ERHS VAPA Department: Course Offerings

Advanced Art

Visual and Performing Arts

This course continues to build on the skills and techniques students learned in Art 1. Techniques will be explored more in depth, and a wider range of media will be explored. Advanced Art is also a course that is designed to prepare students for the AP Art and Design portfolio in the future. Students are given a lighter workload, but the goals and objectives are similar to that of the AP course. Students may be elevated to the AP level if the artwork satisfies AP standards.

Advanced Winds

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

Prerequisite: Concert band & Audition and/or Approval of music director.

May be repeated for credit.

This course is an advanced level instrumental unit devoted primarily to concert music activities. This group has a regular performance schedule of community & competitive events, football games, concerts, local amusement parks, and band festivals. This ensemble has rehearsals and performances opportunities throughout the year and both during and after school hours. Attendance is required to all scheduled events.

VA410

Art & Design, Advanced Placement

Visual and Performing Arts

(formerly AP Studio Art)

This course is designed for motivated students who are committed to the creation and study of art. This course emphasizes art-making as an on-going process that involves creative decision making. Through this process, students will work toward developing mastery of 2D Design or Drawing concepts and will produce a body of work that satisfies the College Board’s AP Art & Design portfolio requirements. It is recommended for the AP art student to have previous training in art (but can get instructor’s approval to bypass this requirement). Students are given creative control in creating a body of work that reflects the student’s own artistic ideas and vision.

VA401

Art 1

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

Basic principles of art in a variety of materials make this an excellent foundation to continue with formal art training and for lifetime enrichment. Basic techniques in lettering, perspective design, drawing, and painting will be taught using tempera paint, ink, pencil, and watercolor. Course will fulfill the arts requirement.

0

Art SL (IB)

Visual and Performing Arts

Part of the IB International Baccalaureate program

Chicano Mural Art

Visual and Performing Arts

PA405

Choraleers

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

Prerequisite: Audition. May be repeated for credit

In this advanced choral performance group, students explore various styles of vocal music with emphasis on Pop, Vocal Jazz, and Musical Comedy. They learn choreographed movements to various songs, are given opportunities for solos, and learn showmanship in order to produce a complete “show” type production. The performance schedule is extensive with numerous concerts on campus, in the community, and throughout Southern California. Regular attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances.

PA421

Choralettes

Visual and Performing Arts

Prerequisite Audition (Intermediate Women’s Choir)

This is an auditioned intermediate women’s choir that learns vocal technique, music reading, and music theory. Students will learn to perform solos in front of an audience, and as a choir learn songs from various time periods and cultures. This group is invited to tour with the Choraleers, and for the community and at festivals.

PA403

Concert Band

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

Prerequisite: Marching band & Audition and/or Approval of music director. May be repeated for credit. This course is an instrumental unit devoted primarily to concert and marching music activities. This group has a regular performance schedule of community & competitive events, football games, concerts, local amusement parks, and band festivals. This ensemble has rehearsals and performance opportunities throughout the year and both during and after school hours. Attendance is required to all scheduled events.

PA407

Concert Choir

Visual and Performing Arts

No Prerequisites Non Auditioned (Freshman friendly)

In this mixed choir a students learns the basics of vocal technique, music reading, music theory and performing in front of an audience. Repertoire includes music from different time periods and cultures. This is a traditional choir with no choreography and attendance is required for all performances.

VA471

Digital Animation 1

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of 2D and 3D animation. Throughout the course, students will: Explore the traditional animation principles, learn to use 2D AND 3D animation applications, create original 2D/3D characters, animate a character walk, understand the basics of modeling in a 3D environment, explore surface coloring, texturing and texture mapping, and develop skills in lighting, animating, camera techniques and film editing.

VA470

Digital Imaging 1

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

This course will explore the use of the computer in the field of graphic design. Students will learn the primary skills and techniques of computer-assisted art. Basic techniques in lettering, design, drawing, color and layout will be taught. Students will create professional-quality artwork that combines photography, lettering graphics and illustration. Students will also develop Internet skills, which can be applied to their projects.

VA412

Digital Photography

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

Digital Photography teaches you how to use a digital camera to not just take a snapshot but also make great photographs. You will learn the tricks and tools of the trade, and you will get to know the manual features of the modern day digital camera. We will have class critiques to discuss the progress of your work and to emphasize your efforts as a photographer and artist. Students will be able to link photography to other art forms and disciplines as well as understand how photography applies to various careers in contemporary society.

PA401

Drama, Advanced

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

Performance in the classroom and in the community is the stress in Advanced Acting class. Actors will be involved in extensive scene study as they delve into the classics of dramatic literature. Actors will also write a children’s show as part of a class project and perform at the elementary schools. Actors may also perform scenes and improvisational games at noon for Lunch Bag Theatre in order to showcase their talent. Advanced Drama can be repeated for credit.

PA400

Drama, Beginning

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

This is a functional course in which students learn by doing. Practical benefits include the development of poise, improvements in voice, better understanding of human nature, and an appreciation of the importance of teamwork and cooperation. The course includes the study of basic acting exercises and techniques, encompassing sensory awareness, pantomime, improvisation, script study, and performance. This course can be repeated for credit.

PA413

Jazz Ensemble

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

Prerequisite: Audition and/or Approval of music director.

May be repeated for credit.

This course is an instrumental unit devoted primarily to jazz music activities. This group has a regular performance schedule of community & competitive events, football games, concerts, local amusement parks, and band festivals. This ensemble has rehearsals and performance opportunities throughout the year and both during and after school hours. Attendance is required to all scheduled events.

PA418

Marching Band

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

Beginning level for all music courses.

Prerequisite: Audition and/or Approval of music director.

May be repeated for credit.

This course is an instrumental unit devoted primarily to marching music activities. This group has a regular performance schedule of community & competitive events, football games, concerts, local amusement parks, and band festivals. This ensemble has rehearsals and performance opportunities throughout the year and both during and after school hours. Attendance is required to all scheduled events.

Mariachi Band (& string orchestra)

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

Prerequisite: Audition and/or Approval of music director.

May be repeated for credit.

This course is an instrumental unit devoted primarily to mariachi music activities. This group has a regular performance schedule of community events, football games, concerts, local amusement parks, and band festivals. This ensemble has rehearsals and performance opportunities throughout the year and both during and after school hours. Attendance is required to all scheduled events.

PA422

Pageantry Flags and Percussion (Pagent/drum)

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

Prerequisite: Marching band & Audition and/or Approval of music director.

May be repeated for credit.

This course is an instrumental unit devoted primarily to marching music activities. This group has a regular performance schedule of community & competitive events, football games, concerts, local amusement parks, and festivals. This ensemble has rehearsals and performance opportunities throughout the year and both during and after school hours. Attendance is required to all scheduled events.

PA426

String Orchestra

Visual and Performing Arts

Fulfills "a - g" requirement.

Prerequisite: Audition and/or Approval of music director.

May be repeated for credit.

This course is an instrumental unit devoted primarily to string ensemble music activities. This group has a regular performance schedule of community events, concerts, local amusement parks, and music festivals. This ensemble has rehearsals and performance opportunities throughout the year and both during and after school hours. Attendance is required to all scheduled events.