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Performing Arts
Graduation Requirement: CONCERT CHOIR (UMUS01) HONORS CONCERT CHOIR (UMUS02)
This requirement can be fulfilled by taking visual arts or performing arts courses which total 1 credit.
Note that students may NOT satisfy both the public speaking and the performing & visual arts requirements with the same course.
MUSIC
Students are admitted to an Honors Level Class who meet the following criteria:
• By approval of the class teacher • Grade 10, 11 and 12 • Displays exceptional performance and musicianship skills • Prior participation in Upper School music program • Musical leadership and/or role model in ensemble classes • Displayed service to the music program
The following classes are combined and are scheduled at the same time:
• Concert Choir and Honors Concert Choir • Opus and Honors Opus • String Orchestra and Honors String Orchestra • Orchestra and Honors Orchestra • Symphonic Band and Honors Symphonic Band • Wind Ensemble and Honors Wind Ensemble • Jazz Ensemble and Honors Jazz Ensemble • Musical Theater and Honors Musical Theater • Flute Chamber Ensemble and Honors Flute Chamber Ensemble • Chamber Repertoire Performance and Honors Chamber Repertoire
Performance • Music Production and Technology and Honors Music Production and
Technology • Piano Performance and Honors Piano Performance Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Light (Moderate for Honors)
This class is open to all students. Students in this class sing a variety of choral repertoire that spans many styles and musical periods. Instruction in solo and ensemble vocal technique, performance skills, composition concepts, rehearsal technique and music literacy is provided. Students are given the opportunity to work with master musicians from the Taipei community, furthering students’ technical foundations and musicianship. There are 3 required concert performances on campus. This choir is not auditioned, but a brief interview with the director to check pitch and range is required for new choir students prior to placement. Concert Choir students may choose to enroll in Vocal Studio (UMUS25), a supplemental vocal technique class. Students in Honors Concert Choir must have completed a year of Concert Choir as a prerequisite and are expected to take leadership roles in the choir and learn a solo art song. Additionally, Honors students are highly encouraged to enroll in the Vocal Studio (UMUS25) class referred to above.
OPUS: VOCAL ENSEMBLE (UMUS03) HONORS OPUS: VOCAL ENSEMBLE (UMUS04)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Moderate
Opus is an auditioned vocal ensemble. Students in this class sing a variety of advanced choral repertoire that spans many styles and musical periods. Instruction in solo and ensemble vocal technique, performance skills, composition concepts, rehearsal technique and music literacy is provided. Students are given the opportunity to work with master musicians from the Taipei community in master class settings and in Chamber Music
BAND
* Beginning Band Gr. 9 -12
Symphonic Band Gr. 9 - 12
Honors Symphonic Band Gr. 10 - 12
Wind Ensemble Gr. 9 - 12 (auditioned)
Honors Wind Ensemble Gr. 10 - 12 (auditioned)
Jazz Ensemble Gr. 9 - 12 (auditioned)
Honors Jazz Ensemble Gr. 10 - 12 (auditioned)
Music Flow Chart
VOCAL STRING
Concert Choir Gr. 9 - 12
Vocal Studio Gr. 9 - 12 (Sem. 1)
Honors Concert Choir Gr. 10 - 12 String Orchestra Gr. 9 - 12
Honors String Orchestra Gr. 10 - 12 Musical Theater Gr. 9-12
Honors Musical Theater Gr. 10-12
Opus Gr. 9 - 12 (auditioned)
Honors Opus Gr. 10 - 12 (auditioned) Orchestra Gr. 9 - 12 (auditioned)
Honors Orchestra Gr. 10 - 12 (auditioned)
ELECTIVES
Music Production & Technology Gr. 9-12
Honors Music Production & Technology 1 Gr. 10-12
Honors Music Production & Technology 2 Gr. 11-12 Flute Chamber Ensemble
(1 semester or 1 year) Gr. 9-12
Chamber Repertoire Performance
(1 semester after school) Gr. 9-12
Honors Music Production & Technology 3 Gr. 12
Piano Performance
(Sem. 1) Gr. 9-12 Honors Flute Chamber Ensemble
(1 semester or 1 year) Gr. 10-12
Honors
Chamber Repertoire Performance
(1 semester after school) Gr. 10-12
Honors Piano Performance
(Sem. 1) Gr. 10-12
* pending sufficient enrollment
AP Music Theory Gr. 10-12
(teacher recommendation) IBSL Music 1 / IBHL Music 1
Gr. 11
(teacher recommendation) IBSL Music 2 / IBHL Music 2 Gr. 12
small ensemble preparations, furthering students’ technical foundations and musicianship. There are several concerts during the year; some performances may be off campus. Auditions are held in early spring for the following year’s choir. Opus students must have previous ensemble experience and a good working knowledge of music theory. Successful candidates are offered a place in Opus for one year. Existing members must re-audition. Opus and Honors Opus students are encouraged to enroll in Vocal Studio (UMUS25), a supplemental vocal technique class. Students in Honors Opus must have completed a year of Opus as a prerequisite. Students in Honors Opus are also expected to take leadership roles in the choir, learn a solo art song, and perform in or conduct a small ensemble.
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Moderate
ORCHESTRA (UMUS07) HONORS ORCHESTRA (UMUS08)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Moderate
This is a performance based class for advanced players of violin, viola, cello and double bass in which skills of string technique, theory and musicianship are taught through the medium of an orchestral ensemble and chamber music. The orchestral performance experiences include both string orchestra and symphonic repertoire. Required performances are at TAS and in community settings. Master musicians from the Taipei community join the
This class consists of intermediate to advanced players of violin, viola, cello, and bass. The students rehearse and perform orchestra music representing a variety of styles and appropriate developmental level. Solo performance and chamber music ensembles may also be included. For the latter, the students are provided the opportunity to be coached by master musicians from the Taipei community. Along with the performance emphasis of this course, there is also integration of technical studies for skill development, music theory, and music listening. Students must own their own instruments with the exception of viola and double bass. For new students to the school, entrance into the class is based on a performance placement test; continuing string program students require teacher recommendation. Students in Honors String Orchestra must have completed a year of String Orchestra as a prerequisite. Students in the Honors class are also expected to demonstrate musical leadership and perform additional repertoire.
Music is important for the following reasons: it is abstract, it doesn’t mean anything outside itself. Music does not describe. Music does not narrate. Music does not tell stories. Music evokes. Music suggests, music implies, and music opens up the mind of a child in an extraordinary way. This abstraction about music is what offers a child the chance to move into a really special way of thinking.
Richard Gill
orchestra to enhance and expand the symphonic repertoire experience and provide additional chamber music coaching. Entry to this orchestra class is by audition only with consideration of instrumentation needs. Students in Honors Orchestra must have completed a year of Orchestra as a prerequisite and these students have additional performance requirements.
UPPER SCHOOL BEGINNING BAND (UMUS09)
Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Homework: Light
This class is an entry level course for students who wish to learn how to play a band instrument (or bass guitar). No experience is required. The level of instruction is accelerated to enable students to perform with the Symphonic Band after one semester. School instruments (but not bass guitars) can be loaned to beginners. Students are encouraged to select instruments that are usually under-represented in band programs, such as French Horn, double reeds, and low brass.
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Light (Moderate for Honors)
This intermediate level upper school band meets every other day. The course provides instruction in performing music through various repertoire of level 3 – 4 (medium to medium-advanced difficulty) performance literature, technical skill exercises, sight-reading, music theory, and an understanding of musical composition through listening, original composing, and analysis. In addition to the full ensemble experience, students are offered the opportunity to play in small chamber music groups and solos. Performances are given at TAS and are a graded requirement for this course. Placement into this class is determined after an interview/ audition with the directors, and consideration of instrumentation needs. Students in Honors Symphonic Band must have completed a year of Symphonic Band as a prerequisite and are required to complete additional music assignments and tasks.
* Students who play flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, or trombone are required to provide their own instrument.
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Moderate
This class is an auditioned ensemble of 45-50 players. The course provides instruction in performing music through a varied repertoire of level 3.5 – 5 (medium-advanced to advanced difficulty) performance literature, technical skill exercises, sight-reading, music theory, and an understanding of musical composition through listening, original composing, and analysis. In addition to the full ensemble experience, opportunities to perform with the orchestra or in small chamber groups are made available. In this class students are given the opportunity to work with master musicians from the Taipei community in master class teaching settings and in Chamber Music small ensemble preparations, furthering students’ instrumental technical foundations and musicianship. Required performances are given at TAS and throughout the Taipei area. Placement is determined after an interview/ audition with the directors, and consideration of instrumentation needs. Students in Honors Wind Ensemble must have completed a year of Wind Ensemble as a prerequisite and are required to complete additional music assignments and tasks.
* Students who play flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, or trombone are required to provide their own instrument.
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Moderate
This class is an auditioned group that studies and performs music in the swing, Latin, jazz-rock, and ballad styles. The course includes instruction on improvisation, jazz theory, history, listening, and performance in both “big-band” and smaller combo settings. Prior knowledge of fundamental musical concepts (scales, breathing, posture, tone quality, tuning, etc.) is required. Required performances include venues at TAS as well as the local community. Placement into the group is determined after an interview/ audition with the directors, and consideration of instrumentation needs. Students in Honors Jazz Ensemble must have completed a year of Jazz Ensemble as a prerequisite and may be required to complete additional music assignments and tasks.
* Students who play flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, or trombone are required to provide their own instrument.
AP MUSIC THEORY (UMUS16)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12 Homework: Moderate
This course emphasizes music theory beyond the fundamentals through a detailed study of notation, rhythm, tonality, melody, harmony, and form. Aural skills, contextual listening skills, and composition techniques will be refined through this course. Students wishing to take this course should have a comprehensive understanding of basic theory, plus the ability to hear, read, and notate music. The AP Music Theory examination will be taken at the end of the year. Consultation with the course teacher or an ensemble music director is required prior to enrolment.
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Light
This course is a technical exploration of vocal production as it relates to live, on-stage, acoustic performance. The history of dramatic music, with emphasis on musical theater, from the early 1900s to current professional productions will be studied. Students will sing solo and ensemble pieces from the musical theater genre. Students interested in auditioning for musical theater summer and college programs are encouraged to enroll in this course. Pianists interested in developing collaboration skills may also enroll in the course with approval from the instructor. Students in Honors Musical Theater must have completed a year of Musical Theater as a prerequisite and will be required to complete additional music assignments and tasks.
Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Moderate
This one semester course explores the avenues available to pianists who wish to perform with other musicians. Collaboration and accompanying skills are the main focus of the class. Students will have the opportunity to accompany singers, instrumentalists and choirs. Basic theory, improvisation, pedagogical and business skills of private and group instruction will also be addressed. Students are given the opportunity to work with master musicians from the Taipei community in master class settings, furthering student’s technical foundations and musicianship. This class is for intermediate to advanced pianists and requires approval from the instructor. Students in Honors Piano Performance must have completed a semester of Piano Performance as a prerequisite along with instructor approval and will be required to complete additional assignments and tasks.
VOCAL STUDIO (UMUS041)
Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Homework: Light
Vocal Studio is highly recommended for Grade 9-12 students who are enrolled in Honors Concert Choir, Opus, and Honors Opus. Students in Concert Choir may choose to take Vocal Studio as well. This class is a supplement to choir class and individual vocal technique needs will be addressed one-to-one or in small groups. Meeting times will be arranged according to each student’s class schedule. Admittance to the class is determined by enrollment in a choir class. This is a pass/fail class.
MUSIC PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY (UMUS20)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Homework: Light
The Music Production & Technology course is designed for students who are interested in using technology together with music for the purposes of creating and engineering music. The course is intended for students with varied music experience levels as well as non-musicians who are interested in gaining skills that will help them to integrate music into other disciplines. Lessons are designed to provide hands-on study of recording studio techniques and music creation. Students will create original work while developing listening and technical skills for audio production. Students will focus on many aspects of contemporary music production and creation that will assist them as they prepare for experiences that are utilized by 21st century professionals: film scoring, commercial advertising, media production, acoustic engineering, TV/Radio production, e-media/ web production, electronic systems design, music composing and engineering. Core strands of music production and technology will be covered by all students: recording/sound design; mixing; film scoring; composition/arranging; production. Topics include but are not limited to: mastering, mixing, microphones, listening, physics of sound, sound effects, recording, sound editing, MIDI, composing, arranging and film scoring. Recommendation by the course teacher is required prior to enrolment.
HONORS MUSIC PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY 1 (UMUS21)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Music Production & Technology Homework: Moderate
The Honors Music Production & Technology 1 course is designed for students who are interested in furthering their potential to create and engineer music. The course is intended for students with prior experience in music production and technology and who are interested in pursuing more advanced challenges in creating their own studio work. Lessons are designed to provide continued hands-on study of recording studio techniques and music creation. Students will create original work while further refining their listening and technical skills for audio production. Students will focus on many aspects of contemporary music production and creation that will assist them as they prepare for experiences that are utilized by 21st century professionals: film scoring, commercial advertising, media production, acoustic engineering, TV/Radio production, e-media/web production, electronic systems design, music composing and engineering. While core strands of music production and technology will be covered by all students, individuals may also choose to specialize in one or more of the music tech strands: recording/sound design; mixing; film scoring; composition/arranging; production. Topics include but are not limited to: mastering, mixing, microphones, listening, physics of sound, sound effects, recording, sound editing, MIDI, composing, arranging and film scoring. Recommendation by the course teacher is required prior to enrolment.
HONORS MUSIC PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY 2 (UMUS211)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Honors Music Production & Technology 1 Homework: Moderate
The Honors Music Production & Technology 2 course is designed for students who are interested in furthering their potential to create and engineer music. The course is intended for students who have completed the Honors Music Production & Technology 1 course and who are interested in continued advancement creating and producing music. Lessons are designed to provide hands-on study of more complex recording studio techniques and music creation. Students will create original work while further refining their listening and technical skills for audio production and will be required to create a personal portfolio. Students will focus on many aspects of contemporary music production and creation that will assist them as they prepare for experiences that are utilized by 21st century professionals: film scoring, commercial advertising, media production, acoustic engineering, TV/Radio production, e-media/web production, electronic systems design, music composing and engineering. Students from this course will have prior experience with the core strands of music production and technology and will likely elect to specialize in one or more of the music tech strands: recording/sound design; mixing; film scoring; composition/arranging; production. Topics include but are not limited to: mastering, mixing, microphones, listening, physics of sound, sound effects, recording, sound editing, MIDI, composing, arranging and film scoring. Recommendation by the course teacher is required prior to enrolment.
HONORS MUSIC PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY 3 (UMUS212)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 12 Prerequisite: Honors Music Production & Technology 2 Homework: Moderate
The Honors Music Production & Technology 3 course is designed for students who are interested in furthering their potential to create and engineer music. The course is intended for students who have completed the Honors Music Production & Technology 2 course and who are interested in continued advancement creating and producing music. Lessons are designed to provide hands-on study of more complex recording studio techniques and music creation. Students will create original work while further refining their listening and technical skills for audio production and will be required to create a personal portfolio. Additionally, students from this course will elect a large scale independent project that will utilize the advanced skills they have developed through their prior courses and experience. Students will focus on many aspects of contemporary music production and creation that will assist them as they prepare for experiences that are utilized by 21st century professionals: film scoring, commercial advertising, media production, acoustic engineering, TV/Radio production, e-media/web production, electronic systems design, music composing and engineering. Students from this course will have prior experience with the core strands of music production and technology and will likely elect to specialize in one or more of the music tech strands: recording/sound design; mixing; film scoring; composition/arranging; production. Topics include but are not limited to: mastering, mixing, microphones, listening, physics of sound, sound effects, recording, sound editing, MIDI, composing, arranging and film scoring. Recommendation by the course teacher is required prior to enrolment.
CHAMBER REPERTOIRE PERFORMANCE (UMUS22) HONORS CHAMBER REPERTOIRE PERFORMANCE (UMUS22H)
Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only. Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Moderate
This class is open to all instrumental students and pianists who would like to take an additional chamber ensemble class. Focus is on projects for collaborative performance in small groups, including sonatas, resulting in several live performances and/or recordings. Groups can include various combinations of piano, strings, winds and brass instruments as well as instrumental family specific ensembles. Admission by director approval for all instruments with consideration for collaborative instrumentation needs. Offered first semester only and meets after school. Students may enroll every year. Students may take the class for no credit, but are still required to complete a final performance project. Participation will be recorded on the student transcript. Students in Honors Chamber Repertoire Performance must have completed a year of Chamber Repertoire Performance or have permission from the teacher as a prerequisite and may be required to complete additional music assignments and tasks. Students in Honors Chamber Repertoire must take the class for credit.
FLUTE CHAMBER ENSEMBLE (UMUS23) HONORS FLUTE CHAMBER ENSEMBLE (UMUS23H)
Duration: 1 semester or 1 year Credit: 0.5-1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Moderate
Flute Chamber Ensemble is a performance-oriented class intended for flute players with intermediate to advanced technical skills. The class will explore the rich literature of music which has been composed over several centuries for flute duets, trios, quartets, and larger ensembles. Students in this class will have the opportunity to improve their musicianship and technical skills using the complete instrumentation of a flute choir (piccolo, flute, alto and bass flute). Repertoire will be performed from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Contemporary Eras, with attention to the techniques and styles appropriate for each musical period. Students will also have the opportunity to creatively explore composition for flute ensembles and study, analyze and listen to representative works of the genre. The class will perform in chamber music settings and concerts throughout the year. Participation in the class will be based on audition or teacher recommendation. Students may elect to enroll in one or both semesters of this course. Students in Honors Flute Chamber Ensemble must have completed a year of Flute Chamber Ensemble as a prerequisite and may be required to complete additional music assignments and tasks.
IBSL MUSIC 1 (UMUS171) IBHL MUSIC 1 (UMUS181)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 11 (SL or HL) Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate
Through this course, students will be empowered to recognize how technical training and creative competencies combine to inform practical work and contribute to the formation of well-rounded modern musicians. Students will embody three roles: the researcher, the creator, and the performer. In these roles, they inquire, create, perform and reflect on the course’s three musical processes: exploring music in context, experimenting with music, and presenting music. Four musical areas will be explored through personal, local and global contexts: music for sociocultural and political expression, music for listening and performance, music for dramatic impact, movement and entertainment, and music technology in the electronic and digital age. Assessment will consist of written analysis, musical composition and/ or improvisation, and solo and/or ensemble performing. HL students will take on an additional project as a contemporary music maker. IB external assessment will take place in the spring of 2023 for students completing both years of the program.
IBSL MUSIC 2 (UMUS172) IBHL MUSIC 2 (UMUS182)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 12 (SL or HL) Prerequisite: Previous enrollment in UMUS171 or USMUS181 Homework: Moderate
In this course, students will continue to embody three musical roles: the researcher, the creator, and the performer. Year two will have a more practical focus as students complete the assessment components required by IB. Assessment will consist of written analysis, musical composition and/ or improvisation, and solo and/or ensemble performing. HL students will take on an additional project as a contemporary music maker. IB external assessment will take place in the spring of 2022 for students completing both years of the program.
DANCE
DANCE 1 (UART011)
Duration: 1 semester or 1 year Credit: 0.5 or 1 Grade: 9-12 Homework: Light
No previous dance experience is required but a desire to explore a variety of dance forms is necessary. In this course, students will develop technical skills from various dance styles such as jazz, hip hop, ballet, theatre dance, with a focus on contemporary dance. Students will learn to manipulate space, time and energy in making dances. An emphasis will be placed on improving individual levels of fitness and physical skills. For students interesting in continuing their dance studies, this course is strongly recommended prior to studying IB Dance. (May receive gr.10 PE or Arts credit)
DANCE 2 (URAT012)
Duration: 1 semester or 1 year Credit: 0.5 or 1 Grade: 9-12 Homework: Moderate Prerequisite: Middle School dance, previous dance training and/or at least one semester of Dance 1
This course is for dancers who have taken at least one semester of upper school dance, one year of middle school dance and/or recent dance training. The focus of this course is on developing intermediate to advancedintermediate technical and performance skills. The emphasis will be on contemporary technique though a variety of dance genres will be used throughout the course. The students will also develop basic choreographic skills. Students will be expected to choreograph and perform their work in an informal setting. This course is strongly recommended for students wishing to pursue Honors Dance or IB Dance.
Dance first. Think later. It’s the natural order.
Samuel Beckett
Dance Flow Chart
Dance 1 Gr. 9-12 Dance 2 Gr. 9-12 IBSL & IBHL Dance 1 Gr. 11
Honors Dance 3 Gr. 10 - 12
Honors Dance 4 Gr. 11 - 12 IBSL & IBHL Dance 2 Gr. 12
IBSL DANCE 1 (UART02) IBHL DANCE 1 (UART03)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 11 (SL or HL) Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation; previous dance experience is not required, but at least one semester of dance is strongly recommended Homework: Moderate
In this course, students will study three areas of dance: Performance, Composition and Analysis, and World Dance Studies. Students will develop a high level of proficiency in technical and performance skills. They will also work through various creative processes in choreographing their own dances. World dance studies will require students to experience and explore dance from more than one culture. Some work outside class time will be required for rehearsals and research. Assessment will consist of performance work in the dance style of the student’s choice. IB external assessment will take place in the spring of 2023 for students completing both years of the program.
IBSL DANCE 2 (UART04) IBHL DANCE 2 (UART05)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 12 Prerequisite: IBSL/IBHL Dance Year 1 Homework: Moderate to Heavy
In this course, students will continue their study in the three areas of dance: Performance, Composition and Analysis, and World Dance Studies. The practical emphasis in year two will be on composition and performance. Students will complete the research and writing required in World Dance Studies. Some work outside class time will be required for composition, rehearsals and research. Research and composition and performance work will be submitted to IB for examination in the spring of 2022.
HONORS DANCE 3 (UART0131H)
Duration:1 year Credit:1 Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Dance 1 or Dance 2 with teacher recommendation, teacher permission for dancers with previous training
In this course, students will study three areas of dance: Performance, Composition and Analysis, and World Dance Studies. Students will develop a high level of proficiency in technical and performance skills. They will also work through various creative processes in choreographing their own dances. World dance studies will require students to experience and explore dance from more than one culture. Some work outside class time will be required for rehearsals and research. Assessment will consist of performance and composition in the dance style(s) of the student’s choice.
HONORS DANCE 4 (UART013H)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Honors Dance 3, IBSL/HL dance 1, or teacher permission for dancers with previous training Homework: Moderate to Heavy
This course is for dancers who have taken at least two years of upper school dance and/or two or more years of recent dance training. In this course, students will continue their study in performance, composition and analysis and world dance. The practical emphasis will be on performance and composition. Some work outside class time will be required for composition, rehearsals and research. Major assessments will consist of performance exams, two compositions and written research.
THEATER
THEATER ARTS (UART06)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light
Units of Study Include: • Orientation/Trust/Ritual • Movement/Ensemble • Improvisation • Voice/Diction and Storytelling • Script Analysis/Script Creation • Production Theater
This class satisfies either the performing arts requirement or the public speaking requirement but not both.
This course gives students an introduction to theater and provides frequent opportunities for speaking in front of others. There will be a variety of projects, including short memorized monologues and scene work; in the process, students will become more confident and creative speakers.
THEATRICAL DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (UART071)
Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light
This introductory course explores the challenges of mounting a theatrical production by providing a glimpse into each of the major facets of technical production – scenic design, lighting design, costume design, sound design, stage management, and basic production materials and techniques. In addition to exploring the design theories and their history, students have the opportunity to work on productions staged during the course of the semester. The main goal is to generate enthusiasm for and an understanding of the varied crafts which constitute theatrical design and production.
ADVANCED TECHNICAL THEATER (UART08)
Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 2 only Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: Theatrical Design & Technology, or permission of instructor Homework: Light
This course extends the knowledge gained in Stagecraft and provides students with the skills, techniques, and experiences necessary to work collaboratively behind the scenes in the performing arts. With a combination of theory in the specialized technology of theater and practical hands-on collaboration with peers, advanced technical theater engages students to think critically about production methods and techniques and trains them to think creatively about theater as an art form which is easily greater than the sum of its component parts.
What does the director do? He bears to the preparation of a play much the same relation as an orchestra conductor to the rehearsal of a symphony. But the symphony is performed by the conductor with each member of the orchestra playing under his leadership. He does not play the leading part. He does more. He interprets, shapes, guides, inspires the entire performance.
Tyrone Guthrie
Honors Theater 3 Gr. 9 - 12 Theater Arts Gr. 9 - 12
Theater Flow Chart
Theatrical Design And Technology Gr. 9 - 12
Honors Theater 1 Gr. 9 - 12 / IB Theater 1 Gr. 11
Honors Theater 2 Gr. 9 - 12 / IB Theater 2 Gr. 12 Advanced Technical Theater Gr. 9 - 12 Stagecraft Production Gr. 10 - 12
Honors Stagecraft Production Gr. 11 - 12
STAGECRAFT PRODUCTION (UART081)
Duration: 1 semester, offered in both semesters Credit: 0.5 Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Permission of instructor Homework: Moderate
This class is restricted to students with previous commitment and involvement in theatrical production who wish to focus in depth on putting the training and theory of stagecraft into actionable practice with the major productions in the TAS theater venues. The course meets after school and requires the same number of class hours as any normally scheduled class; it may be taken more than once. Students are expected to fulfill the leadership roles of lighting master electrician, stage manager, costume manager, or other production team role approved by the instructor.
HONORS STAGECRAFT PRODUCTION (UART082)
Duration: 1 semester, offered in both semesters Credit: 0.5 Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Stagecraft Production Homework: Moderate
This course is restricted to highly motivated students with advanced experience in practical stagecraft production. Students complete production assignments after school working on all the theatre and dance productions over the course of the semester, committing the same number of class hours as any normally scheduled class. Students also create a portfolio showcasing their depth of knowledge in a given facet of stagecraft - stage management, lighting design, costume design, or other technical theater area of focus. Students will face real world design challenges and the increasingly complex electronic and mechanical components of the entertainment industry in a unique supportive environment as part of a creative team. At the completion of the course, students will be prepared to pass the United States Institute of Theatre Technology’s essential skills competency exam.
Acting is simply my way of investigating human nature and having fun at the same time.
Meryl Streep
HONORS THEATER 1 (UART13) IBSL THEATER 1 (UART09) IBHL THEATER 1 (UART11)
Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12 (grade 11 for IB students) Prerequisite: Theater Arts or permission of instructor (No prerequiste for IB students) Homework: Moderate
For students who are not taking IB. Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Honors Theater 2: Honors Theater 1 or permission of instructor; Honors Theater 3: Honors Theater 2 or permission of instructor Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Homework: Moderate
This class satisfies either the performing arts requirement or the public speaking requirement but not both. IBSL THEATER 2 (UART10) IBHL THEATER 2 (UART12)
This course is intended for students wishing to continue the study of Theater arts and/or begin their IB theater journey. Students will develop a range of communication skills in depth. The course will require students to investigate the history of theater and apply theories and skills to performance. Grade: 12 Prerequisite: IB Theater 1 Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Homework: Moderate
* Photo taken before COVID-19 mask measures introduced on campus.
Guiding questions: Semester 1: What makes theater classic? Semester 2: What makes theater modern?
Units of study include: • History of theater (Greek to Modern) • Performance skills (stylized movement, Laban, mime) • World theater traditions (classic Greek, Japanese Noh, Period acting styles) • Movements (Acting/Directing theories and approaches) Semester one continues the exploration of performance and production skills, world theater cultures, text analysis, acting and directing. There is a heavy focus on the art of directing. Semester two will focus on applying all the skills developed for devising an original production. IB students will begin the journey of their final assessments of the second year of the IB Theater course. Guiding questions: Semester 1: How do I direct a play? Semester 2: How do I devise a play from a stimulus?
These studies engage students in challenging, creative, and collaborative projects (individual and small group) through reading, writing, speaking, performance, and research. Active participation in a wide variety of activities and assessments is a major expectation of students in the course. Students will also maintain a journal, write critically and informatively, and create original text. Students do not need previous stage experience; instead, they need curiosity and initiative, plus a desire to explore communication in many forms. Units of study include: • Performance skills (physical comedy, motivational acting, staging); • Modernists and Absurdist Theater (Brecht/Ionesco/Williams/Miller/
Mamet/Brook); • Directing skills (practitioners, plays and playwrights, original scenes); • Devising original works based on theories and skills developed.
Probable Texts: Medea; The American Dream & The Zoo Story; The Importance of Being Earnest; The Caucasian Chalk Circle; A Doll’s House; A Streetcar Named Desire; Selected Noh plays; selected contemporary plays; fall play/The Studio/IASAS scripts Probable Texts: A Sense of Directing-William Ball, Much Ado About Nothing; Tartuffe; Monty Python; The Bald Soprano; Summer and Smoke, All My Sons; Various world myths; fall play/The Studio/IASAS scripts
