Performing Arts
AHS Performing Arts Program of studies
Performing Arts
The Performing Arts program at Arlington High School provides a variety of high quality music and drama courses in which students will build a foundation for life-long contribution to the cultural enlightenment of the community. Through the performing arts, students express ideas and emotions that they cannot express in language alone and develop an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the arts. Students are encouraged to pursue sequential studies in the performing arts in order to create, perform, and respond to art. All full-year Performing Arts classes fulfill the Fine Arts graduation requirement.
PERFORMING ARTS - Full year courses
*Students must try out for this course. See Performing Arts Director for details
PA1250Z Drama I - Curriculum A Grade 9 5 credits
Drama 1 is an introductory course that approaches the study of drama through encounters with acting, improvisation, storytelling, playwriting, design, and dramatic literature. Beginning with the study of Oral Interpretation of Literature and continuing with character development, students will present scenes, monologues, and short original pieces to their peers. Emphasis will be placed on the physical work of an actor. Theatre history and play construction will be studied during the second term. The course is an introduction to drama and is meant as a survey course preparing you for more in-depth study in the future.
PA4141Z Classic American Film Grades 10-12 2.5 credits
This course is an introduction to film history covering the period 1915-1940s. Students will study how film reflects the major artistic and cultural developments in motion picture history of this era. Topics will include the invention of motion pictures, the establishment of a film industry and the studio system, and developments in the use of cinematic technique. Films explored will include Modern Times, Citizen Kane, and Casablanca (among others). In addition, each student will be required to complete an independent review of a film of critical substance from the list of suggestions or of a substantive film of his/her choice subject to teacher approval. The course is based on the belief that strong connections can be made between language arts and media, between composing and film making, between literature and narrative film, between reader and viewer response, and between literary and film criticism. This is a one Semester class that fulfills 1/2 the credits of the fine arts requirement for graduation.
PA4142Z Modern American Film Grades 10-12 2.5 credits
This course is an introduction to film history covering the period 1940s-1990s. Students will study how film reflects the major artistic and cultural developments in motion picture history. Topics will include the idea of film as art, the development of a particularly American acting style. The historical and political movements that produce specific works of art will be explored. Films explored will be Rear Window, On the Waterfront and The Graduate (among others). In addition, each student will be required to complete an independent review of a film of critical substance from the list of suggestions or of a substantive film of his/her choice subject to teacher approval. The course is based on the belief that strong connections can be made between language arts and media, between composing and film making, between literature and narrative film, between reader and viewer response, and between literary and film criticism. This is a one Semester class that fulfills 1/2 the credits of the fine arts requirement for graduation. (Classic American Film is NOT a prerequisite for this course.)
PA4143Z Global Film Comedies: Grades 10-12 2.5 credits
The International Convergence of Humor, Culture, and History
This course explores the universality of comedy as represented in the study of a diverse world cinema. We will delve into how comedic films reflect beliefs, values, and traditions of various global experiences. What is considered funny in Europe, Africa, and Asia reveals significant differences and embraces the common bonds we all have.
PA00013Z Mural Painting & Set Design - Curriculum H Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 2.5 credits
Mural Painting and Set Design gives students the chance to work collaboratively to paint murals for public display and create sets for Arlington High School theater productions. The class will explore the history of mural art and its roots in social justice, as well as the history of set design and painting. Students will then work in small groups to design and execute murals or work with the AHS theater department to design and paint sets for the Fall and Spring productions. This is an extremely collaborative and community oriented class. All projects will be created in consultation with the community, and all murals will have to go through a public art application process before being approved for display.
PA7210Z String Orchestra - Curriculum A Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 5 credits
In this course, students will develop instrumental and ensemble skills through such standards as: performing with expression and technical accuracy, exploring a large repertoire of ensemble literature representing various genres and historical periods and acquiring the knowledge of the technical vocabulary of music. Pianists may elect this course only by permission of the instructor.
PA7111Z String Orchestra - Curriculum A Grade 9 2.5 credits
(biweekly/year-long)
For an option for grade 9 students that meets twice a week opposite your PE course. Students in grades 10-12 require pre-approval from the instructor.
PA7110Z Honors String Orchestra - Curriculum H Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 5 credits
In this honors level course, students will develop advanced instrumental and ensemble skills through such standards as: playing in a small ensemble, playing music of an advanced degree of difficulty, and being encouraged to perform solo. The Honors Orchestra performs music from the Baroque period to contemporary popular selections and is aligned with the Massachusetts Arts Frameworks and core concepts.
Required Entry Criteria: Audition
PA7105Z Honors Symphonic Band - Curriculum H Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 5 credits
PA7205Z Symphonic Band - Curriculum A
This Symphonic Band course is open to all instrumentalists. Students will explore various musical styles and historical periods by playing with expression, playing with technical accuracy, and demonstrating well-developed ensemble skills. Pianists may elect this course only by permission of instructor. Students wishing to take this course at Honors level (PA7105Z) must qualify by audition, perform a selection approved by the instructor at the end of each marking period, and study privately.
PA7026Z Symphonic Band - Curriculum A Grade 9 2.5 credits
(biweekly/year-long)
For an option for grade 9 students that meets twice a week opposite your PE course. Students in grades 10-12 require pre-approval from the instructor.
PA7220Z Jazz Band - Curriculum A Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 2.5 credits
The Jazz Band course is open to all qualified instrumentalists. Students will explore various musical styles from early Jazz to Latin and fusion through such standards as playing with expression, playing with technical accuracy and demonstrating well-developed ensemble skills. Students will also be encouraged to improvise in different styles. All Students electing this course must be members of the Symphonic Band, String Orchestra, or Mixed Chorus. Required Entry Criteria: Audition
PA7228Z Concert Choir - Curriculum A Grade 9 5 credits
This choir is open to anyone in grade 9. We learn healthy singing techniques, a variety of music literature and repertoire, and perform in concerts at the high school auditorium, Town Hall and in community events and/or festivals when able. The students will sing daily, practice these musical techniques, learn to sight read, learn foundational theory and perform in concerts to expand their musical experience. Attendance at all performances is a requirement of this course.
PA7231Z Concert Choir - Curriculum A (biweekly/year-long) Grade 9 2.5 credits
For an option for grade 9 students that meets twice a week opposite your PE course, please use the course.
PA7223Z Chorale - Curriculum A Grades 10, 11, 12 5 credits
This choir is open to anyone in grades 10-12 with no audition requirements. We learn healthy singing techniques, a variety of music literature and repertoire, and perform in concerts. The students sing daily to give practice to these techniques, learn to sight read, learn basic theory and perform in concerts to expand their musical experience. Attendance at all performances is a requirement of this course.
PA2232Z Chorale - Curriculum A (biweekly/year-long) Grade 9 2.5 credits
For an option that meets twice a week opposite your PE course. Requires pre-approval from the instructor.
PA7125Z Madrigal Singers - Curriculum H Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 5 credits
This is an honors class, an auditioned choir that further applies the principles and techniques learned in Chorale. Students in grades 10-12 accepted in Madrigal Singers are required to be enrolled in Chorale concurrently; students in grade 9 are required to enroll in Concert Choir. This class meets every day at 7:00am. This choir performs in many concerts and when there are choir tours available, will be given the opportunity to participate. They sing more challenging repertoire and are held to a higher standard of performance and musicianship. Attendance at all performances is a requirement of this course. Required Entry Criteria: Audition; concurrent enrollment in Chorale (grade 9 students); Concert Choir (grades 10-12 students)
PA00021Z Advanced Scene Study (Semester 1) Grades 10-12 2.5 credits
Through intensive work on scenes,students will improve rehearsal techniques and solidify acting style. An advanced version of Scene Study for Actors, this course is designed for actors with more experience. It is especially appropriate for students who have already finished another drama course. Students will work both collectively and in small groups to analyze and rehearse individual scenes from a variety of texts, building on the fundamental ideas of Uta Hagen. The process will culminate in a sharing of the scenes you have prepared.
In this advanced acting class, students will learn methods for performing, preparing emotionally, and acting honestly in imaginary circumstances. Students in this workshop learn to analyze texts so that they can comprehend what they are expressing and doing. There are exercises for character development, motivation, transitions, moment-to-moment acting, going out of the head and into the heart, and screenplay analysis.
PA00023Z Directing (Semester 1) Grades 10-12 2.5 credits
In this class, we focus on the development of skills in the areas of composition and use of theatrical space, the creation of stage imagery, dramaturgy and historical research, script analysis and textual interpretation, casting and the development of a production concept, collaboration and communication with actors and designers, ensemble development, and the creation of “style.” We examine issues such as the interplay between politics and aesthetic practice, the function of the audience, the institutional realities of professional theater, the fidelity and "auteurism" of classical texts, multiculturalism and the politics of representation, and, most broadly, the function of theater-making in our society. The program will conclude with a public presentation of the students' projects.
PA00024Z Improvisation (Semester 1) Grades 10-12 2.5 credits
This course is available to anybody who wants to improve their improvisational movement, communication, interpersonal, and presentational skills. It is meant for students who plan to get started in improvisation and the performing arts. In free form improvisation exercises, short and long form sketches, and conflict resolution, it gives experience in movement, voice, character study, spontaneity, presence, scene setting, and teamwork.
PA00025Z Playwriting (Semester 1) Grades 10-12 2.5 credits
This course stresses what makes a scene work, how to develop character via dialogue and action, and how to think in theatrical terms. It is intended for starting playwrights as well as writers of other media. Weekly writing assignments will concentrate on text and subtext, points of attack, conflict, and resolution.
PA00026Z Devising for Theatre: Ensemble-Made Grades 10-12 2.5 credits
Performance (Semester 1)
This course offers a hands-on, experiential introduction to creative and collaborative theatermaking. The method of collaboratively creating theater is known as devising. The production of the piece, whether it is entirely original or modified, happens with the artists working together in the rehearsal room, informing each other's processes. Specific positions may be allocated, such as writer(s), director(s), actor(s), and designer(s). The processes used in creating ensemble theater will be introduced to the students, including adaptation, group writing, found text, Viewpoints and Composition, improvisation, working with counterpoint, creating solo performance, and techniques for providing constructive criticism on works-in-progress.
The program will conclude with a public presentation of the students' projects. Each student will be expected to perform their piece as well as take the lead during the audience feedback session after their performance.
PA00027Z Theater for Social Change (Semester 1) Grades 10-12 2.5 credits
The specific developments in the American and Western European Theaters from the First World War to the present will be covered in this course. The performers and theater companies being considered will be those whose work has centered on current social issues and the power of live performance to affect social change. Students will also experiment with writing plays and performances that are based on current events. Readings will include passages from works by Erwin Piscator, Bertolt Brecht, The Federal Theatre Project, Harold Pinter, Augusto Boal, and other authors in addition to articles from periodicals, newspapers, and other media. Students will be given one significant research project in addition to creative and analytical writing assignments. Participation in class will be emphasized.
The program will conclude with a public presentation of the students' projects. Each student will be expected to perform their piece as well as take the lead during the audience feedback session after their performance.
Music Technology
Teaching music through technology is one of the fastest growing areas of music education. Students use technology in many aspects of their lives and this program will provide them with the tools to create music and further support our mission of creating lifelong music makers.
Music Technology reaches a broad group of students and gives them the opportunity to create, change, and form sound in new ways. Working in the lab is a perfect example of differentiated instruction: students will be able to save their assignments in an electronic portfolio that may be included later in a college application. Each Music Technology class meets the Fine Arts graduation requirement and meets all of the national standards of music. Classes are limited to 20 students. Students who elect Music Technology courses for honors level credit must complete additional coursework.
Semester courses in Music Technology can be taken in any order and each can be a focus track for Junior and Senior Digital Music Portfolio - especially helpful for those who will major or minor in music production at the college level or seek business internships. PREREQUISITE: Intro to Music Technology (waived for students with a year or more experience in one of our performing ensemble classes)
Please note that Introduction to Music Technology is a full year class, while the subsequent classes are all taught in a semesterised format.
PA8200Z Introduction to Music Technology Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 5 credits
- Heterogeneous
This course is required before a student may take any other course in music technology (waived for students with a year or more experience in one of our performing ensemble classes). Students will be introduced to the study of music technology, the equipment, and to the programs offered in our lab (including Band-in-a-Box, Aurelia Ear Training, Sibelius Notation software, and Music Theory tools). Instrument and equipment care will be included. Students will complete ‘mini’ projects in each of the programs.
PA9004Z Music and Sound for Film - Heterogeneous Grades 10-12 2.5 credits
Learn the craft and history of great music and sound in Cinema. Apply your learning in creative projects, practicing the art of film scoring, Projects focus on creating the music and soundscapes that bring films to life including environmental sounds or "Foley" and sound effects.
Culminating projects will be created in association with ACMI, presented for the community.
PA0003Z Songwriting and Production - Heterogeneous Grades 10-12 2.5 credits
The craft and business of songwriting as a semester course. In this course, students learn to create demos of their songs using a combination of recorded audio and synthesized/sampled textures in order to fit their needs. They use virtual instruments; learn to mix multiple audio sources; create semi-professional level mixes that incorporate groups, effects and effect chains; and more. Students create a personal workflow for composition, demo production and artist management.
PA9005Z Mixing and Mastering - Heterogeneous Grades 10-12 2.5 credits
Project centered course with a focus on using digital processing to improve and restore recordings to their full potential. Learn how EQ, compression, filters and delay effects work together in music and sound production. Mix and master your own songs or the songs of others recorded in our music studio. Before/after projects in your portfolio will demonstrate practical results of what you have learned.
PA9006Z Sound Design, Synthesis and Electronic Grades 10-12 2.5 credits
Music Programming - Heterogeneous
Project centered course for the electronic musician or sound designer. The course will focus on creating customized sound pallets, with various software synthesizers. Students engage in learning the fundamentals of synthesis, while using and even creating their own music “plugins”.
PA9007Z Digital Music Portfolio I - Heterogeneous Grades 11, 12 only 2.5 credits
For those who might major or minor in music performance or production at the college level or seek business internships. Build your own digital music portfolios including audition tapes, and contest entries. Final portfolio is an important element in starting a musical career and suitable for college admissions, applications and interviews.
PA9008Z Digital Music Portfolio II - Heterogeneous Grade 12 only 2.5 credits
For those who might major or minor in music performance or production at the college level or seek business internships. Build your own digital music portfolios including audition tapes, and contest entries. Final portfolio is an important element in starting a musical career and suitable for college admissions, applications and interviews.
PA00015Z History of Music in Film I - Early (Semester 1) Grades 9-12 2.5 credits
The course will enrich anyone's appreciation for this art form and provide an introduction to the music and sound of the film industry. The development of film music will be traced from the early Silent Film era through the advent of the "Talkies" and on to the grand Romantic scores of modern times through the 1970s and John William’s first “Star Wars”. In addition, each student will be required to complete an independent analysis of a film score of critical substance from the list of suggestions or of a substantive film of his/her choice subject to teacher approval. Students will be taken through the significant film developments of each decade and will view many examples of musical elements in filmmaking. Through the study of film music, students can understand the relationship of film music to history and culture. This is a one-semester class that fulfills 1/2 the credits of the fine arts requirement for graduation.
PA00016Z History of Music in Film II - Modern (Semester 2) Grades 9-12 2.5 credits
The course will enrich anyone's appreciation for this art form and provide an introduction to the music and sound of the film industry. The modern development of film music will be traced from 1970s and “Saturday Night Fever” using popular music, Jazz-Rock scores such as “Rocky I and II” through the advent of more Synthesized scores including “Risky Business” and on to the grand re-emergence of orchestral scores of modern times including “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Inception”. In addition, each student will be required to complete an independent analysis of a film score of critical substance from the list of suggestions or of a substantive film of his/her choice subject to teacher approval. Students will be taken through the significant film developments of each decade and will view many examples of musical elements in filmmaking. Through the study of film music, students can understand the relationship of film music to history and culture. This is a one-semester class that fulfills 1/2 the credits of the fine arts requirement for graduation.
PA00017Z Contemporary Music Ensemble I (Semester 1) Grades 9-12 2.5 credits
Open to performers on any instruments or vocals, the Contemporary Music Ensemble will study and recreate classic recordings and live album performances that celebrate decade anniversaries. The whole ensemble class may also form any number of smaller groups. In this course, students will participate in daily rehearsals working on stylistic integrity, and melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic proficiency. Learning goals include performing in class on a rotating schedule for discussion and critique and recording in our music studio. Consists of an ensemble-based historical investigation of modern music styles and performance techniques culminating in live performances each quarter within the school community. This is a one-semester class that fulfills 1/2 the credits of the fine arts requirement for graduation.
PA00018Z Contemporary Music Ensemble II (Semester 2) Grades 9-12 2.5 credits
Open to performers on any instruments or vocals, the Contemporary Music Ensemble will study and recreate significant classic recordings and live album performances that celebrate decade anniversaries. The whole ensemble class may also form any number of smaller groups. In this course, students will participate in daily rehearsals working on stylistic integrity, and melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic proficiency. Learning goals include performing in class on a rotating schedule for discussion and critique and recording in our music studio. Consists of an ensemble-based historical investigation of modern music styles and performance techniques culminating in live performances each quarter within the school community. This is a one-semester class that fulfills 1/2 the credits of the fine arts requirement for graduation.
PA00019Z Live Music Engineering (Semester 1) Grades 9-12 2.5 credits
Using our Auditorium and earning a place as a sound engineer on live events will require this course or the ability to demonstrate the knowledge it provides. This course provides an introduction to Live Event Engineering through learning the principles of sound, sound recording, connectivity, signal flow, microphone choice, and placement, attaining Dante certification levels, and developing each student’s listening skills through the practice of mixing in our auditorium. Planning and executing sound support for Live Events that involve a variety of musical ensembles under diverse performance conditions; live-performance/concert recordings are the core elements of this course, culminating in a portfolio of work earning certification as a studio and live engineer for the AHS Performing Arts Center. This is a one-semester class that fulfills 1/2 the credits of the fine arts requirement for graduation.
PA00020Z Recording Engineering (Semester 2) Grades 9-12 2.5 credits
Using our recording studio and earning a place as a sound engineer on live events will require this course or the ability to demonstrate the knowledge it provides. This course continues the introduction to Sound Recording Engineering building a deeper understanding of the principles of sound, sound recording, connectivity, signal flow, microphone choice, and placement, attaining further Dante certification levels, and developing each student’s listening skills through the practice of mixing in our studio. Planning and executing recording sessions that involve a variety of musical ensembles under diverse recording conditions; live-performance/concert recordings; multi-track recording, overdub, and remix procedures; and research in recording techniques are all part of the study culminating in a portfolio of work earning certification as a studio engineer for the AHS Recording Studio. This is a one-semester class that fulfills 1/2 the credits of the fine arts requirement for graduation.
Ottoson Middle School Performing Arts Programs
Gibbs School Performing Arts Program
Elementary General Music
Tyler Hamilton, [email protected], Bishop
Meghan Murray, [email protected], Brackett
Kamden Dennis, [email protected],Dallin
Kristin Deming, [email protected], Hardy
Ivan Shiu, [email protected], Peirce
Matthew Thomas, [email protected], Stratton
Domiré Fiorentini, [email protected], Thompson
Elementary Instrumental Music
Paula Demetrio, [email protected], Woodwind and elementary band
Chang-Chun Tsai, Percussion instructor for Bishop, Brackett, Dallin and Hardy
Seth Hamlin, [email protected] Brass instructor for Perice, Stratton and Thompson
Kristi Scaccia, [email protected], Brass Instructor for Bishop, Brackett, Dallin and Hardy
David Wolf, [email protected] Percussion instructor for Perice, Stratton and Thompson
James Knapik, [email protected] Woodwinds instructor at Peirce, Stratton and Thompson
Lynn Rubin, [email protected] Woodwinds instructor at Peirce, Stratton and Thompson
Michael Simon, [email protected], Strings and elementary orchestras
Emily Plunkett, [email protected], Strings
Renée Hemsing, [email protected], Strings
Telden Lopes-Lotufo, [email protected], Strings
Kenya Ruiz, [email protected], Strings
Michael Simon, [email protected], Strings and elementary orchestras