Academics

Performing Arts

Theatre at Fountain Valley School is as much about culture as it is about performing. An artistic laboratory, it is a place to discover and refine your talents both on the stage and behind the scenes. It’s about teamwork, creative collaboration, respect and helping others shine. Actors hone their skills through character analysis and developing onstage presence while studying classic and modern works. There are classes during the academic day to work on technique, as well as the after school program which produces three plays a year, including the winter musical.

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Theatre I

The Theater 1 technique class will have an in-depth study of mental acting practices with brief chapters in vocal and physical theater practices. Students will perform monologues and duets while confronting human thought process and switching tactics. They will discover their most engaging physical stage presence and vocal techniques. Between monologue and duet performances, they will explore stage combat, Suzuki theater, Improvisational acting and several other practices to make them an overall well‑seasoned actor.
Theatre II

Prerequisite: Theater I
Theater II is for the student to wishes to go further in-depth with their studies from Theater I and is highly recommended for those students wishing to pursue larger roles in the after school theater program. Often the Theater II class is where the actor truly blossoms into lead role material. While Theater I is about learning the skills themselves, Theater II is about honing those skills and becoming able to execute them with ease onstage. Summative grades consist of duet and monologue performances, while daily grades are made up of homework assignments, memorization and in-class participation.
Theatre III & IV

Prerequisite: Theater I and II and approval from instructor.
Theater III and beyond is a joint advanced class that is run similarly to a college scene study course. Students interested in our after-school program should stay enrolled in theater for these advanced courses to expand their character range, hone their mental, vocal and physical skills and to become the most empathetic and engaging actors as possible. Students will delve into modern theater and the latest Pulitzer winning plays to choose the scene selections that will evoke the most educational class discussions on human thought process. Summative grades consist of duet and monologue performances, while daily grades are made up of homework assignments, memorization and in-class participation.

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Hollie Marine

Fine Arts Faculty - Theatre Director

(719) 391-5291

Sing with a fun and joyful choir team. This performing ensemble focuses on the enjoyment of choral singing with an emphasis on vocal technique and style interpretation. You’ll learn and sing music from many music styles while focusing on performance and note reading.

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FVS Concert Choir

This performing ensemble focuses on the enjoyment of choral singing with an emphasis on vocal technique and style interpretation. Students rehearse and perform music from a variety of different genres, focusing on performance practice and note reading. The overall emphasis is on improved singing qualities and the advancement of individual skills in the ensemble setting. Public performance is required.

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Jason Plata

Music Faculty & Choral Director

As a Symphony Orchestra musician, enjoy a full symphonic experience including working with an accomplished teacher and professional performers who coach and guide you to play at a high level. For those of you who want to pursue music in a collegiate setting, the Fountain Valley Symphony Orchestra experience helps pave the way. The select Chamber Ensembles invite accomplished musicians to audition. Small ensembles such as a horn trio, a brass quartet with percussion, or a string trio are among the exciting possible combinations formed.

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Introductory Music

Introductory Music class allows students to explore and perform music in unique and creative ways. Students will learn instrumental music, vocal music, dance, music history, and more. No experience required, all are welcome to join.
Modern Orchestra

Prerequisites: At least three years private instruction, previous band and/or orchestral experience or approval from the director.

The Modern Orchestra may include saxophones, electric bass, drum set, guitars, and keyboard as well as all winds, brass, and strings. The merger lends greater potential for diversified repertoire and a wider variety of possible sounds and colors! Students will have the unique opportunity to work with professional musicians from the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and to collaborate and perform with a professional ensemble. If the musician should choose to pursue music in a collegiate setting, the Fountain Valley Modern Orchestra experience will help pave the way. Students will learn and perform a variety of repertoire including classical, jazz, pop, rock, big band, cultural, and contemporary. Attending professional concerts will be an important part of the learning experience.
Select Ensembles

Prerequisites: Audition required and director approval .Auditions will take place before the start of the next school year.
The Select Ensembles comprise the elite musicians of Fountain Valley School! All exceptional wind, brass, percussion (including piano), string, and guitar players are encouraged to apply. Music for the ensembles will range from classical to contemporary to jazz. The ensembles will work with professionals from the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and perform regularly throughout the community. Venues may include the Colorado Springs Airport, retirement and Veteran centers, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, hospitals, and schools. Attending professional concerts will be an important part of the learning experience.
Introductory Music Theory and Composition

Prerequisite: Must read music. Basic keyboard skills are beneficial.

The class will cover music fundamentals such as the aspects of sound, rhythm, harmony, melody, and part writing as well as sight singing and aural skills. Musical styles, composers, and musical time periods will be explored with fun activities. In conjunction with learning music fundamentals, students will compose music using GarageBand and/or Logic Pro. Students will share their compositions in performances, both live and recorded and will have the opportunity to enter their compositions in several contests sponsored by the National Association for Music Educators. Attending professional concerts will be an important part of the learning experience.
Advanced Music Theory and Composition

Prerequisite: Introductory Music Theory and Composition or the equivalent.

The class is designed to help the aspiring music student find his/her/their composing "voice." Therefore, students will study the purpose of harmony and musical form while creating compositions using Logic Pro, GarageBand or Sibelius. Aural skills, sight singing, score analysis, and the extensive exploration of different styles of music will also be learned during the year. Students will be able to hear and see all the components of music theory come together by attending professional concerts. A final group project and/or performance will showcase the students' compositions. They will have the opportunity to enter their compositions in several contests sponsored by the National Association for Music Educators. Students completing this class will be prepared to take the AP music theory exam should they choose to do so.