Advanced Dance (UC, CSU)
Grades: 11,12 - Year
Prerequisite: Intermediate Dance or Audition

This is an advanced level dance class where students demonstrate a mastery of various major traditions, techniques,
styles of dance and use of creativity through choreography in a variety of times and places. Students will perform in the
annual dance concert. First semester students will work on increasing flexibility and technique through stretching and
conditioning and are exposed to advanced dance techniques. Second semester they will work on solo and group choreography in preparation for the Spring Dance Concert. Students will learn to critically assess and derive meaning
from works of dance and performances based on elements of dance and aesthetic qualities.

Advanced Orchestra (UC, CSU)
Grades: 10,11,12 - Year – (CTE)
Prerequisite: Strong performance ability, including previous participation in the orchestra, and an annual individual audition with the director.
Meets Visual and Performing Arts graduation requirement

This year-long course is designed to allow students to develop an advanced understanding of music by analyzing and
interpreting what is presented in the music itself or performance. Students will identify more complex music forms when
they are presented aurally. Students will also analyze the uses of the elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm,
texture, form, dynamics, and timbre) in given aural examples from diverse genres and cultures. Students, in addition, will
perform on a musical instrument a varied repertoire of instrumental literature (Western and non-Western), including
selection performed from memory, with expression and technical accuracy.

Art History AP (UC, CSU)
Grades: 10,11,12 - Year
Prerequisite: None
Meets Visual and Performing Arts graduation requirement

This course provides a balanced visual arts program which guides students to achieve the standards in the visual arts.  In Advanced Placement Art History, students experience the serious study of works of art, past and present.  The course develops the student's ability to examine works objectively by introducing the elements of art and principles and formal aesthetic criteria.  Study of the art of other cultures is included, although emphasis is placed on Western art from the Renaissance to the present.  

Ceramics 1

An introductory course in the use of ceramic materials emphasizing hand-building techniques as well as beginning wheel thrown forms.  Ceramics 1 provides all students with an opportunity for creative expression and cognitive development in a nonverbal way.  Assessment is based on effort and improvement, regardless of entry-level skills or personal aptitude.

Ceramics 2

This course is a continuation of the student’s development and mastery of ceramic methods and materials in plastic and non-plastic three-dimensional form.  Development of aesthetic perceptions, understanding of the survival and revival of traditions, and exploration of personal aesthetic preferences/styles are emphasized.

Ceramics 3

This third year course in ceramic art will continue to focus on personal style, influences, and sources of ideas, and artistic heritage, with increased standards, higher levels of achievement, advanced ceramic techniques, and mastery of symmetrical form.  Skill in asymmetrical and distorted forms, and glaze composition are emphasized.

Ceramics 4

This course is a continuation of Ceramics 3, with increased standards and levels of achievement.  Emphasis is on solution of artistic problems in unique and expressive ways.  Study also focuses on advanced ceramic techniques, mastery of symmetrical forms, skill in kiln stacking, and glaze composition.

Chamber Choir

This introductory course provides opportunities for students to analyze music and make informed judgments on the basis of form, content, technique, and creativity.  Characteristics of music from various cultures and traditions are emphasized along with development of vocal music skills in order to perform a varied repertoire of music.

Choreo Dance

This is an advanced level production course which prepares for performance at the annual dance concert.  Students demonstrate various dance techniques, styles of dance, and use of creativity through choreography.  First semester students work on increasing flexibility through stretching and are exposed to dance techniques.  Second semester students work on intermediate to advanced technique and choreograph solo and group dance works.  In the eleventh and twelfth grade, this course counts as a fine arts requirement.

Concert Band

Concert Band is designed for the advancing wind musician.  Students will perform on a musical instrument a varied repertoire of instrumental literature, from intermediate-advanced to advanced levels of difficulty, with expression and technical accuracy. 

Digital Animation 1

This course is an introduction to digital animation with the intent to develop a foundation for further classes in digital art. The course will include examination of the historical evolution of the use of digital tools for art, and the economic and social changes that result. There will be critical discussion of contemporary art styles, forms and techniques, as well as hands-on experience with software used for still image production, and animation.  This course incorporates the five content standards for Visual and Performing Arts: Artistic Perception, Historical and Cultural Content, Creative Expression, Aesthetic Valuing and Connections, Relationships, and Applications.

Digital Animation 2

This course is an in-depth extension of Digital Animation 1 with the intent to further develop the foundation of creating and understanding time-based art. The course will advance the examination of the historical evolution of traditional and digital methods of art, and the economic and social changes that result. Students are required to first create their images by drawing, painting, photographing and/or sculpting them in traditional format. There will be critical discussion of contemporary art styles, forms and techniques, as well as extensive hands-on experience with software used for still image production and animation. This course incorporates the five content standards for Visual and Performing Arts: Artistic Perception, Historical and Cultural Content, Creative Expression, Aesthetic Valuing and Connections, Relationships, and Applications.

Digital Animation 3

This course will advance the proficiency of the VPA state content standards through the examination of the historical evolution of traditional and digital methods of art, and the economic and social changes that result. Students are required to first create their images by drawing, painting, photographing and/or sculpting them in traditional format.  This course is an in-depth extension of Digital Animation 2 with the intent to develop more advanced applications of creating and understanding non linear and time-based art. There will be critical discussion of contemporary art styles, forms and techniques, as well as extensive hands-on experience with digital animation used for still image production and animation. This course incorporates the five content standards for Visual and Performing Arts: Artistic Perception, Historical and Cultural Content, Creative Expression, Aesthetic Valuing and Connections, Relationships, and Applications. This course will prepare students for success in the Studio Art AP: 2-D course.

Digital Photo 1

In this course, students learn the history of how photographs were made in the 1800s using metal and glass plates, plus the evolution of film, as we know it today.  We will trace the profound effects photographs have had on American Life - influencing what we buy, how we dress, how we get the news - and in matters of life and death, medicine, science, and war. This course is designed to introduce opportunities in photography from traditional to digital.  Students will learn how to take well-composed photographs using their own 35mm cameras.  Emphasis will be place on basic camera-handling skills, compositional guidelines, and proper utilization of light, film selection, and lens capabilities. Students will use photo editing software, Adobe Photoshop, Student work will focus on: advanced photographic techniques (cameras, black-and-white or color; print or slide films, filters, electronic flash, and accessories); photographic images (people, action, photojournalism, nature; landscapes, seascapes, still life, using available light and multiple exposures); and the photographic process (contrast control, cropping, dodging, burning, texture screens, multiple printing).  Students will describe the relationship between the artist, the process, the product, and the viewer. Students will study various professional photographers throughout world history and make connections to their own use of the camera. Both a professional printed and digital portfolios will be developed throughout the school year.

Digital Photo 2

This course is designed to provide self-directed and advanced opportunities in traditional photography while bridging the gap between traditional and digital photography.  Students will use Adobe PhotoShop & VR Works Classroom in a Book self-guided tutorial to learn PhotoShop to manipulate photos, VR Works to create 360-degree QuickTime movies from still photos, and Kai's Power Show to create digital portfolio presentations.  Two 300-word research papers on digital photography and the role it has played in the visual arts and related careers in America are required.  We will trace the profound effects photographs have had on American Life - influencing what we buy, how we dress, how we get the news - and in matters of life and death, medicine, science, and war.  Professional print and digital portfolios will be developed.

Digital Photo 3

This course is designed to provide self-directed and advanced opportunities in photography from traditional to digital. Students will use photo editing software, Adobe Photoshop, along with other graphic design software programs such as Illustrator, Indesign, and Flash to create advertisements, multi-media products, animation of photos, as well as assembling both a physical and digital portfolio. Students are assigned a research paper covering a particular aspect of professional photography that relates or contrasts to the student’s own personal style. Students will study various professional photographers throughout world history and make connections to their own use of the camera. Both a professional printed and digital portfolios will be developed throughout the school year.

Drama 1

This year-long course is designed to allow students to analyze and interpret the environment and respond, using movement and voice.  Observing informal and formal theatrical film and electronic media productions, making critical judgments using the vocabulary and language of the theater are emphasized.  Study of the history and traditions of the theatre is used to develop appropriate criteria of dramatic literature and performance from several periods, cultures and theatrical movements.  Development of knowledge and skill in acting through their own experience, imagination, and research, are stressed, as are the development of competencies in problem solving, communication skills, working with others, and time management.

Drama 2

Understanding of form and meanings in theatre, through the judgment of content, technique and purpose are the focus of this course.  Emphasis is placed on analysis and interpretation of both written and live drama, using specific criteria and terminology.  Students collaborate with others to create dramatic presentations using voice, movement and the development of characterization is also stressed.

Drama 3 Advanced; Drama 4 Advanced

An in-depth understanding of the process of acting, the form and meaning in theatre and its role in a variety of historical and cultural contexts is the focus of this advanced drama course.  The various activities and collaborative process of the actor, director, playwright, and stage manager are emphasized, as are analysis and interpretation of both written and live drama.  Collaboration with others to create dramatic presentation using voice, movement and the development of characterization are also stressed.

Drawing & Painting 1

Drawing and Painting 1 is designed to teach the student to explore and expand aesthetic perceptions as well as to develop skills for using visual arts media effectively. These skills will enhance the student’s ability to interpret and communicate ideas, feeling, and values.

Drawing & Painting 2

Drawing and Painting 2 is designed to extend concepts learned in the first year of study. Areas of further exploration include drawing and painting skills, visual communication, and historical and cultural art traditions, aesthetic valuing and career awareness.

Intermediate Dance

This is an intermediate level dance class where students demonstrate understanding of various major dance traditions, techniques, styles of dance, and use of creativity through choreography in a variety of times and places.  Students will prepare for performance at the annual dance concert.  First semester students will work on increasing flexibility through stretching and are exposed to intermediate dance techniques.  Second semester, students will work on solo and group choreography and prepare for the spring dance concert.  Students learn to critically assess and derive meaning from works of dance and performances, based on the elements of dance and aesthetic qualities.  In the eleventh and twelfth grade, this course counts as a fine arts requirement.  

Jazz Band 1

Jazz Band 1 surveys the various styles of jazz through rehearsals, performances, and guided listening and reviews the fundamentals and interpretations of jazz and jazz-rock music.  Students rehearse and perform jazz of various styles (Blues, Afro-Cuban, Bop, Swing, Fusion, etc.). The course will present the influence of jazz on the rest of the culture including slang, fashion, and music.

Jazz Band 2

Jazz Band 2 surveys the various styles of Jazz through rehearsals, performances and guided listening.

Music Theory AP

This course is the equivalent of a first-year college course in music theory and musicianship.  It integrates the study of the fundamental building blocks of music and their practical application in musical performance and composition.  Areas emphasized will include aural skills (dictation and sight-singing), musical analysis (harmony, melody, form, texture, etc.), and composition.

Musical Theater 1

This course is designed to give students an opportunity to combine singing, dancing, and acting talents in an educational and performance setting. Students are selected on an audition basis to participate in a class which will strengthen and help sharpen and combine the skills of the actor, singer and dancer. Students will develop their skills in creative expression, artistic perception, and aesthetic valuing through academic and performance perspectives. Students will study the historical and cultural context of musicals, composers and lyricists from the actor’s perspective. Students will learn and practice basic techniques in music theory, sight-reading, singing, dancing, auditioning, and singing and dancing styles of musical theatre. Students will participate in performances which will showcase individual and ensemble skills learned in class.

Orchestra

Orchestra explores the intermediate level of orchestral literature through rehearsals and performances in concerts and festivals.

Sculpture 1

Study and construction of three-dimensional sculptural forms as they relate to the use of the elements and principles of design are emphasized in this course.  In the first semester, students are provided opportunities to explore a variety of building materials and sculpture styles.  The second semester is designed for students demonstrating an advanced understanding of three-dimensional sculptural forms as they relate to use of the elements and principles of design and an advanced level of control and craftsmanship.

Sculpture 2

This course explores two sophisticated levels of sculptural study (Kinetic and Fluidic), three-dimensional form as well as continue advanced studies in the areas of sculptural specialization.

Studio Art AP 2-D Design

This intensive one-year course in college-level Studio Art: 2-D Design is for the highly motivated, self-directed student committed to serious study and requires more time then traditional offering.  It culminates in the submission of a portfolio containing mostly slides but some original pieces of their artwork for college credit and evaluation. The portfolio will consist of three areas of study:  Quality – original works which show high levels of synthesis, technique, and content; Concentration – demonstrating depth of investigation and process of discovering around a specific visual idea; Breadth – a body of work demonstrating a serious grounding in visual principles and material techniques which clearly shows experimentation in approach to the work.  The AP Studio Art portfolios are designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art and sets a national standard for performance in the visual arts.  This portfolio is intended to address a very broad interpretation of two-dimensional (2-D) design issues.  This type of design involves purposeful decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way.  The elements of design include line, shape, illusion of space, illusion of motion, pattern, texture, value and color.

Studio Art AP 3-D Design

This intensive one-year course in college-level Studio Art: 3-D Design is for the highly motivated, self-directed student committed to serious study and requires more time then traditional offerings.  It culminates in the submission of a portfolio containing slides of artwork for college credit and evaluation. The portfolio will consist of three areas of study:  Quality – original works which show high levels of synthesis, technique, and content; Concentration – demonstrating depth of investigation and process of discovering around a specific visual idea; Breadth – a body of work demonstrating a serious grounding in visual principles and material techniques which clearly shows experimentation in approach to the work.  The AP Studio Art portfolios are designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art and sets a national standard for performance in the visual arts.  This portfolio is intended to address a very broad interpretation of sculptural issues in depth and space.  These may include mass, volume, form, plane, light, and texture.  Such elements and concepts may be articulated through additive, subtractive, and/or fabrication processes.  A variety of approaches to representation, abstraction, and expression may be part of the student’s portfolio.  These might include traditional sculpture, architectural models, apparel, ceramics, three-dimensional fiber arts or metal work, among others.

Video Production 1

This is a year-long, introductory video production course, which meets daily.  This course provides a meaningful experience allowing students to apply their knowledge in the creation of an art form.  Appropriate critical, theoretical, historical and cultural content is emphasized.

Video Production 2

This is a year-long, advanced video production course, which meets daily.  This course provides a meaningful experience allowing students to apply their depth of knowledge in the creation of an art form.  Appropriate critical, theoretical, historical and cultural content is emphasized.  Students in this course are responsible for producing the school’s video bulletin.

Video Production 3

The Video Production 3 class is intended to enhance the understanding and ability to use multimedia communication arts to transfer a message to an audience.  Students’ abilities are developed through a variety of coursework that creates an intersection between design theory, learning theory, and delivery platforms. Students will study a variety of techniques applied to both commercial and educational fields.  Lectures and student productions are interwoven to produce comprehensive understanding of the medium. In addition to production skills and etiquette, students will also work on journalistic newsgathering, video work for businesses, organize film festivals, operate the TV news studio, and other branches of school related events.  This course meets the five content standards for visual and performing arts courses:  artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, aesthetic valuing, and connections, relationships and applications.  

Video Production 4

Video Production 4 focuses on the analysis and practice of newsgathering, production and presentation from a variety of theoretical, philosophical, and historical perspectives. Students will gain a richer understanding of the ideals, limitations, rituals, and routines of the American news media, all while gaining practical experience as television journalists.  This course will require students to create a comprehensive video portfolio, yearbook and/or other school related projects.  An emphasis will be placed on development of a DVD, from conception to presentation.  This course meets the five content standards for visual and performing arts.

WIND ENSEMBLE (UC, CSU)
Grades: 9,10,11,12 - Year – (CTE)
Prerequisite: Open to woodwinds, brass, and percussion; teacher approval
Meets Visual and Performing Arts graduation requirement

Wind Ensemble, a continuation of Concert Band, is designed for the advanced wind musician. Compositions of advanced
levels of difficulty are stressed.