All students are required to complete 3 semesters (1.5 credits) of fine arts courses. 

Music

8500 Wind Symphony $

Fall and spring, year-long course

Open to all 9-12 students with instructor approval, or playing an instrument for 2 years

$100 Instrument rental fee for the school year 

Wind Symphony is an advanced performing ensemble, with two years experience recommended. Students continue to grow as musicians by playing in group settings and developing skills for blending, creativity, and balance while performing a variety of musical styles. The Wind Symphony may perform as a full symphony by combining with strings and percussion. The Wind Symphony performs at concerts, festivals, school events, and public performances which could occur after school hours.

8560  Percussion $

Fall and spring, year-long course

Beginning course open to all students

$ Purchase of some materials required

Students will learn proper drum techniques and will be introduced to a variety of concert and ethnic percussion instruments. Students will learn to perform individually and as a group. They will be exposed to a variety of styles of music. Students are expected to be at all performances/ concerts, as this is a performance-based class. Students will be expected to purchase their own sticks and mallets.

853 Jazz Band

Fall and spring, year-long course

Prerequisite: Departmental approval and must be concurrently enrolled in Wind Symphony or Percussion. 

This is an advanced music ensemble open to auditioned students on rhythm section (piano, bass, percussion and guitar) and wind (woodwind and brass) instruments. Students will study various jazz forms such as swing, Latin, and rock. This ensemble requires musicians to already have an intermediate degree of proficiency in reading rhythms, producing good tone and maintaining fundamental musicianship. Students will perform outside of school hours at concerts, festivals, and other community events throughout the year. All woodwind and brass players must be concurrently enrolled in Wind Symphony while rhythm section players must be enrolled in Percussion or other approved ensemble. This class meets in the morning during 0 period at 7:00 AM on alternating days.

8670 Steel Band

Fall and spring, year-long course

Open to all students

The Steel Band is a performing ensemble that focuses on creating, serving, and working together to uplift both our audiences and each other. Students learn to play one of the several different steel drums for a year. The music learned ranges from traditional Calypso and Soca music to Reggae, Rock, and even classical. This group participates in concerts throughout the year as well as community events. This class meets in the morning during 0 period at 7:00 AM on alternating days. 

8571 Guitar Studies I

*This class is a year-long class. Student must sign up for Guitar Studies I in the fall semester and Guitar Studies II in the spring semester. 

This course is designed for beginner students who have never played the guitar or know very little. Previous musical experience is not necessary. Areas of concentration include correct playing posture, chords, music notation, tabs, rhythm, scales, music theory, music expression, strumming patterns, riffs, and solo and ensemble performance. Students will learn varied music styles, such as rock, pop, jazz, classical, blues, and music from different cultures. Students will also have performance opportunities. By the end of the semester, students will know how to play several chords, songs, and scales; and will know how to sight-read tabs and music notation, which will be the basis for them to learn how to write their own songs or play more advanced music afterwards. To participate in this course, each student will need to provide their own instrument. Recommendations and guidance regarding the purchase of a guitar will be given during the first week of class. After this class, you'll meet the pre-requisite for Guitar Studies 2.

8572 Guitar Studies II

*This class is a year-long class. Student must sign up for Guitar Studies I in the fall semester and Guitar Studies II in the spring semester. 

Prerequisite: Guitar Studies I or instructor approval/audition

This course builds off of what was learned in Guitar Studies I, by improving on students’ sight-reading abilities (tabs and notation), ensemble and performance skills, chords, scales, music theory, expressive markings, and understanding of the fretboard. Students will learn advanced pieces/songs, etudes, and riffs in varied music styles, such as rock, pop, jazz, classical, blues, and music from different cultures. It will include solos and group work such as duets, trios, quartets, and ensemble pieces. Students will have opportunities to perform in concerts and will learn to compose, accompany other instruments, and improvise. To participate in this course, each student will need to provide their own instrument. Recommendations and guidance regarding the purchase of a guitar will be given during the first week of class.

8595 Beginner String Orchestra

Fall and spring, year-long course

Prerequisite: Instructor approval

Students will learn to perform with the violin, viola, cello, or bass in a group work setting; including learning instrument care, music notation, music theory, music history, and music expression at the same time. Students will be able to perform diverse music pieces, scales, notes, rhythms, bowings, and articulations, and will participate in orchestra concerts. This class is designed for students who have never played these instruments before or know very little.   

8600 String Orchestra

Fall and spring, year-long course

Prerequisite: Instructor approval

This course is designed for intermediate as well as advanced string players. Advanced techniques of bowing, fingering, vibrato, shifting positions, and tone production are pursued through the study of music ranging from Early Baroque to Contemporary and Popular styles. The group performs both as a string ensemble and as a symphony orchestra by combining winds, brass, choir, and percussion. Performances are required– JD string players participate in many performances including Mass, Dessert Pops, Shakespeare competition, and Region festivals.

A large range of abilities exist in this unified group, but all the musicians share a love for playing music! Students will learn personal diagnostic skills for individual practice and improvement.

866 Chamber Orchestra

Fall and spring, year-long course

Prerequisite: Audition and instructor approval

*Class meets during 0 hour, in the morning on alternating letter days. 

Chamber Orchestra is designed for advanced string players and offers students a great variety and challenge in music performance. It is recommended that students have at least 2-3 years of experience before auditioning or be familiar with: 3rd - 5th positions; keys in 3 sharps and 3 flats; and be able to create a beautiful tone with vibrato.

Advanced techniques of bowing, fingering, vibrato, shifting positions, and tone production are pursued through the study of music ranging from Early Baroque to Contemporary and Popular styles.

The group performs both as a string ensemble and as a symphony orchestra by combining winds, brass, choir, and percussion. Chamber Orchestra is a contributor to the Juan Diego community and performs for school and community-related events both during the day and in the evening, thus performances are required.  JD string players participate in many performances including Mass, Dessert Pops, Shakespeare competition, and Region festivals. 

862 Concert Choir

Fall and spring, year-long course

Offered to current and aspiring singers, regardless of their previous choral experience.  The core curriculum explores basic vocal technique, music theory, and history as it relates to Blues, Jazz, musical theatre, Gospel, Folk, R&B, Rock, Hip Hop, and other genres.  This exploration takes place on a solo, small group, and large group performance level, as well as lecture and extensive listening.  In addition, students are required to perform as the choir at masses and other school sanctioned events throughout the year.  They will also prepare as individuals, small groups or full choir in preparation for region and state festivals.

8591 Music Appreciation 

Semester course, fall or spring 

Open to all students - no music experience needed

This class is for students who do not necessarily read music or play an instrument, but would like to learn more about the music they listen to and about music they have never heard before. Emphasis is on learning to listen to music and the role music plays in history and culture. Music Appreciation introduces students to the discipline of music through listening, discussion, lectures, and analysis. 

858AP AP Music Theory (Advanced Placement) $

Fall and spring, year-long course

Prerequisite: Departmental approval, Juniors and Seniors only

$ AP Exam Fee

AP Music Theory is an introductory college-level music theory course. Students cultivate their understanding of music theory through analyzing performed and notated music as they explore concepts like pitch, rhythm, form, and musical design. Students study concepts in heard and notated music, with emphasis on identification and analysis of musical features, relationships, and procedures in full musical contexts.

Dance

Dance classes may fulfill a PE or Fine Arts Credit Requirement, but not both.

877 Social & Cultural Dance

Semester Course, fall or spring  

Open to all students

This course is open to young men and women who would like to experience dance on a more casual level and improve physical coordination. Students will learn various social and ballroom dance forms such as line dancing, swing, waltz, cha-cha, and foxtrot.  Students will also be exposed to various cultural dances, and experience cultures through these dance forms. This fun, energetic, and unique course is a wonderful way to meet fellow students in a relaxed environment. Students enrolled in the fall semester will have a performance opportunity at the end of the semester. Students enrolled in the spring semester will perform in the Spring Dance Department Concert.

872 Intermediate Dance

Semester Course, fall or spring

Prerequisite: Completion of Beginning Dance, Social and Cultural Dance, or instructor approval

This course is for students who have had previous dance experience. The goal of this course is to provide students with intermediate instruction in dance theory, technique, composition, and criticism. In order to accomplish this, students will develop intermediate technical skills through various dance styles. Students will engage in fun activities that develop creative, technical, improvisational and choreographic skills. Students enrolled in the fall semester will have a performance opportunity at the end of the semester. Students enrolled in the spring semester will perform in the Spring Dance Department Concert. This course should only be taken once; students who would like to continue with dance should register for Advanced Dance.

876 Advanced Dance

Fall and spring, year-long course

Prerequisite: Prior dance experience or instructor approval, and a formal audition in the spring

This course is for students who have had previous dance experience. The goal of this course is to provide students with advanced instruction in dance theory, technique, composition, and criticism. In order to accomplish this, students will be exposed to advanced dance technique, and various dance styles. Students will engage in fun activities that develop precise creative, technical, improvisational and choreographic skills. Students enrolled in the fall semester will have a performance opportunity at the end of the semester. Students enrolled in the spring semester will perform in the Spring Dance Department Concert. This course may be repeated. 

874 Dance Company $

Fall and spring, year-long course

Prerequisite: Formal audition in the previous spring and instructor approval 

$400 fee for team warm-ups, guest choreographers, costumes, etc. 

Dance Company is Juan Diego’s fine arts performing dance group. Dance Company members need to be proficient in jazz, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and modern dance. Students' dancing ability must be at the highest level because of the complex material that is developed in class. Dance Company students are required to choreograph numerous pieces, perform at school activities, attend outside rehearsals, and participate in a community project. Company members are also required to attend a summer dance camp. The aspects of performance quality, choreography, and creative expression are continually stressed in this class. Dance Company performs in the Spring Dance Company Concert.

Theater Arts

886 Technical Theater

Fall Semester or Full Year Course

Open to all students 

Prerequisite: Instructor approval

This course provides students with a hands-on practical backstage experience of the complex workings of theatre production. Basic learning of the essentials of theatre: sound, lighting, stage managing, and scenery construction. Students must be willing to work after school and some weekends depending on the production schedule.

8861 Advanced Technical Theatre

Prerequisite: Technical Theater and instructor approval

This course may count as either Fine Arts or Computer Science credit but must be approved with counselor prior to taking the class. 

This course is a continuation of Juan Diego’s Technical Theater course. It is for students who have had prior technical theater training. Students in this course will make up Juan Diego’s Stage Crew. This group will be responsible for the running of all stage activities in the auditorium and Little Theatre. At times an after school time commitment is required. Course may be repeated.

887 Beginning Drama

Semester or Full Year Course

This course will help the student develop an appreciation and broad understanding for the theater and the art of acting. Students will learn basic acting skills through class participation in monologue work, scene work, and improvisations. Students will learn basic theater terms and history. Students learn respect for fellow students in the development of their creative potential. Some written assignments and theater attendance required.

8883 Advanced Drama $

Full Year Course, fall and spring 

Prerequisite: Instructor approval

$300 per semester (travel/competition fees)

This course builds upon the skills and techniques developed in beginning drama through focused approaches to character creation and acting styles across diverse theatrical forms. Students learn to enhance actor’s skills such as: concentration, focus, observation, relaxation, ensemble work, and physical and vocal awareness. Students may participate in region and state competitions. Some written assignments and theater attendance required. Students must be willing to work after school and some weekends depending on the production schedule. Students are required to participate in the Utah Shakespeare Festival High School Shakespeare Competition in October, Utah Region/State Drama Competition and all after-school theater productions.

Visual Arts

892 Ceramics $

Semester Course

$50 course fee

This course is an introductory class for students who are new to ceramics. In this class students will build skills by exploring the three-dimensional concepts of clay. Basic hand-building methods will be emphasized such as pinch pot, coil and slab. Projects will emphasize problem solving, and give an introduction to the elements and principles of art as they relate to three-dimensional design. This course may be only taken once; students who would like to continue working in clay should register for Intermediate Ceramics. 

894 Intermediate Ceramics $

Semester Course

Prerequisite: Ceramics or instructor approval 

$75 course fee

This course is for students who have shown an interest in continuing their exploration of clay, with an emphasis on handbuilding. Students will tackle more challenging projects that focus on craftsmanship, creativity, and aesthetics. Additionally they will be introduced to wheel thrown pottery techniques. Students who wish to further their wheel throwing skills should register for Advanced Ceramics the following year. For students who enjoy handbuilding, this course can be retaken.

897AP AP Ceramics $

Full Year Course

Prerequisite: Intermediate Ceramics or instructor approval 

$ AP Exam Fee, $150 course fee

Dive deep into the world art of ceramics with our Advanced Placement course. This rigorous program, aligned with College Board standards, explores advanced techniques in clay manipulation, glazing, and firing. Students will refine their craftsmanship through wheel-throwing and hand-building projects, while also delving into historical and contemporary ceramic practices. Emphasis is placed on developing a personal artistic voice, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. With a focus on portfolio development, students will engage in critiques and discussions to cultivate a deeper understanding of ceramics as both a medium and an art form. Prepare for college-level study and beyond in this dynamic and enriching course. Please see COURSE REQUIREMENTS & DISCLOSURES page for AP course details. 

8910 Art Foundations I $

Semester Course 

$25 course fee

This course is an introductory class for students who are new to art. AFI is a skill building class where students will study the elements of art, practice drawing from life, and experiment with different art styles and mediums. The class will learn how to understand and create meaning in art by studying some of the masterpieces of art history as well as contemporary working artists. Students will study art vocabulary and learn to discuss and critique art constructively and with confidence. This course may only be taken once; students who would like to continue with art coursework should register for Art Foundations II or another advanced art course.

8950 Art Foundations II $

Semester Course 

Prerequisite: Art Foundations I or instructor approval  

$25 course fee

This course is for students who have shown an interest in continuing their art education. With an emphasis on studio production, students will exercise creativity and continue to build their observational drawing and art skills, while experimenting with new materials and processes to organize the art elements, design principles, and create good compositions. Students will further their knowledge of aesthetics, art history, and constructive art criticism. This course may only be taken once; students who would like to continue with art coursework should register for another advanced art course. 

8955 Painting $

Semester Course 

Prerequisite: Art Foundations I or instructor approval 

$50 course fee

This is an advanced course for students who have had an introduction to drawing, and are ready to try painting. With an emphasis on basic painting skills and color theory, students will create original acrylic paintings and designs. The class will learn how to understand and create meaning in art, and be exposed to some of the great masterpieces of art history as well as contemporary art and artists. Students will learn to discuss and critique art constructively and with confidence. This course may only be taken once.

897 Advanced Art $

Full Year Course

Prerequisites: Art Foundations II and instructor approval 

$75 fee per semester

This is an advanced course for students with a demonstrated commitment to art who want to continue to develop their skills and craftsmanship, as well as their knowledge of art materials and mediums, while studying contemporary and master artists. With an emphasis in studio production, students will build a portfolio focused on drawing and 2D design skills, while exploring their artistic voice and developing a style. 

899AP AP Art and Design  (Advanced Placement) $

Full Year Course

Prerequisites: Advanced Art and instructor approval 

$ AP Exam Fee, $110 fee per semester

AP Art and Design is a program administered by the College Board to provide highly motivated students with an opportunity to earn college credit in art. Students will create a portfolio of work to demonstrate inquiry through art and design, and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course of a year. Portfolios include works of art and design, process documentation, and written information about the work presented. In May, students submit a portfolio for evaluation based on specific criteria, which include skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, guided by questions. 

Academy of Fine Arts

Juan Diego students may obtain a special Academy of Fine Arts designation on their student transcripts. The Academy of Fine Arts provides four areas of focus: Music, Visual Art, Dance, and Theatre. Each student will be assigned a mentor, based on their area of focus, to guide them through the process of completion. Students may enter the Academy of Fine Arts in either their freshman or sophomore year, and complete the following requirements to receive the Academy of Fine Arts designation: 

• Coursework: Each AFA track requires advanced and AP courses. See individual tracks for more details. AP courses include: AP Music Theory, AP Art History, and AP Art and Design. Three (3) or more years of advanced fine arts classes or ensembles and specific courses of study will also be required for each individual track. 

• Extracurricular Participation: Students will complete the equivalent of three years of active participation in Fine Arts extracurricular activities. These activities may include theatre productions, art shows, dance concerts, and musical performances. 

• Participation in an accredited Fine Arts Festival: Students will qualify for and participate in one or more of the following as directed by the department mentor: Region/State solo and ensemble, All-state Band/Orchestra/Choir, Region/State Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Competition, University Dance Workshop, All-state Art Show. 

• Dedicated Service Project: As a part of their required JDCHS service hours, the student will perform service related to the arts including but not limited to: tutoring, solo performance, and volunteer work within the community. All service work must be approved by the department mentor.

Academy of Fine Arts Final Project: Students will prepare and create a cumulative final project in coordination with their department mentor. As outlined by their mentor, the project could include one of the following: solo music recital, dance recital/choreography, character thesis role, theatre technical design, student-directed one-act, or art show. Each final project will be supported by in-depth research to be presented to a committee. 

Students wishing to receive Academy of Fine Arts designation on their transcripts must obtain faculty signatures for all of the above requirements by November 1 of their senior year.