Program of Studies | Page 10

yearly with the Wind Ensemble to form the Symphony Orchestra. The Orchestra will perform a wide variety of literature, from traditional to contemporary. Opportunities for other seasonal and community performances exist, such as the themed concert series in February. Membership in the Orchestra qualifies each student to audition for and participate in MMEA District I and statewide festivals. Outside practice is required, as are after-school and evening rehearsals, concerts and special performances. Orchestra 1 credit Grades 9,10,11, 12 Prerequisite: By audition only This select group of strings will study and perform more advanced orchestral literature, as well as advanced string techniques. The Orchestra combines with the String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble to form the Symphony Orchestra. The Orchestra will perform a wide variety of literature, from traditional to contemporary. Opportunities for other seasonal and community performances exist, such as the themed concert series scheduled in February. As a member of the Orchestra each student is eligible to audition for and participate in MMEA District II and statewide festivals. Outside practice is required, as are after-school and evening rehearsals, concerts and special performances. Wind Ensemble 1 credit Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Concert Band and by audition only This select group explores traditional chamber and concert band music and makes up the wind and percussion section of the full orchestra. Members of Wind Ensemble are also members of the combined concert band that performs at the annual holiday and spring concerts, as well as the local Veterans and Memorial Day Parades. Additional rehearsal time after school and individual practice are required. As a member of the Wind Ensemble, each student is eligible to audition for and participate in MMEA District I and statewide festivals. 10 THEATER Theater Basics 0.5 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Theater Basics students will focus on the beginning language, history and practice of theater and performance. Through class work, viewings and improvisations, each student will develop a set of skills that will help him or her more fully appreciate the processes of theater and performance. Class work will include improvisation, acting basics for stage and camera, script reading and writing, film as a visual/performing art, and public performance opportunities with a focus on story and how the story is performed. Student goals for Theater Basics include increased confidence in public presentation and performance. Acting I – Performance and Design 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Acting I students will focus on the beginning of language, history and practice of theater and performance. Through class work, viewings and improvisations, each student will develop a set of skills that will help him/her more fully appreciate the processes of theater and performance. Class work will include improvisation acting basics, script reading and writing, public performance opportunities and a focus on story and how the story is performed. Student goals for Acting I include increased confidence in public presentation and performance. On the design side of Acting I, students will employ a hands-on overview of what is required to support stage productions. Primarily: lighting design, set design and construction, stage management, house management, props design and construction. A brief introduction to sound, costuming and make-up combine for support of most productions. Acting II 1 credit Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Acting I or approval by instructor This workshop-based course is for the more serious performance student and is designed for those interested in advancing their acting skills. Class will consist of exploratory exercises in scene study, monologue, improvisation and acting technique. Focus will be given to acting styles and character work using a variety of scripts, both professional and student-written. Both classroom performance and participation and public performance are required. A variety of live and technological performance venues will be explored. VISUAL ARTS Artists begin their journey in the TA Arts Department with Visual Arts I. This course is the prerequisite for all other visual art classes* and gives the artist a solid foundation in the elements and principles of art that are necessary for success in the advanced art courses. Successful completion of Visual Art I allows students to take a variety of semester-long studio electives and fullyear courses. * Transfer or residential students with equivalent introductory visual arts course(s) may have this requirement waived by the registrar or counselor. If you are a serious art student interested in pursuing the Visual Arts Diploma Endorsement or a career in the visual arts, a variety of courses are offered that will cultivate your experience and aptitude in the visual arts. Meet with your counselor to plan appropriate courses to meet the requirements of this endorsement. After successful completion of Visual Art I and two studio electives, juniors and seniors may take the Portfolio Preparation course and/or Honors Visual Arts. For highly