Performing Arts
Concert Band - Grades 9-12 - Yearlong 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 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 9-12 - Yearlong 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. As the Wind Ensemble they will perform in four concerts over the course of the year. The group will also perform at festivals around the area such as the CMEA festival. 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. Audition required for freshmen.
Orchestra - Grades 9-12 - Yearlong course
The Orchestra is for string instruments, including violin, viola, cello, and double bass. This class is a more intense study of music, focusing on major works by classical composers. Students will work on developing sight-reading skills and advanced string techniques. There will also be a deeper look into music theory. The Orchestra will perform at four 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 - Yearlong 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 meeting time is 7 a.m. four days a week. . 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 Santa Cruz Jazz Festival. Jazz Band does not satisfy the 6 class per semester requirement.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Audition required, Concurrent enrollment in another music class (Exodus, AP Music Theory, Wind Ensemble, etc) required.
Guitar Ensemble 1 - Grades 9-12 - Semester course
This course is an introductory class for the beginning guitar players. No experience is necessary, although the course is designed such that students with more experience will be able to participate in class exercises and songs in a way that will challenge them individually. The class covers correct posture, playing technique, and basic music theory, including scales, chords, and rhythm. While the course will follow a beginning method book, it will also be supplemented with learning a variety of songs including Rock and Pop music from the early sixties to modern times.
Prerequisite: none
Guitar Ensemble 2 - Grades 9-12 - Semester course
This course is a class for beginning and intermediate guitar players. The class will continue developing technical skills for playing guitar, expand the students’ repertoire, and improve sightreading skills. Students will learn how to improvise, play by ear, as well as create their own songs. Upon completion of this course, students will be equipped with the knowledge of how to learn new songs on their own. This class will give one performance at the end of the semester.
Prerequisite: Guitar Ensemble 1 and audition are required (must be able to read music).
Vocal Ensemble - Grades 9-12 - Yearlong 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 - Yearlong 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 CMEA Festivals and the Fall, Christmas, Winter, and Spring Concerts. This is a mixed choir and both men and women are encouraged to join.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Audition required
Jazz Choir - Grades 9-12 - Yearlong 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 outside of the regular class schedule 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)
Exodus - Grades 9-12 - Yearlong course
This music performance class features Exodus, the school rock band that involves some of the school's finest musicians and singers. The main focus of the band is to provide engaging and inspiring music at school and community-wide liturgies. In addition, over the past several years, the group has been able to expand its musical repertoire and perform at a variety of other venues as well. For example, they perform at the school's annual Black and Gold Gala each year at the Fairmont Hotel. Exodus is a unique group of professional quality musicians that is rarely found in a high school setting. Exodus does not satisfy the 6 class per semester requirement.
Prerequisite: Audition required
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/Film. 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 acting styles and exercises and perform scenes and monologues in class during this college style-acting 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 story and character structure, cinematography, art direction, symbolism and film genre analysis in this overview of history of American cinema. .
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Drama Performance 1
Sketch Comedy - Grades 10-12 -Yearlong course
Sketch comedy is for the advanced actor and writer who specializes in improvisation and is ready to explore the world of sketch comedy writing, playwriting, production and performance. Students in this course will study different formats of improvisation and sketch comedy from some of the most respected comedy theatres in the United States. Sketch Comedy does not satisfy the AMHS 6 class per semester course load requirement and does not satisfy the UC/CSU art entrance requirement.
Prerequisite: Audition required
Dance Performance 1 - Grades 9-12 - Semester course
This class is designed to introduce students to 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 course is a continuation of Dance Performance 1 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 Course
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. Freshmen enrolled in this yearlong class receive a waiver for Physical Development 1. Seniors enrolled in this yearlong class receive a waiver for Physical Development 2.
AP Music Theory – Grades 11-12 – Yearlong Course
AP Music Theory is a one-year class. This class is designed for upperclassmen that might be interested in pursuing music in college. The class is designed to teach music theory which would be covered in a freshmen level college class. The goal of this class is to prepare students 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.