9th Grade Course Electives

Advanced Dance (A) A course designed to enhance and develop all aspects of dance technique and composition, emphasizing creativity and artistic choreographic skills. There will be performances outside of class time that are part of the course requirements, and they will constitute a portion of the grade.

Art Foundations 1/2 (A) provides an overview of visual arts while studying a broad variety of art tools and materials. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher-level thinking, art related technology skills, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics.

Band 1 Brass (A) This is a beginning band class offered for students who wish to learn to play the cornet, trumpet, French horn, baritone horn, euphonium, trombone, or tuba. Practice outside of class time and performances are part of this course. An instrument is required. If available, a French horn, baritone horn, euphonium, or tuba may be rented at the school for a nominal fee.

Band 1 Woodwinds (A) This is a beginning band class offered for students who wish to learn to play the flute or clarinet. Practice outside of class time and performances are part of this course. An instrument is required.

Band 2 Concert (A) This is an intermediate level band course that encourages increased technical and expressive musical proficiency through performance and study of music. Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirement and constitute a portion of the grade. Practice outside of class time with an instrument is required. If available, an oboe, bass clarinet, bassoon, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, French horn, baritone horn, euphonium, or tuba may be rented at the school for a nominal fee. * Prerequisite: Audition/Interview

Band 3 Symphonic (A) This is an advanced course which performs varied, advanced-level music. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals and performances outside of class are part of the course requirement and constitute a portion of the grade. Practice outside of class time with an instrument is required. If available, an oboe, bass clarinet, bassoon, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, French horn, baritone horn, euphonium, or tuba may be rented at the school for a nominal fee. * Prerequisite: Audition/Interview

Beginning Theatre (A) This is an introductory course in theatre with an emphasis on performance. No previous experience is necessary. The course will include improvisation, monologues, characterization, stage combat, scenes from plays, physicality and vocal work, scriptwriting, and culminates in a one-act play for performance with an audience.

Business Office Specialist (DS) This course applies advanced concepts and principles using word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, and electronic presentation software. Student will integrate applications learned. This class fulfills the digital studies high school graduation requirement.

Ceramics 1/2 (A) develops basic skills in the creation of 3-D forms and pottery from clay. Techniques in hand building, wheel throwing, basic glazing, and firing are taught. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher-level thinking and art-related technology skills. Some art criticism, art history, and aesthetics may be included.

Child Development (CTE) This course is designed to help students understand child growth and development and positive guidance techniques through hands-on activities and play. Students will plan learning activities to be used for children from birth to age five, including crafts and food labs. Students will learn how to properly engage with children through in-class child care experiences. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in parenting with the Real Care Electronic Baby. Instruction also emphasizes an understanding of critical issues which impact teens and children including: self-concept, family and peer relationships, abuse, loss, dating, and teenage pregnancy.

Choir 3 Concert (A) This is an advanced vocal music group that is designed for students to sing advanced choral literature and build more techniques in singing. Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirements and constitute a portion of the grade.

Computer Science Principles (DS) Introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. In this course, students will learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They will use data to discover new knowledge. Students will also explain how computing innovations and computing systems, including the network, work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. Pre-req: Python 1

Creative Writing This semester course, based on the Utah English Arts (ELA) Core Writing Standards, is designed as an introduction to imaginative writing of personal experiences, character sketches, short fiction, and poetry. It provides students with the opportunity to prepare manuscripts for publication, awards, and scholarships.

Dance 1/Dance 2 (A) This course offers basic dance techniques, fitness fundamentals, movement qualities, and rhythm with an emphasis on creativity, sequencing, and problem solving. There will be performances outside of class time that are part of the course requirements, and they will constitute a portion of the grade.

Drawing (A) focuses on black and white or monochromatic rendering from life, pictures, masterworks, and imagination. This course is designed to develop higher-level thinking and art-related technology skills with an emphasis on studio production. Some experiences in art criticism, art history, and aesthetics may be included.

Engineering Technology (CTE) This is an introductory course to basic engineering concepts, including the design process, drafting, 3D modeling (CAD), 3D printing, mechanisms and robotics.  Engineers are in high demand and make lots of $$, so if you're interested at all about learning more about engineering, give this class a try!

Foods and Nutrition 1 (CTE) This introductory course is designed for students who are interested in understanding the principles of nutrition and in maintaining a healthy life-style. Attention will be given to selection and preparation of food and personal health and well-being.

French 1/French 2 (E) This course is designed to teach elementary skills in listening, speaking, reading, and spelling. The curriculum covered in this course will give students the skills to communicate in culturally-appropriate ways in the target language. By the end of this course, student skill level should be at novice-midlevel according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) standards. Students will develop an appreciation for the culture of the countries where the language is spoken.

Guitar 1/Guitar 2 (A) This course provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through learning to play a guitar. Emphasis will be placed on: playing position, tone production, fundamental technique, simultaneous playing and singing, reading music, and composing songs/lyrics. Knowledge and skills will include experiences in singing, playing, listening, and connecting to cultures. An instrument is required for class time, as well as for practicing outside of class. 

Intermediate Theatre (A) This is an intermediate course in theatre with an emphasis on performance. The course will include monologues, stage combat, improvisation, scenes from plays, scriptwriting, pantomime, an overview of the history of theatre, puppetry, radio, T.V., and film. Students will showcase their work in multiple formal performances, including a play for a formal audience. * Prerequisite: Beginning Theatre or Instructor approval.

Journalism (E) This course is designed to introduce students to multimedia journalism skills including interviewing, video production, writing feature articles, event promotion, creating content for the school website, and the development of school-wide video announcements. Students will be responsible for all aspects of creation and production. Depending on demand, we may require an application at a later date.

Musical Theater (A) This is a performing arts elective course focusing on musical theatre productions.

Orchestra 1 (A) This class is for students who would like to learn to play a violin, viola, cello, or string bass. No experience necessary. Practice outside of class time and performances are part of this course. Instruments are required. If available, a viola, a cello, or a string bass may be rented from the school for a nominal fee.

Orchestra 2 (A) This is an intermediate-level orchestra class focusing on intermediate-level literature for orchestra. Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirements and will constitute a portion of the grade. Practice outside of class time with instrument is required. If available, a viola, a cello, or a string bass may be rented from the school for a nominal fee.

Orchestra 3 (A) This is an orchestra class focusing on advanced-level literature for orchestra. Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirement and will constitute a portion of the grade. Practice outside of class time with instrument is required.

Painting (A) This course includes wet and dry color media with processes such as transparent and opaque painting focusing on the operations of color. Techniques with color media and preparation of grounds and supports will be covered. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher-level thinking skills and art-related technology skills. Some art criticism, art history, and aesthetics may be included.

Peer Tutoring (E) This course is a course in which students learn and apply social and academic skills and strategies. This class may cover the following areas: organization, time management, stress management, reading strategies, test taking strategies, study strategies, note taking, academic tracking, teamwork, communication and goal setting, learning and interest assessments.

Released Time (NC) Religious Instruction

Social/Ballroom Dance (A) This course offers instruction and practice in the basic social dance steps, rhythms, and techniques. The following dances may be included; foxtrot, cha-cha, waltz, swing, mambo, western swing, and western line dance.

Spanish 1/Spanish 2 (E) This course is designed to teach elementary skills in listening, speaking, reading, and spelling. The curriculum covered in this course will give students the skills to communicate in culturally-appropriate ways in the target language. By the end of this course, student skill level should be at novice-midlevel according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) standards. Students will develop an appreciation for the culture of the countries where the language is spoken.

Stage Tech Design (A) This course provides an overview and experience of the technical phases of theatre including lighting, sound, and management.

Teaching as a Profession (CTE) A course designed to create the next generation of effective educators in Utah. Students will explore educational careers and develop employable skills. Students will create basic lesson plans and accommodate for the academic needs of individual students. Students will investigate theorists who set the framework for effective student learning and child development. Students will craft a variety of hands-on projects applicable to classroom learning. Students will experience the job responsibilities of an educator.

Weight Training 1/2 (ILA) This course is designed as an introduction to proper weightlifting techniques, and includes the development of individual programs that develop body tone, muscle strength, and physical conditioning.

Yoga 1/2 (ILA) This class focuses on structural alignment, increase of strength and flexibility. It will deepen student’s awareness of breath and the role it has in generating energy and stamina in one’s mind and body. The course will also incorporate techniques for stress relief, and enhance one’s physical performance by teaching students how to connect breath, organ systems, physiology and anatomy all together. This class does NOT count as PE credit.

LEGEND

A = Fine Arts

CTE = Career and Technical Education

DS = Digital Studies

E = Elective

ILA = Elective PE

NC = No Credit