• Band Courses:

    Intermediate Band: This course is ideal for band students who are interested in developing and strengthening their basic instrumental skills. During the year students are exposed to increasingly complex musical arrangements as they obtain greater levels of experience and ability with their instruments. Students will gain a greater appreciation and understanding of music as they are exposed to a variety of musical genres as well as musical history and the role music plays in all cultures and communities. Performances beyond the school day are a part of the class. Required public performances will include Fall, Winter and Spring concerts and festivals. Students are admitted to this class through audition. This class may be repeated for credit.

    Junior Varsity Band: This class focuses upon providing band students with advanced training to improve their instrumental playing skills. Advanced playing techniques are progressively addressed as students increase their levels of expertise with their instruments. Students will also have the opportunity to gain experience in playing before an audience through public performances and individual and group development activities. Performances beyond the school day are a part of this class. Required public performances will include Fall, Winter and Spring concerts and festivals. Students are admitted to this class through audition. This class may be repeated for credit.

    Varsity Band: McClintock’s award winning band is open to all students who qualify through audition and teacher approval. Participants in this class possess the highest level of skills one can expect in the high school performer. Throughout the year, Varsity Band students join with Orchestra students to form Varsity Band/Symphonic Band and Varsity Band/Wind Ensemble. These bands give a number of outside performances each year and outside practice and sectionals are required to maintain high standards of musical performance. Required performances will include Fall, Winter and Spring concerts and festivals. This class may be repeated for credit.


    Choir Courses:

    Women’s Chorale (Choir 1-2): Female singers in all grade levels are welcome to enroll in Women’s.  This class focuses on developing a foundation in vocal skills through the study of a broad range of musical literature.  Theory, sight-singing and vocal technique are covered as students gain experience in performing before an audience.  Evening performances are a mandatory part of this class, and include Fall, Winter and Spring Concerts.  There is no prerequisite for this course. This class may be repeated for credit. 

    Men’s Chorale (Choir 1-2): Male singers in all grade levels are welcome to enroll in Men’s.  This class focuses on developing a foundation in vocal skills through the study of a broad range of musical literature.  Theory, sight-singing and vocal technique are covered as students gain experience in performing before an audience.  Evening performances are a mandatory part of this class, and include Fall, Winter and Spring Concerts.  There is no prerequisite for this course. This class may be repeated for credit. 

    Choraliers (Choir 3-4): Female singers of all grade levels are invited to audition for this class. Here intermediate singers will further develop their music skills through a study of increasingly complex musical literature. Theory, sight-singing, ensemble and vocal techniques are covered as student’s skill levels improve through practice, performance and constructive critique. Performances beyond the school day are a part of this class and outside practice is expected. Performances will include Fall, Winter and Spring concerts and festivals. An audition is required for placement in this course. This class may be repeated for credit.

    A Cappella (Choir 5-6): This class is open to Sophomore, Junior and Senior students who possess advanced vocal skills. In this class, advanced singers improve upon their skills through their work in ensembles and as soloists. Theory, sight-singing and advanced vocal techniques are emphasized as students gain performance experience. Students also reinforce their understanding of vocal technique and musical literature as they constructively analyze their performances. Outside performances are required and will include Fall, Winter and Spring concerts and festivals. A Cappella students are strongly encouraged to gain additional performance experience by participating in the MHS musical and other choral events. An audition is required for placement in this course. This is a touring ensemble. This class may be repeated for credit.  

    Chanticleers (Choir 7-8): This class is open to Sophomore, Junior and Senior students who are concurrently enrolled in A Cappella. This class focuses upon furthering the musical skills of the advanced singer in a chamber ensemble setting. Theory, sight-singing, ensemble and vocal technique are taught through an emphasis on jazz and madrigal literature. Students gain experience in critically analyzing performances through their experiences in class. This class requires an increased commitment in terms of time and involvement. Outside practice is a requirement of this advanced level ensemble.  An audition is required for placement in this course. This is a touring ensemble. This class may be repeated for credit. 
     

    Dance Courses:

    McClintock dance offers five levels of training; Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, Junior Dance Company, Impulse Dance Company. The department offers training in many genres of dance, community performances and out of state travel. For more information please contact Micah Kriston at mkriston@tempeunion.org.

     

    Beginning Dance: Beginning dance students are provided an overview of dance as a contemporary art form. Basic skills, techniques and theoretical dance topics are covered at the beginning level. Safety factors related to dance movement are stressed as students acquire and demonstrate an understanding of correct body alignment, anatomy and warm-ups for the prevention of injuries. Students will perform a variety of modern, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and ballet dances as they learn the technical aspects of dance production. Dance terminology, history, choreography and improvisational techniques are introduced as well. A spring dance concert is the capstone of the year and beginning dance students are heartily encouraged to showcase their talents by participating and performing before our audience of friends, family and community. All grade levels are welcome in this class. Students exiting this class are encouraged to enroll in our Intermediate Dance class or audition for a position in the Advanced or Performance Dance classes.

    Intermediate Dance: Intermediate Dance builds upon the skills and knowledge attained in beginning dance. Theoretical dance topics, terminology, history and dance styles such as jazz, hip hop, modern, ballet and lyrical are covered at an intermediate level as students hone their performance technique. Students will continue to work with various styles of music while choreographing original dances that are integrated into student designed productions during the year. As always, safety is stressed while correct body alignment and proper warm-up techniques are practiced to prevent injury. Fall and spring concerts provide the intermediate dance student the opportunity to participate and perform before an audience of friends, family and community. All grade levels are welcome in this class with either Beginning Dance or an audition as a prerequisite. Students successfully exiting this class will want to audition for placement in our Advanced or Performance dance classes.

    Advanced Dance: Advanced Dance students continue to acquire skills and knowledge initially introduced to them in the beginning and intermediate classes. Advanced techniques are explored while students are engaged in an in-depth study of production design, musical genres, dance history and styles. Safety is always a priority in our classes and correct body alignment and warm-ups are practiced to prevent injury. The advanced student takes on a more active role in choreographing and staging dance concerts and provides leadership to the beginning and intermediate dance students. Our well attended fall and spring concerts afford advanced students the opportunity to display their talents before an audience of friends, family and community. All grade levels are welcome in this class with an audition as a prerequisite for placement. This class may be repeated for credit. Advanced dance students successfully exiting this class are encouraged to audition for placement in our highest level class, Performance Dance.

    Performance Dance: Performance Dance is our premier “Dance Company” dance class. Advanced dance techniques, styles, choreography, production design and technical theater skills are covered. Students take responsibility for concert design and choreography, costume and set design, rehearsals, publicity and all other aspects of presenting a dance concert. Injury prevention is of paramount importance and correct body alignment and warm-ups are always practiced. The performance dance student often serves as a mentor to less advanced students by providing assistance with technique, music selection, choreography and staging. Friends, family and members of the community look forward to the concerts that are presented throughout the year that showcase the talents of our most advanced dancers, Dance Company. All grade levels are welcome in this class with an audition as a prerequisite for placement. This class may be repeated for credit.


    Drama Courses:

    Basic Drama: The Basic Drama class introduces students to the fundamentals of acting techniques and methods. Theater vocabulary, literature and history are presented as students are immersed in a variety of theatrical activities. Comedies, dramas, one-acts and monologues are some of the areas students will participate in throughout the year. Students are also acquainted with the behind-the scenes activities that make theatrical productions come to life. Costuming, make-up, set design and other stagecraft areas are covered to give the beginning student a foundation in all areas of theater. Students of all grade levels are welcome in this class. Students successfully exiting this class are encouraged to continue their theater education by enrolling in Production and Performance and Stagecraft.

    Production and Performance: This course builds upon the skills students acquired in the Basic Drama class. Students will learn about the production aspects of make-up, costume, body movement, voice, diction and line interpretation. Students in this class will experience a progressively more complex series of theatrical productions such as period plays, melodramas, children’s and Readers Theater. Emphasis is placed upon the development of the performance ensemble to reinforce the teamwork necessary for any successful theatrical production. The Production and Performance student is heartily encouraged to participate in the M.H.S. theatrical productions that are presented to the community during the year in addition to the class related performances that are performed on and off campus. Basic Drama and teacher recommendation are prerequisites for this class. The students who find success in this class will want to continue to develop their talents by enrolling on our Advanced Acting and Directing class.

    Advanced Acting and Directing: This class is open to drama students who are interested in furthering their study of acting and directing. Training in character development, analysis and stage direction techniques are covered to broaden the students’ understanding of theatrical production. Students acquire directional experience through their work with student actors by presenting productions in a variety of venues. Comedy, drama, musical theater, playwriting and experimental theater are covered in depth. Special projects are available for the student desiring additional experience. Advanced Acting and Directing students are encouraged to avail themselves of the opportunity to further showcase their talents by participating in our M.H.S. theater productions.

    Stagecraft (1-2 and 3-4): The stagecraft classes provide students with background in the technical aspects of theatrical production. The first year (1-2) stagecraft student begins to learn how to help the director and playwright’s vision come to life as students gain knowledge of set design and construction, costuming, make-up, sound, lighting and all other technical aspects of theater production. First year students gain hands-on experience as they coordinate with second year stagecraft students to provide technical support to theatrical, musical and dance performance groups on our campus. Second year (3-4) stagecraft students earn leadership roles in their class as they gain additional experience in design and production. These students coordinate with student directors and writers to design and implement plans for the set design, lighting, sound, make-up and costume design crucial to the success of all theatrical productions. Second year students also gain experience as they provide support to non-theater “clients” such as MHS music and dance groups as well as the community groups who make use of our facility. Stagecraft 1-2 is a prerequisite for Stagecraft 3-4.


    Guitar Courses:

    Beginning Guitar: Beginning guitar students are introduced to the fundamentals of musicianship as they learn to play guitar. Music reading, fingering methods and performance techniques are covered at the beginning level. Students will perform a variety of classical and modern pieces as they gain skills with their instruments and acquire an understanding of melody, harmony and rhythm. Music appreciation is developed as they are exposed to music history and various musical styles and composers. All grade levels are welcome in this class and little or no experience in playing the guitar is required for admittance. Instruments will be furnished as available. Students successfully exiting this class are encouraged to enroll in our Intermediate Guitar class.

    Intermediate Guitar: Intermediate Guitar builds upon the abilities and knowledge attained in beginning guitar. Students will continue to work with various styles of music while further developing their performance skills as intermediate guitar instrumentalists. Music reading, rhythm, melody and harmony continue to be stressed. Students will have the opportunity to participate in public performances throughout the year. All grade levels are welcome in this class with either Beginning Guitar or an audition as a prerequisite. Instruments will be furnished as available. Students successfully exiting this class will want to audition for placement in our Advanced Guitar class.

    Advanced Guitar: Advanced Guitar students continue to acquire skills and knowledge initially introduced to them in the beginning and intermediate classes. Advanced techniques are explored while students are engaged in an in-depth study of modern and classical literature, music history, composition and performance methods. Music reading is emphasized and participation in public performances is an integral part of the advanced guitar curriculum. All sophomore, junior and senior guitar players are welcome in this class with an audition as a prerequisite for placement. Instruments will be furnished as available.


    Orchestra Courses:

    Concert Strings Orchestra: This course is ideal for orchestra students who are interested in developing and strengthening advanced string playing techniques. The class is usually selected by freshmen and sophomore orchestra students, but is open to all strings players who feel they need to refine their skills on any stringed instrument (viola, violin, cello or string bass). This class concentrates on techniques such as shifting, vibrato and advanced bow control. Emphasis is also placed upon ear training, sight-reading, major and minor scales and arpeggios and knowledge of music and symbols. Performances beyond the school day are a part of the class. Concert orchestra participates in at least four evening concerts during the school year. Home practice is expected and private lessons are encouraged. Students are admitted to this class through audition or instructor permission. This class may be repeated for credit.

    Symphony Orchestra: McClintock's award winning Orchestra is open to advanced strings players in all grades who qualify by audition and instructor approval. Technical and musical skills learned in previous study are expanded in this class. Upper-level playing technique is emphasized through the study of string and symphonic orchestral (with wind players) literature, stressing musicianship, orchestral bowing styles and ensemble playing. The Symphony Orchestra participates in at least five evening concerts a year plus one festival, two competitions and a tour. Sectionals and out-of-class rehearsals are a regular part of this class. Students are encouraged to take private lessons, participate in Solo-Ensemble festival and audition for All- Regional and All-State. This class may be repeated for credit.

    Chamber Orchestra: This is McClintock’s premier string orchestra performing group. It is designed for the advanced string player and is open to all students who qualify through audition and instructor approval. Participants in this class possess the highest level of skills one can expect in the high school string performer. Chamber Orchestra students have the opportunity to participate in string quartets and other chamber ensembles. This group may also join with Symphony Orchestra and wind players for a full orchestra experience to perform in concerts and festivals. Outside practice, rehearsals and performance are required. This class may be repeated for credit.