Our high school dance program offers a course in Introduction to Creative Movement (Dance).

 

Introduction to Creative Movement (Dance)
Introduction to Creative Movement (Dance) is for the student interested in learning the basics of dance including body awareness, movement and creation of choreography.  This course places equal emphasis on the reading of texts essential to the dancer's craft, and the practical hands-on work in the studio to help beginning students understand performance as a moving art. The studio component of this course is designed to introduce students to the basic tools and techniques of the dancer's craft. These include basic kinesthetic awareness, components of movement sequences, utilization of music in the creation of dance, anatomy and physiology of the dancer¿s body and the language of choreography. Students will explore a wide variety of exercises and improvisational techniques to explore classical and contemporary movement.

Our high school music program offers Orchestra, Concert Band, Concert Choir, Band/Choir, Orchestra/Choir, Music Studies, Music Technology and MCP Music Technology as a regularly scheduled class.  Students who are part of our Band/Choir class can participate in both Concert Band and Concert Choir, meeting with each class on an alternating day schedule.  The same applies to students who wish to be in Concert Choir and Orchestra.

Our high school music program also offers groups that are extra-curricular in nature.  Students may audition for our Fall Drama or Jazz Band by signing up with their directors at the beginning of the school year. Students may audition for our Spring Musical and Pit Orchestra by signing up with its director at a publicized time.  Auditions for our mixed a cappella group, SoundXplosion, and our women's a cappella group, Note-oriety, occur each spring in late May or early June of the previous school year.  Students may also form their own small ensemble with approval from their director.

To learn more about our high school program, use the navigation bar at the top right of our page, place your pointer over "High School", and select the page desired.

 

Orchestra
High School Orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble which performs at the annual holiday and spring concerts each year.  Orchestra class is available to all string players in grades 9-12 and includes violin, viola, cello, and string bass.  Although occasionally used, piano is not an instrument that can be played full time in orchestra.  Wind and percussion instruments are not eligible to be part of orchestra as a class, but may be invited to be a part of some larger symphonic orchestra projects as extra curricular activities.  Students in grades 6-8 will be invited to audition to be a part of this class as an extra-curricular activity to help enhance the size and sound of the group. Students in Orchestra will also have the opportunity to take part in chamber ensembles and pit orchestra among other musical opportunities and may also audition for the festival orchestras on the region and state level available with the approval and sponsorship of their instructor.

 

Honors Orchestra
High School Orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble which performs at the annual holiday and spring concerts each year.  Orchestra class is available to all string players in grades 9-12 and includes violin, viola, cello and string bass.  Although occasionally used, piano is not an instrument that can be played full time in orchestra.  Wind and percussion instruments are not eligible to be part of orchestra as a class, but may be invited to be a part of some larger symphonic orchestra projects as extra curricular activities.  Students in grades 6-8 will be invited to audition to be a part of this class as an extra-curricular activity to help enhance the size and sound of the group. Students in Orchestra will also have the opportunity to take part in chamber ensembles and pit orchestra among other musical opportunities and may also audition for the festival orchestras on the region and state level available with the approval and sponsorship of their instructor.

Honors Orchestra students will need to fulfill 12 honor points in available school sponsored music-related activities that serve as an extension of the class curriculum.  "Honors points" can be achieved via a variety of extra-curricular music based ensemble which are hosted by CHS.  CLICK HERE to see the most updated information regarding the Honors points system.  (This information may be altered slightly from year to year, depending on our current offerings)

prerequisite: honors orchestra honor point criteria
grades 9-12

 

Band
High School Band is a large instrumental ensemble which performs at the annual holiday and spring concerts each year.  Band class is available to all woodwind, brass, string and percussion instruments.  Although used occasionally, piano and guitar are not instruments that can be played full time in band, so students who play those instruments will need to learn a secondary instrument in order to be in band class.

Students in band will also have the opportunity to take part in jazz band, chamber ensembles and pit orchestra among other musical opportunities and may also audition for the festival bands and orchestras on the county, region, and state level available with the approval and sponsorship of their instructor.  For our class page, go to http://www.cresskillmusic.org/hs-concert-band/.

**New in 2022-2023** Participation in high school band no longer carries a requirement of being a part of the Marching Band.  Students are encouraged to join Marching Band as an extra curricular activity, but it will serve as a club as opposed to part of the class.

prerequisite: none
grades 9-12

 

Honors Band

prerequisite: honors band honor point criteria
grades 9-12

 

Choir
High School Choir is a music elective for students who enjoy singing and desire to study a wide variety of styles from the earliest written vocal music to that of the twenty-first century. Repertoire includes classic vocal masterworks, as well as that of Broadway, jazz, rock, folk, and multi-cultural works. The Concert Choir performs at least two concerts annually. Students may also participate in competitions, festivals, and arts-related field trips. Extended tour opportunities are available to students. The High School Concert Choir has performed previously on tour in locations such as Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Montreal, and Orlando. Select members may also choose to audition for and participate in our high school vocal ensembles, and may choose to audition for festival choirs on the county, region, and state level with the approval of their instructor.  For our class page, go to http://www.cresskillmusic.org/hs-choir/.

prerequisite: none
grades 9-12

 

Honors Choir
Choir Honors is a music elective for students who enjoy singing and desire to study a wide variety of styles from the earliest written vocal music to that of the twenty-first century. Repertoire includes classic vocal masterworks, as well as that of Broadway, jazz, rock, folk, and multi-cultural works. The Concert Choir performs at least two concerts annually. Students may also participate in competitions, festivals, and arts-related field trips. Extended tour opportunities are available to students. The High School Concert Choir has performed previously on tour in locations such as Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Montreal, and Orlando. Select members may also choose to audition for and participate in our high school vocal ensembles, and may choose to audition for festival choirs on the county, region, and state level with the approval of their instructor.  Honors Choir students will need to fulfill 12 honor points in available school sponsored music-related activities that serve as an extension of the class curriculum.  "Honors points" can be achieved via a variety of extra-curricular music based ensemble which are hosted by CHS.   CLICK HERE to see the most updated information regarding the Honors points system.  (This information may be altered slightly from year to year, depending on our current offerings)

prerequisite: honors choir honor point criteria
grades 9-12

 

Band/Choir
High School Band/Choir is a music elective for students who enjoy singing as well as playing an instrument and, due to scheduling, choose to do both during a single class period. Students receive a similar experience to those students who partake in High School Concert Choir or High School Band however, split their time amongst the two groups. The High School Band/Choir  students perform in all of the same performances as the High School Concert Choir and High School Band. Students may also participate in the same competitions, festivals, arts related field trips, and extended performance tours. Students in High School Band/Choir may also audition for the festival choirs/bands on the county, region, and state level available with the approval and sponsorship of their instructor. Students must take into the consideration the expanded amount of homework and preparation to be successful in both large ensemble classes at once.  For our class pages, go to http://www.cresskillmusic.org/hs-concert-band/, and http://www.cresskillmusic.org/hs-choir/.

**New in 2022-2023** Participation in High School Band no longer carries a requirement of being a part of the Marching Band.  Students are encouraged to join Marching Band as an extra curricular activity, but it will serve as a club as opposed to part of the class.

prerequisite: none
grades 9-12

 

Honors Band/Choir
High School Band/Choir is a music elective for students who enjoy singing as well as playing an instrument and, due to scheduling, choose to do both during a single class period. Students receive a similar experience to those students who partake in High School Concert Choir or High School Band however, split their time amongst the two groups. The High School Band/Choir  students perform in all of the same performances as the High School Concert Choir and High School Band. Students may also participate in the same competitions, festivals, arts related field trips, and extended performance tours. Students in High School Band/Choir may also audition for the festival choirs/bands on the county, region, and state level available with the approval and sponsorship of their instructor. Students must take into the consideration the expanded amount of homework and preparation to be successful in both large ensemble classes at once. Students looking to participate in Band/Choir Honors need to fulfill 12 honor points in available school sponsored music-related activities that serve as an extension of the class curriculum.  "Honors points" can be achieved via a variety of extra-curricular music based ensemble which are hosted by CHS.  CLICK HERE to see the most updated information regarding the Honors points system.  (This information may be altered slightly from year to year, depending on our current offerings)

**New in 2022-2023** Participation in High School Band no longer carries a requirement of being a part of the Marching Band.  Students are encouraged to join Marching Band as an extra curricular activity, but it will serve as a club as opposed to part of the class.

prerequisite: honors band/chorus honor point criteria
grades 9-12

 

Orchestra/Choir
Orchestra/Choir is a music elective for students who enjoy singing as well as playing a string instrument and, due to scheduling, choose to do both during a single class period. Students receive a similar experience to those students who partake in High School Concert Choir or High School Orchestra however, split their time amongst the two groups. The High School Orchestra/Choir students perform in all of the same performances as the High School Concert Choir and High School Orchestra. Students may also participate in the same competitions, festivals, arts related field trips, and extended performance tours. Students in High School Orchestra/Choir may also audition for the festival choirs/orchestras on the county, region, and state level available with the approval and sponsorship of their instructor. Students must take into the consideration the expanded amount of homework and preparation to be successful in both large ensemble classes at once.  For our class pages, go to http://www.cresskillmusic.org/hs-choir/. A link to our High School Orchestra page will be added as soon as possible.

**New in 2022-2023** Participation in High School Instrumental Music Classes no longer carries a requirement of being a part of the Marching Band.  Students are encouraged to join Marching Band as an extra curricular activity, but it will serve as a club as opposed to part of the class.

prerequisite: none
grades 9-12

 

Honors Orchestra/Choir
High School Orchestra/Choir is a music elective for students who enjoy singing as well as playing an instrument and, due to scheduling, choose to do both during a single class period. Students receive a similar experience to those students who partake in High School Concert Choir or High School Orchestra however, split their time amongst the two groups. The High School Orchestra/Choir students perform in all of the same performances as the High School Concert Choir and High School Orchestra. Students may also participate in the same competitions, festivals, arts related field trips, and extended performance tours. Students in High School Orchestra/Choir may also audition for the festival choirs/orchestras on the county, region, and state level available with the approval and sponsorship of their instructor. Students must take into the consideration the expanded amount of homework and preparation to be successful in both large ensemble classes at once. Students looking to participate in Orchestra/Choir Honors need to fulfill 12 honor points in available school sponsored music-related activities that serve as an extension of the class curriculum.  "Honors points" can be achieved via a variety of extra-curricular music based ensemble which are hosted by CHS.  CLICK HERE to see the most updated information regarding the Honors points system.  (This information may be altered slightly from year to year, depending on our current offerings)

**New in 2022-2023** Participation in High School Instrumental Music courses no longer carries a requirement of being a part of the Marching Band.  Students are encouraged to join Marching Band as an extra curricular activity, but it will serve as a club as opposed to part of the class.

prerequisite: honors band/chorus honor point criteria
grades 9-12

 

Music Studies
Music Studies is a course comprised of three major areas:
MUSIC HISTORY - An overview of Western Music History from ancient Greece and Rome through mid-20th Century classical music. Students will have the opportunity to explore how musical styles and ideas were developed over time and how composers influenced each other throughout Europe and North America.
MUSIC THEORY - The fundamentals of music composition from reading/constructing notes, chords, melodies, progressions, etc. Students will work on developing their listening, reading, and writing skills, and discover what it takes to create an original piece of music.
MUSIC APPRECIATION - A closer look at the development of popular musical styles from the mid-20th century through today. Students will gain a greater understanding of how today's music came into being, and what genres influenced their development.

prerequisite: none
grades: 9-12

 

Music Technology
Music Technology is a music elective for students wishing to explore their musical creativity through composition and recording, while utilizing tools and techniques that music technology has to offer. In this hands-on, project based environment, students can schedule what they choose to work on day-to day from activity lists. In doing so, the class is designed as one that can be structured to fit the needs of each individual and the varied levels they may be working at, from beginner to expert. Students will explore the areas of ear training and music theory through Rising Software's Auralia and Musition, composition and publishing through Avid's Sibelius, and various forms of digital recording through Acoustica's Mixcraft and Avid's ProTools. The goals will proceed from the basics of each program's operation and layout, to recording and note entry, to advanced recording and compositional techniques as well as constant improvement in the individual student's ear training and music theory abilities.  For our class pages, go to http://www.cresskillmusic.org/music-technology/.

prerequisite: none
grades 9-12

 

 

MCP Music Technology II
MCP Music Technology is a music elective for students wishing to explore their musical creativity through composition and recording, while utilizing tools and techniques that music technology has to offer. In this hands-on, project based environment, students can schedule what they choose to work on day-to day from activity lists. In doing so, the class is designed as one that can be structured to fit the needs of each individual and the varied levels they may be working at, from beginner to expert. Students will explore the areas of ear training and music theory through Rising Software's Auralia and Musition, composition and publishing through Avid's Sibelius, and various forms of digital recording through Acoustica's Mixcraft and Avid's ProTools. The goals will proceed from the basics of each program's operation and layout, to recording and note entry, to advanced recording and compositional techniques as well as constant improvement in the individual student's ear training and music theory abilities.  For our class pages, go to http://www.cresskillmusic.org/music-technology/.

prerequisite: Music Technology
grades 10-12

Our high school theatre program offers courses in Theatre Arts I:  Intro to Theatre Arts, Theatre Arts II and Both Sides of The Curtain.

 
Both Sides of The Curtain
Both Sides of The Curtain is a performing arts class for the performer and non-performer alike.  The focus includes but is not limited to choreography (staging dance, fight scenes and the importance of hitting your mark), lighting, staging, directing, set design, costumes will be explored. Students will have the opportunity to have a behind the scenes view of how to produce a successful production.

prerequisite: none
grades: 9-12
 

Theatre Arts I: Intro to Theatre Arts
Theatre Arts I: Intro to Theatre Arts is a course for the beginning actor and is designed to build confidence through meeting challenges presented by dramatic situations and to provide students with a working vocabulary and an informed eye. This course places equal emphasis on the reading of texts essential to the actor's craft, and the practical hands-on work in the studio to help beginning students understand performance as living literature. The studio component of this course is designed to introduce students to the basic tools and techniques of the actor's craft. These include scene analysis, entering the world of the scene, freeing vocal and physical expression, sense awareness, improvisation and ensemble skills, listening and relating, strengthening concentration and attention, memorization, and understanding basic scene dynamics. Students will explore a wide variety of exercises, games and improvisational techniques. Students will prepare a classical and contemporary monologue and scene.

prerequisite: none
grades 9-12
 

Theatre Arts II
Theatre Arts II builds on the foundations of Intro to Theatre Arts, allowing students to explore many of the ideas approached in the introductory course in a more comprehensive way. Advanced monologue and scene study will be utilized to further understand the life of a character. Readings and analysis of theatre literature will allow students to grow as performers. Students will also explore theatre critique, and gain a better understanding of what creates a complete theatrical experience. Students will prepare a classical and contemporary monologue and scene, utilizing advanced literature and accents/dialects to enhance characters

prerequisite: Intro to Theatre Arts/Theatre Arts I
grades 10-12