Honors Music Theory
For students yearning for a deep dive past the fun and into the technical aspects of voice and music, Honors Music Theory, taught by Choral Department Chair Dr. Christine Micu, will be offered as a year-long class in the 2024-2025 school year. This class has been offered in the past, last in 2020, when the Class of 2024 was freshmen.
According to Dr. Micu, students won’t only be learning music theory in this class, but also how “to compose music and collaborate with other instruments.” They will also write a Sonata at some point.. “We’ll write a piece with a violin, maybe a trumpet, a singer, and we’ll play and share each other’s work,” Dr. Micu explained.. The collaboration and celebration of all different kinds of music, whether it be vocal or instrumental is at the heart of this class.
Dr. Micu also teaches other choral classes — Bishop’s Singers and Bishop’s Chorus, the two choir groups, and these remain options for classes next year. However, Bishop’s Singers auditions have passed, so the only available option next year for those still interested in singing is Bishop’s Chorus: a class for fundamentals of singing in groups, breath support, and more.
Theater I/II and Theater III/IV
Acting is something we all do, whether we realize it or not. It’s a form of expression that comes up in everyday life.. Theater I/II —offered for both semesters in the 2024-2025 school year and taught by Drama Department Chair Dr. Kristen Tregar — will be an introductory acting clas.It introduces students to different types of drama through experimenting with scripts, exercises, and acting techniques.
Theater III/IV is also offered for both semesters in the 2024-2025 school year and mainly focuses on taking the acting skills learned from Theater I/II and advancing them towards directing. “This class is more centered around directing scenes in addition to acting,” explained Dr. Tregar. Acting is still central to this class, but learning how to direct is also an important skill to add to an actor’s toolbox.
Dr. Tregar explained the connection between acting and our real-world interactions: “You see examples in history. For example, after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, not all words could describe the grief of the people, but, say, dance could. There’s performance all around.” Theater I/II and Theater III/IV are not just acting classes. Students who take these classes get to learn about how art can relate to reality and connect to the scholarly side of themselves as they learn more about the craft.
Acting Workshop
Acting Workshop is also offered in both semesters of the 2024-2025 school year, however auditions have already taken place. This class takes all the skills learned from Theater I/II, Theater III/IV, or any previous acting experience, and functions as a theater ensemble, full of actors working together to create and study scenes. This course expects a degree of acting experience from auditioners, whether it be from attending previous school plays, or taking Theater I/II or Theater III/IV, which are optional prerequisites. While Acting Workshop is not considered an Honors class by the school’s standard, it does count as an Honors credit in the UC system.Dr. Treger also clarified that the arts department refer to it as an Honors class.
*Disclaimer: The Tower was unable to cover all of the Performing Arts courses below due to the limited time window available to publish the 2024-25 Course Guide. For that reason, we chose the three either new or changed courses. We apologize for any inconvenience or neglect. Below is a comprehensive list of all Performing Arts opportunities and their respective introductions adapted from the Course Guide.
Dance I/II:
I: Dive into the world of theatrical dance with Dance I! This semester-long course is designed for students in grades 9-12 who are eager to explore introductory dance vocabulary. Each class kicks off with a structured warm-up focusing on body placement, strength, flexibility, and control. Throughout the course, students will blend technical skill with theatrical flair, mastering full-body and musical movement phrases.
II: Take your dance journey to the next level with Dance II! With the foundations of Dance I or through departmental placement, this intermediate course introduces students to new dance styles and expands their choreographic toolkit. From contemporary to jazz, students will learn the basic vocabulary needed to craft captivating performances across various genres. Both Dance I/II will have a final performance to showcase and commemorate their work.
Studio Dance Group:
Join Studio Dance Group for an immersive performance-based experience, perfect for students seeking more stage time while honing in on their dance technique. Open to grades 9-12 through audition, this course offers a pathway to mastering versatility, creativity, and commitment. Although not a prerequisite, it’s a fantastic preparation for those aspiring to join the Performing Dance Group (PDG).
Performing Dance Group:
Step into the spotlight with the Performing Dance Group (PDG), the pinnacle of the Bishop’s dance program, exclusively available through audition to grades 10-12. Students will explore a rich array of dance styles under the guidance of guest teachers and choreographers. From ballet to world dance forms, they will get to develop advanced technique and artistry, culminating in breathtaking performances showcased in our fall and spring concerts.
Theater Arts I/II:
I: Begin your journey into the captivating world of theater with Theater Arts I. Students will delve into the fundamentals of performance, from text analysis to character development, while exploring a diverse range of theatrical traditions. They will also get to attend live theater productions and select a monologue for in-depth study, laying the groundwork for future theatrical endeavors.
II: Expand upon Theater Arts I as you deepen your understanding of historical periods and cultural influences on performance. Through textual analysis and scene work, students will get to perfect their skills in bringing scripts to life. They will conclude the semester with an exciting culminating performance, showcasing their newfound talents in pairs or small groups.
Theater Arts III/IV:
III: Elevate your theatrical expertise in Theater Arts III by delving into advanced techniques and theatrical cultures. Students will get to refine their knowledge of performance through exploration of adaptation, interviews with professionals, and vocal and physical warm-ups. They will embrace the opportunity to study renowned practitioners and prepare for a semester of immersive learning without extracurricular rehearsals.
IV: In Theater Arts IV, students will master the art of performance as they delve into text analysis and audition preparation. They will gain insight into directing techniques and showcase their skills by directing a scene in the culminating performance. With a focus on refinement and application, this course offers a comprehensive exploration of theatrical craft without extracurricular rehearsals.
Acting Workshop:
As an Honors-level course for dedicated acting students, students will advance their studies of characterization, improvisation, and scene study, expand their repertoire and deepen their understanding of the actor’s craft. They will explore various areas of theater and performance, from Shakespeare to experimental theater, culminating in a rich and dynamic three-year journey of artistic exploration.
Dramaturgy:
Included in the English course guide.
Science on Stage:
Included in the science course guide.
Theater Design & Production I/II:
I: Delve into the captivating world of behind-the-scenes magic in performing arts productions. Students will be able to gain hands-on experience in set construction, stage lighting, and theatrical painting techniques, all following USITT standards. This class includes after-school commitments including such rehearsals and performances, as well as the opportunity to run crew for a Bishop’s Performing Arts production.
II: Following Theater Design and Production I, this course elevates students’ expertise in theatrical production. They will set, audio, and lighting design while mastering stage management responsibilities. Students will also attend Bishop’s Performing Arts productions and deepen your skills in running crew, all while immersing yourself in the world of theater arts.
Theater Design & Production III/IV:
III: Build upon your technical theater knowledge with an exploration of scenic, lighting, and sound design. With a focus on refining content knowledge, this course prepares students for a deeper understanding of theatrical styles and eras. Students will have the chance to run crew for a production and immerse themselves in the world of theater arts.
IV: Refine your technical theater skills with a study of color theory, design aesthetics, and stage management protocols. In this class, students will prepare for leadership roles in major productions with hands-on projects while attending Bishop’s Performing Arts productions and running crew for a production.
Costume Design & Construction I/II:
I: Unleash your creativity and learn basic construction techniques and costume design elements. From sewing machines to stitching techniques, this course prepares students for the art of costuming while offering hands-on projects and backstage insights. Students get to showcase their skills by designing costumes for a play or musical and by attending a Bishop’s performance.
II: Elevate your costume construction skills as you delve into advanced techniques and materials. From zipper applications to fabric manipulation, this course expands students’ design capabilities. Through learning historical dress designs and mastering fitting techniques, students will refine their craft while attending Bishop’s performances.
Advanced Theater Production:
For dedicated theater technicians, this course offers intensive hands-on work and design projects. With a focus on leadership and specialization in various areas of theater production such as stage management, set design, lighting design, costume design, props design, sound design/engineering and technical direction. Students will get to participate in two run crew roles throughout the year and elevate their skills as a theater artisan.
Bishop’s Chorus I/II: Explore the joy of singing and refine your vocal skills in Bishop’s Chorus I/II, an inclusive choral group for high school students passionate about music. Regardless of experience level, students will develop strong vocal techniques, music theory knowledge, and ensemble skills while preparing for exciting winter and spring concerts. With flexible scheduling to accommodate extracurricular commitments, this course offers a supportive environment for growth and the opportunity to audition for Bishop’s Singers Mixed Choir.
Bishop’s Chorus III/IV: Elevate your musical journey with Bishop’s Chorus III/IV, an advanced choral ensemble tailored for experienced singers seeking to expand their repertoire and refine their performance abilities. Through engaging with diverse musical styles and periods, students will deepen their understanding of choral literature while representing the school community at various events and festivals. With rehearsals designed to complement busy schedules, this audition-based course offers a platform for artistic excellence and memorable performances throughout the year.
Bishop’s Singers: Join Bishop’s Singers, an elite mixed choral ensemble dedicated to showcasing the talents of experienced singers through intricate repertoire and dynamic performances. Through rigorous rehearsals and opportunities for musical exploration, students will hone their vocal prowess and ensemble skills while representing the school at prestigious events and festivals. With a focus on artistic growth and expression, this audition-only course offers a rewarding journey for dedicated musicians in grades 10-12.
Honors Music Theory:
For students yearning for a deep dive past the fun and into the technical aspects of voice and music, Honors Music Theory, taught by Choral Department Chair Dr. Christine Micu, will be offered as a year-long class in the 2024-2025 school year. This class has been offered in the past, last in 2020, when the Class of 2024 was freshmen.
According to Dr. Micu, students won’t only be learning music theory in this class, but also how “to compose music and collaborate with other instruments.” They will also write a Sonata at some point.. “We’ll write a piece with a violin, maybe a trumpet, a singer, and we’ll play and share each other’s work,” Dr. Micu explained.. The collaboration and celebration of all different kinds of music, whether it be vocal or instrumental is at the heart of this class.
Dr. Micu also teaches other choral classes — Bishop’s Singers and Bishop’s Chorus, the two choir groups, and these remain options for classes next year. However, Bishop’s Singers auditions have passed, so the only available option next year for those still interested in singing is Bishop’s Chorus: a class for fundamentals of singing in groups, breath support, and more.
Jazz Band I/II: Delve into the world of jazz with Jazz Band I/II! No matter the instrument—be it saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or even strings—this course welcomes high schoolers intrigued by jazz and contemporary music. Students will explore scales, rhythmic patterns, and chord progressions while honing their improvisational skills. No prior improvisation experience is necessary—just a passion for music and a desire to groove!
Jazz Band III/IV: Take your jazz journey to the next level with Jazz Band III/IV! Ideal for students with a love for jazz and four or more years of musical experience, this course delves deeper into improvisation, chord progressions, and advanced jazz repertoire. From standard classics to contemporary pieces, students will refine their skills and even have the chance to join our jazz combo for performances both on and off campus.
Bishop’s Chamber Orchestra: Designed for experienced string, wind, and brass players, this audition-only class offers a rich exploration of orchestral and chamber music. Students will ge to play historically rich repertoire while fine-tuning technical abilities and ensemble playing. With opportunities for chamber ensembles and solo performances, this course is a must for aspiring musicians seeking unforgettable experiences.
*Not offered in 2024-2025 Music Production I/II.
