Program of Studies Program of Studies 2019-2020 | Page 12

Dance III
1 credit
Grades 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Dance II and approval of the
instructor
Students will build on the skills and technique gained
in Dance I and Dance II. This course stresses the
development of strength, flexibility, and endurance
of the physical body, the ability of students to work
cooperatively with others, and the maturation of
performance skills including the range of dynamics,
projection and expression. Also included are technical
requirements such as lighting, sets, costuming,
performance spaces, and the documentation and
notation of dances. Out-of-school rehearsals and
performances are required.
Performance and Repertory: Dance Company
1 credit
Grades 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Dance I and an audition in the spring
This is an opportunity for experienced dancers to gain
performing and choreographic experience. Students
will refine kinesthetic and spatial awareness working
toward greater musicality and expressiveness with a
variety of choreographers. The company will perform
at Thornton Academy as well as at other schools
and venues. Students will learn about approaches to
building a repertory as well as the many technical
aspects of performance and company management.
Outside rehearsal and performance time is required.
NOTE: This course may be repeated for credit.
MUSIC
The Thornton Academy music program offers student-
musicians the chance to participate in introductory
courses as well as high caliber ensembles with unique
and challenging performance opportunities.
Piano Lab
0.5 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Open to all who want to learn piano, this class is
taught on MIDI keyboards with a computer program
to guide students through the basics of reading music
and the proper techniques of playing the piano.
Students will learn how to read and perform a variety
of music including classical, jazz and pop. Learning to
play the piano is the perfect stepping-stone to playing
any instrument, as students will learn theory that can
be applied to all music. Regular attendance is critical
to success in this course since access to the computer
program is only available during class.
Guitar Fundamentals
0.5 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
This course focuses on the fundamentals of beginner
guitar playing. Students will learn tablature,
chord frames, and sheet music, starting with the 4
chord song. This is a hands on class that requires
each student to have an acoustic (non-amplified)
instrument.
Songwriting
0.5 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
During this class, students explore the ingredients of
song - lyrics, melody, delivery, harmony, rhythm, form,
texture, timbre, and arrangement - through song
analysis and basic music theory. The course will begin
with the analysis of the work of diverse songwriters,
then progress to composition, recording, and
performance of original works. Piano Lab or Music
Theory I is recommended but not required.
Music Theory I
0.5 credit
Grades 9,10,11,12
In this course students will learn skills that will
include reading music, identifying notes, playing basic
rhythms, and hearing major and minor chords. Online
tools and paper resources will assist students as they
learn to read and associate the written and aural
music in this class.
Music Theory II
0.5 credit
Grades 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite Music Theory I
This class offers an in-depth look at music theory
through analysis, modulations, chord progressions,
transposition and more! There will be a strong focus
on melodic and harmonic dictation. Students must
have already completed Music Theory I and have a
strong grasp of key signatures and scales.
American Music History
0.5 credit
Grades 9,10,11,12
This course traces the history of music from the turn
of the century to the present. This course begins with
African American spirituals, blues and jazz, includes
American classical Masters and continues through the
pop music of today. Projects, papers, and playlists are
among the assignments that are required.