Fine Arts

Course Number:
Visual Arts I 50.02110
Visual Arts II 50.02120
Visual Arts III 50.02130
Visual Arts IV 50.02400
Prerequisite: None

The purpose of this course is to enable students to communicate ideas and concepts through two- and three-dimensional design and composition, and develop appreciation for exemplars in varied cultures and historical periods.

Course Number: Pottery I 50.04110
Course Number: Pottery II 50.04120

The purpose of this course is to enable students to recognize the properties, possibilities, and limitations of clay by creating functional and nonfunctional works of ceramics and pottery using basic hand building techniques.

• Ceramics/Pottery III, course number 50.04130

• Ceramics/Pottery IV, course number 50.04140

Course Number: 
Drawing & Painting I 50.03130
Drawing & Painting II 50.03140

The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop basic perceptual, observation, and compositional skills necessary to communicate a range of subject matter, symbols, ideas, and concepts using knowledge of drawing and painting media, processes, and techniques.

Course Number: 50.07110

The purpose of this course is to enable student to learn basic photographic techniques through pinhole and digital photography. Students will design a pinhole camera, learn photographic compositional techniques and learn to develop in a darkroom. Students will learn about the history of photography and compare/contrast different genre’. Students will work digitally to provide photographs for the yearbook as well as create an online portfolio of photographs.

Course Number: 50.07120
Prerequisite: Photography I

Enhances level-one skills and provides opportunities to apply photographic design methods. Stresses composing and processing techniques using a 35mm/or digital camera and pinhole camera with varied focal lengths. Emphasizes appropriate processing techniques, darkroom techniques and digital photography editing. Continues to explore photography and photographers for historical and critical appraisal.

Course Number: Band I 53.03710
Band II 53.03720
Prerequisites: Participation in a middle school band program or previous instrumental experience

Concert Band is the entry-level high school band. Students in Concert Band will receive concentrated/instruction in music theory and basic instrumental techniques which will prepare them for more advanced literature.

• Intermediate Band III (Concert Band), course number 53.03730 

• Intermediate Band IV (Concert Band), course number 53.03740

Course Number:  Advanced Band I 53.03810 
Advanced Band II 53.03820
Prerequisite: Students will be placed in Symphonic Band through a performance audition.

Symphonic Band is the advanced level high school band. Students will continue to receive music theory instruction as well as more advanced instrumental techniques.

• Advanced Band III (Symphonic Band), course number 53.03830

• Advanced Band IV (Symphonic Band), course number 53.03840

Course Number: 53.03910

Provides opportunities for students to develop master skills in music reading and performance techniques. A variety of mastery band literature of various historical and contemporary styles and genres is performed. Students extend their knowledge of music theory, including analysis of form. Exploration of compositional and improvisational techniques of instrumental music

• Mastery Band III, course number 53.03930

• Mastery Band IV, course number 53.03940

Course Number: Chorus I 54.02110
Chorus II: 54.02120
 

The Freshman Choir is a non-audition group with instruction emphasizing vocal production and performance. No prior singing experience is required for participation in this group. Students will rehearse, study, and perform music of various styles and periods. Music theory, ear training, and sight-singing will be taught in conjunction with choral performance. The choir will present concerts for the school year and will also participate in various district and state events. After-school rehearsal and concert performance attendance are expected.

Course Numbers: Intermediate Chorus I (54.02210), Intermediate Chorus II (54.02220), Intermediate Chorus III (54.02230), Intermediate Chorus IV (54.02270)  

The Intermediate Chorus is a non-audition group with instruction emphasizing vocal production and performance. No prior singing experience is required for participation in this group. Students will rehearse, study, and perform music of various styles and periods. Music theory, ear training, and sight-singing will be taught in conjunction with choral performance. The choir will present concerts for the school year and will also participate in various district and state events. After-school rehearsal and concert performance attendance are expected.

Course Numbers: Advanced Chorus I (54.02310), Advanced Chorus II (54.02320), Advanced Chorus III (54.02330), Advanced Chorus IV (54.02340)

The Advanced Chorus is an auditioned group (or the students will receive an invitation) with instruction that emphasizes vocal production and performance. Students will rehearse, study, and perform music of various styles and periods. Music theory, ear training and sight-singing will be taught in conjunction with choral performance. The choir will present concerts for the school and the community throughout the school year, and will also participate in various district and state events. A choir tour/trip/competition is also planned for this group  every other year. Two semesters of Intermediate Chorus (or by audition) are required for participation in this group. After-school rehearsal and concert performance attendance are expected.

Course Numbers: Mastery Mixed Chorus I (54.02350), Mastery Mixed Chorus II (54.02360), Mastery Mixed Chorus III (54.02370), Mastery Mixed Chorus IV (54.02380)

The Mastery Mixed Chorus is a challenging choral group that performs high-level music literature.  Students must audition or receive an invitation.  It includes instruction that emphasizes vocal production and performance. Students will rehearse, study, and perform music of various styles and periods. Music theory, ear training and sight-singing will be taught in conjunction with choral performance. The choir will present concerts for the school and the community throughout the school year, and will also participate in various district and state events. A choir tour/trip/competition is also planned for this group every year. Two semesters of Intermediate Chorus (or by audition) are required for participation in this group. After-school rehearsal and concert performance attendance are expected.

Course number: Women's Chorus I 54.02610
Women's Chorus II 54.02620

The advanced women’s choir is an audition group with instruction emphasizing vocal production and performance. Students will rehearse, study, and perform music of various styles and periods. Music theory, ear training, and sight-singing will be taught in conjunction with choral performance. The choir will present concerts for the school and the community throughout the school year, and will also participate in various district and state events. A choir tour/trip is also planned for this group (with advanced mixed choir) every other year. Two semesters of freshman choir (or audition) are required for participation in this group. After-school rehearsal and performance attendance are expected.

Course number: Mixed Chorus I 54.02310
Mixed Chorus II 54.02320

The advanced mixed choir is an audition group with instruction emphasizing vocal production and performance. Students will rehearse, study, and perform music of various styles and periods. Music theory, ear training and sight-singing will be taught in conjunction with choral performance. The choir will present concerts for the school and the community throughout the school year, and will also participate in various district and state events. A choir tour/trip is also planned for this group (with advanced women’s choir) every other year. Two semesters of freshman choir (or audition) are required for participation in this group. After-school rehearsal and concert performance attendance are expected.

Course number: Theater Arts I 52.02100
Theater Arts II 52.02200

Any student can take Drama I. This is an introduction to theatre class and is a prerequisite to all other theatre courses. Drama standards, such as theatre history, lighting, sound, prop design, scene design, and basic construction will be studied. After-school rehearsals will be rare but are a requirement. Drama II, Students learn how to improve their acting talent through scene study techniques. Students will write, produce, and direct their own performances.

Course number: Theater III 52.02300
Theater IV 52.03200
Prerequisite: Dramatic Arts/Fundamentals II and/or III

This class is designed for the student director. This class is audition-only and students should have already taken Drama I and Drama II to be considered. Students in Drama III will produce their own plays complete with lighting, sound, and properties schemes. Students will also be expected to visit a college theatre program and to perform/direct a senior show. Many students will participate in school productions and assist the teacher in Drama I classes when schedules allow.

Course Number:
Theater I 52.03100
Theater II 52.03200
Prerequisite: At least one year of Chorus and one semester of Drama

Musical Theatre combines the arts of choral and drama work into theatrical productions on the stage. Students will learn the fundamentals of singing, basic acting technique, and functional choreography that lead to artistic and meaningful student performances. Students will perform in individual scenes, group musical numbers, and in one musical production per year as part of the musical theatre class. Students will also gain experience in the various technical aspects of theatre-lighting, sound, set construction, properties management and stagehand work. This class is team-taught by both the chorus and drama teachers. Prerequisites for the musical theatre class are a basic understanding of acting and vocal techniques, and students may sign up for the class based on arranged audition or teacher recommendation. After-school rehearsal and performance attendance are expected.

Course Number: 52.04100
Prerequisite: None

This introductory course explores the definition, design, and use of technical elements associated with theatre sets, props, costumes, makeup, lights, and sound.

Course Number: Modern Dance I 50.04100
Modern Dance II 50.04200
Prerequisite: None

Introduces basic concepts and skills of modern dance technique including shape, form, line, contract and release, fall and recovery, coordination, balance, core support, clarity of movement, and weight shifts. Students explore individual expression and creativity. Modern Dance stresses aesthetic perception, creative expression, and performance, with a connection to historical/cultural heritage and aesthetic analysis. Modern Dance II, emphasizes complex rhythms, movement combinations, longer phrases, and transitions. Develops skills in contract and release, fall and recovery, and improvisation.

Course Number: Modern Dance III 50.04300
Modern Dance IV 50.04300
Prerequisite: Modern Dance II 

Enhances previous course. Emphasizes intermediate-level technical skills centering on a specific technique (e.g. Horton, Graham, Limon, Cunningham, Dunham, Gaga) for further expansion of modern dance vocabulary, improvisation, and a broader experience of performance opportunities. Modern Dance IV emphasizes advanced-level technical skills including speed and quality of movement, complex combinations, improvisational performance technique, development of individual style, and artistic growth.

Course Number: Dance I 51.05300
Dance II 51.05400
Prerequisite: None

Introduces students to basic dance knowledge in order to develop coordination, flexibility, and strength while acquiring technical skills in preparation for further dance study. Students explore the role of dance in various cultures, and observe and critique dance performances using specified criteria and appropriate dance terminology. Dance I develops knowledge and skills in various dance forms with an emphasis on technical instruction in ballet, jazz, and modern techniques, public performance techniques, and choreographic concepts. Students study dance analysis, dance history, and movement sciences as they relate to injury prevention and technical training.

Course Number: Dance III 51.05500
Dance IV 51.05600
Prerequisite: Dance II

Enhances previous course and offers a comprehensive understanding of the elements of movement and dance technique. Areas of concentration include choreography, dance analysis, dance history, and movement science with an emphasis on intermediate technical instruction in ballet, jazz, and modern techniques. Dance IV refines knowledge of the elements of movement, dance history, and dance analysis, and hones skills in choreography and performance techniques, focusing on artistry and individuality.

Open to 11th and 12th grade students only
Course Number: Year 1 50.04400
Year 2 50.04500
Prerequisite: 1 year of high school art and art teacher recommendation

This course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media.

Open to 11th and 12th grade students only
Course Number: 52.07300
 

This film course will combine the analytical study of films as artistic and cultural texts with the practical study of producing films as personal and collaborative works. In addition to researching and interpreting films, students will actively take on various production roles in creating experimental film projects and at least one complete short film. Students will use the techniques and concepts we study from various examples of international cinema. Students will write scripts, frame shots, edit clips, and direct projects in order to understand the creative and logistical processes of filmmakers.

Course number: 50.08130

AP 2-D Art and Design is an introductory college-level two-dimensional design course. Students refine and apply 2-D skills to ideas they develop throughout the course.