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

BAND  Year Course

Prerequisite: A minimum of one-year previous band experience or approval of instructor

(must be able to read music)

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description:

Although band is an elective, music is considered an academic class.  It requires skill, talent, training, discipline, repetition, and much effort.  Playing in band is challenging and FUN!  You are here to have a great EXPERIENCE.  The longer you stay, the more you will have the opportunity to play in one or more of the following bands offered at Aragon:

Concert Band (Intermediate Band) Open to all grade levels. Requires at least one year of experience on your instrument.  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.

Symphonic Band/Wind Symphony (Advanced Band) Requires at least one year of performing in Concert Band and earning a ‘C’ or above on the report card.  Open to 10th -12th Graders, with 9th Graders occasionally admitted based on instrumentation and discretion of the Director of Bands.  Must be able to perform all Major Scales on your instrument (percussionists must perform Major Scales on mallets).

Wind Ensemble (Advanced Band)This is our top performing ensemble that requires at least one year of Concert Band and/or Symphonic Band and earning a grade of ‘C’ or above on the report card.  Admittance is by audition only.  Must be able to perform all Major and Minor Scales on your instrument.  Please note that there is limited instrumentation in Wind Ensemble and therefore you must be performing at top level in order to earn one of the coveted spaces available.


Jazz Ensemble (Modern Wind Ensemble) Our award-winning Jazz Ensemble meets daily at 7:00 AM, except Wednesdays when they meet at 7:30 for sectionals.  Although this is a zero period, you will still receive credit and a grade for the course and are expected to be on time.  This group has limited instrumentation and is by audition only.  Additionally, all members of the Jazz Ensemble are required to enroll in at least one performing ensemble during the school day (band, orchestra, or choir).

Jazz Band (Modern Wind Ensemble) The Jazz Band meets at 7:00 AM on Wednesday mornings and occasionally on other mornings and is open to all musicians with at least one year experience on an instrument.

ADVANCED ORCHESTRA Year Course

Prerequisite: A minimum of one year of orchestra music or private study; audition or approval of the instructor (must be able to read music)

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: This ensemble of stringed instruments and performs music of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern, and Contemporary periods.  Emphasis is placed upon musicianship, tone production, technique, and sight-reading. Stringed instruments include violin, viola, cello, and string bass, some of which are furnished by the school. Students enrolling in this course in the fall will be accepted only on the basis of their willingness to participate the entire school year. At specified times during the year, the strings may be augmented by wind and percussion instruments to form a full orchestral ensemble. These instrumentalists must be members of the Advanced Band and are designated by the band director. This one-year course meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and is on the UC and CSU “a-g” list.

CHORUS 1-2 Year Course

Prerequisite: None

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: Mixed choir singers develop the singing voice through application of sound vocal technique--including tone production and enunciation--and develop the ability to read music and to sing harmony parts. Music learned varies from classical to popular. This course is a prerequisite for membership in the Advanced Choir or the Chamber Singers. Members of this group perform in two concerts during the year. Open to all grades without audition. This one-year course meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and is on the UC and CSU “a-g” list.

MIXED CHOIR (CHAMBER CHOIR) Year Course

Prerequisite: Must be concurrently enrolled in another performing ensemble at Aragon

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: This audition-only a cappella group is the most advanced vocal ensemble at Aragon Their rehearsal and performance schedule is rigorous and demands considerable time outside of the classroom. The Aragon Chamber Choir competes in music festivals throughout the year, tours with other music department groups, and performs for school, district, and community events. Chamber Choir singers also serve as section leaders in Advanced Choir and are encouraged to study voice privately. Students perform a variety of styles including classical, show, popular, and jazz. Particular emphasis is placed upon musicianship, sight-singing, genre interpretation and stylistic performing. Concurrent enrollment in Advanced Choir or other music department performance ensemble is required. This one-year course meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and is on the UC and CSU “a-g” list

ADVANCED CHOIR Year Course

Prerequisite: At least one semester of beginning high school chorus and approval of the instructor

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: This advanced mixed singing group practices and performs serious music of all periods in addition to singing entertainment music of high quality. Particular emphasis is placed upon musicianship, sight-singing, and vocal technique, including tone production and enunciation. Students enrolling in this course in the fall will be accepted only on the basis of their willingness to participate the entire school year. However, students may receive approval for participation for one semester as well. This is a performing group, and participation in performances throughout the year is a course requirement. This one-year course meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and is on the UC and CSU “a-g” list.

MODERN WIND ENSEMBLE (JAZZ ENSEMBLE) Year Course

Prerequisite: 1) An excellent command of instrument and playing ability. 2) Concurrent enrollment in Advanced Band, Intermediate Band, or Orchestra. (Piano, guitar, bass, and drums may be exempted from this requirement with approval of instructor.)

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: This course will cover standard jazz repertoire: Blues, Swing, Rock, Jazz, Ballad, Latin, and other styles. Jazz history, theory, and improvisation will be included.  Instrumentation includes: saxes, trumpets, trombones, percussion, piano, guitar, and bass. Performances are an integral part of the course. This one-year course meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and is on the UC and CSU “a-g” list.

MUSIC THEORY (AP) Year Course

Prerequisite: Must have the ability to read music. May  be repeated for credit.

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: Music Theory is an advanced level course designed to explore the intricate workings of music through the study of harmony, melody, and musical forms. 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. This one-year course meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and is on the UC and CSU “a-g” list.