Courses
DRAMA COURSES
DRAMA 1-2 Year Course
Open to grades 9-12
Course Description: This course is a performance-based class that is designed to fulfill the UC prep requirements and the California State Standards for Drama. Students will polish their theater knowledge through activities which guide their learning about character development, voice expression, stage terminology, and theater history. Class members will perform scenes from various periods in theatrical history, write plays, and explore characters and space through improv. Throughout the year we will explore the human condition, acting styles, and genres from modern drama times all the way to Shakespeare of the twentieth century. It is imperative that students come prepared and on time daily due to the group nature of theater. This one-year course meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and is on the UC and CSU “f” list.
ADVANCED DRAMA Year Course
Prerequisite: Drama 1-2 (or consent of instructor)
Open to grades 10-12
Course Description: Drama is fun; it is also hard work. This performance-based class is definitely a bit of both! This class is designed to fulfill the UC prep requirements and the California State Standards for Drama. Students will polish their theater knowledge through activities that guide their learning about character development, voice expression, stage terminology, and theater history. Class members will perform scenes from various periods in theatrical history, direct group written plays, and explore characters and space through improv. We will perform a play at the end of the second semester to show our culmination of skills learned. Throughout the year we will explore the human condition through Shakespeare’s plays and many modern and contemporary playwrights. Due to the group nature of theater, it is imperative that students are prepared and arrive on time. This one-year course meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and is on the UC and CSU “f” list.
TECHNICAL THEATER Semester Course Fall or Spring
Prerequisite: Drama 1-2 (or permission of instructor)
Open to grades 9-12
Course Description: Technical Theater is a hands-on skill based class that is designed to fulfill the UC prep requirements and the California State Standards for Drama. Students will gain technical theater knowledge through activities that guide their learning about set design, set construction, painting techniques, lighting, costume design, and more. Class members will learn how a play transforms from written word to performance by helping to design and build the fall musical and the spring play. Throughout the year we will be using power tools and various electrical equipment. It is imperative that all students practice theater safety, wear clothing that is comfortable, and are self-directed learners. Students must meet behavior expectations at all times in order to remain in this class. This one-year course meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and is on the UC and CSU “f” list.
CINEMA SOCIETY Year Course
Prerequisite: None
Open to grades 11-12 (grade 10 by permission of instructor)
Course Description: Everyone loves going to the movies! This class is all about gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for what you are seeing. This class is all about the art of filmmaking. The basic outline for the fall is: 1) The Technique of Film: we will talk about the basics of filmmaking, such as photography, editing, sound, and other elements of cinematic composition. 2) The Stories Film Tell: We will examine different styles of filmmaking. 3) The Directors: Finally we will discuss the role of the director in filmmaking. In the spring we look at the art of screenwritng and write several screenplays, which will be filmed and shown in the Memorial Theater. This one-year course meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and is on the UC and CSU “f” list.
MUSIC COURSES
Open to grades 9-12
Prerequisites:
-Ability to read music
-Minimum of one year previous band experience playing a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument (guitar and piano are not used in this course) or approval of instructor
Concert Band is a performance-based class that will include performing music of various styles and cultures. Emphasis is placed on the basic fundamentals of instrumental music and ensemble playing- air control, tone, intonation, rhythm, articulation, dynamics, phrasing. Concert Band performs a minimum of three public concerts per year. All students new to the Aragon Band program will automatically be placed in Concert Band. Auditions to move up to a more advanced band will only take place if those advanced bands do not have proper instrumentation.
Open to grades 10-12 (Grade 9 occasionally admitted when instrumentation is needed)
Prerequisites:
-Ability to read music
-At least one year of performing in Concert Band and earning a ‘C’ or above on the report card or approval of instructor
-Ability to play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument (guitar and piano are not used in this course).
Open to grades 10-12 (Grade 9 occasionally admitted when instrumentation is needed)
Prerequisites:
-Ability to read music
-At least one year of performing in Concert Band and/or Symphonic Band and earning a ‘C’ or above on the report card or approval of instructor
-Ability to play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument (guitar and piano are not used in this course).
-Must be able to play a Major and Minor Scales on your instrument (percussionists must perform Major and Minor Scales on mallets).
JAZZ ENSEMBLE (Modern Wind Ensemble) Year Course
Open to grades 11-12 (Grades 9-10 occasionally admitted when instrumentation is needed)
Prerequisites:
-Ability to read music
-Must be able to play a Major and Minor Scales on your instrument
-By audition only
MUSIC THEORY (AP) Year Course
Open to grades 11-12 (Grades 9-10 occasionally admitted by petition, if space is available)
Prerequisites:
-Ability to read music
-Minimum of one year playing experience on an instrument.
Music Theory is an advanced-level course designed to explore the intricate workings of music through the study of harmony, melody, rhythm, and musical forms. Emphasis is placed on sight-singing, dictation, music listening, analysis, and elementary composition, If you are interested in composing music, song writing, improvisation, or music analysis, Music Theory is the course you will need to develop these skills and bring your musicianship to new heights. The course culminates in the AP Music Theory exam, which takes place during the end of the second semester of study. This course meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and is on the UC and CSU “a-g list".
