Visual and Performing Arts

Architectural Design A & B is articulated with MiraCosta College’s DESN 100: Fundamentals of Design. Students can earn 3 units from MiraCosta College if they earn a B or higher on both their final exam/project and in the course. In addition, students must submit a MiraCosta College application and register for the course online via CATEMA; in-class support is provided for these steps. 

Architectural design has been created for students interested in developing primary skills in the area of Architecture and Design. Students examine architecture and its origins as well as address the diverse forces that have shaped modern architecture. Students gain an understanding of the significance of architecture and will also acquire skills to visually analyze structures. This course also provides entry level and upgrade training in the principles of drafting conventions and techniques of building and construction drawing. Class activities involve research, presentations, sketching, dimensioning, notations, floor plans, elevation plans, foundation plans, sectional plans, scaled model building with a variety of mediums, and all phases of architectural plan development and design. Students utilize computer-based design software (AutoCad, AutoCad Architecture, Sketchup, and Layout) as well as architect’s scales, tape measures and layout equipment. This course prepares students for positions as architectural designers, drafters, plan checkers and construction trade workers, interior designers, landscape architects, and interior architects. 

Art 1 allows students to take creativity and transfer it to visual works of art. Students develop knowledge of the elements of art and principles of design. They learn a variety of techniques through the use of graphite pencil, charcoal, pen, colored pencils, watercolor, acrylic and/or tempera paint. Students learn about studio processes, gain artistic literacy and insight on historical contexts and develop their creative voice. Students who successfully complete Art 1 are prepared for a variety of upper level art classes. 

Art 2 provides the intermediate student with an opportunity to further develop the skills and knowledge of the elements of art and principles of design, personal expression and composition learned in Art 1. This course includes a variety of media such as graphic design, printmaking, painting, and collage as well as exploratory applications and techniques. Students will continue learning about historical contexts and movements in art. 

This advanced course is designed for artists who wish to further develop their creative voice techniques in drawing and painting. Students will focus on compositional skills, expressive skills, and create several works of art using a wide variety of media including oil and gouache paint, charcoal, pastel and graphite. Students also will begin developing a portfolio and may participate in group, school and community design projects. This course may be repeated. 

The AP Art History course explores such topics as the nature of art, its uses, its meanings, art making, and responses to art. Through investigation of diverse artistic traditions of cultures from prehistory to the present, the course fosters in-depth and holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students learn and apply skills of visual, contextual, and comparative analysis to engage with a variety of art forms, constructing understanding of individual works and interconnections of art making processes and products throughout history. This course prepares students to take the AP exam in May. 

The A and B portion of AP classes are weighted; the required Seminar portion is a non-weighted elective credit 

*Pending CUSD Board Approval 

The AP Art and Design program provides the highly motivated student seeking early preparation for an art career or major with the opportunity to develop a professional portfolio and concentrate on specific areas of individual interest. The course and portfolio exam includes two different areas of study: AP 2-D Art and Design and AP Drawing. Students in 2-D can choose to create art using photography, graphic design, and mixed media. Students in Drawing (analog and digital), can choose from drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media work. Students will make works of art and design by practicing, experimenting, and revising, and will communicate ideas about art and design through written and visual expression. Students will independently create a portfolio consisting of a minimum of 20 art pieces by the end of April and will prepare students to complete the AP Art and Design exam for College credit. At the end of the course students will curate an exhibition of original works of art as well develop a lifelong engagement with art and design. 

The A and B portion of AP classes are weighted; the required Seminar portion is a non-weighted elective credit. 

3D Design is intended for the intermediate art student. This class is a studio art class that explores 3D forms and focuses on creating work in various materials, techniques, and processes (with a strong emphasis on clay processes). Students apply the elements of art, principles of design, color theory, as well as drawing and painting skills. Through the imaginative use of models, drawings, photographs, traditional and contemporary art history, students will create three-dimensional sculptures in a variety of materials. 

Chamber Orchestra is our advanced string Ensemble. Students in Chamber Orchestra should be very committed and familiar with their instrument (throughout its range). To be eligible to be in this ensemble, students MUST audition and be enrolled for all three trimesters. For other eligibility requirements, see Audition Information & Requirements at https://www.sagecreekmusic.org/chamber-orchestra.html. 

The literature performed in this ensemble ranges from traditional orchestral classics to arrangements, and modern compositions. Due to its challenging nature, students are expected to commit to a minimum of 7 hours of personal practice time per week (one hour per day). While it is not a requirement, students are encouraged to receive private instruction on their instrument. 

***On a case by case basis: if select students do not make the ensemble, but are close to the skill and dedication level, they may be allowed to enroll in the class as a "substitute". They would rehearse with the ensemble and perform if and when a substitute player is needed and possibly on some other occasions. Note: This is a good option for students who are hoping to join the ensemble in full during the next audition cycle. For this option, students would be required to be enrolled for 2nd and 3rd trimesters and minimum. 

Students in Concert Choir will learn the basics of music theory, and vocal technique. Each trimester, students will learn new skills and a variety of choral repertoire to perform at concerts, festivals, and school events. Students are expected to practice both their repertoire and music theory regularly outside of the normal school day. Enrollment year-round is not required but is always encouraged.

This course offers students an opportunity to learn basic dance techniques, dance history, and dance appreciation. Students need no prior dance experience to enroll in the class. Students will participate in a variety of dance styles including ballet, modern, musical theater, jazz, and social and cultural dance. A performance in the Fall Dance Show is required (although alternatives are offered). 

This course focuses on developing and performing more challenging dance techniques through a variety of dance styles including ballet, modern, musical theater, jazz, hip hop, and social and cultural dance. Students will also learn about alignment, stretch and strengthening, isolations, and dance vocabulary including the dance elements. A performance in the Spring Dance Show is required (although alternatives are offered). 

This course develops advanced dance techniques through rigorous dance conditioning practices and performing more challenging dances in a variety of dance styles including ballet, modern, musical theater, jazz, hip hop, and social and cultural dance. Students also deepen their understanding of alignment, stretch and strengthening, isolations, and dance vocabulary including the dance elements. A performance in the Spring Dance Show is required (although alternatives are offered). 

Dance 4 is the class our Dance Company takes and is for advanced dancers with extensive previous experience only. The Dance Company performs at Sage Creek athletic events, spirit events like pep rallies, and performs in community events as well as the Fall and Spring Dance Show. Students refine advanced dance techniques and execute and create sophisticated choreography. 

Digital Photography 1 A & B is articulated with MiraCosta College's Art 251 Digital Photography. Students can earn 3 units from MiraCosta College if they earn a B or higher on both their final exam/project and in the course. In addition, students must submit a MiraCosta College application and register for the course online via CATEMA; in-class support is provided for these steps.

Learn how to capture more visually compelling images and make the most of digital photographic technology. Beginning photographers will develop a solid foundation in photography, learning to use their camera as a tool to manipulate depth of field, motion and apply basic design and composition rules (or effectively break them). Students will receive an introduction to Adobe Lightroom, learning how to improve contrast, crop and resize photos and correct color casts post- production. In addition students will learn skills in Adobe Photoshop such as using layer masks, blending modes, etc, leading up to more intermediate editing techniques. Instruction, which is based on the California State Standards for the Visual Arts and CTE Arts, Media, and Entertainment, includes weekly shooting assignments, demonstrations, discussions, reflections and critiques. This course may be used for UC fine arts credit or as an elective. 

Building on the skills learned in Digital Photo 1, students will strengthen technical abilities and further develop individual photographic style. It offers a continued study of photographic theory, composition, content development, digital camera/hardware handling, studio lighting, and industry standards for color management and printing techniques. Students explore photography as a visual language and expressive medium, and they observe industry practices through onsite visits to local business, galleries, and service bureaus. The course culminates with the creation and production of a professional portfolio of photographs. Instruction is based on the California State Standards for the Visual Arts and CTE Arts, Media and Entertainment, includes weekly shooting assignments, demonstrations, discussions and class critiques.

Digital Photography 2 A & B is pending Articulation with MiraCosta College's Art 253 Applied Digital Photography. Students can earn 3 units from MiraCosta College if they earn a B or higher on both their final exam/project and in the course. In addition, students must submit a MiraCosta College application and register for the course online via CATEMA; in-class support is provided for these steps. 

Students in this course may be at any level of musical experience (beginning to advanced). This is not a performance-based class, but students will perform for each other to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have developed. During the course of this class, students will learn the basics of reading, writing, and interpreting music notation and theory, as well as building proficiency on Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Percussion, and Voice. In addition to the physical aspect of playing an instrument, students will also examine diverse music from a historical and contextual perspective and learn about the careers that can be pursued in the field of music. 

In the "B" section of this course, students will also learn the basics of music technology and production. 

This is a convergent journalism class in which students will write, direct, revise, produce, edit and film stories for both television and the web. Students will be introduced to the ever-evolving role of the modern journalist by mastering a variety of storytelling platforms: print, audio, film, web, and social media. Students will provide a dynamic news experience for the Sage Creek community, one that allows its audience to consume news stories from a variety of news media. 

As a member of the Orchestra, students will continue to develop their musicianship and technique by daily rehearsal and sight-reading. Students will learn the fundamentals of music theory. They will attend festivals, perform in 3-4 concerts per year and attend the symphony. Students are required to practice daily and perform in concerts. Students will also explore a variety of careers in music. 

In this course, students create and publish Sage Creek’s school yearbook. They will learn advanced research skills, interviewing, copywriting and editing. They are responsible for the entire publication process, including brainstorming sessions, research, content, layout and design. Budget and records must be kept, ads sold, and money collected. Students will develop their collaboration, organization, communication and leadership skills. In addition to writers, the yearbook needs business managers, artists, photographers and computer technologists. Students are required to enroll in this course for at least two trimesters. New students must take Section A and Section B. New students cannot add into the class without taking Section A first. 

Wind Ensemble is the performing ensemble for band students. Due to the challenging nature of wind band literature, outside personal practice and learning of parts is required. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition and refinement of more advanced instrumental techniques. The type of literature performed is designed for a small ensemble and focuses primarily on contemporary music. Student involvement in concert and performance activities will be part of the grading process for this course. Periodically there are special events, rehearsals or concerts during non-school hours. Participation in such activities is an essential extension of the requirements

The first and second trimester of Theater 1 include many facets of dramatic activity. Included are basic storytelling, voice and diction, reader's theater, pantomime, and improvisational exercises. Students study theater history including the origins of theater through contemporary film. Students collaborate on scene studies of various genres throughout the course and participate in a class play for the public. The third trimester of this course will include studying various forms of comedy, musical theater, and auditioning/participating in a Shakespeare play for the public.

With an emphasis on acting, this course offers the opportunity to strengthen skills by creating various lengths of performance material for audiences from short scenes to one act plays. Performances will include contemporary scenes and monologues, children’s theater and a Shakespeare festival. Students must have a previous background in performance techniques through Theater 1 and/or the middle school theater courses. The content and curriculum varies from year to year, developing an array of technical skills and knowledge and can be repeated.

Students are required to enroll in this course for all three trimesters.

Theater 3 is a one-year course designed to provide training in vocal skills, physical movement, and characterization. Students continue to develop acting skills introduced in the Theater One and Two classes while writing and performing one-act plays and adapting non-theatrical literature for the stage. This class provides the opportunity to perform for the public in dramatic, comic and musical theater pieces. Students are required to participate in events outside of the school day. 

Students are required to enroll in this course for all three trimesters.

Using text and demonstration, this course covers backstage fundamentals such as theater terminology, stage rigging, properties, sound, scenic construction and lighting to prepare students to participate on technical crews at the Sage Creek Performing Arts Center and other theaters. This course will also have a focus on the responsibilities of a stage manager and career options in technical theater. Students will be expected to participate on the technical crew of at least one (1) Sage Creek High production.