Students in the AVID program have shown the potential to succeed in a college environment. AVID is an on-campus workshop that supports students academically on their path to college, and also builds a community of peers with similar goals. Students receive academic instruction in writing, note-taking, studying, testing strategies, and organization. Students receive academic support from college tutors through collaborative tutorial groups and accountability with their course work. We take college field trips, participate in fundraisers, and do Club activities to celebrate our successes!
Excelsior offers a rich array of athletic endeavors for both male and female student-athletes, including football, baseball, softball, basketball, track and field, cross country, golf, pep squad, wrestling, and volleyball. We aim to help our students become great student-athletes. College Recruiters are looking for well rounded athletes who have good character, will work hard and be accountable, but most importantly, who take their academic careers as seriously as they take their sport. To do this we hold student-athletes accountable for their academic performance and work with teachers and facilitators to help provide any additional support services necessary.
Band
The Band program provides students with a wide variety of courses of study in music: Beginning Band, Concert groups (for more advanced students), Concert Band, (grades 7-9), Symphonic Winds ensemble (audition based), and Jazz. Excelsior’s Jazz program includes two ensembles, the Jazz Band and the Big Blue Big Band, and has received numerous awards and recognitions. All students in the Excelsior Band Program use the Smart Music (through iPad or computer) program throughout the school year. This program brings Excelsior’s Band program to the forefront of technology in the music classroom. For more information, go to www.smartmusic.com.
Choir
Our vocal music programs showcase a diverse range of choral and solo experiences for students interested in developing their voice. Our Beginning Choir works daily on music reading and vocal technique. The Advanced Women’s Choir is an ensemble of treble voices dedicated to performing concert and chamber style music. The Advanced Show Choir is our premiere performance group that is expected to sing festival music as well as Broadway-style production numbers. In addition students have the opportunity to sing as Soloists at Excelsior events and compete in classical solo competitions.
Dance
The Excelsior “Dance” Experience is designed to furnish our students with a strong technical foundation while exploring their passion for dance. Students will have the opportunity to master and perform all concepts of the art in multiple genres through commitment and discipline. Excelsior offers all levels of dance from beginning to advanced and specializing in the genres of Jazz, Tap, Classical Ballet and Lyrical. Students will gain a better knowledge of the “Dance Industry”, and all it in tells, while working along side their peers in a fun, safe, and nurturing environment.
Drama
Acting classes range from beginning, for those with little or no experience in acting to advanced, for those at competition level. In each class the students are taught skills that will aid them in their future, including public speaking, confidence and teamwork. It also prepares them to perform in productions at the school. Production class is a rehearsal lab for whatever school play we are working on. We also have contact with a few local community theater groups that allows the students the opportunity to do their required community service in the theater environment while spending time learning from experts in their field.
Guitar
Excelsior’s guitar class taught by Rockstars of Tomorrow, a local recording music studio with exceptional music teachers, allows students to learn both electric and acoustic guitar techniques. Students learn theory, and how to play numerous styles including Alternative Rock, Heavy Metal, Pop, Funk, Blues or Country. Above all that, the program provides students with the confidence necessary to help them become a great guitar player. Excelsior’s Victorville guitar program also provides a pro-level multi track recording studio. Students have the opportunity to record their original songs.
