Singapore American School offers a number of options in the visual and performing arts to meet the needs and interests of all students. The comprehensive visual arts program will appeal to students interested in art courses to enrich their high school experience, as well as those students who intend to pursue art careers. Courses available cover a broad range of skills, from drawing and painting, to three-dimensional work in pottery and ceramics, to film production and photography. There is an AP Art History course designed to give students insight into the history and cultural context of various forms of art. In the performing arts, students are offered courses in instrumental and vocal music, dance, and drama. These classes and ensembles are geared for every level of experience and ability. Beginning and advanced courses give students superb performance opportunities with specialty classes available for students with greater interest in music. So that performing ensembles can best meet the needs of all students, some courses require an audition prior to enrollment.

Art

Art I: Foundations

Number: 46100       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

In this survey course students are exposed to a variety of media through study of the elements and principles or art and design. Students acquire and apply skills using a variety of media and techniques. Pencil, charcoal, colored pencil, various paints, clay, wire for sculpture and linoleum for printmaking are examples of media offered to Foundations of Art students. Emphasis is placed on skills acquisition and creativity. This course enables students to identify their strengths and possible areas of interest for future development. It provides the necessary foundation for the more advanced Studio Art courses.

Art II: Jewelry

Number: 46116       Grade: 10-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Art I: Foundations or equivalent

This course is intended for students who wish to learn the basic skills and process involved in designing and creating jewelry. Students will design and produce several pieces of jewelry of their own choosing over the course of the semester. These pieces might include rings, brooches, bracelets, cufflinks, pendants, earrings, and necklaces. Students would be expected to develop their own personal and artistic talents. Silver clay, beads, wire work, polymer clay and copper enamel are some of the examples of materials used.

Printmaking

Number: 46110       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

This course is for students who enjoy hands-on work and who would like to develop their printmaking and graphic skills. No previous art experience is necessary. Students will explore many different types of printmaking, including screen printing, intaglio, reduction linoleum printing, collograph, Polaroid transfer, and block printing. The emphasis of this course is to use the elements and principles of art and design in contemporary printmaking techniques.

Textile Design

Number: 46109       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

This course is for students who enjoy hands-on work and who would like to develop their practical skills. Students will explore many different types of textile techniques, including batik, dyeing, silk-painting, papermaking, stitching, weaving, knitting and fashion design. The emphasis of this course is on design and creativity. Those students who already have some design skills will experience new ways of working in many different media. Students who have not had a previous art class will also be able to enjoy the class as a practical basis for exploring different textile-based techniques.

Ceramics I

Number: 46104       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

In this one-semester course students learn basic hand building, decorating and glazing techniques. Students are free to develop their own ideas within structured guidelines while building on acquired skills. Students leave the class with an assortment of forms of different functions, shapes, and sizes. Instructional time is also spent on sculptural pieces. Students are responsible for preparing their materials and looking after their pieces through the various stages of the ceramic process from construction through glazing. Please note that this course does not offer instruction on the potter’s wheel. It is a prerequisite for students who wish to continue on to learn potter’s wheel techniques in Ceramics II.

Ceramics II

Number: 46105       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Ceramics I

This class is a continuation of Ceramics I. Students will work toward further mastering basic hand building and will learn throwing techniques on the potters’ wheel. Students are responsible for preparing their materials and looking after their pieces through the various stages of the ceramic process from construction through glazing. They also assist with loading and unloading the electric kilns.

Studio Art

Number: 46106       Grade: 10-12       Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Art Foundations or acceptable portfolio

The Studio Art course provides students with the opportunity to continue to develop their artistic abilities and interests within a variety of areas: drawing, painting, design, illustration, and mixed media. Students are often given the opportunity to find and build their strength in a variety of media within a particular assignment. This course exposes students to a broad spectrum of art styles allowing each student to find and develop their particular area of interest. Students work to achieve higher levels of proficiency in art.

AP Studio Art: Drawing

Number: 46111       Grade: 11-12       Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Studio Art or acceptable portfolio                      

The Drawing portfolio is designed to address a very broad interpretation of drawing issues and media. Light and shade, line quality, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, and illusion of depth are drawing issues that can be addressed through a variety of means, which could include painting, printmaking, mixed media, etc. Abstract, observational and inventive works may demonstrate drawing competence. The range of marks used to make drawings, the arrangement of those marks, and the materials used to make the marks are endless. Photography, videotapes, digital imaging, photocopies of work, and three dimensional work may not be submitted for the Drawing Portfolio.

AP Studio Art: 2D Design

Number: 46112       Grade: 11-12       Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Studio Art or acceptable portfolio, plus Photography or Digital Photography (or concurrent enrollment)                               

This portfolio is intended to address two – dimensional (2D) design issues. Design involves purposeful decision making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrated way. The principles of design articulated through the visual elements help guide artists in making decisions about how to organize the elements on a picture plane in order to communicate content. Strong design is possible whether one uses representational, abstract, or expressive approaches to make art. For this portfolio, students are asked to demonstrate mastery of 2D design through any two – dimensional medium or process, including but not limited to, graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, illustration, painting and printmaking.

AP Studio Art: 3D Design

Number: 46113       Grade: 11-12       Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: AP Studio Art: Drawing or an acceptable portfolio

This portfolio is intended to address sculptural issues. Design involves purposeful decision making about using the elements and principals of art in an integrative way. In the 3D Design portfolio, students are asked to demonstrate their understanding of design principles as they relate to depth and space. The principles of design (unity/variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale, figure/ground relationship) can be articulated through visual elements (mass, volume, color/light, form, plane, line, texture). For this portfolio, students are asked to demonstrate mastery of 3D design through any three dimensional approach, including, figurative or non figurative sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, and three dimensional fiber arts.

AP Art History

Number: 42038       Grade: 11-12       Length: Year               Credit: Visual Arts or Social Studies

This college level course in art history provides students with an understanding and knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within their historical and cultural contexts. Students will examine major forms of artistic expression from the past and the present from a variety of cultures. Students will learn to look at works of art critically, with intelligence and sensitivity and to analyze what they see.

Theater

Theater Arts I

Number: 46307       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Students experience the excitement that is acting through sequential exercises, scene study (with subsequent presentation), and character development. Improvisation and ensemble scenes work will promote the acquisition of basic acting skills, such as script interpretation, vocal technique, blocking and interaction with ensemble players. Confident presentation and dealing with memorization issues (including “stage fright”) are examined. The emphasis is placed on enjoyment of the discipline. Students will put themselves “to the test” with in-class public performances.

Theater Arts II

Number: 46308       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Theater Arts I

The creative, imaginative aspect of acting will be explored in this course, which, along with continued, extensive work on technique and basic skills, will also introduce a three-week unit on alternative performance opportunities: Poetry Slams, Performance Art, and Mime will be covered and enacted on our stage. These, alongside continued work on published scripts, will maintain the focus of sustaining vocal and physical aspects of characters in solo and ensemble acting. In-class performance opportunities offered throughout the semester.

Theater Arts III

Number: 46309       Grade: 10-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Theater Arts II

This class is responsible for staging the spring production. The course allows the serious acting student to work on performance skills at in-depth levels. Intensive class sessions focus on work with published scripts, developing solo and ensemble scenes, movement and blocking. While the focus remains on character development, script interpretation and the spring production, they will also explore technical theater concerns. This course may be repeated for credit.

Theater Improvisation

Number: 46310       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Theater Arts I

Through improvisation, students present themselves with candor and spontaneity. This course will offer countless opportunities to “think on the spot,” while enhancing the collaborative efforts of the group. Students will work off one another, listening to one another, and trusting in order to solve problems together. Exercises in improvisation develop skills in concentration, listening, timing; building trust and focus, building narrative skills, using space and obstacles, manipulating status, and more. Improvisation Teams will take advantage of performance options as they like.

Stagecraft

Number: 46544       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Business/Technology or Arts

Stagecraft covers the technical aspects of theater productions. Student assignments and projects will involve three topic areas: set design and construction, stage lighting, and theater sound systems. Projects in each of these areas will provide students with knowledge and hands on experience with technical equipment used in theaters. All student work that involves construction and work with electrical equipment will include proper safety instruction. All students must follow safety guidelines.

Media

Digital Photography

Number: 46519       Grade: 10-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Business/Technology or Arts

Prerequisite: Any of the following: Photography, Web Page Design, Yearbook, Studio Art, or permission from the instructor, and access to a digital camera

This course will introduce students to the limitless possibilities of image making in the digital age. Students will be expected to learn the fundamental concepts and skills related to digital photography and graphic design. This is a project-based course that will require students to integrate the concepts of art and design into a series of assignments that they will create on the computer using Adobe Photoshop software. Students will also learn to use digital cameras, flat bed and negative scanners as image input devices and laser and color ink jet printers as output devices. Topics will include: digital vs. traditional photography, basic digital image adjustment, advanced digital image manipulation, type and text, composite and photomontage, methods of printing and presentation of digital images. Students will be required to submit prints for exhibition as well as prepare and present a final portfolio of their work at the end of the semester.

Advanced Digital Photography

Number: 46521       Grade: 10-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Business/Technology or Arts

Prerequisite: Digital Photography and access to a digital camera

Advanced Digital Photography is designed as a continuation of the current semester long Digital Photography course. The purpose of this second course is to provide motivated students with the opportunity to expand on the knowledge and skills they acquired in Digital Photography. This is a project-based course, which seeks to challenge the student’s creative and technical skills through the creation of both “straight” and manipulated digital images. Topics to be covered will include advanced digital camera skills using a DSLR camera, advanced Photoshop skills as well as the use of several other digital image and multimedia software. Students will be expected to design a final creative project in a direction and area of their interest. Throughout the course, students will be required to submit prints for exhibition as well as prepare and present a multimedia final portfolio of their work at the end of the semester.

Foundations of 3D Graphics and Animation

Number: 44525       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Visual Arts or Computer Studies

This course is designed for students with an interest in computer generated imagery (CGI). As a foundation course, this course must be completed before advancing to other CGI courses. Students will learn the basic concepts behind animation and 3D development using an industrial standard 3D application such as Maya 7.5. The course will cover the basic methods of creating objects and characters in three-dimensional space. Students will also learn shading, texturing, rendering, and the use of dynamics to make creations appear realistic. A copy of Maya Personal Learning Edition will be provided to students so they can practice skills outside of class.

Advanced 3D Graphics and Animation

Number: 44526       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Arts or Computer Studies

Prerequisite: Foundations of 3D Graphics and Animation

This course will build upon the skills developed in the Introduction to 3D Graphics and Animation. Students will continue to explore the 3D design world in the creation of more advanced characters and models. Students will use their creative abilities to develop a unique character which will be further developed through advanced texturing techniques to give the character a realistic appearance. Animation techniques will be explored and applied to the character as the student continues to develop their creations in a “living” model.

Broadcast Journalism

Number: 46403       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Business/Technology or Arts

Prerequisite: Ninth graders enrolling must have completed a Middle School video production course to be eligible to take this course.

The emphasis on this course is the art and craft of broadcast newsgathering. The course’s principal focus is the production of news packages, public service announcements and promos for the daily, school-wide broadcast of the Morning Show on our closed circuit TV system. Practical exercises and projects will demonstrate the students’ mastery of the techniques and skills required for the production of a news and current affairs program. Students will practice broadcast-style reporting and newswriting. Using the Morning Show studio, they will practice studio production skills working as camerapersons, floor managers, audio operators, technical directors, character generator operators, producers and on-air talent. They will learn how to use the teleprompter in exercises on the other side of the camera. They will work with Apple’s iMovie and Final Cut Express nonlinear editing programs in the Publications and Video lab. Students completing this course are candidates for the Morning Show crew. This course may be repeated for credit as Advanced Broadcast Journalism (Number 46405). Students will be required to complete some work outside of regularly scheduled class meetings.

Filmmaking

Number: 46404       Grade: 10-12       Length: Semester         Credit area: Visual Arts

The emphasis in this course is the art and craft of filmmaking as students study and practice the single-camera style used by filmmakers in the production of features and documentaries. Assignments will include readings on film aesthetics and practices and the study of critically-acclaimed, early and contemporary films. Practical, hands-on work includes a camera familiarization exercise, a digital-editing exercise, two structured exercises and a final project. Students will write a treatment and script, and prepare a storyboard for the final project. All students will learn how to use Final Draft software to write scripts and Apple’s iMovie and Final Cut Express to edit. Students will be required to complete work outside of regularly scheduled class meetings. This course may be repeated for credit as Advanced Filmmaking (46406).

Photography

Number: 46517       Grade: 10-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Business/Technology or Arts

Requirement: A 35mm single lens reflex film camera with the capability of manually adjustable f stop and shutter speeds.

Photography is an introductory course in traditional black and white film photography. It is imperative that students confirm that they have access to an adjustable 35mm SLR film camera before they sign up for this course. Students will learn how to use a 35mm single lens reflex camera through a series of creative assignments. They will also learn the essential concepts and skills necessary to develop and print black and white photographs. Topics will include the care and use of basic camera equipment, the history of photography, photography as a fine art and visual communication medium, how film and photo papers work, photographic design and composition, dry mounting, and display of photographs. Scanning of negatives and prints as well as some basic skills in digital photography will also be available for students to explore as creative alternatives to the traditional darkroom. Students will be expected to prepare a photographic portfolio as part of a final class presentation at the end of the semester.

Advanced Photography

Number: 46518       Grade: 10-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Business/Technology or Arts

Prerequisite: Photography course and a 35mm single lens reflex film camera with the capability of manually adjustable f stop and shutter speeds.

Advanced Photography students will be expected to move from knowledge of the basic skills acquired during their first Photography course towards a higher level of technical and aesthetic expertise. It is imperative that students confirm that they have access to an adjustable 35mm SLR film camera before they sign up for this course. After a review of fundamental concepts and skills, students will commit to a series of advanced camera and darkroom assignments. Topics will include photographic lighting, documentary photography, multiple image techniques, toning and hand coloring of black and white prints. Scanning of negatives and prints as well as some basic skills in digital photography will also be available for students to explore as creative alternatives to the traditional darkroom. Students will be required to submit prints for exhibition as well as prepare and present a final portfolio of their work at the end of the semester.

Music

Music Exploration

Number: 46216       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

If you listen to music every day, then this is the course you’ve been looking for. Music Exploration will help you better understand your music and will introduce you to a wide range of styles that influenced your favorite musicians. We’ll listen to and learn about rock, blues, jazz, funk, soul, movie music as well as the music that it was built upon. Class discussions cover a variety of topics such as MTV, file sharing, concert reviews, music as a catalyst for change, songwriting, with the goal of better understanding music and the society in which it was created. The goal of this course is to give you a better understanding of the role music and musicians play in society and to introduce you to your new favorite band.

Music Performance & Recording Technology

Number: 46545       Grade: 10-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Business/Technology or Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Instructor approval

In this course students will learn to create, record and distribute music. It will focus on teaching students to become better performing artists and recording engineers and to support them in the pursuit of their own musical interests. Student projects can include work on student audition recordings, live concert recordings, and independent projects. Recording topics will cover basic functions of microphones, mixing desks, digital recording, and music editing software such as Sound Forge and Pro Tools. Creating topics will include writing new music or working on existing songs with programs such as Garageband. Course topics for distributing music will cover creating CDs, podcasts and videos.

Introduction to Guitar

Number: 46214       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Note: Students should provide their own guitars (preferably a classical instrument); there are a limited number of school instruments available for rent at S$150 per year

Introduction to Guitar is designed for the beginning guitarist who wants to learn the fundamentals of guitar pedagogy in a classroom setting. Students will be exposed to a wide range of styles, including: classical, folk, jazz and rock. The history of the guitar, what to look for when buying a guitar, and tuning and general maintenance of the instrument will also be covered. Students will learn to read standard notation and tablature as well as strategies for reading rhythm patterns. This class will equip students with the skills necessary for a lifetime of enjoyment on this beautiful and practical instrument.

Advanced Guitar

Number: 46218       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Guitar or audition.

Note: Students should provide their own guitars (preferably a classical instrument); there are a limited number of school instruments available for rent at S$150 per year

Advanced Guitar is a one semester, elective course offering intermediate to advanced instruction on the guitar. Students in this course will improve their skill in open, power and moveable (barre) chords, using a variety of accompaniment styles. Continued development of right hand technique (pick and finger style) will also be a focus. Students will improve their reading skills in both traditional notation and tablature. Increased knowledge of the guitar finger board will be a main goal for the course, along with the exploration of secondary chords and embellished chords. Students will be exposed to a wide range of quality literature designed to improve overall technique and musicianship.

Concert Band

Number: 46202       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced ability on a band instrument

Fee: Performance attire S$40-$150. A limited number of instruments are available for rental at S$150 per year

Concert Band is open to all students who have had previous experience on a band instrument. The band will perform in concerts during the year, playing a variety of musical styles ranging from popular to classical. This course may be repeated each year for credit. All Concert Band members are required to attend all scheduled performances, including after school or weekends.

Symphonic Band

Number: 46210       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Audition

Fee: Performance attire S$40-$150. A limited number of instruments are available for rental at S$150 per year

Symphonic Band is an audition-based group for intermediate to advanced musicians who wish to challenge their skills with more difficult music. The band will perform in four major concerts during the year, playing a variety of musical styles ranging from popular to classical. This course may be repeated each year for credit. All Symphonic Band members are required to attend all scheduled performances, including after school or weekends.

Wind Ensemble

Number: 46208       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Audition

Fee: Performance attire S$40-$150. A limited number of instruments are available for rental at S$150 per year

Wind Ensemble is a very advanced band course for serious musicians who wish to challenge their skills with more difficult music. They play a varied repertoire of classical and popular music and will be encouraged to do solo and small ensemble performances as well. The Wind Ensemble represents the school in the community through concerts and programs. This course may be repeated each year for additional credit. All Wind Ensemble members are required to attend all scheduled performances, including after school or weekends.

Beginning Strings

Number: 46215       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Fee: Performance attire S$40-$150. Instrument rental at S$150 per year if required

Beginning Strings is designed for the beginning musician who wants to learn the fundamental pedagogy of violin, viola, cello or double bass in a classroom setting. Students will be exposed to a wide range of styles, including: classical, folk, jazz and rock. The history of string instruments and tuning and general maintenance of the instrument will also be covered. Students will learn the nomenclature unique to music, how to read notation and how to develop strategies for subdividing basic rhythm patterns. This class will equip students with the skills necessary to join Intermediate Strings or String Ensemble. All Beginning String members are required to attend all scheduled performances, including after school or weekends.

Intermediate String Ensemble

Number: 46213       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Experience with a string instrument

Fee: Performance attire S$40-$150. Instrument rental at S$150 per year if required.

Intermediate String Ensemble is designed to help students with one to four years experience playing a stringed instrument to prepare for String Ensemble. Special consideration will be devoted to technique development, with particular emphasis placed on shifting, playing in positions, vibrato, and advanced bowing techniques. Students will prepare and perform a varied repertoire of string music. This course may be repeated each year for credit. All Ensemble members are required to attend all scheduled performances, including after school or weekends.

String Ensemble

Number: 46209       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Audition

Fee: A limited number of instruments are available for rental at S$150 per year. Performance attire S$40-150.

Students will develop their technical skills on their particular instrument, as well as receive instruction in the techniques of ensemble playing and music reading. They will play a varied repertoire of musical literature, both classical and contemporary. Students have traditionally provided their own performance attire. This course may be repeated for credit. All Ensemble members are required to attend all scheduled performances, including after school or weekends.

Chorale - Concert Choir

Number: 46203       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Fee: Performance attire S$40-$150.

The SAS Chorale is an advanced choir for young men and women which perform songs in traditional choral style (with no choreography). Students will advance their skills while learning about different musical styles through music prepared for public performances. From this choral experience, students will develop an excellent level of musicianship and will refine their vocal techniques. The Chorale represents the SAS community through various concerts and programs, sometimes as many as 4-5 per semester. Chorale members will participate in an annual Choir Festival with a well-known guest conductor. This course may be repeated for credit. All Concert Choir members are required to attend all scheduled performances and rehearsals, including after school or weekends.

Chanterie - Choral Ensemble (Soprano & Soprano-Alto)

Number: 46212       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Fee: Performance attire S$40-$150.

This course for soprano and alto singers gives students an opportunity to study and perform musical forms and arrangements for groupings other than the mixed choir. It includes small groups, women’s arrangements, barbershop, and other musical settings for specialized ensembles. The group may represent the school in the community through concerts and programs. All members are required to participate in all concerts. This course may be repeated for credit. All Chanterie members are required to attend all scheduled performances and rehearsals, including after school or weekends.

SAS Singers

Number: 46206       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Audition

Fee: Performance attire S$40-$150.

SAS Singers is a small ensemble of selected musicians who wish to participate in a variety of musical performances. They will learn to analyze music, develop choral techniques, recognize musical styles, and demonstrate movement to music (choreography). They will serve as an elite group, singing many genres of music including jazz, popular and madrigal music as well as top level choral repertoire. Each member will also be expected to function as an integrated chorale within the other two choirs for major classical works. The Singers frequently represent the school in the community, sometimes 5-8 times per semester. SAS Singers have one required evening rehearsal per week. This course may be repeated for credit.

AP Music Theory

Number: 46211       Grade: 11-12       Length: Year               Credit: Visual/Performing Arts

AP Music Theory is an introductory college course in music theory (in relationship to music history) that includes an understanding in basic theory, musicianship, musical materials and procedures. Students will integrate aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, timbre and dynamics in their analysis of music. An understanding of elementary composition, history and style will augment basic theoretical concepts. Musicianship skill such as dictation, sight singing and other listening skills will be developed.

Dance

Dance I - Introduction to Dance

Number: 48002       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: PE or Performing Arts

This course is designed for any male or female who would like to use the assets of dance to improve physical fitness and to develop the confidence and ability to dance either for fun or as a performer. This course combines fitness, dance technique, and dance choreography. The class is designed to improve physical skills such as, posture, strength, flexibility, stamina, and balance, as well as introduce choreographic and improvisational techniques. Students will learn the techniques and vocabulary for various types of dance, including ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop and cultural dance styles. Students will incorporate what they have learned into creative dance choreography. Appropriate injury prevention techniques will be explored along with aspects of the anatomy and nutrition. Students will perform for each other in class and have the option to perform at the semester show.

Dance II

Number: 48003       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: PE or Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Dance I or equivalent experience

Dance II is a more advanced course designed for students who have a serious interest in dance and who wish to increase their knowledge and skills. The course continues to focus on fitness, dance choreography, various styles of dance, and body mechanics techniques, but at a more complex level. Students will be expected to master more detailed technique, will explore creative choreographic expression more deeply, and will accomplish and assimilate dance skills at a more rapid pace. Students will also be asked to provide more in depth choreography analysis and to use more complex choreographic forms in their own work. Students will perform for each other in class and have the option to perform at the semester show. Students must have ballet or jazz shoes.

Dance III

Number: 48004       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: PE or Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Dance II or equivalent experience

Dance allows students to continue their technical training in dance, while offering them more opportunities to choreograph and perform. It will also prepare students for the auditions for Dance Performance. Dance III has three major goals: 1) To continue building and strengthening the dancers’ technique in a variety of dance forms; 2) The course will also provide an opportunity for dancers to study and discuss and analyze dance history, philosophy and theory to a greater depth; 3) To allow students the opportunity to choreograph and perform class dance works for various dance performances. This class also provides an opportunity for more advanced dancers to learn the skills needed to teach creative dance classes to the community. This class could teach regular dance classes to the Primary School, Middle School, and outside social services agencies such as the Deaf School and Woodlands Children’s home.

Dance Performance

Number: 48006       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: PE or Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Audition (and Dance III or equivalent)

This course is designed for the serious dancer who has had dance training and would like to experience choreographing and performing more intensely. Students will continue learning and working on dance techniques. They will also learn more about choreography, dance design and choreographic devices. They will be expected to work as a team with guidance to teach, stage and direct their own dances for the semester production. Students will be asked to critique and evaluate their own and other dancers’ choreography and performances in more depth using appropriate terminology. Students will be expected to rehearse at least three afternoons each week, increasing to daily rehearsals prior to the show. They will be expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals and participate in school performances as well as attend community performances. Some costs may be incurred for the purchase of costumes and shoes.