Performing Arts
Advanced Band
Grades 9 - 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (G)
Prerequisites: Audition or teacher recommendation.
Band is the most advanced wind organization in the school. This is a performance class both within the class and outside the class. Activities include concerts, festivals, solos, pep band (some football games), and ensembles.
Advanced Piano
Grades 9 - 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (F)
Prerequisites: Beginning Piano and/or teacher’s approval.
This class is for students who wish to further their piano technique. Students will be asked to assist others in class. Performing in the piano recitals held in the winter and spring is expected.
Beginning Piano
Grades 9 - 12 (year): G, CSU, UC, (F)
Prerequisites: None
This class is for students who wish to learn basic piano skills. No previous knowledge or skills are needed. Students are expected to perform in a recital held in the winter and spring.
Chamber Choir
Grades 9 - 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (F)
Prerequisites: At least one year in Concert Choir/Treble Choir &/or the discretion of the director.
This choir is a select ensemble of 15-20 advanced singers performing works from various periods, focusing on pieces for smaller groups. Members of this choir are expected to study their music outside of class. The following is recommended to each singer: participation in all performances, purchasing choir outfit and t-shirt, attendance at all festivals and retreats, fundraising, and participating in the spring tour.
Choir (Concert Choir)
Grades 9 - 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (F)
Prerequisites: None
Concert Choir is an ensemble, consisting of beginning and intermediate singers. This mixed ensemble will learn and perform works of great variety, focusing on pieces to improve musicianship. Participation in all performances and festivals along with the purchase of a choir t-shirt is suggested.
Choir 2-4 (Treble Choir)
Grades 9 - 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (G)
Prerequisites: At least one year in Concert Choir and/or at the discretion of the director.
Treble Choir is made up of intermediate and advanced singers, focusing on literature for treble voices. Members of this choir are expected to study their music outside of class. The following is recommended to each singer: participation in all performances, purchasing choir outfit and t-shirt, attendance at all festivals, fundraising, and participating in the spring tour.
Dance Survey 1
Grades 9 - 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (F)
Prerequisites: None
This class is offered for students who wish to begin a dance background. Beginning level of instruction in the following dance forms will be provided: ballet, modern dance, musical comedy, ethnic dance forms, and jazz. The emphasis will be duet and group dance compositions. This is a performance class within the classroom and outside the classroom. Dance is a physical activity course in which full participation is required for passing. Students are also expected to participate in at least two dance performances during the year.
Dance Survey 2
Grades 10 - 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (G)
Prerequisites: Grade C or better in Dance Survey 1, and/or teacher’s approval.
Dance Survey 2 is for students who are interested in mastering their dance techniques. Students will work more with choreography and performance skills as well as solo, duet, and group dance compositions.
Drama 1
Grades 9 - 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (F)
Prerequisites: None
Drama 1 is an introductory course in the performing arts. Students in this course will learn and practice various performing techniques such as breath control, vocal projection, movement, scene and monologue study including scansion, memorization, interpretation, improvisation, and theater games. Students will receive introductory instruction in technical theater topics including costuming and makeup. Students will also be introduced to theater history through direct instruction and projects. Drama is a hands-on, physical course in which full participation is a requirement for passing. Students will view and critique two theater productions.
Drama 2-4 (Advanced Drama)
Grades 10-12 (year): G, CSU, UC (g)
Prerequisites: Completion of Drama 1 or teacher’s approval
Drama 2-4 is for those who have completed Drama 1 or have additional experience in theater. This course covers a range of experiences including Actor’s workshop and other more advanced exercises and experiences.
Guitar
Grades 9 - 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (F)
Prerequisites: None
This is a class for students wishing to study and learn guitar. No previous knowledge or skill is required. The students will learn how to play an acoustic guitar. Basic skills of guitar performance and music theory are taught.
Modern Dance 2-4
Grades 10 - 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (F)
Prerequisites: Grade c or better in Dance Survey 1 or 2, teacher recommendation, and audition.
Modern Dance is designed to provide students the opportunity to continue improving their dance technique while developing their knowledge of the creative process. Students explore various modern dance techniques and the works of artist involved in the history of Modern Dance. Furthermore, students choreograph and perform original dances and present them in student-produced performances. All students have the opportunity to learn a variety of dance styles, cultural forms, and work with professional artists and performers. Students perform regularly on campus and out for the community. The class is specially designed for intermediate/advance-level males and females grades 10-12. Modern Dance fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for the University of California and graduation from Silver Creek High School. This course is aligned with the California State Standards for Dance Education.
Musical Theater
Grades 9 - 12 (year): G, CSU, UC (f)
Prerequisites: None
Musical Theater is for those who want to be in school plays and musicals. The cast for all school theater productions will come from students enrolled in this class. Rehearsals happen during class time and there will be evening rehearsals in the theater 2 weeks prior to all performances. This course is recommended for those with performance experience; Drama 1 is highly recommended. Costumes, choreography, sets, and props are used. There may be performances during the school day.