PERFORMING ARTS FACULTY MEMBERS:

• Clydene Balke - Vocal Music
• Phillip Herrington - Theatre
• Gabe Lugo - Instrumental Music
• Alyssa McMichael - Dance

The Performing Arts Department is one of the most dynamic and active departments for students at Apollo High School.  Students have numerous opportunities to perform, compete and support each other in a variety of venues from AHS auditorium to the Riverside Church in New York City. The department performs for the student body at the Performing Arts Assembly in November. 

Performing Arts Class Offerings:

Dance:

Beginning Dance:

In the Beginning Dance class, students start with the basics of dance: ballet.  From there, they work their way up to hip-hop and jazz.  Along the way, they are taught proper warm-up techniques and dance terminology.  Students are tested on their ability to evaluate their own performances.  After learning some of Mrs. McMichael’s choreography, the students have a chance to make up their own dances for the show.

Intermediate Dance:

The Intermediate Dance class consists of students who have already taken the Beginning Dance class or who have extensive prior dance experience.  Intermediate students review some of the basics of dance, such as ballet, dance terms, jazz, and hip-hop.   Early in the year, students learn dances choreographed by Mrs. McMichael, but they are soon off choreographing their own pieces.  They often choreograph independently and teach their dances to other students who would like to be in the piece.

Instrumental Music:

Advanced Band

Orchestra

Intermediate Band

Jazz Band

Vocal Music:

Anyone can learn to sing if they have the desire. In choir classes students sing everyday with their friends and peers.  Each student gets a voice lesson with the class everyday.  Students learn proper breath management and vocal production.  Students also learn repertoire that the group performs at the concerts each quarter.  Solos may be available but not required at the beginning levels of choir.  All performances are with the group.  In addition, students participate in the district festival at other schools, off campus events, and possibly the out-of-state performance choir trip.  Students can move into the upper levels of choir depending on their own work ethic and level of commitment to the program.  Concert Choir is the intermediate level. Vocal Ensemble is the advanced choir and requires a higher level of maturity, musical skills and commitment.  Anyone interested in auditioning for Concert Choir or Vocal Ensemble should contact Mrs. Balke in room 1302 or at ext. 6347.

Piano:

Students are assigned an individual piano keyboard.  Students work independently with headphones at their own stations each day.  Students must have a higher level of maturity to be able to work independently on their own assignments.  Every other week students are required to play their assignments aloud for the teacher.  Every 3 weeks, students are required to memorize their piece and play in front of the class.  At the end of each semester, each student performs as a soloist in the auditorium on stage in front of a public audience. 

Theatre

Theatre is offered all four years.

Theatre 1-2

Beginners learn theatre terminology and performance techniques. Have no fear if you get stage fright. We start at the beginners level and take baby steps.

Theatre 3-4

Intermediate class digs deeper in acting techniques and stagecraft. If you are interested in set building, this is the class for you.

Theatre 5-8

The advanced class for Juniors and Seniors to direct and stage class productions.