Band

Beginning Band ²

1302300B  |  Grades 09 - 12

Beginning Band is a class designed for students who have little or no experience playing an instrument. The class starts in Essential Elements Interactive Book 1 and works at an accelerated pace in order to prepare students for Concert Band the following year. Instrument rental from a music store is suggested for students to achieve a high level of success in beginning band unless you already own your instrument of choice. Only the following band instruments will be taught in the class: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, and Bass. Guitar and Piano are not offered in beginning band. Students will be placed on a specific instrument after teacher evaluation.

Concert Band ²

1302300C - 30C  |  Grades 09 - 12

The concert band will participate in FBA District MPA (Contest) and perform 3 concerts throughout the school year. Students should expect to practice to keep up with the ensemble. Only the following instruments will be taught in Concert Band: Flute Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba and Percussion. Materials and uniform are required for this class.

Prerequisite: PCHS Band Director or middle school director's signature of approval needed.

Wind Ensemble ²

1302300A - 30A  |  Grades 09 - 12

Students interested in Wind Ensemble will need to complete an audition for the PCHS Band Director. Upon completion of the audition process the PCHS Band Director will place students into their appropriate performance ensemble. The Wind Ensemble is our highest-level band class and will participate in FBA District MPA (Contest) and perform 3 concerts throughout the school year. Students should expect to practice in order to keep up with the ensemble. Only the following instruments will be taught in Concert Band: Flute Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba and Percussion. Materials and uniforms are required for this class.

Prerequisite: Audition Only; Students interested in Wind Ensemble will need to audition with the PCHS Band Director. Contact the band director at lambertr@manateeschools.net

Intermediate Jazz Band ²

1302500I - 30I  |  Grades 09 - 12

This jazz class is an intermediate level jazz class, including: Improvisation, jazz style and jazz history. The jazz band will participate in FBA District Jazz MPA (Contest) and perform 3 concerts throughout the school year. Students should expect to practice to keep up with the ensemble. Only the following instruments will be taught in Jazz Band: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Drum Set, Guitar, Bass and Piano. Materials and uniforms are required for this class.

Prerequisite: Audition Only; Students interested in Jazz Band will need to audition with the PCHS Band Director. Additionally, wind players are required to participate in a concert band class while in jazz band. Contact the band director at lambertr@manateeschools.net

Advanced Jazz Band ²

1302500A - 30A*  |  Grades 09 - 12

In Advanced jazz techniques, style and improvisation will be taught using professional literature, clinicians, listening library and guest artists. This jazz class will provide in depth learning of jazz music and a high level of excellence in practice habits, rehearsal etiquette, behavior and performance will be expected. The advanced jazz band will participate in FBA District MPA (Contest) and perform 4 concerts throughout the school year. Students will be expected to practice to keep up with the ensemble. Materials and uniform are required for this class.

Prerequisite: Audition Only; Students interested in Advanced Jazz Band will need to audition with the PCHS Band Director. Additionally, wind players are required to participate in a concert band class while in jazz band.  Contact the band director at lambertr@manateeschools.net

Beginning Percussion - Instrumental Techniques ²

1302420B - 40B   |   Grades 09 - 12

Students interested in developing percussion techniques who are NOT in marching band will be placed into the Beginning Percussion Class. Students will be trained on all concert percussion equipment and note reading and may be asked to play percussion parts for other band classes in performances. Students should expect to practice in order to keep up with class work. Materials and uniform may be required for this class.

Marching Band (Advanced Percussion) ²

1302355A   |   Grades 09 - 12

All marching band percussion students will be placed into the Advanced Percussion Techniques Class. Students will be trained on all concert percussion equipment and will be responsible for playing percussion parts for Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Concert Band performances. This class is mandatory for marching band percussion students. Students should expect to practice in order to keep up with class work. Materials and uniforms are required for this class.

Prerequisite: Audition Only; Students interested in Advanced Percussion will need to audition with the PCHS Band Director. Contact the band director at lambertr@manateeschools.net

Marching Band (Color Guard) ²

1302355  |  Grades 09 - 12

Color Guard students will participate in activities related to the school's marching band. Activities may include, but are not limited to, the study of the chosen program of music for the season, and rehearsals of the marching routine to accompany the music.  Students may work with flags, batons, or other apparatus, and some may be dancers.  Special Note: This course may require students to participate in extra rehearsals and performances beyond the school day. 

Prerequisite: Students interested in the Color Guard need to audition with the PCHS Band Director.  Students need to be on the Color Guard team to participate in this course.

Chorus

Beginning Women’s Chorus - Chorus Register-Specific ²

1303360 - 90*  |  Grades 09 - 12

This choir is designed for the beginning high school chorus singer. The purpose of this course is to lay the foundation for the beginning choral singers and an opportunity to apply proper vocal technique and develop choral musicianship and aesthetic awareness. It will include varied choral literature through which form, style, music history and music theory will be taught; it develops aesthetic awareness. Many students will use this class to earn their fine arts credit towards graduation. Rehearsals and performances are required beyond the school day during concert seasons. Materials and uniforms are required for this class.

Men’s Chorus - Vocal Techniques ²

1303400  |  Grades 09 - 12

This choir is designed for the beginning and intermediate high school chorus singers. The purpose of this course is to provide fundamentals of vocal technique and development for the choral singers and to develop choral musicianship and aesthetic awareness. It will include varied choral literature through which form, style, music history and music theory will be taught; it develops aesthetic awareness. Many students will use this class to earn their fine arts credit towards graduation. Rehearsals and performances are required beyond the school day during concert seasons. Materials and uniforms are required for this class. 

Intermediate Women’s Chorus ²

1303300 - 30  |  Grades 10 - 12

This is an Intermediate level choir for upperclassmen treble voices. The purpose of this course is to provide choral singers with the opportunity for high level performances in a choral setting through the study of appropriate vocal literature. Performance techniques, music knowledge, critical analysis, and aesthetic responses are emphasized. Rehearsals and performances are required beyond the school day several times throughout the year. Students will be expected to practice outside class time and to attend all required events. Materials and uniforms are required for this class.

Prerequisite: Previous chorus experience; Choral director approval; Contact the choral director at carrier3k@manateeschools.net

Advanced Women's Chorus ¹ ²

1303340*/50*/430*  |  Grades 10 - 12

The purpose of this course is to enable advanced treble voice singers to develop individual and ensemble skills in choral performance through preparation of varied high school literature. Emphasis will be placed on healthy and expressive singing, accurate interpretation of notation, and development of critical and aesthetic response to music. Rehearsals and performances are required beyond the school day several times throughout the year. Students will be expected to practice outside class time and to attend all required events. A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained and a student/parent contract is required. Materials and uniforms are required for this class.

Prerequisite: Audition; Student/parent contract; Choral director approval; Contact the choral director at carrier3k@manateeschools.net

Chamber Choir - Vocal Ensemble ¹ ²

1303440-70*  |  Grades 10 - 12

This is a Mixed SATB Choir. The purpose of this course is to enable advanced choral singers to develop individual and ensemble skills in choral performance through preparation of varied high school literature, including traditional and pop a cappella. Emphasis will be placed on healthy and expressive singing, accurate interpretation of notation, and development of critical and aesthetic response to music. Rehearsals and performances are required beyond the school day several times throughout the year. Students will be expected to practice outside class time and to attend all required events. A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained, and a student/parent contract is required. Materials and uniform are required for this class.

Prerequisite: Audition; Student/parent contract; Choral director approval; Contact the choral director at carrier3k@manateeschools.net

Drama

Technical Theatre: Design & Production ²

0400410 - 40  |  Grades 09 - 12

This is a project-based, hands-on course where students will study theatre production elements from the set on stage to behind-the- scenes work. This includes activities, instruction, analysis and projects on scenic design, basic set construction, rigging and lighting, costume and make-up design, special effects, prop making and stage management. This class may design and produce the necessary sets, props, costumes and makeup for PCHS Theatre productions.

Prerequisite: Completed application and teacher signature required.

Theatre 1 ²

0400310  |  Grades 09 - 12

This course introduces students to the theatrical arts. Theatre appreciation, analysis, and creative exercises are emphasized. Areas covered in depth include theatre vocabulary, history, roles in the theatre, movement, acting, and theatre performance viewing and analysis, to include musical theatre. Theatre history lessons focus on Greek and Roman roots, Shakespeare, and early American theatre. Students will participate in speaking, body, acting and dancing exercises.

Theatre 2 ²

0400320  |  Grades 10 - 12

This course is a more advanced study of theatre arts. Areas covered in depth include theatre vocabulary, history, roles in the theatre, movement, script analysis, and theatre performance viewing and analysis, to include musical theatre. Theatre history lessons focus on more Shakespeare as well as global theatrical contributions and movements. Students will participate in more rigorous speaking, body, acting and dancing exercises to build knowledge and become more comfortable with full body expression.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theatre 1.

Theatre 3 Honors ¹ ²

0400330  |  Grades 10 - 12

This acting course provides students with opportunities for learning and performing the techniques and skills of dramatic, comedic, improvisational, and musical theatre, including auditioning techniques and repertoire building for professional theatrical auditions. Theatre games and exercises, monologues, ensemble pieces, duet scenes and reader’s theatre are taught, memorized, and performed. This is a performance class, which will perform for school and community audiences in at least two evening shows during the school year. This class may have some extra rehearsals and performances built into the schedule that are outside the normal school day.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theatre 1; Theatre teacher recommendation.

Theatre 4 Honors ¹ ²

0400340  |  Grades 11 - 12

This performance theatre coursed provides students with opportunities for learning and performing the techniques and skills of dramatic, comedic, improvisational, and musical theatre. This is a performance and competition class, which will perform for school and community audiences, and compete in thespian festivals at district and state levels, as part of Thespian Troupe 10185.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theatre 1.Theatre teacher recommendation.

General Music Education

AP Music Theory ¹ ²

1300330  |  Grades 10 - 12

The purpose of this course is to develop the student’s ability to recognize and understand the basic materials and processes in any music that is heard or read in score. The course will include the content specified by the Advanced Placement College Board as well as basic piano instruction in the keyboard lab. All students in AP Music Theory class are expected to take the national examination in May. Students who pass the national AP examination have the opportunity to earn college credit.

Prerequisite: PCHS Music Teacher approval only.

Keyboard 1 - Piano ²

1301360  |  Grades 09 - 12

During this course, students build fundamental piano techniques while learning to read music, acquire and apply knowledge of basic music theory, and explore the role of keyboard music in history and culture. Beginning pianists develop skills in analytical listening and explore musical creativity in the form of basic improvisation and basic composition. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. Required materials include piano books (specified) and personal wired headphones.

Keyboard 2 / 3 - Piano (Intermediate / Advanced) ²

1301370 / 80  |  Grades 10 - 12

Students who have successfully completed the prior keyboard class and all required materials (Book 1 or Book 2) are eligible to participate in this class. Additionally, students with past piano experience may audition into this class. Students will continue their learning, growth and practice of the piano through keyboard lab. Students develop piano techniques while learning to read music, acquire and apply knowledge of music theory, and explore the role of keyboard music in history and culture. Pianists develop skills in analytical listening and explore musical creativity in the form of basic improvisation and basic composition. Students will be required to participate in piano recitals (twice per year) and attend performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. Required materials include piano books (specified) and personal wired headphones.

Prerequisite: PCHS Teacher Approval/Signature Only

Orchestra

Beginning Orchestra ²

1302360B - 90B  |  Grades 09 - 12

Students who have little to no orchestral experience learn the fundamentals of string playing by studying and performing quality beginning orchestra literature of diverse times and styles. Rehearsals focus on the development of critical listening skills, rudimentary string techniques, music literacy, ensemble skills, and aesthetic awareness. Public performances serve as a culmination of specific requirements and standards for this class. Students are required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day during the concert season to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. Students in this class may need to obtain (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) an instrument from an outside source and are also required to purchase uniforms and other materials for this course.

Intermediate Orchestra ²

1302360I - 90I  |  Grades 09 - 12

Students in this class focus on the development of musical and technical skills on a specific instrument through études, scales, and selected music literature. Students must know all their 5 major scales and at least 5 minor scales. Students must be familiar with shifting and display the correct right- and left-hand technique and posture. Through problem-solving, critical thinking, and reflection, students develop physical and cognitive skills to be more disciplined performers. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students are required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source as well as purchasing uniforms and other materials. 

Prerequisite: Previous orchestra experience; Orchestra director approval; Contact the orchestra director at mccarthy2d@manateeschools.net

Advanced Orchestra ¹ ²

1302400* - 10*  |  Grades 10 - 12

Students with considerable orchestral experience advance their string and ensemble performance techniques, music literacy, music theory, and aesthetic engagement through high-quality orchestra literature. Student musicians use reflection and problem-solving skills to improve performance significantly based on structural, cultural, and historical understanding of the music. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students must know all 12 major scales and minor scales. Students must be comfortable shifting and display the correct right- and left-hand technique and posture. Students are required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. Students in this class may need to obtain (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) an instrument from an outside source as well as purchase uniforms and other materials. 

Prerequisite: Previous orchestra experience; Orchestra director approval; Contact the orchestra director at mccarthy2d@manateeschools.net

¹ Indicates a weighted course.
² This course meets the fine / performing arts, speech & debate, Career Technical Education (CTE), and practical arts graduation requirement.