Performing Arts
The Performing Arts Department teaches skills and promotes understanding and exploration of creativity and talents. Students are exposed to a diversity of art forms, building understanding and appreciation for performance art. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for further academic studies in the arts, as well as having gained a life-long appreciation for the performing arts.
Concert Band - Grades 9-12 - Year-long course
The Concert Band is a large ensemble, which will be dedicated to the performance of concert band material. The group will combine with the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble to form the Pep Band. As a Concert Band they will perform at three concerts over the course of the year. The group will also perform at festivals around the area such as the CMEA Festival. The class will cover the basics of reading music, musical styles, performance practice, and music theory. As a Pep Band, the group will be required to play at home football games in the fall.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: none
Wind Ensemble - Grades 10-12 - Year-long course
This course is a performance-based class, focusing on concert and pep band music. The group will combine with the Concert Band to form the Pep Band. The class will learn techniques such as performing in an ensemble, solo techniques, and advanced theory. The class will travel to numerous festivals, and perform in many different venues. As a Pep Band, the group will be required to play at home football games in the fall.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Concert Band or teacher recommendation
Symphonic Band - Grades 10-12 - Year-long course
The Symphonic Band is for string instruments, including violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students may join Symphonic Band by audition only. This class is a more intense study of music, looking at major works by major composers. There will also be a deeper look into music theory, which will involve some music writing. The Symphonic Band will perform at three concerts over the course of the year, as well as festivals around the area.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Audition required
Jazz Band - Grades 9-12 - Year-long course
The Jazz Band is a select group of 20 to 25 musicians dedicated to the performance of jazz music. A student may join the Jazz Band only through an audition. The Jazz Band will perform at four concerts and selected athletic events during the year. The class will cover the basics of reading music, musical styles, performance practice, music theory and solo performance. The Jazz Band travels to a variety of locations, which in the past have included Disneyland, Reno, and the San Jose Festival of Jazz. Jazz Band does not satisfy the 6 class per semester requirement.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Audition required
Vocal Ensemble - Grades 9-12 - Year-long course
Vocal Ensemble is specially designed to teach the inexperienced chorister. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. The class covers the basics of singing technique, performance practice, reading music, musical styles and solo performance. A wide variety of musical styles are explored through the choral selections. Performances include the Christmas Concert, the Spring Concert and special performances both on and off campus throughout the year.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: none
Concert Choir - Grades 10-12 - Year-long course
The Concert Choir is a more advanced choral experience. A student may join the Concert Choir only by audition. The Concert Choir performs extensively both on and off campus for venues/events such as Great America and the Christmas and Spring Concerts. The Concert Choir participates in competitions. Men and women are encouraged to join.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Audition required
Jazz Choir - Grades 9-12 - Year-long course
This course is a performance-based, advanced vocal class, focusing on jazz. The class will learn techniques such as performing in an ensemble, solo and jazz fundamentals. A study of jazz theory will be part of the class. The class will meet and rehearse after school four days a week (M-Th). The class will travel to numerous festivals, and perform in many different venues. Jazz Choir does not satisfy the 6 class per semester requirement.
UC/CSU approved course
To qualify: Audition required (Fall)
Drama Performance 1 - Grades 9-12 - Semester course
This course is designed to introduce each student to the world of drama and the techniques of performance. Through careful study and creative exercises, each student will increase dramatic skills while gaining an appreciation of the theatre.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: none
Drama Performance 2/Acting - Grades 10-12 - Semester course
This course can be taken by audition only. Students who are not accepted into this class will be placed in Drama 2/Production and Performance. This small class (ideally 12-15 students) will focus on developing the serious student into a more complete actor. Students will be exposed to several different styles of theatre, using material from classics to recent award winning plays. Students will present several scenes and perform a final evening performance in this college style course.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Drama and Performance 1 and audition are required
Drama Performance 2/Film - Grades 10-12 - Semester course
This course is a continuation of Drama Performance 1, with an emphasis on film. Students will become exposed to all different types of film, ranging over several different film styles including gangster, western, science fiction, horror, classic and contemporary comedy, and Academy Award winning drama. Students will learn about film structure and the inner workings of a film set.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Drama Performance 1
Dance Performance 1 - Grades 9-12 - Semester course
This class is designed for the beginning dance student and will introduce jazz, lyrical, theatre, and hip hop dance styles. Dance technique and combinations will be taught. Basic dance history, choreography, and audition technique is covered along with performance skills.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: None. Instructor assigns students to particular sections according to ability and experience.
Dance Performance 2 - Grades 10-12 - Semester course
This class is designed for the intermediate student and will cover jazz, lyrical, ballet, and theatre dance styles. Dance technique and combinations will be taught. We will cover theater and ballet dance history, choreography, and audition technique.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Dance Performance 1. Instructor assigns students to particular sections according to ability and experience
Advanced Dance - Grades 9-12 yearlong
Advanced Dance is for the advanced dancer who is ready to be challenged both mentally and physically through dance. The students will study dance performance, choreography, and dance history. As a performance dance group, the class will perform at various school events and competitions.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Audition required
AP Music Theory – Grades 11-12 – Year-long Course
AP Music Theory is a one-year class. This class is designed for upperclassmen who might be interested in pursuing music in college. The class will be designed to teach music theory which would be covered in a freshmen level college class. The goal of this class will be to take and pass the AP Music Theory exam.
UC/CSU approved course
Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP examination in May.
Prerequisite: One year in an AMHS ensemble or instructor approval.
