Visual & Performing Arts Course Descriptions

 

Visual Arts Offerings

 

(9-12) An introductory course designed to fully engage students in the study and participation of multiple branches of the Visual Arts. Students will also be introduced to Art history, formal art analysis, and art criticism. During this course, students will study and apply the principles and elements of design in order to become educated observers and successful visual communicators. Using various mediums and methods students will use the creative process to complete assigned projects engineered to encourage self-discipline, innovation, problem solving, creative thinking, and cultural appreciation.

 

(10-12) Students will develop techniques and skills related to the practice of drawing and painting. Course activities will place an emphasis on contemporary art through the use various advanced mediums including oil and acrylic paint, charcoal, and ink. Course activities will focus on technical aspects of drawing: line, value and form, in addition to those of painting; preparation of canvas, mixing of colors, texture, layering and impasto. Completion of this course will serve as a prerequisite for all advanced visual art courses including AP Studio Art and IB Art.

 

(9-12) An introductory course designed to educate and master technologically supported visual art and design used in the creative industry. This class will cover units in photo manipulation, digital illustration, product development, web design, corporate design & communications, advertising, digitally enhanced art experiences, logo & graphics creation, mechanics of art for print, Digital Painting, 3D Modeling, Digital animation and more.

 

(9-12) This is an introductory course in the study and utilization of digital photography as a medium of creative expression and visual communication. Students will develop a technical understanding of using a digital camera and apply this knowledge to create specific image results. Using digital image manipulation software, students will learn to design images to evoke specific messages, moods, or results. Students will study the history of photography, photographic artists, principles of design, color theory, and composition to create powerful and significant images. Students will use the knowledge of using a digital camera, digital image manipulation software, and the creative process to complete assigned projects engineered to encourage self-discipline, innovation, problem solving, creative thinking, and cultural appreciation.

 

(10-12) This course is designed to introduce students to the understanding and enjoyment of works of art. Students are introduced with Western Art, beginning with prehistoric art and ending with art of the twentieth century. Non-Western art will be presented to provide a cultural diverse aesthetic appreciation. This course requires a high degree of commitment to academic work.

 

(11-12) This course is designed to prepare students for the College Board A.P. Evaluation. Studio Art emphasizes a specialization in drawing, design, and three-dimensional art. Portfolio required.

(11-12) This course is designed to prepare students for the College Board A.P. Evaluation. Studio Art 2-D Drawing emphasizes a specialization in drawing, design, and two-dimensional art. Portfolio required.

 

(11-12) This course is designed to prepare students for the College Board A.P. Evaluation. Studio Art emphasizes a specialization in drawing, design, and three-dimensional art. Portfolio required.

(11-12) The IB Diploma Programme visual arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which 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. The course is designed for students who want to go on to further study of visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts. The role of visual arts teachers should be to actively and carefully organize learning experiences for the students, directing their study to enable them to reach their potential and satisfy the demands of the course. Students should be empowered to become autonomous, informed and skilled visual artists.

 

 

 

(9-12) This performance course is for the beginning musician; no prior experience is necessary. Students will learn the elements of music and how to play an instrument such as flute, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba. The beginning band performs a variety of win band repertoire at concerts. May be repeated for credit.

 

(Meets CSU/UC “f” requirement)

Jazz Band
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation by audition. Contact Mr. Magallon at [email protected] to schedule an audition. $40 course fee required.

(9-12) This performance course is for the intermediate-advanced musician with prior music experience. Students will learn an in-depth study of theory, improvisation, and technical ability with instruments such as saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass, drum set or piano. The jazz band performs a variety of jazz repertoire at concerts, community events, and adjudicated jazz festivals. May be repeated for credit.

 

 

 

 

(9-12) This performance course is for guitar players of all skill levels; no prior experience is necessary. Students will learn the elements of music and how to play the guitar in various ensemble settings (solo, duet, groups, and full ensemble). The guitar course will play a variety of classical, rock, and jazz repertoire at concerts and community events.

 

(9-12) This performance course is for the beginning musician; no prior experience is necessary. Students will learn the elements of music and how to play an instrument such as drums, piano, xylophone, marimba, vibraphone, timpani, and accessories. The percussion course performs a variety of wind band and percussion repertoire at concerts. May be repeated for credit.

 

 

(9-12) This project-based performance course is for those interested in blending music and technology. Students will explore technology resources used to create, produce, evaluate, and perform music. Topics covered include elements of music, notation, sound systems, recording, film scores, commercials, and jingles. May be repeated for credit.

 

(9-12) This project-based performance course is for those interested in the history of music. Students will listen, analyze, and discuss various styles of music including classical, jazz, rock, rap, film music, and world music. Topics include elements of music, music history of the Middle Ages (450 A.D.) to now, composition, and careers in music.

 

Cinematic Arts I
Prerequisite: None. $40 Course Fee Required

(9-12) Students will learn the basics of the Cinematic Arts process and the role of the Cinematic Arts as a visual medium of communication. To this end, students will learn the technical side of Cinematic Arts (video camera and how to frame shots for desired effects, sound equipment and the role of audio production in the creation of cinematic works, the use of Final Cut Pro to implement basic editing principles) as well as the communications / message element in terms of dealing with storyboards and written scripts. The course will conclude with students actively engage in filming pre-existing written scripts and/or storyboards.

 

(10-12) A continuation of Cinematic Arts I; students will continue to work on developing more sophisticated techniques and producing more advanced projects.

 

 

(9-12) This course exposes students to the various elements of Theatre. Students will be introduced to the craft of acting through the performance of improvisation, pantomime and mine, monologues, scenes, and ensemble projects. The fundamental elements of staging a play (set design, lighting and sound, costuming, makeup, and the role of the director/producer) will be addressed. Lastly, students will gain an understanding of the history of theatre as well as the varieties of drama.

 

(10-12) This course is recommended for students interested in improving their acting skills. Students develop their acting and character development techniques through scene, monologue and ensemble work. Students also explore classical styles and work together on either an original or published one act play.