Theatre 1/2 (Grades 9-12)

Theatre 3/4 (Grades 10-12)

Theatre 5/6 (Grades 11-12)

Course emphasis is upon production and is open to grades 11 and 12.  Students take part in rehearsals and plays selected by the instructor. This class fulfills the “f” requirement for Admission to the University of California.

Theatre 7/8  (Grade 12)

Open to grade 12 students who have completed three years of dramatic study.  By audition only.  Students work in specialized areas of play production and may help the instructor with coaching underclassmen.  This class fulfills the “f” requirement for Admission to the University of California.

Beginning Video Production 1/2, 3/4  (Grades 9-12)    

This is a year course available to all 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students.  The course provides instruction in the production of television programs and the use of television equipment including stationary and portable cameras, editing consoles, special effects console, audio and lighting equipment, recorders, TV modulators, and VTR’s.  Students will be involved with production for classroom use as well as a video production of the daily bulletin over the West Hills closed circuit TV station, WPAC.  Script writing, editing, and program production will be a part of the class curriculum.

Advanced Video Production 5/6 (Grades 11-12)

This class provides a third year to the Video Production course of study.  Students will participate in the study/work of advanced television production that will include advanced study of areas included in the first and second years and add areas of production such as documentaries, dramatizations, and production of the video yearbook.

Concert Band (Grades 9-12)

This is a year course available to students who are eligible for the intermediate band based on proficiency.  The school furnishes many instruments used for the class.  Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances before, during and after the regular school day, and on non-school days, will be mandatory and is part of the regular course curriculum.  This class fulfills the “f” requirement for Admission to the University of California.  During the fall football season there will be a required after school commitment for participating in the Marching Band.

Symphonic Band  (Grades 10-12)

Symphonic Band is a year course for advanced wind, brass and percussion players.  Members must have demonstrated proficiency to the director and are admitted only upon his or her recommendation.  Strong emphasis is placed on performance demonstrating the highest possible standards of playing ability and choice of music.  Formal concerts, festivals, occasional trips and clinical events are listed on its schedule.  During the fall semester, all symphonic band members should be enrolled in Marching P.E.  Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances before, during, and after the regular school day and on non-school days will be mandatory and is part of the curriculum.  This course meets the University of California “f” requirement.  Must concurrently participate in after school Marching Band.
Prerequisite:  Concert Band and/or teacher approval.

Marching Physical Education (Marching Band) (Grades 9-12)

Marching Physical Education is a co-educational extra curricular program available to students at selected schools.  Students are eligible to earn credit for Marching P.E. only when the Marching Band Program in which they participate satisfies specific standards relating to competition, performance, and incorporation of physical education concepts.  Students may earn up to 10 credits (a maximum 5 credits in each the 10th and 11th grade with no mark, and 2.5 credits in each the 9th and 12th grade with no mark) toward completion of the “sophomore” graduation requirement in physical education.  Members of the Marching Band must also be enrolled in another performance course within the Instrumental Music Department, i.e., Cadet Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Colorguard, Percussion Ensemble.  Marching Band performance standards include at least 6 hours per week of active marching rehearsal over an 18 week period and unit participation in at least 8 parades and field show competitions.  Credit will be added to the transcript once the semester is complete.

Beginning Orchestra/Advanced Orchestra (Grades 9-12)

A one-year course for orchestra string instruments, both beginning to advanced.  Emphasis is placed on the development of playing techniques and performances of music of classical and popular based literature.  School and public performances are given during the year.  Instruments are provided.  This class fulfills the “f” requirement for Admission to the University of California.

Beginning Guitar (Grades 9-12)

A one-year course that offers the basic instructions in playing skills and music fundamentals related to the guitar.  Emphasis is placed on small and large group performances of popular guitar based literature.  Due to the varying levels of skill, solo and leadership opportunities available for students with more experience.  This class prepares for the intermediate guitar (2nd year) and the advanced guitar ensemble class (3rd and 4th year).  Instruments are provided.  
This class fulfills the “f” requirement for Admission to the University of California.

Intermediate Guitar (Grades 10-12)

Prerequisite: Beginning Guitar or audition/approval by instructor.  A one-year course that continues the foundation began with beginning guitar.  Performances in both semesters are required in an ensemble setting.  Students must provide their own guitar.

Advanced Guitar Ensemble (Grades 10-12)

Prerequisite:  Grade of A or B in Intermediate Guitar or audition/approval by instructor.  A one-year course which will place more emphasis on performing, advanced techniques, and sight-reading opportunities will be stressed.

Fanfare (Bass Clef Chorus) (Grades 9-12)

This is an inclusive choir class open to all levels of experience, both treble and bass voices.  Unison, 2, 3, and 4-part music is sung and performed at concerts and at festivals.  This class takes one field trip per semester to a local festival.  Preliminary music theory (reading and writing music) is taught.  Listening to professional choirs and classical musicians is also a part of the curriculum.  Due to the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the school day will be expected.

Choir 1  (Grades 10-12)

This is an intermediate level selective group with membership dependent on the completion of a successful audition.  Generally, a year’s previous experience in choir is required.  Attention is given to performing major choral works and participation in the district and area festivals, as well theory rudiments.  Due to the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after school day will be expected. This course meets the University of California “f” requirement.

Choir Honors - Mixed (Grades 10-12)

This is an advanced level course offered to a highly selective group of both treble and bass voices, normally juniors and seniors, with membership based on audition, observation and teacher recommendation.  Generally, enrollment should not exceed 18 persons.  At least one year of previous experience in the West Hills music department is required.  Over half of the choral literature studied in this class will be of collegiate level difficulty.  More advanced theory as well as sight-singing and ear-training are taught.  Due to the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the school day will be expected.  This course meets the University of California “f” requirement.

Ensemble - Women (Grades 10-12)

This is an advanced level course offered to a highly selective group of treble voices, normally juniors and seniors, with membership based on audition, observation and teacher recommendation.  At least one year of previous experience in the West Hills Music Department is required.  Over half of the choral literature studied in this class will be a collegiate level difficulty.  More advanced theory as well as sight-singing and ear-training are taught.  Due to the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the school day will be expected.  This course meets the University of California “f” requirement.

Jazz Choir (Grades 10-12)

This is an intermediate level course offered to a selected group of students with membership based on the completion of a successful audition.  Generally, a year’s previous experience in choir is required.  The members of this group are expected to have foundational knowledge of theory and classical choral music, and enrollment preference is given to those who enroll in this class simultaneously with another choir.  This class offers instruction in musicianship and vocal technique as it specifically relates to jazz, musical theatre and popular style music.  Due to the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances during and after the school day will be expected.  This course meets the University of California “f” requirement.

Colorguard (Grades 9-12)

Colorguard is a two-semester course offered to grades 9-12, who have auditioned and made the class.  The course acquaints students with the techniques of marching and performing routines in parade, field and indoor environments.  Performance opportunities include home football games, competition parades, spring indoor competition, competition field tournaments, and a variety of other on and off campus events, many of which occur during the weekend.  Students will develop dance, drill and equipment skills; develop an increased sense of self-reliance and inter-dependence with others to create a satisfactory performance; analyze the teams’ and their own performance through articulation of their thoughts and ideas.  Students will communicate their observations and needs clearly both orally and in writing.  This course can be repeated many times.