Introduction to Digital Recording:

This semester course is a foundation for the four years of high school. This course will help students develop specific skills needed for the use of computers and technology in the classroom and its integration into the various disciplines, while emphasizing the technology of music production. It will also provide tools for Internet research, reporting, and presentations through the Podcast medium. The Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Soundtrap will be explored and utilized to produce music projects and podcasts, as well as the Apple application iMovie for creative movie/photo projects and scoring. Most of all, students will develop a set of beginning technological artistic skills needed to create andproduceindependentmusicprojectsandpreparethemforfurtherinstructioninmorerobustandindustry-standard Digital Audio Workstations, should they have the desire.

Suggested Prerequisite: Introduction to Digital Recording

Beginning Digital Recording:

The Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) format of Apple’s Logic Pro X will be taught. Students will 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 will be presented so that at the end of the course, students will be able to record their own musical projects and convert them to an mp3 format.

Prerequisite: Beginning Digital Recording

Advanced Digital Recording:

The Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) of Apple’s Logic Pro X and Avid Pro Tools will be taught and explored in depth. Students will expand on their knowledge on Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) and audio recording as well as editing recorded tracks and regions. Post-production techniques as well as writing to picture and film scoring will be investigated. Students will learn how to mix their projects using EQ, compression, reverb, delay, sends, and auxiliary tracks.

Orchestra is open to all students who play stringed instruments associated with the Western European traditions (Violin, Viola, Cello, and Upright Bass). THIS IS NOT AN ENTRY LEVEL CLASS. 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. Styles of music will include traditional orchestral music of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th century, as well as popular, rock, and jazz literature. Music theory, improvisation, and chamber music performance practice will also be included. The Orchestra members will be afforded regular rehearsal times with the Symphonic Band to form a complete Symphonic Orchestra. At least one public performance will be presented each quarter.

Beginning Piano:

Students in this course will develop functional keyboard skills that will provide self-expression and personal growth through participation in music. The course will expose students to basic piano techniques, theory, scales, chords, and repertoire as well as encompass the skills of early sight-reading and beginning improvisation. The discipline of consistent practice in conjunction with graded early-adult piano methods will aid the student in successfully comprehending the fundamentals of music reading as well as executing elementary piano repertoire. Additionally, students will be exposed to a variety of styles and composers, as well as music from the various periods of music, increasing their knowledge and appreciation of various genres.

Prerequisite: Beginning Piano or placement audition

Intermediate/Advanced Piano:

Students in this course will develop keyboard and musicianship skills, including fundamental and advanced technique, scale playing, sight-reading, harmonization, transposition, ensemble playing, accompaniment, and piano repertoire. Additionally, students will be exposed to a variety of styles and composers, as well as music from the various periods of music, increasing their knowledge and appreciation of various genres. Performance practice will be emphasized through regular Master Classes. Scalar and arpeggio techniques are studied in preparation for further work in choral, instrumental, ensemble, and solo literature.

Beginning Guitar:

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 will be 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 will learn how to play single-note melodies as well as rhythmic harmonic accompaniment through chords. They will perform these both as solos and ensemble groups.

Prerequisite: Beginning Guitar

Intermediate 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.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Guitar

Advanced Guitar:

StudentswillfurtherbuildontheconceptslearnedinIntermediateGuitar.Advancedchordswillbetaughtincludingbar chords, as well as alternative chord voicings in various fret positions. Students will explore intricate rhythms an d 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.

Open to all students playing traditional band instruments and is a year-long elective course. THIS IS NOT AN ENTRY LEVEL CLASS. 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 will be explored, e.g., orchestral transcriptions, marches, movie scores, pop, and others. Basic music theory, scale and rhythmic studies will also be included. The Symphonic Band members will be afforded regular rehearsal times with the Orchestra to form a complete Symphonic Orchestra. Students will participate in several performances throughout the school year.

Open to all students playing traditional jazz band instruments. Jazz Band is a year-long elective course. It is advantageous for students to be concurrently enrolled in Symphonic Band. Students must have prior playing experience either in classroom instruction and/or private instruction. A variety of jazz literature/styles will be explored, e.g., swing, Latin, bebop, bossa-nova, fusion, and others. Basic music theory, scale and rhythmic studies, and improvisation will also be included. Students are encouraged to improvise during most class meetings. Students will participate in several performances throughout the school year.

Oaks Chorale is a mixed choir course that is open to all high school students with no audition required. Instruction in vocal production, ensemble singing, solos performance, microphone technique, stage movement, and basic theory will be included. Focus on developing stage presence and understanding stage movement will be emphasized. Students will participate in at least one public performance each quarter. Students will learn vocal techniques that will be applied to different vocal styles including classical, pop, rock, jazz, and music theatre. This class can be taken for subsequent years and changes each year based on changing repertoire and performances.

Prerequisite: one year of high school choir; vocal audition required

The class includes advanced instruction in vocal production, ensemble singing, solo performance, microphone technique, stage movement, basic theory, and development of stage presence. Students will participate in at least one public performance each quarter. All students will be required to also be in a small performing ensemble (duets, trios, quartets, etc.) and will be asked to work on a solo as well. Focus on developing stage presence and understanding stage movement will be emphasized. Students will build upon vocal techniques that will be applied to different vocal styles including classical, pop, rock, jazz, and music theatre. This class can be taken for subsequent years for credit. The class content changes each year based on changing repertoire and performances.

Vocal audition required

OC Voices is a mixed choir experience for advanced vocal students who have previous singing experience and is by audition only. 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 will 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 will be emphasized along with choreography for specific performances. Students will participate in multiple public performances throughout the year and will represent the Oaks Christian School both on and off campus and in festivals and competitions. This class can be taken for subsequent years for credit. The class content changes each year based on changing repertoire and performances.

In this course, students can learn the basics of songwriting including what makes a good melody, form, beginning harmonic structures, rhythmic aspects, and lyric writing. Collaboration with other songwriters will be an important element of this class. Production of songs will be investigated, and early techniques will be taught using the Digital Audio Workstation of Soundtrap and Logic Pro X. Students will have access to professional song writers who will be brought in to present master classes and seminars on songwriting. (Offering subject to staff availability.)

In this course, students will learn advanced vocal technique and solo vocal performance. Emphasis on singing on stage and performance practice will be explored through the learning of specific songs in different styles with coaching for each style. Vocal genres explored will include rock, pop, jazz, country, music theatre, and classical. Emphasis on finding, developing, and performing song as a soloist will help prepare students for the college audition process. In addition to work in class, students will perform in regular performance seminars as well has receive coaching from qualified outside instructors. (Offering subject to staff availability.)

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

The purpose of this course is to familiarize theatre students with the technical arts associated with theatrical productions. We will discuss and experiment with the artistic designs of scenery, properties, costumes, lighting, makeup, video, sound, and stage management. Students will be introduced to the methods and skills employed to safely implement these designs through group projects.

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 Theater! But how did we get from Ugg’s New Coat (trademark) to Shrek the Musical? We will explore and learn from the diverse performance styles of the late and recent past. Topics will include stage-combat, Shakespeare, clowning and advance theater movement. Major emphasis will be on expanding physical awareness, magnifying ‘inner-life’, and enhancing performance technique.

All students must be approved by teacher based on experience.

Our advanced theater class has the option of two years of participation for the serious theater student. In Advance Performance Technique students will deepen their approach for script analysis and scene study. Students will establish strategies for building characters, for ‘driving' a scene and for honoring the playwright’s intent. Students in this course are expected to contribute to all OCS theatrical productions; on-stage or as a member of our production team. The major emphasis of this course will be on attaining truthful and compelling behaviorin performances.

Prerequisite: Theatre Arts I

Acting for Camera I:

This course is an introduction to acting techniques needed for creating truthful performances in front of the camera. The class format will be to record and playback students’ ongoing work to instill technical and artistic craftmanship for the camera. Fundamental skills include scene preparation, energy, focus, and active listening. Major emphasis will be put on developing an understanding of how an actor works with the camera effectively. Students will explore techniques related to commercials, episodic drama, and comedy. (Course offering subject to staff availability.)

Prerequisite: Acting for the Camera I

Acting for Camera II:

Produced in association with the OCS Film class, students in this class will be involved as actors and collaborators in student created filmed content. Examples of past projects are a student produced film and a 6-episode web series. In addition, students will study the art of creating an actor demo reel and techniques utilized for self -taping auditions.

Dance Fundamentals (Dance I):

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

Prerequisite: Dance Fundamentals or prior dance training; placement audition required

Dance Fundamentals II (Dance II):

This course is designed for students who want to expand their knowledge and ability in dance. Students should have some experience of dance entering this class and/or completion of Dance Fundamentals. Students will grow in areas of technique, creativity, physical capabilities, personal expression, endurance, rhythm, and choreography. Students will develop and expand their dance vocabulary and skills in many styles of dance. Students will also develop their creative abilities through improvisation, choreography, and performance.

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

This course is designed for students who are intermediate/advanced 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 class, students will grow in their flexibility, strength, ability to pick up choreography, placement, and coordination. Students will continue to develop their creative abilities through more advanced improvisation and learning more difficult choreography and how to perform it.

Prerequisite: Dance Style and Articulation and/or prior dance training; placement audition required

This course is designed for students who are advanced dancers. Students’ minds and bodies will be challenged and expanded by focusing on technique. Students will develop and expand their pre -existing dance vocabulary and skills; concentration will be placed on body alignment, technical accuracy, and quality of movement. Students will 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: Dance IV and/or prior dance training; placement audition required

This course is designed for students who are advanced dancers. Students’ minds and bodies will be challenged and expanded by focusing on performance. Students will develop and expand their pre-existing dance vocabulary and skills; concentration will be placed on style, storytelling through their movement, and performance. Students will 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 has a focus on technique, picking up advanced choreography, and stylized movement. Students will be challenged by having many performance opportunities in different performance spaces. Students will 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. There is fee required for Dance Company to cover items including but not limited to master teachers, clothing, and competition fees.

This course is designed to condition the body at an intermediate to advanced level. In this course, students will focus on building strength, increasing flexibility, body alignment, technical accuracy, improving their endurance and control, and working on their artistry. This class will progress through barre work, across the floor technique, center floor technique, and ballet combinations.

This course is designed to provide students with a sense of wellness and understanding of psychological principles in relation to dance. There will be a focus on goal setting, imagery, pre-performance routines, self-talk, maintaining peak performance, managing stress and anxiety, promoting healthy lifestyle, body image, nutrition, injury and rehabilitation, and self-confidence. Applying these principles has the potential to increase a dancer’s sense of self and their relationship to dance, improve a dancer’s well-being, and to help dancers have a deeper understanding of training and focus for the art of dance.

In Business and Entrepreneurship, IAI students will be introduced to the world of creating and managing a small business as it relates to their artistic endeavors and career. This will be a hands-on course which will emphasize the many aspects of starting, owning, and growing a business as an entrepreneur including product development, advertisement strategies, finance considerations, and business trends. Students will develop a comprehensive business plan which will help them manage and develop their product or skill-2022-2023 set and deliver their product to the marketplace. Additionally, legal aspects of owning a small business will be discussed including contracts, agent representation, copyrights, and protection/distribution of intellectual property.

In the Marketing and Branding course, IAI students will study real-world examples of marketing, and understand the concepts of promoting their brand in the marketplace. Subjects that will be covered will include but not be limited to social media marketing, developing a brand, ethics, planning techniques, public relations, products and services, and marketing plans. Within this course, students will begin to create their own personal and artistic “brand” which will inform how and where they will market it. Another aspect of this course will be addition of guest speakers who can offer real-world experience and advice to the Marketing and Branding students, and how they can effectively develop their own personal brand.