Course Catalog - Fine Arts Department

FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT

INTRODUCTION
Students are required to take two semesters of Fine Arts electives to fulfill graduation requirements. The Department offers courses in the fine arts designed to develop the skills necessary for appreciation of and participation in the creative process embracing music, theatre, dance, and visual arts (including multimedia design). All courses are sequential in nature. Some are presented in 8th period, after school, or evening sessions.

NOTE: 8th period performing arts classes are taken in addition to, not in lieu of, a student's six classes during the regular school day. Students enrolled in an 8th period performing arts class will not be allowed to drop a course that meets during the regular school day. Students may satisfy one of the two-semester graduation requirements with a Performing Arts Class.

PLEASE NOTE: University of California and California State University requirements: Students must complete two semesters of the same visual and performing arts course. The two semesters need not be taken in the same academic year. Please see your counselor if you have any questions about this requirement, and to help you plan your classes accordingly. Multimedia Design 1A and 1B fulfill the UC VPA requirement.

I. FINE ARTS COURSES

ART AND ARCHITECTURE 1A (6100)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of two-semester Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - None
Criteria for Enrollment - None
Limit - 30 students
Course Description - Designed to offer students the chance to learn about the art of architectural design in society and its effect on our sense of culture. Particularly interesting for students who plan to major in architecture and/or design of any kind, the class will provide field trips, involvement with our rich cultural environment and an introduction to “hands-on” skills involving design and composition. Coursework will include short papers, a non-written final project, and opportunity for original creative expression. Students do not need to have experience in drawing in order to take this course.

ART AND ARCHITECTURE 1B (6105)

Grade Level - 10,11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of two-semester Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - Art and Architecture A
Criteria for Enrollment - None
Limit - 30 students
Course Description - A studio-based design course that continues to study the wealth of artistic expression in modern and ancient cultures as seen in their architecture, painting, and artifacts. Assignments in design and drawing will supplement the class field trips and the students’ involvement in the culture of our community. Written homework, and a final design project will constitute the work required outside of the classroom.

ART AND NATURE INTENSIVE: ART AND ARCHITECTURE B 8th PERIOD (6106)
ADVANCED ARCHITECTURE*

Instructor: Katie Wolf
Grade Level - 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - Art and Architecture 1A and/or approval of instructor
Criteria for Enrollment - None
Limit - 24 students
Length - Friday evening through Sunday evening -- one weekend.
PLEASE NOTE:

Two pre-retreat evening meetings will be held
Two post-retreat evening meetings will be held
This class does NOT meet during regular school day. As with other 8th period classes, it does not qualify the student for a study hall.
No textbook is required, but additional fees will be incurred

Course Description - A weekend workshop that utilizes a "hands-on" exploration of earth-friendly techniques to demonstrate respect for resources and creative problem-solving. A variety of individual and collaborative assignments will be presented in a manner that challenges the student to experience growth in awareness of the creative process, Nature as master designer, and creating a community of gratitude. A pristine natural environment on the edge of a wilderness area is the setting for the workshop retreat. Aspects will include:
- all weather campsites
- bathroom facilities with hot showers
- nature trails
- a campfire circle gathering area
- personal private meditation sites
- architectural demonstration structures
- a sculpture garden
- meals provided
- workshop materials provided

* This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment

STUDIO ART A (6120)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of two-semester Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - None
Criteria for Enrollment - None
Limit - 25 students
Course Description - This course is a "hands-on" class designed to develop skills in design and composition, a variety of drawing styles, and acrylic painting. Students will receive instruction in a variety of media and will be required to use each of them in the creation of original work. The study of historical examples will be a springboard for the student’s creative expression. No previous drawing skills are required to take this class; just come with an open mind!

STUDIO ART B (6125)

Grade Level - 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of two-semester Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - Studio Art A
Criteria for Enrollment - None
Course Description - A broadening of our sense of design as implemented by painting, drawing and design projects. Our study of historical and contemporary styles of art will serve as example and inspiration for our work. We will concentrate on the painting process. Field trips to local museums are planned to enrich class activities.

ART AND NATURE WEEKEND INTENSIVE: STUDIO ART B 8th Period (6126)*

Instructor: Katie Wolf
Grade Level - 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - Studio Art A and/or approval of instructor
Criteria for Enrollment - None
Limit - 24 students
Length: Friday evening through Sunday evening -- one weekend.
Please Note:
1. Two pre-retreat evening meetings will be held
2. Two post-retreat evening meetings will be held
3. This class does NOT meet during regular school day. As with the 8th period classes, it does not qualify the student for other
4. No textbook is required, but additional fees will be incurred
Course Description - A weekend workshop that utilizes a "hands-on" exploration of material and techniques to demonstrate respect for resources and creative problem-solving. A variety of individual and collaborative assignments will be presented in a manner that challenges the student to experience growth in awareness of the creative process, Nature as master designer, and creating a community of gratitude. A pristine natural environment on the edge of a wilderness area is the setting for the workshop retreat. Aspects will include:

all weather campsites
bathroom facilities with hot showers
nature trails
a campfire circle gathering area
personal private meditation sites
architectural demonstration structures
a sculpture garden
meals provided
workshop materials provided

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment

STUDIO ART C / SACRED SYMBOLS-UNIVERSAL SIGNS (6130)

Instructor: Katie Wolf
Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement AND see Note below.
Prerequisite - Studio Art A or permission of instructor
Criteria for Enrollment - None
Course Description - A "hands-on" class focused on the exploration of symbols and universal signs used as visual expressions in art, architecture and religious imagery. In this integrated approach to learning about cultures, religions and the arts each student will create several art projects that represent the traditions studied. The final collaborative class project will be a mosaic composite presentation of the symbols studied and created during the semester.

NOTE:

3D STUDIES/MIXED MEDIA: SCULPTURE A (6150)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of two-semester Fine Arts graduation requirement.
Prerequisite - None
Limit - 18 students
Course Description - A studio-based problem-solving course that uses a variety of materials; paper, wood, plaster, found objects, and wire to explore the design process in 3 dimensions. Study of historical examples of sculpture will serve as a "spring board" for inspiration directed toward solutions to design projects. The work of 20th century sculptors such as Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson and Henry Moore will challenge the student to understand their own creativity. Field trips to local museums and some written work will complement the original work created by the student in the studio and at home.

3D STUDIES/MIXED MEDIA: SCULPTURE B (6155)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of two-semester Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - 3D Studies/Mixed Media Sculpture A
Limit - 18 students
Course Description - 3D Studies/Mixed Media Sculpture B continues the exploration of the visual world; its relationships of form and space -- in the context of historical examples, environmental/cultural impact, creative self-expression and collaborative pieces. Field trips to local museums and sculpture collections and some written work will complement the original work created by the student in the studio and at home.

ART & NATURE WEEKEND INTENSIVE: SCULPTURE B 8° (6156)*
ADVANCED SCULPTURE

Grade Level - 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - 3D Studies I and/or approval of instructor
Criteria for Enrollment - None
Limit - 24 students
Length: Friday evening through Sunday evening -- one weekend.
Please Note:
1. Two pre-retreat evening meetings will be held
2. Two post-retreat evening meetings will be held
3. This class does NOT meet during regular school day. As with other 8th period classes, it does not qualify the student for a study hall.
4. No textbook is required, but additional fees will be incurred
Course Description - A weekend workshop that utilizes a "hands-on" exploration of materials and sculptural techniques to demonstrate creative problem-solving and the shaping of form and space. A variety of individual and collaborative assignments will be presented in a manner that challenges the student to experience growth in awareness of the creative process, Nature as master designer and creative a community of gratitude. A pristine natural environment on the edge of a wilderness area is the setting for the workshop retreat. Aspects will include:

all weather campsites
bathroom facilities with hot showers
nature trails
a campfire circle gathering area
personal private meditation sites
architectural demonstration structures
a sculpture garden
meals provided
workshop materials provided

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment

PHOTOGRAPHY IA and IB

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12

*Course 6160

*Course 6165

Type of Course - Elective satisfying the Fine Arts graduation requirement.
Prerequisite - Students must complete Photography 1A before taking Photography IB
Criteria for Enrollment - Students should have a SLR 35 mm camera
Limit - 16 students
Course Description: The Photography 1 class provides a comprehensive study of photography as an art form. The course will expose the student to fundamental issues unique to the medium through the study of the history of photography and "hands-on" work in the darkroom. The students will experience a variety of approaches to the medium of black and white photography. The goal of the program is to offer a wide range of experiences, both technical and aesthetic, and to encourage and accelerate the development of the students' use of the medium through practical experience in the field and in the darkroom.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment

MULTIMEDIA DESIGN 1A (6710)*

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective
Prerequisite - None
Criteria for Enrollment - Interest in developing computer multimedia and design skills through creative projects including 2-D animation.
Course Description - This is an introductory computer graphics design course with a focus on motion graphics software. Coursework consists of 2-D design and includes a variety of animation projects created with software such as Photoshop, Flash, and Illustrator, along with video cameras and electronic graphics tablets. Creative work is supported bylearning traditional art and design principles, consideration and critique of mass media, historic study of animation and the study of contemporary multimedia artists and designers.

NOTE:

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment

MULTIMEDIA DESIGN 1B (6720)*

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective
Prerequisite - Multimedia Design 1A
Criteria for Enrollment - Interest in developing computer multimedia and design skills through creative projects.
Course Description - This class develops skills in time based media such as digital storytelling, animation, and video production. The development of effective narrative structures will be emphasized so that students learn to use the various media to create intentional works with meaning. Particular attention will be paid to the design process and students' conscious development of their own creative process. Technology learning will focus on appropriate current graphics software which will be presented as tools to create original projects.

NOTE:

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment

DANCE IA (6601)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester toward Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - None
Criteria - None
Course Description - An introduction to basic dance movements. Students will study ballet, jazz, and social dance forms. As a final project, students will create a dance in small groups and will research a style of dance in a short research paper.

DANCE IB (6602)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of two semester Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - Students must complete Dance IA before taking Dance IB
Criteria - None
Course Description - Continuing study of modern dance movements and form. To prepare students for a variety of dance styles, students will learn skills for demonstrating personal expression and technique. Students will experience the choreographic process in several small projects. Groups will also research one modern dance choreographer and write a paper.

NOTE:

DRAMA IA: INTRO TO THEATRE (6210)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Satisfies one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - None
Criteria for Enrollment - None
Course Description - In this course we will study the craft and discipline of acting in theatre. To that end, we will develop acting skills and techniques through theatre games, improvisations, physical and vocal warm-ups, contemporary monologues and scenes from professionally produced plays, culminating in class performances. Students will be introduced to the major historical periods of theatre including Greek/Roman, Medieval/Early Tudor, Elizabethan/Jacobean, Restoration/Romantic,18th Century, Victorian/Edwardian, Modern/Post-Modern, and Experimental theatre. Students will also attend a professional theatre production and write a critical review. By the end of the course, students will have developed an appreciation for the art of theatre and respect for working within an ensemble, while exploring a variety of approaches to actor training.

DRAMA IB: ADVANCED ACTING (6211)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Satisfies one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - Drama IA: Intro to Theatre, or equivalent experience
Criteria for Enrollment - None
Course Description - In Acting 1B: Advanced Acting, we will delve deeper into the craft and discipline of acting. While building on the principles and techniques learned in Drama 1B: Intro to Theatre, students will participate in group warm-ups (vocal and physical), theatre games, improvisations, and advanced theatre exercises requiring a higher skill level. Students will also attend a professional theatre production and write a critical review.

MUSIC APPRECIATION A (6500)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of two-semester Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - None
Criteria for Enrollment - None
Course Description - This course introduces the student to a variety of historical periods of musical composition, orchestral and theatrical music, and the major composers and works in the development of western music. The course is designed for all students, developing the art of perceptive listening. Students must attend three live productions during the semester, and write a number of short papers on these experiences and performances.

MUSIC APPRECIATION B: SURVEY OF EARLY AMERICAN JAZZ (1900-1950) (6515)

Grade level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of two-semester Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - Music Appreciation A
Criteria for Enrollment - None
Course Description - The survey of early American jazz, from the early days of New Orleans to the big bands of the swing era, is a class designed for all students, developing the art of perceptive listening to musical jazz compositions. This is a sequential course, following Music Appreciation A, meeting four class hours per week with extensive lectures, audiovisual presentations, class projects, demonstrations and a live performance-term paper requirement. Lectures will cover the instruments of the jazz ensemble, major compositions, composers and performers of the era.

II. PERFORMING ARTS COURSES / 8th Period Classes By Audition

Grading Policy for Performing Arts 8th period classes - Grades from 8th period Performing Arts classes are posted in a separate GPA on the transcript. These repeatable performing arts classes are not calculated into the student's cumulative GPA. Students may satisfy one of the two-semester graduation requirement in Fine Arts with a Performing Arts class. A student may petition the Academics Office to move any two semesters of 8th period Performing Arts grades out of the Performing Arts GPA and into the cumulative academic GPA. This request must be initiated by the student at the beginning of the semester she/he is enrolled in that particular 8th period Performing Arts class. Completed Student Petition Forms are submitted with the class lists, by the instructor, to the Director of Scheduling at the beginning of the semester.

DRAMA IC: ADVANCED THEATRE WORKSHOP (9710)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester (FALL); offered 8th period ONLY
Type of Course - Satisfies one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - None
Criteria for Enrollment - Permission of instructor
Course Description - This course is an after-school workshop in acting, rehearsal, performance, and technical/design skills culminating in the production of a full-length play in the fall semester. Students are admitted on the basis of a competitive audition held at the beginning of the semester. Four additional students may be selected to the positions of stage manager, stage crew chief, lighting designer on the basis of in-depth interviews. These students will work alongside professionals over the course of the production developing knowledge and skills in each specialized area and their application in performance.

DRAMA IC: ADVANCED MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP (9710)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester (SPRING); offered 8th period ONLY
Type of Course - Satisfies one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - None
Criteria for Enrollment - Permission of instructor
Course Description - Drama 1C: Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop is an after-school workshop exploring drama, dance and music theories and their application in performance. To that end, students will explore acting, singing, dancing, rehearsal, performance, and technical/design skills culminating in the production of a full-length Broadway musical in the Spring semester. Students will also learn about the historical and cultural significance of the selected piece of musical theatre. Students are admitted on the basis of a competitive audition and interviews held at the beginning of the semester.

DANCE WORKSHOP (9704)

Grade level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester; offered 8th period ONLY
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirements.
Prerequisites - None
Criteria - Admission is by audition only.
Course Description - This course is designed for students with significant dance experience. Emphasis will be on building techniques necessary for presentation and performance of ballet, jazz, and modern dance styles. Students will present a final project of dances at the Dance Concerts in January and/or May.

NOTE:

MIXED CHORUS
Mixed Chorus A -- Intermediate (9851)
Mixed Chorus B -- Advanced (9852)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester, offered 8th period ONLY
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement.
Prerequisite - Ability to match pitches
Criteria for Enrollment - Admission is by audition only.
Course Description - Vocal ensemble work. Placement into section is by audition. The class will meet four class hours per week/two days a week, after school, in preparation for a formal concert or other special performances. Students will be introduced to a variety of vocal techniques that will help "build the voice," expand the creative capabilities, as well as promote a sense of well-being because of the intimate nature of the voice as an instrument. Students will be trained to perform with other students as a vocal ensemble and follow the direction of the conductor.

CHAMBER SINGERS
Chamber Singers A -- Intermediate (9861)
Chamber Singers B -- Advanced (9862)

Grade Level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Semester, offered 8th period ONLY
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - Ability to match pitches and one semester of Mixed Chorus Class or equivalent musical background
Criteria for Enrollment - Admission is by audition only.

Chamber Singers A - Course Description - An after-school, 8th period class, taught four class hours per week/two days per week. The pace moves quickly, providing a comprehensive overview of vocal work for the high school student with extensive previous training. Placement is by audition only. the major emphasis of the course is on acappella music. Students sing in small groups, as well as with the whole ensemble in preparation for a formal concert series and several other performances during the semester.

Chamber Singers B - Course Description - Advanced vocal ensemble work will place emphasis on choral voice building as well as acappella music for the advanced singer. The class meets four hours per week, 8th period after school, in preparation for a formal concert series and several other performances during the semester.

ORCHESTRA (A: 9801, B: 9802); JAZZ BAND (A: 9811, B: 9812); STRING QUARTET (A: 9821, B: 9822); DIXIELAND BAND (A: 9831, B: 9832)
Semester 1 or A -- Intermediate
Semester 2 or B -- Advanced

Grade level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Year, offered 8th period ONLY
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - None
Criteria for Enrollment - Admission is by audition only
Course Description - An after-school/evening symphonic orchestra and/or jazz band workshop in musical compositions from various historical periods and by major composers, with emphasis on major works of light classical, musical theater, big band, modern jazz, and light rock selections appropriate to the talents of the musical ensemble group, culminating in a concert performance in early December. In the spring semester, this group becomes the Spring musical orchestra, performing an original orchestration from the New York stage.

HANDBELL CHOIR
Semester A -- Intermediate (9856)
Semester B -- Advanced (9857)

Grade level - 9, 10, 11, 12
Length - One Year, offered 8th period ONLY
Type of Course - Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisite - None
Criteria for Enrollment - Admission is by audition only
Course Description - An after-school, 8th period class, providing students with an opportunity for participation in an instrumental ensemble as they gain an understanding of ringing rehearsal and performance techniques and learn music theory and history of the repertoire. The choir will provide accompaniment for selected music sung by both Mixed Chorus and Chamber Singers, as well as prepare separate musical literature to be performed as an instrumental ensemble.

INDEPENDENT STUDY: MUSICAL ENSEMBLE

Grade Level - 10, 11, 12
Length - One Year, offered 8th period ONLY

Type of Course - Elective
Prerequisite - Three years of Symphonic Orchestra, Jazz Band, Vocal Study, or equivalent
Criteria for Enrollment - Admission is by audition only
Course Description - For advanced musicians who perform in specially arranged musical ensemble groups (e.g. string ensemble, jazz ensemble, vocal ensemble). Students rehearse four hours per week, performing advanced musical pieces, in preparation for concert work.