Some of the courses listed below are not offered this year. Our program of studies will be revised this year. If you have any questions, please contact us.
PERFORMING ARTS COURSES
The Performing Arts unite and integrate all other core studies – math, science, history, and language. The members of the Performing Arts faculty feel that the Performing Arts program fosters the expressive and artistic nature and abilities of the whole child, while developing educated observers, creators and participants.
Students who elect courses from the Performing Arts Department are:
Responsible individuals who:
? Solve problems critically and analytically.
? Create original ideas and solutions.
? Understand and appreciate the Island community and one’s unique connection to Martha’s Vineyard.
Competent learners who:
? Employ various forms of technology.
? Demonstrate skill and knowledge in a variety of disciplines.
? Become citizens who have a sense of their own and global history.
Complex thinkers who:
? Become capable of self-reflection.
? Accept and use constructive criticism.
? Function effectively as members of a team.
Some Performing Arts Electives not in the current Program of Studies will be available to students to enroll during the summer and in the fall.
ORCHESTRA
5 Credits Full Year Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Seating of the Orchestra is by recommendation of the elementary string teacher or by audition. The Orchestra will prepare and perform standard string orchestra and full orchestra repertoire. Additional opportunities include local, regional, and state audition and festival participation, school quartet, and small chamber group activities. Attendance and correct concert dress are required at the department concerts, which are held throughout the year.
CONCERT BAND
5 Credits Full Year Unweighted
Prerequisite: Recommendation of the department.
Seating of the Concert Band is by recommendation of the elementary instrumental instructors or by individual audition. The Concert Band repertoire will include marches, symphonic compositions and orchestral transcriptions. One lesson per week is recommended. Additional opportunities include participation in local, regional, and state auditions and festivals. Due to high school level instrumentation requirements, students may be assigned to parts other than their major instrument. Attendance and correct concert dress are required at the department concerts, which are held throughout the year.
JAZZ BAND I
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Jazz Band I introduces and develops the basic tools needed to improvise in the jazz idiom. The jazz band will perform music in a wide range of styles and genres. In class, topics include: scales, modes, 12 bar blues, jazz patterns, and improvisation techniques. Where applicable, jazz band members must participate in concert band. Attendance and correct concert dress are required at the department concerts, which are held throughout the year.
JAZZ BAND II
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: Jazz Band I
Jazz Band II continues the basic tools needed to improvise in the jazz idiom. The jazz band will perform music in a wide range of styles and genres. In class, topics include: scales, modes, 12 bar blues, jazz patterns, and improvisation techniques. Where applicable, jazz band members must participate in concert band. Attendance and correct concert dress are required at the department concerts, which are held throughout the year.
GUITAR
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This course is recommended for beginners. The material introduced in this course includes: basic major, minor and seventh chords; strumming in 4/4 and 3/4 time; music alphabet, half/whole steps and their positions on both piano and guitar. The student will become familiar with the names of strings, guitar anatomy, scales and scale theory; chords and chordal theory; musical symbols and several songs appropriate to the level of the students. Emphasis will be placed on playing every day.
MIXED CHORUS
5 Credits Full Year Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Mixed Chorus, an ensemble that performs a variety of choral repertoire, is open to all students, grades 10-12. Additional opportunities include participation in local, regional and state auditions and festivals. Attendance and correct concert dress are required at the department concerts, which are held throughout the year. Freshmen chorus is highly recommended as a preliminary course. Minnesingers must participate in Mixed Chorus.
VOICE CLASS - to be announced
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to introduce students to the workings of the voice and its proper and effective use in speaking and singing. We will explore the elements of the vocal apparatus, including the muscle system, breathing techniques, resonators, and enunciators. Proper diction will be explored for effective presentation of the spoken material and the music. Individual training with the instructor will also assist the student in developing the basics of good vocal production. Topics will also include sight-singing, interval training, part singing, English and foreign phonetics, vocal literature, and instruction in basic music theory.
MUSIC THEORY I
2.5 Credits Semester College I
Prerequisite: Recommendation of the department.
Music Theory I is designed for students with little or no previous musical background. The basic topics of rhythm, melody, scales, key signatures, ear-training, and harmony will be studied, as well as an introduction to form, composition, and rhythmic and melodic dictation. This course is especially recommended for students who wish to pursue vocal and instrumental performance during their high school career.
MUSIC THEORY II
2.5 Credits Semester College I
Prerequisite: Music Theory I or recommendation of the department.
This course is a continuation of Music Theory I, with emphasis on advanced harmony, composition, arranging, listening skills, and individual projects.
AP MUSIC THEORY
5 Credits Full Year Advanced Placement
Prerequisite: Recommendation of the department. Offered based on student interest. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. Payment for the exam is due to the principal at the end of the first quarter.
AP Music Theory is an accelerated honors course which integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition, and, to some extent, history and style. Musicianship skills such as dictation and other listening activities, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are an important part of the course. Students in AP Music Theory are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in the spring.
ADVANCED THEORY PORTFOLIO - to be announced
2.5 Credits Semester College I Prerequisites:Juniors or Seniors, Theory I and II or recommendation of the department. Offered based on student interest.
Theory Portfolio is an accelerated theory course designed for the student is considering majoring or minoring in the fields of music performance or music education. Projects may include composition, integration of advanced theory concepts, arranging, jazz theory, and other areas of student interest.
PIANO - to be announced
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This course is strictly group piano lessons. Students with little or no experience are best suited for this class. Curriculum will include the basics of music reading, fingering, exercises and literature for the beginning pianist. The mid-term and final exams will include an in-class recital, as well as written tests covering the various aspects of music theory covered throughout the term. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.
SOUNDTRACK TECHNOLOGY I (MIDI/DIGITAL AUDIO AND BEYOND)
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
Learn what MIDI is all about and how to edit, arrange and experiment with music. Then, take the electronic medium a step higher and combine the convenience and flexibility of MIDI composition with the high quality sound and subtlety of digital sound recording. Learn how to print individual parts of full scores and how to add lyrics. Finally learn to save your work in the formats most commonly used on the net for web authoring possibilities. The course is primarily a project-oriented survey of understanding MIDI, digital audio and its many applications at an introductory level using Garage band, iTunes and iMovie. Projects will include the use of digital audio recordings with MIDI files, MP3’s and MPEG’s. Use your own voice in your recordings or add a drum track to your favorite MP3, film a movie and add a
soundtrack to it.
Enrollment is limited to 12 students.
SOUNDTRACK TECHNOLOGY II
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: Soundtrack I
This secondary level course is designed as a project-based course where students can utilize the skills they have gained from Soundtrack Technology I coursework in order to develop an electronic portfolio and an independent CD/DVD production. Those enrolled will go to the next level of sound editing, composition and arranging as it relates to soundtracks. Students have freedom within this class to explore other vehicles of artistic communication such as experimental creations, creating themes and soundtracks for projects developed in the television class and finding opportunities for collaborations with other art disciplines or classes using Garage Band, Finale, iTunes, iMovie and iDVD.
Enrollment is limited to 12 students.
JUST ABOUT MUSIC (JAM) to be announced
2.5 Credits Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This class is a survey course that will explore the music of different cultures, including units on the origins of American music: jazz, blues, and rock and roll, as well as hands-on units in drumming. Students are introduced to the various families of instruments and, depending on instrument availability; those enrolled will have the opportunity to play their own instruments in organized jam sessions. Topics will be based on student interest.
THEATRE WORKSHOP I
5/2.5 Credits Full/Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: None
This is a survey and practical course in the theatre arts. Areas of study include dramatic literature, history of the theatre, acting styles and techniques, directing, design and scenery, lighting, costumes, stagecraft, oral interpretation, TV, and film. Students are expected to keep a journal and present several projects including improvisation, a self-scripted piece, and monologues.
THEATRE WORKSHOP II
5/2.5 Credits Full/Semester Unweighted
Prerequisite: Theatre Workshop I or recommendation of the department.Students will explore intermediate to advanced acting skills, including improvisation, dance and stage movement, vocal and dialect coaching, scene study and monologue work, advanced stage terminology, and writing/directing techniques. Students will create a piece for the Massachusetts High School Drama Guild Festival and participate in the competition second semester.
MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION
5/2.5 Credits Full/Semester Unweighted Prerequisite: NoneA class for everyone! From Designing to PerformanceÉEnter the world of theatre production with opportunities for set, lighting, sound, costume and makeup design. Students will participate as performers or technical staff to produce a series of small-scale theatre performances on a professional level. Course includes local and off-island field trips as well as work with school and community personnel in the areas of business, visual arts, theatre, dance, history, and English.