Fine Arts

Course Code: 1173             

Grade Level: 9, 10              Credits: 10                UC/CSU:

Prerequisite: None

This course is a chronological survey of Western art and an overview of art and ideas from outside the Western tradition. Geared to freshmen and sophomores, Applied Art and History will provide a hands-on, creative approach to the introduction of the arts with an embedded support for other core subject areas such as English, World Geography and social studies course.  This course includes the investigation of art and art history through reading, slides, films, field trips and student created art projects. Special attention will be given to the development of skills and knowledge necessary for written and oral interpretation of art, as well as inquiry in to self-expression and cultural awareness. Student created studio projects will provide exploration of historic media and methods and an understanding of the creative process. 

Course Code: 1175             

Grade Level: 11, 12              Credits:10                 UC/CSU: Yes

Prerequisite: World History & interest in art.

AP Art History is a yearlong course that is open to students in grades 11 and 12 who have completed World History and demonstrate an interest and aptitude for art. This is an advanced level course that involves a more in depth knowledge and understanding of art in relation to processes, media, techniques, aesthetics, cultures, and history. Students gain the ability to identify specific artists, art concepts, styles, techniques and time periods or cultures. Course work will focus on the development and completion of projects and studies that will prepare the student for the administration of the AP Art History Exam. 

Course Code: 1180            

Grade Level: 9 -12              Credits: 10                UC/CSU: Yes

Prerequisite: None

The Advanced Placement Studio Art course is for the highly motivated advanced student who is seriously interested in the study of art. Students investigate and develop a portfolio according to the College Board specifications. Through direct, explicit instruction from the art instructor, students will investigate and develop a portfolio of artwork that addresses the three sections of the Studio Art portfolio. Student portfolios will reflect three areas of concern: 1) Quality: 2) Concentration: 3) Breath: Final evaluation of the student portfolio is done by the College Board. 

Course Code: 1150            

Grade Level: 9-12               Credits: 10                UC/CSU: Yes

Prerequisite:None

This course is designed to provide students with a wide variety of experiences with art media including instruction in drawing, painting, color theory, composition, designing, constructing, printing, and printmaking.  These activities include the processes of arranging, selecting, and decision making.  Art history, aesthetics, creative expressions and critiques are an integral part of this course. 

Course Code: 1160/1170   

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12        Credits: 10                UC/CSU: Yes

Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting I

This is a course for the serious (advanced) drawing and painting student who wishes to further develop his/her drawing and painting skills and style.  Composition, design, and technical skills will be taught.  The class will include intensive training in drawing with various materials, leading to individual work in painting (oils, pastel, acrylic and watercolor).  Independent thinking and a personal style in artistic expression are encouraged on this advanced level.  Art history, aesthetics, critiques, and portfolio development are included. 

Course Code: 1310            

Grade Level: 9 -12              Credits: 10                UC/CSU: Yes

Prerequisite:  None

Photography I is a year-long course were students are taught the terminologies and techniques of black and white photographic productions including pinhole, traditional, and digital camera operation, the safe handling and use of photographic chemistry, the making of photographic prints and enlargements, and the mounting and display of finished work. Students will study the sensory, formal, expressive and aesthetic properties of photographic art and will examine closely the history and development of photography including its relationship to the scientific/ technological European cultural views of the 19th and 20th centuries. Students will be able to link photography to other art forms and disciplines and will understand its applications to careers within contemporary society. 

Course Code: 1320            

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12        Credits: 10                UC/CSU: Yes

Prerequisite: C or better in Photo I

Photography II will introduce advanced studio techniques building on the knowledge and skills introduced in Photography 1. Students will learn to work with more technically-advanced photographic equipment including the addition of professional lighting, digital processes, and to work in color. Students will concentrate on the development of a distinctive personal style and will pursue individual interests. Students will continue to evaluate critically their work and will engage in ongoing study of the history of photography. Students will continue their cross-cultural analyses of photographers and be introduced to the work of various post modem artists. Students will form an ability to link photography to diverse disciplines and professions. 

Course Code: 5220                       

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12        Credits: 10                UC/CSU:

Prerequisite: Basic performance skills in voice or instrument, and ability to read and write musical notation.

Music Theory is an introductory course in musicianship, theory, musical materials and procedures. It integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition and, to some extent, history and style. Musicianship skills such as dictation and other listening skills, sight-singing, composition, and keyboard harmony are considered an important part of the theory.  A wide variety of music will be used, including not only music from standard Western tonal repertoire but also twentieth-century art music, jazz, popular music and the music of non-Western cultures. 

Course Code: 5110            

Grade Level: 9-12               Credits: 10                UC/CSU: No

Prerequisite: Middle school director’s recommendation or high school band director’s recommendation.

This course is designed for students who may wish to learn to play a band instrument or students who are in the early stages of instrumental music development. Basic playing fundamentals of tone, rhythm, counting, and technique are emphasized. Students do not need to have taken any accredited music classes prior to enrollment in this course. 

Course Code: 5120            

Grade Level: 9-12               Credits: 10                UC/CSU: No

Prerequisite: Beginning Band; audition and teacher’s approval.

This course is designed for students who have played a band instrument and have experience in a range of band and music activities. Skills in tone production, intonation, technique, music reading, and musical expression at an advanced level will be studied within the Symphonic Band repertoire. Students must demonstrate skills in precision teamwork, body carriage, musicianship and showmanship, Marching Band techniques and movement are assessed in competitions. Attendance at evening concerts, parades, football games, community events and rehearsals will be required as scheduled. A fee will cover the cost of items such as uniforms, music, transportation, entrance fees, and supplies. 

Course Code: 5130            

Grade Level: 9-12               Credits: 10                UC/CSU: Yes

Prerequisite: Intermediate Band; audition and teacher’s approval.

This course is designed for students who have played a band instrument and have experience in a range of band and music activities. Skills in tone production, intonation, technique, music reading, and musical expression at an advanced level will be studied within the Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble repertoire. Students must demonstrate skills in precision teamwork, body carriage, musicianship and showmanship, Marching Band techniques and movement are assessed in competitions. Attendance at evening concerts, parades, football games, community events and rehearsals will be required as scheduled. A fee will cover the cost of items such as uniforms, music, transportation, entrance fees, and supplies. 

Course Code: 5170            

Grade Level: 9-12               Credits: 10                UC/CSU: Yes

Prerequisite: Previous string experience.

Students with experience in playing the violin, viola, cello and string bass will improve instrumental, musical, listening skills, and music theory studies. Skills in tone production, intonation, technique, music reading and musical expression will be studied within the string and symphonic repertoire. Activities include concerts, contests, small ensemble works and the spring musical. Attendance at evening concerts, community events, musicals and rehearsals will be required as scheduled. A donation will cover the cost of items such as uniforms, music, transportation, entrance fees, and supplies. 

Course Code: 5196            

Grade Level: 9-12               Credits: 5                 UC/CSU: Yes

Prerequisite: Ability to play a stringed instrument.

This class for string musicians has been designed to develop musicianship, proper string instrument techniques, familiarity with standard string repertory, and performance. It is a participation class for string instruments: violin, viola, cello, and bass. 

Course Code: 5200                       

Grade Level: 9-12               Credits: 10                UC/CSU: Yes

Prerequisite: Student must be able to carry a tune/match pitch.

Choir is a course designed for students who wish to improve their singing skills, including sight reading, ear training, and vocal technique. A variety of musical styles will be performed, including popular and classical forms. Outside performances are required in this class. A lab donation will cover the cost of sheet music and supplies. 

Course Code: 5210            

Grade Level: 9-12               Credits: 10                UC/CSU: Yes

Prerequisite: Student must be able to carry a tune/match pitch.

This course has been designed for the advanced music students interested in both theory and vocal music performance. Students are involved in choral part singing, solo and ensemble singing, and the interpretation of musical symbols. 

Course Code: 5180            

Grade Level: 9-12               Credits: 10                UC/CSU: Yes

Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience, audition. 

Course Code: 5181            

Grade Level: 9-12               Credits: 10                UC/CSU: Yes

Prerequisite: Previous instrumental experience, audition.