Performing Arts Department

Mr. Tom O’Toole, Director

Phone: 508-841-8826 Email: totoole@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us

The vision of the Shrewsbury High School Performing Arts Department is to instill in our students and community a life-long passion for the performing arts that promotes personal and professional artistic interests beyond high school graduation.

The mission of the Shrewsbury High School Performing Arts Department is to provide a creative curriculum with engaging, collaborative and inclusive opportunities that will inspire critical artistic thought and a personal passion for every student enrolled in a performing arts course.

Course Offerings:

Concert Orchestra (A-6000)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Full Year Grades: 9-12 A Level

Prerequisite: This course is available for all students who have had experience with a middle school or high school orchestra or equivalent, private instruction, or by special permission of the instructor. Concert Orchestra is a performance course available for violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists. This class explores concepts in musicianship, ear training, theory, music literacy, musical terminology, and music history as well as leadership qualities. String-specific skills such as bow management, shifting, vibrato, tone production will also be explored. Students in Concert Orchestra will rehearse and perform quality orchestra literature from a variety of genres. Concert Orchestra performs for school concerts throughout the year. Students are encouraged to audition for MMEA festivals. Performances are an important component of this course and students are required to participate as part of their commitment to this group and part of their evaluation.

Chamber Orchestra Honors (H-6026)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Full Year Grades: 10-12 Honors

Prerequisite: Placement by audition. A student must have taken Concert Orchestra to be eligible for Chamber Orchestra Honors, have had previous experience with a high school honors orchestra, or been given special permission from the instructor. Chamber Orchestra Honors is designed to develop a student’s highest musical potential through performing advanced quality orchestra literature from a variety of genres. Students are selected for participation by audition held in the previous spring to ensure a well-balanced ensemble. Advanced concepts in ear training, theory, music literacy, musical terminology, music history, and leadership will be explored. Advanced string-specific skills such as bow management, shifting, vibrato, tone production will also be explored. The organization performs for school concerts throughout the year and often prepares for other venues. Students are encouraged to audition for MMEA festivals. Additional performances/rehearsals and assignments are important components of this course level and students are required to participate as part of their commitment to this group and part of their evaluation.

Concert Band (6001)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Full Year Grades: 9-12 A Level

Prerequisite: This course is available for all students who have had experience with a middle school or high school band or equivalent, private instruction, or by special permission of the instructor.

Concert Band is a performance course available for percussionists, brass, and woodwind players. This class explores concepts in musicianship, ear training, theory, music literacy, musical terminology, and music history as well as teaching leadership qualities. Students in Concert Band will rehearse and perform quality wind band literature. Students are encouraged to audition for MMEA Festivals. Performances are an important component of this course and students are required to participate as part of their commitment to this group and part of their evaluation.

Wind Ensemble Honors (6002)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Elective Full Year Grades: 10-12 Honors

Prerequisite: Placement by audition. A student must have taken Concert Band to be eligible for Wind Ensemble Honors, have had previous experience with a high school honors band, or been given special permission from the instructor.

Honors Wind Ensemble is designed to develop a student’s highest musical potential through performing advanced quality literature in the wind band repertoire. Students are selected for participation by audition held the previous spring to ensure a well-balanced ensemble. Advanced concepts in ear training, theory, music literacy, musical terminology and music history will be explored. The organization performs for school concerts throughout the year, and often prepares for other venues. Students are encouraged to audition for Central District and All-State Music Festivals. This course meets four days per cycle. Additional performances/rehearsals and assignments are important components of this course level and students are required to participate as part of their commitment to this group and part of their evaluation.

Jazz Band Rhythm Section Honors (6003T)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Full Year Grades: 10-12 Honors

Placement by audition. A student must have had previous experience with a jazz band or been given special permission from the instructor.

This section of Jazz Band Honors is for guitarists, pianists, bassists, vibraphonists, and jazz drummers only (all wind players should choose between Jazz Band Honors/Wind Ensemble Honors and Jazz Band Honors/Concert Band Honors). Students participating in Jazz Band will play the music of studio, dance, jazz and rock bands. Pop-ballads, Latin, jazz, and rock concert arrangements are rehearsed and performed. Activities include reading from sheet music, analyzing melodic lines, jazz rhythms and chord progressions, and improvisation. This is a course intended primarily for band members. Any interested guitar, bass and keyboard players must audition for the instructor prior to acceptance. All rhythm, (including percussion), are limited to two per instrument. The organization performs for school concerts throughout the year, and often prepares for other venues. Students are encouraged to audition for MMEA Festivals. Additional performances/rehearsals and assignments are important components of this course level and students are required to participate as part of their commitment to this group and part of their evaluation. This course meets two days per cycle.

Jazz Band Honors/Wind Ensemble Honors (6035)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Full Year Grades: 10-12 Honors

Placement by audition. A student must have taken Concert Band to be eligible for Jazz Band Honors/Wind Ensemble Honors, have had previous experience with a high school honors band or jazz band, or been given special permission from the instructor.

This section of Jazz Band Honors/Wind Ensemble Honors is for wind players only (all rhythm section players should choose Jazz Band Rhythm Section Honors). Students participating in this accelerated course will rehearse and prepare quality literature for the full year, meeting 6 days per cycle. *All content and requirements previously described for Honors Jazz Band and Honors Wind Ensemble apply.

Jazz Band Honors/Concert Band Honors (6036)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Full Year Grades: 10-12 Honors

Placement by audition. This course is available for all students who have had experience with a middle school or high school band and/or jazz band or equivalent, private instruction, or by special permission of the instructor. This section of Jazz Band Honors/Concert Band Honors is for wind players only (all rhythm section players should choose Jazz Band Rhythm Section Honors). Students participating in this accelerated course will rehearse and play quality literature for the full year, meeting 6 days per cycle. *All content and requirements previously described for Honors Jazz Band and Concert Band apply. Independent work will be monitored and assessed.

World Drumming (6055)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Semester Grade: 9-12 A Level

World drumming is the exploration of percussion instruments and traditions from a variety of cultures from around the world. This is a course where students use hands-on participation to communicate through percussion instruments, perform in drum circles, compose their own drum grooves and provide accompaniment for other arts. A majority of the activities will focus on the West African ensemble drumming, Caribbean drum ensembles and the songs that are sung along with the drumming. No drumming experience is required. Grading will be based on class performance, playing evaluations and written tests.

Introduction to Guitar (6038)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Elective Semester Grades: 9-12 A Level

Intro to Guitar is a one-semester designed to enhance students’ appreciation for music through playing the guitar. The course will cover the basics of the instrument and an application of essential music theory fundamentals including music notation, chord symbols, and tablature. Students will study the role of the guitar in various genres including classical, blues, jazz, rock, and popular music.

Introduction to Piano (6099)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Elective Semester Grades: 10-12 A Level

Intro to Piano is a semester course designed for students who have little or no prior piano instruction and would like to learn how to play basic piano. The course will include familiarization with the keyboard, music notation and reading, basic elements of music theory/major scales, single-hand melodies, and chord accompaniment. Students will be working individually to master piano technique and perform basic solo pieces by the end of the semester.

Guitar Ensemble (6038T)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Elective Semester Grades: 9-12 A Level

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Guitar or with permission of the instructor through demonstrated proficiency in reading standard music notation. Guitar Ensemble is a continuation of the Introduction to Guitar course. The emphasis of this course will be on performance in various settings including large ensembles, quartets, trios, utilizing an expanded range of notes and rhythms. Students will also develop an understanding of basic concepts of music theory through composing and arranging projects. Students will need to have their own guitar for practice at home.

Freshman Choir (6004T)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Full Year Grade: 9 A Level

This course is available for all freshmen who have a desire to learn more about singing and performing with a high school vocal ensemble. All are accepted. Vocal techniques are developed and an emphasis is placed on breath control, diction, posture, and intonation. Literature includes pop and show tunes, folk songs, spirituals, and classical selections for SAB, (SATB) voicing. This group performs for school concerts throughout the year. Students are encouraged to audition for MMEA music festivals. Performances are an integral component of this course and students are required to participate as part of their commitment to this group and part of their evaluation.

Mixed Choir (6005T)

Meets Expectation for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Full Year Grades: 10 -12 A Level

Students are selected for participation by audition to ensure a well-balanced ensemble. The music is of an advanced level for SATB harmony and will include both accompanied and unaccompanied music. Advanced concepts of tone, ear training, and a cappella skills will be explored. Students encounter music of many styles and genres. This group performs for school concerts throughout the year. Students are encouraged to audition for MMEA festivals. Performances are an important component of this course and students are required to participate as part of their commitment to this group and part of their evaluation.

Mixed Choir Honors (6059)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Full Year Grades: 10 -12 Honors

Prerequisite: Placement by audition. A student must have taken Freshman choir to be eligible for sophomore year, one year of an SHS choir, or by special permission of the instructor. All are accepted to a vocal ensemble. Students are selected for participation by audition to ensure a well-balanced ensemble. The music is of an advanced level for SATB harmony and will include both accompanied and unaccompanied music. Advanced concepts of tone, ear training, and a cappella skills will be explored. Students encounter music of many styles and genres. This group performs for school concerts throughout the year. Students are encouraged to audition for MMEA festivals. Additional performances/rehearsals, small group assessments, and classwork/assignments are important components of this course level and students are required to participate as part of their commitment to this group and part of their evaluation.

Treble Choir Honors (6037)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Full Year Grades: 10-12 Honors

Prerequisite: Placement by audition. A student must have taken Freshman choir to be eligible for sophomore year, one year of an SHS choir, or by special permission of the instructor. All are accepted to a vocal ensemble. Students are selected for participation by audition to ensure a well-balanced ensemble. The music is of an advanced level for treble harmony and will include both accompanied and unaccompanied music. Advanced concepts of tone, ear training, and a cappella skills will be explored. Students encounter music of many styles from early as well as modern composers. This group performs for school concerts throughout the year, and often prepares for other venues. Students are encouraged to audition for MMEA festivals. Additional performances/rehearsals, small group assessments, and classwork/assignments are important components of this course level and students are required to participate as part of their commitment to this group and part of their evaluation.

Chamber Choir Honors (6006)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Full Year Grades: 10-12 Honors

Prerequisite: Placement by audition. A student must have taken Freshman choir to be eligible for sophomore year, one year of an SHS choir, or by special permission of the instructor. All are accepted to a vocal ensemble. Students are selected for participation by audition to ensure a well-balanced ensemble. The music is of an advanced level for SATB and divisi harmony and will include both accompanied and unaccompanied music. Advanced concepts of tone, ear training, and a cappella skills will be explored. Students encounter music of many styles from early as well as modern composers, including vocal jazz. This group performs for numerous community events throughout the school year, in addition to scheduled concerts and home football games. Students are encouraged to audition for MMEA festivals. Additional performances/rehearsals, small group assessments, and classwork/assignments are important components of this course level and students are required to participate as part of their commitment to this group and part of their evaluation.

Techniques of Music Theory I (6007)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,6,7,8

Elective Semester Grades: 9-12 A Level

Prerequisite: Students should be able to read and write musical notation, and it is strongly recommended that the student has acquired at least basic performance skills in voice or on an instrument.

Techniques of Music Theory is designed to introduce and improve skills of rhythmic and melodic sight-reading, ear training, and solfege, (sight singing). Additionally, this course will introduce the tools and vocabulary necessary for composing and analyzing music, and students will be taught basic piano skills. Students will be exposed to the realm of electronic music and composition through the use of the computer and synthesizer at the MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) workstation. This is a valuable course for any student who wishes to continue studying music after high school.

Songwriting NOT OFFERED IN 2023-24

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Semester Grades: 9-12 A Level

Prerequisite: None.

This course, for beginning songwriters, focuses on basic songwriting styles and techniques. Over the course of the semester different songwriting basic methods will be presented and students will be shown easy to understand methods to develop the necessary skills to compose well- crafted lyrics and music. Students will focus on melody and lyric structure as well as analyzing popular songs from many different time periods. Students will work with the songwriting and recording features of Logic software to help realize their work. Students will complete song writing projects and will perform or arrange a performance of their songs.

Advanced Placement Music Theory (6042)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,6,7,8

Elective Full Year Grades: 10-12 Advanced Placement

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Course placement is based on the teacher’s recommendation and past academic performance. Students should be able to read and write musical notation, and it is strongly recommended that the student has acquired at least basic performance skills in voice or on an instrument.

The AP Music Theory course corresponds to two semesters of a typical introductory college music theory course that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, musical materials, and procedures. Musicianship skills including dictation and other listening skills, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are considered an important part of the course. Through the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. Development of aural skills is a primary objective. Performance is also part of the learning process, with students learning to accurately sing short melodies from printed music. Students understand basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Students will also be able to write and analyze four-part vocal works in the style of the Common Practice period. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are emphasized. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May.

History of Rock and Roll (6063T)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Elective Semester Grades: 9-12 A Level

Prerequisite: None

History of American Music: Rock and Roll is designed to explore one of our country’s most powerful art forms. From its roots in blues, country, gospel, and R&B, Rock and Roll and its successor forms have touched all facets of our lives, private and public for over five decades. Rock and Roll is experienced not simply as a culture or sound, but also in cinematic and television culture, as well as literature, fashion, politics, dance, and more.

Music Technology (6008T)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 2,3,4,6,7

Elective Semester Grades: 9-12 A Level

Music Technology is a fine arts-science course that will familiarize students with the principles and practices used in manipulating sound and music production. A variety of technology including the latest version of Apple's Logic Pro professional music production software, microphones, iPads, and MIDI controllers will be explored and utilized throughout the course. The process of mastering multi-tracked recordings will be developed, as will skills of sequencing and music composition through use of the MIDI workstation. Students will create an online portfolio of recorded works.

Theatre Arts I (6011)

Meets Expectation for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Elective Semester Grades: 9-12 A Level

Theatre Arts is a one semester elective that is activity-based. Participants will learn basic performance skills incrementally, beginning with exercises in stage movement and improvisation. Although the exercise format continues through the semester, the focus shifts toward more formal acting skills. Character development and motivation are explored through small group scene study. This course culminates with a final one-act theatre presentation.

Theatre Arts II (6040) NOT OFFERED IN 2023-24

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3, 4, 5,6,7

Elective Semester Grades: 10-12 A Level

Prerequisite: Course placement is based on the teacher’s recommendation and past academic performance.

This course is for serious drama students, and is a continuation of Theatre Arts Level I. Greater academic challenge will be provided through a variety of practical activities and projects that will include styles of dramatic literature, styles of acting, playwriting, voice, movement, and stage directing. Students will also work on projects that investigate the nature & drama of social issues as they continue to advance their stage skills. Opportunities for public performance will be provided.

Voice in Acting (6056)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Elective Semester Grades: 9-12 A Level

This class is an exploration of the student’s voice. The main focus of the class is the learning of voice work as a preparation for performance (musical, theatrical, or class presentation) – a series of exercises designed to liberate the speaking voice from habitual psychophysical tension and develop vocal range, stamina, clarity, power and sensitivity to impulse. Work will include discovery of sound in the body, awareness and opening of the channel (jaw, tongue, and soft palate), exploration of resonance, vocal freedom and range, isolating and strengthening resonating chambers and articulation exercises. Group and individual exercises designed to stimulate and develop the imagination, physical and sensory awareness, creativity and capacity for ensemble work will be practiced as a basis for vocal presence. Text work will include a monologue from a published play, poetry or a published musical theatre solo.

Theatrical Design (6034T) NOT OFFERED IN 2023-24

Meets Expectation for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,6,7,8

Elective Semester Grades: 9-12 A Level

Theatrical Design will explore the design process of a show including set design, lighting design, costume/make-up design. Students will learn how to read and analyze a play for specific design elements. Students will design for two classroom productions selected by the instructor. No prior theatre knowledge is needed to register for this course. Students will be introduced to professional resources in the theatrical field.

Foundations of Music (6066)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Elective Semester Grade(s): 10- 12

This elective course would be open to students in grades 10 through 12 meeting every day while working collaboratively with their peers twice a cycle, while fulfilling the music requirement. This course is designed for students who enjoy exploring different musical concepts and techniques and creating music. Students under the direction of the teaching staff, serve as peer partners in a unified music education setting. All students will have the opportunity to prepare and explore educational, music-based lessons while fostering leadership, creativity, communication and collaboration in an inclusive setting. Previous music skill is not a requirement.