Performing Arts Courses
Music History
Music History gives non-musicians and musicians the opportunity to explore the background and basic concepts of music.
Music History is a year-long course designed to introduce students to the elements of music, as well as a variety of musical styles, and the western historical and cultural contexts in which these styles evolved. First semester curriculum covers musical elements: melody, timbre, rhythm, harmony, and form. The second semester briefly covers all five main musical periods: Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic, with a brief overview of modern music.
This course explores the evolution of music from the ancient societies to current popular music. Analysis, listening, and writing skills are developed within this course. All students will perform in formal and informal settings.
The course is open to all 9-12 grade students, and fulfills the UC/CSU fine arts and graduation requirement. Course may be repeated for credit.
Chorus
Chorus is a non-auditioned, SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) ensemble, which requires a full year commitment (2 semesters), although students may join at Spring semester. The class is designed to increase the vocal skill, musicianship, and performance level as a group, and as individuals. Students will develop aesthetic and cultural values through critical listening and analysis. A wide variety of choral literature will be studied and performed, including, but limited to classical, jazz, folk, pop, musical theater, holiday, sacred/secular, and multicultural music. Students will perform easy, to medium level high school literature for performances in concerts, school events, choral festivals, tours, and community functions.
This is the perfect class for the beginning vocalist with little to no singing or music theory experience. Open to all 9-12 grade students, and fulfills the UC/CSU fine arts and graduation requirement. Course may be repeated for credit.
Treble Choir
This ensemble is a treble voiced, auditioned choir designed for intermediate to advanced choral music students with prior musical experience. Basic theory and sight-reading are required, and will also be expanded upon. Repertoire is both sacred and secular, accompanied and a cappella. Students will rehearse and perform various styles of choral music from different time periods. Students will perform medium to difficult level high school literature for performances in concerts, school events, festivals, tours, and community functions. Pristine attendance is required.
This class is best suited for students who have already taken a year of choir at GTHS, or at another school, or instrumentalist with strong theory knowledge and good pitch. Open to all 9-12 grade students with a successful audition. Course fulfills the UC/CSU fine arts and graduation requirement, and may be repeated for credit.
Chamber Singers
The auditioned ensemble is designed for the advanced vocalist with prior musical experience. The SATB (male and female voices) ensemble focuses heavily on musicianship in order for students to study at the collegiate level. Repertoire is both sacred and secular, accompanied and a cappella. Students will perform medium to difficult level high school literature for performances in concerts, school events, festivals, tours, and community functions. Pristine attendance is required.
This class is best suited for students who have already taken a year of choir at GTHS, or at another school, or instrumentalist with strong theory knowledge and good pitch. Open to all 10-12 grade students with a successful audition. Course fulfills the UC/CSU fine arts and graduation requirement, and may be repeated for credit.
Performing Arts Course Descriptions
Visual Arts Course Descriptions
Advanced Placement Courses
