Programs
- Band & Orchestra
- Broadcast Journalism & Film Production
- Choir
- Classical Dance
- Theatre
- Traditional African Music & Dance
- Visual Arts
Band & Orchestra
Band & Orchestra
Program Overview
The Band and Orchestra program at Bishop McNamara High School has a reputation for excellence throughout the metropolitan Washington, DC area. The study of instrumental music is an important component of providing students with a comprehensive music education. The students in the BMHS band and orchestra program are consistently challenged to cultivate their individual talents and abilities all while building relationships through group performance.
It is the goal of our Band and Orchestra Program to foster a sense of belonging, artistic expression, aesthetic awareness, and an overall appreciation for music.
Example of Courses
9610 Concert Band
The Concert Band is a full instrumental concert ensemble intended for students of all musical backgrounds. The course also caters to students interested in starting music for the first time, or switching instruments. The class focuses on teaching, reviewing and elaborating upon basic musical concepts.
9612 Honors Concert Band
Students can elect to be in the Honors class at the beginning of the school year. The Honors Class incorporates private lessons and extra projects into the curriculum.
9615 Symphonic Band
This is a full instrumental concert ensemble focusing on intermediate music levels. The group focuses on refining musical techniques and knowledge.
9617 Honors Symphonic Band
Students can elect to be in the Honors class at the beginning of the school year. The Honors Class incorporates private lessons and extra projects into the curriculum.
9620 Wind Ensemble
This is the highest level instrumental concert ensemble at Bishop McNamara. Students concentrate on various levels and genres of music.
9625 Honors Wind Ensemble
Students can elect to be in the Honors class at the beginning of the school year. The Honors Class incorporates private lessons and extra projects into the curriculum.
9660 String Orchestra
This course is open to students with prior string experience on the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students will be exposed to many genres of orchestral music from classical through contemporary.
9665 Honors String Orchestra
Students can elect to be in the Honors class at the beginning of the school year. The Honors Class incorporates private lessons and extra projects into the curriculum.
9630 Jazz Ensemble
In this big band style ensemble, students learn all genres of music including swing, Latin, funk, rock, and new age. The ensemble consists only of jazz instrumentation.
9640 Percussion Ensemble
This course focuses on a variety of genres and literature.
Band & Orchestra Types
Performance Videos
Faculty
Mrs. Francine Amos Hardy
Fine Arts Faculty, Director of Bands/Instrumental Music, Moderator Tri-M Honor Society
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Mr. Phillip San Gabriel
Class of 2004
Adjunct Band Director, Conductor of Jazz Ensemble and Pep Band
Broadcast Journalism & Film Production
Broadcast Journalism & Film Production
Program Overview
This program is designed for the study and practice of the basic elements of broadcast journalism and video production. Our coursework will emphasize news-gathering, writing, video recording, editing, and the study of mass media. Students will learn the basic elements of news value and vocabulary specific to broadcast writing. They will also identify various news sources and use interview skills to create stories using video and editing software. This course also explores the world of digital video and television production. Students learn on professional equipment in a modern digital TV studio. Students work in collaborative teams to produce projects using cameras while learning the basics of studio and field production, lighting, and sound.
Example of Courses
9933 Broadcast Journalism - This one-year course is designed for the study and practice of the basic elements of broadcast journalism and video production. This course will emphasize news-gathering, writing, video recording, editing, and the study of mass media. Students will learn the basic elements of news value and vocabulary specific to broadcast writing. They will also identify various news sources and use interview skills to create stories using video and editing software. This course also explores the world of digital video and television production. Students learn on professional equipment in a modern digital TV studio. Students work in collaborative teams to produce projects using cameras while learning the basics of studio and field production, lighting, and sound.
9525 Photography This semester course explores the basic fundamentals and techniques of photography. Students are introduced to various skills including digital capturing, image editing, and digital printing. The art of photography will be learned through hands-on experiences. Students will create a final portfolio.
9526 Film Production This semester course explores the basic fundamentals and techniques of film production. Students are introduced to camera operation, audio control, basic directing, lighting, and editing. The art of film production will be learned through hands-on experiences, such as filming sports events, Fine Arts performances, and various other school activities. Students will create a final project, which will be a culmination of the semester’s assignments.
Examples of Work
Faculty
Choir
Choir
Program Overview
The Choir Program at BMHS offers comprehensive music education in various styles of vocal singing. Students receive training in vocal production techniques, music theory, music history, and sight reading.
The BMHS choir students balance demanding performance and rehearsal schedules, all while maintaining a high level of academic excellence.
Example of Courses
9725 Concert Choir
Concert Choir is designed to teach the rudiments of choral singing and present various musical styles as part of the song repertoire. Principles of music theory as well as sight singing will be included in the general curriculum.
9726 Honors Concert Choir
Students can elect to be in the Honors class at the beginning of the school year. The Honors Class incorporates extra projects into the curriculum.
9747 Chorale
Chorale is an intermediate choir, designed to build on the fundamentals of music theory and vocal technique. One focus of the course is to strengthen sight singing through exercises and various repertoire.
9748 Honors Chorale
Students can elect to be in the Honors class at the beginning of the school year. The Honors Class incorporates extra projects into the curriculum.
9746 Chamber Choir
Chamber Choir is offered to those students exhibiting a high level of vocal expertise and precision. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of historical and 20th-century musical styles. Students will have an opportunity to study music theory and harmony.
9745 Honors Chamber Choir
Students can elect to be in the Honors class at the beginning of the school year. The Honors Class incorporates extra projects into the curriculum.
9760 Show Choir
The Show Choir course is designed to offer choir students an opportunity to perform varied song repertoire with choreography. The focus of this course will be on lyrical analysis, expressive singing, stage presence, and choreography. Students will have the opportunity to choreograph and teach the dances chosen. The class will work towards presenting a choreographed show that contains a number of choral selections.
9755 Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Students will have the opportunity to work on jazz repertoire from past to present. An emphasis will be placed on jazz lyrics and phrasing. This course is open to any student who wishes to sing and has some choir experience. The Ensemble will perform on occasion with the school’s jazz band ensemble.
Choir Types
Faculty
Classical Dance
Classical Dance
Program Overview
The Bishop McNamara High School Classical Dance Program offers excellent training and comprehensive dance education in the classical styles of dance. Students are given the opportunity to engross themselves in the education of ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and contemporary technique, Improvisation, and composition. With four levels of training, the BMHS Dance classes are designed in a way that students are able to learn proper terminology, dance etiquette, and body alignment for their personal level of technique.
Our dance program incorporates critical and creative thinking skills as well as encourages self-awareness. Classical Dance contains two tracks: Dance Track and Tap Track. Honors courses are available to Dance IV and Tap IV level students. BMHS Dance program also offers students multiple performance experiences including the Annual Spring Festival.
Example of Courses
9851 Dance I.
Students will receive Dance instruction at the Introductory level. Training will include fundamental techniques and concepts associated with Dance. Students will learn dance choreography in multiple genres and experience the joy of participating in a performance. In addition, students will receive dance history, vocabulary, and theory.
9852 Dance II.
Students will receive training in classical ballet, jazz, contemporary (incorporates jazz, lyrical and modern dance), and tap techniques at the beginner/intermediate level.
9853 Dance III.
Students will receive training and dance composition in classical ballet, jazz, contemporary (incorporates jazz, lyrical and modern techniques), and tap techniques at the intermediate level. Improvisation will be introduced at this level.
9854 Dance IV.
Students will receive training and dance composition in classical ballet, jazz, contemporary (incorporates jazz, lyrical and modern techniques), improvisation, and tap techniques at the intermediate/advanced level.
9856 Honors Dance Performance I.
Students will focus on the development of their artistry and choreographic skills. Proper technique, body alignment, conditioning, and strengthening will continue to be stressed while exploring artistry and learning the mechanics of choreography for every student. This course incorporates group and contact improvisations, creating and performing dance studies, discussion, critical analysis, resume building, e-portfolios, dance film, journal writing, and group service projects.
9857 Honors Dance Performance II.
Students will focus on the development of their artistry and choreographic skills. Proper technique, body alignment, conditioning, and strengthening will continue to be stressed while exploring artistry and learning the mechanics of choreography for every student. This course incorporates group and contact improvisations, creating and performing dance studies, discussion, critical analysis, resume building, e-portfolios, dance film, journal writing, and group service projects.
9825 Tap I.
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of tap. It is designed to develop rhythm, style, and musicality. Students will learn a variety of tap styles from Broadway to Rhythm tap. Tap Dance history and terminology are also included in this course. Students will learn tap choreography to experience the joy of participating in a performance.
9826 Tap II.
This course provides a review of basic tap fundamentals. History research projects and new terminology are introduced. Tap technique is taught on a Beginner/Intermediate skill level incorporating the introduction of Improvisation.
9827 Tap III.
Students will increase their tap vocabulary and technical skill level to Intermediate. Improvisation and composition will be included in this course. Increased performance opportunities will be offered at this level.
9828 Tap IV.
Students will increase their tap vocabulary and technical skill level to Intermediate/Advanced. Improvisation and choreography are explored deeper at this level. Increased performance opportunities will be offered at this level.
9829 Honors Tap IV.
Students will focus on the development of their artistry and choreographic skills. Proper advanced tap techniques will continue to be stressed while exploring artistry and learning the mechanics of choreography for every student. This course incorporates group improvisations, discussion, critical analysis, resume building, e-portfolios, dance film, journal writing, and group service projects.
Types of Dance
Faculty
Theatre
Theatre
Program Overview
Our Theatre Education Program provides creative expression, knowledge, and growth in Musical & Dramatic Theatre and Tech including Sets, Lights, Costumes, & Sound.
Theatre education at Bishop McNamara enables students to develop intellectually by expanding their capacities for creative thought and expression and by encouraging critical thinking skills. Furthermore, theatre education fosters personal growth, self-confidence, knowledge, and a variety of skills and attitudes that are transferable to a wide range of careers.
The Theatre Program produces a fall musical and a spring play annually to showcase the many gifts and talents of the Bishop McNamara students. Participation both on and off stage teaches students to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
Example of Courses
9907 Introduction to Theatre
This course is designed to introduce the student to the many components of theatre: acting, directing, design, script analysis, and history. Students will focus on each topic through reading, lectures, in-class exercises, and assignments. In addition, there will be numerous practical assignments through which the student, individually or with others, will gain valuable experience in the ways these various elements work together in the creation of a fully realized dramatic experience.
9903 Acting
This course introduces the student to the variety of techniques used to produce the art of acting. Assignments will be arranged sequentially to focus on each technique culminating in the use of the entire skill set for actual performance. Exercises will be based on the theatre techniques developed by, but not limited to, Konstantin Stanislavski, Viola Spolin, and Arthur Lessac. Major areas of focus include observation, physical and vocal expressiveness, building a character, text analysis, monologues, scene work, and professional development. Students will be evaluated on performance, written assignments, tests, progress, and participation.
9905 Honors Advanced Acting
This course further develops the techniques introduced in Acting. Students will conduct independent research, present acting techniques and exercises to the class, lead warm-up exercises and select challenging performance material.
Note: Runs concurrently with 9903 Acting
9917 Honors Great Stages of Drama
[Will be offered 2024-2025]
Throughout history, social, political, cultural, and philosophical forces have combined to create a fertile ground for great periods of theatrical activity. These “Golden Ages of Theatre” include: Classical Greece, Elizabethan England, Neoclassic/Restoration, Romanticism, Twentieth Century Realism and Expressionism, and American Musical Theatre. This class will study the plays that emerged from these great periods, and examine the larger worldview that shaped them. Student projects will include scene performances and presentations on period design and historical background.
9912 Musical Production Cast,
This course is designed to introduce the student to the many components of theatre: acting, directing, design, script analysis, and history. Students will focus on each topic through reading, lectures, in-class exercises, and assignments. In addition, there will be numerous practical assignments through which the student, individually or with others, will gain valuable experience in the ways these various elements work together in the creation of a fully realized dramatic experience.
9903 Acting
This course introduces the student to the variety of techniques used to produce the art of acting. Assignments will be arranged sequentially to focus on each technique culminating in the use of the entire skill set for actual performance. Exercises will be based on the theatre techniques developed by, but not limited to, Konstantin Stanislavski, Viola Spolin, and Arthur Lessac. Major areas of focus include observation, physical and vocal expressiveness, building a character, text analysis, monologues, scene work, and professional development. Students will be evaluated on performance, written assignments, tests, progress, and participation.
9905 Honors Advanced Acting
This course further develops the techniques introduced in Acting. Students will conduct independent research, present acting techniques and exercises to the class, lead warm-up exercises and select challenging performance material.
Note: Runs concurrently with 9903 Acting
9917 Honors Great Stages of Drama
[Will be offered 2024-2025]
Throughout history, social, political, cultural, and philosophical forces have combined to create a fertile ground for great periods of theatrical activity. These “Golden Ages of Theatre” include: Classical Greece, Elizabethan England, Neoclassic/Restoration, Romanticism, Twentieth Century Realism and Expressionism, and American Musical Theatre. This class will study the plays that emerged from these great periods, and examine the larger worldview that shaped them. Student projects will include scene performances and presentations on period design and historical background.
9912 Musical Production Cast,
9925 Musical Production Crew,
& 9913 Honors Musical Production
Each fall McNamara stages a musical theatre production which is a fine arts omega period class that students may elect to take for credit and a grade. These courses meet after school and all course work is hands-on preparation to produce the musical. Students may participate on stage as actors, singers, and dancers, backstage as technical support, or in the pit orchestra as musicians. Students will learn all aspects of staging a musical including blocking, character analysis and development, plot analysis, choreography, vocal production, stage presence, theatrical vocabulary, set construction, lighting and sound design and production, costuming, makeup, and properties.
9920 Spring Production Cast,
Each fall McNamara stages a musical theatre production which is a fine arts omega period class that students may elect to take for credit and a grade. These courses meet after school and all course work is hands-on preparation to produce the musical. Students may participate on stage as actors, singers, and dancers, backstage as technical support, or in the pit orchestra as musicians. Students will learn all aspects of staging a musical including blocking, character analysis and development, plot analysis, choreography, vocal production, stage presence, theatrical vocabulary, set construction, lighting and sound design and production, costuming, makeup, and properties.
9920 Spring Production Cast,
9921 Spring Production Crew,
& 9931 Honors Spring Production
Each spring McNamara stages a non-musical theatre production which is a fine arts omega period class that students may elect to take for credit and a grade. These courses meet after school and culminate in a fully staged play. Students may participate as actors or technical support. The concentration is on staging, plot, and character analysis.
9928 Theatre Technology A: Set, Lights
This one-semester course introduces the student to both the artistic and technical aspects of theatrical productions through stage carpentry, set design, theatrical lighting, and stage properties. Throughout the course we will work hands-on in the theatre to put our knowledge into practice, using Bishop McNamara’s well-equipped stage and professional theatrical equipment.
9929 Theatre Technology B: Sound, Costume
This one-semester course introduces the student to both the artistic and technical design aspects of costume, sound, and stage properties. Throughout the course we will work hands-on in the theatre to put our knowledge to practice, using Bishop McNamara’s well-equipped stage and professional theatrical equipment.
9908 Music Theatre Repertoire
This course introduces students to performing and studying the genre of musical theatre. Students will acquire and demonstrate knowledge of individual singing skills, how to build a repertoire, and the history of the genre of musical theater. Assignments for this course include solo and duet performances in class, musical theatre history, character and show research, and vocal pedagogy.
Each spring McNamara stages a non-musical theatre production which is a fine arts omega period class that students may elect to take for credit and a grade. These courses meet after school and culminate in a fully staged play. Students may participate as actors or technical support. The concentration is on staging, plot, and character analysis.
9928 Theatre Technology A: Set, Lights
This one-semester course introduces the student to both the artistic and technical aspects of theatrical productions through stage carpentry, set design, theatrical lighting, and stage properties. Throughout the course we will work hands-on in the theatre to put our knowledge into practice, using Bishop McNamara’s well-equipped stage and professional theatrical equipment.
9929 Theatre Technology B: Sound, Costume
This one-semester course introduces the student to both the artistic and technical design aspects of costume, sound, and stage properties. Throughout the course we will work hands-on in the theatre to put our knowledge to practice, using Bishop McNamara’s well-equipped stage and professional theatrical equipment.
9908 Music Theatre Repertoire
This course introduces students to performing and studying the genre of musical theatre. Students will acquire and demonstrate knowledge of individual singing skills, how to build a repertoire, and the history of the genre of musical theater. Assignments for this course include solo and duet performances in class, musical theatre history, character and show research, and vocal pedagogy.
Faculty
Traditional African Music & Dance
Traditional African Music & Dance
Program Overview
Traditional African Dance is an essential element of Africa's cultural heritage because it is the living expression of its philosophy and the living memory of its evolution and cultural wealth over the centuries. Students will learn the fundamentals by studying dances from countries of Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Guinea, and Ivory Coast; these skills are then collaborated into dance theatre. Specific and required skill sets and techniques in African dance are introduced, nurtured, instilled, and developed for general/specific knowledge in ancient traditions of music and dance forms with particular attention to its societal contexts and relevance.
Honors courses are available to Level IV students. The Traditional African Music & Dance Program performs many times throughout the year for outside performances, as well as the annual show, Sankofa, which is held in the Spring.
Example of Courses
9879 Traditional African Music & Dance 1
This course is designed to introduce the student to the exciting traditions and cultures of Africa through its African music and dance. Beginners are introduced to the basic level technique and style in traditional music and dance in Africa. It continues with the tradition of merging the two art forms for various cultural and traditional presentations. Dances, music, drumming and singing are derived from across the continent. The essential component of communication between the drummer/dancer and performer/audience is emphasized, as the beginner gets more comfortable in this performance-oriented class.
9880 Traditional African Music & Dance 2
This course will build on the lessons learned in the level one course. It will further develop practical training in the various traditional dances of the African continent with increased emphasis on drumming. It will continue exercises required for traditional movement of the body language of the dancer. The dances and the music will include a wide range of traditional dances from across the continent with an emphasis on the dances and music traditions of West Africa.
9881 Traditional African Music & Dance 3
This course is for those students interested in perfecting their African Dance and Drumming skills. It will offer intensive training in the African dance traditions and focus on increasingly difficult choreography with drumming. Emphasis is placed on: origin, roles and meaning, stylistic differences, the language of drums, song text, dirges and praise poetry, paraphernalia of the dance (mask, costume, props, makeup), symbolism and ritual significance.
9882 Traditional African Music & Dance 4
This unique course is a natural progression for the advanced African Music and Dance student. It will build on the movements and explore the evolution of dance from the slavery times to the present. It also incorporates dance composition and an introduction to other dance forms, especially modern and Caribbean dance styles.
9874 Sankofa Company
This course is designed to introduce the student to the exciting traditions and cultures of Africa through its African music and dance. Beginners are introduced to the basic level technique and style in traditional music and dance in Africa. It continues with the tradition of merging the two art forms for various cultural and traditional presentations. Dances, music, drumming and singing are derived from across the continent. The essential component of communication between the drummer/dancer and performer/audience is emphasized, as the beginner gets more comfortable in this performance-oriented class.
9880 Traditional African Music & Dance 2
This course will build on the lessons learned in the level one course. It will further develop practical training in the various traditional dances of the African continent with increased emphasis on drumming. It will continue exercises required for traditional movement of the body language of the dancer. The dances and the music will include a wide range of traditional dances from across the continent with an emphasis on the dances and music traditions of West Africa.
9881 Traditional African Music & Dance 3
This course is for those students interested in perfecting their African Dance and Drumming skills. It will offer intensive training in the African dance traditions and focus on increasingly difficult choreography with drumming. Emphasis is placed on: origin, roles and meaning, stylistic differences, the language of drums, song text, dirges and praise poetry, paraphernalia of the dance (mask, costume, props, makeup), symbolism and ritual significance.
9882 Traditional African Music & Dance 4
This unique course is a natural progression for the advanced African Music and Dance student. It will build on the movements and explore the evolution of dance from the slavery times to the present. It also incorporates dance composition and an introduction to other dance forms, especially modern and Caribbean dance styles.
9874 Sankofa Company
& 9884 Honors Sankofa Company
These classes are designed to hone the music and theatrical dance talents in preparation towards the annual Sankofa Night Dance Production. Students work intensely on African, modern and interpretive dance techniques, focusing on the characters in the production story. Students research topics related to the production theme. Students are also exposed to external artists and choreographers who share their different styles and perspectives in music and dance. The relationship between songs, dance and theatre are emphasized, as well as the various elements and demands of theatrical dance productions. Above all, students are given the freedom to use their creative talents. This course is open to all levels.
9875 Sankofa Vocalist
Students work intensely on characterization and vocal performance, in preparation for the annual Sankofa Company production. The vocalist role is critical for connecting musical, dance, and theatrical elements of the narrative, which is developed in collaboration with students in Sankofa Company.
These classes are designed to hone the music and theatrical dance talents in preparation towards the annual Sankofa Night Dance Production. Students work intensely on African, modern and interpretive dance techniques, focusing on the characters in the production story. Students research topics related to the production theme. Students are also exposed to external artists and choreographers who share their different styles and perspectives in music and dance. The relationship between songs, dance and theatre are emphasized, as well as the various elements and demands of theatrical dance productions. Above all, students are given the freedom to use their creative talents. This course is open to all levels.
9875 Sankofa Vocalist
Students work intensely on characterization and vocal performance, in preparation for the annual Sankofa Company production. The vocalist role is critical for connecting musical, dance, and theatrical elements of the narrative, which is developed in collaboration with students in Sankofa Company.
Faculty
Visual Arts
Visual Arts
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Program Overview
Our Visual Arts Program exposes students to many areas of visual arts including painting, sculpture, ceramics, graphic arts, photography, computer graphics, art history & web design.
The Bishop McNamara Visual Arts Program provides opportunities for our students to develop their understanding and appreciation of the visual by exposing students to sculpture and ceramics, computer graphics, painting, photography, graphic arts, mechanical drawing, art history and internet web page design.
We offer a wide selection of visual art courses designed with college-bound students in mind. Whether taught in the studio or computer labs, these courses focus on skills like composition building/layout, elements and principles of design, mastery of materials, and with an emphasis on observational drawing skills. We provide students with an opportunity to experiment with a variety of media and materials using hands-on strategies and emerging technologies. In addition, we offer Advanced Placement courses and other portfolio development opportunities.
Our visual arts program is built on the understanding that exploration through visual art not only enriches a child's scope and view of the world, but also engages high order thinking skills which are crucial for problem solving and achievement.
Our students' art is posted at Artsonia.com - an online museum of art for students.
Visual Arts Courses
9507 Drawing
This course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamental vocabulary and drawing techniques utilized by artists. Concepts like line, shape, space, and shading are explored through work in pencil, pen, and charcoal.
9512 Color
This course introduces students to the basic color theory, with a focus on mixing techniques and design principles. Students will learn how to manipulate color to create realistic depth, three dimensional forms, to express different emotions, and to create effective compositions. Students will work with acrylic paint, watercolor paint, oil pastel, chalk pastel, colored pencils, and collage materials.
9521 Advanced Drawing
This course explores more advanced drawing techniques and subject matter. There is a greater emphasis on drawing the human form than in the Drawing course. Work can be tailored to meet the needs of students assembling portfolios for college acceptance.
9522 Honors Advanced Drawing
This course explores more advanced drawing techniques and subject matter. Honors students are expected to work in a larger format and/or have additional objectives on assignments.
9523 AP Drawing
This course is a college-level course that focuses on the development of a student's drawing skills. The course emphasizes the exploration of drawing techniques, materials, and concepts to create original works of art.
9527 Digital Art
This introductory course deals with controlling computer technology to produce an artistic image. Students will learn computer illustration techniques, image manipulation, digital camera use, graphic design, visual literacy, and the principles and elements of art in composition.
9556 Advanced Digital Art
Students build on the skills and concepts they learned in Digital Art as they develop their vocabulary of digital design elements. By the end of the course students will have created a collection of digital art projects for their digital design portfolio.
9559 AP Studio Art 2-D Design
This course is designed for experienced, highly motivated digital art students. Twenty-four quality photographic works will be required for submitting an AP Studio Art 2-D Design Portfolio. While building the portfolio, students will explore a variety of concepts, techniques, and approaches designed to help demonstrate their abilities and versatility with problem solving and idea generation.
9588 Yearbook Journalism
Students in this course are responsible for producing the school yearbook. Students learn skills necessary to write stories, headlines, and captions, shoot and coordinate photographs, and use graphics to organize and design layouts.
Faculty
Fine Arts Calendar
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