Course Guide: Music, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts
Graduation Requirements
1.0 to 2.0 Credits; 1.0 credits may be a part of the personalized pathway requirement. The PP may change overtime based on the students educational or career goals in the High School and Beyond.
Course Guide
Music
Concert Choir A & B
(A) HFA7946 (A) CCT7946 (B) HFA7947 (B) CCT7947
Length/Credit: Year-Long, 1.0
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: None
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Fine Arts/Occupational Education (after 2 years)
Students in this year-long course participate in an intermediate to advanced choral performing ensemble that performs quality choral literature from a variety of genres and cultures. Students learn vocal technique and musicianship skills. Students perform in school concerts and regional festivals. Students may receive CTE credit after fulfilling all Fine Arts credit requirements. This course may be repeated for credit.
Concert Orchestra A & B
(A) HFA7948 (A) CCT7948 (B) HFA7949 (B) CCT7949
Length/Credit: Year-Long, 1.0
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: Middle-School Orchestra
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Fine Arts/Occupational Education (after 2 years)
This year-long performing ensemble is for intermediate to advanced students of String instruments, and may also include Wind, Brass, and Percussion instruments. Orchestra students play a wide variety of music from different cultures and time periods and perform in school concerts and regional festivals. Students develop skills in tone production, phrasing, rhythmic and aural acuity, and the advancement of technical skills. Students may receive CTE credit after fulfilling all Fine Arts credit requirements. This course may be repeated for credit.
IB Music 1 SL A & B
(A) HFA8122 (B) HFA8123
Length/Credit: Year-Long, 1.0
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Any Performing Ensemble
Graduation Requirements Satisfied: Fine Arts
This course is designed to prepare students to take the IB Music Exam at the Standard Level. Students learn the elements of music through the lens of Western European and American classical music. They reflect upon and express their learning through a series of written projects. Students are strongly encouraged to be concurrently enrolled in a music ensemble
IB Music 2 SL A & B
(A) HFA8124 (B) HFA8125
Length/Credit: Year-Long, 1.0
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Any Performing Ensemble
Graduation Requirements Satisfied: Fine Arts
This course is designed to prepare students to take the IB Music Exam at the Standard Level. Students learn the elements of music through the lens of Western European and American classical music. They
reflect upon and express their learning through a series of written projects. Students are strongly encouraged to be concurrently enrolled in a music ensemble.
Jazz Band A & B
(A) HFA8096 (A) CCT8096 (B) HFA8097 (B) CCT8097
Length/Credit: Year-Long, 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
Graduation Requirements Satisfied: Fine Arts/Occupational Education (after 2 years)
Students in this year-long performing ensemble learn about various jazz styles and concepts, including improvisation, jazz theory, and jazz history with traditional wind and rhythm section instrumentation. Students participate in all Jazz Band performances and activities during or outside the normal school day, including participation in festivals and trips. Students may receive CTE credit after fulfilling all Fine Arts credit requirements. This course may be repeated for credit.
Mariachi A & B
(A) HFA8100 (B) HFA8101
Length/Credit: Year-Long, 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Graduation Requirements Satisfied: Fine Arts/Occupational Education (after 2 years)
This year-long performing ensemble is designed for students to explore the rich musical traditions of Mexico. This ensemble includes vocalists, violins, flutes, trumpets, guitarrons, guitars, and vihuelas. Other instruments may also be incorporated into the group. Students participate in performances and activities that may take place outside of the school day. This course may be repeated for credit.
Symphonic Band A & B
(A) HFA8110 (A) CCT8110 (B) HFA8111 (B) CCT8111
Length/Credit: Year-Long, 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Middle-School Band
Graduation Requirements Satisfied: Fine Arts/Occupational Education (after 2 years)
This year-long performing ensemble is designed for advanced students who play traditional woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Students develop skills in tone production, phrasing, rhythmic and aural acuity, advanced technical skills associated with one’s instrument, and correct posture. Band students learn and perform a wide variety of music from different cultures and time periods. Students perform in school concerts, regional festivals and athletic events. Students may receive CTE credit after fulfilling all Fine Arts credit requirements. This course may be repeated for credit.
Performing Arts
Theater I
Credits: 0.5
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: One Semester
Prerequisite: None
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Fine Arts
This course will explore the fundamentals of theatre and acting. Students learn improvisational acting, script analysis, character analysis, and audition techniques. Students will learn to perform improvisational scenes, pantomimes, and monologues. All incoming freshmen are encouraged to take Theatre 1, regardless of previous experience.
Theater 2
Credits: 0.5
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: One Semester
Prerequisite: Theater 1
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Fine Arts
Students who successfully complete Theatre 1 are invited to continue to Theatre 2. Theatre 2 will explore theatre history, including historical genres of acting, significant playwrights, and theatre from a variety of cultures. Theatre 2 is designed to build students’ acting skills through monologue work, scene work, voice and movement.
Visual Arts
NOTE: Visual Arts courses are open to students in all grade levels; however, priority will be given to seniors or those needing specific courses for Pathways. Cost of materials reimbursement will be requested in all courses.
Drawing & Painting
Credits: 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: One Semester
Prerequisite: None
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Fine Arts
Other Requirements: There is a materials cost for this course of $20 to cover sketchbooks and other consumable materials used in the production of art. Students focus their attention primarily on the development of skills through the study of the Elements and Principles of Art. In this course, students look at art from different cultures and time periods as they learn to broaden their aesthetic sensitivities, increase perceptual skills, and stimulate their imaginations. In finished works, students may be asked to synthesize information from an artist or art form and incorporate a set of skill objectives as they develop ideas for self-expression. Students will keep a sketchbook to practice and develop skills, and plan ideas for finished art work. Students will produce a portfolio of work at the end of semester. Materials may include pencil, charcoal, pastels, colored pencil, markers, watercolors, tempera and gouache paints, printmaking and collage media. With permission from the teacher, students may repeat this class for additional credit.
Advanced Drawing & Painting
Credits: 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: One Semester
Prerequisite: Student must pass Drawing and Painting with satisfactory grade.
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Fine Arts and CTE
Other Requirements: There is a materials cost for this course of $20 to cover sketchbooks and other consumable materials used in the production of art.
Students will build on skills, exploring new ideas to develop artworks, in a more independent setting, demonstrating leadership and knowledge of a studio environment. Students will develop ideas for artwork based on their interests and or exploration of media, referencing other artists or art forms as they deepen their understanding of the function of art. Students may be asked to reflect on or synthesize information from artists or cultural art forms, and will present on an artist to the class. Students will be expected to keep a sketchbook of their explorations, planning and development of ideas for finished works, and will produce a portfolio of work at the end of the semester. Materials may include pencil, charcoal, pastels, colored pencils, marker, watercolor, tempera, gouache or acrylic paints, printmaking and collage media. Students are eligible for this course if they have satisfactorily passed Drawing and Painting. This course counts as Fine Arts and CTE
Ceramics I
Credits: 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: One Semester
Prerequisite: None for Ceramics I.
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Fine Arts
Other Requirements: There are materials needed for this class that can be purchased from the bookroom for $20 or from an approved outside vendor.
Students will explore ceramic works using a variety of techniques. Students will increase their perception of, and gain knowledge of the field of ceramics and be introduced to the value of ceramics in our society and other cultures. Students will develop skills in hand-building including pinch, slab, coil, and wheel throwing methods, developing finished pieces with an emphasis on individual expression. Glazing methods and techniques will be taught including graffito method. Students will also be introduced to the function and process of kiln firing.
Advanced Ceramics
Credits: 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: Student must pass Ceramics I with satisfactory grade.
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Fine Arts and CTE
Other Requirements: There are materials needed for this class that can be purchased from the bookroom for $20 or from an approved outside vendor.
In Advanced Ceramics, students work more independently, developing ideas with hand-build methods, and will work on the wheel to develop proficiency in producing finished pieces. Students will take on more leadership and work as a cohort as they research, develop and follow through with projects. Students are expected to show reference to other artists work in the form of their own pieces, and through the presentation of an Artist Spotlight, to the class. Students will also become knowledgeable in the functions of a ceramic studio, becoming familiar with loading/unloading kilns, working the pugger and general routines of a studio environment. Students are eligible for this class after passing Ceramics I with a satisfactory grade. This course counts as both Fine Arts and CTE.
Graphic Design Beginning
CFA2543
Credits: 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: None
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Fine Arts or Occupational Ed
Graphic Design Beginning is an introductory course that teaches the fundamentals of creatively and effectively communicating through digital images. Employing both traditional and digital tools, students learn graphic design skills, software, and industry standards.
Advanced Graphic Design
CFA 2544
Credits: 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: Graphic Design Beginning
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Occupational Ed or Fine Arts
Graphic Design Advanced emphasizes the development of an individual style and creative approach to design. Students are challenged to grow as an independent learner with more complex and open-ended design assignments. Students explore real-world, client-based projects such as Yearbook or promotional materials for the district, school, or class.
Photography
CFA 2536
Credits: 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: None
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Occupational Ed or Fine Arts
Photography Beginning is designed to explore photography as a method of creative visual communication. Students in this course learn basic camera operations and principles of photography such as photo composition, lighting, exposure, and editing.
Advanced Photography
CFA 2537
Credits: 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: Photography Beginning
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Occupational Ed or Fine Arts
Photography Advanced is designed for students interested in expressing their personal creative vision through photography. Students in this course develop their own ideas through open-ended assignments and explore photography as a occupation.
Studio Art – International Baccalaureate (IB)
Credits: 0.5 credit
Grade(s): 11, 12
Length of Course: Four Semesters for Standard or Higher Level
Prerequisite: Visual Arts course (could also be Photography or Ceramics) or portfolio review and teacher permission
Graduation Requirement Satisfied: Fine Arts CTE (For 2nd Year Only)
Other Requirements: Students will be responsible for the purchase of Research Workbooks ($8 through the Bookroom), which will be an ongoing purchase throughout this course. There is a materials cost for this course of $30 each year.
The IB program promotes an understanding of how traditions, histories, and beliefs have influenced the way in which works of art are formed and valued in society. By exploring concepts of identity and culture with a global perspective, the students are encouraged to develop and portray a critical and intensely personal view of art in relation to the world. Through both structured and independent learning in a studio environment, technical skills in painting, drawing and other media, will be developed. This media may include work in digital photography or ceramics/sculpture. Students will research, analyze, and evaluate artwork, finding inspiration and resources for art making. Students are expected to be able to make connections between culture, history and socio-economic factors, analyze art based on artistic merit, and to have basic studio skills. Besides the required workbooks and portfolio studio work, students will be required to participate in critiques, group discussions, and teacher/student meetings. At the end of the 2-year course, students will present Studio art work in a public Art Exhibition, and submit two documents – the Process Portfolio and a Comparative Study. These three elements comprise the IB Portfolio ‘Exam’. It is highly encouraged that students have basic painting/drawing materials at home so they can work on projects outside of class. This course meets the requirements for Fine Arts, and in the 2nd year only, it may also fulfill 2 semesters of CTE.