INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Students will learn the visual aspects of flag and auxiliary equipment twirling/spinning, as well as correlating aspects of dance/movement. The colorguard will function as an auxiliary unit of the marching band in the fall semester.  Depending on student involvement, the colorguard will perform as an independent visual ensemble in the spring semester.  If not, the class will become a colorguard skills course.  $25 AIA fee.

 Advanced String Orchestra (Year)                9-12

Prerequisite:  By audition only.

This class is open to advanced students.  Students in this class will perform at festivals, community events, school events, and competitions.  Only the finest literature of orchestral music will be played.  Extra rehearsals are mandatory.  Students must know major and minor scales in 2 octaves and 1^st, 3^rd, and 5^th positions.  $25 AIA fee.

 Intermediate Concert Orchestra (Year)         9-12

Prerequisite: Open to all students.

This class is open to beginning and intermediate orchestra players. Students will learn proper orchestral technique. Students will learn music history and theory as they play proper orchestral literature.  Some extra rehearsals are necessary.

 CHOIR  

Beginning Women’s Chorus (Year)                  9-12

There are no prerequisites for Chorus other than the desire to learn more about vocal music.  This course is designed to give students a foundation in basic singing technique, rehearsal discipline, ear training, and music reading skills.  The Chorus performs at least four required concerts during the academic year.  Required concert attire includes black skirts (at least knee length) and a white blouse, black hose and dress shoes.  Concerts are mandatory for all choral groups. 

Advanced Women's Choir (Year)                   10-12

Prerequisite: Audition by Director

The Advanced Women's Chorus offers students with prior choral experience opportunities to strengthen vocal technique, build musicianship, and reinforce music reading skills. Students will perform very challenging choral literature arranged for 1st and 2nd Soprano and Alto in four concerts during the year.  Choir robes will be provided.  Concerts are mandatory for all choral groups.  $25 AIA fee.

 Advanced Mixed Choir    (Year)                     10-12

Prerequisite:  Audition by Director.

The Advanced Choir is a performing ensemble of mixed voices (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass), and is made up of Santa Rita High School's best singers and musicians.  The course offers opportunities to develop vocal technique and fine-tune musicianship skills while singing challenging choral literature.  The Advanced Choir performs four concerts during the academic year in addition to performances and competitions off campus. Choir robes will be provided.  Concerts are mandatory for all choral groups. $25 AIA fee.

 Musical Theatre  (Year)                                10-12

Prerequisite:  Audition by Director, current or prior enrollment in Advanced Choir, Intermediate Women’s Choir, or Drama Classes. This ensemble is primarily a show choir consisting of a select group of 18 singers, dancers, and actors, which perform a varied selection of music ranging from musical comedy to jazz at several concerts during the year, as well as several small musicals.  This ensemble will perform off campus and in competitions.  Technique and musicianship are taken to a higher level.  Concerts are mandatory for all choral groups.  Costume fee and $25 AIA fee.

 THEATRE ARTS

 Beginning Drama (Year)                                  9-12

This course is designed for the student who is interested in drama and would like to learn the basic skills necessary to act in or produce a play.  Prior experience is not necessary for success.  Areas of instruction include movement, voice and diction, character analysis, play interpretation, theatre history, play structures and styles, stage makeup and  technical theatre (stagecraft).  Attending live Fine Art performances at Santa Rita High School, although not mandatory, is strongly encouraged, as well as live performances within the Tucson community.  Students will be expected to perform children’s plays to the area elementary and middle schools, and one week of after school rehearsals will be required in order for the student to perform an evening show to family and friends.

Intermediate Drama (Sem. or Year)              10-12

Prerequisite: Audition by Director. One year of a Drama class is preferred.  

This class is designed to provide students with opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills gained in Beginning Drama. Emphasis is placed on script and character analysis, character development, acting techniques, monologues, duo scenes and impro****tion.  State Thespian Conference, Southern Arizona Acting Festivals, U of A workshops, and performing in two major dramatic productions are the goals for this class.  Portfolio work is also required for all students. Students should expect several after school rehearsals-2 weeks per semester prior to performances. After school rehearsals are mandatory for this class. 

Advanced Drama (Sem. or Year)                   11-12

Prerequisite:  Auditions by Director and one semester of Intermediate Drama preferred. 

This class is designed to provide students with opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills gained in Intermediate Drama.  Emphasis is placed on the application of literary analysis to acting skills, production and the performance of plays to the paying public.  Portfolio work is also required for all students.  This class is offered as a Fine Arts or elective credit which may be repeated for credit since the course content changes with production needs.  Frequent after school rehearsals are mandatory during the months of October through December, and February through May. Some weekend rehearsals/workshops may be required.  $25 AIA fee.

Independent Study-Student directing (Sem. or Year) 11-12

Prerequisite:  Interview by Director and concurrently a member of the Advanced Drama Class. 

This advanced course is designed for the experienced drama student who is interested in directing plays in the Beginning or Intermediate Drama classes.  This course is dedicated for those students who are interested in making a career in drama as a professional actor, director, or a theatre educator.  Many hours of out of class prep-time, independent reading, written reports, portfolio work, and high level organizational skills are a must for this course.  Excellent attendance is also expected, and only the most dedicated should apply.  Must be approved by the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction.

Stage Crew & Craft (Sem. or Year)              10-12

Prerequisite:  Interview with Director & one year of a drama course at Santa Rita. 

This course is designed for those interested in the technical aspect of production.  Students will learn how to operate and maintain equipment in the Little Theatre and in the Auditorium.  Lighting, sound, and basic stagecraft skills will be taught.  Set building and the safe handling of power tools is also part of this program.  Costuming, house management, and leadership skills will also be covered.  Students interested in this class must be available to operate equipment for all presentations in the Auditorium or Little Theatre, either during school or during nighttime performances. This class is offered as a Fine Arts or elective credit which may be repeated for credit since the course content changes with production needs. Must be approved by the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction.

BACK TO MAIN PAGE