Course Offerings

Honors Band I/II/III/IV (1379ABH/1380ABH/1389ABH/1390ABH)

Provides opportunities for varsity-level band students to earn honors credit for study and performance of above-level music and etudes. Independent musicianship, juried recitals (refers to UIL solo and ensemble or equivalent), and special projects (e.g., research projects, written critiques of professional and amateur performances) to earn honors credit. The students are required to prepare and audition for TMEA All-Region and All-District Honors Band. This select ensemble will require mandatory attendance at all rehearsals, performances, football games, parades, pep rallies, marching festivals and competitions. 

Honors Music Theory I (VPA1481ABH)

This course will develop students’ understanding of the foundational elements of music. Students will discover the building blocks of tonal analysis—pitch and rhythm, through analysis, performance, and composition. Students will learn to listen critically, identify and notate intervals, and sight-read. A majority of the time will be spent on pentatonic and modal music, as well as learning all major and minor scales.

Honors Music Theory II (VPA1483ABH)

Students will begin to analyze and compose Western tonal music employing the rubrics of rhythm and meter, pitch, key signatures, intervals, scales, chords, inversions, harmonic progression, and SATB voice leading. Students will also perform melodies and rhythms at sight, and notate dictations of rhythms, melodies, and harmonic progressions.

AP Music Theory (1473AB)

Provides students with a serious introduction to a broad repertoire of musical pieces and develops the listening skills needed to appreciate these pieces as works of art. Compares and contrasts the relationship of musical works, composers, forms, and styles to the political and social events of their musical and historical periods. Students listen to major works, study elements of music, write a research paper, and attend concerts.

Dual Credit Music Appreciation (1504AB)

Understanding music through the study of cultural periods, major composers, and musical elements, illustrated with audio recordings and live performances.

Honors Choir - A Cappella I/II/III/IV (1438AB/1440AB/1439AB/1441AB)

Provides choristers with advanced training in the mastery of vocal pedagogy, rigorous sight-reading and ear training, and immersion in all genres of choral music. In addition, students must participate in TMEA All-State auditions, UIL Concert & Sight Reading, UIL Solo and Ensemble auditions, attend concerts and write concert/performance critiques, and write papers on assigned composers, musical styles, and periods. Attendance at all performances is required.

Honors Choir - Concert I/II/III/IV (1423ABH/1425ABH/1427ABH/1429ABH)

Provides students with basic music instruction in various musical styles and genres, as well as vocal pedagogy and music theory. In addition, students are required to participate in TMEA All-State auditions and solo and ensemble contests. Participation at all choir performances and the UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Evaluation are required. Honors students will attend outside concerts/performances and write critiques using TMAA rubrics.

Honors Choir - Vocal Ensemble Treble I/II/III/IV (1450AB/1452AB/1454AB/1456AB)

Provides students advanced musical instruction in various musical styles and genres of treble choral music. Incorporates various choral music techniques in order to better understand and appreciate culturally diverse styles of treble music literature. In addition, students are required to participate in TMEA All-State auditions, UIL Concert & Sight Reading, UIL Solo and Ensemble auditions, attend outside concerts and write concert/performance critiques; write papers on assigned composers, musical styles and periods. Attendance at all
performances is required.

Honors Choir - Vocal Ensemble Tenor/Bass I/II/III/IV (1450AB/1452AB/1454AB/1456AB)

Provides students advanced musical instruction in various musical styles and genres. Incorporates various choral music techniques in order to better understand and appreciate culturally diverse styles of tenor/bass music literature. In addition, students are required to participate in TMEA All-State auditions, UIL Concert & Sight Reading, UIL Solo and Ensemble auditions, attend outside concerts and write concert/performance critiques, and write papers on assigned composers, musical styles and periods. Attendance at all performances is required.

Honors Music Theory I (VPA1481ABH)

This course will develop students’ understanding of the foundational elements of music. Students will discover the building blocks of tonal analysis—pitch and rhythm, through analysis, performance, and composition. Students will learn to listen critically, identify and notate intervals, and sight-read. A majority of the time will be spent on pentatonic and modal music, as well as learning all major and minor scales.

Honors Music Theory II (VPA1483ABH)

Students will begin to analyze and compose Western tonal music employing the rubrics of rhythm and meter, pitch, key signatures, intervals, scales, chords, inversions, harmonic progression, and SATB voice leading. Students will also perform melodies and rhythms at sight, and notate dictations of rhythms, melodies, and harmonic progressions.

AP Music Theory (1473AB)

Provides students with a serious introduction to a broad repertoire of musical pieces and develops the listening skills needed to appreciate these pieces as works of art. Compares and contrasts the relationship of musical works, composers, forms, and styles to the political and social events of their musical and historical periods. Students listen to major works, study elements of music, write a research paper, and attend concerts.

Dual Credit Music Appreciation (1504AB)

Understanding music through the study of cultural periods, major composers, and musical elements, illustrated with audio recordings and live performances.

Honors Dance Ballet I/II/III/IV (1563ABH/1565ABH/1567ABH/1569ABH)

This course provides an opportunity for students with an interest in ballet to be immersed in this codified dance technique. Students will participate in a traditional ballet class each day, focusing on technique, artistry, alignment, and movement quality. Students will be required to perform in one production per semester. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required.

Honors Dance Jazz I/II/III/IV (1579ABH/1581ABH/1583ABH/1585ABH)

This dance course provides an opportunity for students with an interest in jazz dance to be immersed in this codified dance technique. Students will participate in a jazz technique class each day, focusing on technique, artistry, alignment, and movement quality. Students will be required to perform in one production per semester.

Honors Dance Modern/Contemporary I/II/III/IV (1578ABH/1580ABH/1582ABH/1584ABH)

This dance course provides an opportunity for students with an interest in modern dance to be immersed in this codified dance technique. Students will participate in a modern technique class each day, focusing on technique, artistry, alignment, and movement quality. Along with focusing on technique, students will work on choreographic skills and phrase work. Students will be required to perform in one production per semester. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required.

Honors Dance Composition/Improvisation I/II/III/IV (1562ABH/1564ABH/1566ABH/1568ABH)

This dance course provides an opportunity for students with an interest in choreography and performance to experience what it is like to work and perform at a professional level. Students will focus on learning repertory, performance, and rehearsal skills. Students will be required to participate in at least one additional performance/production a year, a dance critique/critical analysis paper in the fall, as well as an end-of-the-year presentation at the end of the spring semester. The course is recommended for dance officers, leaders, and potential dance majors for the purpose of providing instruction and opportunities for student choreography, student directing, and enhanced complexity in dance education. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required.

Honors Dance Production I/II/III/IV (1553ABH/1555ABH/1557ABH/1559ABH)

Students will participate in a production class each day, focusing on stage management, lighting, sound, and various other production elements. Students must serve as tech crew/stage management for at least one production a semester (this can be for one act of a performance if they are also performing in the show). Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required.

Dual Credit Dance I - Principles of Dance (1501A)

Survey of primitive, classical, and contemporary dance and its interrelationship with cultural developments and other art forms.

Honors Non-Varsity Orchestra I/II/III/IV (1357ABH/1358ABH/1359ABH/1360ABH)

Non-varsity orchestra students will demonstrate independent musicianship, perform juried recitals, and complete special projects (i.e. research projects, written critiques of professional and amateur performances) to earn honors credit. Students are required to prepare and audition for TMEA All-Region. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required. Placement based on audition.

Honors Varsity Orchestra I/II/III/IV (1336ABH/1337ABH/1338ABH/1339ABH)

Varsity orchestra students will demonstrate independent musicianship, perform juried recitals, and complete special projects (i.e. research projects, written critiques of professional and amateur performances) to earn honors credit. Students are required to prepare and audition for TMEA All-Region. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required. Placement based on audition.

Honors Music Theory I (VPA1481ABH)

This course will develop students’ understanding of the foundational elements of music. Students will discover the building blocks of tonal analysis—pitch and rhythm, through analysis, performance, and composition. Students will learn to listen critically, identify and notate intervals, and sight-read. A majority of the time will be spent on pentatonic and modal music, as well as learning all major and minor scales.

Honors Music Theory II (VPA1483ABH)

Students will begin to analyze and compose Western tonal music employing the rubrics of rhythm and meter, pitch, key signatures, intervals, scales, chords, inversions, harmonic progression, and SATB voice leading. Students will also perform melodies and rhythms at sight, and notate dictations of rhythms, melodies, and harmonic progressions.

AP Music Theory (1473AB)

Provides students with a serious introduction to a broad repertoire of musical pieces and develops the listening skills needed to appreciate these pieces as works of art. Compares and contrasts the relationship of musical works, composers, forms, and styles to the political and social events of their musical and historical periods. Students listen to major works, study elements of music, write a research paper, and attend concerts.

Dual Credit Music Appreciation (1504AB)

Understanding music through the study of cultural periods, major composers, and musical elements, illustrated with audio recordings and live performances.

Honors Piano I/II/III/IV (1242AB/1244AB/1246AB/1248AB)

Provides students in the proper advanced fundamentals and technique for piano. Emphasis is placed on individual more sophisticated tone production, fundamentals, technique, and music reading. The students are reinforced with the proper repertoire, the sequencing of fundamentals, and improvement on the technique for piano. Students in this advanced class must demonstrate a high level of commitment and superior citizenship to be successful. Placement based upon audition.

Honors Music Theory I (VPA1481ABH)

This course will develop students’ understanding of the foundational elements of music. Students will discover the building blocks of tonal analysis—pitch and rhythm, through analysis, performance, and composition. Students will learn to listen critically, identify and notate intervals, and sight-read. A majority of the time will be spent on pentatonic and modal music, as well as learning all major and minor scales.

Honors Music Theory II (VPA1483ABH)

Students will begin to analyze and compose Western tonal music employing the rubrics of rhythm and meter, pitch, key signatures, intervals, scales, chords, inversions, harmonic progression, and SATB voice leading. Students will also perform melodies and rhythms at sight, and notate dictations of rhythms, melodies, and harmonic progressions.

AP Music Theory (1473AB)

Provides students with a serious introduction to a broad repertoire of musical pieces and develops the listening skills needed to appreciate these pieces as works of art. Compares and contrasts the relationship of musical works, composers, forms, and styles to the political and social events of their musical and historical periods. Students listen to major works, study elements of music, write a research paper, and attend concerts.

Dual Credit Music Appreciation (1504AB)

Understanding music through the study of cultural periods, major composers, and musical elements, illustrated with audio recordings and live performances.

Honors Technical Theatre I (3752ABH)

Offers a more intensive instruction in a laboratory and practical setting in makeup, costuming design, set design and construction, lighting and sound design, house management, and other technical areas needed for theatrical and performing arts productions. This course examines careers in theatre and other performing arts, as well as emphasizes studies and practical application of the technical side of theatre. This course requires successful completion of at least one classroom/public performance, writing activity, or technical project per semester approved and monitored by the teacher.

Honors Technical Theatre II (3753PEAB)

Offers a more intensive instruction in a laboratory and practical setting in makeup, costuming design, set design and construction, lighting and sound design, house management, and other technical areas needed for theatrical and performing arts productions. Students will be expected to participate in all behind-the-scenes action of productions and their performances. Honors Technical Theatre II WILL count as a state graduation credit and WILL be calculated into the student’s grade point average as a 4.0 course. Both fall and spring semesters of Technical Theatre II may now substitute for PE credit, provided students engage in 100 minutes of “moderate to vigorous activity” per five –day school week. Provides ½ credit per semester; up to a total of 1 credit.

Honors Technical Theatre III (3758ABH)

Advanced instruction in a laboratory and practical setting in makeup, costuming design, set design and construction, lighting and sound design, house management, and other technical areas needed for theatrical and performing arts productions. Students will be expected to participate in all behind-the-scenes action of productions and their performances.

Honors Technical Theatre IV (3760ABH)

Advanced instruction in makeup, costuming design, set design and construction, lighting and sound design, house management, and other technical areas needed for theatrical and performing arts productions. Students will be expected to participate in all behind-the-scenes action of productions and their performances.

Honors Theatre Production I (3756ABH)

Practical hands-on experience in acting and stagecraft through the preparation and public performance of plays. Students are required to participate in all productions on their campus as either a performer or technician. Students will be required to read plays and/or see a determined number of local productions.

Honors Theatre Production II (3762ABH)

Practical hands-on experience in acting and stagecraft through the preparation and public performance of plays. Students are required to participate in all productions on their campus either as a performer or technician. Students will also attend at least one off-campus theatre and/or media production per semester. Students will also create and produce a portfolio appropriate for college and career standards.

Honors Theatre Production III (3764ABH)

Hands-on experience in acting and stagecraft through the preparation and public performance of plays. Students are required to participate in all productions on their campus either as a performer or technician. Students will also attend at least one off-campus theatre and/or media production per semester. Students will also create and produce a portfolio appropriate for college and career standards.

Honors Theatre III - Playwriting & Directing (3747ABH)

Examines and evaluates theatrical genres for character/script analysis, technical design, directing, and historical and cultural influences on theatrical styles. Focuses on career opportunities in theatre, film, television, and other electronic media. Includes activities and assessment projects that involve conflict-based playwriting, effective voice training, construction and operation of technical elements, and creating appropriate in-class/public performances. Students will develop a portfolio that will include an original short play for submission in a local contest, such as Circle Theatre Playwriting Contest, Stage West Playwriting Contest, etc. Participation in one extra-curricular competition, performance, and/or production is required.

Honors Theatre Production IV (3766ABH)

Hands-on experience in acting and stagecraft through the preparation and public performance of plays. Students are required to participate in all productions on their campus either as a performer or technician. Students will also attend at least one off-campus theatre and/or media production per semester. Students will also create and produce a portfolio appropriate for college and career standards.

Honors Musical Theatre I (1485ABH)

Musical Theatre will expose students to a wide range of on-stage performance disciplines, including acting, vocal performance, and dance performance. The course will also provide an atmosphere in which students benefit from a teaching and learning experience in these performance disciplines of musical theatre. Students are required to participate in all productions on their campus either as a performer or technician.

Honors Musical Theatre II (1486ABH)

Continued development of on-stage performance disciplines, including acting, performance, vocal performance, and dance performance. Students are required to participate in all productions on their campus either as a performer or technician. Students will also attend at least one off-campus theatre and/or media production per semester. Students will also create and produce a portfolio appropriate for college and career standards.