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Staff Directory

District Curriculum

THR125: THEATER ARTS I   

Grade: 9-12 Duration: 1 Semester Credit: ½

Prerequisite: None.

Theater Arts I concentrates on performance and on the appearance of an actor on the stage. Thus, it requires the study of script, the analysis of plays, and the study of pantomime and body movement. Students perform scenes from plays and develop confidence in the process of acting.  Memorization is required.

THR126: THEATER ARTS II

Grade: 9-12 Duration: 1 Semester Credit: ½

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theater Arts I.

This course focuses on development of the actor's tools - the voice and body - in relation to both dramatic acting and comedy acting.  Work will include an exploration of the role of theater, the study of script analysis and interpretation, character development, and the relationship of acting to technical aspects of theater.  Students will also have an opportunity to act in or direct scenes for performance presentations. Memorization required.

 

THR825: PUBLIC SPEAKING   

Grade: 9-12 Duration: 1 Semester Credit: ½

Prerequisite: None.

The goals of this course include improving communication skills through a variety of public speaking techniques, writing and delivering introductions, practicing extemporaneous speech, presenting how-to/process speeches, and delivering persuasive speeches.  Students focus on the structure and presentation of ideas with poise and confidence. Additionally, students record their presentations for self-assessment and practice the skills of listening and assessing public presentations.

 

THR826: PUBLIC SPEAKING II

Grade: 9-12 Duration: 1 Semester Credit: ½

Prerequisite: Public Speaking

This course will help students expand their communication (written, oral, and presentation) skills focusing on real world challenges. The course will expand upon the basic skills learned in Public Speaking.  The students will develop key communication skills needed to function effectively in rapidly changing academic, social and professional environments. This course will cover verbal, non-verbal (body language), bullet point and formal scripts, as well as listening skills. The course will strive to build the student’s self-confidence as they tackle what can be the incredibly stressful act of presenting both themselves and their content to an audience. Students will learn to prepare, apply, and demonstrate their knowledge and skills by participating in a series of college/workplace interviews and multimedia presentations. This course will require students to rise above the use of basic presentations into the world of effective communication. Students will be recorded at various times during this course.

 

TEC127: STAGECRAFT**

Grade: 9-12 Duration: 1 Semester Credit: ½

Prerequisite: None.

This course provides hands-on experience in several aspects of theatre production.  Students study set design, set construction, and lighting. Students apply their skills and knowledge in authentic theatrical production.  Classes are conducted in the theatre and provide technical support for several school productions.

**This course will be credited toward the graduation requirement in the Applied Arts or Humanities.

 

 

 

 

MUS802: CONCERT CHOIR

Grade: 9-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None.

The main choral performing organization of Wilton High School, Concert Choir is open to all students interested in a choral experience. Concert Choir students present a wide variety of choral music in four annual concerts.  Students in this ensemble will demonstrate a developing to proficient ability in choral techniques, individual and group vocal techniques, music literacy, and practice techniques. In addition to four annual concerts and dress rehearsals, occasional a.m. rehearsals before school are required.  Concert Choir is a prerequisite to Madrigals, Chamber Singers, and Men’s Choir.

 

MUS805: CONCERT BAND           

Grade: 9-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None.

Concert Band is open to all wind and percussion students, and is the first band class taken by incoming 9th Graders to Wilton High School. Students will develop instrumental technique, ensemble musicianship, music literacy, and critical listening. Students will demonstrate these skills at a proficient or accomplished level through performance of appropriate and varied literature. Attendance at various performances and rehearsals after school is a core component of the course, as is participation in regular sectionals and lessons. During the fall only, (one week before school begins through Thanksgiving) all Concert Band members will combine with other band students to perform as the Warrior Marching Band at all home football games, at least one marching festival, and at away football games (each student will be required to participate in 2 away games). During the fall, the Marching Band will rehearse one night per week. Percussion students are also expected to attend a weekly sectional with a percussion instructor during the fall. Co-curricular performance opportunities include concerts, marching band, jazz band, region and all-state festivals, the annual music trip, and community events.

 

MUS809: CONCERT ORCHESTRA                 

Grade: 9-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None.

Orchestra is open to all string players with prior training and experience. Students will perform a wide variety of chamber and symphonic music from the 17th century to the present. Students will have the opportunity to perform as a string ensemble and as a full orchestra with the addition of students from the Concert Band. All students are required to attend two lessons each quarter during their study hall period. Students will be assessed on skill development, music theory and history knowledge, lesson attendance, and class participation.  Concert Orchestra is a prerequisite to Symphonic Orchestra.

 

 

 

MUS803: MADRIGAL SINGERS                    

Grade: 10-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concert Choir and teacher recommendation.

Madrigal Singers is an auditioned group of choral students specializing in the performance of unaccompanied works of all periods. Students in this ensemble demonstrate an exemplary ability in choral techniques, individual and group vocal techniques, music literacy, and practice techniques. In addition to our four annual concerts, dress rehearsals, and additional performances, occasional a.m. rehearsals before school are required. Students are encouraged to study privately, and participate in events like Western Region and All State Choruses.  Students will perform with the Concert Choir.

 

MUS804: CHAMBER SINGERS

Grade: 10-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concert Choir and teacher recommendation.

Chamber Singers is an auditioned group of soprano and alto vocalists who perform a wide range of choral repertoire written specifically for treble voices. Students in this ensemble demonstrate an accomplished level of ability in choral techniques, individual and group vocal techniques, music literacy, and practice techniques.  In addition to our four annual concerts and dress rehearsals, occasional a.m. rehearsal before school are required. Students are encouraged to study privately, and participate in events like Western Region and All State Choruses. Students will perform with the Concert Choir.

 

MUS806: MEN’S CHOIR (Select)

Grade: 10-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concert Choir and teacher recommendation.

Men’s Choir is an auditioned group of tenor and bass vocalists who perform a wide range of choral repertoire written specifically for tenor and bass voices.  Students in this ensemble demonstrate an accomplished level of ability in choral techniques, individual and group vocal techniques, music literacy, and practice techniques. In addition to our four annual concerts and dress rehearsals, occasional a.m. rehearsals before school are required. Students are encouraged to study privately, and participate in events like Western Region and All State Choruses. Students will perform with the Concert Choir.

MUS810: SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA

Grade: 10-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concert Orchestra and teacher recommendation.

Symphonic Orchestra is designed for advanced string students.  Membership is by director recommendation and is determined by musical ability and seniority.  The Symphonic Orchestra will specialize in the performance of advanced quality string repertoire and will, from time-to-time, be augmented by advanced wind players for the purpose of performing classic symphonic music.  Students are required to attend scheduled lessons with the teacher once or twice per quarter. All students are encouraged to study privately and audition for Western Region and All State.

 

MUS807: WIND ENSEMBLE 

Grade: 10-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concert Band and teacher recommendation.

Wind Ensemble is a select group open to wind and percussion students whose musicianship abilities warrant a high level of performance. Membership is determined by audition and/or director recommendation only. Wind Ensemble emphasizes the study and performance of advanced and varied wind literature; therefore students are expected to demonstrate accomplished or exemplary technical skills, ensemble musicianship, music literacy, and critical listening skills. Attendance at various performances and rehearsals after school is a core component of the course, as is participation in regular sectionals and lessons. During the fall, (one week before school begins through Thanksgiving) all Wind Ensemble members will combine with other band students to perform as the Warrior Marching Band at all home football games, at least one marching festival, and at away football games (each student will be required to participate in 2 away games). During the fall only, the Marching Band will rehearse one night per week. Percussion students must also attend a weekly evening sectional with a percussion instructor. Co-curricular performance opportunities include concerts, marching band, jazz band, spring musical orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, region and all-state festivals, the annual music trip, and community events. Students are encouraged to study privately.

 

 

 

MUS884: JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Grade: 9-12 Duration: 3 Quarters (Q2-Q4) Credit: ¼  

Co-requisite: Concurrently enrolled in Concert Band or Wind Ensemble.

Students in Jazz Ensemble will develop and demonstrate at least a basic understanding of jazz style; including swing, jazz articulation, jazz tonal concepts, and listening. Students will also have an opportunity to develop their improvisational skills.  Participation is open to all band students, as well as non-band students playing guitar, bass or piano. Performance opportunities include concerts at school and in the community, and participation in regional jazz festivals. Individual practice is expected and sectionals will be called from time-to-time.

 

MUS883: SELECT JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Grade: 9-12 Duration: 3 Quarters (Q2-Q4) Credit: ½   

Co-requisite: Concurrently enrolled in Concert Band or Wind Ensemble.

Students in Jazz Ensemble will perform advanced literature, demonstrate an accomplished or advanced understanding of jazz style, and develop improvisational skills. In addition to several concerts, the Select Jazz Ensemble will perform at several area festivals and other public performances in the community throughout the year. Individual practice is expected and sectionals will be called from time-to-time.

 

MUS814: INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC/COMPOSITION (Not offered 2019 - 2020)

Grade: 9-12 Duration: 1 Semester Credit: ½  

Prerequisite: None.

Open to all students, students in this course will develop a basic or proficient level of music literacy. Students will learn the basics of notation including pitches, rhythms, scales, and chords. Students will engage in listening activities as well. This course is designed for students with little or no previous formal music training or experience. Music technology will be an integral part of the class experience.

 

MUS813: MUSIC THEORY/COMPOSITION I

Grade: 10-12 Duration: 1 Semester Credit: ½  

Prerequisite: None.

This course provides a general introduction and overview of music theory. Students will learn music notation and the fundamental concepts of scales, chords, and musical structures. Students will explore the connections between theoretical concepts and their impact on music and sound through guided and critical listening. The course will include samples of music of many genres including, but not limited to, Common Practice Classical Music (1600-1900). Students will have the opportunity to produce creative composition projects as well, with guided parameters.

 

MUS817: MUSIC THEORY/COMPOSITION II

Grade: 10-12 Duration: 1 Semester Credit: ½  

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory/Composition I.

A continuation of Music Theory and Composition I with a greater emphasis on project-based compositions and arrangements. Music technology will be an integral part of the class experience. Students who complete Music Theory / Composition I and II will be prepared for success in AP Music Theory.   

 

MUS819: ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY     (Not offered 2019 - 2020)

Grade: 11-12 Duration: Full Year Credit: 1  

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory II or teacher recommendation.

AP Music Theory is intended for students with previous music experience who are interested in working with music theory concepts at a more rigorous level. Students will develop enhanced understanding of music notation, melodic structure, chord construction, and harmony. The relationships between theoretical concepts, aesthetics, and the resulting implications for performance will be discussed.  A variety of written, analytical, and aural exercises will be used to increase understanding of concepts and improve critical listening skills. This course will prepare students for the annual AP Music Theory exam. In accordance with the AP Exam and College Board requirements, classical music of the Common Practice Period (1600-1900) will be the primary emphasis, however other styles and genres of music will be discussed as well. This course is highly recommended for students considering a career in music or who may study music at the college level.