Performing Arts

In this course, students will learn to understand the components of music and its application to history and society. Students will develop a basic musical vocabulary and learn how to talk about and listen to music. This class seeks to give students a broad understanding of music from different time periods and parts of the world. The essential question that our class will be built on is: "What does it mean to listen?". (1 credit)

(147S) Introduction to Music Theory

This college prep course consists of two semesters of instruction and is intended as the sophomore year offering in the Performing Arts sequence. This course is a prerequisite to take subsequent courses in this sequence. The Music Theory course is designed to enhance music skills and basic music fundamentals. The essential aspects of melody, harmony, rhythm, and form are studied. Throughout the course of the year, students will study basic notation, scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, cadences, and analysis of a score. Aural dictation and ear training are also an integral part of the course and will be taught throughout the year. (5 credits)

The AP Music Theory course corresponds to one or two semesters of a typical introductory college music theory course that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, musical materials, and procedures. Musicianship skills, including dictation and other listening skills, sight singing, and harmony, are considered an important part of the course. Through the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic and advanced materials and processes of tonal music that are heard or presented in a score. Each student is required to take the AP Exam to satisfy the course requirements. (5 credits)

In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of piano in a classroom environment. The class will focus on basic technique, note reading, and real-life applications in contemporary music. The class is open to all students, but will require special application for students without prior Piano experience or a Music Theory course. (5 credits)

This course will utilize technology to understand, create, and record music. Students will develop basic music skills using music production and notation software. Students interested in this class are required to have taken at least one year of Music Theory or Piano, be enrolled in a Music Theory course at the same time, or have special application approval from the instructor. (5 credits)

Acting and Public Speaking is an elective course. In this class, students will lose their fear of speaking in front of groups and will be given the tools to perform a piece of theatre, scripted or improv’d. They will also learn how to plan, research, compose, practice and deliver speeches. The class will cover basic theatre and speaking terminology as well as etiquette and critiquing skills. Through the study of the process of communication, students will become better speakers and learners. Students will study mass media; perform scenes from plays; act out skits; debate each other; read dramatically, deliver speeches and communicate using every type of communication from verbal through non-verbal. Students will be expected to (after instruction) observe, listen, mime, memorize, speak in front of a group, deliver a scene, and participate in acting exercises and games. (2.5 credits)

Modern Band is a course designed to function as an advanced small music ensemble. This group explores high-level music of various styles and focuses on improvisation and ear-training to help guide rehearsals. In addition, the course explores topics such as music industry, music business, technology, and leadership. Students must be enrolled in Jazz Ensemble and have to audition to be in the group. (5 credits)

(066S) Jazz Ensemble 

Jazz Ensemble is open to any and all instrumentalists enrolled in classes at CBA. The group will explore all styles of music- Jazz, Rock, Funk, Latin, and Big Band- with a focus on performance, improvisation, and composition. This is a Period 0 course.  (3 Credits)

Rock Band is open to any and all instrumentalists and vocalists enrolled in classes at CBA. The group will explore a variety of genres centered around rock and pop, with a focus on performance, stage presence, improvisation, and arranging. This is a Period 0 course. 

(3 Credits)