Performing Arts: Music and Dance

Dance I

The students participate in a workshop which combines modern jazz and tap dance techniques. The students practice limbering exercises, stretches, body isolations, free-style movement and dance combinations. They learn the basic terminology of tap and practice its techniques such as shuffle, ball changes, and time steps. They learn to use the upper body and arms for stylistic purposes.

Grades 9-12 - 1/2 credit

Course fulfills partial Art/Music requirement for graduation.

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Dance II

The students participate in a workshop which combines the art of classical ballet and the techniques of modern dance. They stress correct body placement posture and carriage. They practice arm and body positions and develop improved coordination through basic combinations and patterns. Classes include an elementary barre, centre, port de bras, adage, and allegro.

Grades 9-12 - 1/2 credit

Course fulfills partial Art/Music requirement for graduation.

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Dance III

The students participate in a workshop which introduces them to a cross section of dance techniques developed by pioneer and contemporary dance innovators. The students participate in a variety of approaches to dance which stress both technical facility and the pleasure of moving gracefully.

Grades 10-12 - 1 credit

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Dance IIIA

In this workshop which combines techniques and choreography, the students develop individual creativity through personal discovery of movement and movement-related resources. Their exploration of basic compositional studies culminates in fully developed dances. They develop individual and group projects and participate in the school's Choreo Concert. Three to six college credits may be earned.

Grades 10-12 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Art of Movement I - Dance III and/or a qualifying audition.

Adelphi University (Dance 175/271)

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Jazz Band

In this weekly, full-year course, students become acquainted with the elements of Jazz and its production. They study improvisation and perform suitable literature. The jazz band performs at various school functions.

Grades 9-12 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Audition and membership in large ensemble.

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Vocal Jazz

A weekly, full-year course affords students an opportunity to become acquainted with and perform music in the vocal jazz idiom. Vocal independence and complex choral structures necessitate a strong musical background.

Grades 9-12 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Audition and membership in a large music ensemble.

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Chorus

The chorus provides a vocal experience for students. They sing music of varying styles, languages, and difficulty.

Grades 9-12 - 1 credit

Course fulfills Art/Music requirement for graduation

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Symphonic Band

Members of the band study and perform music of symphonic calibre. They provide the music for concerts, football games, parades, and school musicals.

Grades 11-12 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Sufficient instrument training

Course fulfills Art/Music requirement for graduation

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Orchestra

As members of the orchestra students who play string instruments study and perform mature orchestra literature. They participate in concerts, assemblies, and musicals.

Grades 9-12 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Sufficient previous training.

Course fulfills Art/Music requirement for graduation.

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Concert Band

Members of the concert band perform music of medium difficulty. They perform at concerts, football games, parades, and musicals.

Grade 9-10 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Some instrumental training.

Course fulfills Art/Music requirement for graduation.

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Music Theory I and II

The study of the element of music melody, harmony, rhythm, chords, vocabulary, and notation all lead to an understanding of how to compose music and how music is constructed. This computer assisted course is designed for those with intermediate to advanced musical training. Music Theory I (diatonic) may be repeated one time as Music Theory II (chromatic) and both courses satisfy the three year and five year sequence requirements for music leading to Regents Diploma.

Grades 10-12 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Sufficient Musical training

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Music In Our Lives

Music In Our Lives is the New York State mandated course for non-musicians designed to satisfy the Regents requirement for Music and/or Art leading to a Regents Diploma. The course includes the study of music from all periods in history, some musical composition, the "world-of-work" in music and a general knowledge of music and musicians. Music In Our Lives - I is offered in the fall semester and Music In Our Lives - II is offered in the spring semester. Either may be combined with Studio In Art to fulfill the 1 credit needed.

Grade 9 - 1/2 credit per semester

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