PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT
CHAIR: MR. JOHN HURST
Chorale. This full-year course is open to all Upper School students with permission of the instructor. This class meets daily, within the regular school schedule, performing at all major functions and occasional competition trips. Sight-singing and theory are included within the class period.
Prerequisite: Middle School Band, Strings Ensemble, Chorus or permission of instructor
Upper School Strings Ensemble. Upper School Strings Ensemble is a full-year course open to all Upper School students. Ensemble meets each Tuesday and Thursday morning before school. Instruments include violin, viola, cello and bass. Students learn various styles from Bach to the Beatles while polishing their ensemble skills and performance techniques. The class includes required performances in school and in the community throughout the year. (1/2 credit)
Prerequisite: Middle School Strings Ensemble, or permission of instructor
Upper School Chorus. This group, which meets before school three days per week, performs at major functions for Norfolk Collegiate School and is included in all competition trips. The final grade for this full-year course is determined through the completion of performance objectives. As a result, class attendance is mandatory. (1/2 Credit)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Grades 9 - 12
Upper School Band. This Upper School Band meets before school and uses traditional band instruments. Students learn performance style, complex rhythms, and other advanced performance techniques. The Upper School Band performs at least three public concerts each year. Class attendance is mandatory. (1/2 credit)
Prerequisite: Performing experience of at least Grade II music and permission of instructor.
Grades 9 - 12
Drama. This full-year course is open to all Upper School students. Drama class is a course designed to familiarize the student with basic acting fundamentals; basic set design and construction; and selective play readings. Grading is based upon projects including scene study, character building, and play production. Students interested in either acting or the technical aspects of play production (or both) are welcomed. This class is also a support for the entire drama program and assists in preparation for all theatre productions. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Grades 9 - 12
Jazz Band. Jazz Band explores current and classic jazz band literature within the technical and musical abilities of the students. The minimum standard for the repertoire is Grade II jazz band music. Study and performance of more difficult music depends on the skill level of the students. Jazz Band performs at numerous events in and out of school each year. Each winter the Jazz Band hosts the “Blue Note” jazz café. Jazz Band is offered only when enough qualified students enroll with an acceptable instrument. (1/2 Credit)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor, co-enrollment in Upper School Band, and previous performing experience of Grade II jazz band music. Piano, guitar, and bass players are not required to take Upper School Band.
Grades 9 - 12.