FHS Course Information
Performing Arts Department Courses

 

B-Choir
	Units: 10 Grades: 9-12		U.C. Requirement: f C.S.U. Requirement: VP
	Pre-requisites: None. This choir is a beginning vocal group. It contains the basic introduction of the first year of high school vocal music. The techniques of vocal production and sight singing are explored. This choir performs for local school and community events. Return to top
A-Choir
	Units: 10 Grades: 9-12		U.C. Requirement: f C.S.U. Requirement: VP
	Pre-requisites: Audition or approval of instructor. The students will experience a large mixed choir which provides the opportunity to perform large choral works. This choir performs for local school and community events. Return to top
Jazz Ensemble
	Units: 10 Grades: 9-12		U.C. Requirement: f C.S.U. Requirement: VP
	Pre-requisites: Same school year Marching Band and a Concert Band. This is a small, instrumental musical group of approximately 12 to 24 students who perform a variety of jazz styles. The music performed covers different styles including Swing, Rock and Latin. The group performs at a variety of concerts. Return to top
Music Theory A.P.
	Units: 10 Grades: 10-12		U.C. Requirement: f C.S.U. Requirement: VP
	Pre-requisites: Ability to read music. This course is modeled after a first-year college theory course and is for those who want to expand their musical horizons or consider further study in music. Eighteenth century harmony and analysis are studied along with arrangement, orchestration and musicianship. Return to top
Orchestra
	Units: 10 Grades: 9-12		U.C. Requirement: f C.S.U. Requirement: VP
	Pre-requisites: Audition. The course content involves the study and performance of ensemble and orchestra literature, intermediate and advanced string technique and musicianship. Return to top
Beginning Piano
	Units: 10 Grades: 9-12		U.C. Requirement: N/A C.S.U. Requirement: N/A
	Pre-requisites: None. This class focuses on beginning piano technique with emphasis on note reading, rhythms, beginning theory and independent playing. Return to top
Concert Band
	Units: 10 Grades: 9-12		U.C. Requirement: f C.S.U. Requirement: VP
	Pre-requisites: Approval of instructor. Refinement of tone and a more advanced understanding of basic performance techniques are stressed. Alternate and trill fingering are studied. The intonation, balance and blend required in ensemble playing are developed. Transposition and elementary music theory as related to band work are introduced; terms concerning tempo, dynamics and expression are emphasized through the reading of many compositions of different styles and from different periods in music history. Return to top
Symphonic Band (Spring Only)
	Units: 10 Grades: 9-12		U.C. Requirement: f C.S.U. Requirement: VP
	Pre-requisites: Audition or approval of instructor. This is a continuation of Concert Band work, with more detail in individual techniques and skills. It provides continued study of band literature, with stress on a larger and more challenging repertoire. The symphonic band performs at concerts. Return to top
PE Band (Marching Band, Fall Only)
	Units: 5 Grades: 9-12		U.C. Requirement: N/A C.S.U. Requirement: N/A
	Pre-requisites: Approval of Music and P.E. Department Chair. This is a basic twelve-week course, offered first semester only, for students who participate in the school marching band. P.E. credit is available only first semester of the freshman and sophomore year. Return to top
Wind Ensemble
	Units: 10 Grades: 10-12		U.C. Requirement: f C.S.U. Requirement: VP
	Pre-requisites: Audition or approval of instructor. This select group of about 50 is formed by audition only. It is for the serious, advanced musician only, and performs more difficult high school and some college-level music. The wind ensemble performs concerts. Return to top
Correlation of the Arts (Musical Theater)
	Units: 10 Grades: 9-12		U.C. Requirement: N/A C.S.U. Requirement: VP
	Pre-requisites: None. This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to appreciate the correlation of art, music, drama and/or dance. Students may create and develop a stage presentation which may be performed for the school and/or community at the end of each semester or year. At most schools, this course is the study and performance of musical theatre. This course may have a different name at your school. May be repeated for credit. Return to top
Drama/Advanced Drama
	Units: 10 Grades: 9-12		U.C. Requirement: f C.S.U. Requirement: VP
	Pre-requisites: None. This course is for those students who want intense training in acting. During the first year, emphasis is on voice, movement, improvisation, mental preparation, script preparation and various acting techniques. In addition, American Theatre history, audition techniques and unarmed stage combat may be studied. This course may be repeated for credit as Advanced Drama. Advanced Drama course work emphasizes reading, viewing, performing and analyzing dramatic works. Course study may include the history of theatre and theatreÕs contributions to world cultures with representative readings of excellent plays from all cultures and eras; the formulation of criteria for personal evaluation of dramatic literature, performance and production; continued instruction in voice, staging and character analysis; playwriting techniques; directing techniques; rehearsal and performance for an audience. Advanced drama may be repeated for credit. Return to top
Stagecraft
	Units: 10 Grades: 9-12		U.C. Requirement: N/A C.S.U. Requirement: N/A
	Pre-requisites: None. Stagecraft is concerned with the technical elements of the theatre. The four basic elements or units covered in the course are lighting, scenery, makeup, and costuming. Each unit is grounded in strong theoretical background before a design problem is encountered. The design problem contains practical phases of the unit. In addition to theory and design, each unit includes mini-projects, instruction in and practical use of equipment, and instruction in the historical background of the unit. Often the students create the scenery for school productions during class time. For further practical application of things learned in class, sometimes students may be required to participate on a technical crew for one of the plays produced at the school. May be repeated for credit. Return to top