The Opera Scenes and AP Music Theory classes are only offered during alternating school years. The 2009/2010 school year is Opera Scenes. The next AP Music Theory class will be held during the 2010-2011 school year.

Opera scenes helps students investigate and apply skills in singing, acting, and dancing, culminating in performance opportunities in and outside of class. It also helps to hone the auditioning techniques of the individual performer.

In Opera Scenes, students engage in:

• class performances and creative sharing auditions scene studies
• both written and unwritten dance studies
• basic movement and intermediate musical theater choreography acting studies
• written and verbal performances in and around the McLean community.

Students who enroll in Opera Scences must study private voice or have completed the advanced chorus requirements set forth in the Fairfax County Program of Studies.

Advanced Placement Music Theory is a college level course builds upon the fundamentals of music learned in the advanced performing arts classes of McLean High School.  While an emphasis in music in college is a frequent outcome of this course, it is not a requirement for study.  Musical Composition, Analysis, and use of Finale, Smart Music and Sibelius in addition to other Midi formats are learned to further the students understanding of Music Theory.

The complete syllabus for AP Music Theory can be found here.