Performing Arts Electives

Trace offers elective classes in the arts before and after school. Classes include Drama, Choir, Band, and Orchestra. In addition, there is a new guitar class offered this year during the lunch hour.

The early-morning Drama class meets daily before school. Each semester, students in the class work on a theatrical production which is performed for the community. This fall, the early-morning drama class will be presenting “The Witches,” based on a story by Roald Dahl. Performance dates are December 4, 5, and 7. Our spring musical will be “Seussical,” based on Dr. Seuss stories. “Seussical” will be performed June 3-6, 2008.

The Trace Men’s and Women’s Choirs rehearse after school from September through January.  We focus on several holiday concert appearances, including the Trace Winter Concert, The Alameda Tree Lighting, Christmas in the Park and a field trip to perform for the administrators and staff of the District Office. In addition, we also share concerts with our fellow choristers at Hoover Middle School and Lincoln High School.  Special appearances in the past include: singing for local elected officials, appearing at the Joint Venture/Silicon Valley Symposium, and joining Clay Aiken on stage for his San Jose performance.

This year, Mrs. Warburton leads the Trace Women’s Chorus.  The Trace Men’s Chorus is being co-taught by Mrs. Warburton and Mr. Joshua Palkki, choir director at Hoover and Lincoln.

Band and Orchestra classes are offered as a combination “pull-out” and after-school class.  “Pull-out” means that children will be “pulled out” of one regular academic instruction period to attend the special music elective class. Flute, trumpet, clarinet, saxophone and drums are the featured Band instruments offered, and children may sign up for an instrument that interests them.  Stringed instruments available to Orchestra students include violin, viola, cello and double bass.

Trace is fortunate to own many stringed instruments in various children’s sizes that children may borrow.  Our school also has a large collection of band instruments for childrens’ use.  Naturally, students have the option of buying or renting instruments to use as well. There is a nominal “use fee” charged for the use of the instruments and supplies, but the lessons themselves are free.  Scholarships are available for the use fee, as well.  Trace School encourages all children to participate, regardless of family income level.

The Band and Guitar classes are taught by Mr. Harry Reed.  Ms. Kate Meyer, the orchestra director at Lincoln High School, is the Orchestra teacher for Trace.

For more information, call the school (535-6257) or email:
Drama: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Choir: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Band/Guitar: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Orchestra: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)