INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Year: 1.0 credit
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: By audition only
Expenses: All black concert dress/suit
(discussed at beginning of year); $10 orchestra t-shirt; $50 per semester, if renting a school instrument; Trip costs occur.
This course is designed to meet the needs of the most advanced orchestra student. Students will perform a variety of musical styles at the most advanced level. This course will explore a variety of idioms including: Quartet/Quintet, Symphony, and Chamber Orchestra. Students will be exposed to Symphony
orchestra at a very high performance level regardless of previous experience. Students must understand that a commitment to
excellence through attendance of additional rehearsals (if needed) outside of class is a vital part of the Chamber Orchestra. Along with the quarterly performances throughout the year, this group will also perform outside of school for various festivals and special events.
COLOR GUARD TECHNIQUES (may be repeated for Winter Guard) - 70435 
Semester: .5 credit
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Audition or Director's approval
Expenses: $100.00 participation fee, purchase of shoes - cost to be determined, and possible purchase of uniform - cost to be determined.
This course is designed to teach color guard techniques to all students regardless of previous experience level. During the 1st quarter, the color guard will perform with the Marching Band at all of its functions. During the remainder of the year, the guard will function as an independent unit and will actively compete on the Winter Guard circuit. Students must understand that a commitment to excellence through attendance at all rehearsals is a vital part of this course. This course will require a minimum of 10 hours per week of out-of-school time for practice during the first and third quarters. Participation at all performances and rehearsals is mandatory.
Year: 1.0 credit
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Previous participation in band
Expenses: $100.00 participation fee, $15.00 for uniform cleaning, $30.00 for shoes, $50.00 per semester if school instrument is rented.
This course is designed to meet the needs of all band students. Students in this band will explore a variety of idioms including: Marching Band, Pep Band, and Symphonic Wind literature. The first quarter will be devoted entirely to Marching Band and Pep Band. Students will be exposed to the idiom of Marching Band at a very high performance level regardless of previous experience. Students must understand that a commitment to excellence through attendance is a vital part of the Marching Band requirement. Marching Band will require a minimum of 10 hours per week of out-of-school time for practice during the first quarter only. The remainder of the year will be devoted to different and varying levels of symphonic band music. Participation at all performances and rehearsals is mandatory.
Year: 1.0 credit
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: By audition only
Expenses: $50.00 per semester if school instrument is rented.
This course is designed to meet the needs of all students interested in the idiom of jazz. Students will be given the opportunity to expand their musical experience through the performance of traditional and new trends in big band and small ensemble jazz, and creative musicianship through improvisation. Jazz Ensemble students will perform many times throughout the school year, and some out-of-school time may be required. Participation at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Instrumentation in Jazz Ensemble is limited to not more than 6 saxophones, 5 trombones, 5 trumpets, piano, guitar, bass guitar, percussion, and drums.
Year: 1.0 credit
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Previous participation in Orchestra
Expenses: $50.00 per semester, if instrument is school rental.
This course is designed for all levels of musicians with at least 2 years of playing experience. Advanced students will be challenged with individual as well as upper ensemble performance while those not yet sure of their individual ability will be given an opportunity to improve their skills on their instrument. The group is made of up Violins, Violas, Cellos and Double Basses, however, winds and percussionists are also added with the option of going to a full orchestra setting. Musicians are exposed to traditional styles as well as Jazz and Rock improvisation through group, small ensemble, and individual performance. A variety of musical styles and techniques are also shared through the various genres of music that are performed throughout the year. Quarterly performances, festivals and other special events are scheduled to promote positive peer culture, appreciation and the overall musical experience.
Year: 1.0 credit
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Audition or Director's approval
Expenses: $100.00 participation fee, $15.00 for uniform cleaning, $30.00 for shoes, $60.00 per semester instrument usage fee (including mallets).
All band students who play a percussion instrument should sign up for this course. The course will explore a variety of idioms including: Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble music. The first quarter will be devoted entirely to Marching Band and Pep Band. This class will function as the percussion section for the Marching Band during the first quarter. Students must understand that a commitment to excellence through attendance is a vital part of the Marching Band requirement for this course. Marching Band will require a minimum of 10 hours per week of out-of-school time for practice during the first quarter only. During the second, third, and fourth quarters students will have the opportunity to perform in a large band such as Concert Band, Symphonic Winds or Wind Ensemble. Additionally, students in this class will have the opportunity to participate in the competitive Winter Drum Line during the second semester as well as several percussion ensembles. Students will be placed in the appropriate Percussion Ensembles and Bands by the instructor, according to recommendation or by audition. Students will be participating in several performances and festivals throughout the school year. Participation at all performances and rehearsals is mandatory.
Year: 1.0 credit
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: By audition only
Expenses: $100.00 participation fee, $15.00 for uniform cleaning, $30.00 for shoes, $50.00 per semester if school instrument is rented.
This course is designed to meet the needs of the most advanced band student. Students in this band will perform a variety of musical styles at the most advanced level. This course will explore a variety of idioms including: Marching Band, Pep Band, and Wind Ensemble. The first quarter will be devoted entirely to Marching Band and Pep Band. Students will be exposed to the idiom of Marching Band at a very high performance level regardless of previous experience. Students must understand that a commitment to excellence through attendance is a vital part of the Marching Band requirement for this course. Marching Band will require a minimum of 10 hours per week of out-of-school time for practice during the first quarter only. The remainder of the year will be devoted to the most advanced Wind Ensemble music. Participation at all performances and rehearsals is mandatory.
THEATREYear : .5 Credit
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Students should have very basic dance experience/knowledge.
Focus will be on musical theatre dance, with an emphasis on tap, jazz and some ballet. Students will study specific Broadway musicals and will learn dances appropriate to the music, era and style of various shows. Students will learn how to choreograph for individuals, small and large groups. Students may take this course more than once.
Semester: .5 credit
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Expenses: $30.00
Students participate in all phases of stagecraft activities for the production of plays and auditorium events. Technical Theatre includes scenery construction, stage lighting, make-up, sound control, publicity, design, theatre organization, management and maintenance. This course also counts for a practical art credit.
TECHNICAL THEATRE II - 70795 (Fall)
70810 (Spring)
Semester: .5 credit
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Expenses: $30.00
Prerequisite: Technical Theatre I
This is a course designed for the serious technical theatre student. Advanced scene design, advanced lighting, sound, stagecraft, design, make-up, and costume techniques will be explored. Students will be expected to participate in after-school production and assume crew head responsibilities. This course also counts for a practical art credit.
Semester : .5 credit - fall only
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
This one semester fall course offers the opportunity to act, to become involved in play production, to read and perform scenes, monologues and cuttings from plays. Major emphasis of the class is on developing beginning acting skills and self esteem. It is suggested that the student take Theatre I in the fall and Theatre II in the spring.
Semester: .5 credit - spring only
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Theatre I
As a continuation of Theatre I, this spring course extends development of acting skills and plays and character analysis through daily acting practice. Participation in play production is encouraged. It is suggested that the student take Theatre I in the fall and Theatre II in the spring.
Year: 1.0 credit
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Theatre I and II or permission from instructor.
An advanced course in theatre production including development of higher level acting skills, play production activity and other areas of study. Participation in play production is encouraged.
THEATRE IV - DIRECTING - 70730
Year: 1.0 credit
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Theatre I, II, III or permission from instructor
Theatre IV deals with the elements of stage and film direction. Topics include the role of the director, script analysis, set design,
blocking, character analysis, rehearsal schedules and prompt scripts. Each student will direct scenes to be performed for the class and produce a short movie video.
THEATRE PRODUCTION ENSEMBLE - 70755
Year: 1.0 credit
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Audition - Theatre I, II, III
Theatre Production Ensemble is a class for the most advanced actor. Audition is required. Advanced technique, style and play production will be the core of this class. The class tours 2 one-acts and participation in main stage play production is required.
VOCAL MUSIC
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Enthusiasm for singing
Expenses: Purchase of performance attire
This group is comprised primarily of freshmen and we strive to improve vocal performance in preparation for auditioning for upper level ensembles.
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: By audition only
Expenses: Purchase of performance attire. Trip costs occur.
A select (by audition only) group composed of the finest female voices at Ponderosa. Membership is based on advanced voice quality, sight reading ability, range, tonal memory, and musicianship. Estrella performs at various concerts, festivals, contests, and community group events. Rehearsals and performance schedules require significant extracurricular commitment.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Male, enthusiasm for singing
Expenses: Purchase of performance attire
This men's choir, which accepts all male singers of any age, will perform at school and for community groups. Training in vocal production, sight-reading, and part-singing is emphasized.
Year: 1.0 credit
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Audition
Expenses: Purchase of performance attire. Trip costs occur.
This mixed choir is composed of advanced choir students selected through extensive auditions based upon voice quality and development, interest in performance at an advanced level, and musicianship. Pegasus performs classical, jazz and show
choir music at various concerts, festivals, contests and community group events throughout the state and nation. Rehearsal and performance schedules require significant extracurricular commitment.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Year: 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Audition
Expenses: Purchase of performance attire. Trip costs occur.
This treble choir is composed of advanced choir students selected through an audition based upon voice quality and development, interest in performance of advanced choral music and musicianship. This choir performs at school, at festivals, for community groups and at contests.
