Fine and Performing Arts

AP Music Theory courses are designed to be the equivalent of a first-year music theory college course as specified by the College Board. AP Music Theory develops students’ understanding of musical structure and compositional procedures. Usually intended for students who already possess performance-level skills, AP Music Theory courses extend and build upon students’ knowledge of intervals, scales, chords, metric/rhythmic patterns, and the ways they interact in a composition. Musical notation, analysis, composition, and aural skills are important components of the course.

Band courses help students develop techniques for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and their ability to perform a variety of concert band literature styles. These courses emphasize rehearsal and performance experiences in a range of styles and also include experiences in creating and responding to music. Concert Band I is an entry-level large ensemble and is required for all 9th grade band members, except with special permission of the director.

Prerequisite: One year previous instrumental training preferred or director approval

Concert Band 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Strings courses provide students an introduction to, and refine the fundamentals of music and bowed-string instrument literature and techniques and may include more advanced techniques. These courses teach students the appropriate care, handling, and maintenance of musical instruments. Formal and informal performances are included as part of string instrument instructional courses as well as experiences in creating and responding to music.

Prerequisite: Previous instrumental training or director approval

Concert Orchestra 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Guitar courses provide students an introduction to, and refine the fundamentals of music and guitar literature and techniques, such as strumming and chords and may offer instruction in more advanced techniques. These courses may include bass, ukulele and other plucked string instruments. Formal and informal performances are typically included as well as experiences in creating and responding to music.

Guitar 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Involving aspects of the composition, performance and critical analysis of music, the course exposes students to forms, styles and functions of music from a wide range of historical and sociocultural contexts. Students create, participate in, and reflect upon music from their own background and those of others. They develop practical and communicative skills which provide them with the opportunity to engage in music for further study, as well as for lifetime enjoyment.

Prerequisite: Audio Production

Small Ensemble courses help students perform a variety of musical styles. At the same time, these courses help cultivate students’ technique on instruments appropriate to the style(s) performed and provide experiences in creating and responding to music. The Jazz Band focuses on the performance, theory, and practice of jazz and popular music including style, articulations, phrasing, improvisation, and ensemble playing. The Jazz Band performs throughout the year in the community, in school concerts, and at jazz festivals.

Jazz Band 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Courses in Marching Band are intended to develop students’ technique for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and cover appropriate band literature styles, primarily for marching performances.

Marching Band 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

This course provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of music and includes the following topics: composition, arranging, analysis, aural development, and sight reading.

​Small Ensemble courses help students perform a variety of musical styles. At the same time, these courses help cultivate students’ technique on instruments appropriate to the style(s) performed. Percussion ensemble is offered for students interested in drumming and keyboard percussion (e.g., marimba, xylophone, bells, etc.) It places emphasis on continued development of skills as well as proper rehearsal and performance techniques. It also includes instruction in theory, ear-training, and music history. The Percussion Ensemble performs winter and spring concerts and at other times at the discretion of the director.

Percussion Ensemble 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Piano courses provide students an introduction to and refine the fundamentals of music and keyboard, including literature and techniques such as scales, chords, and melodic lines, and may offer instruction in more advanced techniques.

Piano/Keyboard 1: Designed for students of various levels to learn to play the piano. Students work individually, at their own pace, with teacher supervision and instruction. Class time will be used for instruction, practice and performance for peers.

Piano/Keyboard 2: Students will refine skills and techniques required to play the piano and be introduced to new concepts and more challenging pieces that build on the foundation provided in Piano/Keyboard 1.

Piano/Keyboard 3 and 4: Designed for students who have attained intermediate fluency in piano and wish to continue developing as pianists and musicians. Students will refine skills and techniques required to play the piano and be introduced to new concepts and more challenging pieces that build on the foundation provided in previous Piano/Keyboard courses.

Courses must be taken in sequence.

Piano/Keyboard 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Strings courses provide students an introduction to, and refine the fundamentals of music and bowed-string instrument literature and techniques and may include more advanced techniques. These courses teach students the appropriate care, handling, and maintenance of musical instruments. Formal and informal performances are included as part of string instrument instructional programs as well as experiences in creating and responding to music.

Prerequisite: Audition

String Ensemble 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

​Band courses help students develop techniques for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and their ability to perform a variety of concert band literature styles. These courses emphasize rehearsal and performance experiences in a range of styles (e.g., concert, marching, orchestral, and modern) and also include experiences in creating and responding to music. The Symphonic Band is an intermediate, large ensemble or for students who do not choose to engage in the commit level of wind ensemble.

Prerequisites: Two years previous instrumental training or director approval; Audition

Symphonic Band 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Band courses help students develop techniques for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and their ability to perform a variety of concert band literature styles. These courses emphasize rehearsal and performance experiences in a range of styles and also include experiences in creating and responding to music. The Wind Ensemble is the most advanced large ensemble and serves as a primary performing ensemble at the school.

Prerequisites: Two years previous instrumental training or director approval; Audition

Wind Ensemble 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Debate teaches students how to coordinate the written and oral communication process through a study of logical thinking and research techniques culminating in written and oral presentations. A study of the national debate topic, leading to participation in interscholastic debate competition, is one strategy for accomplishing this goal.

Debate 3 is a weighted course.

Students will study the history of improvisation as well as the modern schools of improvisation. Students will learn the skills of long and short form improv, examine comedy across cultures over the past fifty years, and write and perform their own sketch comedy.

​These courses explore the styles and periods of musical theatre development, and explore singing techniques, various styles of dance and movement, and opportunities to choreograph. This ensemble class works toward one completed musical revue performance or musical (per semester) for presentation at various venues.

Musical Theatre Ensemble 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Public Speaking courses enable students, through practice, to develop communication skills that can be used in a variety of speaking situations (such as small and large group discussions, delivery of lectures or speeches in front of audiences, and so on). Course topics may include (but are not limited to) research and organization, writing for verbal delivery, stylistic choices, visual and presentation skills, analysis and critique, and development of self-confidence.

Applies theory and principles of public address with emphasis on preparation and delivery.

Students learn the basic principles of public speaking by evaluating their own and others’ speeches. Technology will be used to produce a computer-generated slide show. Students will learn to become critical listeners and analyze important speeches from history and current events.

Technical Theatre courses provide students with an understanding of the various aspects of theatrical production, including lighting, costuming, sound, set construction, makeup, stage management, and the use of computer and media-based applications. These courses prepare students to engage in the hands-on application of these production elements in design and technology courses.

Technical Theatre 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Theatre Arts courses focus on the study and performance of drama in its many forms, including musical theater, drama, and comedy. These courses review a wide range of scripted materials (such as plays, screenplays, teleplays, readers’ theater scripts); dramatic criticism; techniques for creating original dramatic works; and the role of dramatic arts in society. Theater Arts courses typically require students to perform collaboratively, be involved in the critique of dramatic works, and learn methods for self-expression.

Theatre Arts 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Chorus courses develop students’ vocal skills within the context of a large choral ensemble in which they perform a variety of styles of repertoire. These courses are designed to develop students’ vocal techniques and their ability to sing parts and include experiences in creating and responding to music.

The Advanced Concert Choir is a mixed group and provides our most advanced choral students opportunities to develop their singing abilities to the greatest possible extent. Advanced chorus performs in public.

Prerequisite: Audition

Advanced Concert Choir 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Vocal Ensemble courses help students develop vocal techniques and refine their ability to sing parts in small ensembles. Advanced Women’s ensemble provides our most advanced female choral students the opportunity to develop their singing abilities to the greatest extent. The ensemble performs in public and all members must participate at all functions.

Advanced Women’s Ensemble 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Chorus courses develop students’ vocal skills within the context of a large choral ensemble in which they perform a variety of styles of repertoire. These courses are designed to develop students’ vocal techniques and their ability to sing parts and include experiences in creating and responding to music.

Concert Choir is available to students with an interest in developing singing ability. Students learn note reading, part singing (soprano, alto, tenor, bass), rhythm, and how to be a participating member of a group.

Concert Choir 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Vocal Ensemble courses help students develop vocal techniques and refine their ability to sing parts in small ensembles. Men’s Ensemble provides students the opportunity to sing in the lower register (tenor/bass). Repertoire is often a cappella.

Prerequisite: Audition

Men’s Ensemble 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Vocal Ensemble courses help students develop vocal techniques and refine their ability to sing parts in small ensembles. Show Choir students concentrate on show choir techniques: blocking, choreography, staging, and microphone techniques. In show choir, students demonstrate an advanced knowledge of basic singing skills: pitch-matching, tonal memory, sight reading, theory, and harmony. Students perform major concerts with the possibility of several smaller performances. Students have the opportunity to participate in District Choir, All-State Chorus, District Choral Festival, and a spring competition.

Prerequisite: Audition (vocal and dance)

Show Choir 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Vocal Ensemble courses help students develop vocal techniques and refine their ability to sing parts in small ensembles. In this ensemble, students perform standard and contemporary vocal jazz repertoire, with an emphasis on jazz technique. Students demonstrate an advanced knowledge of basic singing skills. Students perform three major concerts with the possibility of several smaller performances.

Vocal Jazz 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Vocal Ensemble courses help students develop vocal techniques and refine their ability to sing parts in small ensembles. Women’s Ensemble provides students the opportunity to sing in the upper register (treble). Repertoire is often a cappella.

Prerequisite: Audition

Women’s Ensemble 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Designed for students with a professional or academic interest in three-dimensional art. These courses focus on a variety of concepts and approaches in 3D design and creation, enabling students to demonstrate a range of abilities and versatility with media, technique, problem solving, and scope. They can demonstrate such conceptual variety through the use of one or several media. Students refine their skills and create artistic works to submit via portfolio to the College Board for evaluation.

Designed to parallel college-level Art History courses, AP Art History courses provide the opportunity for students to critically examine and respond to works of art within their historical and cultural contexts. In covering the art and movements of several centuries (not necessarily in chronological order), students learn to identify different styles, techniques, media and influences. Students formulate and articulate their reactions to various kinds of artwork to understand and appreciate themselves, others, and the world around them.

Designed for students with a professional or academic interest in two-dimensional art, the course focuses on a variety of concepts and approaches in drawing and 2-D design, enabling students to demonstrate a range of abilities and versatility with media, technique, problem solving, and scope. Such conceptual variety can be demonstrated through the use of one or several media. Students refine their skills and create artistic works to submit via a portfolio to the College Board for evaluation.

Designed for students with a professional or academic interest in the art of drawing, the course focuses on a variety of concepts and approaches in drawing, enabling students to demonstrate a depth of knowledge of the processes, and a range of abilities, and versatility with media, technique, problem solving, and scope. They can demonstrate such conceptual variety through either the use of one or the use of several media.These courses enable students to refine their skills and create artistic works to submit via portfolio to the College Board for evaluation.

These courses enable students to explore several art forms to create individual works of art. Initial courses emphasize observations, interpretation of the visual environment, visual communication, imagination, and symbolism. Courses cover the language, materials, media, and processes of a particular art form and the design elements used.

Art 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Ceramics courses engage students in learning experiences that include the historical and cultural context of ceramics, aesthetic inquiry, and creative production. These courses provide knowledge of ceramic techniques (e.g., kiln firing and glazing) and processes with an emphasis on creative design and craftsmanship. Courses may include clay modeling, hand building, coil building, casting, and throwing on the potter’s wheel.

Ceramics 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Contemporary Media and Art is an energetic, multidisciplinary course in Art, Design, and Making, in which students get experience in a wide variety of visual languages and exposure to the practice and history of creative technologies. Students work in traditional and digital media, learning how it can be used to create compelling and meaningful artwork. Class projects are thematically based. Students develop creative and personal expressions in response to relevant social matters, individual interests and experience, as well as explorations of design, composition and form. Students actively keep a visual journal for projects and experimentation, and through their work, students expand their knowledge about art and enhance their appreciation of its role in society. During the year, students use the habits of mind through imagination, expression and reflection. Through inquiry, effort and perseverance, students grow as artists, thinkers and people.

Digital Arts (previously called Digital Imaging/Multimedia Art) courses emphasize applying the fundamental processes of artistic expression for the purpose of creating multimedia productions that explore contemporary social, cultural and political issues. These courses include the history and development of multiple forms of media, including a combination of text, audio, still images, animation, video, and interactive content. These courses provide students with the opportunity to develop foundational skills and knowledge while they also become more adept in cinema, video, digital live production, and electronic time-based media. Students engage in critique of their multimedia work, that of others, and the multimedia video, digital, and live production work of artists for the purpose of reflecting on and refining work for presentation.

Digital Arts 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Photography courses provide students with an understanding of photographic media, techniques, and processes. These courses focus on development of photographic compositions through manipulation of the fundamental processes of artistic expression. Students may learn to make meaningful visual statements with an emphasis on personal creative expression to communicate ideas, feelings, or values. Photography courses may also include the history of photography, historic movements, image manipulation, critical analysis, and some creative special effects. Students engage in critiques of their photographic images, the works of other students, and those by professional photographers for the purpose of reflecting on and refining work.

This course centers on the principles of design through an expansive exploration of a variety of methodologies, processes and careers. Students also learn about concepts/big ideas that make connections between art and life through the disciplines of aesthetics, art criticism, art history, and art production. An emphasis will be placed on the ability to understand the elements of art and principles of design through a variety of media processes and visual resources so that students demonstrate versatility in visual language. Students learn to respond to their work and the work of others. This course is designed to enrich the lives of its participants' cultures, artistic styles, and art media through discovery, creative problem solving, and ideation. It provides students with a broader perception of their community, environment, and cultural perspectives in preparation for deeper study toward a professional focus.

Graphic Arts Design (levels 1, 2 and 3) is a course series that emphasizes applying fundamental processes of artistic expression through the exploration of the purposeful arrangement of images, symbols and text to communicate a message. These courses may include investigations of how technology influences the creation of graphic and digital designs and study of historical and contemporary visual communications design. These courses also provide instruction in the process of responding to your own art and that of others, including master designers, through analysis, critique and interpretation for the purpose of reflecting on and refining work.

Graphic Arts Design 3 is a weighted course.

IB Visual Arts courses encourage students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. In these thought-provoking courses, 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. Courses are designed for students who want to go on to study visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts.

Courses must be taken in sequence.

These courses help students apply fundamental processes of artistic expression to the materials and accompanying aesthetics of crafts. Students may explore types of folk art and the materials and ways in which objects have been created for practical, religious, spiritual, and cultural needs of people around the world. These courses may survey a wide range of crafts or may focus on only one type of craft; some possibilities include calligraphy, quilting, silk-screening, cake-decorating, tole-painting, mask-making, knitting, crocheting, paper-making, and so on. These courses may also explore aesthetic issues surrounding folk art and artists and engage in critiques of this authentic art form. Multimedia Crafts 4 students are highly skilled and can work independently.

Multimedia Crafts 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

​Photography courses provide students with an understanding of photographic media, techniques, and processes. These courses focus on development of photographic compositions through manipulation of the fundamental processes of artistic expression. Students may learn to make meaningful visual statements with an emphasis on personal creative expression to communicate ideas, feelings, or values. Photography courses may also include the history of photography, historic movements, image manipulation, critical analysis, and some creative special effects. Students engage in critiques of their photographic images, the works of other students, and those by professional photographers for the purpose of reflecting on and refining work. Each subsequent course builds on the skills, processes and ideas explored in the previous level.

Photography 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Develops basic drawing skills and understanding of visual language through studio instruction/lecture. Introduces concepts such as proportion, space, perspective, tone, and composition as applied to still life, landscape, and the figure. Uses drawing media such as pencil, charcoal, ink wash, and color media. Includes field trips and gallery assignments as appropriate.

Students engage in learning experiences that include the historical and cultural context of ceramics, aesthetic inquiry, and creative production. Included are problems in the design and production of functional and nonfunctional ceramic works. Includes hand building, the potter’s wheel, and clays and glazes.

Graphic Arts Design is a course series that emphasizes applying fundamental processes of artistic expression through the exploration of the purposeful arrangement of images, symbols and text to communicate a message. These courses may include investigations of how technology influences the creation of graphic and digital designs and study of historical and contemporary visual communications design. These courses also provide instruction in the process of responding to your own art and that of others, including master designers, through analysis, critique and interpretation for the purpose of reflecting on and refining work.

Recording and Production courses provide students with an opportunity to learn and apply skills in music recording techniques, music editing, mixing, and creating finished musical recordings for distribution as sound files in order to enhance, convey, and capture the expressive intent of music.

Prerequisite: Audio Production 1 or instructor permission is required for Audio Production 2.

Creative Writing courses offer students the opportunity to develop and improve their technique and individual style in poetry, short story, drama, essays, and other forms of prose. The emphasis of the courses is on writing; however, students may study exemplary representations and authors to obtain a fuller appreciation of the form and craft. Although most creative writing classes cover several expressive forms, others concentrate exclusively on one particular form (such as poetry or playwriting).

Creative Writing 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

These courses emphasize the application of the fundamental processes of artistic expression for the purpose of shooting and processing of the image. These courses include the history and development of cinema, television, and video production. Students explore a range of skills needed to explore contemporary social, cultural, and political issues and creatively solve problems within and through cinematic or video productions. Students engage in critiques of their cinematic or video productions, those of others, and productions of professional cinematographers or video artists for the purpose of reflecting on and refining work for presentation.

Film and Video Production 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

These courses examine specific topics in audio and video technology and film.

Film Study/Filmmaking 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Students will discover how mathematics is related to art by studying examples of works of art from cultures around the world, examining the mathematical concepts and techniques underlying these works, and using graphic design software and other software tools to create original works of art employing these ideas and techniques. A tentative list of topics to be covered includes: recursion, symmetry transformations, perspective and projections, color mixing, the golden ratio, and sequences. Examples will be drawn from Asian, African and Arabic art, as well as European art.

At the core of the IB Film course lies a concern with clarity of understanding, critical thinking, reflective analysis, effective involvement, and imaginative synthesis that is achieved through practical engagement in the art and craft of film.

​Journalism courses (typically associated with the production of a school newspaper, yearbook, or literary magazine) emphasize writing style and technique as well as production values and organization. Journalism courses introduce students to the concepts of newsworthiness and press responsibility; develop students’ skills in writing and editing stories, headlines, and captions; and teach students the principles of production design, layout, and printing. Photography, photojournalism, and digital technology skills may be included.

Journalism 3 and 4 are weighted courses.

Publication Production courses provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to produce the school newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine, or other printed publication. Students may gain experience in several components (writing, editing, layout, production, and so on) or may focus on a single aspect while producing the publication.

Yearbook 3 and 4 are weighted courses.