UHS recently unveiled the addition of two new classes, Musical Wheel, and Broadway Bound, for the 2024-25 school year. These courses were created by Visual and Performing Arts Teacher Ms. Ranae Bettger and will join the diverse list of electives offered at UHS. Students next year will be able to enroll in either of these two classes, strengthening their imagination and creativity amid the typical academic course load.
Musical Wheel
As indicated by its name, Musical Wheel will not only help students master the various musical notes and rhythms but will also incorporate different genres of music to provide a unique experience for all students.
Some of the current instrumental music-based classes taught at UHS include the three bands (Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony) and the three orchestras (String Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra). Jazz Band, Marching Band, AP Music Theory and Guitar Studio comprise other such classes offered currently.
Musical Wheel is a unique combination of the music classes already offered, intended to acquaint students with the vast spectrum of musical arts. UHS students can hope to expect a “wheel” of musical genres with plenty of hands-on experiences, projects and performances to showcase their abilities.
Broadway Bound
This class will be similar to the theatre arts program that is already broadly developed at UHS. Currently, four theatre arts classes are offered: Beginning Technical Theatre, Intermediate Technical Theatre, Advanced Technical Theatre and Theatre Seminar: Advanced Combo. There is also a separate drama pathway available to all students.
As the name suggests, Broadway Bound will introduce students to all aspects of theatre arts, from emotive acting and dancing to the technical theatre behind each production and performance.
Broadway Bound will specialize in stage and movie musicals inspired by literature and well-known productions from Broadway and beyond. Students will learn to use their “speaking” voice, master body language and stage presence, be comfortable with in-person communication both on-stage and off-stage and build their confidence overall.
These classes will undoubtedly give students confined by the existing course list a new perspective and also give aspiring musicians and dramatists new courses to enjoy. We encourage all students interested in dabbling in the arts to consider enrolling in these two classes to unleash their creativity and discover new talents while embracing the artistic community here at UHS.
