Course Offerings
Advanced Dance Performance Honors
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: By audition
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Advanced Dance Performance Honors demonstrate advanced movement and performance skills in dance. Students train in a variety of strengthening and conditioning techniques in order to increase range of motion, endurance, and performance qualities. Technical skills are further enhanced by ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop techniques. Choreographic principles, processes and structures are gained through the curriculum as students choreograph routines for half time performances, traditional strands, pep rally dances and flash mobs to increase school spirit. Team will perform at school functions. After-school rehearsals and performances are required.
Availability:
Semester
AP Art History
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none
Co-requisite: AP World History: Hard Pair
Description: Students in AP Art History will examine global artistic expression by human beings from prehistoric times to the present. The course is divided into twelve chronological/cultural content units following the College Board curriculum which is designed to foster an in-depth, holistic understanding of the history of art. Students will be guided through focused, intensive analysis about the ways artworks reflect the historical, socio-political, and cultural contexts in which the art was created, with an ever-deepening investigation of major themes of human experience. My goal is to facilitate a highly collaborative community of learners who speak and write about global art with fluency, mastery, and specificity.
Availability:
Yearlong
AP Music Theory
Grade Level: 10,11,12
Prerequisite: Instructor approval AND basic foundation in music
Co-requisite: All students enrolled in this class are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in the spring.
Description: Students in AP Music Theory, a college-level course, learn aural dictation, part-writing, and score analysis. Emphasis is on 17th and 18th century theory, and provides a solid foundation in intervals, scales, chords, metric/rhythm patterns, and the terms used to describe these elements in music.
Note: This course will not be offered in the 2021-2022 school year.
Availability:
Semester
AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Visual Arts IV Honors
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in AP Studio Art: 2-D Design are highly-motivated students that do college-level work in studio art while still in high school. Emphasis is placed on the development of a quality portfolio, based upon the national AP requirements. There is not a written AP exam; instead, their portfolio is judged by the College Board to determine AP credit.
Availability:
Yearlong
AP Studio Art: Drawing
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Visual Arts III Honors
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in AP Studio Art: Drawing are highly-motivated students that do college-level work in studio art while still in high school. The course concentrates on the development of a quality portfolio, based upon the national AP requirements. There is not a written AP exam; instead, their portfolio is judged by the College Board to determine AP credit. All students enrolled in this class are required to present their portfolio to the College Board in the spring.
Availability:
Yearlong
Band Leadership
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Band Leadership are interested in being instrumental tutors and in learning about the organization and upkeep for the band program. This course does not count as an Arts credit.
Availability:
Semester, Yearlong
Ceramics I
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: None
Description: (Beginning) Students in Ceramics I are introduced to the craft of making decorative and utilitarian objects with clay using hand-building and wheel methods. Students develop an understanding of the three dimensional design, and research and design works. In this course, hand-building and the potter's wheel are used as the forming processes for making sculpture and vessels. Provided is a direct experience with process and materials that teach the necessary skills and techniques to enable students to correlate the hand and eye with the mind. The objective of the course is to help students develop creative ideas and concepts into works of art. Evaluations include studio assignments, other media and technology.
Availability:
Semester
Ceramics II
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Ceramics I
Co-requisite: None
Description: (Intermediate) Students in Ceramics II will develop more advanced technical skills, creative and critical problem-solving skills, and aesthetic judgment. There is a considerable research component. Through an exploration of pottery form this course addresses artistic inquiry, studio practice, and the genre of functional ceramics. Issues relative to ceramic history, contemporary material culture, and craft theory are part of the dialogue. These classes also include casting and hand-building systems. Evaluations include studio assignments, notebooks and other media and technology.
Availability:
Semester
Ceramics III Honors
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Ceramics II
Co-requisite: None
Description: (Proficient) Students in Ceramic III Honors will develop more advanced skills in clay techniques and glazing and increase their knowledge of ceramics as an art form. Historical and contemporary works will be emphasized. This course emphasizes the rigorous development of conceptual skills with the goal of developing an individual approach to a full integration of ideas, materials and processes. Students are encouraged to experiment with different strategies, including installation work, mixed-media projects, and a variety of traditional ceramic techniques. Construction and firing techniques are explored as well. Evaluations include studio assignments, other media and technology, kiln loading, firing and glaze making.
Availability:
Semester
Ceramics IV Honors
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Ceramics III Honors
Co-requisite: None
Description: (Advanced) Students in Ceramics IV Honors will develop specific ceramic skills, with emphasis on the aesthetic development of personal style. This course covers an extensive range of clay construction processes. Fundamental problems in ceramics such as timing, gravity and weight are experienced in assignments that explore sculptural concepts. Students are introduced to historic and contemporary models to understand the possibilities offered by ceramic materials. This course also covers the fundamentals of body and glaze development focusing on ceramic raw materials and their role in forming and firing for functional ware and sculpture bodies. Glaze formulations are also discussed, including glaze chemistry, texture, and causes of common defects. Evaluations include studio assignments, notebooks, kiln loading, firing and glaze making.
Availability:
Semester
Chamber Singers I
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concert Choir AND student must pass an audition with instructor
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Chamber Singers I will continue to build upon the fundamentals of singing and musicianship learned in Concert Choir, music theory, and explore music history through performance. Emphasis is placed on diversity of time periods and musical styles. Singers will participate in choreographed selections. This course requires rehearsals and public performances, some of which will be scheduled after school, in the evenings, and/or on weekends.
Availability:
Semester
Chamber Singers II
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chamber Singers I
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Chamber Singers II will demonstrate musical proficiency as they continue to build upon skills learned in Concert Choir and Chamber Singers I, including music theory, and exploration of music history through performance. Emphasis is placed on diversity of time periods and musical styles. Singers will participate in choreographed selections. This course requires rehearsals and public performances, some of which will be scheduled after school, in the evenings, and/or on weekends.
Availability:
Semester
Chamber Singers III Honors
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chamber Singers II.
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Chamber Singers III Honors will demonstrate increased proficiency in music theory and music history through performance. Emphasis is placed on diversity of time periods and musical styles. Singers will participate in choreographed selections. Students are expected to assume various leadership roles, such as section leaders. This course requires rehearsals and public performances, some of which will be scheduled after school, in the evenings, and/or on weekends.
Availability:
Semester
Chamber Singers IV Honors
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chamber Singers III Honors.
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Chamber Singers IV Honors will demonstrate advanced performance skills and understanding of music theory and music history through performance. Emphasis is placed on diversity of time periods and musical styles. After the completion of music theory modules, students will explore composing and/or arranging, and conducting. This course requires rehearsals and public performances, some of which will be scheduled after school, in the evenings, and/or on weekends.
Availability:
Semester
Concert Choir
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Concert Choir will cover the fundamentals of singing and musicianship, as well as music theory and music history, in an entry-level mixed-voice ensemble. This course requires rehearsals and public performances, some of which will be scheduled after school, in the evenings, and/or on weekends.
Availability:
Semester
Dance I
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Dance I train in a variety of dance forms taught in alignment with the Common Core Standards. Dance forms presented include ballet, modern, jazz, and Broadway jazz and hip hop. In addition students will learn to apply basic elements of choreography and gain an understanding of the dance pioneers who have influenced the field. After-school rehearsals and performances are required.
Availability:
Semester
Dance II
Grade Level: 9,10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Dance I
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Dance II demonstrate intermediate skills in dance elements, choreographic principles, techniques, processes and structures. Dance history from the modern and postmodern periods focusing on the purpose of dance is explored through contemporary and jazz artists. Technique is strengthened to an intermediate level in execution of performance quality. Styles include ballet, contemporary, jazz and hip hop. After-school rehearsals and performances are required.
Availability:
Semester
Dance III Honors
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Dance II
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Dance III Honors study dance as a creative and expressive art form. Students combine the use of improvisation, dance elements, choreographic principles, and technical/theatrical elements to explore the creation of meaningful dance compositions. Contemporary dance artists are explored through analysis and critique. Technical training in ballet, contemporary, jazz and hip hop will focus on increased movement ability and strength. Each student evaluates personal progress through the creation and use of a dance portfolio or written and/or visual examples of student work. After-school rehearsals and performances are required.
Availability:
Semester
Dance IV Honors
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Dance III Honors
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Dance IV Honors strive to clearly express ideas as they examine the creative process through movement as a language. Students choreograph and perform their own work in class and in a performance setting. Advanced technique training in ballet, contemporary, jazz and hip hop enhance the students ability to convey choreographic intent. Students complete multimedia projects connecting dance with 21st century skills and technology. Contemporary dance artists are explored to provide an understanding of currently working artists in the field. Each student evaluates personal progress through the creation and use of a dance portfolio of written and/or visual samples of student work. After-school rehearsals and performances are required.
Availability:
Semester
History of Rock
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in History of Rock will study rock history through the lens of popular music with the cross-curricular connections from social studies, language arts, geography, media studies, science, general music and more. Emphasis is placed on the diversity and influence of men and women of all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds seen as important contributors to the fabric of our society. Students will cover rock and it’s influences from its beginnings in the 1950s to now. Students will be required to attend at least one performance during the semester which may occur outside of school hours, including evenings or weekends. This course is offered in the spring of odd-numbered years (2021, 2023, 2025 etc).
Availability:
Semester
Introduction to Film History
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Introduction to Film History will have a broad exploration of the production, history, and aesthetics of motion pictures from the infancy of the medium to the present. The students will examine filmmaking as a powerful shaper of culture and investigate specific techniques used to create audience responses. The course develops students’ critical abilities, enabling them to become discriminating viewers of films.
Availability:
Semester
Marching/Symphonic Band Honors
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Marching Band.
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Marching/Symphonic Band Honors will participate in the Marching Band and a Symphonic Band Concert. This ensemble is open to 9th-12th graders and is open to any student who has completed band in middle school or auditions for the director, but has more rigorous entrance requirements and curriculum. The Marching Band component of this class will involve Friday night home football games as well as an occasional away game, competition, or parade. The Marching requirements of this class will mostly be for the first half of the semester. In the second half the marching band splits up into two concert ensembles and works on music at the Grade III, IV and V level performing a Fall and Winter Concert. Students in the honors section will be expected to master the All State scale requirements, learn the All State solo, and are required to audition for the Western District All District Band. Available in the Fall Semester.
Availability:
Semester
Marching/Symphonic Band Intermediate
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 8th grade band or placement audition.
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Marching/Symphonic Band Intermediate will participate in the Marching Band and a Symphonic Band Concert. This ensemble is open to 9th-12th graders and is open to any student who has completed band in middle school or auditions for the director. The Marching Band component of this class will involve Friday night home football games as well as an occasional away game, competition or parade. The Marching requirements of this class will mostly be for the first half of the semester. In the second half the marching band splits up into two concert ensembles and works on music at the Grade III, IV and V level performing a Fall and Winter Concert. Available in the Fall Semester.
Availability:
Semester
Marching/Wind Symphony Honors
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Audition Only
Co-requisite: Wind Symphony Spring
Description: Students in Marching/Wind Symphony Honors will be scheduled by placement or audition only are are primarily 10th-12th graders. This class is only offered at the Advanced Honors Level and the commitment level of this ensemble is of the highest level. During the first month of school this ensemble will be a part of the Marching Band, but will quickly begin rehearsing serious concert literature as soon as the demands of the Marching Band are complete. This group will perform Grade V, VI and Masterwork level music. Home practice and individual preparation is an expectation. Students are required to be enrolled in both semesters of Wind Symphony as this is a year long ensemble. The entrance requirement is mastery of the 11-12 Honors Band Scales. It is suggested that students who are in this ensemble take private lessons, attend summer music camps or practice at home on a regular basis. Successfully auditioning for All District Band is a requirement for this ensemble. Available in the Fall Semester.
Availability:
Semester
Music Appreciation
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Music Appreciation explore a variety of topics relating to music which may include, but are not limited to: music history, genre studies, composer/artist studies, performing, composing, world music, rhythmic studies, and the music industry. Students will be required to attend at least one performance during the semester which may occur outside of school hours, including evenings or weekends. Available in the Fall Semester.
Availability:
Semester
Musical Theatre
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Signature of instructor required on course request form.
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Musical Theatre sharpen their vocal skills, movement, and acting techniques. They rehearse and perform a musical as a class product. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required. Additionally, they will perform as part of the spring choral concert in May. This course is offered in the spring of even-numbered years (2022, 2024, 2026 etc).
Note: This course will not be offered in the 2021-2022 school year.
Availability:
Spring Semester
Orchestra I
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Orchestra I receive instruction in the use of and performance with a string orchestra instrument. Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
Availability:
Semester
Orchestra II
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Orchestra I.
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Orchestra II receive instruction in the use of and performance with a string orchestra instrument. Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
Availability:
Semester
Orchestra III Honors
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Orchestra II.
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Orchestra III Honors receive instruction in the use of and performance with a string orchestra instrument. Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
Availability:
Semester
Orchestra IV Honors
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Orchestra III Honors.
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Orchestra IV Honors receive instruction in the use of and performance with a string orchestra instrument. Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
Availability:
Semester
Piano I
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Piano I learn the fundamentals and technique needed to perform on the piano. Instruction includes work both in the piano lab, and group classroom instruction in music notation and theory. Students benefit from both group instruction and independent study, with one-on-one instructor assistance. There is one required performance at the end of the semester, in which students perform in a piano recital for an audience. Supplemental work includes online resources. Students need to provide headphones or earbuds for use with the pianos in the lab.
Availability:
Semester
Symphonic Band Honors
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Fall Marching/Symphonic Band, OR Audition
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Symphonic Band Honors refine perceptions gained through musical interpretation. This class provides an engaging means of personal, musical, social, and emotional expression.
Availability:
Semester
Symphonic Band Intermediate
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Fall Marching/Symphonic Band, OR Audition
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Symphonic Band Intermediate will perform music at the Grade III, IV and V level and will perform at the State MPA in the spring as well as giving a Pre-MPA and Spring Concert. This ensemble is open to 9th-12th graders and is open to any student who has completed band in middle school or auditions for the director. This class may be taken for only 1 semester at the Intermediate Level.
Availability:
Semester
Theatre Arts (Advanced) IV Honors
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of three (3) Theatre Arts classes, including Theatre Arts III Honors.
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Theatre Arts IV Honors utilize advanced acting techniques in preparation for a formal production and college or professional auditions. Students actively explore the roles of director, designer, dramaturg, and producer through work on a play or musical for public performance. They build on historical timelines by play reading. They participate in a playwriting unit culminating in a complete work. Rehearsal time outside of class is required near performance time. This course will be offered in the Spring Semester.
Availability:
Semester
Theatre Arts (Beginning) I
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Theatre Arts I employ improvisation, voice and diction, storytelling, acting practice in scenes and monologues, theatre history, play reading, and an introduction to script writing and technical theatre to gain foundational knowledge of theatre arts.
Availability:
Semester
Theatre Arts (Intermediate) II
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Theatre I
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Theatre Arts II refine acting technique through multiple acting units including rehearsing and producing a children's theatre performance. Students build upon their playwriting skills writing scenes. and expand their knowledge of technical theatre by investigating current designers and productions.
Availability:
Semester
Theatre Arts (Proficient) III Honors - Spring
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theatre I and one additional Theatre Arts class
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Theatre Arts III Honors continue to refine acting techniques through preparation of audition monologues, and public performances, including a play or musical. Informal research and play reading allows students to build on their knowledge of playwrights, directors, and designers. Students actively participate in various aspects of technical theatre, as well as a playwriting unit culminating in a three-person scene. Rehearsal time outside of class is required near performance time. This course will be offered in the Spring Semester.
Availability:
Semester
Theatre Arts Spcl (Intermediate) Tech Practicum
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theatre I and Theatre II, OR Theatre I and Technical Theatre
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Tech Practicum are responsible for design and operation of lights and sound for most productions and performances in the AHS Arts Theatre. Student technicians also complete research-based independent projects that further their knowledge and expertise in various areas of theatrical dramaturgy, design, and production. They complete one project involving acting. This course is for self-motivated students with some technical theatre experience. Time outside of school hours is required periodically.
Availability:
Semester
Theatre Arts Spcl (Intermediate) Tech Theatre
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Theatre I
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Tech Theatre explore various areas of technical theatre through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on learning. No previous experience in technical theatre is required. Students gain practical experience in set and prop design and construction; lighting design, rigging and board operation; costume design and construction; stage management; and directing. Students utilize play reading and informal research to support their design work. One in-class performance project is required.
Availability:
Semester
Theatre Arts Spcl (Proficient) Play Productions Honors
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theatre I and II
Co-requisite: None
Description: Students in Play Productions Honors continue their study of theatre arts through the production of a play or musical for public performance. Students explore acting technique through the audition, rehearsal, and performance process. They accomplish technical work relating to the specific production, including scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound. Students complete informal research inquiries relating to the production and careers in theatre, as well as continue play reading. They participate in a playwriting unit culminating in a two-person scene. Rehearsal time outside of class is required near performance time.
Availability:
Semester
Visual Arts I
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: None
Description: (Beginning) Students in Visual Arts I work on the development & improvement of their drawing skills, while creating artwork with a variety of materials, and study art vocabulary and art history. Homework will include both art prompts and writing prompts. A personal sketchbook, (around 9x12 or larger) is needed for this class.
Availability:
Semester
Visual Arts II
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of: Visual Arts I
Co-requisite: None
Description: (Intermediate) Students in Visual Arts II will be expected to demonstrate more sophisticated technical drawing skills, and the assignments will stretch their creative problem-solving abilities in order to prepare for success in the Advanced Art classes. Homework will include both art prompts and writing prompts. A personal sketchbook, (9x12 or larger), is needed for this class.
Availability:
Semester
Visual Arts III Honors
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of: Visual Arts II
Co-requisite: None
Description: (Proficient) Students in Visual Arts III Honors will research and solve challenging visual art problems which integrate their studio work with the study of aesthetic theories, design principles, art history and the art of other cultures. This is an honors course in which students must have strong motivation and self-discipline to be successful. A 11x14 sketchbook is needed for this class.
Availability:
Semester
Visual Arts IV Honors
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Visual Arts III Honors
Co-requisite: None
Description: (Advanced) Students in Visual Arts IV Honors will work on creating a comprehensive portfolio that best showcases their talents and interests in visual art. Students will be given a variety of challenges and media to work with and later, investigate a theme that has personal interest to them. This course will help prepare for AP Studio Art and/or life experience. A 11x14 sketchbook is needed for this class.
Availability:
Semester
Wind Symphony Honors
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Audition required
Co-requisite: Fall Marching Band/Spring Wind Symphony Honors
Description: Students in Wind Symphony Honors will perform Grade V, VI and Masterwork level music. This ensemble is primarily 10th-12th grade and is open by placement or audition only. Home practice and individual preparation are expectations. The band will perform concerts each 9 weeks for parents, perform community concerts, perform at the State MPA as well as attend more regional and national festivals. The level of music and the performance expectation is of the very highest level available. Students are required to be enrolled in both semesters as this is a year-long performing group. The entrance requirement is mastery of the 11-12 Honors Band Scales and audition. Successfully auditioning for All District Band is a requirement for this ensemble. Available in Spring Semester.
Availability:
Semester
Yoga
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Co-requisite: None
Description: This course is designed to introduce students, safely and accessibly, to the basic postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation methods of yoga. Additionally students will learn to integrate Pilates for core strengthening into their practice as they train their bodies. Students will begin to experience the benefits of stretching, moving, strengthening and breathing freely as they relieve built up stress, learn to relax, and ultimately get more out of day-to-day life.
Availability:
Semester