G r o s s m o n t

H i g h

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Performing Arts The Grossmont High School Performing Arts Department is the only performing arts department in San Diego County to be honored by the California Department of Education’s illustrious award: Education Exemplary!

Theatre Arts................................................................................... Choral Music Program..................................................... Dance....................................................................................................... Guitar....................................................................................................... Instrumental Music Ensembles.............................

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HOW TO FIT Performing arts INTO YOUR SCHEDULE FOR ALL FOUR OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL YEARS Any student who plans to attend a four-year college should seriously consider enrolling in one or more of the Perfoming Arts subjects for all four of his/her high school years. IT CAN BE DONE! At Grossmont, students enrolled in Performing Art courses— who are committed to attending a four year university— are permitted to take 7 courses per semester, rather than 6. In addition, you may need to take some courses over the summer—particularly if you are college-bound and on an Honors/AP track.

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GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS

Theatre Arts

Amity Ecker Ms. Amity Ecker has been the Theatre Arts instructor and director at Grossmont High School since 2002. With the help of her fantastic students, the Foothiller Players have successfully mounted over 30 marvelous shows and are excited to put up at least 30 more! Ms. Ecker feels fortunate that she is able to share her passion for theatre with so many incredible young people everyday. Ms. Ecker is the proud recipient of the coveted GUHSD Golden Apple award and was named San Diego County’s Rookie of the Year by the San Diego Educational Theatre Association. Under her direction, the theatre program at GHS earned the distinguished SDETA Bravissimo Award for Excellence in Theatre Education. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Theatre from the University of San Diego and her Masters Degree in Theatre Arts from San Diego State University. Ms. Ecker is a faculty member in the GrossmontCuyamaca College District and is also a commercial and voice-over actor. If you would like more information regarding the theatre arts program at GHS, please email Ms. Ecker at: [email protected].

T H E AT E R A R T S

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GHS FOOTHILLER PLAYERS The GHS Foothiller Players perform in 3 full-scale productions every year, and you can be a part of the action! We are recognized by the San Diego Theatre Educators Alliance as a Bravissimo Distinguished Theatre, meaning we have exceeded the requirements to be named one of the most comprehensive programs in the county. The Foothiller Players have received numerous District, County, and National awards for outstanding acting and technical performances, as well as First Place in many regional competitions such as the San Diego Shakespeare Festival and Drama Fest. Throughout the program, students also learn theatre technical skills including lighting, sound, and costume design, set construction, and other elements of theatrical production. Signing up for Theatre Arts as a freshman is a great idea because throughout your 4 years here you will have the opportunity to take part in many of the outstanding productions, meet amazing friends, and even earn a Varsity Letter in Drama by the end of your Sophomore year. Most students involved in Theatre at GHS come to love it so much that they call the Little Theatre their “home away from home”! By their Senior year, most students are ready to audition at the university level and continue on to prominent collegiate theatre programs, many receiving performance scholarships. Previous students have attendee the prestigious La Jolla Playhouse Summer Conservatory program and have been accepted to BFA Theatre programs at UC Irvine, UCLA, Hartford, Montclair, and Concordia among many other outstanding Universities. GHS Theatre students are regularly accepted for membership to the highly selective La Jolla Playhouse Student Board and SDTEA Student Board. Additionally, as a part of the International Thespian Society, students are inducted as members into the Society in an ongoing basis. All students who meet Academic Eligibility requirements, regardless of enrollment in a theatre class, are eligible to audition for the Fall and Winter productions and participate in Drama Club. However, the theatre classes are excellent preparation for auditions and will significantly increase the likelihood of being cast in a production. The Spring production is reserved for the Advanced ensemble only. Rehearsals are generally co-curricular and rehearse after school. Participation in after school productions is NOT mandatory for students enrolling in theatre classes.

DEPARTMENT COURSES: THEATRE ARTS 1/2—BEGINNING

(Open to all students)

Course Number

L290

When you enroll in Theatre 1/2, you become a part of the award winning Foothiller Players! As a student in the Theatre program you will learn pantomime, improvisation, scene analysis, oral interpretation, theatre history, acting theory, playwriting, audition technique, and stage combat, among other areas of study. Theatre Arts 1/2 curriculum adheres to both California State Standards and National Common Core Standards for Theatre Arts.

THEATRE ARTS 3/4—INTERMEDIATE

Course Number

L292

Open to students who have successfully completed Theatre Arts 1/2 with at least a ‘B’. Theatre 3/4 provides opportunities for students who would like to develop their knowledge of technical theatre, directing, and expand their performance abilities. Visiting artists from the La Jolla Playhouse and Old Globe will frequently hold specialized workshops with Theatre 3/4 and above. These classes also take field trips to see several professional shows throughout the year. Previous shows include The Wiz, Memphis, Peter and the Starcatchers, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and many more!

THEATRE ARTS 5/6 & THEATRE ARTS 7/8—ADVANCED

Course Numbers

L294

&

L296

By audition only, highly selective, open only to 10-12th grade students with successful completion of at least one previous year in Theatre Arts at GHS. These advanced classes become a performance ensemble for the Spring production. Students focus on prominent performance movements such as Viewpoints and Meisner Technique in addition to applying other modern theories of performance to their craft.

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T H E AT E R A R T S

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS

Choral Music Program Dr. Edwin L. Basilio Dr. Basilio has directed Grossmont High School’s Choral Music Program for over 20 years. He holds a BA (Piano Performance), MA (Conducting), and Doctor of Education Degrees. In addition to his duties at Grossmont, he has taught Advanced Conducting and Choral Literature at San Diego State University. He is currently a Professor of Music at the University of San Diego where, for the past 5 years, the Concert Choir and acclaimed Choral Scholars have been under his direction. If you would like more information about any of the choir or piano courses, you may email Dr. Basilio at: [email protected].

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CHORAL MUSIC PROGRAM

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS

DEPARTMENT COURSES: NEW VOCAL MUSIC STUDENTS—THE RED ROBE CHOIR

COURSE NUMBER

L190

All students new to Vocal Music at Grossmont sign up for the Concert Choir (L 190) without audition. Placement into this performing group is critical as it establishes musicianship skills and leads to placement in the Upper Division, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) level courses in the future. Students study music notation, the vocabulary of music, musicianship, and vocal production. The Red Robe Choir (course L190) is known as one of the finest high school choirs in the world. They have performed for audiences in many countries including: Scotland/Ireland (2007), France/Belgium (2006), Spain (2005), Italy (2004), Poland (2003), The Czech Republic (2002), etc. The choir has performed concerts in many European World-Heritage venues.

HONORS ENSEMBLES (Weighted 5 point GPA) Our Advanced/Honors Ensembles are highly competitive and the audition process is rigorous. Often, students have amazing vocal ability, however, because they lack musicianship skills, acceptance in an advanced ensemble is not recommended. If you enroll in L190 your freshmen year, you will obtain substantial musicianship training and your chances of advancing to the group of your choice will dramatically increase. THE WOMEN’S ENSEMBLE

Course Number

L200

Enrollment in this advanced course is by audition only. This course is for students who appreciate preparing highly difficult—collegiatelevel repertoire with a focus on SSAA (four part) from all genres and styles. Advanced sight-singing and musicianship skills will be developed as well as advanced training in healthful vocal production. Choreography (Dance) is included in much of the literature performed by this group—particularly during the Spring Semester when a professional choreographer instructs students on movement.

THE ADVANCED ENSEMBLE

(Closed to freshmen - Weighted 5 point GPA)

Course Number

L211

or

L213

Membership in either of these courses is by audition only. Both male and female singers are welcome to audition, however, because of the advanced musicianship skills required to succeed in these courses, enrollment is limited to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Choral repertoire of all genres is studied with a focus on standard classical literature and non-western, World Music. Prior musical training as well as significant musicianship skills are pre-requisite for this course. All students (grades 10-12) selected for placement in the Honor’s Ensembles are eligible for honors credit and all may apply to participate in the Spring Tour of Europe.

AP MUSIC THEORY

Course Number

L215

This course is open to any Grossmont student (grades 11-12) who has studied music and is interested in advanced his/her knowledge in music theory/composition. One or two years of prior study is highly recommended—through either private instruction or through any of our performing ensembles. Keyboard (piano) skills are extremely helpful—though not required. Ability to read both bass and treble clefs is the only pre-requisite.

BEGINNING PIANO

(Open to all students)

Course Number

L225

This year-long course is for students with little or no prior music experience. Students will learn to read notes and rhythms (music literacy), and play several pieces on the piano (performance). Students will acquire the skills to write their own songs.

CONTINUING/ADVANCED PIANO

Course Number

L257

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed L 225 (Beginning Piano) or have had prior piano lessons. Students will continue their study of the keyboard and learn more difficult and challenging literature. Material will be studied in preparation for the AP Music Theory Course.

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CHORAL MUSIC PROGRAM

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS

Dance

Marta Jiacoletti Marta Keeney-Jiacoletti received her BFA and MFA in Dance from California Institute of the Arts. She has an extensive background in modern dance, jazz, ballet, musical theatre, and stretch/alignment dance techniques. In 1999 she began developing the dance program at Grossmont High School and was department chair from 2000-2012. She holds a CLAD credential in Physical Education. Professionally, Ms. Jiacoletti has danced with Patricia Sandbank and Dancers, Isaacs and McCaleb, Ellen Segal, and the Harry Partch Ensemble. Ms. Jiacoletti is actively involved with CAHPERD and the Dance and Movement Workshop for Dance Educators. Currently, Ms. Jiacoletti teaches full-time at Grossmont High School, part-time at Grossmont College and continues to choreograph for students at various technical levels. For more information on the Dance Program, please email Ms. Jiacoletti at [email protected].

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DANCE

BODY LANGUAGE All students are given the opportunity to perform in our dance concerts. We perform in evening concerts and school assemblies. There are 4 to 6 yearly concerts. You may work on your own choreography or be involved with dances choreographed by Ms. Jiacoletti. The concerts explore different themes and various dance styles. You will be learning cultural dances and dances in the styles of jazz, modern, ballet, musical theatre, and hip- hop. ALL levels of dance meet 2nd year PE requirement.

DEPARTMENT COURSES: BEGINNING DANCE

(Open to all students)

Course Number

L334

As a student in the Dance program you will work on developing strength and flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, dance vocabulary, dance history, and choreographic principles for solo, duets, and small groups. Throughout the year, you will also learn production skills relating to music, costumes, lighting, and program design.

INTERMEDIATE DANCE

Course Number

L336

Course Number

L338

Open to all continuing Beginning Dance students.

ADVANCED DANCE Open to all continuing intermediate dance students who pass intermediate dance with a B or better. • 2nd year PE credit is available

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DANCE

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS

Guitar

Jeremy Cooke Jeremy Cooke has taught the Grossmont High School guitar class since 2005. He is a local musician who has performed at such venues as The Casbah, Belly Up Tavern, and Lestat’s. He has appeared at San Francisco’s legendary Slim’s, as well as The Knitting Factory in Los Angeles. Mr. Cooke has several CD credits having recorded with members of Cake, The Mother Hips, Sensations, Billy Midnight, and Rookie Card among others. Mr. Cooke, a Grossmont alum, began his musical journey with guitar in the very class he now teaches. If you have any further questions regarding guitar classes, please contact Mr. Cooke at [email protected].

G U I TA R

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DEPARTMENT COURSES: BEGINNING GUITAR

(Open to all students)

Course Number

L240

The Grossmont High School Guitar Class is a comprehensive program designed for both beginning, intermediate, and advanced guitar players. Throughout the course you will learn songs and techniques from the world of blues, bluegrass, rock, and classical guitar. Essential guitar skills will be developed and nurtured in a positive, fun, and artistically safe environment. The broad range of topics covered will challenge you to expand your knowledge and proficiency on the guitar. You DO NOT NEED TO OWN A GUITAR in order to take the guitar class. We currently have a class set of guitars that are available to be used on a first come first served basis each day in class. A mass guitar storage unit is provided for your convenience and safety. This locker is opened and closed each period by Mr. Cooke. (DISCLAIMER: Guitar theft has not been an issue and guitar damage has been minimal. Grossmont High School and Mr. Cooke are in no way responsible for lost, stolen, and/or damaged guitars).

GUITAR ENSEMBLE/INTERMEDIATE GUITAR

Course Number

L241

Course Number

L241

Open to students who have passed Beginning Guitar, and/or those who are approved for entry at this level.

GUITAR ENSEMBLE/ADVANCED GUITAR Open to students who have passed Intermediate Guitar.

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G U I TA R

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS

Instrumental Music Ensembles James Llamas, Director James Llamas has directed the Band and Orchestra at Grossmont High School since 2012. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of California, Los Angeles and received his Masters Degree in Education and Teaching Credential from National University in 2012. Mr. Llamas directs the Grossmont High School Royal Blue Regiment, the Marching Band and Colorguard unit representing the school at local and regional competitions throughout southern California. If you would like more information about any of the Instrumental Music Ensemble courses, you may email Mr. Llamas at: [email protected].

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I N S T R U M E N TA L M U S I C E N S E M B L E S

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS

ROYAL BLUE REGIMENT—MARCHING BAND The Grossmont High School Royal Blue Regiment is the school’s Marching Band. The Royal Blue Regiment begins their work before school starts at Band Camp where students learn how to march and begin working on the field show production. They perform at school functions such as Pep Assemblies and of course all home Varsity Football games. Additionally, the Royal Blue Regiment competes throughout Southern California in Parade and Field Competitions. The band rehearses outside of school hours in addition to the daily class time. Participation in evening rehearsals is vital for the ensemble to perform at the highest level, and is part of the student’s participation grade. The Royal Blue Regiment is made up of students in the following classes:

• Percussion Ensemble, L280 • Colorguard, L145 • Symphonic Band, L040 • Concert Band, L020

10th and 11th grade students who participate in Marching Band and have passed the Fitness Gram are eligible for a PE waiver. Each year of marching band participation waives 5 units of the PE graduation requirement.

DEPARTMENT COURSES: PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE (Open to all students)

COURSE NUMBER

L280

This course is intended for any student wishing to learn a percussion instrument. Percussion instruments are any instruments that are played by striking, shaking, or scraping. Students hoping to play Drums should join the Percussion class. Students who wish to play keyboard instruments such as the marimba, vibraphone and xylophone should also join this class. All percussion students learn all facets of the Percussion repertoire and all students will be required to play both drums and mallets. Percussion students also participate in the Royal Blue Regiment and they travel with the band to all competitions.

COLORGUARD (Open to all students)

COURSE NUMBER

L145

The Colorguard class is for any student hoping to prepare for competitive dance performance using props, flags, and rifle-like equipment in a musical setting. Students learn dance choreography, leadership skills, and flag, sabre, and rifle technique. Colorguard students also participate in the Royal Blue Regiment and they travel with the band to all competitions.

SYMPHONIC BAND

(By Audition or Director Approval only)

COURSE NUMBER

L040

Symphonic Band is for students with advanced playing technique and musical skills on a wind instrument. Students continue to perfect their playing and marching technique in class and prepare for competitive performances and concerts throughout the year. Symphonic Band students also participate in the Royal Blue Regiment and they travel with the band to all competitions.

CONCERT BAND (Open to all students)

COURSE NUMBER

L020

Concert Band is for beginning and intermediate level students playing a wind instrument. Students learn basic playing and marching technique in class and prepare for competitive performances and concerts throughout the year. Concert Band students also participate in the Royal Blue Regiment and they travel with the band to all competitions.

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC

(Open to all students)

COURSE NUMBER

L060

This course is intended for any student wishing to learn a musical instrument without any prior experience. The course covers basic music theory and notation, discussion of musical elements, and all students will be able to learn to play the violin, guitar, or another instrument depending on availability and class dynamics.

ADVANCED ORCHESTRA

(Open to all students, regardless of experience)

COURSE NUMBER

L120

This course is intended for any and all students wishing to learn a string instrument (Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass). No experience is required, however students should inform Mr. Llamas of their ability level and if possible attend String Camp before school starts to get a head start. Students in Advanced Orchestra will move quickly through basic string playing techniques and begin working on ensemble literature for concert performances with the full string orchestra and smaller group performances with solo and ensemble festivals.

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GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS