Performing Arts
Aesthetic education is an essential element in the development of any well-rounded individual. In order to provide educational opportunities for the whole student, the Performing Arts Department strives to engage students with a variety of innovative, interesting, challenging and captivating courses that allow students to develop artistic potential and ability to the fullest. In essence, students need an outlet whereby they can explore a more aesthetic side of life. Students must have experiences in every aspect of the arts, exploring their creativity through manipulation of aural and physical elements, while concentrating on developing and honing performance skills. Furthermore, the ability to objectively, intelligently and effectively express one’s opinion about artistic products is crucial. The mission of the Performing Arts Department is to provide all students a sequential series of learning experiences, including studying diverse genres and styles, while incorporating creative, analytical, interdisciplinary and technological elements. Assessment is an essential element of monitoring student achievement and progress, and both students and the program are assessed on a regular basis. Though students may not choose to pursue a vocation in the performing arts, they leave the program with an awareness and appreciation that serves to enrich their lives.
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(1 credit)
Students in chorus learn correct vocal production, breath support, diction, and style, while studying a variety of popular, jazz, folk, and classical repertoire. Students also learn sight-singing skills using solfege. Each semester, students have numerous opportunities to perform in concerts on and off campus. Performance opportunities may include participation in music festivals, as well as performance travel associated with the school community.
Open to students in grades 9-12.
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(1/2 credit)
Class piano is a semester elective course that is open to any student interested in learning to play the piano, regardless of previous musical experience. Students engage in a self-guided study of piano techniques and music reading with the instructor acting as facilitator. Should they wish to develop piano skills to an even higher level, students may enroll in the course for more than one semester. Enrollment is limited based on the number of keyboards available.
Open to students in grades 9-12 regardless of music, or piano experience.
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(1 credit)
This year-long course is offered to students in grades eight through twelve who have successfully completed Intermediate Guitar. Students learn the major and minor position scales, and modes; fingerstyle solo pieces using melody, bass, and accompaniment; ensemble music; common bar chords, the reading of more complex rhythms; and continued understanding of music theory, including odd meter, seventh chords, and musical structures. The class repertoire is chosen from a variety of musical styles that include classical, jazz, pop, blues, Brazilian, and reggae. Each semester the students are featured in performances. Instruments are available from the school.
Open to students in grades 8-12 who have successfully completed Intermediate Guitar, or by audition with permission of the instructor.
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(1 credit)
This year-long course is the highest level guitar course offered. The focus is on quality music performance; creativity and analysis; student working as a chamber ensemble in which each player has a critical role; improvisational skills; chord voicing development; solo performance and continued review of practical application of music theory concepts. The class repertoire is chosen from a variety of musical styles that include classical, jazz, pop, blues, Brazilian, and reggae. Each semester the students are featured in performances. Instruments are available from the school. The course is repeatable for credit.
Open to students in grades 9-12, who have successfully completed Advanced Guitar, or by audition with permission of the instructor.
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(1 credit)
This course is open primarily to upper school students who have at least three years of advanced playing experience on a stringed instrument. The repertoire for this class focuses on Habits of a Successful Middle Musician in addition to grade III and higher educational music and standard string orchestra and ensemble music. Solo and ensemble repertoire is strongly encouraged in this class, with the hopes that everyone in the class will participate in the Solo and Ensemble Music Assessments. Technical goals in this class include two-octave scale and arpeggio proficiency through 3 sharps and 3 flats, as well as one- and two-octave scale and arpeggio proficiency in the corresponding minor keys. Other goals include use of first through fourth positions, consistent use of vibrato, mastery of commonly used bow strokes and rhythmic pattern, and consistent intonation as individuals and as a group. Performances opportunities include school events, local and state level music festivals and adjudications, and performance based travel.
The course is repeatable for credit.
Open to students in grades 9-12 with director's recommendation.
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(1 credit)
In the Wind Ensemble course, students are provided with a more in-depth exploration of repertoire and techniques. This exploration includes a greater variety of styles, a higher demand on playing skills, and a requirement for greater musical sensitivity. Enrollment in the course is of a “select” nature in order to adhere to the “one-on-a-part” concept, except for Flutes, Clarinets, Baritones/Euphoniums and Percussionists. Particular attention is given to developing independent playing skills and confidence, acuity of intonation and advanced rhythms, and development of expressive elements. Repertoire is determined by the instrumentation of the class. An exploration of improvisation is included as part of the course, as well as basic music theory, history and appreciation. Analysis of performance and assessment of performance are large components of the course. All students in this class are required to participate in the Florida Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment. Performance opportunities are abundant for members of the class and may include off-campus performances in addition to school-related functions.
The course is repeatable for credit.
Open to students in grades 9-12, who have completed Concert Band, or with director's recommendation.
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(1/2 credit)
This Upper School music course teaches topics like song structure, rhythm and harmony by analyzing and composing in a variety of electronic music styles. Students will gain an understanding of the many aspects of contemporary electronic music, including beats, harmony, bass lines, groove, melodies, audio/MIDI editing, and sound design. Students will create and produce music using digital audio workstations (DAW) and software similar to Pro Tools or Logic. No previous musical training is necessary to enroll in this course.
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(1/2 credit)
This Upper School course will survey the role of music in the United States from the mid-twentieth century to the present. Students will examine the cultural, social, political, and economic influence and significance of genres like jazz, rock, disco, folk, pop, and hip-hop. Through historical accounts, videos, and audio examples, students will explore the important artists of each decade and their musical response to the events of their day. No formal musical training is necessary to enroll in this course.
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(1 credit)
This college-level music course prepares the students to sit for the Advanced Placement Music Theory Exam. This course is open to all students regardless of music background, but previous experience in chorus, band, strings, piano or guitar is helpful. Since this is a college-level course, a higher level of commitment is expected and necessary in order to be successful. This course covers the fundamental elements of music and beginning harmony. Included are part writing, transposition, development of sight-reading skills, and ear training. Students have access to computer hardware and software, which enables them to experiment, organize and present their musical ideas.
Open to students in grades 12 with music experience and instructor recommendation.
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(1/2 credit)
This is an advanced theatre course directly applying the skills acquired in MS Drama, US Drama, or previous stage experience. Fall Semester is geared towards preparation for the prestigious Thespians Competition (representing Palmer Trinity) with a scheduled Showcase. In the spring, students will work toward a full scale public production performed at a professional theatre, as well a final variety style showcase in our Black Box. During the rehearsal process students will take on jobs of actors and/or technicians. Actors will explore character development and believability, as well as hone musical theatre skills. Technicians will take on the roles of production assistants, stage managers, lighting designers and prop masters. All students will collaborate, problem solve, design, build and run all aspects of a theatre production from page to stage. Class exercises require active participation and willingness to experiment. The final for the course is an evaluation of your performance growth on stage and the quality of your design work behind the scenes. The final weeks of the course will involve a final variety showcase. Students may retake this course as many times as allowed in their schedule. Every semester is a “new” year as material and productions change, offering students opportunities to develop as actors and technicians.
This course will run in both the fall and the spring semesters.
Open to students in grades 7-12, Teacher recommendation required.
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(1/2 credit)
Students will develop techniques used in musical theatre and familiarize themselves with current musical theatre dance styles found in New York, across the country, and around the world. Musical theatre dance history will be taught and discussed through the art of dance. The course gives students the skills to approach musical theatre dance with confidence.
Dance uniform is required. Open to students in grades 7-12, all levels welcome.
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(1/2 credit)
This is a 1 semester course providing strong foundations in the introduction to theater arts and the ability to perform in front of an audience. Classes include audition techniques, improvisation, effective vocal production and body language, character development, monologue work, script analysis. Actors will learn to score, perform, and analyze monologue work and scene study from contemporary works. Classes include minimal lecture. The final for the course is an in-class group performance and individual choice performance of scripted material. Class exercises require active participation and a willingness to experiment. Students who retake this course will be given advanced material to further develop their acting technique at a secondary level.
Open to students in grades 9-12; no prerequisite required.
April QueenPerforming Arts Department Chair(305) 251-2230 ext. 146University of Miami - B.A.
Corey Harvin(305) 251-2230 ext. 127Florida State University - B.M.
Anthony McFarlane(305) 251-2230 ext. 278Florida State Uiniversity - B.M.
