Performing Arts

Concert Choir

Concert Choir is a vocal ensemble open to all students grades 9-12 which meets four days a week during the school day.  Students in choir will develop their vocal technique, performing, listening and reading skills, as well as teamwork and self-confidence.  Students in choir will participate in five performances per school year: the Harvest Concert, the Winter Concert, the Hearts & Flowers Cabaret, the Spring Concert, and Candlelight.  Students should register for two semesters of Concert Choir to maintain group continuity, although students may join the group for Semester 2.  Students considering the honors level should audition for Harmony.  Honors credit may be available at the discretion of the instructor.

Prerequisite: None

Harmony

Harmony is an auditioned vocal ensemble open to students in Concert Choir and Band. Harmony rehearses on Tuesday evenings. Students in Harmony will participate in five performances a year: the Harvest Concert, the Winter Concert, the Hearts & Flowers Cabaret, the Spring Concert and Candlelight.  Students should have previous experience singing in a choir and have a rudimentary knowledge of reading music.  Honors credit will be given in connection with Concert Choir.  Students should register for two semesters of Harmony to maintain group continuity, although students may join the group for Semester 2.

Prerequisite: Open to students in Concert Choir upon audition.

Questions? Please contact Evann Carter e.carter@hwschools.net 

Concert Band

Concert Band is a large performance ensemble that meets multiple times a week, and provides musicians with the opportunity to perform and analyze a wide variety of repertoire  from historical to modern compositions.  Concert Band performs many times throughout the school year.  There are a number of components to Concert Band: the Pep Band performs at all home football games as well as local parades.  Jazz Combo meets one day a week and gives honor’s credit to Concert Band.  The Concert Band performs seasonal concerts as well as other venues such as festivals, graduation, and competitions.  Attendance is mandatory at all performances.

Prerequisite: Fundamental instrumental ability

Jazz Band

Jazz Band explores the language of “swing” music by performing the literature of Jazz standards from 1900 to the present.  Students will be exposed to many types of Jazz, from Fusion to Bop, and will learn the fundamentals of improvisation.  Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00pm in the Music room.  Jazz Band performs at the seasonal concerts with the Concert Band as well as other venues such as local functions and festivals.  Jazz Band can be applied to Concert Band for honors credit.

Prerequisite:  Open to students in Concert Band upon successful audition.  Fundamental instrumental ability.

Questions? Please contact Erik Fecke at e.fecke@hwschools.net

Theatre 

This course will give the student a basic overview of performance including improvisation, beginning acting techniques, dramaturgy and script analysis.  The focus on the class will be the individual’s “presentation of self” and group ensemble building.  All students are welcome. Honors students are required to create one additional independent project quarterly. The choice to pursue the Honors track requires a significant additional commitment of time and energy on the part of the student. Honors students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.

Prerequisite: None

Theatre Technology and Design

Not all action in theatre occurs on the stage.  This semester elective trains students in lighting, set, and sound design, which are all crucial aspects of a theatre production.  Students also study theater history and video production.  Students may elect Theatre Technology repeatedly to expand their understanding, skills, and knowledge of theatre technology and equipment. Honors students are required to create one additional independent research project quarterly. The choice to pursue the Honors track requires a significant additional commitment of time and energy on the part of the student. Students may be required to assist with technical requirements for school functions and productions.  

Prerequisite: None 

Public Speaking: Effective Communication

Verbal communication is one of the most valued skills in both higher education and the professional world yet it is also the least studied and practiced.  In this course students will  explore and apply various techniques and strategies for effective interpersonal  (one on one), small group and public communication.  Class work will focus on the individual student’s needs in becoming a successful public speaker and assist them in acquiring the required skills needed to become a successful communicator within a variety of contexts. Honors students are required to create one additional independent project quarterly. Honors students are also required to write and give one additional speech per quarter.   The choice to pursue the Honors track requires a significant additional commitment of time and energy on the part of the student.

Prerequisite: None