FINE ARTS

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

Art I is devoted primarily to building a solid foundation of knowledge and creativity with the essential art elements and principles of design. Areas to be covered include design, drawing, painting, printmaking and clay. A focus on perception, creative expression, performance, historical and cultural heritage, and critical evaluation allows students to acquire the skills necessary for further study. 

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE:  Art I

Art II Drawing provides a more advanced study of the fundamentals of drawing in continuation with the elements and principles of design covered in Art I. Students concentrate on drawing media and focus on using a variety of mediums. Students learn to develop their own style with varying technique. 

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE:  Art II Drawing

Art III allows for an in-depth study of the basics covered in Art I and Art II. It will explore different media. Students will create drawings from memory, observation, and pre-worked ideas, with different media and mediums while focusing on a unified composition. Students will build on their own technique in each project they complete. The students will be more independent when choosing media, medium, and theme. 

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE: Art III Drawing

Art IV contains more in-depth research than Art I-Art III. In Art IV students will work independently to create a unique theme that represents their art portfolio. They will do every project keeping that theme in mind, in order to tie their portfolio pieces together. The theme they choose must continue throughout the whole class, whether it be in medium, subject matter, or questioning content. Students must keep a personal journal to continually update their artist statement. There will be a mandatory portfolio review at the end of the year in which the student must have an interview with the teacher to state intent and prove such with their finished portfolio. 

GPA:  Yes WEIGHTED:  Yes

AP Art History is an introductory college-level art history course. Students cultivate their understanding of art history through analyzing works of art and placing them in historical context as they explore concepts like culture and cultural interactions, theories and interpretations of art, the impact of materials, processes, and techniques on art and art making, and understanding purpose and audience in art historical analysis.

COURSE NOTES: Students who enroll in AP Art History are expected to take the corresponding AP exam.

Students taking the AP exam have the opportunity to earn college credit.

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE:  Woodwind, brass, or percussion students who meet the following criteria: Eighth grade band participation for freshmen students, continuous enrollment in band for 10-12 grade students, or director’s approval. All students must be able to begin August 1. 

Concert Band is the third performing ensemble in the band program.  Audition results, overall performance history, and scholastic standing determine membership. Participation in the Marching Band is required of all band members. Sectionals and after-school rehearsals will be required at the conclusion of the marching band season. Performances are dependent on the instrumentation of the band and may include a minimum of two concerts and the UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest.  Students in Concert Band are highly encouraged to participate in the TMEA All-Region audition process, perform a solo and ensemble in the UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest. In addition, Concert Band may perform at one or more band festivals. 

COURSE NOTES: Students will be required to participate in auditions that will be utilized to seat all competitive ensembles.

COURSE CODES: BAND 1, BAND 2, BAND 3, BAND 4

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE:  Woodwind, brass, or percussion students who meet the following criteria: Eighth grade band participation for freshmen students, continuous enrollment in band for 10-12 grade students, or director’s approval. All students must be able to begin August 1. 

The Honor Band is the top competing ensemble. Students are expected to perform and rehearse at the highest level of their ability. It is a full-year course. Audition results, overall performance history, and scholastic standing determine membership. Participation in the Marching Band is required of all band members.  Sectionals and after-school rehearsals will be required at the conclusion of the marching band season. The Honor Band performs at least two concerts, community events, music festivals, and competes in the UIL Concert and Sight-reading contests. Students in the Honor Band are required to participate in the TMEA All-Region audition process, perform a class 1 solo and participate in a small ensemble at the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest.  The Honor Band will set the standard in musical performance, integrity, and professionalism.  

COURSE NOTES: Students will be required to participate in auditions that will be utilized to seat all competitive ensembles.

COURSE CODES: BAND 1, BAND 2, BAND 3, BAND 4

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE:  Woodwind, brass, or percussion students who meet the following criteria: Eighth grade band participation for freshmen students, continuous enrollment in band for 10-12 grade students, or director’s approval. All students must be able to begin August 1. 

The Marching Band performs at all varsity football games and related activities.  The Marching Band also participates in various marching competitions and civic performances in the area.  All members will be expected to attend all rehearsals and performances.  The Marching Band rehearses daily after school hours.  The Marching Band is a part of the total band program. Enrollment in the total program is required.  Marching Band will count towards ½ credit of PE each fall. 

COURSE NOTES: Students will be required to participate in auditions that will be utilized to seat all competitive ensembles.

COURSE CODES: BAND 1, BAND 2, BAND 3, BAND 4

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE:  Woodwind, brass, or percussion students who meet the following criteria: Eighth grade band participation for freshmen students, continuous enrollment in band for 10-12 grade students, or director’s approval. All students must be able to begin August 1. 

Symphonic Band is the second performing ensemble in the band program.  Audition results, overall performance history, and scholastic standing determine membership. Participation in the Marching Band is required of all band members.  Sectionals and after-school rehearsals will be required at the conclusion of the marching band season. Performances include a minimum of two concerts and the UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest. Students in Symphonic Band are highly encouraged to participate in the TMEA All-Region audition process, perform a solo and ensemble in the UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest.  In addition, Symphonic Band may perform at one or more band festivals. 

COURSE NOTES: Students will be required to participate in auditions that will be utilized to seat all competitive ensembles.

COURSE CODES: BAND 1, BAND 2, BAND 3, BAND 4

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE: Open to any wind student who is concurrently enrolled in band. Students playing rhythm instruments such as guitar, bass, drums, and piano, must be auditioned, and approved by the director. 

This course includes the playing writing, and performing of music in the jazz idiom. Performances are required as a member of this class. 

COURSE CODES: JAZZ 1, JAZZ 2, JAZZ 3, JAZZ 4

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE: Each course is taken in a coherent sequence. The student will be enrolled in Choir I, regardless of grade level, in the first year of participation. 

This course provides learners with the knowledge of basic music reading, notation and singing technique. Students will perform in an ensemble with opportunities to perform individually. In addition to evening and seasonal performance requirements, students will be encouraged to participate in Region Choir auditions and UIL Solo & Ensemble competition. Additionally, they will be expected to participate in UIL Concert / Sight-Reading Assessment (director discretion applies). Students will have both performance and financial requirements throughout the year.

Students will be placed in appropriate ensemble following a simple vocal audition.

COURSE CODES: CHR1B, CHR2B, CHR3B, CHR4B

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE: Each course is taken in a coherent sequence. The first year of participation, the student will be enrolled in Choir I, regardless of grade level. 

9th Grade Girls “Bel Canto Choir”, Section I

This course provides learners with the knowledge of basic music reading, notation and singing technique. Students will perform in an ensemble with opportunities to perform individually. In addition to evening and seasonal performance requirements, students will be encouraged to participate in Region Choir auditions and UIL Solo & Ensemble competition. Additionally, they will be expected to participate in UIL Concert / Sight-Reading Assessment (director discretion applies). Students will have both performance and financial requirements throughout the year.

Students will be placed in appropriate ensemble following a simple vocal audition

Concert Women’s Choir (Music), Sections II-IV;

This course provides learners with the knowledge of basic music reading, notation and singing technique. Students will perform in an ensemble with opportunities to perform individually. In addition to evening and seasonal performance requirements, students will be encouraged to participate in Region Choir auditions and UIL Solo & Ensemble competition. Additionally, they will be expected to participate in UIL Concert / Sight-Reading Assessment (director discretion applies).  Students will have both performance and financial requirements throughout the year.

Students will be placed in appropriate ensemble following a simple vocal audition

COURSE CODES: CHOR1C, CHOR2C, CHOR3C, CHOR4C

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

Varsity Choir (Music), Sections I-IV  (if a student is moved to varsity spring of 9th grade year)

This course provides learners with the knowledge of advanced music reading, notation and singing technique. Students will perform in an ensemble with opportunities to perform individually. In addition to evening and seasonal performance requirements, students will be expected to participate outside of school rehearsals and community performances. Additionally, singers are expected to participate in TMEA Region Choir auditions and UIL Solo & Ensemble competition, as well as required participation in UIL Concert / Sight-Reading Assessment. Academic eligibility by UIL guidelines is important.  Students will have both performance and financial requirements throughout the year.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:  Audition and Director Approval

COURSE CODES: CHOR1V, CHOR2V, CHOR3V, CHOR4V

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

This course is an auditioned choir emphasizing vocal performance technique, ensemble singing and dancing. In addition, students will learn a basic understanding of contemporary/popular music literature and singing skills. Students will have both performance and financial requirements throughout the year. Eligibility by UIL requirements is a STRONG requirement due to frequent extra-curricular performances.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  Audition and Director Approval

COURSE CODES: SHOWC1, SHOWC2, SHOWC3, SHOWC4

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE: Students must have been a member of the eighth grade or high school band, a member of the Joshua Cadets, a member of another competitive Winter Guard, or a member of another high school flag line or dance team. Students not meeting these criteria will need to get director approval.

The “Essence” Color Guard is the auxiliary unit that performs with the “Spirit of Joshua” Marching Band in the fall, incorporating various visual props, rifles, sabers, and flags. Students will also learn body movement and dance techniques. “Essence” competes on the NTCA (North Texas Color Guard Association) circuit during the spring. 

COURSE NOTES: Students will have both performance and financial requirements throughout the year. 

Members who are instrumentalist are highly encouraged to continue studying their instrument, as well as, becoming a member of the “Essence” Color Guard. All students must be able to begin August 1. 

One credit of Color Guard can count as a PE credit, all other credits will count as local credits.

COURSE CODES: COLOR1, COLOR2, COLOR3, COLOR4

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

This course will provide its students a basic overview of dance. Students will study ballet, hip-hop, and jazz at the beginning level. Dance I will emphasize expressive movement, promote healthy bodies, and will help students develop self-discipline. 

REQUIRED SUPPLIES: jazz pants, t-shirt, and jazz shoes

COURSE NOTES: All students are required to participate in a fall and spring recital. 

One credit of dance can count as a PE credit, all other dance credits will count as fine arts credits.

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE: Dance II

This course continues to provide a basic overview of dance. Students will study ballet, hip-hop, and jazz at the advanced beginning to intermediate level. Dance II will emphasize expressive movement, promote healthy bodies, and will help students develop self-discipline. 

REQUIRED SUPPLIES: jazz pants, t-shirt, and jazz shoes

COURSE NOTES: All students are required to participate in a fall and spring recital. 

One credit of dance can count as a PE credit, all other dance credits will count as fine arts credits.

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE: Dance II

This course will provide a much more in-depth study of dance. Students will study ballet, hip-hop, jazz, modern, and lyrical at the intermediate to advanced level. Dance III will emphasize the more technical elements of dance, and expand upon the expressive elements of movement. 

REQUIRED SUPPLIES: jazz pants, t-shirt, and jazz shoes

COURSE NOTES: All students are required to participate in a fall and spring recital. 

One credit of dance can count as a PE credit, all other dance credits will count as fine arts credits.

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE: Dance III

This course will provide a much more in-depth study of dance. Students will study ballet, hip-hop, jazz, modern, and lyrical at the advanced level. Dance IV will emphasize the more technical elements of dance, and begin studying chorographical elements of the different genres of dance. 

REQUIRED SUPPLIES: jazz pants, t-shirt, and jazz shoes

COURSE NOTE: All students are required to participate in a fall and spring recital. 

One credit of dance can count as a PE credit, all other dance credits will count as fine arts credits.

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

Students will explore the world of Theatre. This course provides students with the basic elements of theatre arts, touching briefly on a variety of elements, such as: acting styles, costumes, scenery, props, makeup, lights, sound, and theatre history. 

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITES: Each course is taken in a coherent sequence. The student will be enrolled in Technical Theatre I, regardless of grade level, in the first year of participation. 

This course is designed to prepare students for “behind the scenes” of a production. This course will train the student in costume design and construction, set design and scenic painting. The students will also be trained on the light and sound boards. 

COURSE NOTES: This class is designed to help with the technical and construction elements of the UIL One-Act Play. 

COURSE CODES: THTCH1, THTCH2, THTCH3, THTCH4

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITES: Each course is taken in a coherent sequence. The student will be enrolled in Theatre Production I, regardless of grade level, in the first year of participation. 

THIS IS A PERFORMANCE CLASS. The students in this course will study advanced acting techniques and be able to illustrate them to the class. Students will also direct their own mini-plays. These activities will help in the production of the UIL One-Act Play.

COURSE NOTES:  All students in this course are required to audition for the UIL One-Act Play. 

COURSE CODES: THPRO1, THPRO2, THPRO3, THPRO4