Benicia High School
Encyclopedia
Benicia High School is a public school serving roughly 1,700 students, grades nine through twelve. It is located in the East Bay subregion of the San Francisco Bay Area
, in Benicia, California
. Like most California
high schools, it is an open-air facility. The campus is adjacent to Mary Farmar Elementary School.
, with 10 being the best.[clarification needed] This means the high school is in the top 10% of high schools in a comparable grade range. The previous year the school scored a 9.
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Benicia High School is in the 70th percentile in reading. This is up from the 65th percentile is was in the previous year. The school is in the 65th percentile in math. This is down from the 73rd percentile is was in the year before.
Benicia High School is in the 70th percentile in reading. This is up from the 62nd percentile is was in the previous year. The school is in the 73rd percentile in math. This is up from the 72nd percentile is was in the year before.
Benicia High School is in the 66th percentile in reading. This is up from the 47th percentile is was in the previous year. The school is in the 76th percentile in math. This is up from the 70th percentile it was in the year before.
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is used to test students in English and Math. All students must pass this test in order to graduate from a California high school.
Despite being a small school, some former Varsity Baseball Players have been drafted into MLB.
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Previous productions include:
Noises Off
(2001-2002) -Directed by Paul Heller
Anything Goes
(2001-2002) -Directed by Christine Mani
Big Love
(2002-2003) -Directed by Paul Heller
A Chorus Line
(2002-2003) -Directed by Christine Mani
Scapin
(2003-2004) -Directed by Christine Mani
Little Shop of Horrors
(2003-2004) -Directed by Greg Blunt and Choreographed by Christine Mani
Hard Candy (2003-2004) -Directed by Natasha Harris
John Simon Hates Me (2003-2004) -Directed by Derek Noel
Thieves Carnival (2004-2005) -Directed by Paul Heller
42nd Street
(2004-2005) -Directed by Christine Mani and Choreographed by Natasha Harris
You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (2003-2004) -Directed by Natasha Harris and Lauren Cheak
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
(2004-2005) -Directed by Christine Mani
Sweet Charity
(2004-2005)
10 Little Indians (2004-2005)
Bye Bye Birdie (2005-2006)-Directed by Christine Mani
Rumors
(2005-2006) -Directed by Amelia Gonsalves and Jordan DeLong
The Mouse that Roared
(2006-2007)-Directed by John Baker and nominee for Best Set Design in local "Tony-esque" award ceremony
Seussical
(2006–2007)-Directed by Christine Mani, Choreographed by Leslie Chapman and winner of several local awards, including Best High School Production
On the Razzle
(2007–2008)-Directed by John Baker
On the Town (2007–2008)-Directed by Kim Thompson and winner of all nine awards in the "High School" category in the Artys
Crimes of the Heart
(2008–2009)-Directed by Christine Mani and produced by John Baker
Once Upon a Mattress
(2008–2009)- Directed by Christine Mani and produced by Carl Kittrell
Into the Woods
(2009–2010) - Directed by Christine Mani and Kim Thompson
Odd Couple
(2010–2011)
Beauty and the Beast
(2010–2011)
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, the concert band
s, the color guard
, the jazz band
, and the drum line
. The bands and the colorguard perform and compete regularly in the fall and spring, as well as a winter colorguard and winter drumline during the winter. The band, was formally under the direction of award winning directors including Dalt Williams and Roxanna Macheel. Continuing the tradition now under the direction by Patrick Martin.
was selected to perform in the 2005 Tournament of Roses Parade
. The band had also performed previously in the 2001 parade.
The marching band receives high scores at several competitions every year. The band competes in the Northern California Band Association. To most, the Panther Marching band is a "powerhouse" band, placing them at or near the top of the NCBA marching band competitions.
In 2010-2011, the Panther Marching Band went undefeated with their march "Unter der Admirals Flagge" by Julius Fucik.
Since 2002, the Wind Ensemble has been undefeated in NCBA (Northern California Band Director's Association) concert competitions.
competes along with the marching band during marching season and by itself during the winter season. The color guard has been undefeated this 2006 marching season, receiving sweepstakes awards through the year. They have performed at a consistently high standard, running one of the best programs in the state. Their 2007 winter guard season has ended spectacularly, and although they will not attend Championships, their consistently high scores would place them at the top of the Open caption.
Name not to be confused with "a cappella" (church vocal group).
San Francisco Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area, commonly known as the Bay Area, is a populated region that surrounds the San Francisco and San Pablo estuaries in Northern California. The region encompasses metropolitan areas of San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, along with smaller urban and rural areas...
, in Benicia, California
Benicia, California
Benicia is a waterside city in Solano County, California, United States. It was the first city in California to be founded by Anglo-Americans, and served as the state capital for nearly thirteen months from 1853 to 1854. The population was 26,997 at the 2010 census. The city is located in the San...
. Like most California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
high schools, it is an open-air facility. The campus is adjacent to Mary Farmar Elementary School.
Advanced Placement courses
Benicia High School offers Advanced Placement courses in United States history, United States government, studio art, art history, calculus (AB and BC), chemistry, biology, English language and composition, English literature and composition, psychology, and Spanish language.Test Scores
Benicia High School scored a 10 on the Academic Performance IndexAcademic Performance Index
The Academic Performance Index is a measurement of academic performance and progress of individual schools in California, United States. It is one of the main components of the Public Schools Accountability Act passed by the California legislature in 1999...
, with 10 being the best.[clarification needed] This means the high school is in the top 10% of high schools in a comparable grade range. The previous year the school scored a 9.
California Standards Test
California uses the California Standards Test (CST) to test students' skills in English language arts and math in grades 2 through 11; science in grade 5; and social studies in grades 8, 10 and 11. High school students either took a grade level test or a subject-specific test in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CST is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.9th Grade
- In General MathematicsMathematicsMathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
, 28% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 14%. - In English languageEnglish languageEnglish is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
arts, 71% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 43%. - In AlgebraAlgebraAlgebra is the branch of mathematics concerning the study of the rules of operations and relations, and the constructions and concepts arising from them, including terms, polynomials, equations and algebraic structures...
1, 42% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 16%. - In GeometryGeometryGeometry arose as the field of knowledge dealing with spatial relationships. Geometry was one of the two fields of pre-modern mathematics, the other being the study of numbers ....
, 85% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 47%.
10th Grade
- In Algebra 2, 62% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 36%.
- In English language arts, 63% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 36%.
- In Algebra 1, 24% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 7%.
- In Geometry, 58% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 54%.
11th Grade
- In Algebra 2, 22% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 12%.
- In English language arts, 61% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 36%.
- In Algebra 1, 11% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 4%.
- In Geometry, 40% of students met or exceeded state standards. The state average is 7%.
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CAT/6
The CAT/6 test measures skills in reading, language, spelling and math. It measures how students in California rank against students in other states. The goal is for all students to score at or above the national average.9th Grade
Benicia High School is in the 70th percentile in reading. This is up from the 65th percentile is was in the previous year. The school is in the 65th percentile in math. This is down from the 73rd percentile is was in the year before.
10th Grade
Benicia High School is in the 70th percentile in reading. This is up from the 62nd percentile is was in the previous year. The school is in the 73rd percentile in math. This is up from the 72nd percentile is was in the year before.
11th Grade
Benicia High School is in the 66th percentile in reading. This is up from the 47th percentile is was in the previous year. The school is in the 76th percentile in math. This is up from the 70th percentile it was in the year before.
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CAHSEE
The California High School Exit ExamCalifornia High School Exit Exam
The California High School Exit Exam is a requirement for high school graduation in the state of California, created by the California Department of Education to improve the academic performance of California high school students, and especially of high school graduates, in the areas of reading,...
is used to test students in English and Math. All students must pass this test in order to graduate from a California high school.
- In Math, 89% of students passed. The state average is 63%.
- In English, 93% of students passed. The state average is 65%.
Faculty statistics
- 93% of teachers have full credentials. This is in line with the state average.
- Teachers, on average in this school, have been teaching for 14 years. This is above the state average of 13 years.
- The average number of years teaching in this district is 10. This is in line with the state average.
- 6% of teachers are in their first year. This is below the state average of 7%.
- The average 9th grade class size is 30 students. The state average is 28.
- The average 10th grade class size is 29 students. The state average is 30.
- The average 11th grade class size is 28 students. The state average is 28.
- The average 12th grade class size is 27 students. The state average is 26.
Athletics
Benicia High School competes in the Solano County Athletic Conference (SCAC) in Division III of the Sac-Joaquin Section. Sports include Mens/Women's Swimming, Mens/Women's Water Polo, "Mens/Womens Golf, Freshman/Junior Varsity/Varsity Football, Freshman/Varsity Baseball, Wrestling, Mens/Womens Basketball, Cross Country, Womens Volleyball, Women's Badminton Track & Field, Mens/Womens Soccer.Despite being a small school, some former Varsity Baseball Players have been drafted into MLB.
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Performing Arts
Throughout the year, the department puts on two dance shows and two plays, one of which is a musical. In some years the students put on their own production. The department also funds an improvisational comedy team which performs shows on select Fridays throughout the school year.Previous productions include:
Noises Off
Noises Off
Noises Off is a 1982 play by English playwright Michael Frayn. The idea for it was born in 1970, when Frayn was standing in the wings watching a performance of Chinamen, a farce that he had written for Lynn Redgrave...
(2001-2002) -Directed by Paul Heller
Anything Goes
Anything Goes
Anything Goes is a musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The original book was a collaborative effort by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, heavily revised by the team of Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The story concerns madcap antics aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London...
(2001-2002) -Directed by Christine Mani
Big Love
Big Love
Big Love is an American television drama that aired on HBO between March 2006 and March 2011. The show is about a fictional fundamentalist Mormon family in Utah that practices polygamy...
(2002-2003) -Directed by Paul Heller
A Chorus Line
A Chorus Line
A Chorus Line is a 1975 musical about Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line. The book was authored by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics were written by Edward Kleban, and music was composed by Marvin Hamlisch....
(2002-2003) -Directed by Christine Mani
Scapin
Scapin
For the French play by Molière, also known as Scapin, see Les Fourberies de ScapinScapin is an Italian surname, frequent in the region of Veneto in northeastern Italy, especially in the provinces of Padua and Vicenza...
(2003-2004) -Directed by Christine Mani
Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors (musical)
Little Shop of Horrors is a rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood. The musical is based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film The Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Roger Corman...
(2003-2004) -Directed by Greg Blunt and Choreographed by Christine Mani
Hard Candy (2003-2004) -Directed by Natasha Harris
John Simon Hates Me (2003-2004) -Directed by Derek Noel
Thieves Carnival (2004-2005) -Directed by Paul Heller
42nd Street
42nd Street
42nd Street may refer to:*42nd Street *42nd Street **"Forty-Second Street", title song from the film*42nd Street -New York City Subway:...
(2004-2005) -Directed by Christine Mani and Choreographed by Natasha Harris
You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (2003-2004) -Directed by Natasha Harris and Lauren Cheak
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress is a play written in 1993 by Alan Ball.-Plot:The play is a comedy set at the home of the bride in Knoxville, Tennessee during the newly married couple's overdone wedding reception. The five bridesmaids have found refuge in the room of Meredith, the sister of the...
(2004-2005) -Directed by Christine Mani
Sweet Charity
Sweet Charity
Sweet Charity is a musical with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and book by Neil Simon. It was directed and choreographed for Broadway by Bob Fosse starring his wife and muse Gwen Verdon. It is based on Federico Fellini's screenplay for Nights of Cabiria...
(2004-2005)
10 Little Indians (2004-2005)
Bye Bye Birdie (2005-2006)-Directed by Christine Mani
Rumors
Rumors
Rumors is a farcical play by Neil Simon.At its start, several affluent couples gather in the posh suburban residence of a couple for a dinner party celebrating their hosts' tenth anniversary. When they arrive, they discover there are no servants, the hostess is missing, and the host - the deputy...
(2005-2006) -Directed by Amelia Gonsalves and Jordan DeLong
The Mouse that Roared
The Mouse That Roared
The Mouse That Roared is a 1955 Cold War satirical novel by Irish-American writer Leonard Wibberley, which launched a series of satirical books about an imaginary country in Europe called the Duchy of Grand Fenwick...
(2006-2007)-Directed by John Baker and nominee for Best Set Design in local "Tony-esque" award ceremony
Seussical
Seussical
is a musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty based on the books of Dr. Seuss that debuted on Broadway in 2000. The play's story is a rather complex amalgamation of many of Seuss's most famous books. After a Broadway run, the production spawned two US national tours and a UK tour...
(2006–2007)-Directed by Christine Mani, Choreographed by Leslie Chapman and winner of several local awards, including Best High School Production
On the Razzle
On the Razzle
"On the razzle" is a euphemism often used in the British press to describe the actions of a celebrity who has drunk, or is about to drink, a considerable amount of alcohol...
(2007–2008)-Directed by John Baker
On the Town (2007–2008)-Directed by Kim Thompson and winner of all nine awards in the "High School" category in the Artys
Crimes of the Heart
Crimes of the Heart
Crimes of the Heart is a play by Beth Henley.-Synopsis:At the core of the tragic comedy are the three Magrath sisters, Meg, Babe, and Lenny, who reunite at Old Granddaddy's home in Hazlehurst, Mississippi after Babe shoots her abusive husband. The trio was raised in a dysfunctional family with a...
(2008–2009)-Directed by Christine Mani and produced by John Baker
Once Upon a Mattress
Once Upon a Mattress
Once Upon a Mattress is a musical comedy with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. It opened off-Broadway in May 1959, and then moved to Broadway...
(2008–2009)- Directed by Christine Mani and produced by Carl Kittrell
Into the Woods
Into the Woods
Into the Woods is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. It debuted in San Diego at the Old Globe Theatre in 1986, and premiered on Broadway in 1987. Bernadette Peters' performance as the Witch and Joanna Gleason's portrayal of the Baker's Wife brought acclaim...
(2009–2010) - Directed by Christine Mani and Kim Thompson
Odd Couple
Odd Couple
Odd Couple is a 1979 Hong Kong film directed by Lau Kar Wing , who also stars, alongside Sammo Hung. It was the first film to be released by Gar Bo Motion Picture Company , an independent production company set up by Hung, Lau and producer Karl Maka.The movie is a showcase for the different...
(2010–2011)
Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast is a traditional fairy tale. The first published version of the fairy tale was a rendition by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, published in La jeune américaine, et les contes marins in 1740...
(2010–2011)
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Benicia High School Panther Band
The band consists of five main groups: the marching bandMarching band
Marching band is a physical activity in which a group of instrumental musicians generally perform outdoors and incorporate some type of marching with their musical performance. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments...
, the concert band
Concert band
A concert band, also called wind band, symphonic band, symphonic winds, wind orchestra, wind symphony, wind ensemble, or symphonic wind ensemble, is a performing ensemble consisting of several members of the woodwind instrument family, brass instrument family, and percussion instrument family.A...
s, the color guard
Color guard
In the military of the United States and other militaries, the color guard carries the National Color and other flags appropriate to its position in the chain of command. Typically these include a unit flag and a departmental flag...
, the jazz band
Jazz band
A jazz band is a musical ensemble that plays jazz music. Jazz bands usually consist of a rhythm section and a horn section, in the early days often trumpet, trombone, and clarinet with rhythm section of piano, banjo, bass or tuba, and drums.-Eras:SwingDuring the swing era in the mid-twentieth...
, and the drum line
Drum line
Drum Line commonly refers to:* Drum lines, An anti shark precautionary measure* Drumline, A formation for a section of percussion instruments* Drumline , A 2002 motion film...
. The bands and the colorguard perform and compete regularly in the fall and spring, as well as a winter colorguard and winter drumline during the winter. The band, was formally under the direction of award winning directors including Dalt Williams and Roxanna Macheel. Continuing the tradition now under the direction by Patrick Martin.
Marching Band
In 2004, the marching bandMarching band
Marching band is a physical activity in which a group of instrumental musicians generally perform outdoors and incorporate some type of marching with their musical performance. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments...
was selected to perform in the 2005 Tournament of Roses Parade
Tournament of Roses Parade
The Tournament of Roses Parade, better known as the Rose Parade, is "America's New Year Celebration", a festival of flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians and a college football game on New Year's Day , produced by the non-profit Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.The annual...
. The band had also performed previously in the 2001 parade.
The marching band receives high scores at several competitions every year. The band competes in the Northern California Band Association. To most, the Panther Marching band is a "powerhouse" band, placing them at or near the top of the NCBA marching band competitions.
In 2010-2011, the Panther Marching Band went undefeated with their march "Unter der Admirals Flagge" by Julius Fucik.
Concert Bands
Benicia High School has two concert bands, a symphonic band and an audition-only wind ensemble. In 2003 the wind ensemble performed at the California Band Directors' Association state conference. In 2005 the wind ensemble was selected to perform at the California Music Educators' Association state convention in Pasadena, CA. Both concert groups play some of the most difficult music in concert band repertoire, including "To Tame the Perilous Skies," "Twelve Seconds to the Moon," "Music of the Spheres," "Spin Cycle," "Exotic Particles and the Confinement of Quarks," and "The Tyger."Since 2002, the Wind Ensemble has been undefeated in NCBA (Northern California Band Director's Association) concert competitions.
Color Guard
The Benicia High School Color GuardColor guard
In the military of the United States and other militaries, the color guard carries the National Color and other flags appropriate to its position in the chain of command. Typically these include a unit flag and a departmental flag...
competes along with the marching band during marching season and by itself during the winter season. The color guard has been undefeated this 2006 marching season, receiving sweepstakes awards through the year. They have performed at a consistently high standard, running one of the best programs in the state. Their 2007 winter guard season has ended spectacularly, and although they will not attend Championships, their consistently high scores would place them at the top of the Open caption.
Jazz Band
The jazz band competes and performs in several concerts throughout the year at venues such as jazz festivals, car shows, gift and wine auctions, crab feeds, school concerts, and back-to-school night.Drum Line
The Benicia High School Winter Drumline is an NCBA open class marching percussion ensemble. They are frequently one of the top competitors in their class. Their creative storytelling and theatrics, as well as their skill level, sets them apart from most other groups. Their 2010 show is entitled "A Dark Circus," won the unit 1st place at the NCBA Winter Championships hosted at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, CA.A capella
Originally founded by Ryan Betita in 2009, the A capella is the Panther Band Program vocal group. Ranging in multiple hip hop tunes by various artists, the A capella provides the closest entertainment in vocal music. Currently under guidance of Mr. Chris Piazza, the A capella will be making their first appearance at the Folsom Jazz Festival in early 2011.Name not to be confused with "a cappella" (church vocal group).