Music & Theater Arts

The Berlin Public Schools Fine Arts Department is committed to fostering a community of creative, innovative, and passionate learners who appreciate cultural diversity in a global society, through the arts. All learners will be provided with meaningful opportunities in the arts to further develop a deeper form of self-expression, empowering them to become lifelong participants, appreciators, and advocates of the fine arts. The Music & Theatre Arts Department at Berlin High School offers students an opportunity to develop both creative and critical skills, which enable them to relate their musical experiences with history and culture. Through a variety of course offerings such as choral performance, instrumental performance, music technology, keyboard skills, music theory and music history, students develop communication and problem solving skills in a collaborative atmosphere. Emphasis is placed on the mastery of performance fundamentals for both vocal and instrumental ensembles as well as the development of individuality through expression and the creative process.

Berlin Fine Arts Dept. Philosophy:
The Berlin Public Schools Fine Arts Department is committed to fostering a community of creative, innovative, and passionate learners who appreciate cultural diversity in a global society, through the arts. All learners will be provided with meaningful opportunities in the arts to further develop a deeper form of self-expression, empowering them to become lifelong participants, appreciators, and advocates of the fine arts.

Department Curriculum

SCHOOL-WIDE RUBRICS

COURSE OFFERINGS:

Men’s Choir

HS 05110G43 - Men’s Choir Full Year Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
Men’s Choir consists of students who sing either tenor or bass. This ensemble serves as a year of training and transition for the first year high school chorister who wants to continue singing in grades 10 through 12, or for tenor and bass students who want to focus on their specific vocal instrument. Through the use of appropriate exercises and choral literature, emphasis will be on developing a foundation of healthy vocal production technique, instilling musicianship through performance and the study of basic theory, and fostering a sense of community within the chorus through mutual respect and support. Participation in choral performances is a requirement of this course.

CONCERT BAND I

HS05102G12 Concert Band I Full Year 1.00 credit Grades 9 Prerequisite: Participation in middle school band or audition.

Concert Band I is a full year course for freshmen entering the Berlin High School Band program. In this course, students will continue to develop technical and musical skills on their individual instrument. Through the use of appropriate exercises and literature, students will develop fundamental skills on their instrument related to proper tone production and technique, musical literacy, basic music theory and musicianship. Through performance, students will gain valuable and memorable musical experiences. Students will be required to attend all football games, events and required rehearsals in the evening. A required, one week marching band camp will be held in August. In addition, the concert band and its members will travel to regional and national festivals to perform and compete.

CONCERT BAND II

HS05102G22 Concert Band II Full Year 1.00 credit Grades 10, 11 or 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concert Band I or audition. Concert Band II is a full year course for students in grades 10-12. The course will provide a large ensemble setting for students who wish to develop both their individual skills on a musical instrument and their skills as an ensemble member. Students will study varied musical literature to develop these skills. Students will be given many opportunities for performance throughout the school year. Students will be required to attend all football games, events and required rehearsals in the evening. A required, one week marching band camp will be held in August. In addition, the concert band and its members will travel to regional and national festivals to perform and compete.

CHORALE

HS05110G13 Chorale Full Year 1.00 credit Grades 9, 10 or 11

This course is a year of training and transition for the first year chorister and is mandatory for students who want to continue singing in Grades 10-12 in mixed chorus. Through the use of aappropriate exercises and choral literature, emphasis will be on developing a foundation of healthy vocal production technique, instilling musicianship through performance and the study of basic theory and fostering a sense of community within the chorus through mutual respect and support. Participation in chorus performances is arequirement of this course.

CONCERT CHOIR

HS05110G23 Concert Choir Full Year 1.00 credit Grades 10, 11 or 12

This course is designed for the student interested in group vocal experiences through participation in the high school chorus. A variety of vocal experiences will be provided to develop the student’s ability and provide worthwhile choral participation. Participation in chorus performances is a requirement of this course .

BELLA VOCES

HS05110G33 Bella Voces Full Year 1.00 credit Grades 10, 11 or 12

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor through audition. This course is designed to improve the individual student’s quality of singing with emphasis on breathing, diction, musicianship, style and interpretation. In addition, advanced choral experiences will be provided and all students in this course will be members of the high school chorus. Participation in chorus performances is a requirement of this course.

HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL

HS05118G History of Rock and Roll 1/2 Year .50 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 or 12

This course will give students a broad, comprehensive understanding of the genre of music known as Rock and Roll. Students will begin their study with the “field hollers” of the 1800s and conclude with recent developments and advances in rock and roll. Special focus will be placed on significant artists and developments of the genre. Grading will consist of daily participation, written exams, and journal writing.

Theatre I

HS05052G11- Theatre I 1/2 Year
Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
This introductory level theatre course introduces students to the basic skills and techniques of acting, in addition to play analysis. Students will practice the effective use of vocal technique for the stage, characterization, physical movement, and other performance techniques required of actors. In addition, students will research and read the history of theatre and a variety of scripts, analyzing the connections to history and culture. Peer evaluation, collaborative learning, and emphasis on characterization and monologue performance are important elements in this course. The semester ends with an in-class monologue showcase.

Theatre II

HS05052G11- Theatre II 1/2 YearGrades 9, 10, 11, and 12Prerequisite: Theatre I, or permission of instructor
Theatre II further develops the skills learned in Theatre I, in addition to exploring improvisation and characterization at an advanced level. Students will work together on duet and multi-character scenes, and they will continue their study of script analysis, adding elements such as playwriting and directing. Peer evaluation, collaborative learning, and emphasis on scene study are important elements in this course. The semester ends with an in-class showcase of one-acts or scenes.

Treble Chorale

HS05110G13 - Treble Chorale - 1.0 Credit Full Year
Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
Treble Chorale consists of students who sing either soprano or alto. This ensemble serves as a year of training and transition for the first year high school chorister who wants to continue singing in grades 10 through 12, or for soprano and alto students who want to focus on their specific vocal instrument. Through the use of appropriate exercises and choral literature, emphasis will be on developing a foundation of healthy vocal production technique, instilling musicianship through performance and the study of basic theory, and fostering a sense of community within the chorus through mutual respect and support. Participation in choral performances is a requirement of this course.

CLASS PIANO I

HS05107G14 Class Piano I 1/2 Year .50 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 or 12

Class Piano I is open to all students, regardless of musical knowledge or experience. This class will cover with the fundamentals of reading music and playing piano. Students set their own pace for learning. Grading will be based on daily participation, playing tests, and a comprehensive final performance exam.

CLASS PIANO II

HS05107G24 Class Piano II 1/2 Year .50 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 or 12

Prerequisite: Class Piano I or Audition for Instructor. This course continues the lessons that were started in the Piano I method book and will focus on the continuing development of fundamental playing skills and musical knowledge. Grading will be based on daily participation, playing tests, and a comprehensive final performance exam.

CLASS PIANO III

HS05107G34 Class Piano III 1/2 Year .50 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 or 12

Prerequisite: Class Piano II or Audition for Instructor. Piano III is designed for the intermediate to advanced pianist. Coursework will include exercises in the intermediate method book or music currently being studied in private instruction. Grading will be based on daily participation, playing tests, and a comprehensive final performance exam.

CLASS PIANO IV

HS05107G44 Class Piano IV 1/2 Year .50 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 or 12

Prerequisite: Piano III or Audition for Instructor. Piano IV is intended for the advanced pianist who wishes to further develop their skills in reading and performing. Emphasis will be placed on scales and arpeggios, work in the advanced method book, and performance of standard solo literature. Grading will be based on daily participation, playing tests, and a comprehensive final performance exam.

MUSIC THEORY I

HS05113G12 Music Theory I 1/2 Year .50 credit Grades 11 or 12

Music Theory I is intended for those students interested in a deeper understanding of the inner workings of music and composition. The course will explore the fundamentals of harmony, intervals, rhythm, music analysis, and basic composition. Grading will include daily participation, written tests, homework, and a comprehensive, final exam.

MUSIC THEORY II

HS05113G22 Music Theory II 1/2 Year .50 credit Grades 11 or 12 Prerequisite: Music Theory I

Music Theory II will continue where Music Theory I finishes. By the end of this course, students will be able to compose and analyze music in 4-part harmony, complex rhythms and meter signatures, and transcribe music from any instrument to any other instrument. Grading will include daily participation, written tests, homework, and a comprehensive, final exam.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

HS05106G Percussion Ensemble 1/2 Year .50 credit Grades 9, 10, 11 or 12 Prerequisite: Students must purchase some equipment for this course

No music experience is necessary to take Percussion Ensemble. Students will learn the basics of music reading and percussion performance and will receive instruction on mallet percussion, Latin percussion, battery percussion, and various auxiliary percussion instruments. Grading will be based on daily participation, playing tests, and a group performance exam.

TECHNICAL THEATER

Technical Theater HS05056G 1/2 Year .50 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12

This course is an exploration of the duties of stage technicians and their contribution to the total aesthetic effect of a dramatic production. Topics covered will include design research and principles; scene shop organization; painting and construction techniques; equipment use and maintenance; principles and application of sound, lighting, and computer technology; the use of special effects; costume and makeup considerations and selection; publicity and business management; theatre safety; and the function of technical stage personnel in production work. Technical theatre will incorporate academic study and hands-on application of knowledge and skills.

Technical Theatre II

HS05056G12 - Technical Theatre II 1/2 Year Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
Prerequisite: Technical Theatre I
Students enrolled in Technical Theatre II will continue to build upon the skills learned in Technical Theatre I while also researching basic theatrical design principals, in addition to preparing to take stage personnel leadership roles. Design units will include advanced set design and construction, advanced design and application of sound and lighting equipment, costume and makeup considerations, properties building, and basic elements of publicity design. Students are encouraged to apply for production leadership roles such as Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager for the various theatrical productions that take place throughout the year.

Chris Dresko - Band Director

Tyler Boyle- Choral Director/Dept. Coordinator