New Electives = More Choices?

With school finally being in-person again, a variety of opportunities for new clubs and electives exist for students. It’s been over a year since we have been in school, meaning some people’s interests change and what they enjoy doing. Even though there are the typical electives such as performing arts, journalism, and student aide, some new and rather unique electives subsist here at Sierra Vista.

Music Appreciation analyzes the different elements and components in music as well as how it affects the listener. Jonathan Baltera, who is also the Sierra Vista High School chorus director, is the advisor for this class.

“I think the students are enjoying looking deeper into the music that they listen to every day,” stated Baltera.

“Music Appreciation should really be a chance for students to learn about music and be able to discuss in a more comprehensive way.” continued Baltera.

Music Appreciation mainly focuses on the components in movies, as all movies have various music genres compiled in it. While horror movies have eerie music to keep you on edge, a comedy might have funny sound effects.

“We are currently giving presentations on the songs from the Nightmare Before Christmas. Each student focuses on explaining the element of music from one of the songs.” explained Baltera.

Camie Noll is the teacher for the new elective, Myth and Folklore. Myth and Folklore focuses on mythology from western civilizations, while also looking at other stories pertaining to mythology as well. Because this class is still growing, ideas are in the midst of what to incorporate.

“Next year in Mythology & Folklore II, we will add mythology from Eastern Civilizations and incorporate tales from Asian, Pacific Islander, Ancient Middle Eastern cultures.” stated Noll.

Noll also mentioned that she tries to display media that she thinks high school students would be interested in.

Victoria Hines, a sophomore, is enrolled in the Myth and Folklore elective this year. “I find it interesting to see how life incorporated things from thousands of years ago.” Hines mentioned.

Another new music elective at SVHS is Musical Theatre. Musical Theatre is somewhat similar to Music Appreciation and choir, but there are some differences. Rebekah Whittenberger is the teacher for musical theatre and she truly enjoys it.

“Musical theatre is a very exciting genre of theatre that is deeply rooted in American history, culture and social commentary.” explained Whittenberger.

Musical Theatre for the most part contains students in choir who wish to further expand and better their performance skills. Although Musical Theatre learns about improvisation and other subjects related to performing, they also perform plays.

“We plan to present the musical Grease in March of 2022.” mentioned Whittenberger.

Students interested in acting, singing, and dancing should be on the lookout for musical theatre and the auditions for the play Grease in 2022!

Electives act as the classes that students attend everyday so it should be something they enjoy in an environment that is not only welcoming, but positive too. Taking interesting elective classes should not only intrigue students, but also maybe put an idea on what they will do in the future.