Growing interests bring new classes

Not only are there new faces in the hallways this year, but there are also new available courses. With a demand for more AP classes, and a growing United Nations program, AP Comparative Government/World Religion is now offered to all juniors and seniors. No entrance test or prerequisites are required, but summer homework is mandatory, just like many other AP classes.

“The Bay Area, and Albany High especially is very interested in politics and I think it’s exciting that people want to learn about the greater world around them. Ideally I would like the students coming into this class to think that government is fun, and already have an interest in the class,” teacher Kevin James said.

One semester is dedicated to World Religion; the other half of the school year is spent learning Comparative Government. World religion will explore the variety of religions around the world and will be taught by Cynthia Mansourian.

Dance is another new class that falls under the fine arts elective. Students petitioned to have the now UC approved class a few years ago. Instructor Dierdre Shibano brings years of experience to the classroom. Originally trained in the New York ballet scene, she has traveled all over the U.S. and Europe, and even appeared in a Broadway show.

A choreographer for various dance classes in San Francisco, TV commercials, music videos, and Las Vegas shows, she is now lending her talent to kids who want to groove.

Teaching the dance styles of Michael Bennet and Fosse style jazz to three full classes has been, “fun, but a lot of work,” says Shibano. The dances the students learn will help prepare for the school musical A Chorus Line.

Students spend the first semester conditioning and getting into shape. During second semester the students will be able to choreograph their own performances that will be open for all to see. With no permanent location established, Dance is in dire need of funding for more dance equipment.

The possibility of a second level dance class is being discussed for next year.

“The kids are doing so well, and seem to really be enjoying it. I would love to have a second level to teach so we can further the experience even more,” Shibano said. Graded on effort and punctionality, dance at Albany high is a highly structured and disciplined class that most seem to enjoy. “I love coming to school and dancing. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely one of my favorite classes,” senior Zander Brown said of the new class.

With both classes in high demand, the new courses are a perfect fit for Albany High.

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