VAPA

AP Art History (Online)

This course is combined with the Advanced Placement Studio Art Class and is designed for the student who is interested in continuing serious study of visual arts. Units are directed to portfolio preparation for the AP exam and college entrance. Individual styles and content will be encouraged through life drawing, painting, and printmaking.

AP Art History

The Advanced Placement offering in the history of art provides an introductory college course in the understanding and enjoyment of architecture, sculpture, and painting, as well as other art forms within historical and cultural contexts. Students will learn to look at art critically, with intelligence and sensitivity, and to articulate what they see or experience. The course requires a high degree of commitment to academic work.

IB Art History SL

This class combines the Advanced Placement(AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses for Art History. The aim of the course is to introduce students to art making and expression and provide the necessary skills to analyze and evaluate works of art in their respective historical contexts. Art History is a subject that inherently requires students to synthesize information as the content always aims to place works of art in their respective historical periods and cultures, and proper understanding requires the study of a variety of contextual aspects, such as culture, religion, and artistic movement.

SPIRIT Band Website

Intermediate Band

This course is open to all qualified wind and percussion players. This group performs at athletic events, parades, competitions, and concerts, with the possibility of some travel. The course is oriented toward preparation and performance of high quality band literature ranging from classical to popular, as well as encouraging improvement of individual music fundamentals and technical playing skills. Members are expected to assume the necessary self-discipline and responsibilities that contribute to the success of such an organization. The intermediate band combines with the advanced band and percussion class to form the marching band for semester “A”. Maintenance of academic eligibility of 2.0 will be required of all band members for performances. Students will receive P.E. credit if taken in sophomore year or beyond.

Advanced Band

This course is open to all qualified wind and percussion players. This group performs at athletic events, parades, competitions, and concerts, with the possibility of some travel. The course is oriented toward preparation and performance of high quality band literature ranging from classical to popular, as well as encouraging improvement of individual music fundamentals and technical playing skills. Members are expected to assume the necessary self discipline and responsibilities that contribute to the success of such an organization. Maintenance of academic eligibility of 2.0 will be required of all band members for performances. Students will receive P.E. credit if taken in sophomore year or beyond.

Jazz Ensemble

This course is open to all advanced band wind and percussion players. This group performs at concerts and festivals. This course is oriented toward preparation and performance of high quality azz ensemble literature, as well as encouraging improvement of individual music fundamentals and technical playing skills. Members are expected to assume the responsibilities and self-discipline necessary to contribute to the success of such an organization. Maintenance of academic eligibility of 2.0 will be required of all jazz members for performance.

Mixed Choir

This course is a mixed voice ensemble for beginning singers. No auditions are necessary, and it is a great place for a first year singer. Your voice part will be assessed during the first week of school. Choral music will be used to teach vocal techniques, ear training, and music reading. Students will be taught to sing as an ensemble in preparation for several concerts. Choral selections from the Renaissance to present-day popular music in three-and-four part singing are prepared and performed for at least one concert each semester. Members are expected to assume the necessary self-discipline and responsibilities that contribute to such an organization. This course may be repeated for credit.

Concert Chorus

This course is a mixed voice ensemble for advanced singers. Audition and director’s approval are required for enrollment. Advanced choral literature will be used from the Renaissance to present-day popular music in multiple-part singing in English and other languages are prepared and performed at school functions, community events and concerts. Festival participation and competition is determined on a year-to-year basis. Singers are expected to perform in a small group or as a soloist. Students are expected to participate in multiple performances each semester. This course may be repeated for credit.

Show Choir

This performance group will provide musical entertainment featuring 20th century vocal styles (pop, jazz, ballad, swing, R&B, etc.). Performances will be at school functions, community events, music festivals, and vocal competitions. Choreography will be used to enhance the total entertainment value of this group. Members are expected to show great dedication to each other and the entire group to ensure the highest quality of musicianship possible.

Women’s Ensemble

This course is a treble-voiced ensemble for beginning singers. No auditions are necessary, and it is a great place for a first year singer. Your voice part will be assessed during the first week of school. Choral music will be used to teach vocal techniques, ear training, and music reading. Students will be taught to sing as an ensemble in preparation for several concerts. Choral selections from the Renaissance to present-day popular music in three-and-four-part singing are prepared and performed for at least one concert each semester. Members are expected to assume the necessary self-discipline and responsibilities that contribute to such an organization. This course may be repeated for credit.

Dance Website

Beginning Dance

This course is an exploration into a variety of dance expressions. Emphasis will be on Jazz, Modern and Ballet with various other dance styles touched upon. Students will also learn the basic elements of choreography. 9th graders may take the course as a fine arts elective in addition to PE 1. This course gives fine arts credit and requires additional work. See instructor for details. Each section must be taken in consecutive order.

Intermediate Dance

Intermediate Dance is a year-long, proficient level course for students with at least one year of dance training. Students will refine their understanding of alignment, balance, strength and agility, applying these principles to a variety of dance genres while expanding their ability to discuss, analyze, and critique using dance vocabulary. 

Advanced Dance

Teacher recommendation required. This is a year-long course for students with two or more years of dance training. Students will continue to broaden their technical abilities and understanding of a variety of dance styles. Choreography and performance skills will be emphasized, in addition to the completion of a research project. Participation in dance production and performance for live audiences are required, including scheduled rehearsals.

IB Dance SL 1

IB Dance SL 1 takes a holistic approach to dance, and embraces a variety of dance traditions and dance cultures—past, present and looking towards the future. Performance, creative and analytical skills are mutually developed and valued whether the students are writing papers or creating/performing dances. The curriculum provides students with a liberal arts orientation to dance. This orientation facilitates the development of students who may become choreographers, dance scholars, performers or those, more broadly, who seek life enrichment through dance.

IB Dance SL 2

Previous dance experience is strongly recommended. Students will learn the basic elements of choreography in preparation for composition and analysis of their own choreographic works. Students will refine their understanding of alignment, balance, strength, and agility, applying these principles to a variety of dance genres while expanding their ability to discuss, analyze and critique using dance vocabulary. Participation in dance production and performance for live audiences are required, including scheduled rehearsals.

IB Dance HL 1

Previous dance experience is strongly recommended. Students will learn the basic elements of choreography in preparation for composition and analysis of their own choreographic works. Students will refine their understanding of alignment, balance, strength, and agility, applying these principles to a variety of dance genres while expanding their ability to discuss, analyze and critique using dance vocabulary. Participation in dance production and performance for live audiences are required, including scheduled rehearsals.

IB Dance HL 2

Completion of IB HL Dance year 1 required. His course will focus on completing the IB HL Dance components of Composition and Analysis, World Dance studies, and Performance Participation in dance production and performance for live audiences are required, including scheduled rehearsals.

Guitar

• A note from the teacher:

  This year-long course is designed for those that would like to learn to play guitar. This course is not about reading tabs or copying guitar
  riffs; students will learn to read music, exploring music through guitar. The first semester is primarily focused on the basics of the
  reading music. The second semester is focused on more music theory and chords. This class designed so that students need no guitar experience at all to begin. Performance in 2 concerts is required.

This course is primarily focused on the basics of instrument-chording, hand position and strumming while the B section focuses on more advanced techniques like flat and finger picking, chordal counterpoint, reading tablature and composing. This class is an excellent introduction to the guitar as a lifetime relationship, and the course is designed so that you need no experience at all to begin.

AP Music Theory

Music Theory Website

The ultimate goal of the AP Music Theory course is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. The course will address aural, analytical and compositional skills using both listening and written exercises. Building on this foundation, the course should progress to include more creative tasks, such as the harmonization of a melody by selecting appropriate chords, composing a musical bass line to provide two-voice counterpoint, or the realization of figured-bass notation.

IB Music SL

Involving aspects of the composition, performance and critical analysis of music, the course exposes students to forms, styles and functions of music from a wide range of historical and socio-cultural contexts. Students create, participate in, and reflect upon music from their own background and those of others. They develop practical and communicative skills which provide them with the opportunity to engage in music for further study, as well as for lifetime enjoyment. SL music students are required to study musical perception. SL students in music are then required to choose one of three options:

• creating (SLC)
• solo performing (SLS)
• group performing (SLG)

In the teaching of the music course it should be possible to have groups of students that include both SL and HL students. Through a variety of teaching approaches, all students—whether SL or HL—will be encouraged to develop their creative and critical abilities and to enhance their appreciation and enjoyment of music.

IB Music HL 1

Involving aspects of the composition, performance and critical analysis of music, the course exposes students to forms, styles and functions of music from a wide range of historical and socio-cultural contexts. Students create, participate in, and reflect upon music from their own background and those of others. They develop practical and communicative skills which provide them with the opportunity to engage in music for further study, as well as for lifetime enjoyment. HL students are required to present both creating and solo performing. In the teaching of the music course it should be possible to have groups of students that include both SL and HL students. Through a variety of teaching approaches, all students—whether SL or HL—will be encouraged to develop their creative and critical abilities and to enhance their appreciation and enjoyment of music.

IB Music HL 2

The Diploma Programme music course provides an appropriate foundation for further study in music at university level or in music career pathways. It also provides an enriching and valuable course of study for students who may pursue other careers. This course also provides all students with the opportunity to engage in the world of music as lifelong participants.

Drama Website

Drama

This course may be taken one or two times a year. This course is designed to give the student an introduction to the many aspects of theater arts. Topics such as history, acting, improvisation, musicals, Radio Theater, mime, and others will be discussed and practiced. Students participate in class and individual projects combining theater skills to develop an understanding and appreciation of theater.

Advanced Drama

The purpose of this course will be to provide further background and training for students pursuing advanced dramatic skill. The goal of the course will be to provide the student with a more detailed background of the acting process. This course will include activities related to dramatic structure, character interpretation, tension building and period acting. Students will also receive instruction and practice with directing techniques and may direct a scene for presentation as a part of the course work.

Stage Technology

This course is designed to prepare students to design, construct, and evaluate projects in stage construction, lighting, costume, sound, and makeup. These skills will be directly applicable to actual productions. Aspects of oral presentations, theater history, and stage management are integrated into the course.

Theatre Arts IB SL

Theatre Arts IB SL offers students both individual and collaborative experiences in a variety of theatre activities, practices, and traditions. Students will engage in all aspects of creating theatre, including set and costume design, lighting, casting, script writing, scene blocking, and performance. IB theatre emphasizes student participation as creators of theatre, not merely participants in theatre. Students will gain knowledge of theatrical traditions from other cultures and theatrical genres, and apply research to develop their performance pieces. Student activities will engage them in analytical and imaginative interpretation of performance, ask them to reflect on personal growth, and demonstrate initiative and perseverance in individual and group projects. Through researching, creating, preparing, presenting and critically reflecting on theatre, students gain a richer understanding of themselves, their community, and the world. By the end of the course, students will develop the confidence to explore, to experiment, and to work individually and collaboratively on innovative projects that involve challenging established notions and conventions of theatre.

Theatre Arts IB HL 1

Theatre is a practical subject that encourages discovery through experimentation, risk-taking and the presentation of ideas. The IB Theatre Arts HL 1 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.

Theatre Arts IB HL 2

Theatre is a practical subject that encourages discovery through experimentation, risk-taking and the presentation of ideas. The IB Theatre Arts HL 2 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.

Visual Arts Website

Art 1

The Art 1 course is for all students that are beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of art. Students will develop basic skills using a variety of materials such as, graphite, color pencils, watercolors, ink, and paint. This course is encouraged to be taken as a prerequisite before taking higher level visual art courses. The focus of this class will be to develop perceptual art skills by understanding the concepts on the Elements and Principles of Art.

Art 2

This course is combined with the Advanced Placement Studio Art Class and is designed for the student who is interested in continuing serious study of visual arts. Units are directed to portfolio preparation for the AP Exam and college entrance. Individual styles and content will be encouraged through life drawing, painting, and printmaking.

Art 3

This course is combined with the Advanced Placement Studio Art Class and is designed for the student who is interested in continuing serious study of visual arts. Units are directed to portfolio preparation for the AP exam and college entrance. Individual styles and content will be encouraged through life drawing, painting, and printmaking.

3D Art Design (Online)

The goal of this course is the completion of a portfolio of artwork that could be submitted to the College Entrance Examination Board/AP Exam for exemption from college courses. This portfolio would also provide the work needed for acceptance to professional art colleges. Originality, craftsmanship and self-discipline will be stressed through painting, life drawing, printmaking, and mixed media projects. 

Visual Art IB SL

Students work over a one year period to complete a majority of the hours on studio work. Major themes are explored including: technical exercises, introduction into new media, and an awareness of how artists in other Cultures implement these forms of expression. Students will experience an exposure to art making through teacher led projects, and some individually chosen projects of personal interest. Students will test in their senior year in April.

Visual Art IB HL 1

HL students will work over a two year period to complete a majority of their hours on studio work. During this intense investigation, students will experiment with all venues of art. Major themes are explored including technical exercises, introduction into new media, and an awareness of how artists in other cultures implement this. Students will experience a high level of exposure to art making through teacher led projects. Year two, students will be expected to be creating works of art that are related, and exhibit the exploration of various styles, movements and cultures. The commencement of personal and independent study will begin. This requires the student to become responsible for their learning within the classroom atmosphere of advice, encouragement, and technical support. By the end of year two, students will prepare and create a senior exhibit, which will take place in April of their senior year.

Visual Art IB HL 2

HL students will work over a two-year period to complete a majority of their hours on studio work. During this intense investigation, students will experiment with all art mediums. Major themes are explored, including technical exercises, introduction to new media, and an awareness of how artists in other cultures implement this. Students will experience a high level of exposure to art making through teacher-led projects. Year two, students will be expected to be creating works of art that are related, and exhibit the exploration of various styles, movements and cultures. The commencement of personal and independent studies will begin. This requires the student to become responsible for their learning within the classroom atmosphere of advice, encouragement, and technical support. By the end of year two, students will prepare and create a senior exhibit, which will take place in April of their senior year.