Fine Arts

The Fine Arts team at DAAHS focuses on engaging students in projects and processes that help students to develop their “voice” and express themselves through art and design. Our four pillars play an important role in each of the Fine Arts courses, pushing students to refine their creativity in authentic, future focused, and rigorous ways, while connecting to community members and artistic events across the city. Through the Fine Arts, we hope that you will build skills, learn to love your creativity, and take care of your mental health.

Student choice is highly valued by the Fine Arts team - projects and performances are guided by what students are interested in learning about. We take advantage of new and modern equipment, as well as the beautiful spaces available at DAAAHS. Imagine designing a logo for a project that you can then print on a t-shirt! Imagine practicing your guitar at the fireplace around our beautiful tipi in the Agora. Imagine band, dance and drama performances set up on the grand staircase, with a forest of architecture all around. The possibilities are endless!

Dance provides experience with a variety of styles, including Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and other world dance styles. Students have the opportunity to gain technical skills in these areas, as well as develop their own choreography. Students will also learn about each dance style and its history, theory, and terminology.

Drama provides students opportunities for self-expression through a range of dramatic disciplines, including effective speech, improvisation, small ensemble acting, playwriting, directing, and technical theatre such as lighting and sound design. Students gain an understanding of contemporary and historical drama styles.

Guitar develops instrumental musicianship through playing and performing. Students learn guitar technique, basic elements of music theory, and critical listening skills, while at the same time studying how to play their personal favourite songs. From classical to jazz, Flamenco to rock, students will apply their learning through diverse genres and styles.

Instrumental Music (Band) is an extension of the music skills gained in junior high. Emphasis is placed on performing a diverse range of high quality repertoire, developing listening and theoretical skills to interact thoughtfully with music, and learning about contemporary and historical music making from around the world. Students entering Instrumental Music 10 should have at least 2 years of junior high band experience or other music study.

Digital Design and Communication 10 provides exposure to design, communication, and aesthetics. Students will be introduced to a variety of areas in digital design and communication, using industry standard equipment and software. Design and Communications 10 is the prerequisite to either Digital and Graphic Design 20 and/or Broadcasting and Communications 20.

• Digital and Graphic Design 20 and 30 explores digital graphic tools to generate content (e.g., text, images, video, animations) and design a product (e.g., web page, social media, packaging) implementing industry standards, equipment, and software.

• Broadcasting and Communications 20 and 30 explores broadcasting, journalism, video production, and media studies through collaborative projects.

Visual Arts explores various mediums and techniques. Student develop an understanding of the elements and principles of art and design to develop skills that will help them represent their ideas successfully.

Visual Arts AP extends the Visual Arts program to further develop the skills of artists and designers and students create a portfolio of work for the AP Art and Design Program. Students will select their area of interest (AP 2-D Art and Design or AP 3-D Art and Design or AP Drawing).

Fine Arts courses and/or CTS courses contribute to the diploma requirement for option courses.

The Fine Arts team at DAAHS strives to be a visible part of the school and greater community. From creative public art installations and exhibitions, to flash mob dance performances, to regular music cafes in the Agora, and graphic designs printed right before your eyes, the Fine Arts are alive at DAAHS!

As COVID restrictions lessen we will welcome back to our classrooms and studios guest speakers, performers, and workshops from expert Edmontonians. Students will participate in events like the Night of Music, art-it-forward initiatives, playwriting workshops, and field trips to view/listen to local performers. We build relationships with our local arts community to foster lifelong learning and a rich love for creative work.

Music

• Music Producer

• Performer/Musician

• Audio Engineer

• Music Therapist

• Composer/Arranger

• Film and Video Game Composer

• Teacher/Conductor

Dance

• Dancer/Performer

• Choreographer

• Stage Manager/Set or Costume Designer

• Arts Administration

• Fitness/Dance Instructor

Visual Arts

• Designer: digital, gaming, industrial, interior, urban, corporate

• Illustrator

• Advertising

• Animation

• 3D rendering

• Artist (ex, mural or tattoo)

• Researcher

• Architect

• Sculpture

• Curator (museums, galleries)

• Historian

Drama

• Actor/Performer

• Playwright/Screenwriter

• Stage Manager

• Light/Sound/Costume/Set Design

• Drama Teacher

• Arts Administration

• Director/Assistant Director

Digital Design and Broadcasting

• Marketing

• Branding

• Video Game Design

• Digital Art

• Industrial Design

• Landscape Design

• Fashion Design

• Mechanical Design

• Printing and Publishing

• Advertising

• Social Media

• Web Design

• Stage Design

• Sound Design

• Broadcasting

• Performance Design

• Installation Design