912007 ART I

913007 ART II

Grades 9-12

Elective

The art program is loosely structured between beginning and advanced students. The beginning classes heavily emphasize the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, the basic skills necessary to visualize and build works of art, with confidence and sophistication. Students draw, paint, sculpt, carve, print and invent in as many materials and projects as students can thoroughly complete in a given semester. Students are invited to share in this experience – all students have the potential to express themselves creatively and should acquire the skills necessary to communicate visually, whatever their goals in life.

914007 ART III

914507 ART IV

Grades 11-12

Elective

Recommended: Successful completion of the previous level Art course

The advanced classes are geared towards more sophisticated and comprehensive projects than our introductory selections. A more in-depth study of technique, art history and personal development is expected. A goal is to produce a competitive and presentable portfolio suitable for job and college applications. Whatever the students’ long-term plans, teachers encourage work that reflects the best that each student can do at this stage in their lives.

914955 IB VISUAL ARTS SL

Grades 11-12

One-year program

Elective

914956 IB VISUAL ARTS HL I

Grade 11

First year of a two-year program

Elective

Prerequisite: In-depth portfolio review and/or completion of Art I. Portfolio review and candidate interview to be held during spring registration.

This is a one-year course that entails both studio artwork and art research. There are three components to the class: exhibition art works, a comparative study of three artists similar to an art history paper, and finally a process portfolio that documents research of aesthetic styles, art history, and the students' creative process. The new IB curriculum entails a significant portion of written analysis, research and process journaling, as well as art making explorations. Students are expected to commit to the rigor and standards of the course. The Standard Level course culminates in the IB Exam in early April. Students also exhibit their work in the annual IB Art Show.

914996 IB VISUAL ARTS HL II

Grade 12

Second-year of a two-year program

Elective

Prerequisite: IB Visual Arts HL I

This is a two-year course for the serious art student who is committed to producing high level art works while exploring a variety of art making approaches to develop a comprehensive portfolio. High standards of inquiry and personal development are expected, as well as significant commitment to the rigor of the class. The new IB curriculum entails a significant portion of written analysis, research and process journaling. There are three components to the class: exhibition art works, a comparative study of three artists similar to an art history paper, and finally a process portfolio that documents research of aesthetic styles, art history, and the students' creative process. The Higher Level course culminates in the IB Exam in early April of senior year.

917502 CERAMICS I

917602 CERAMICS II

Grades 9-12

Elective

The ceramics courses are  hands-on classes designed for students who want to learn a variety of clay techniques and put their creative energy into making both functional and artistic ceramic forms. Students will learn to make forms using slab, coil, and wheel thrown pottery skills. Sculptural techniques such as modeling and texture will also be introduced.  Different finishes such as underglaze, glaze, and staining will allow students to explore various options for coloring and surfacing their projects. 

144687 FILM STUDIES I

Grades 9-12

Elective

This course will help students develop an appreciation of film as both a narrative art form and as entertainment. Students will learn to critically view, analyze, and discuss movies from different genres using the vocabulary of film makers. Students will also learn the art of film production through the creation of their own short digital movie projects. Students will gain skills in directing, cinematography and camera use, lighting techniques, recording and mixing sound, and editing.

144787 FILM STUDIES II

Grades 10-12

Elective

Prerequisite: Film Studies I or an equivalent independent experience

This second film studies course is an opportunity for students who have fallen in love with filmmaking and want to build a genuine portfolio of finished work with an ensemble of like-minded students. This will involve writing screenplays, taking on the roles of director, cinematographer or producer. Students will assemble crews, cast, acquire locations, and create a shooting schedule. From there, the company will enter into production where, through practice, the students will develop and refine directing, designing, lighting, sound, and camera skills. Once the movie is “in the can,” the company will enter post-production where the movie will be cut together, a soundtrack will be built, and a finished movie will take shape. Final movies will be screened. 

923407 SYMPHONIC BAND

Grades 9-12

Elective

Placement based on Audition

Symphonic Band welcomes all students with an interest and/or prior experience in music. This course will provide students with foundation level music skills such as tone production, instrumental proficiency and music reading as well as developing skills of teamwork, collaboration, and self-discipline. It is designed to develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts through projects such as musical composition/technology as well as performance in a variety of functions including school and community venues. Annual performance trips include destinations such as Nashville, Chicago, New York City, Atlanta, and Florida.

923507 WIND ENSEMBLE

Grades 9-12

Placement based on Audition

The Wind Ensemble is an auditioned group which performs the finest of advanced band literature. It is designed to teach advanced skills in tone production, instrumental proficiency and music reading as well as developing skills of teamwork, collaboration, and the self-discipline necessary to express one's self through music. The ensemble performs throughout the year including performances at school and community events as well as annual performance trips which have included Nashville, Chicago, New York City, Florida and Atlanta. The course includes smaller ensembles such as jazz, woodwind quintet, pit orchestra and brass ensembles. The goal of music making is for students to develop a lifelong appreciation of the arts.

923392 JAZZ  BAND C

Grades 9-12

Elective

Prerequisite: Wind Ensemble

Jazz band is a performance based class where students continue to perform on their instrument while continuing coursework for the IB diploma. It is designed for IB students unable to fit band into their junior and senior year schedules. Rehearsals for Jazz band take place before or after school. Jazz band students perform the literature of the symphonic band, perform in school and community performances and are able to participate on the trips. The course will meet for one full year and students in grades 9-12 are awarded 1 credit upon completion of the full year.

928592 CHAMBER SINGERS 

Grades 9-12

Elective - Course is only offered during the school day 

Chamber Singers provides an accelerated chamber music experience for proficient and developed vocalists. Literature studied is of an advanced level and spans various eras and genres. Extensive training in vocal production, music theory, and sight-reading is included in rehearsals. The ensemble performs at least three concerts during the year, as well as participating in clinics and contests adjudicated by the best music educators in the country. Performances include athletic functions, school and community events as well as annual performance trips which have included Toronto, New York City, Florida, Atlanta and Chicago. The course will begin to meet during the school day for one full year and students in grades 9-12 are awarded 1 credit upon completion of the full year.

928594 CONCERT CHOIR

Grades 9-12

Elective

Prerequisite: Audition

Concert Choir is a performance-based class in which students learn the basics of vocal production and health, music theory, music history, and ensemble skills. Students learn and perform literature of all periods and styles and participate in school and community performances throughout the year. Performances include athletic functions, school and community events as well as annual performance trips which have included Toronto, New York City, Florida, Atlanta and Chicago. The course meets during the school day for one full year and students in grades 9-12 are awarded 1 credit upon completion of the full year.

924507 GUITAR AND THE MODERN BAND I

Grades 9-12

Elective

Playing guitar, basic keyboard and drum set beats is the focus of this course. It includes a variety of topics students can choose from including: 1) Singer/songwriter and writing your own music which includes performance and recording your song by the musicians in class and/or others. 2) Creating electronic music using a digital audio workstation (DAW) in our new music technology lab 3) Reading basic notation through guitar ensemble performance 4) Performances where students have the opportunity to play modern band music including drum set, keyboards, bass and electric guitar.

A variety of genres are covered including standard rock and roll to hip hop to folk tunes and much more. Students learn the skills necessary to get started playing all the music they love to listen to and the option to write songs based upon their chosen styles by performing or creating in a DAW. All skill levels are welcome from beginning through advanced.

924607 GUITAR AND THE MODERN BAND II

Grades 9-12

Elective

Prerequisite: Guitar And The Modern Band I

This course builds on the foundation of modern rock band techniques including strumming, open chords, power chords, barre chords, finger picking, and reading music on guitar, chording on piano and increasing the complexity of styles of drumbeats and chords performed on the drumset and keyboard.

924707 GUITAR AND THE MODERN BAND III

Grades 9-12

Elective

Prerequisite: Guitar And The Modern Band II

Students will continue their study of techniques of modern band including guitar, keyboard, drumset and songwriting. More emphasis will be placed on solo techniques and improvisation, ensemble performance, and songwriting and recording techniques.

924807 GUITAR IV 

Grades 9-12

Elective

Prerequisite: Guitar And The Modern Band III

Students will continue their study of techniques of modern band including guitar, keyboard, drumset and songwriting. Students will continue performing in ensembles as well as conduct self-study units in multiple genres of music, and formal composition lessons and techniques.

929707 PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

Grades 9-12

Elective

Percussion ensemble is a course where students of all abilities can learn to perform on drums, timpani, mallet and keyboard instruments as well as steel drums, buckets and other types of percussion instruments. Pianists are especially encouraged to enroll. Percussionists will be able to perform in the percussion ensemble, as well as with the symphonic band. Membership is open to all interested students from the beginning to the advanced skill level. The drums/percussionists perform at numerous school and community events as well as performing on an annual trip. Past trips have included Nashville, Chicago, New York City, Florida and Atlanta.

922555 IB MUSIC SL

Grades 11-12

Elective

922556 IB MUSIC HL I

Grade 11

First-year of a two-year program

Elective

The IB DP Music course is multifaceted and gives students the opportunity to actively engage in music as creators, performers and researchers. It emphasizes working both individually and collaboratively. This course is designed for music students with varied musical backgrounds. The course has guided and scaffolded approaches to deep listening skills, performance proficiency, compositional craft, the ability to discuss music critically and justify creative choices and the capacity for entrepreneurship in the musical world.

Sample topics include: listening to a wide range of music from different parts of the world, musical cultures, time periods and styles such as western, pop and jazz and learn about musical elements, including form and structure, notations, musical terminology and context as well as experimenting and exploring their own music through different types of songwriting and music composition including digital audio workstations and web based notation software. Music theory basics and appropriate musical terminology are studied through diverse music to describe and reflect student’s critical understanding of music. A focus is on critical thinking skills through reflective thought. Students are encouraged to include their own music in numerous projects. The IB Music components of the course include three portfolios presenting, exploring and experimenting.

This course is open to students who are interested in music, both for enjoyment and as preparation for further study. This course is open to all musicians – instrumental, vocal, piano and guitar.

922596 IB MUSIC HL II

Grade 12

Second-year of a two-year program

Elective

Prerequisite: IB Music HL

In addition to a more in-depth examination of the topics studied in IB Music HL I, students prepare a collaborative project. This project documents a real-life music project which includes a music project proposal, the process and final product. Each collaborator must have a clearly defined role. Focus is on the process evidence which can include rehearsal video, audio and video recordings to demonstrate the process. Students will also complete the presenting portfolio portion which includes original compositions, program notes and group/solo performances.

919307 PHOTOGRAPHY I

Grades 10-12

Elective

Photography I introduces the student to basic camera skills, film processing, and print development. The class is a survey of photographic procedures, styles and history, including early photographic techniques and wet darkroom processes. Digital photography, imagery and editing will also be introduced. Students will use Adobe Photoshop for lighting techniques and editing purposes. Students will be encouraged to see and frame the world creatively through the camera and explore a variety of subjects, themes and meanings.

919407 PHOTOGRAPHY II

Grades 11-12

Elective

Prerequisite: Photography I

This advanced course in photography allows students to develop and refine techniques, processes and themes covered in Photography I. Advanced digital imagery and editing will also be covered. Independent research into the history of photography and critical analysis of master photographers is an essential component of this class. Students are expected to be motivated, self-disciplined, focused photographers that are capable of completing projects independently.

143507 TECHNICAL THEATRE

Grades 9-12

Elective

Technical Theatre is an exploration of the duties of stage technicians and their contribution to the total aesthetic effect of a dramatic production. Topics covered will include design research and principles; scene shop organization; painting and construction techniques; equipment use and maintenance; principles and application of sound, lighting, and computer technology; the use of special effects; costume and makeup considerations and selection; publicity and business management; theatre safety; and the function of technical stage personnel in production work. Technical theatre will incorporate academic study and hands-on application of knowledge and skills.

143607 TECHNICAL THEATRE II

Grades 10-12

Elective

Prerequisite: Technical Theatre I and teacher recommendation

Subsequent levels of the Technical Theatre course offers opportunities to further develop hands-on technical skills acquired in the level I course. As the more advanced students, these students will be given leadership opportunities on paint, construction, lighting, sound, and costume crews.  Students will learn to read and create light plots, technical drawings, and costume renderings as they study the theatrical design process from script, to idea, to planning, and implementation.  

141007 THEATRE ARTS I

Grades 9-12

Elective

This elective course is designed to expose students to all aspects of drama production including acting, principles of directing, stage crew and costuming. In this hands-on course, students will be actively involved in a variety of theatrical experiences from improvisations to staging, writing, and acting in one-act plays. Principles and techniques learned in Theatre  Arts can be used throughout the curriculum to enhance, energize and personalize education.

142007 THEATRE ARTS II

Grades 10-12

Elective

Prerequisite: Theatre Arts I

As an elective, this theater arts class allows the students to further explore the areas of theater history and develop more extensively the student’s abilities in theater production, improvisation, playwriting and analysis. Theater games and activities create a comfortable yet motivating environment throughout the course.

143007 THEATRE ARTS III

Grades 11-12

Elective

Prerequisite: Theatre  Arts II or an equivalent independent experience
Theatre Arts III builds upon the concepts and skills acquired in Theatre Arts I and II. The course focuses on various opportunities for students to prevent performances; and in preparation, the students investigate acting styles, explore international theater traditions, and collaborate to devise texts.  Students study and respond to a variety of theatrical experiences that refine their collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills. They continue to cultivate and refine their artistic abilities and appreciation of theater arts.

144007 THEATRE ARTS IV

Grades 12

Elective

Prerequisite: Theatre  Arts III
At the highest level of theater study, the students learn and take on the leadership roles of designers, directors, and producers and apply these skills to creating performances. The students  study and create a variety of theatrical experiences, showcasing and applying their collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills.

143055 IB THEATRE SL

Grades 11-12

Elective

143056 IB THEATRE HL I

Grade 11

First-year of a two-year program

Elective

Students in this course will study the theatrical history of several cultures, analyze and interpret plays, study acting theory and techniques, develop their ability to perform in front of an audience, and study the basic principles of theater production. This course prepares students for the IB Theatre SL exam.

143096 IB THEATRE HL II

Grade 12

Second-year of a two-year program

Elective

Prerequisite: IB Theatre HL I

This is a two-year course of study. Students are enrolled in IB Theatre SL or IB Theatre HL I for the first year. In addition to the topics studied in IB Theatre SL/HL I, IB Theatre HL II students engage in an Individual Study project, chosen in consultation with the teacher, on a specific aspect of theater arts. This course prepares students for the IB Theatre HL II exam.