Art Beginning

During this foundation course in the visual arts, students will develop artistic and critical thinking skills through a wide array of creative and fine arts processes. Based on the National Core Arts Standards and the CA Frameworks for the Visual and Performing Arts, students will create and present original art works using 2‐dimensional and 3‐dimensional media, both traditional and emerging. Students will respond to artistic work created by others to interpret meaning and connect ideas within their societal, cultural, and historical contexts. As part of their study, students will develop their individual artistic portfolio and sketchbook.

 

Art Advanced

This course is designed for students who wish to continue their studies of the visual arts at a more in-depth level and build on the Art course. The studio focus will be on creating and presenting artwork with 2‐dimensional media, both traditional and emerging. Students will continue to refine skills and art techniques while beginning to develop their own artistic style. Students will deepen their societal, cultural, and historical knowledge of the arts by analyzing, interpreting, and relating that knowledge and personal experiences when making artistic works. Studio projects will require students to work at a more independent and mature level and will culminate in a portfolio of their artwork and sketchbook.

Band Beginning

This course serves as a prerequisite to the Concert Band. Playing in parts is introduced and is employed in music from .5‐1.0 in difficulty. Emphasis is placed on learning to read music, tone production, phrasing, breath control, articulation, reading, the fundamentals of music theory, and concert performance.

 

Band Concert

 This course is an intermediate instrumental music ensemble and requires the permission of the instructor to enter the class. This course serves as a prerequisite to the Symphonic Band. Grade 2 ‐ 3 literature will be used in this course. Emphasis will be placed on intonation, continued studies in reading music, balance/blend, tone production, articulation, and developing techniques. Performance in festivals and other public performances are required for successful completion of this course.

 

Band Symphonic

The symphonic band studies compositions of various types ranging from grade 2 − 4. The band participates in a variety of activities such as sporting events, concerts, parades, etc., and attendance at these performances is required. The basic aims of the course are to develop better musicianship and intelligent understanding of music, and to improve the technical proficiency of the individual student. Students in this ensemble are required to perform many times throughout the year. This includes several music festivals, recording, and music tours. Attendance is required.

Ceramics Beginning

This is an introductory course designed to cover 3‐dimensional design using clay as the medium. Students will learn how to use appropriate tools and techniques to produce variations of basic pinch, coil, slab, thrown, or sculptured forms. Clay preparation, construction, surface design, and firing will be explored. Students will understand the relationship between the history of ceramic forms and media.

 

Ceramics Advanced

This advanced course is designed for students who wish to continue their studies of the visual arts at a more advanced level and builds on the Intermediate Ceramics course. The studio focus will continue to be on the medium of clay, allowing students to continue to refine skills and art techniques while developing their own artistic style. Students will continue to deepen their historical and cultural knowledge of the arts. Studio projects will require students to work at a more independent and mature level and will culminate in a portfolio of their artistic work that may be used in AP Studio Art or post‐ secondary admission.

Choir

This is an entry-level choir and is open to anyone interested in learning to sing. This course serves as a prerequisite to Advanced Choir. It offers study in the performance of vocal music at the beginning levels. Emphasis is placed on learning to read music, tone production, breath control, phrasing, diction, fundamentals of music theory, and cultural values of music. Music studied will be of easy to medium easy (grade level 0.25 through grade level 1.5). Many style periods will be explored. Concert performance and attendance is required.

 

Choir Advanced

Choir Advanced offers study in the performance of vocal music at the intermediate levels. Emphasis is placed on continuing to learn to read music, tone production, breath control, phrasing, diction, fundamentals of music theory, and the students’ appreciation of the aesthetic and cultural values of music. Music studied will be of easy to medium easy (grade level 1.0 through grade level 2.5). Many style periods will be explored. Students will be required to perform at both school concerts and music festivals throughout the year

Guitar Beginning 

This is an elective course offering beginning instruction for the acoustic guitar. Students will learn how to read music, music fundamentals, guitar notation, sing simple melodies while playing accompaniment, open chords, power chords, movable chords, accompaniment techniques, and a variety of playing techniques and styles including both the pick and finger styles. The course also includes in‐class performances (solo and small ensemble) and two research papers (one each semester). Students must provide their own acoustic guitar.

 

Guitar Advanced

This is an elective course offering additional instruction for the acoustic guitar. Students will learn how to read music, music fundamentals, guitar notation, sing simple melodies while playing accompaniment, open chords, power chords, moveable chords, accompaniment techniques, and a variety of playing techniques and styles including both the pick and finger styles. The course also includes in‐ class performances (solo and small ensemble) and two research papers (one each semester). Students must provide their own acoustic guitar. 

Piano Beginning

This course is designed to help the beginning and intermediate students acquire a proficiency in playing two‐hand piano music ranging from simple to complex. Emphasis will be placed on note accuracy, correct rhythmic patterns, correct hand position and fingering, major chords, dynamics, and other theories necessary to complete the assignments.

 

Piano Advanced

This course is designed for the piano student who is beyond the beginning level. Students will continue to develop the fundamental skills of reading music and applying these theories to playing the piano. Emphasis will be placed on note accuracy, correct rhythmic patterns, correct hand position and fingering, major chords, dynamics, expression, and other theories necessary to complete the assignments.