Performing Arts Course Descriptions

6540 │Grade 10 │1 credit
Recommended: Band, Orchestra or Choir Experience

This course helps students develop an understanding of the elements of music while putting those elements to practical use. Students will learn more about reading, writing, and analyzing music utilizing written and aural examples from all time periods of music. Basic piano skills, an overview of music history, and the incorporation of music technology will enhance each student’s learning experience.

6528 │Grade 11 │1 credit
Prerequisite: Music Theory I
Dual Enrollment Option Available │MUS210: Music Theory for Non-Majors │3 credits

AP Music Theory is an expansion and continuation of topics covered in Music Theory I. This college level course includes instruction in musical terminology as well as notational, compositional, musical analysis, and aural skills. Students may earn college credit by taking the AP Music Theory Exam, or they may choose a dual enrollment option to earn credit for MUS210-Music Theory for Non-Majors (3 credits) at SUNY Buffalo State University. Any student planning to take a music course in college should definitely enroll in AP Music Theory!

6528 │Grade 11 │1 credit

This course is the final class for AVPA performing arts students. During the first quarter, students will explore career options and prepare for college by researching various schools, degree programs, and course sequences. Students will create resumes, gather application materials, and prepare for auditions and interviews. They will learn about the Common App and FAFSA and complete a financial literacy unit. During the second and third quarters, students will propose and develop a recital project. Students will learn about music through history, research standard and modern repertoire for their instrument/voice, and complete a project and presentation about a piece of their choosing. Students will have several opportunities to perform for the music faculty and their classmates, and the project will culminate with the AVPA Senior Recital performance. During the 4th quarter, students will propose topics/projects for the remainder of the course. The final weeks of the class will be reserved for pursuing community service projects and topics based on students’ needs and interests.

The CEIP program is designed to give students hands-on experience in the career field of their choice. It also includes classroom learning on important workplace topics, such as resume preparation and effective interviewing techniques, teamwork, projecting a professional image, and job motivation and benefits. Students are placed with a local company in their desired field to complete the required internship hours.