Curriculum Detail

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Performing Arts

  • AP Music Theory

    This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Music Theory Exam, and ultimately for college music courses. This course integrates music and music composition. Students are required to take the AP Music Theory exam. The AP Music Theory student is a student who wants to continue music as a major or minor in college.

    Prerequisite: Introduction to Music Theory with a grade of B- or better, or department approval.

  • Beginning Dance

    This course provides introductory vocabulary, history, and technique of jazz dance. Styles of ballet, tap, and contemporary dance will also be covered. Focus is placed on stretching, body control, and building stamina to progress towards dance combinations and full-length routines. This class also covers basic elements of dance improvisation and choreography techniques. There will be an opportunity for performance within the year. 

    Note: May be used to meet Physical Education requirement

  • Beginning Dance NEW

    This course provides introductory vocabulary, history, and technique of jazz dance. Styles of ballet, tap, and contemporary dance will also be covered. Focus is placed on stretching, body control, and building stamina to progress towards dance combinations and full-length routines. This course also covers basic elements of dance improvisation and choreography techniques. There will be an opportunity for performance within the year.

    Note: May be used to meet Physical Education requirements

  • Concert Choir

    This course is open to all students as an opportunity to use their God-given talents, while also developing skills as a vocalist, musician and performer. This course will develop each student through disciplined rehearsals, which will include sight-singing, basic theory, and introduction to vocal and choral techniques. This course explores different styles of musical literature, but mainly focuses on contemporary Christian. As a member of this choir, each student will be required to participate in several performances outside of school hours. 

  • Dance Company

    This course is for the experienced jazz dance student to focus on enhancing jazz dance technique, performance, and personal style. A more advanced emphasis in additional styles of ballet, tap, and contemporary dance will also be covered. Advanced choreographic techniques will be taught to allow the students to develop their own original works. It is the required course for the Maranatha Dance Team, which performs throughout the year at various school and community events. A kit fee and attendance at summer dance camp are required for this course.

    Prerequisite: Audition required. 

    Note: May be used to meet Physical Education requirement.

  • Dance Company NEW

    This course is for the experienced jazz dance student to focus on enhancing jazz dance technique, performance, and personal style. A more advanced emphasis in additional styles of ballet, tap, and contemporary dance will also be covered. Advanced choreographic techniques will be taught to allow the students to develop their own original works. Advanced Jazz Dance is a required course for the Maranatha Dance Team, which performs throughout the year at various school and community events. A kit fee and attendance at summer dance camp are required for this course.

    Prerequisite: Audition required. Note: May be used to meet Physical Education requirements.

  • Honors Composition & Songwriting

    This course is an applied technical study of harmony and counterpoint. It includes a basic overview of general musical principles such as basic chord structure, progressions, four-part harmonization, sight singing, notation and composition; it is the equivalent of an entry level college course for music students. The course will develop student’s musical literacy and creativity through written, analytical, and composition assignments.

    Prerequisite: Introduction to Music Theory with a grade of B- or better, or department approval.

  • Intermediate Jazz Dance

    This course is designed to further develop the technique of jazz dance. Intermediate levels of ballet, tap, and contemporary dance will also be covered. Intermediate levels of dance improvisation and choreography techniques will be used to develop personal style. This course reaches a higher level of stretching, body control, strength, and stamina to accomplish more challenging dance combinations. Focus is placed on the elements of performance: form, rhythm, space, and expression. There will be opportunities for performance throughout the year.

    Prerequisite: Beginning Jazz Dance or department approval. Note: May be used to meet Physical Education requirements

  • Introduction to Music Theory

    This course covers the basic skills of music composition and focuses on the techniques and methods for writing music in many different styles, including classical styles (19th and 20th century), Pop, Country, Jazz, etc. Topics include key signatures, scales, basic chord progressions, and the fundamental structure of classical and contemporary pieces. 

  • Jazz Dance Intermediate

    This course is designed to further develop the technique of jazz dance. Intermediate levels of ballet, tap, and contemporary dance will also be covered. Intermediate levels of dance improvisation and choreography techniques will be used to develop personal style. This class reaches a higher level of stretching, body control, strength, and stamina to accomplish more challenging dance combinations. Focus is placed on the elements of performance: form, rhythm, space, and expression. There will be opportunities for performance throughout the year. 

    Prerequisite: Beginning Jazz Dance or department approval.

    Note: May be used to meet Physical Education requirement.

  • Mixed Ensemble

    This course represents the top vocal musicians at Maranatha High School. This course prepares the group for various community performances and outreach ministries by focusing on fundamental music and vocal theory. Attendance is required at all performances, which may include some Sundays and school day events. Students are responsible for choir outfit purchase.   Audition Required

  • Orchestra

    This class will explore the world of orchestra from an educational perspective, concentrating primarily on the eras and styles of music related to required school performances. There will be an emphasis on classical, as well as popular music and film scores, arranged for orchestra. Rehearsals outside of the school day may be required before a scheduled performance. 

    Prerequisite: Basic proficiency (at least one-year experience) on one of the orchestral instruments, including all percussion instruments. 

    Note: Students must own or rent their instrument. Audition required and will determine seating in the orchestra.

  • Orchestra Advanced (H)

    Advanced Orchestra is course open to all students with performance level ability on a particular orchestral instrument. This includes an ability to read music for their instrument proficiently. This performance course is designed to develop and improve the performance level of each student on their particular instrument, and to develop and hone their aesthetic and cultural ability to analyze and appreciate orchestral music from all sources, cultures, and eras. This is accomplished through critical listening, reading, writing, and discussion. Students will perform in concerts and festivals. There will be emphasis placed on portfolio preparation for further study and possible career paths. 

    Prerequisite: Audition Required

  • Portfolio Preparation (H)

    This studio course, for highly motivated seniors, is designed to assist students in preparing a portfolio for Advanced Placement submission (Traditional AP Studio Art only), art school, or college art department admission. It is strongly advised that it be taken as an additional course by all students also enrolled in the Advanced Placement Studio Art courses to augment lab time, but also may be taken as a stand-alone class for students who are not enrolled in AP. Students will focus on the three main categories of art that correspond with the AP portfolio requirements and are often required in a portfolio for review by an art college or university art department: Observational Art, Personal Art, Home Exam. 

    Prerequisite: Department approval based on prior coursework and approved portfolio.

    Note:     Only open to juniors and seniors if concurrently enrolled in AP Studio Art.

  • Theater 1

    The course is designed to introduce students to acting, improvisation, stage conventions and terminology, and the dramatic structure of storytelling in theater. Students will have the opportunity to get hands on experience in all areas of production, including entertainment technology and design, such as scenic, lighting, costuming and sound. Students will analyze live theatrical performances, as well as literature to create truthful performances of their own, using improvisations, monologues and short scenes for instructor and peer feedback. Students will also explore the historical and cultural context of theater and design.

  • Theater 2

    This course is designed for those who want to continue in the dramatic arts and become greater storytellers. Students will hone their story telling skills as writers, actors, directors and technicians. They will study story form by reading, watching and analyzing dramatic productions in order to create their own characters and theatrical pieces. Each semester will culminate in the performance of an original work.

    Prerequisite: Introduction to the Dramatic Arts (Theater 1)

  • Theater 3

    This course is designed for those who wish to dive deeper into the world of theatrical production. Students will have a hands-on experience as they work on all productions and showcases in the season. This includes set building, lighting design, stage management, marketing, and business management. Students will have the opportunity to produce, design, and direct a small-scale production each semester. Directing peers and scriptwriting will also be a large component of this course.

Faculty