The Performing Arts Department teaches skills and promotes understanding and exploration of creativity and talents. Students are exposed to a diversity of art forms, building understanding and appreciation for performance art. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for further academic studies in the arts, as well as having gained a life-long appreciation for the performing arts.
The Concert Band is a large ensemble of wind and string players, which will be dedicated to the performance of concert material. As a Concert Band they will perform at two concerts over the course of the year. The group may also perform at festivals around the area such as the CMEA Festival. The class will cover the basics of reading music, musical styles, performance practice, and music theory.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: none
This course is a performance-based class, focusing on concert and pep band music. The class will learn techniques such as performing in an ensemble, solo techniques, and advanced theory. As the Wind Ensemble they will perform in three concerts over the course of the year. The group may also perform at festivals around the area such as the CMEA festival. As a Pep Band, the group will be required to play at home football games in the fall.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Recommendation of Concert Band instructor or audition for incoming freshman and transfer students. Minimum three years of experience in band recommended.
The Orchestra is for advanced string instruments, including violin, viola, cello, and double bass. This class is a more intense study of music, focusing on major works by classical composers. Students will work on developing sight-reading skills and advanced string techniques. There will also be a deeper look into music theory. The Orchestra will perform at three concerts over the course of the year, as well as festivals around the area.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Recommendation of Concert Band instructor or audition for incoming freshman and transfer students. Minimum three years of experience in band recommended.
This course is a performance-based, advanced class that comprises our jazz band, Jazz in the AM. The class meets before the regular school day four days a week at 7:30 a.m. A student may join the Jazz Band only through an audition that is held during the spring semester each year. The Jazz Band will perform at several concerts and selected athletic events during the year. The class will cover the basics of reading music, musical styles, performance practice, music theory and solo performance. The Jazz Band travels to a variety of locations, which in the past have included Disneyland, Reno, and the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival. Jazz Band does not satisfy the 6 class per semester requirement.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Audition required (spring semester).
This course is an introductory class for the beginning guitar players. No experience is necessary, although the course is designed such that students with more experience will be enriched by class exercises that will challenge them individually. The class covers correct posture, playing technique, and basic music theory, including scales, chords, sight-reading skills, and rhythm. While the course will follow a beginning method book, it will also be supplemented with learning a variety of songs including Rock and Pop music from the early sixties to modern times. Students will learn how to improvise, play by ear, as well as create their own songs. Upon completion of this course, students will be equipped with the knowledge of how to learn new songs on their own
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: none
The Vocal Ensemble is a women's choir for singers interested in gaining more experience. The course will focus on the preparation and performance of two- and three-part choral repertoire. Students will develop their skills as individual and ensemble singers. The Vocal Ensemble performs three times a year on and off campus. Emphasis is placed on proper production and technique, ear training, score reading, and music theory.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: none
The Concert Choir is a large, mixed choir for both men and women that focuses on the preparation and performance of advanced choral repertoire. Students will develop their skills as both individual and ensemble singers. Concert Choir performs 4-5 times throughout the year both on campus and off. Emphasis will be placed on proper vocal production and technique, ear training, score reading, and music theory.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Audition required (spring semester) or Vocab Ensemble teacher recommendation
This course is a performance-based, advanced class that comprises our vocal jazz ensemble, Kind of Blue. The class meets after the regular school day four days a week at 2:50 p.m. and will focus on the preparation and performance of advanced jazz repertoire. Kind of Blue performs extensively at concerts, school events, and state-wide jazz festivals. Students will develop their skills as both individual and ensemble singers. Emphasis will be placed on proper vocal production and technique, ear training, score reading, and music theory. Jazz Choir does not satisfy the 6 class per semester requirement.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Audition required (spring semester)
This music performance class features Exodus, the school rock band comprised of some of the school's finest musicians and singers. The main focus of the band is to provide engaging and inspiring music at school and community-wide liturgies. In addition, over the past several years, the group has expanded its musical repertoire and performed at a variety of other venues, including the school's annual Black and Gold Gala. Exodus is a unique group of professional quality musicians that is rarely found in a high school setting. Exodus does not satisfy the 6 class per semester requirement.
Prerequisite: Audition required (spring semester)
Step into the spotlight and let creativity shine! In Drama 1, students will explore the thrilling world of acting and performance through fun and interactive activities. Each student will increase dramatic skills and discover new ones by playing improv games, creating skits, exploring character development, and so much more. No experience? No problem! This class is all about discovering a passion for acting in a supportive environment. Upon completion of the course, students will have a greater appreciation for theatre as an entertaining, thought-provoking, and challenging art form. Whether a student dreams of taking center stage or simply wants to be expressive and boost self-confidence, Drama 1 is the perfect place to begin such a journey.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: none
This course is a continuation of Drama Performance 1 and is designed to help acting students explore drama more fully. By expanding their acting training, students will discover new aspects of theatre, including various techniques by Stanislavski, Meisner, Strasberg, and Adler. All exercises will emphasize character development and believability in imaginary circumstances. Through careful study, scene performances, and creative exploration, each student will gain new knowledge and develop into a more complete performer.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Drama Performance 1 or Drama2/Acting teacher approval
This course is a continuation of Drama Performance 1, designed to expose students to the magical world of film. Each student will learn the many techniques involved in cinema and better understand the development of screen acting. Through careful study, exploration of form and content, creative exercises, video analysis, and various projects, students will foster a strong appreciation for the art of filmmaking and genuinely recognize its value
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Drama Performance 1
This yearlong course is for the advanced performer looking to take the next step to pursue acting and musical theatre at the college level. Students will focus on script analysis, actor preparation, monologues, Shakespeare acting styles and advanced scene study. There will be a strong emphasis on preparing the student for college auditions and entering the professional acting world.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Drama Performance 2 - Recommended and DC approval
This course is a performance-based class for the advanced actor and writer who specializes in improvisation and is ready to explore the world of sketch comedy writing, playwriting, production, and performance. Students in this course make up our sketch comedy group, Pardon My French, and the class meets after the regular school day four days a week at 2:50 p.m. Students will study different formats of improvisation and sketch comedy from some of the most respected comedy theatres in the United States. Sketch Comedy does not satisfy the 6 class per semester course load requirement and does not satisfy the UC/CSU art entrance requirement.
Prerequisite: Audition required (spring semester)
This hip hop/jazz funk dance class is for students who want to move and have fun in a positive environment. With a focus on self expression, rhythm, and musicality, students will get to showcase their personal style, improve technique, and engage in freestyle movements; all while building confidence and performance style. Classes include: warm ups, isolations, stretching, across the floor combinations and dance choreography.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: None
This hip hop/jazz funk dance class is a continuation of Dance 1 where students will further their training and skill set, while having a fun physically challenging class. Classes include: warm ups, isolations, stretching, across the floor combinations, and dance choreography. Performance skills, freestyle/improvisation movement and showcasing choreography will also be taught.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Dance Performance 1. Instructor assigns students to particular sections according to ability and experience.
Advanced Dance 1, JV Royals, is for the dancer who is ready to be challenged through complex technique, performance preparation and fast learning concepts. Classes include: stretching, conditioning, learning choreography, and performance skills. The group will enhance their training through workshops and choreography from guest artists & instructors who are working in the dance field. The JV Royals, will perform at various athletic events and dance recitals.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Audition required (spring semester). Freshmen enrolled in this yearlong class receive a waiver for Physical Development 1. Seniors enrolled in this yearlong class receive a waiver for Physical Development 2.
The Advanced Dance 2 class, AMHS Royals Dance Ensemble, is an advanced competitive level dance team with a strong emphasis on advanced training, performance, and college preparation. The dancers will gain a professional essence of dance through classes showcasing proper dance technique, form, and special skills; all while building advanced level performance skills in a fast paced learning environment. The group will also enhance their training through workshops and choreography from guest artists & instructors who are working in the dance field. Some of the featured performances for the Royals will include: home football games, school rallies, select basketball games, dance recitals, and the Black & Gold Gala.
UC/CSU approved course
Prerequisite: Audition required (spring semester). Freshmen enrolled in this yearlong class receive a waiver for Physical Development 1. Seniors enrolled in this yearlong class receive a waiver for Physical Development 2.
AP Music Theory is designed for students who are considering pursuing music in college. The curriculum covers the music theory that would typically be undertaken in a freshman-level college course. One goal of this class is to prepare students to pass the AP Music Theory exam in May.
UC/CSU approved course
Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP examination in May.
Prerequisite: Qualifying performance on the department's AP readiness exam.
Department Chair
Doug Santana