Performing Arts Courses

This intro-level course will focus on the basics of acting technique. Through fun activities and scene work, students will learn basic acting terminology, improvisational skills, and the importance of body and breath control. Students will be expected to attend one theatrical production during the course of the semester.

Prerequisites: None
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit

Concert Choir is a non-auditioned choir for freshmen. There is no experience required and many students have never sung in a choir before. Students will explore a wide variety of genres, languages and musical styles increasing in difficulty throughout the year. Instruction will focus on essential skills including vocal tone, range, historical context, musical literacy, and expressive skills. Concert Choir will perform in all concerts at STA and in State MSHSAA festivals.

This course will focus on the non-performance aspects of theatre. Students will learn the basics of design by creating their own set, costume and makeup designs. All students will be trained and will utilize the tools and equipment in the Makerspace. Students will be expected to attend one theatrical production during the course of the semester.

STA Chorale is an advanced choir for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Many of these students have participated in choir at STA in previous years although no experience is required. Students perform more advanced choral literature in various styles, languages, and genres. Instruction is focused on group cohesion, choral tone, stylistic variety, interpretive skills, and music theory. STA Chorale will perform in all concerts at STA and in State MSHSAA festivals.

Prerequisites: None
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One year
Credit: One credit

STA Singers is an auditioned chamber ensemble for junior and senior students who show a desire to be challenged, demonstrate a strong work ethic, display a passion for music, and complete a successful audition. Instruction will focus on stylistic nuance, historical context, poetic interpretation, choral tone, music theory and literacy. Students will perform collegiate-level repertoire of various genres, languages and styles. STA Singers will perform in and outside of school, compete in competitions and MSHSAA festivals. Auditions will be held in the spring semester. STA singers are strongly encouraged to audition for All District, All State, and Solo and Ensemble. Voice lessons are encouraged but not required.
Make STA Singers as first elective choice if planning on auditioning.

Prerequisites: Audition in April
Grade: 11, 12
Course Length: One year
Credit: One credit

Introduction to Piano is a course designed for beginning and early piano players. Curriculum begins at basic skills covering note names, intervals, keys, clefs, chords and scales and works to develop skills from there based on the individual skills of the student. Students will develop fluency in reading music for the piano, finger dexterity, expressivity, and music theory. There is a $10.00 fee for the music workbook.

Prerequisites: None
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester
Credit: One-half credit

Intermediate Piano class is a course designed for players who have taken piano lessons before even if it has been a while. Curriculum begins at basic skills reviewing note names, intervals, keys, clefs, chords and scales and works to develop skills from there based on the individual skills of the student. Performing standard piano repertoire is a key focus for this class. Students will develop fluency in reading music for the piano, finger dexterity, expressivity, and music theory.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Piano or 2+ years of piano lessons
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Course Length: One semester (spring semester only)
Credit: One-half credit

AP Music Theory is a college course designed for students interested in a deep understanding of music and is structured in accordance with the AP College Board guidelines. Students will learn about chord structure, music analysis, songwriting, form, historical context and practices, composition, aural skills and sight singing. Written assignments, quizzes, worksheets and homework are emphasized. Students take the Advanced Placement Test in Music Theory (additional fee assessed).

Prerequisites: Piano, Songwriting, or Choir
Grade: 11, 12
Course Length: One year
Credit: One credit