Students need one credit of Fine Arts or Career Technical Education for graduation. Students need one credit of Fine Arts for admission into state universities.

Color Guard
(ZERO HOUR)

A yearlong class that will teach dance along with aspects of color guard including: flags, rifles and sabers. This class will work in conjunction with the Thunderbolt Marching Band, performing at all of the home and away football games and competitions throughout the state of Arizona. Students will receive 1 Fine Arts credit upon completion of the year.

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: Teacher’s approval

Concert Band
(No audition/prerequisite required)

Concert Band (Band I) offers musical experiences in many areas (contest, holiday, medleys, individual, marches, etc.). Concert Band will perform literature designed for the students of the freshman/sophomore level and also students who may be picking up a newer instrument. The performance expectations for this group include concerts, festivals, fundraisers, etc. This class offers a high-profile performance opportunity and a social education for all involved.

Grade: 9-12

1 Credit

2 Semesters

Prerequisite: Knowledge of an instrument Requirements: Exceptions may be considered through conference with the instructor. Must commit to after-school and weekend practices. See fee chart.

Jazz Band
(Audition Required/Technique class at the same time highly encouraged)

Jazz Band is an auditioned only ensemble that incorporates a rhythm section (piano, guitar, upright bass and percussion) and a horn section (saxophones, trombone and trumpet) to play music that is based on swing, Latin and rock. It is highly recommended that students in Jazz Band also take the technique class that fits his/her instrument. This group will perform at the quarterly concerts and also have other performing opportunities throughout the year.

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: Must have knowledge of the following instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Piano, Bass, or Drums. NO OTHER INSTRUMENTS PLEASE. Freshman may register upon conference with band teacher. Conference may lead to audition.

Requirements: Must commit to after-school and weekend practices/performances. Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart.

Marching Band
(ZERO HOUR)

This ensemble class will meet during 0 Hour and have Monday afternoon rehearsals from 3:30-5:30 each week. We will perform at football games, spirit assemblies, marching band competitions, and community events throughout the first semester. Marching Band is open to all students who are looking for a group that builds a family atmosphere through hard work, a positive attitude, and a desire for excellence. Members consist of all wind instruments, percussion, and guard members with guard and percussionists being auditioned for placement. Percussionists should take Percussion Techniques.

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Course Fees: Course fee required. See Course Fee Chart.

Prerequisites: Freshman Camp and Band Camp in July.

Requirements: Evening and weekend practices and performances. Percussionists should take Percussion Techniques.

Orchestra: Chamber
(Audition Required/String Orchestra participation is highly encouraged)

Chamber Orchestra is a continuation of the String Orchestra class, it is limited in size and is an audition-only course. Chamber Orchestra will have similar performing opportunities as the String Orchestra but will have a requirement of auditioning for Regional Honor Orchestra and participating in Regional and State concert festivals throughout the year. This is a high-achieving class for those who are ready to be pushed musically each day.

Grade: 9-12

1 Credit

2 Semesters

Requirements: Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart

Orchestra: String
(No Audition/prerequisite required)

Orchestra is for students who play the violin, viola, cello, or upright bass. In this class, we continue to move forward with your previous orchestra experience with the goal of creating quality music with proper technique and musicianship. This class will perform separately as a string orchestra and from time to time join with winds and percussion for a symphony orchestra. Orchestra will have quarterly concerts and performance opportunities throughout the school year.

Grade: 9-12

1 Credit

2 Semesters

Requirements: Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart

Piano Lab

Piano Lab offers the opportunity to learn to read, compose, arrange and play a variety of music genres on the piano. Music theory and piano skills will be utilized daily. Performance expectations for this class include concerts throughout the school year. Piano Lab class will be a prerequisite for AP Music Theory and will help prepare students interested in college-level music theory.

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Requirements: Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart

Steel Drums: Beginning

Steel Drums students will perform a variety of music genres from cultures around the world. Reading, writing, and playing music including calypso, samba, soca, one-drop reggae, classical, Latin jazz, pop, and much more. Performance expectations for this class include concerts both in and out of the district throughout the school year, including festival participation. Steel Drums students must maintain a C average or better, with no F's in all other classes in order to remain eligible to participate in steel drums.

Grade: 9-12

1 Credit

2 Semesters

Requirements: Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart

Steel Drums: Advanced

Advanced Steel Drums students will perform a variety of music genres from cultures around the world. Reading, writing, and playing music including calypso, samba, soca, one-drop reggae, classical, Latin jazz, pop, and much more. Performance expectations for this class include concerts both in and out of the district throughout the school year, including festival participation. Movement while playing is a unique aspect of this group. Steel Drums students must maintain a C average or better, with no F's in all other classes in order to remain eligible to participate in steel drums.

Grade: 9-12

1 Credit

2 Semesters

Prerequisite: Audition required.

Requirements: Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart

Woodwind Techniques
(Audition Required)

Wind Symphony (Band II) is a continuation of Concert Band (Band I), it is limited in size and is an audition-only course. Wind Symphony will have similar performing opportunities as the Concert Band but will have requirements of auditioning for the Regional Honor Band and participating in Regional and State level festivals throughout the year. This is a high-achieving class for those who are ready to be pushed musically each day.

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisite: the band teacher must approve all students before registering for Symphonic Band

Requirements: Must commit to evening and weekend practices. See fee chart.

Dance

Introduces students to the dynamic capabilities of the body as an articulate means of expression. Presents basic concepts and skills from various dance forms that may include ballet, jazz, contemporary, improvisation, and floor work. Class work develops efficient alignment, strength, flexibility, coordination, rhythm, dynamics, and spatial awareness.

Grade: 10-12

.5 Credit

1 Semester

Requirements: No experience is necessary

Drama I (Beginning Drama)

This course is designed for students who are at the very beginning of their Mica Mountain drama theatre career. Theatre is the study of the human experience, and this course is designed to give the students a broad range of experience and skills in theatre. Active participation is a must when exploring the concepts and discipline of the theatre. This course can include the following subjects if time permits:

Theatre Basics
Script Analysis
Movement
Play production
Observation
Character Development
Pantomime
Technical theatre
Stage composition
Improvisation
Scene work

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Requirements: Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart

Drama II (Intermediate Drama)

This course is designed for students who are at the very beginning of their Mica Mountain drama Intermediate Drama (beginning drama is a prerequisite for intermediate) The intermediate level of the Mica Mountain drama department is part of our school community, and you will be held to a higher standard academically and personally. This course is designed for students who want to continue their Mica Mountain drama theatre career. Theatre is the study of the human experience, and this course is designed to broaden the student’s theater skills and experience. The Following are the subject that will be covered in this course if time permits:

Theatre Basics
Script Analysis
Movement
Play production
Observation
Character Development
Pantomime
Technical theatre
Stage composition
Improvisation
Scene work

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: Beginning Drama and audition

Requirements: Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart

Drama III (Advanced Drama)

This course reviews the techniques gained from the beginning and intermediate drama, but focus is placed on helping the student attain a higher skill level. Emphasis is placed on the development of the actor, the actor and the play, as well as the actor and the production. The focus of the course is on the selection, rehearsal, and production of a number of full-length productions a year, including a spring musical. Students must be available for many after- school rehearsals. Selection for this class is based on student auditions and/or recommendations from previous theater instructor/director for grades 10-12. This course may be repeated for elective credit.

Grade(s): 11-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: Intermediate Drama and audition

Requirements: Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart

Studio Art I

This course will briefly cover the breadth of the elements and principles of design and beginning art theories and practices. We will work with many varieties of media in 2- D design, drawing, painting, etc. - time permitting. Some art history will be covered as it supports the elements and principles of design and beginning art practices. This class is a foundation class and is designed to be an overview of the many studio art practices. Studio 1 is a gateway into the other art classes offered here at CHS. This class fulfills the 1 credit art requirement needed for graduation

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Requirements: Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart

Studio Art II

This course is a continuation of the theories, practices, and history learned in Art 1 but with an emphasis on more depth and better control, creativity, and mastery. Students will be encouraged to begin working with their own voice in art, as the assignments become more complex and open-ended, which require greater technical skills, thought, and problem-solving skills. Students will learn how to discuss their ideas and artwork in an intelligent, respectful manner.

Grade(s): 10-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: Studio Art I or teacher approval.

Requirements: Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart

Advanced Choir

This is an advanced mixed-choir class. Auditions are required for this ensemble. Students will learn a variety of musical styles, including classical and madrigal. Advanced theory and sight-singing will be taught during this class. Students will be expected to perform several times during each semester of this class, and participation in the Regional Choir audition is mandatory. Speak with the teacher for details and to arrange for an audition.

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: Audition required

Requirements: Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart

Beginning Choir

This is a non-audition choir class. Students will be singing music from many different genres. Some genres include classical, jazz, musical theatre and pop. Basic theory and sight-singing skills are taught during this class. Students will be expected to perform in 3-4 concerts during the year. Please see choir teacher if you have specific questions.

Grade(s): 9-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Show Choir

Show choir is an audition only ensemble that focuses on challenging repertoire and choreography. Students in this class will perform various genres of music that involve solo opportunities and dance. During the second semester, students in this class will pair with Advanced Drama to perform the school’s Musical Theatre Production

Grade(s): 10-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Prerequisites: One year of choir and audition required.

Requirements: Class Fee required, see Course Fee Chart