Performing Arts with Mrs. Saleh

The Performing Arts department includes the Vocal Music, Instrumental, and Theater Arts Department. The following classes are being taught:

Performing Arts: Performing Arts is designed as a rigorous introduction to both theater arts and performing arts. While some students with previous acting training do enroll in this class, the class is designed for those students with little to no experience in the performing arts, but are genuinely serious about developing their abilities in the area of performance. Students will have the chance to acquire skills in acting, improvisation, pantomime, character study, scene study, script writing, dancing/movement, and audition techniques. Although this class does not have a formal performance, students will have the ongoing opportunity to develop their acting and performance skills by performing a wide variety of scenes for their peers.

Theater Arts I: is designed for beginning students who are serious enough about developing their acting skills that they wish to pursue a course of study in acting at the high school.  Although this class does not have a formal performance, students will have an ongoing opportunity to perform a variety of scenes for their peers.  Additionally, select students will be asked to be part of the Theater Arts II Fall Drama Production

Theater Arts II: Theater Arts II is an advanced level theater course, designed for students who have had previous training or experience in either theater, film or television, and plan on continuing this training at the high school and college level. For those students who are serious about continuing their training, but have not had any other experience other than having taken Theater Arts I their previous year, this class is strongly recommended as well. All members of this class will take part in the Theater Arts II Fall Drama Production, where they will have the opportunity to perform in front of the community. Students in this class will be offered a rigorous training in all aspects of acting, including improvisation, character analysis, scene study, voice, pantomime, script analysis, screen writing, directing, sensory work, concentration, and professional audition techniques. Permission to enroll in this course is obtained with the instructor's approval.

Musical Theater: Musical Theater is a double-block, two period class, that meets everyday. This is a rigorous, performance-oriented class that offers training in the three disciplines of acting, voice, and dance. Because there are multiple performance opportunities to students in this class throughout the year, both inside school and outside in the larger community, it is expected that students who enroll in this class are serious about improving their skills in all three of these areas. Students in this class will be involved in the Spring Musical. It is not expected that students come into the class with ability to act, sing, and dance. Most students are generally able to do one out of the three disciplines when they enter class. However, students who are accepted into this class, must have the serious desire to stretch themselves to learn as much as possible about all three areas of musical theater. Students will be given training in acting, singing/voice, dance, movement, reader's theater, solfege, song analysis, scene study, monologues, improvisation, pantomime, characterization, sensory work, concentration, and professional audition techniques. Permission to enroll in course obtained with instructor's approval.

Chorus: This is a vocal group that is designed to give instruction to students in proper music vocal techniques, experience in part-singing, and performance.  There will be a variety of music--traditional, classical, spirituals, show tunes, and pop songs from the 50s to the present.

Morning Choir: This vocal group is an opportunity for La Colina students to explore vocal performance through many stages of music.  Students in Morning Chorus will perform in a minimum of three concerts with song, staging, and dance.  They will also have an opportunity to explore solo, small group, and ensemble performance opportunities.

Outbursts:  This small, select performing group is made up of the most advanced singers. Membership is by audition. Instruction will be given in advanced vocal development, part singing, performance, and solo presentation for those interested. 

Band with Mr. Nam

Beginning (Junior) Band: is especially for beginning students; it also is for those needing a review of music fundamentals and additional study prior to entering advanced band.  Beginners who have played the piano or other instruments are especially welcome.  The school provides instruments for those who need it.

Advanced Band: Advanced Band is open to students who have auditioned and been accepted by the instructor.

Jazz Band: Jazz Band is a highly specialized performing group open to only the most advanced players of saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, and drum set. Emphasis is on performance of classic big band jazz literature, sight-reading, and improvisation.

Drumline: Highly specialized class for drummers.  Taken at the same time as Advanced band.  Taught by students from San Marcos's World famous drumline.  Class will perform with Advanced band in Concerts and Parades.

Orchestra:  A string Orchestra featuring the school's best Violinist's, Cellist's, and other string instruments.  Beginners or advanced players are welcome.