Dance III
1 Credit • Grades 11 , & 12 Prerequisite : Dance II and approval of the instructor
Students will build on the skills and techniques gained in Dance I and Dance II . This course stresses the development of strength , flexibility , and endurance of the physical body ; the ability of students to work cooperatively with others ; and the maturation of performance skills , including the range of dynamics , projection , and expression . Also included are technical requirements , such as lighting , sets , costuming , performance spaces , and the documentation and notation of dances . Out-of-school rehearsals and performances are required .
Choreography Lab
0.5 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 , & 12 Prerequisite : Dance I or permission from the instructor
In this semester-long course , students will expand upon their knowledge of choreography by exploring new ways of composition through time , space , and energy studies . Students will create work upon themselves and their peers using their expanded understanding of composition . The course will include critical analysis of individual , peer , and professional work as well as studio work . Reading and writing assignments may be required in conjunction with course projects . Feedback sessions between students will be a regular part of this class and participation will be an important portion of the student ’ s grade .
Performance and Repertory : Dance Company
1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 , & 12 Prerequisite : Dance I and an audition in the spring
This is an opportunity for experienced dancers to gain performing and choreographic experience . Students will refine kinesthetic and spatial awareness , working toward greater musicality and expressiveness with a variety of choreographers . The company will perform at Thornton Academy as well as at other schools and venues . Students will learn about approaches to building a repertory , as well as the many technical aspects of performance and company management . Outside rehearsal and performance time is required . NOTE : This course may be repeated for credit .
MUSIC
Piano Lab
0.5 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , & 12
Open to all who want to learn piano , this class is taught on MIDI keyboards with a computer program to guide students through the basics of reading music , and the proper techniques of playing the piano . Students will learn how to read and perform a variety of music , including classical , jazz , and pop . Learning to play the piano is the perfect stepping-stone to playing any instrument as students will learn theory that can be applied to all music . Since access to the computer program is only available during class , regular attendance is critical to success in this course .
Guitar Fundamentals
0.5 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , & 12
This course focuses on the fundamentals of beginner guitar playing . Students will learn tablature , chord frames , and sheet music , starting with the 4-chord song . This is a hands-on class that requires each student to have an acoustic ( non-amplified ) instrument .
Songwriting
0.5 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , & 12
During this class , students will explore the ingredients of songwriting and audio production from various music genres . The semester begins with an introduction to digital music and audio recording , and culminates with an independent student-designed songwriting project . Previous experience with a musical instrument or choir is recommended , but not required .
American Music History
0.5 credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , 12
This course traces the history of music from the turn of the century to the present . The course of study begins with African American spirituals , blues and jazz , includes American classical Masters and continues through the pop music of today . Projects , papers , and playlists are among the required assignments .
Music Theory
1 Credit • Grades 9,10,11 , & 12
In this course , students will learn skills that include reading music , identifying notes , playing basic rhythms , and hearing major and minor chords . Online tools and paper resources will assist students as they learn to read and associate the written and aural music in this class . This class also offers an in-depth look at music theory through analysis , modulations , chord progressions , and transposition . Projects include arranging for band , orchestra , and rock ensembles .
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