PFA82 - Music 8         1 quarter

This course focuses on the history of modern music, including Jazz, Blues, and Rock and how they are connected to one another.  Students will learn about many aspects of these music genres, including how the culture and major events of the time period influenced the music and what figures were credited with their development.  In addition, there will be a brief review over Classical and Romantic music and the musical elements so that students will be able to have background knowledge of the music periods and be able to discuss music, and its various aspects, using the correct vocabulary.  At the end of the quarter students will use their knowledge of all the music periods we have discussed to complete a group project.  The class will not strictly be a lecture/note-taking format, but there will be group work, projects, homework, research, and technology-based learning.  The class will strive to gain knowledge on modern music history, as well as an appreciation of the fine arts.

PFA83 - Theatre 8        1 quarter

This course is a continuation and a deepening of the Theatre 7 curriculum. Students further their study of theatre history, and continue to develop performance skills through more advanced theatre games and acting techniques. Students perform one monologue and one duet or small group acting scene during the quarter, and are introduced to basic playwriting concepts. Emphasis is placed on developing a lifelong appreciation for the theatre, as well as on encouraging individual growth in performance skills.

PFA101 - Chorus I (9-12)        1 year
(Prerequisite:  Audition with the instructor)                   1 credit              

A Touch of Class (Chorus I and II) is designed for high school students, grades 9-12.  The chorus functions as a performing ensemble and students are admitted through singing auditions. They perform at various school functions and throughout the community, and participate in festivals and competitions.  Such performing opportunities include our Christmas Concert, PAC Windy City Classic in Chicago, and our Spring Spectacular.  An objective of the class is to learn proper use of the singing voice, to develop ease in public performance, and to become familiar with a wide variety of styles of music. The class receives instruction in part singing, breath control, and sound vocal techniques. The chorus is presented as both concert choir (classic literature) and show choir (Broadway/pop music with dance movement).
 
   
PFA201 - Chorus II (10-12)        1 year
(Prerequisite:  Chorus I and approval of the instructor)    1 credit
    
Chorus II meets with Chorus I and is designed for students in grades ten through twelve who are interested in continuing  choral performance.  Students are admitted by vocal auditions.

PFA301 - Advanced Chorus        1 year
(Prerequisite: Private audition and participation in Chorus I or Chorus II)  ½ credit

Madrijazz (Advanced Chorus) is designed for high school students, grades 10-12.  The Advanced Chorus was formed to challenge the student who is particularly gifted and interested in singing. The opportunity to perform more challenging music in a smaller ensemble is offered to those who qualify. They perform at the same school functions and participate in the same festivals and competitions as A Touch of Class.  Such performing opportunities include our Christmas Concert, PAC Windy City Classic in Chicago, and our Spring Spectacular.  This class functions more as a chamber choir, but still get the opportunity to perform some show choir material.  This class meets for 1 ½  hours a week after school. 

Note: Attendance at live theatre productions is a required school day activity for the following three courses.  The transportation and ticket fees will be assessed at the beginning of the school year.  Students in Theatre Arts will pay $45 for three Repertory Theatre trips; those in either Advanced Theatre Arts or Advanced Communications will pay either $35 or $25, depending on whether there are two or one performances during the semester. 

PFA111 - Theatre Arts (9)        1 year
                                                   1 credit
Students will explore all elements of the theatre in both production and performance.  Performance skills will  include the improvisation, the pantomime, monologues, duet acting scenes, and ensemble performances.  Method and technical acting approaches will be presented.  Emphasis is also placed on voice and movement techniques.  The technical elements will include set design and construction, lighting, sound, costumes, and make-up.  All students are required to participate in a production project both semesters.  Students may also explore children's theatre, the reading and discussion of plays, and attendance at live performances. 

PFA211 - Advanced Theatre (10-12)      1 semester
(Pre-requisite:  Approval of the instructor)                ½  credit

Production elements of the theatre and all performance skills, including method and technical approaches to acting, are  presented.  Emphasis is placed not only on performing, but  also on theatre history, critical evaluation, and general appreciation of the theatre as a living art form.  The reading and discussion of plays will also be included.  Attendance at as  many live performances as possible is stressed in this course.
    
PFA212 - Advanced Communication Arts/Public Speaking (10-12)  1 semester
(Pre-requisite:  Approval of the instructor)                                      ½  credit