Visual and Performing Arts
Teachers
| Name | Job Title | Phone Number | Web Site | |
| Jean Babb | English 7, Video Production | 865-5115 | jbabb@pausd.org | website |
| Julie Brown | Art | 856-5159 | jbrown@pausd.org | website |
| Nancy Coffey | ncoffey@pausd.org | |||
| Angelina Fitzhugh | Music | afitzhugh@pausd.org | ||
| Maureen Gilbert | Drama | mgilbert@pausd.org | ||
| Janet Lynch-Gillespie | Music | jgillespie@pausd.org | ||
| Ron McWilliams | Music | rmcwilliams@pausd.org | ||
| Karen ("Moose") Wesler | Art | kwesler@pausd.org | website |
Art |
Drama |
Music |
Video |
Art 1A |
Backstage Production |
Concert Band |
Video Production/Broadcast |
Art 1B |
Drama/ Musical Theatre |
Advanced Band |
|
|
Drama 1A |
Choir 1A |
|
|
Drama 1B |
Choir 1B |
|
|
|
Orchestra |
|
ART
Art 1APrerequisite: None
Art 1A is a semester course which may be taken multiple times as the content varies each semester. Students explore the Elements of Art and basic techniques in both two dimensional and three dimensional projects. They learn to appreciate different styles and gain an appreciation for a variety of artists from various historical periods and cultures. Lessons are in accordance with PAUSD Standards, as well as California Standards for Visual Art. Homework is assigned occasionally, and museum visits are encouraged. Some examples of the areas of study include cartooning, basic drawing and painting techniques, printmaking, collage, and sculpture utilizing clay and wire.
Art 1B (Advanced)
Prerequisite: Teacher and/or Counselor Approval
With the permission of the above, students are eligible for this more accelerated general art class that will introduce the Principles of Design. As in Art 1A there will be both two and three dimensional projects. Students are expected to show an increased level of commitment and ability in their work. In addition to classroom assignments, all students maintain an individual sketch journal that is regular homework with guidance and teacher feedback. This course is designed in alliance with the California State Standards for Visual Art which encompass technique, historical significance, cultural heritage, and career connections. This semester course can be taken multiple times.
Drama
“Back Stage” Production
Students in this semester class work “behind the scenes.” They draw, sew, paint, hammer, drill, run spotlights, apply make-up, pull curtains, and enjoy “the best seat in the house” for school plays. We need artists, builders, and computer folks.
By “designing” JLS drama and Musical Theatre productions and “crewing” back stage during the show, students learn and practice a variety of skills which are essential for the theater and valuable in daily life. Students learn and demonstrate basic tool use as well as stage construction techniques. Using these skills, they design and build sets. Basic hand and machine sewing skills are applied to costume repair and construction. Students learn how to research for design, draw and paint scenery. Using art and computer skills, students design, “lay out” and produce publicity posters, tickets, and show programs. Students learn how to operate stage lights and sound equipment. Most of this “learning by doing” is accomplished in student-led “crews.”
Drama/Musical Theatre
This is a year-long course.
Students will no longer have to choose between Drama and Musical Theatre. They can now do both in this combination class. Designed to provide a wide range of performance opportunities, students will develop vocal, movement, and musical skills through theatre games, in-class performances, and school shows. Students will use acting, movement and choreography as they work on the Halloween Show, plays, and the annual school musical. Students may also choose to be part of JLS ON TOUR, traveling to, and performing in, elementary schools. Students will be expected to attend possible after school rehearsals and all evening performances.
Drama 1A
Prerequisite: None
Drama 1A is a semesterclass where students act! And act! And act some more! The emphasis is on group performances, but the student has some opportunities to perform solo. The class is similar to the drama wheel class, but the students perform more often, work on much more advanced types of acting, and spend more time on performance projects.
Students experience a variety of performances which might include: pantomime, air bands, improvisation, comedy, puppet shows, children’s theater, dramatic monologues. Students sometimes write their own scripts, but also work from previously scripted material.
Throughout the semester we emphasize individual improvement, so that each actor can become a more confident and expressive performer. A variety of activities and performances help the student develop a sense of physicality in acting as well as focus and concentration. Students learn to analyze and develop their characters and to portray the character’s emotions, physically, and voice. An equal emphasis is placed on teamwork and building a sense of community that is so vital to successful productions.
Classes usually choose to culminate their semester with a big class show, which is presented to their families and friends. As the class chooses, the show might also be presented to JLS students or elementary schools. Drama 1A students may also choose to perform in school shows, such as the Halloween assembly. Students may be required to attend after school rehearsals and evening performances.
Drama 1B (Advanced)
Prerequisite: Teacher and/or Counselor Approval
For students who have taken Drama 1A or have other performance experience, Drama 1B is a semester course that provides a more advanced class for students who are ready and eager to perform in a major production. Students will select, rehearse, and perform a school show. They will also pick individual and small group projects to develop their interests and talents.
Traditionally, the class has put on a major production, which reflects the interests and strengths of the students. Over the years, advanced students have staged such shows as The Diary of Anne Frank, The Miracle Worker, Guys and Dolls, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Phantom Tollbooth, and The Wizard of Oz. On some occasions, the class has prepared Shakespearean scenes and monologues and had the opportunity to travel to L.A. and present their work in an authentic Globe Theatre. The students also attended studio tapings and professional productions and met with working stage and screen actors. Students may be required to attend after school rehearsals and evening performances.
MUSIC
*Band, Concert
This is a year-long (two-semester) course.
The Concert Band is composed of students who have previously studied a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Concert Band performs at formal concerts, the May Fete parade, and goes on a one day field trip to the elementary schools to perform assembly programs. Other music concerts and activities are available during the year. For the advanced students, small ensemble experiences are encouraged.
Daily rehearsals are spent working on the development of music fundamentals such as key signatures, rhythm patterns, intonation, tone quality, and the study of musical styles throughout the world. Students will become acquainted with classical, popular, rock, and jazz music. By the end of the year, students should be well prepared for the more advanced ensembles. Students will be expected to attend possible after school rehearsals and all evening performances.
Band, Advanced
This is a year-long (two-semester) course.
The Advanced Band is composed of 7th and 8th graders. Outstanding 7th graders are placed into the Advanced Band based on the criteria mentioned below. Advanced Band performs at formal concerts, the May Fete Parade, and festivals. The Band goes on a one day field trip to the elementary schools to perform assembly programs. Other music concerts and activities are available during the year. Solo and small ensemble experiences are encouraged.
Daily rehearsals are spent working on the development of music fundamentals such as ensemble skills, sight-reading, intonation and tone quality, and the study of musical styles throughout the world. By the end of the year, students will become acquainted with classical, popular, rock, and jazz music. The music studied will be more difficult than that of Concert Band. Students will be expected to attend possible after school rehearsals and all evening performances.
Choir 1A (Choose mixed choir, all girls’ choir, or all boys’ choir)
This is a year-long (two-semester) course.
Students will develop and improve their voices and learn about music through sight-singing, vocal exercises, ear-training, music theory, and performance of unison, two- and three-part music. Students will perform a wide variety of choral music. Opportunities exist for those who wish to sing solos or participate in small ensembles. The Choir performs in concerts, assembly programs, elementary school tours, and community events. Students will be expected to attend possible after school rehearsals and all evening performances.
Choir 1B (Choose mixed choir, all girls’ choir, or all boys’ choir)
In this semester course, students will develop and improve their voices and learn about music through sight-singing, vocal exercises, ear-training, music theory, and performance of unison, two- and three-part music. Students will perform a wide variety of choral music. Opportunities exist for those who wish to sing solos or participate in small ensembles. The Choir performs in concerts, assembly programs, elementary school tours, and community events. Students will be expected to attend possible after school rehearsals and all evening performances.
On some occasions, the class has prepared Shakespearean scenes and monologues and had the opportunity to travel to L.A. and present their work in an authentic Globe Theatre. The students also attended studio tapings and professional productions and met with working stage and screen actors. Students may be required to attend after school rehearsals and evening performances.
Orchestra
This is a year-long (two semester) course.
The orchestra is open to all students regardless of previous experience. Students enjoy a one day concert tour to elementary schools and other exciting concert opportunities, including the chance to solo with the orchestra. There is also an opportunity for a pianist to accompany the orchestra.
The orchestra is designed to further the string student’s ability, with emphasis on note reading, fingering, bowing and rhythm. Attention is given to music fundamentals, intonation, tone quality, playing with expression and the reading and learning of a variety of musical literature. Important goals are improved sight reading, playing skills and playing techniques.
Performance and the discipline of performance is a necessary part of the course. Formal and informal concerts and performances for special events, assemblies, and tours to different schools are included as a valuable part of the orchestra experience. Ensemble and solo playing are also encouraged. Other music activities are available throughout the year. Students will be expected to attend possible after school rehearsals and all evening performances.
VIDEO PRODUCTION/BROADCAST
Video Production/Broadcast
There are no prerequisites for this class. The class may be taken multiple times, with teacher permission.
Video Production/Broadcast at JLS is a one-semester, two-fold elective. On one hand, we do the live Morning Announcements, every day, and we also broadcast live events, like the Geography Bee and the Spelling Bee. On the other hand, we work on visual literacy and how we are persuaded through creating commercials and movies. In the process, students learn the grammar of film (film terms), the power of the media to persuade (commercials), and how to tell a story visually. We also serve the school and community by providing special videos when asked. The course ends with an “Oscar” Night, where students present their work to family and friends.