Band
Instrumental music is designed to give students experience in the major ensembles and mediums. Instrumental music is set-up with a dual-curriculum of individual lessons and group rehearsals. Students will come from a study hall for the individual lessons, which will be spent on tone, lesson books, solos, and other audition or band materials. The main ensemble is the Symphonic Band, which rehearses 2nd-4th quarters and the Marching Band, which is the focus of 1st quarter. Practice time outside of the school day is necessary to prepare for rehearsals and lessons. Concerts and festivals throughout the year include: home football games, Halloween Parade, and St. Patrick’s Day Parade for marching band, Christmas, Winter, Spring, District, State, and Commencement performances for Concert Band, and Pep Band Performances for Basketball Games. Attendance at performances is required. The opportunity to participate in chamber ensembles, solos, honor bands, and jazz band are offered, but not required.
Instrumental Music Calendar
Instrumental Music Handbook
Symphonic Band
Jazz Band
Marching Band
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Choir
A Capella Choir
Jazz Choir
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Theatre
Assumption Knight Players: General Information
Shows:
Each year, the Knight Players do three mainstage shows; one show is a straight play, one is a children’s show, and one is a musical. These shows are typically performed in November, December, and March. Generally, the rehearsal period for the straight play is six weeks, for the children’s show is four weeks, and for the musical is eight weeks. The cast and crew sizes vary from show to show.
Auditions:
Audition requirements vary from show to show. The straight play requires preparation of a monologue, the children’s show requires no preparation (just cold readings). The musical auditions work more like a workshop. Students will be required to prepare a song selected by the directors, learn a short dance number taught during auditions, and prepare a monologue. All auditions are held on stage in the auditorium. Though it is often a nerve-racking experience to audition, all those who audition listen to one another and support each other. If you do not get cast in a show, it is highly recommended that you consider working backstage for the production.
Backstage Workers (affectionately called “techies”):
Those on the stage could not do what they do without fantastic support from people behind the scenes. The “techies” of the Knight Players are a group of individuals who do diverse tasks. Some of the possible tasks include light technicians, sound technicians, fly crew members, prop mistresses, dressers, set constructors, scene change crew members, and make-up artists. These people all work under the direction of the technical director and stage manager. Though techies do not have to be at rehearsal the entire rehearsal period, they work hard the last two to three weeks prior to opening.
Thespian Membership:
Each student who is involved in theatre accrues points toward membership in our school’s Thespian Troupe #2761. The International Thespian Society is a part of the Educational Theatre Association. The Troupe is led by elected student officers who are in the following positions: president – senior, vice-president – senior, secretary – senior, and publicist – junior. The officers act as the right hand of the sponsor and take a leadership role onstage and backstage.
Iowa State Thespian Festival:
Each year the Knight Players attend the Iowa State Thespian Festival during the second weekend in November. The festival is a weekend of theatre immersion. It is a great opportunity to learn about different aspects of theatre, see other high school performances, and bond as a Thespian Troupe. On occasion students have the opportunity to audition for an Iowa All-Chapter Show. In the past Assumption has sent both techies and actors to All-Chapter Shows. You do not have to be a thespian to attend.
International Thespian Festival:
Almost every June, the members of Thespian Troupe #2761 spend a week in Lincoln, NE. This week is a bigger and better version of the Iowa State Thespian Festival. Thespians from all around the world gather together to see the best of the best high school shows and experience workshops led by highly qualified instructors. It is a wonderful week of fun and theatre.
Benefits of Assumption Theatre:
You will not find a more welcoming, accepting, creative, and fun group than the Knight Players. Each person who tries theatre finds himself or herself quickly sucked into the swirling vortex. Why? It’s because the veterans of theatre love every minute of stress, pain, and fatigue because they love what they do, and they love and respect the people with whom they do it. This intense passion is contagious! By the time you are a senior at AHS and find yourself speaking in the pre-show circle, you will say that the family you found in the Knight Players is like none other.
Parent Participation (Backstage Angels):
The Knight Players encourage parent participation as well as student participation. The Backstage Angels is made up of the most dedicated theatre moms and dads. They aid the students by providing resources of all kinds. In the past Backstage Angel parents have loaned obscure props, donated man-power and funds for large projects, and provided meals for cast and crew members the week of a show. Recent purchases with Backstage Angels money include the purchase of a new lightboard, and lighting instruments. They are a vital part of what make the Knight Players such a strong organization.
Students interested in more information should contact the Theatre Director, Mrs. La Corte at lacortel@mail.assumption.pvt.k12.ia.us
2007-2008 Show Information:
Fall Show: Emma
Children’s Show: The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Spring Musical: Godspell
Godspell Information:
The Assumption Knight Players will be presenting Godspell on March 14th, 15th, and 16th. Show information will follow shortly. For more details or to join either or mailing list, or email newsletter please email knightplayers@mail.assumption.pvt.k12.ia.us
Fall Play 2005: You Can't Take It With You
Children's Play 2005: Nick Tickle: Fairy Tale Detective
Spring Musical 2006: Hello, Dolly!
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