Art
Art I
Doug Daracott, Suzanne Shelton, Michael Warren
Art I allows the student the opportunity to learn how to work with a large variety of materials. The first semester of Art I will introduce the student to drawing and color study using the elements and principles of design. Drawing will consist of sequential learning steps with emphasis on developing shading skills. Color studies will include but not be restricted to using water base paint. The second semester, which builds on first semester skills, will include the study of painting, printmaking, culpture, and ceramics. Printmaking will involve relief printing; sculpture will include additive construction; ceramics will consist of hand building methods of pinch, coil, and slab. Computer-manipulated works are incorporated into the curriculum. The approximate supply cost is $25.00. Art I must be scheduled for both semesters.
Art 2
Ted Kincaid
Art II allows the student the opportunity to work with a large variety of materials. The first semester of Art II is designed to continue a sequential study of drawing and colored media. Formal compositions will be completed in realistic, abstract, and non-objective styles. Second semester, which builds on first semester skills, will include painting, printmaking techniques, and three-dimensional studies. Students will build upon skills learned in Art I. Computermanipulated works are incorporated into the curriculum. The approximate student supply cost is $25.00.
AP Drawing
Doug Daracott
Prerequisite: Application and portfolio review required
Art H/AP Drawing Portfolio, a two-hour class, is an advanced studio course for the college-bound and career-oriented student. It is designed for talented art students who wish to pursue college level studies while in high school. Emphasis will be on a variety of 2-D works like drawings, painting, printmaking, etc. Students will compile portfolios that fulfill the current College Board requirements. This is a two-hour class. Students receive two credits, 1 AP credit and 1 honors credit. This course prepares the student to take the AP exam. The supply cost is approximately $100.00.
AP Art History
Doug Daracott
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the rich traditions of western and non-European architecture, sculpture, painting and other art forms through factual knowledge and the skillful use of principles of aesthetics and comparative criticism. Students will learn how to respond to works of art with intelligence and sensitivity, examining the major forms of artistic expression of the past and of distant cultures as well as those of their own time and environment. Electronic generated projects are incorporated into the curriculum. Students will earn college credit by passing an exam written by the College Board. This course prepares the student to take the AP Art History exam. The approximate student supply cost is $25.00.
AP 2-D Design
Ted Kincaid
Prerequisite: Application and portfolio review required
Art H/AP Two-Dimensional Design is an advanced studio course for the college-bound and career-oriented student. It is designed for talented art students who wish to pursue college level studies while in high school. Emphasis will be on advanced drawing and painting styles, 2-D design, and color study. Computer-manipulated works are incorporated into the curriculum. Students will compile portfolios that fulfill current College Board requirements. This is a two-hour class. Students receive two credits, 1 AP credit and 1 honors credit. This course prepares the student to take the AP exam. The approximate student supply cost is $100.00.
AP 3-D Design
Suzanne Shelton
Prerequisite: Application and portfolio review required
Art H/AP Three-Dimensional Design is an advanced studio course for the college-bound and career-oriented student. It is designed for talented art students who wish to pursue college level studies while in high school. Emphasis will be on advanced sculpture, ceramics, and three-dimensional design. Students will compile portfolios that fulfill current College Board requirements. This is a two-hour class. Students receive two credits, 1 AP credit and 1 honors credit. This course prepares the student to take the AP exam. The approximate student supply cost is $100.00.
PWSH Art website
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Band
Wind Ensemble
Mr. James Hannah
The Wind Ensemble is considered the varsity level ensemble. Music performed by the Wind Ensemble is of the highest difficulty level. The class meets during fourth period.
Performances will include UIL, one or more invitational festivals, second semester concerts, fifth grade presentations and special events. A one-hour section rehearsal will be scheduled from January through April. Extra rehearsals and clinics are occasionally scheduled for this group during the fall and spring semester.
Sectionals are a required component of this class.
Wind Ensemble members cannot miss rehearsals until the final performance for anything other than illness or emergency. A commitment letter is signed on the first day of school.
Symphonic Band Mr. Alan Brawdy
The Symphonic Band is considered our non -varsity level. The class meets fifth period.
Music performed in the group is considered medium advanced level of difficulty. Performances will include UIL, one or more invitational festivals, second semester concerts, and special events.
A one-hour section rehearsal will be scheduled from January through April. In addition, extra rehearsals and clinics are occasionally scheduled for all spring rehearsals and events.
Sectionals are a required component of this class.
Symphonic members cannot miss rehearsals until the final performance for anything other than illness or emergency. A commitment letter is signed on the first day of school.
Jazz Band
Mr. James Hannah
Jazz band is a scheduled curricular class held during first period.. Students must be able to register for the class.
Jazz band members must also be a part of a parent music organization (band, choir, or orchestra). Advanced level jazz music is performed by this group. Membership is by audition only.
Performances will include one or two festivals, a fall dinner show, a fall and spring concert, and special events. Extra rehearsals and clinics may be scheduled.
Jazz band members will incur additional expenses. (Jazz method books, specialty mutes, and formal attire for the Glenn Miller Show are a few examples of the additional expenses.
Symphony Orchestra
Mrs. Jo Wallace-Abbie, Mr. James Hannah
The Plano West Symphony Orchestra is recognized as one of the outstanding ensembles in the United States. Members of the orchestra will rehearse one evening a week starting in January.
Music performed by this ensemble if of the most advanced level. Performances will include UIL, a spring concert, and an invitational festival. Membership is by audition only.
Additional Information about the band program can be found at planowestband.org
This information includes marching band, drum line, color guard, winter guard, and the numerous chamber ensembles.
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Choir
Kathy Hackett, Cathy Koziatek
COURSES OFFERED:
*CHORALE (Mixed Choir)
A CAPPELLA (Women’s Choir)
*+SYNCOPATION (Mixed Pop Ensemble)
*+RHAPSODY (Women’s Pop Ensemble)
*Entrance by audition ONLY
+Must also be enrolled in Chorale or A Cappella
The Choral Department at Plano West offers a top-quality, diverse curriculum of choral and vocal music. Choral students learn vocal technique, musicianship, and performance skills in addition to learning life skills like respect, unity, responsibility, creativity and teamwork. In their two years at Plano West, choral students may participate in a variety of performances including but not limited to Cluster Concerts, Masterworks Concerts with the award-winning PWSH Orchestra, a Spring Show featuring pop and Broadway music, UIL competitions, performances with college choirs, solo and ensemble experience, and out-of-state performances. PWSH Choir students are involved in many additional classes and activities including AP and Honors classes; athletics such as football, baseball, track, cheerleading and drill team; yearbook and newspaper; and band, orchestra, theatre, and art.
The Plano West Choral Department combines with the Theatre Department every two years to produce a large-scale musical. Previous productions include Crazy for You, Funny Girl, Les Miserables, West Side Story, and Kiss Me Kate. World-renowned conductors and composers have worked with the Plano West Choirs including Dr. Z. Randall Stroope (OSU), Dr. Pamela Elrod (SMU), Dr. Ken Fulton (LSU), Dr. Allen Hightower (SHSU), and Dr. John Paul Johnson (KU). As a member of the Plano West Choral Department, you are part of a group that has earned a reputation for excellence in music and performance throughout the State of Texas and beyond.
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Music Theory
Music Theory
Alan Brawdy
The Music Theory program at Plano West offers students the opportunity to study the language and syntax of music. Students read, write, perform, and listen to a variety of music as they learn why composers and performers have made specific musical choices. Students in Music Theory and AP Music Theory have the opportunity to explore music through software such as Finale and Garage Band. Students explore different music careers through guest lectures by professionals in the field and trips to various venues including The Dallas Opera and the Dallas Symphony.
AP Music Theory
Cathy Koziatek
AP Music Theory offers students a more rigorous curriculum covering material found in college-level music theory courses. Students who earn qualifying scores on the national AP Music Theory exam have received credit at colleges and universities around the country. The AP Music Theory program at Plano West is also currently affiliated with a grant program that provides students opportunities to enhance their classroom curriculum with additional activities and incentives.
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Orchestra
Orchestra III
Jo Wallace-Abbie, Amy Gross
Prerequisite:
Audition by instructor, Orchestra II
This orchestra provides an opportunity for students to continue instrumental development at an intermediate/advanced level. Time will be required outside of class for rehearsals, trips, and other engagements. Attendance at all outside of school rehearsals and performances is required. This is a full year course.
Orchestra III H
Jo Wallace-Abbie,Amy Gross
Prerequisite:
Audition and recommendation of instructor, Orchestra II
Although encompassing the same performance expectations as the regular orchestra course, this class has an added emphasis on research and individualized study, leading to the development of comprehensive individual musicianship. This is a full-year course.
Orchestra IV
Jo Wallace-Abbie, Amy Gross
Prerequisite: Audition by instructor, String Orchestra III
This class is a continuation of String Orchestra III. This orchestra provides an opportunity for students to continue instrumental development at an intermediate/advanced will be required outside of class for rehearsals, trips, and other engagements. Attendance at all outside of school rehearsals and performances is required. This is a full year course.
Orchestra IV H
Jo Wallace-Abbie, Amy Gross
Prerequisite: Audition and recommendation of instructor, Orchestra III
Although encompassing the same performance expectations as the regular orchestra course, this class has an added emphasis on research and individualized study, leading to the development of comprehensive individual musicianship. This is a full-year course.
Symphony Orchestra
Mrs. Jo Wallace-Abbie, Mr. James Hannah
The Plano West Symphony Orchestra is recognized as one of the outstanding ensembles in the United States. Members of the orchestra will rehearse one evening a week starting in January.
Music performed by this ensemble if of the most advanced level. Performances will include UIL, a spring concert, and an invitational festival. Membership is by audition only.
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Theatre
Theatre Arts I
Nancy Lewis
This course is an introduction to the high school theater program. Basic acting techniques, technical theater, and the fundamentals of play production are taught. The course also includes dramatic interpretation, the training of the speaking voice, the study of stage diction, and an exploration of theatrical history.
Theatre Arts II
Grant Goble
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts I (1 credit)
This course is for the student who wishes to explore further his/her study of theater. It is a continuation of Theater I, stressing basic production and acting techniques, technical theater, dramatic literature, and theater history.
Theatre Arts III
Grant Goble
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts II (1 credit)
Students in this course will study technical theater, play production, and various forms of programming. Special emphasis is given to acting techniques. The study of great actors and playwrights and their contributions to the World Theater is explored. Students are expected to become involved in some play productions during the year.
Theatre Arts IV
Grant Goble
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts III (1 credit)
This course is also geared to production and is designed for the student interested in a concentrated study of all phases of theater. Participation in production is expected. Styles of acting will be studied with emphasis placed on the psychological aspect of performance.
Techical Theatre I
Norv Sykes
Prerequisite: An application may be required
Fundamentals of stage design, set and property construction, as well as the principles of stage lighting and sound will be taught in this course. Stage production is an integral part of this class. Thus, each student will be required to attend play rehearsals and serve on production crews outside of class.
Technical Theatre II, III, IV
Norv Sykes
Prerequisite: Technical Theater I (1 credit) and teacher or counselor approval and an application may be required.
This course is an advanced exploration of all areas of technical theater. Topics will include set design, set construction, lighting, sound, properties, costuming, and special effects. Students will study stage management, exploring various forms of leadership skills. Students will be required to attend play rehearsals and serve on production crews outside of class. This course may not be offered at all campuses.
Theatre Production IH
Grant Goble, Norv Sykes
Prerequisite: Theater Arts (1 credit) and audition or recommendation of instructor
Students enrolled in this course will continue their theatrical study for their own enrichment and will explore the relevance of theater-related activities to everyday living. Emphasis will be placed on strengthening the individual's self-concept through the study of various acting techniques, technical theater, play production, voice, acting, performance, movement, and drama as literature. Although encompassing the same performance expectations as the regular theater production course, this class has an added emphasis on research and individualized study, leading to the development of comprehensive individual theatrical skills. Requires a contract for completion of course requirements in order to receive honors credit.
Theatre Production II
Grant Goble, Norv Sykes
Prerequisite: Theater Production I and III and audition or recommendation of instructor This course is an advanced exploration of theater. Students enrolled in this course will continue their theatrical study for their own enrichment and will explore the possibilities of a career in some phase of theater. Emphasis will be placed on performance techniques and the auditioning process. Other topics will include technical theater, play production, voice, acting, movement, and drama as literature. Although encompassing the same performance expectations as the regular theater production course, this class has an added emphasis on research and individualized study, leading to the development of comprehensive individual theatrical skills. Requires a contract for completion of course requirements in order to receive honors credit.
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