Please note: Attendance at all performances is a required component of all Performing Arts Classes.
Beginning Band - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)
This course is open to all students. No previous musical experience is required, although experience on piano or other instruments, or voice experience can be helpful. Students may choose any woodwind or brass instrument. This class includes note reading and basic instrumental techniques on band instruments. Successful completion of Beginning Band leads to Intermediate Band, depending on ability, instruments needed in upper groups, and student responsibility. Students wishing to study a secondary instrument can also take Beginning Band with teacher permission. Students may be placed in either Intermediate or Advanced Band in the second semester based on individual improvement.
Intermediate Band - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)
This course is open to students who are definitely beyond the beginning stages of learning how to play a musical instrument. Successful completion of Intermediate Band allows students to audition for Advanced Band. Some Intermediate Band members have the opportunity to move to Advanced Band in the spring semester if they show marked improvement. Participation in rehearsals and performances outside of class time are a required part of this class. Director recommendation is a prerequisite for this class.
Advanced Band - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)
This group of musicians is made up primarily of 8th grade students with some very advanced 7th grade students. The class focuses on more complex musicianship, with an emphasis on mastery of a variety of musical styles. Students must be available to go on field trips (district approved) for off campus performances. Participation in rehearsals and performances outside of class time is a required part of this class. Director recommendation is a prerequisite for this class.
Guitar - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
Mastering the Guitar is an innovative, exciting way to learn music. In this class students will learn a variety of musical styles and techniques found in today's music. Students will learn notation and tablature along with a vast array of guitar solo, duet and accompaniment styles. Guitars are available for student use. Material is designed for students to work at their own pace, so this class is appropriate for all levels beginning through advanced.
Choir I - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester - May Be Repeated)
This is a one-semester class for 7th and 8th graders with little or no previous singing experience. Students will sing various styles of music from different cultures and different historical periods. They will study all musical elements including music vocabulary, history and theory. Students will compare and contrast musical works to apply their skills in aesthetic valuing and artistic perception. They will perform a varied repertoire of music and begin to compose original works. This is a performance-based class. Students will perform at the Winter Concert in December and Spartan Sweets in the Spring.
Choir II - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)
This yearlong class is an auditioned group for experienced singers only. Students are placed in one of two Advanced Choirs, Women’s Ensemble, or Mixed Vocal Ensemble. Students apply their skills in aesthetic valuing and artistic perception and will compose short pieces in various meters. They will perform a varied repertoire and will be evaluated for their accuracy and expressive quality. Students are expected to participate in many events both on and off campus over the course of the year. This may include Disneyland, Festivals and special District events. Students will participate in the Winter Concert and Spartan Sweets. Audition and teacher approval is a prerequisite.
Theatre Arts I - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
Interested in acting and what goes on backstage in a theater? Need some help with public speaking? Or, do you just want to build confidence? Theater I goes into all of this, and more. This class introduces students to the basics of theater and acting--character development, acting techniques, theater history, public speaking and more. Students will have the opportunity to learn basic acting skills, work with makeup, and design sets, costumes and lighting for in class projects. We learn through playing games and team building activities, class exercises and by watching others perform on stage. They will work together through acting and technical theater units of study to write stories, present creative designs, and create imaginative presentations for the class. This class is a prerequisite to Theater 2.
Theatre Arts II - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester - May Be Repeated)
In this secondary level elective, students build on skills learned in entry level performing and speaking classes, and learn how to use technology to create video productions. Students will write, act in and produce their own projects, including news reports, voice over projects, instructional videos, soap operas, Telenovelas, and various popular film genres. Working with iMovie and recording devices, students will use green screens, special effects, movie trailer programs and more to create engaging and entertaining visual productions. Prerequisites: Students must successfully complete Theater 1 before taking this course.
Ladera Vista Productions - Grades 7 & 8 - (Full Year Commitment)
Students will perform a full length Broadway style musical in the Spring and will participate in all aspects of production, including acting, singing, dance and various aspects of technical theatre, such as stagecraft, lighting and sound. This class is for students who already have experience on stage. Students who are interested in working backstage on Tech Crew will join 2nd semester only. Applications for tech crew are available in October of each school year. All students must have a desire to be a vital part of a production and must work well as part of a team. Auditions and teacher approval is prerequisite.
