AP 2-D Design

is a college credit-based course that covers digital illustration, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, and/or 2-dimensional works of art.  Students are expected to produce college-level quality, artistic investigation, and mastery of technique within a portfolio.  This portfolio will be their end-of-year exam that is submitted to the national AP college board.  Portfolios are evaluated based on standardized scoring descriptors aligned with skills and understanding developed in college foundation courses.  Students will learn to demonstrate skills and ideas developed, refined, and applied throughout the course to produce visual compositions that address two-dimensional design issues and involve decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative manner.

 AP 3-D Design

is a college credit-based course that covers crafts, sculpture, and/or 3-dimensional works of art.  Students are expected to produce college-level quality, artistic investigation, and breadth of work within a portfolio.  This portfolio will be their end-of-year exam that is submitted to the national AP college board.  Portfolios are evaluated based on standardized scoring descriptors aligned with skills and understanding developed in college foundation courses.  Students will be expected to demonstrate skills and ideas developed, refined, and applied throughout the course to produce visual compositions that address three-dimensional design issues and involve decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way.

AP Art History

takes a very detailed look at art as it progressed through time. We will cover Ancient Art up through Contemporary & Modern Art. This is a college-level course, we will move very quickly, and it will require work outside of class to stay up to date. Students will write research papers and unit reviews and present works of art. The culmination of this class is taking the CollegeBoard AP Art History Exam.

AP Drawing

is an introductory college-level drawing course that covers a variety of drawing media and techniques. Students refine and apply skills and ideas they develop throughout the course to produce drawings. Students will learn to think and act like artists.  Students are expected to produce college-level quality, artistic investigation, and mastery of technique within a portfolio.  This portfolio will be their end-of-year exam that is submitted to the national AP college board.

Crafts I

is a foundational class that introduces the student to basic craft techniques. Students will explore a variety of traditional and contemporary craft media including stitchery, paper mache, ceramics, and papercrafts. Students will discuss the intersections between fine arts and crafts.  Students will begin to explore a personal focus on art experiences and study the viewer/artist relationship.  A favorite project in this class is learning to throw on the pottery wheel.

Crafts II

builds upon skills learned in Crafts I and allows for more personal choice and media exploration. Students will build a portfolio focusing on techniques and media.  Students will learn how to photograph and document their work in a professional way. By the end of the school year, students will have developed and maintained a portfolio that demonstrates a breadth of competence using various techniques, styles, and media and exploration of expressive intent. Students will develop their own approach to the intersection between crafts and fine arts and fine-tune their craftsmanship.

Crafts III

reinforces competence and confidence in skills of analysis and creation of works of art.  They will be expected to demonstrate an advanced level of performance that reflects critical and independent thinking and innovation. This student-directed approach at this level richly enhances personal expressive abilities. Works of art will be based on student written project proposals and hinge on approval from the studio instructor.  Students will continue to create personal focus and thesis body of work that must show evidence of quality, concentration, and breadth of work in preparation for AP 3-d Studio.

Digital Media I 

is a foundational class that introduces the student to Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.  Students will begin to explore the elements of art and design principles through digital illustration.  In addition, this course emphasizes computer literacy skills, including file format literacy, export vs. save, software vs. hardware, raster vs. vector, and file save destination.

Digital Media II

builds on the skill sets students have developed in Digital Media I.  Students will explore advanced Adobe Illustrator techniques and develop new skills in Adobe InDesign.  This course emphasizes the graphic design process, digital publishing, and basic book binding techniques.

Digital Media III

Building on the skill sets students have developed in Digital Media I and II.  Students will explore basic animation and video editing in Adobe Animate and Adobe Premiere Pro.  This course emphasizes time studio, storytelling, and the artist/viewer relationship.

Drawing, Painting, and Printmaking I

is a foundational class that introduces the student to basic drawing, painting, and printmaking skill sets.  Students will begin to explore genre art, application of basic techniques and tools, a personal focus in art experiences, and study the artist/viewer relationship.  Students complete drawings on a daily basis and will learn a variety of media; including graphite, colored pencil, ink, charcoal, oil pastels, acrylic paint, tempera paint, and water color paints. Each student will continuously work on building a successful portfolio that demonstrates a visual progression and an understanding of the art making process.

Drawing, Painting, and Printmaking II

is an art boot camp for observational, proportion, and perspective drawing and painting skill sets.  Students will complete an observational drawing or painting final product every 2 weeks in the following media order: Graphite, Colored Pencil, Oil Pastel, Dry Pastel, Charcoal, Ink Wash, Watercolor Paint, Pen & Ink, Tempera Paint, Acrylic Paint, Acrylic Paint, Plaster Fresco, Linoleum Cut Print, Collagraph Print, and Monotype Print; then a study on Linear Perspective, Portraiture, and the Human Figure. Students will build a resource binder focusing on techniques/media, Linear Perspective, Portraiture, Human Figure, and a personal subject focus.  By the end of the school year students will have developed and maintained a portfolio that demonstrates breadth of competence using various techniques, styles, and media and exploration of expressive intent.

Drawing, Painting, and Printmaking III

reinforces competence and confidence in skills of analysis and creation of works of art.  They will be expected to demonstrate an advanced level of performance that reflects critical and independent thinking and innovation. This student-directed approach at this level richly enhances personal expressive abilities. Works of art will be based on student written project proposals and hinge on approval from instructor.  Students will continue to create a personal focus and thesis body of work that must show evidence of sustained investigation and preparation for AP 2-D Studio or AP Drawing.

Introduction to Art

is a basic art course that introduces students to multiple art disciplines and art making processes. Students in this course will use a variety of media to include Colored Pencil, Oil Pastel, Dry Pastel, Charcoal, Ink , Watercolor Paint, Pen & Ink, Tempera Paint,  Acrylic Paint, Print making, and sculpture.  Students will learn about Portraiture, the Human Figure, Landscapes, Observational Drawing, and the Story of Art History. Students will continuously grow as they gain knowledge and skill as it pertains to each media.  In addition students will keep a well maintained portfolio that demonstrates growth and progression of the various techniques and styles used during the course of the year.

Photography I

focuses on introducing students to the fundamentals of Photography. We will cover the basics of photography: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO/ASA, proper exposure, Composition, and the Film Development and Printing Process, as well as, the history of photography and light/film manipulation. The projects we do consist of: Photograms, Still Life, Portraiture, Landscape, Film Sandwiching, and combinations of each type. There will be a Research Project diving into the history of some the greatest photographers. The culmination of all projects will result in a small portfolio book.

Photography II

focuses on developing the skills utilized in Photography 1: Fundamentals. Students will be building bodies of work using the tools available to digital photographers (such as Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop), techniques (Photo editing, Portfolio Building, and Digital Manipulation), and varying styles of photography (Documentary, Storytelling, Series, and Commercial Photography). There is Research project diving into the career avenues of professional photographers. The culmination of this class will result in the creation of a photography exhibition.

Photography III

focuses on developing your unique voice as a photographer and artist. Photo 3 Studio utilizes both Film and Digital Photography. Projects will be assigned by the
Instructor, but several projects will be pursued by the artist themselves. Time constraints will be placed to ensure timely completion of projects. This class serves as a preparatory step before taking AP 2D Studio.

Sculpture and Ceramics I

is a foundational class that introduces the student to basic three dimensional design. Students will explore a variety of sculptural media including assemblage, ceramics, mixed media, and relief carving.  Students will begin to explore a personal focus in art experiences and study the viewer/artist relationship.

Sculpture and Ceramics II

is an art boot camp for a variety of sculptural media.  Students will complete three dimensional works that build upon skills learned in Sculpture/Ceramics 1 and allow for more personal choice and media exploration. Students will build a portfolio focusing on techniques/media.  Students will learn how to photograph and document their work in a professional way. By the end of the school year students will have developed and maintained a portfolio that demonstrates breadth of competence using various techniques, styles, and media and exploration of expressive intent.

Sculpture and Ceramics III

reinforces competence and confidence in skills of analysis and creation of works of art.  Students will be expected to demonstrate an advanced level of performance that reflects critical and independent thinking and innovation. This student-directed approach at this level richly enhances personal expressive abilities. Works of art will be based on student written project proposals and hinge on approval from the studio instructor.  Students will continue to create personal focus and thesis body of work that must show evidence of quality, concentration, and breadth of work in preparation for AP 3-D Studio.

Beginning Band- MU1101

Prerequisite: (9-12)

Course Description: This performance course is for novice musicians with no prior experience. Students will learn woodwind (flute, clarinet, saxophone) and brass instruments (trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba). Instruction includes the elements of music, theory, instrument care, reading music notation, musicianship, tone production, and ensemble rehearsal and performance techniques. Activities include small and large ensemble performance opportunities.

Intermediate Band/Percussion Ensemble -MU1102/MU1107/

Prerequisite: Prior Middle School Band Experience (9-12)

Course Description:  Intermediate band course is for students who have successfully completed beginner band. The percussion course is for novice musicians with no prior percussion experience. Students will learn percussion instruments (drums, piano, xylophone, marimba, vibraphone, and accessories). Instruction includes the elements of music, theory, instrument care, reading music notation, musicianship, rudiments, and ensemble rehearsal and performance techniques. Activities include small and large ensemble performance opportunities.

Concert Band- MU1103

Prerequisite: B average or better in the intermediate band.

Course Description: ( 10-12)  Completes the musical education of the advanced student by connecting their performance skills with their ability to investigate and solve musical challenges, using research where necessary. Students will demonstrate independent performing alone and in small groups, making appropriate personal choices of tone, interpretation, and musicality. They will study diverse repertoire, with foci on multi-movement works, 20th-century notation, and the music of the Americas. They will develop an expanded knowledge of scales and cadences, create multiparted compositions, and evaluate musical performances at an advanced level. They will study instrument development, analyze the role of form in works from different backgrounds, and identify the process of composing for film.

Sound Production ( Grades 9-12)  Experience in music( instrumental or vocal required)

Prerequisite:  Prior secondary experience in band, chorus or orchestra). ( 9-12)

Course Description: The aim of this Short Course in Music Production is to enlighten students on the processes of high-quality music productions. The information and content of this course will be delivered by hands-on training and by practicing “real-world” scenarios. Recording, editing and mixing techniques will be taught the fundamental techniques of music production, learn vocabulary associated with the industry and have an opportunity to explore their own creativity by producing independent work.

Keyboard- MU1501

Beginning Level I

Course Description: This standards-based course provides instruction in the basic principles of musicianship and promotes familiarity with standard piano technique and literature.

Keyboard- MU1501

Level 2-MU1501

Course Description: This standards-based course will develop and expand technical and foundation skills in piano keyboard and the elements of music. Students will broaden their knowledge of and ability to use the elements of music, increase technical skills through specifically designed keyboard exercises and chord and scale study, and be introduced to more challenging piano literature appropriate to their individual abilities. In addition, students will have performance opportunities in music notation and terminology, scales and exercises, chord constructions and progressions, rhythm structures, sight-reading skills, simple improvisation and solo/duo piano performance.

Mixed Chorus- Grades 9-10- MU1203

Course Description: Mixed Chorus teaches the musical concepts and vocal techniques of performing at an early intermediate level. In this course, students will increase their knowledge of music notation and musical vocabulary and will continue to refine their pitch accuracy, instrumental tone, and performance skills.

Concert Chorus-Grades 9-12 ( Audition required)- MU1204

Course Description: Concert Choir teaches the musical concepts and vocal techniques of performing at an advanced level.  This course is offered to students who have completed either Girl's Ensemble, Men's Ensemble, or Mixed choir and who have equivalent study and experience. Students in this course will present more frequent public performances. In this course, students will increase their knowledge of music notation and musical vocabulary and will continue to refine their pitch accuracy, instrumental tone, and performance skills. Students will interact with music through composing, improvising, transcribing, performing, and evaluating performances. They will be exposed to the harmonic minor scale, musical careers in media, and additional diverse repertoire and will be asked to think deeply about the history of American music and its cultural relevance and function.

Girls Ensemble ( Grades 9-12) Audition Only-MU2205 

Course Description: Girls Ensemble teaches the musical concepts and techniques of performing at a beginning level. The class is primarily for freshmen girls. In this course, students will learn how to produce controlled and accurate pitch and create a mature tone, as well as learn the basics of music notation and musical vocabulary. Students will be exposed to the major scale and diverse repertoire and will be asked to think deeply about the discipline of music from a number of perspectives, including style, genre, mood, and historical and cultural context. Additional topics of study include demonstrating appropriate performance etiquette, identifying musical contrasts, evaluating performances, and creating new music through compositions and improvisations.

Male Ensemble( Grades 10-12) Select Ensemble-MU1202

Course Description: Male Ensemble teaches the musical concepts and techniques of performing at a beginning level. The class is primarily for freshmen boys.  In this course, students will learn how to produce controlled and accurate pitch and create a mature tone, as well as learn the basics of music notation and musical vocabulary. Students will be exposed to the major scale and diverse repertoire and will be asked to think deeply about the discipline of music from several perspectives, including style, genre, mood, and historical and cultural context. Additional study topics include demonstrating appropriate performance etiquette, identifying musical contrasts, evaluating performances, and creating new music through compositions and improvisations. 

Concert Orchestra –( Grades 9-11)-MU1302 

Course Description: Concert Orchestra teaches the musical concepts and instrumental techniques of performing at an early intermediate level. In this course, students will increase their knowledge of music notation and musical vocabulary and will continue to refine their pitch accuracy, instrumental tone, and performance skills. Students will interact with music through performing and evaluating performances. They will be exposed to the harmonic minor scale, musical careers in media, and additional diverse repertoire and will be asked to think deeply about the history of American music and the cultural functions of music.

Chamber Orchestra ( Grades 10-12) Audition Only-MU2303

Course Description: Chamber Orchestra completes the musical education of the advanced student by connecting their performance skills with their ability to investigate and solve musical challenges, using research where necessary. Students will demonstrate independent performing alone and in small groups, making appropriate personal choices of tone, interpretation, and musicality.  They will develop an expanded knowledge of scales and cadences and evaluate musical performances at an advanced level.

Dance Explorations-Dance I -AR1103

Course Description: Students who take Dance 1 will develop technical strength through the basic skills of ballet, jazz, tap, folk–ethnic and creative movement while also learning elements of dance history, terminology, critical analysis, and performance.

Dance Explorations-Dance II- AR1206

Course Description: This course is a continuation of the instruction in Dance I. Students work on refining the skills and dance techniques they learned in the introductory course, and expand their knowledge of performance, abstract dance forms, staging, and rhythm. Students are also introduced to the basic principles and techniques of choreographic design and begin work on original choreography for performance.

Dance III- AR1306

Course Description:  This is an academy and non-academy participation student class.  It further defines and challenges students in ballet and modern dance. Students focus on the technical proficiency of skill level and begin to learn choreographic skills where students will explore their personal style aesthetic. Students will participate in dance performances and can have the opportunity to create student works.

Dance Ensemble- IV-AR1405 ( Academy  class)  Audition Only

Course Description: Dance IV and V provide practical experience focusing on the choreographer’s creative process in solo, small-, and large-ensemble dances. Emphasis is placed on identifying, selecting, and utilizing a variety of source materials for dance making, including the use of choreographic devices, improvisation for generating movement, and the elements of dance, in order to create meaning and develop a personal style. The course is designed for students who have a solid background in dance and are interested in preparing for advanced-level work as artists or choreographers. Upon completing the course, students will be prepared for college-level work in choreographic design and a dance career.

Theatre Arts -Introduction to Theatre
Prerequisite: None
(9-10) Course Description: 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.

The Art Of Acting- LA1600
Prerequisite: “B” or better in  Introduction  to Theatre
(10-12)Course Description: This course is recommended for students interested in improving their acting skills. Students develop their acting and character development techniques through the scene, monologue and ensemble work. Students also explore classical styles and work together on either an original or published one act play.

Theatre Ensemble-LA1603 ( Advanced Course) Teacher Invite Only
Prerequisite: “B” or better in The Art of Acting  and approval of Instructor.
(10-12) Description: Theatre is a practical subject that encourages discovery through experimentation, risk-taking and the presentation of ideas. This theatre course is multifaceted and gives students the opportunity to actively engage in theatre as creators, designers, directors and performers. It emphasizes working both individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble. The teacher’s role is to create opportunities that allow students to explore, learn, discover and collaborate to become autonomous, informed and skilled theatre-makers. Students learn to apply research and theory to inform and to contextualize their work. Through researching, creating, preparing, presenting and critically reflecting on theatre, they gain a richer understanding of themselves, their community and the world. Students experience the course from contrasting artistic and cultural perspectives. They learn about theatre from around the world, the importance of making theatre with integrity, and the impact that theatre can have on the world. It enables them to discover and engage with different forms of theatre across time, place and culture, promoting international-mindedness and an appreciation of the diversity of theatre. In addition, the aims of this course are to enable students to: explore theatre in a variety of contexts and understand how these contexts inform practice (theatre in context), understand and engage in the processes of transforming ideas into action (theatre processes) and to develop and apply theatre production, presentation and performance skills, working both independently and collaboratively (presenting theatre).

Technical Theatre-LA1604

Prerequisite:  B average or higher in the introduction to theatre course. Course Description: This course is a continuation of understanding theatre and the production of live theatre.  Students will be taught the aspects of technical production, stage management, safety, set, video, costume, lighting and sound design.  Students will understand, develop and exhibit the skills necessary for managing theatre productions.