VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
Art 1, 2 - Grades 9 - 12
College Preparatory Course (P). This course meets the University of California’s f (visual and performing arts) subject-area requirement.
This foundational high school course allows students with varying art backgrounds to understand and use the elements of art (the building blocks) and principles of design (the ways to use the building blocks) through the examination and creation of images; as well as reading, writing, and discussions, to widen and deepen visual literacy. Instruction focuses on introductory drawing and painting skills, and using a variety of media. Sketchbook/journal entries document development, refinement, and reflection of student work. Students will write critical analyses that describe, interpret, analyze, and judge historic and contemporary works of art, including their own.
Ceramics 1, 2- 12 only
Ceramics 1-2 is a two-semester course. Credit for this course counts toward the Fine and Practical Arts credits required for high school graduation and for entrance into U.C. and C.S.U. schools. This is an introductory-level ceramics course in which students design and construct projects using clay. Students create hand-built objects using pinch, slab, coil, and wheel-thrown methods. They learn about form and function, texture, decoration,and bisque and glaze firing techniques.
Drawing and Painting 1, 2 - Grades 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Academic grades of “A” or “B” in Art 1, 2.
College Preparatory Course (P). This course meets the University of California’s f (visual and performing arts) subject-area requirement. This course is designed for students who desire to pursue a sequence of studies in visual art. Primary emphasis is placed on drawing and painting techniques in a variety of media. A variety of cultural and art historical styles and artists are studied for contextual and historical significance. Students will develop their own personal styles of visual representation and will choose, prepare and display their art work. Minimal Homework required for class.
Individual Art 1, 2 – Grade 10 -12
Prerequisite: Academic grades of “A” or “B” in Art 1, 2.
College Preparatory Course (P). This course meets the University of California’s f (visual and performing arts) subject-area requirement. Individualized Art Studio is designed to meet the needs and interests of the most able art students. Greater depth of understanding and improving techniques are emphasized. Both two- and three-dimensional work in sculpture, clay, textiles, drawing, painting, and graphics are acceptable areas of exploration. Final evaluation for this course is a portfolio presentation. Minimal Homework required for class.
Senior Art Studio 1, 2 – Grade 12
Prerequisites: Minimum “B” grade in previous art course and recommendation by art teacher.
College Preparatory Course (P).This course meets the University of California’s f (visual and performing arts) subject-area requirement. Individualized Art Studio is designed to meet the needs and interests of the most able art students. Greater depth of understanding and improving techniques are emphasized. Both two- and three-dimensional work in sculpture, clay, textiles, drawing, painting, and graphics are acceptable areas of exploration. Final evaluation for this course is a portfolio presentation. Minimal Homework required for class.
Studio Art, 2-D Design 1, 2 AP – Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: Minimum “B” grade in previous art course, recommendation by art teacher and presentation of an art portfolio.
This course provides instruction for the highly skilled, exceptional student who chooses to pursue excellence in original two-dimensional works of art. Students will be guided in purposeful decision making as they develop a portfolio that demonstrates a deep understanding of the elements and principles of art in an integrated manner. Processes may include, but are not limited to, graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, illustration, painting, and printmaking, as outlined in the College Board’s AP Studio Arts course description. Significant homework required for class.
Studio Art, Drawing Portfolio 1, 2 AP – Grades 11 - 12
Prerequisites: Minimum “B” grade in previous art course, recommendation by art teacher and presentation of an art portfolio.
This course is intended to address a very broad interpretation of drawing issues and media for the highly skilled, exceptional student who chooses to pursue excellence in drawing. Students will be guided in deep exploration of line quality, light and shade, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, and the illusion of depth. This exploration could include painting, printmaking, mixed media, etc. Observational, abstract, and invented works of art should demonstrate drawing competence as students develop a drawing portfolio as outlined in the College Board’s AP Studio Arts course description. Significant homework required for class.
Art History 1, 2 AP – Grades 11, 12 (HP)
Prerequisites: Recommendation of teacher and counselor.
Honors Preparatory Course (HP). This course meets the University of California’s f (visual and performing arts) subject-area requirement. This course is designed to prepare students for the AP examination for college credit. Through slide illustrated lectures, field trips, discussions, and participation in special projects, students will explore the themes that have impelled artists to be creative. The course will present a historical as well as an analytical approach to visual art and its place in a global context through an in depth, discipline-based approach. Students are expected to complete daily homework and weekly quizzes. Significant homework required for class.
Photography 1, 2 and 3, 4 - Grades 10 - 12
Students will experience an introduction to art in digital photography through California Standards based lessons using the Elements and Principles of Design, as well as creative and artistic expression. Students will explore the cameras and editing tools on Smartphones and basic editing tools on the computer, as well as advanced skills in Lightroom and Photoshop. We will have hands-on instruction to learn about digital camera use and functions, how to upload and save pictures, how to use memory cards and card readers. This course is part of the Design, Visual, and Media Arts career pathway in the Arts, Media, and Entertainment industry sector.
Film Arts 1, 2 – Grade 12 only
College Preparatory Course (P). This course meets the University of California’s f (visual and performing arts) subject-area requirement. Film Arts provides an analysis of film as an art form and as a means of communication. Students will learn to analyze films through narrative structure, genre conventions, subtext, technical and artistic factors, and purpose. Emphasis will be placed on the various visual-language systems and the spectrum of techniques used by filmmakers to convey meaning. The course introduces realistic, classic, and formalistic traditions of filmmaking, as well as the history of the cinema. Students will explore the cultural relevance of films and their influence on society. They will create a short film project.
Choir 1, 2 - Grades 9 – 12
Prerequisites: Ability to sing or interest in learning how to sing; students may be auditioned and grouped together into ensembles on the basis of voice quality, range, or skill
Choir 1, 2 teaches the musical concepts and technique of singing at a beginning level. In this course, students will learn how to produce accurate pitch and create a mature vocal tone, as well as learn the basics of music notation and musical vocabulary. Students will be exposed to the major scale and diverse repertoire (including text in foreign languages) and will be asked to think deeply about the discipline of music from a number of perspectives, including style, genre, mood, and historical and cultural context. Additional topics of study include demonstrating appropriate performance etiquette, identifying musical contrasts, evaluating performances, and creating new music through compositions and improvisations.
Choir 3, 4 - Grades 10 – 12
Choir 3, 4 teaches the musical concepts and technique of singing at an early intermediate level. In this course, students will increase their knowledge of music notation and musical vocabulary, and will continue to refine their pitch accuracy, vocal tone, and performance skills. Students will interact with music through composing, improvising, transcribing, performing, and evaluating performances. They will be exposed to the harmonic minor scale, musical careers in media, and additional diverse repertoire (including text in foreign languages), and will be asked to think deeply about the history of American music and the cultural functions of music.
Guitar 1, 2 - Grades 9 – 12
Guitar 1, 2 teaches the musical concepts and technique of performing at a beginning level. In this course, students will learn how to produce controlled and accurate pitch through melodies, strummed chords, and finger-picking, as well as learn the basics of music notation and musical vocabulary. Students will be exposed to the major scale and diverse repertoire and will be asked to think deeply about the discipline of music from a number of perspectives, including style, genre, mood, and historical and cultural context. Additional topics of study include demonstrating appropriate performance etiquette, identifying musical contrasts, evaluating performances, and creating new music through compositions and improvisations.
Guitar 3, 4 - Grades 10 – 12
Guitar 3, 4 teaches the musical concepts and instrumental technique of performing at an early intermediate level. In this course, students will increase their knowledge of music notation and musical vocabulary, and will continue to refine their pitch accuracy, instrumental tone, and performance skills. Students will interact with music through composing, improvising, transcribing, performing, and evaluating performances. They will be exposed to the harmonic minor scale, common chord progressions, musical careers in media, and additional diverse repertoire, and will be asked to think deeply about the history of American music and the cultural functions of music.
Band 3, 4 - Grades 9 - 12
Requirements: Students will be concurrently enrolled in Advanced Band and PE Marching Band. Participation in after school rehearsals, attendance at all performances and attendance at LEAD week (last week of summer) are required. Good citizenship, attendance and enrollment in Zero Period PE Marching Band are expected.
Band 3,4 teaches the musical concepts and instrumental technique of performing at an early intermediate level. In this course, students will increase their knowledge of music notation and musical vocabulary, and will continue to refine their pitch accuracy, instrumental tone, and performance skills. Students will interact with music through composing, improvising, transcribing, performing, and evaluating performances. They will be exposed to the harmonic minor scale, musical careers in media, and additional diverse repertoire, and will be asked to think deeply about the history of American music and the cultural functions of music.
Band 5, 6 - Grades 9 - 12
Requirements: Participation in after school rehearsals, attendance at all performances, and attendance at LEAD week (last week of summer) are expected. Good citizenship and attendance are expected. Students will be enrolled in Zero Period PE Marching Band and receive one semester of PE credit. Students may be asked to be concurrently enrolled in Intermediate Band.
Band 5, 6 allows intermediate musicians to further develop their wind/percussion technique and tonal control. They will begin to monitor and modify their own pitch and interpretation independently and evaluate performances using more sophisticated analysis. More complex musical concepts, notation, and vocabulary will be studied, including modulations, cadences, and multiple types of scales. Students will perform diverse repertoire in a variety of performance settings and venues. They will create longer and more intricate compositions, improvisations, and arrangements of music, and improve their aural skills through transcription. The students will complete a musical career research project and draw conclusions about the context of a piece based on its stylistic features.
Jazz Ensemble 1 (Spring Only) - Grades 9 - 12
Prerequisites: Auditions (December) and teacher approval are mandatory. Good citizenship and attendance are required.
Jazz Ensemble 1, 2 teaches the musical concepts and technique of performing jazz at a beginning level. In this course, students will learn how to produce controlled and accurate pitch and create a mature jazz tone, as well as learn the basics of music notation and musical vocabulary. Students will be exposed to the major scale and diverse repertoire and will be asked to think deeply about the discipline of music from a number of perspectives, including style, genre, mood, and historical and cultural context. Additional topics of study include demonstrating appropriate performance etiquette, identifying musical contrasts, evaluating performances, and creating new music through compositions and improvisations.
Orchestra 1,2 - Grades 9 - 12
Prerequisites: Auditions and teacher approval required. Good citizenship and attendance are required
Orchestra 1, 2 teaches the musical concepts and technique of performing at a beginning level. In this course, students will learn how to produce controlled and accurate pitch and create a mature string tone, as well as learn the basics of music notation and musical vocabulary. Students will be exposed to the major scale and diverse repertoire and will be asked to think deeply about the discipline of music from a number of perspectives, including style, genre, mood, and historical and cultural context. Additional topics of study include demonstrating appropriate performance etiquette, identifying musical contrasts, evaluating performances, and creating new music through compositions and improvisations.
Orchestra 3, 4 and 5, 6 – Grade 10 – 12
Students will interact with music through composing, improvising, transcribing, performing, and evaluating performances. They will be exposed to the harmonic minor scale, musical careers in media, and additional diverse repertoire, and will be asked to think deeply about the history of American music and the cultural functions of music.
Introduction to Music Production Technology 1, 2 9 - 12
Students in this course learn how to create original pieces of music, and develop foundational skills and knowledge in preparation for taking higher-level courses that will lead to a career in music. Topics covered include: music theory, music vocabulary, an overview of the recording industry, studio skills, basic recording techniques, product proposals, and product creation.
Video Production 1, 2 and 3, 4 - Grades 9 - 12
This course develops student skills in video production. Areas of emphasis include scriptwriting, equipment operation, studio and remote production techniques, on-camera oral communication skills, critical television viewing, and occupational opportunities in video.
Cinematic Arts 1, 2 – Grades 11, 12
Credit for this course counts toward the practical arts credits required for high school graduation.
Prerequisites: Video Production 1, 2 and Video Production 3, 4 or teacher approval.
Cinematic Arts is an advanced-level course in the Design, Visual and Media Arts pathway for the Arts, Media and Entertainment industry sector. It builds on knowledge and skills acquired in the beginning and intermediate courses, Video Production 1,2 (P) and Video Production 3,4 (P), which emphasized the basic elements of art and design and their relationship to technology in the creation of modern visual communications. Cinematic Arts focuses on developing a deeper understanding of the aesthetic and social aspects of motion-picture arts. Students who take the course will learn how to understand, critique and create quality cinematic compositions.
Music Theory 1, 2 AP - Grade 10 - 12
Prerequisites: Ability to read and write musical notation; recommendation by teacher and counselor
This course is for students who wish to pursue a college-level study of theory. Frequent homework assignments are to be expected. The course helps prepare students for the AP examination. Students will learn to identify and use the standard vocabulary and language of music at an advanced level, particularly rhythm, melodic line, harmonic content, and musical structure.