skills as well as acquiring the knowledge
and skills needed for effective
performing. The development of 20th
century modern dance will be expanded
upon. Students will perform dances
in different mediums such as musical
theatre, film and video. Students will
also explore choreographic processes
through improvisation, abstraction,
deconstruction, and inversion. Through
these activities, they will develop a
framework and language for dance
criticism. Class assignments and outside
tasks may include reading, writing,
choreographic work, rehearsals and
performance projects. Participation in
public performances may be required.
Students have the option to apply to
serve as a Dance Intern in this course
after completion of Dance I by meeting
with the Dance instructor. Interns
will work under the guidance of the
instructor. Meetings with the instructor
outside of class of required, as well as
attendance at associated rehearsals and
events.
Dance III
1 credit
Grades 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Dance II and approval of
the instructor
Students will build on the skills and
technique 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. Students will explore
the craft of choreography and create
a dance based on a historical event or
theme. Out-of-school rehearsals and
performances are required. Note: This
course may be repeated for credit.
Students have the option to apply to
serve as a Dance Intern in this course
after completion of Dance I by meeting
with the Dance instructor. Interns
will work under the guidance of the
instructor. Meetings with the instructor
outside of class is required, as well as
attendance at associated rehearsals and
events.
8
Performance and Repertory: Dance
Company
1 credit
Grades 10, 11 and 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. Students will create
original dances, using choreographic
process such as improvisation, thematic
development, variation, and resolution.
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
Thornton Academy’s music program
is among the finest in the state,
and offers student-musicians the
chance to participate in high caliber
ensembles with unique and challenging
performance opportunities. Additional
classes are available that provide
opportunities to learn basic skills in areas
such as piano.
Piano Lab
0.5 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 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 music theory that can be applied to
all music. Note: Access to the computer
program is only available during class.
Music Technology
0.5 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Students will learn the basic elements of
live sound, including how to set up, mix
and record sound. The course begins
with students learning how to mix and
edit sound tracks in Garage Band and
includes projects using pre-recorded
tracks to add music to movies, create
original pieces of music, write