirement. Prerequisite: Introduction to Musical Theater and/or placement audition.

This course introduces students to vocal performance and dramatic presentations. Students learn to sing and act using time-tested techniques that grow their voice while developing acting skills, improvisation, characterization, musical theater, and ensemble singing. Students develop skills needed for acting for the stage, ensemble and solo singing, microphone use, musical acting (how to sell a song), and movement, as well as understanding of principles of theater production. In preparation for each production or performance, individual auditions are required for role determination. Students participate in the spring musical production.

Meets the 6th grade one-year performing arts requirement and annual physical education requirement. Prerequisite: placement audition is required.

This course introduces students to musical theater at a basic level and is open by audition. Students are exposed to acting techniques, dance, and vocal work. This class creates a space for students to hone their skills and prepare them for Theater and Vocal Performance the following year. This combination vocal and theater course may include participating in a Christmas concert, theater festivals, and the Middle School Arts Extravaganza. Students participate in the spring musical production.

(Fall semester)

Students who love theater will enjoy the opportunity to be part of the cast who presents the middle school fall drama. From character development to curtain calls, this class allows both beginning and experienced actors to grow in their abilities through the process of putting on a show. Enrollment is not based on auditions, but students (and parents) should know that choosing this class is making a pledge to be in the fall production. Rehearsal time outside of class is required, including lunchtime and weekend rehearsals near the dates of the production (Note: students who audition for Theater and Vocal Performance may want to mark this as their second choice).

(Spring semester)

This one semester course is an introduction to acting and comedy and is a non-audition class. Students who are excited to try out their improv skills or gain new ones will love this class! Students learn improvisation games and techniques as well as explore the use of improvisation for scene creation and storytelling.

Meets the 6th grade one-year performing arts and annual physical education requirement.

This course is designed for students who plan to learn dance. There is no experience necessary. Students are taught basic technique, creativity, physical awareness, personal expression, endurance, rhythm, and basic choreography skills. Students develop their dance vocabulary and techniques in many styles of dance including but not limited to jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. Students also develop their creative abilities and discipline through performance. 

Meets the 6th grade one-year performing arts and annual physical education requirement. Prerequisite: Principles of Dance and/or placement audition.

Students develop their technique, creativity, physical capabilities, personal expression, endurance, rhythm, and choreography. Students develop and expand their dance vocabulary and skills in many styles of dance. Students also develop their creative abilities through improvisation, choreography, and performance. Students’ minds and bodies are challenged by working on their preexisting technique, focusing on refining movements and improving their skill set. Students grow in their flexibility, strength, ability to pick up choreography, placement, and coordination. Students continue to develop their creative abilities through more advanced improvisation and learning more difficult choreography. Students will develop and expand their preexisting dance vocabulary and skills; concentration will be placed on body alignment, technical accuracy, and quality of movement. They will learn multiple styles including, but not limited to, advanced levels of ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop.

Meets the 6th grade one-year performing arts and annual physical education requirement. Prerequisite: Intermediate Dance and/or placement audition.

This course is designed to develop and challenge the skills of advanced dancers. Emphasis is placed on technique through the advanced study of multiple styles of dance including, but not limited to jazz, ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. Performance skills are polished through participation in different productions throughout the year, including the annual dance concert. Personal goal setting, concentration on physical discipline, and embracing the creative process are all on the agenda. It has a focus on well developed technique, picking up advanced choreography, and stylized movement. Students are challenged by having many performance opportunities in multiple performance spaces. Students continue to develop their creative abilities through more advanced improvisation, choreography, and performance which include advanced levels of ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and tap.

(Entry into ensemble by audition)

A variety of jazz literature/styles are explored in this course, e.g., swing, Latin, bebop, bossa-nova, fusion, and others. Basic music theory, scale and rhythmic studies, and improvisation will are included. Students are encouraged to improvise during most class meetings. This is not an entry-level class, and students must be able to show proficiency on their instrument to enroll.

(Entry into ensemble by audition)

This course is open to all students playing traditional band instruments. Students must have prior playing experience in either classroom instruction and/or private instruction and be able to demonstrate proficiency on their instrument and be able to read music. Traditional band literature is explored, e.g., orchestral transcriptions, marches, movie scores, pop, and others. Basic music theory, scale and rhythmic studies are included.  Students participate in several performances throughout the  school year. 

(Entry into ensemble by audition)

The orchestra course is an ensemble for students who play stringed instruments associated with the Western European traditions (violin, viola, cello, and upright bass). Performances of various genres of music include traditional orchestral music of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic eras and the 20th century, as well as popular, rock, and jazz literature. Music theory, improvisation, and chamber music performance practice are included. This is not an entry-level class, and students must be able to show proficiency on their instrument to enroll.

Beginning Guitar:

This course is an introduction to the history and performance of guitar in its many styles. It includes the study of American folk genres, such as blues, jazz, folk, and modern rock, as well as classical repertoire transcribed for the guitar. These genres are used as a tool for understanding the rudimentary elements of music, expressive devices, and how these can be used to evoke feelings and meaning in a cultural context. Students learn how to play single-note melodies as well as rhythmic harmonic accompaniment through chords. They perform these both as solos and ensemble groups. 

Intermediate Guitar:

Prerequisite: Beginning Guitar

Students will build on the basic concepts learned in Beginning Guitar. More advanced chords will be taught including bar chords, as well as alternative chord voicings in various fret positions. More advanced melodic playing and note reading will be expanded upon. Advanced theory and performance practice will be emphasized. Students will also research habits of discipline and career paths associated with the guitar and the way guitar can be used alongside other artistic fields and media.

Advanced Guitar:

Prerequisite: Intermediate Guitar

Students will further build on the concepts learned in Intermediate Guitar. Advanced chords will be taught including bar chords, as well as alternative chord voicings in various fret positions. Students will explore intricate rhythms and mixed meters. Advanced melodic playing and note reading will be further expanded upon. Advanced theory and performance practice will be emphasized. Students will also research habits of discipline and career paths associated with the guitar and the way guitar can be used alongside other artistic fields and media. Career paths and potential college audition aspects will be discussed.

In this course the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) format of Apple’s Logic Pro X is taught. Students gain a basic knowledge on Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) and audio recording, as well as editing recorded tracks and regions. An overview of basic functions of Logic Pro X is presented so that at the end of the course, students can record their own musical projects and convert to mp3 format.

Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Recording.

Advanced students in this course expand on their knowledge of Apple’s Logic Pro X by utilizing templates, screen sets, and learning studio etiquette. An emphasis is placed on Mixing & Mastering while exploring Post-production techniques. Students learn how to mix their projects using EQ, compression, reverb, delay, sends, and auxiliary tracks.

Beginning Piano:

This course is for the student who has never studied piano. Students in this course develop entry-level keyboard and musicianship skills, including fundamental technique, elementary music theory, basic scales, pedaling and music reading. Chords and melody are emphasized, and students learn a variety of simple musical pieces and folk songs. At the end of the course, students will posess a fundamental overview of basic piano skills. This course is not for the student who has played for a few years but just wants to brush up on their skills.

(Semester)

This course is designed to develop musical skills that will lead to a thorough understanding of music composition and music theory. The emphasis is on the rules of theory and composition, ear training, sight singing, score analysis, and contemporary chord theory. Offered in a semester format, students learn music theory on a deeper level in a very quick paced setting.

Vocal audition required

OC Voices is a mixed choir experience for advanced vocal students who have previous singing experience. Group auditions are held in the spring of the previous school year. OC Voices focuses on development of a cappella sound and techniques related to contemporary a cappella singing. Students build upon development of vocal techniques that will be applied to different vocal styles including classical, pop, rock, jazz, and music theatre. The class includes advanced instruction in vocal production, ensemble singing, solo performance, microphone technique, stage movement, and basic theory. Focus on developing stage presence and understanding stage movement is emphasized along with choreography for specific performances. Students will participate in multiple public performances throughout the year.

Oaks Chorale is a mixed (SATB) choir course. Instruction in vocal production, ensemble singing, solos performance, microphone technique, stage movement, and basic theory is included. Focus on developing stage presence and understanding stage movement is emphasized. Students participate in at least one public performance each quarter. Students learn vocal techniques that are applied to different vocal styles including classical, pop, rock, jazz, and music theatre.

Prerequisite: One year of high school choir; vocal audition required.

The course includes advanced instruction in vocal production, ensemble singing, solo performance, microphone technique, stage movement, basic theory, and development of stage presence. Students participate in at least one public performance each quarter. All students are required to be in a small performing ensemble (duets, trios, quartets, etc.) and are asked to work on a solo, as well. Focus on developing stage presence and understanding stage movement is emphasized. Students build upon vocal techniques that will be applied to different vocal styles including classical, pop, rock, jazz, and music theatre.

This course is designed for students who plan to learn dance. There is no experience necessary. Students are taught basic technique, creativity, physical awareness, personal expression, endurance, rhythm, and basic choreography skills. Students develop their dance vocabulary and techniques in many styles of dance including but not limited to jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. Students also develop their creative abilities and creative discipline through performance. 

Prerequisite: Dance I or prior dance training; placement audition required.

This course is designed for students who want to expand their knowledge and ability in dance. Students should have some experience of dance before entering this class and/or completion of Dance 1. Students grow in areas of technique, creativity, physical capabilities, personal expression, endurance, rhythm, and choreography; both learned and created. Students develop and expand their dance vocabulary and skills in many styles of dance, including but not limited to hip hop, ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary. Students also develop their creative abilities through improvisation, choreography, and performance.

Prerequisite: Dance II and/or prior dance training; placement audition required.

This course is designed for students who are intermediate dancers. Students’ minds and bodies will be challenged by working on their preexisting technique, focusing on refining movements and improving their skill set. In this course, students grow in their flexibility, strength, ability to pick up choreography, placement, and coordination. Students continue to develop their creative abilities through more advanced improvisation and learning more difficult choreography and how to perform it. 

Prerequisite: Dance III or prior dance training; placement audition required.

This course is designed for students who are intermediate/advanced dancers. Students’ minds and bodies are challenged and expanded by focusing on technique as well as their ability to learn, retain, and create choreography. Students develop and expand their pre-existing dance vocabulary and skills; concentration is placed on body alignment, technical accuracy, and quality of movement. Students continue to develop their creative abilities and creative discipline through more advanced improvisation, choreography, and performance. They learn multiple styles of dance including, but not limited to advanced levels of ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. 

Prerequisite: Dance IV and/or prior dance training; placement audition required.

This course is designed for students who are advanced dancers. Students’ minds and bodies are challenged and expanded by focusing on performance. Students develop and expand their pre-existing dance vocabulary and skills; concentration is placed on style, storytelling through their movement, and performance. Students continue to develop their creative abilities through more advanced improvisation, choreography, and performance which include advanced levels of ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and tap. 

Prerequisite: Prior dance training; placement audition required.

This course is designed for advanced and pre-professional dancers. It has a focus on well developed technique, picking up advanced choreography, and stylized movement. Students are challenged by having many performance opportunities in multiple performance spaces. Students continue to develop their creative abilities through more advanced improvisation, choreography, and performance which include advanced levels of ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and tap.

In this course, students learn the basics of songwriting including what makes a good melody, form, beginning harmonic structures, rhythmic aspects, and lyric writing. Collaboration with other songwriters is an important element of this class. Production of songs is investigated, and early techniques is taught using the Digital Audio Workstation Logic Pro X to demonstrate songs written.

This course is designed for both aspiring actors and behind-the-camera artists, offering an immersive exploration into the art of on-screen performance. Students look at a variety of acting techniques tailored specifically for the camera, mastering the nuances that differentiate stage acting from film and television performance. Through hands-on exercises and scene work, students gain a meaningful understanding of how to connect authentically to the material, bringing characters to life in a truthful way. Students apply these skills to techniques needed for industry standard self-taped auditions. In addition to technique, students become familiarized with industry terminology, equipping them with the language and knowledge necessary to navigate future experiences on set. Students benefit from exclusive master classes led by seasoned industry professionals, offering insights and real-world experiences that will inspire their craft.

Prerequisite: Acting for the Camera I / Institute of Arts and Innovation Membership Mandatory.

Produced in association with the film program, students in this course will be involved as actors and collaborators in student-created filmed content. Examples of past projects are student produced films and a 6-episode web series. In addition, students continue to deepen their scene study work in the classroom and be inspired by master classes with industry professionals when not on set.

(Semester)

Students in this course learn the basics of space work, scene development, and character creation. They “get on their feet” with short-form and long-form improv. Students work to find their unique comedic voice.

Prerequisite: all students must be approved by teacher based on experience.

A small group of hunter-gatherers huddle around a fire as the chief jumps on a large rock, draped in animal skins for emphasis, they reenact the hunt. Let’s see… there’s lighting, a stage, an audience, an actor and costumes; that’s theatre! But how did we get from Ugg’s New Coat to Shrek the Musical? This course explores and learns from the diverse performance styles of the late and recent past. Topics include stage-combat, Shakespeare, clowning, and advance theatre movement. Major emphasis is on expanding physical awareness, magnifying inner-life, and enhancing performance technique. 

Prerequisite: all students must be approved by teacher based on experience.

In Advanced Performance Technique students deepen their approach for script analysis and scene study. Students establish strategies for building characters, for driving a scene and for honoring the playwright’s intent. The major emphasis of this course is on attaining truthful and compelling behavior in performances.