Music Courses
CHORUS (CHORUS)
| Grades 9-12 | Elective | 1 Year |
| Chorus is an introductory class to the choral art form and the basic vocal techniques of good healthy singing. It provides students with an opportunity to make music with their voices using a variety of musical styles ranging from classical, sacred and secular to musical theatre. Students will rehearse standard choral repertoire for a minimum of two (2) required evening performances. Emphasis will be placed on proper performance practices for both the art of solo and group vocal performance. No previous choral experience is necessary. Meets the UC/CSU Visual & Performing Arts requirement. | ||
ADVANCED WOMEN’S CHOIR (ADV WOM CHOIR) (Not available in 2010-11)
| Grades 9-12 | Elective | 1 Year |
| PREREQUISITE: Previous singing experience and/or audition by instructor. Advanced Women’s Choir is designed for the singer with previous choral experience. In this class we will continue developing the choral art form through the study of a variety of compositions both sacred and secular. Emphasis will be placed on the continued development of healthy vocal technique, sight-reading skills, diction, and music theory. There will be a minimum of five (5) required evening performances during the school year plus additional performances in the wider community. Meets the UC/CSU Visual & Performing Arts requirement. | ||
PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE (ENSEMBLE/ORCHESTRA)
(STRING ENSEMBLE AND WIND ENSEMBLE)
| Grades 9-12 | 1 Year | |
| PREREQUISITE:At least two years of music instruction or consent of
instructor. Audition with instructor is required for all new students prior to enrolling in the course.
Instruments that qualify are: Brass, percussion, woodwind, keyboard, bass and guitar. Performance ensemble is a one-year course open to all students with an intermediate or higher performance level on their instrument. Students will perform medium to difficult high school literature across a range of musical styles with an emphasis on Jazz Big Band and Jazz-Rock Fusion. In the fall semester the Ensemble will perform at 4 home varsity football games (Jock Jams Sports Band). It is required that all ensemble students attend and perform in those games (schedule TBD). In addition, in the spring semester the ensemble will perform at a High School Jazz Festival (date TBD). This is also required. Other performance opportunities (concerts/recitals) will be included in the curriculum during the year. Meets the UC/CSU Visual & Performing Arts requirement. | ||
ACOUSTIC GUITAR
| Grades 10-12 | 1 Year or 1 Semester | |
| This course is intended for guitar players of all abilities and interests. The class will include developing repertoire in many styles, as well as scale and music theory. The instructor will assess each student’s abilities and knowledge at the beginning of the semester in order to design a program for that particular student. The emphasis will be on understanding the guitar as both a rhythm and lead instrument, and will include instruction in playing both open and closed chord positions, improvisational soloing, and learning songs for pleasure and performance. This class will include time for practice and self study so the student can develop their guitar playing skills and work toward goals established by the student and teacher. | ||
VPA PERFORMANCE GUITAR
| Grades 10-12 | 1 Year | |
| This course will allow the guitar student to learn fundamentals of music as they apply to the guitar while building a performance repertoire. Each student will receive an assessment at the beginning of the year and a planned course of study tailored to each student’s strengths and interests. Emphasis will be placed on playing the guitar solo and with an ensemble both as a rhythm and lead instrument. This class will include time for practice and self study in addition to class lectures. Performance opportunities will be included in the curriculum for the year. Meets the UC & CSU Visual and Performing Arts requirement. | ||
