Learn about Recording (½ Credit)
This semester course will explore recording with popular music making apps. Students will learn how to use the apps and create their own recordings/arrangements. Group and individual project work will be completed. Studio musicians and future sound engineers alike will enjoy this class if they want to learn more about simple engineering, the recording console, and familiarity with terms and equipment.
Survey of Music (1⁄2 Credit)
In this semester course, students learn about all types of music via discussion, video, and recordings. Learn about musical styles, instruments, notation, and elements of music. Special topics include an overview of music for stage and screen and the significance of music in our culture.
Ultimate Chorus! (1 Credit)
Be part of the Sound of Xavier High School! Learn new music of all styles and perform at school liturgies and events and in many venues beyond Xavier. Individual and ensemble vocal skills are developed and applied through the learning of repertoire. Prerequisite: Intermediate/advanced vocal experience or instructor approval; auditions may be required.
Introduction to Acting 9 (1⁄2 Credit)
Introduction to Acting will be an introductory course designed to explore the fundamentals of acting by incorporating group acting, improvisation, and creative learning to understand the basics. Students will learn about character motivation, understanding conflict/obstacles, theater vocabulary, stage directions, and more. Rehearsals for the school drama productions are completely separate from class, scheduled after school, require an audition, and are open to all levels.
Introduction to Acting 10 (1⁄2 Credit)
Introduction to Acting will be an introductory course designed to explore the fundamentals of acting by incorporating group acting, improvisation, and creative learning to understand the basics. Students will learn about character motivation, understanding conflict/obstacles, theater vocabulary, stage directions, and more. Rehearsals for the school drama productions are completely separate from class, scheduled after school, require an audition, and are open to all levels.
Acting for Film (1⁄2 Credit)
This course is designed to explore the practical and artistic elements involved in acting for the camera. Activities include the creation of a commercial, the performance of a monologue/ scene from film and television scripts and more, all with the aim of fostering an understanding of the discipline and skills needed for an actor to perform on camera.
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Advanced Acting (1⁄2 Credit)
Advanced Acting is a class for those students who have enjoyed and passed Introduction to Acting. It is a semester course designed to build upon experiences and skills learned in the introductory class by reviewing the fundamentals of acting, and is designed to allow students to fine tune their skills and explore more mature content and work. The class will cover ensemble work, movement, voice, scene and play analysis, scene work including an emphasis on objectives, obstacles, and acting techniques, as well as a unit on improvisational skills. Prerequisite: Introduction to Acting or approval from the instructor.
Stagecraft (½ Credit)
Stagecraft is an introductory course exploring the technical aspects involved in a theatre production. It is a semester course which employs a hands-on approach to exploring theatre as a collaborative art. Elements of study include facets of theatre history, playwriting, directing, script analysis, lighting, sound, costume, prop and set design, stage management and tech crew. Students will study assigned scenes and create production plans with supporting designs to articulate their unique vision of the play. Students will examine the work of some of the great theatre innovators, while developing and sharing their own designs and research during the course of the semester.
Photoshop for Designers (1 Credit)
This is a full year course. No art or computer experience necessary! Learn all the basics of Photoshop and more as we explore the fundamentals of design and digital art. This class will offer an introduction to graphic design and photo retouching, as well as “drawing” and “painting” on the computer. This class can dovetail with AP 2D design to create portfolio-level pieces. Student flash drive will be required. Separating designers from technicians allows this class to assign art projects rather than technical assignments. Enrollment is limited. Prerequisites: Departmental approval required.
Elements of Cinema (1 Credit)
Are you interested in movies? Do you follow the careers of famous actors and directors? Do you like independent films? Do you watch the Oscars every year? If so, this is the course for you. A study of the art and craft of the history of motion pictures and an exploration of the greatest films ever made. Films will be screened and watched in class. There will also be discussions about the movies we watch, as well as observations of the new trends in cinema like streaming and the rise of Amazon and Netflix.
Blue Night Band (1 Credit)
The Blue Night Band is an award winning instrumental ensemble made up of advanced music players. The band performs each year in parades (Columbus Day and St. Patrick’s Day Parades), and various Xavier concerts and functions throughout the year. The Band covers a diverse repertoire and requires a high level of proficiency on your instrument. The Band has gone on road trips and performed in many festivals around the country. Students who are accepted in the Blue Night Band must attend rehearsals from 3:00 to 4:30 PM twice per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), and all the performances scheduled for the year. These include day and evening performances as listed. Students will also be given the opportunity to apply for a position as a Blue Night Band Officer as well. Independent practice will be required.
