Visual & Performing Arts

Visual & Performing Arts Department Courses

Introduction to Art FA605                          
This is a one-year course - two consecutive semesters. Introduction to Art is an introductory level course, in which students will be exposed to and expand their knowledge of visual art.  Students will learn techniques in the elements and principles of art and design.  Students will learn the vocabulary of art and design, and the skill sets connected to art by practicing with creativity, imagination, and studio protocol.  Students will complete independent and group projects, study art from various cultures, as well as art history and the bodies of work from canonized and/or popularized artists.  This course meets the “F” requirement for a-g.  

Advanced Art FA607  
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Introduction to Art with a C+ grade or higher.
This is a one-year course - two consecutive semesters.  Advanced Art is an intermediate-level course, in which students will expand their skills in drawing, painting, and 3-dimensional design.  Students will develop their own individual style through teacher-led art projects and specified project criteria.  With the use of various art mediums such as paint, charcoal, graphite, pastels, mixed media, etc., students will learn through experimentation of new techniques.  Verbal and written art critiques, reflections, and essays will aid with the development of the student artist.  This course meets the “F” requirement for a-g.  

AP Studio Art  FA609H
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Art and Advanced Art with a C+ or higher. Students are required to fill out an application and receive teacher recommendation before consideration.
This is a one-year course - two consecutive semesters. AP Studio Art provides the opportunity for students who are interested in the practical experience of art to develop mastery in the concept, composition and execution of their ideas. Students will have the opportunity to compare their work with their peers and prepare a portfolio for study at the college level. All students enrolling in the course are expected to submit a portfolio for evaluation based on specific criteria, which includes skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, guided by questions. This course meets the “F” requirement for a-g.  

Introduction to Ceramics  FA610              
This is a one-year course - two consecutive semesters. This course offers the student a wide range of activities in the clay medium, including hand construction, wheel-throwing, and ceramic sculpture.  It introduces ceramic vocabulary and helps the students recognize, analyze, and appreciate artistic craftsmanship in the ceramic arts.  It is suggested that a year of beginning art be taken prior to enrolling.  This course meets the “F” requirement for a-g.  

Advanced Ceramics  FA610                       
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Introduction to Ceramics with a C+ grade or higher. 
This is a one-year course - two consecutive semesters. This course is a pre-vocational or pre-college level ceramics course in which design problems in clay construction, glaze and surface enhancement, aesthetic evaluations, and studio processes are defined and pursued as individualized student goals.  Class may be repeated and taken concurrently for credit.  This course meets the “F” requirement for a-g.  

Concert Band  FA620
This is a one-year course - two consecutive semesters. Concert Band is a visual and performing arts course with an emphasis on instrumental music performance.  Students will study instrumental techniques and perform a varied repertoire of music. Students will have opportunities to listen to and analyze music, and study music theory.  Students will study the artistic expression and develop an appreciation of a wide variety of music.  Performances and rehearsals outside of class are required.  This course meets the “F” requirement for a-g.  

Wind Ensemble FA621                              
Prerequisite:  2 years Concert Band and audition/permission by instruction. 
This is a one-year course - two consecutive semesters. Wind Ensemble is a visual and performing arts course with an emphasis on advanced instrumental music performance. Students will study advanced performance techniques, musical expression, music theory, and world music.  They will perform a variety of musical repertoires.  They will have numerous performance opportunities.  Performances and rehearsals outside of class are required.  This course meets the “F” requirement for a-g.

Jazz Ensemble  FA617                      
Prerequisite:  Audition by instructor.
This is a spring semester course. This small group performs at jazz festivals, concerts, and community events. It is a group of students who appreciate jazz, blues, and swing music. Class meets after school. 

Marching Band  FA618                           
This is a fall semester course. This course is designed to provide instruction for all marching units, including band, dance, and pageantry with an emphasis on the fitness of the body and the mind.  During the fall semester, precision drills and marching routines are covered with special emphasis on half-time and parade routines and on physical fitness for health and performance.  The class meets 7th period with rehearsals and performances outside the regular school day. This course may be repeated for a total of 20 credits. Students will earn PE credits for this class.

Attached Units  ND903                              
Prerequisite:  Audition and permission by instructor.
This is a one-year course - two consecutive semesters. The attached Units course is for students who are part of the Pageantry team.  Students will participate in various aspects of movement and equipment training.  Students will learn about creative expression and will study the heritage and history of dance.  Those goals will be accomplished by various activities and performances throughout the year.  Students will perform with the marching band and in other competition settings.  Students will also focus on the ability to work in a group situation while developing performance and composition skills.  Practices and performances outside the school day are required.  

Concert Choir  FA626                                
This is a one-year course - two consecutive semesters. Concert Choir explores choral music from a wide variety of cultures and time periods through study and performance. The core curriculum emphasizes the basics of vocal technique, sight-reading, music theory, and music history. Concert performances are required along with after-school rehearsals that will be scheduled as needed.  This course meets the “F” requirement for a-g.  

Orchestra  FA102
This is a one-year course - two consecutive semesters.  Orchestra is open to all students with basic performance skills on a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass). This course is designed to increase the skill and performance abilities of each student and to develop aesthetic and cultural values through critical listening. Sills in tone production, intonation, bowing technique, music reading, and musical expression will be studied. Music theory, history, and composition will be part of this course. Students will perform medium to difficult literature from a variety of genres for performances in concerts and festivals. Music theory will be part of the course. Evening performances are required in this class. Grading is by progress, performance, and written work. This course meets the “F” requirement for a-g.   

Piano I   FA635
This course is designed for students who wish to develop basic piano playing skills, or expand on their existing skills. Time in class will be spent both on and off the keyboards. While playing, students will be working individually and in small groups to master the techniques of playing and to learn pieces. There will also be time spent in group instruction on musical notation and theory. Students are required to perform in various settings, including one-on-one with the teacher, in front of the class, as well as in recitals and/or concerts. This is a one-year course that meets the Visual and Performing Arts (F) A-G Course requirements. Prerequisite: None. All are Welcome. Recommended: Access to a keyboard or piano for home practice.