Performing Arts Courses
Students need an arts or CTE elective for graduation
Band Courses
Concert Band
Prerequisite: None
The high school band program offers various courses to develop the student’s musical skills. Classes in 9th grade band, intermediate band, advanced band, marching band or jazz band allow students to learn technical and ensemble skills through the study of related literature. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as an integral part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit. Students must provide their own instruments or make arrangements with the teacher to rent school-owned equipment.
Symphonic Band
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
The high school band program offers various courses to develop the student’s musical skills. Classes in 9th grade band, intermediate band, advanced band, marching band or jazz band allow students to learn technical and ensemble skills through the study of related literature. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as an integral part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit. Students must provide their own instruments or make arrangements with the teacher to rent school-owned equipment.
Percussion Ensemble
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
The high school band program offers various courses to develop the student’s musical skills. Classes in 9th grade band, intermediate band, advanced band, marching band or jazz band allow students to learn technical and ensemble skills through the study of related literature. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as an integral part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit. Students must provide their own instruments or make arrangements with the teacher to rent school-owned equipment.
Wind Symphony
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
The high school band program offers various courses to develop the student’s musical skills. Classes in 9th grade band, intermediate band, advanced band, marching band or jazz band allow students to learn technical and ensemble skills through the study of related literature. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as an integral part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit. Students must provide their own instruments or make arrangements with the teacher to rent school-owned equipment.
Marching Band
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
Marching band is offered at all schools as part of the high school band program and is an offering for students who are also enrolled in another band class offering. This course may be taken more than once for credit.
Jazz Ensemble
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
The high school band program offers various courses to develop the student’s musical skills. Classes in 9th grade band, intermediate band, advanced band, marching band or jazz band allow students to learn technical and ensemble skills through the study of related literature. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as an integral part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit. Students must provide their own instruments or make arrangements with the teacher to rent school-owned equipment.
Orchestra Courses
Concert Orchestra
Prerequisite: None
Concert Orchestra is the introductory orchestra course for 9th grade non-CFPA students. Students who enroll in the high school orchestra develop technical and ensemble skills through the study of orchestral literature. Students receive fundamental training in the proper playing of a stringed instrument and performance and study literature commensurate with their level of ability. Members of this class form the representative string performing group for the school. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit.
CFPA Chamber Strings
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the CFPA Orchestra Program
Incoming 9th grade and new CFPA orchestra students will enroll in this course. Students who enroll in the high school orchestra develop technical and ensemble skills through the study of orchestral literature. Students receive fundamental training in the proper playing of a stringed instrument and performance and study literature commensurate with their level of ability. Members of this class form the representative string performing group for the school. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit.
Orchestra Ensemble
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
Orchestra Ensemble is for students in 10th-12th grade placed after audition. Students who enroll in the high school orchestra develop technical and ensemble skills through the study of orchestral literature. Students receive fundamental training in the proper playing of a stringed instrument and performance and study literature commensurate with their level of ability. Members of this class form the representative string performing group for the school. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit.
Advanced Orchestra
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
Students in grades 10-12 who are in the CFPA program. Students who enroll in the high school orchestra develop technical and ensemble skills through the study of orchestral literature. Students receive fundamental training in the proper playing of a stringed instrument and performance and study literature commensurate with their level of ability. Members of this class form the representative string performing group for the school. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit.
Philharmonic Orchestra
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
Philharmonic Orchestra is Colgan’s most advanced orchestra, for students in grades 10-12, after audition. Students who enroll in the high school orchestra develop technical and ensemble skills through the study of orchestral literature. Students receive fundamental training in the proper playing of a stringed instrument and performance and study literature commensurate with their level of ability. Members of this class form the representative string performing group for the school. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit.
Choir Courses
Colgan Shark Voice
Prerequisite: None
Non-performance course uses experienced singers (primarily CFPA) who work with and mentor beginning students. Students do not need to audition for this course, and there are no after-school commitments.
Treble Choir
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
This is a non-auditioned choir for 9th graders.
The high school choral program offers various courses to develop a student’s musical skills based on his/her level of ability. Classes in varsity choir, concert choir, men’s choir, treble choir, or vocal ensemble allow students to learn a variety of vocal skills through the study of related choral literature. Students in these classes develop technical facility and proficient musicianship through a variety of performance experiences. Through group performances, solos, and ensembles, the student is exposed to standard choral repertoire encompassing various styles and periods of music. Some after school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit.
Varsity Choir
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
This is a non-auditioned choir with tenor and bass singers.
The high school choral program offers various courses to develop a student’s musical skills based on his/her level of ability. Classes in varsity choir, concert choir, men’s choir, treble choir, or vocal ensemble allow students to learn a variety of vocal skills through the study of related choral literature. Students in these classes develop technical facility and proficient musicianship through a variety of performance experiences. Through group performances, solos, and ensembles, the student is exposed to standard choral repertoire encompassing various styles and periods of music. Some after school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit.
CFPA Camerata
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
This is an auditioned, intermediate choir comprised of CFPA and non-CFPA students. CFPA 9th graders will be enrolled in this course.
The high school choral program offers various courses to develop a student’s musical skills based on his/her level of ability. Classes in varsity choir, concert choir, men’s choir, treble choir, or vocal ensemble allow students to learn a variety of vocal skills through the study of related choral literature. Students in these classes develop technical facility and proficient musicianship through a variety of performance experiences. Through group performances, solos, and ensembles, the student is exposed to standard choral repertoire encompassing various styles and periods of music. Some after school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit.
Treble Chamber
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
This is the most advanced soprano and alto ensemble. Audition required.
The high school choral program offers various courses to develop a student’s musical skills based on his/her level of ability. Classes in varsity choir, concert choir, men’s choir, treble choir, or vocal ensemble allow students to learn a variety of vocal skills through the study of related choral literature. Students in these classes develop technical facility and proficient musicianship through a variety of performance experiences. Through group performances, solos, and ensembles, the student is exposed to standard choral repertoire encompassing various styles and periods of music. Some after school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit.
Chamber Ensemble
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
This is a mixed choir- soprano, alto, bass, and tenor and requires an audition. Varsity Choir is paired with Treble Chamber and CFPA Camerata at different points throughout the year to make mixed gender ensembles. The high school choral program offers various courses to develop a student’s musical skills based on his/her level of ability. Classes in varsity choir, concert choir, men’s choir, treble choir, or vocal ensemble allow students to learn a variety of vocal skills through the study of related choral literature. Students in these classes develop technical facility and proficient musicianship through a variety of performance experiences. Through group performances, solos, and ensembles, the student is exposed to standard choral repertoire encompassing various styles and periods of music. Some after school rehearsals and performances are required of all students as a part of these courses. These courses may be taken more than once for credit.
Theatre Courses
Intro to Theatre
Prerequisite: None
Students survey the theatre arts. They have opportunities to experience and appreciate dramatic literature and to participate in the creative processes of performance and production, with emphasis in skill development and theatrical opportunities that enable students to determine personal areas of interest.
Technical Theatre Production
Prerequisite: None
Students study the design, scenery, lighting, makeup, sound, costumes, and public relations necessary to ensure successful theater productions. This course may be taken more than once for credit.
Theatre III
Prerequisite: Theatre I and II
Students extensively examine dramatic literature, stage and scene design, costume design, theatre history, and performance.
Performance Theatre
Prerequisite: 2nd year in the CFPA Theatre Program
Students explore advanced acting techniques, and extensively examine and analyze dramatic literature and theatre of the 20th century. Students will also be introduced to scenic design, costume design, script analysis and performance as it applies to the directorial processes and investigate basic directing techniques.
Directing for Stage and Screen
Prerequisite: Complete Adv. Performance Theatre
The student learns how to create a vision for a production and to share that vision with the actors and the design teams who bring it to the stage or screen. The student selects plays and analyzes and edits the script. The student learns to develop calendars, scene designs, ground plans, story boards, and shooting techniques. The student will learn the technical vocabulary, direct for various theatrical stages, as well as for the camera, and develop techniques for optimal uses of performance space. The student studies differing types of theatre and the techniques and styles of important screen and stage directors.
Piano Courses
Piano
Prerequisite: None
Classic Piano- open to any student- little to no experience needed. Piano may be used as a requirement for CFPA music students. Piano can be a repeated. Piano class involves group lessons, beginners, intermediate, and then independent practice.
CFPA Piano
Prerequisite: Acceptance to CFPA Piano program
CFPA Piano requirement is for two years, but students may take the course all four years. The course builds on components of music theory and music appreciation. it includes a differentiated curriculum and independent practice. The independent practice includes piano practice outside of school.
Music Technology Courses
Music Technology
Prerequisite: Successful completion or currently enrolled in a high school music course
This course will offer students the opportunity to develop an understanding of music composition through the use of music notation software and hardware. Students will also develop skills that will assist them with creative and technical expression. A portfolio of compositions, arrangements and recordings representing a variety of styles and compositional situations will be developed throughout the course.
Adv. Music Technology
Prerequisite: Music Technology/p>
The Advanced Music Technology course will build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in Music Technology and refine the student’s ability to arrange and compose original music and scores for film, using a variety of hardware and software tools. A final portfolio which demonstrates the student’s music development throughout the year will be required.
Music Tech is a 100% project-based class. The four main areas of instruction are songwriting/music composition, music production, audio engineering, and contemporary performance. The non-CFPA class welcomes students of any musical background with an interest in making music on a digital audio workstation. Our program is genre-neutral (i.e. not focused on a particular style of music), which gives students the chance to express themselves in their own way.
CFPA Dance
CFPA Dance I - Company
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the CFPA Dance Program
The content of “Company” is designed to provide students with a survey of the dance arts. Students will be studying ballet, modern dance, and jazz dance technique. Students will also be introduced to dance vocabulary, choreographic concepts, and dance history. Students will also develop performance skills, conduct critique and analysis and begin to develop their dance portfolios.
CFPA Dance II - Corps
Prerequisite: CFPA Dance I or Acceptance into the CFPA Dance Program
The content of “Corps” is designed to integrate and build upon concepts and skills from Company level class. Students increase their range of physical skills through the disciplined study of dance technique. Students also develop performance and production skills. Students continue to expand their appreciation of the dance arts by further study of dance history and its contribution to society. Students are introduced to the diversity that exists within the art form and their personal aesthetic. Students continue to develop their dance portfolios.
CFPA Dance III - Ensemble
Prerequisite: CFPA Dance II
The content of “Ensemble” is designed to further refine physical alignment and technical execution of dance patterns specific to each dance style studied. Students will develop rudimentary understanding of concepts necessary for dance composition. Students will also begin to examine anatomical and kinetic components of dance, injury prevention and nutrition. This course will also familiarize students with the various aspects of dance production; lighting, sound, and other technical skills. Students continue to develop their portfolios.
CFPA Dance III - Composition And Repertory
Prerequisite: Enrollment in CFPA Dance III
Students will be introduced to the process of movement invention while developing the skills for creating and communicating a series of planned movement phrases. Students will also explore different choreographic styles as they produce original choreographed projects for the class.
CFPA Dance IV - Artist
Prerequisite: CFPA Dance III
The content of “Artist” is to develop mastery of physical alignment and technical execution designed of dance patterns specific to each styled. Students will further explore and implement concepts used in dance composition and continue to develop knowledge and understanding of anatomical and kinetic aspects of dance. Students will continue their study of dance history and will explore its impact and relevance to dance in the 21st century
Performing Arts Electives
AP Music Theory
Prerequisite: Successful completion of a high school music performing ensemble and permission of the instructor
AP Music Theory provides students the learning experience equivalent to a college introductory course in music theory. Major areas of study include compositional procedures, listening skills (particularly those involving recognition and comprehension of melodic and rhythmic patterns), harmonic functions, compositional techniques, music textures, music terminology, notation skills, sight-singing, and score analysis. At the end of the course, students will be prepare
Musical Theatre
Prerequisite: Enrollment in a CFPA Vocal, Theatre, or Dance Program
Students study the collaborative efforts involved in creating the stage musical. In the process they fuse three areas of the arts: singing, dancing and acting.
Film Studies
Prerequisite:None
This yearlong course seeks to encourage an enjoyment and deeper understanding of different types of film (narrative cinema, documentary, and abstract film) through a critical understanding of how films work artistically, technically, and socially. Through film theory and film production, students will apply a range of critical approaches as well as receiving instruction in video and film production.