800 FINE ARTS

All students must complete 1.5 fine arts credits for graduation.

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

Music

• 8501 Wind Ensemble

• 8560 Percussion 

• 853 Jazz Band

• 8670 Steel Band

• 8571 Beginner Guitar Studies

• 8572 Intermediate/Advanced Guitar Studies

• 8600 String Orchestra

• 866 Chamber Orchestra

• 862 Concert Choir

• 8591 Music Appreciation 

• 858AP AP Music Theory $

Dance

• 877 Social & Cultural Dance

• 872 Intermediate Dance

• 876 Advanced Dance

• 874 Dance Company $

Fine Arts

• 886 Technical Theater

• 8861 Advanced Technical 

• 887 Beginning Drama

• 8883 Advanced Drama $

Visual Arts

• 889  Intro to Ceramics 

• 894 Intermediate Ceramics $

• 896 Advanced Ceramics $

• 8992 AP 3D Art & Design

• 8910 Art Foundations I $

• 8950 Art Foundations II $

• 8955 Painting $

• 897 Advanced Art $

• 8996AP AP Drawing

• 8995AP AP 2D Art & Design

Other

• 841 Introduction to Quilting

Course Descriptions 

Music

8501 Wind Ensemble $

Full Year Course

Open to all eligible students

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisite: department approval

May be repeated as many times as desired

$ Students to provide their own instrument

The Wind Ensemble is an advanced performing ensemble, with two years of music experience recommended. Students develop their instrumental skills, music literacy, and ensemble technique. Students rehearse a variety of musical styles while learning teamwork, discipline, and musicianship. The course includes concerts, school athletic events, festivals, and other opportunities to grow as confident, well-rounded musicians.

8560 Percussion $

Full Year Course 

Open to all students

Credit Type: Fine Arts

May be repeated as many times as desired

$ Purchase of 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 $

Full Year Course - O Period Class, begins at 7am

Open to all eligible students

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisite: department approval, must also be concurrently enrolled in Wind Symphony or Percussion

May be repeated as many times as desired

$ Students to provide their own instrument

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 the 0 period, at 7:00 AM on alternating days.

8670 Steel Band $

Full Year Course - O Period Class, begins at 7am

Open to all eligible students

Credit Type: Fine Arts

May be repeated as many times as desired

$ Students to provide their own instrument

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 the 0 period, at 7:00 AM on alternating days.

8571 Beginner Guitar Studies $

Semester course 

Open to all students

May be repeated as many times as desired

Credit Type: Fine Arts

$ Students to provide their own instrument

This course is designed for beginner students who have never played the guitar or who 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 and time periods. Students will also have performance opportunities. By the end of the year, students will know how to play several chords, songs, and scales and will know how to sight-read tabs and

music notation, which will serve as the basis for learning how to write their own songs or play more advanced music in the future. 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.

8572 Intermediate/Advanced Guitar Studies $

Semester Course

Open to all eligible students

Prerequisite: Beginner Guitar Studies or instructor approval/audition

$ Students to provide their own instrument

This course builds on what was learned in Guitar Studies I by improving students’ sight-reading abilities (tabs and notation), ensemble and performance skills, chords, scales, music theory, expressive markings, and understanding of the fretboard. No beginners are allowed to take this

class. Students will learn intermediate/advanced pieces, songs, etudes, and riffs in varied music styles, such as rock, pop, jazz, classical, blues, and music from different cultures. The course 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.

8600 String Orchestra $

Full Year Course

Open to all eligible students

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisite: audition and instructor approval

$ Student to provide their own instrument

This course is designed for intermediate as well as advanced string players. Advanced techniques of bowing, fingering, 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.

866 Chamber Orchestra

Full Year Course - O Period Class, begins at 7am

Open to all eligible students

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisite: audition and instructor approval

$ Student to provide their own instrument

Chamber Orchestra is designed for advanced string players and offers students 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. In this orchestra, students learn both traditional chamber pieces on traditional instruments as well as well-known rock/pop classics utilizing electric violins and pedals. Music from composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky and modern artists like Coldplay, U2, Greenday, Led Zeppelin, and Muse will be

performed. 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, and participates in competitions, thus performances are required. This class meets in the morning during 0 period on alternating letter days.

862 Concert Choir

Full Year Course

Open to all students

May be repeated as many times as desired

Credit Type: Fine Arts

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

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Open to all students, no music experience needed

Students may take this course once and are encouraged to take Concert Choir following this course.

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 $

Juniors and Seniors 

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisite: department approval

Students may take this course once

$ 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

877 Social & Cultural Dance $

Fall Semester

Open to all students

Credit Type: Fine Arts, Physical Eduction 

Students may repeat as many times as desired.

Dance students may earn a total of 1.0 credits to apply toward the Physical Education requirement.

$20 Course Fee

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.

872 Intermediate Dance $

Semester course, only offered in the Spring 

Open to all eligible students

Credit Type: Fine Arts, Physical Education

Prerequisite: Completion of Beginning Dance or instructor approval

Students may take this course twice, and are encouraged to take Advanced Dance following this course.

Dance students may earn a total of 1.0 credits to apply toward the Physical Education requirement.

$20 Course Fee

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. 

876 Advanced Dance $

Full Year Course

Open to all eligible students

Prerequisite: Instructor approval

Credit Type: Fine Arts, Physical Education

May repeat this course as many times as desired.

Dance students may earn a total of 1.0 credits to apply toward the Physical Education requirement.

$ course fee

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 will perform at the end of both Fall and Spring Semester, with opportunities to be a student choreographer. 

874 Dance Company $

Full Year Course 

Open to all eligible students

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisite: Formal audition in the previous spring and instructor approval 

May repeat this course as many times as desired. 

Dance students may earn a total of 1.0 credits to apply toward the Physical Education requirement.

$500 course fee (includes team uniform, costumes, guest choreographers, etc.

Dance Company is Juan Diego’s fine arts performing dance group. This group’s main focus is the cultivation of creativity in choreography. 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 up to four days of 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.

Fine Arts

886 Technical Theater

Semester or full year course

Open to all eligible 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 

Open to all eligible students

Semester or full year course

Prerequisite: Instructor approval

The course may be repeated.

This course focuses on sound and lighting design and engineering, for both recording and live event purposes. Students will learn the fundamentals of audio systems, microphones, recording, and mixing. Students will also learn the fundamentals of lighting design, programming, and live event operation. Emphasis is placed on real-world applications, including training students to operate technical systems for school productions, performances, and campus-wide events throughout the year. Students will develop technical confidence, troubleshooting skills, and an understanding of how sound and lighting support storytelling and audience experience. This course serves both beginning and advanced students, allowing for scaffolded learning and deeper specialization as skills progress. 

887 Beginning Drama

Semester or Full Year Course

Open to all students

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Students may take this course up to two times, and are encouraged to take Advanced Drama following this course.

The purpose of this course is to allow students to test their acting skills, build confidence, learn some public speaking techniques, and identify future company members. 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.

This course is designed to help students develop an appreciation for theatre as both and art form and a collaborative process. Students will explore acting, storytelling, and performance through hands-on participation in monologues, scene work, improvisation skills, ensemble based activities, and an introduction to musical theatre. The course also includes written assignments, musical theatre analysis, basic theatre history and vocabulary, and required theatre attendance to support real world learning. Emphasis is placed on creativity, collaborations, respect, and risk-taking in a supportive classroom environment. The semester culminates in a final ensemble showcase, allowing students to apply what they have developed in a collaborative performance setting.  

8883 Advanced Drama $

Full Year Course

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors 

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisite: instructor approval through application and interview 

$600 course fee (competition travel, housing, and expenses)

This Advanced Drama / JD Theatre Company course builds upon the skills developed in Beginning Drama through focused approaches to character creation, acting styles, and performance across diverse theatrical forms. Students refine advanced actor skills including concentration, focus, observation, relaxation, ensemble collaboration, and physical and vocal awareness through weekly training in acting, voice, movement, classical text, and audition techniques. In addition to performance work, students serve as leaders within the theatre program by taking on roles such as acting captains, understudies, assistant directors, dramaturgs, and student producers or publicity and social media team leads. Written assignments and required theatre attendance support critical analysis and professional growth. Students are required to participate in the Utah Shakespeare Festival High School Shakespeare Competition in October, compete in Utah Region and State Drama competitions in the spring, and attend DramaCon in January. A per-semester course fee is required and helps cover travel expenses for both the Shakespeare Competition and the DramaCon conference. This course requires a strong commitment, including after-school rehearsals and occasional weekend work, depending on production and competition schedules.

Visual Arts

889 Intro to Ceramics $ 

Semester Course

Open to all students

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Students may take once

$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

Open to all eligible students

Prerequisite: Intro to Ceramics or teacher approval required 

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Students may take this course once

$50 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. 

896 Advanced Ceramics $

Full Year Course 

Open to all eligible students

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisite: Intermediate Ceramics and teacher approval

$150 course fee

Advanced Ceramics allows students with a special interest in Ceramics to explore skills learned throughout Intro, and Intermediate. Students must have teacher approval. Each Semester, students will complete five projects. Depending on ability and classroom needs the projects may have requirements or may allow more free work. Students will practice time management, explore higher technical abilities, decoration techniques, understand studio practice, participate in peer critiques and learn how to assemble a portfolio, which will include, artist statements, CV’s, photography documentation, application to shows/markets and beyond. This class will also have field trip opportunities.

*Advanced Ceramics takes place in the same period as AP 3D Art & Design, and is in preparation to take AP 3D Art & Design the following year.

*A full year of Advanced Ceramics is required to take AP 3D Art & Design.  In addition to teacher approval, senior students will be accommodated who need one more art credit to take one semester but they will miss information as it is built as a full year class. 

$75 per semester if accommodation is approved.

8992 AP 3D Art & Design $

Full year course

Open to all eligible students

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisite: full year of Advanced Ceramics  and instructor approval

This course can be repeated with instructor approval. 

$150 course fee, AP Exam fee

An independent research and study of the 3D Arts, emphasis in Ceramics. This program aligns with the College Board Standards for the AP 3D Art and Design Portfolio. Students will choose an Inquiry which will help mold and guide them through their research and exploration of their Sustained Investigation. Students will explore M.I.P (Materials, Ideas and Processes) through P.E.R ( Process, Experimentation and Revision)

Throughout the year students will make a minimum of 7-10 projects to help with their Sustained Investigation. Using their skills learned in Advanced Ceramics, they will be able to work independently on projects, documenting, photographing and understanding their creative process. Much like a college level studio course, the instructor will help guide them through new ideas,  processes, and keep them focused and on track to complete and turn in their AP Portfolio. Students may receive up to 6 college credits based on AP score.

*AP 3D Art & Design takes place in the same period as Advanced Ceramics, allowing students to learn and explore new ideas together. This will also allow students to participate in shows/markets, and class field trips.

8910 Art Foundations I $

Semester Course,  fall or spring

Open to all students

Credit Type: Fine Arts

May only be taken once. Students are encouraged to register for Art Foundations II following this course.

$50 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, including but not limited to graphite, colored pencil, pastel, pen and ink and collage.   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. 

8950 Art Foundations II $

Semester Course 

Open to all eligible students

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisite: Art Foundations I and instructor approval

May only be taken once. Students are encouraged to register for Painting after completion of this course 

$50 course fee

This course is for students who have shown an interest in continuing their art education. Students will exercise creativity and continue to build their observational and foundational drawing and art skills, while experimenting with new materials and processes to effectively use and understand the art elements and principles, color theory, composition, and developing new ideas. Students will further their knowledge of material usage, art history, and constructive art criticism with a range of projects, including book making.  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

Open to all eligible students 

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisite: Art Foundations I and II, instructor approval

May only be taken once. Students are encouraged to register for Advanced Art after completion of this course 

$50 course fee

This is an advanced course for students who have had an introduction to art in Art Foundations I  and Art Foundations 2, and are ready to move up to a painting specific course. With an emphasis on foundational painting skills and color theory, students will create original acrylic and watercolor paintings and designs. Students will work to understand acrylic and watercolor painting techniques, applied color choices, values, and creating effective compositional choices in their work. 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 and may only be taken after the listed pre reqs. 

897 Advanced Art $

Full year course

Juniors and Seniors 

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisites: Art Foundations I and II, Painting and instructor approval 

May repeat this course as many times as desired

Following this course students are encouraged to take Painting or AP 2D Art & Design or AP Drawing

$75 fee

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 2D work in drawing, painting, and mixed media work, while exploring their artistic voice and developing a style. Students will work in a variety of art practices and mediums including but not limited to, still life, abstract work, mixed media, charcoal, acrylic, and book making. Students will learn how to grow and develop their own artistic style and practices, while  building on previous art skills and critique experiences. Instructor approval, including a discussion and viewing of previously completed work is required to receive admittance to the course to ensure the understanding and skills needed to be successful in Advanced Art. 

8995AP AP 2D Art & Design $

8996AP AP Drawing

These courses have different requirements and portfolios, but are offered in the same period

Full year course

Juniors and Seniors 

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisites: Art Foundations I and II, Painting, Advanced Art, and instructor approval

$100 course fee, AP exam fee

AP 2D 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 20 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. Students need to understand the high workload and expectations.   Both AP classes may be taken and two portfolios submitted for consideration in two consecutive  years, with one portfolio being AP Drawing and the other AP 2D Art and Design. This would occur Junior and Senior years. Students are required to submit work for consideration to the Annual Springville Art Show. Instructor approval, including a discussion and viewing of previously completed work is required to receive admittance to the course to ensure the understanding and skills needed to be successful in Advanced Art. 

Other

841 Intro to Quilting $

Semester Course

Juniors and Seniors 

Credit Type: Fine Arts

Prerequisite: Geometry

Students may take up to 2 times

$75 Class Fee

This course introduces students to quilting as both a creative art form and a practical craft. Through hands-on projects, students learn foundational sewing and quilting techniques while exploring geometry, color theory, and design principles. The course also examines the cultural and historical significance of quilting traditions and emphasizes safe tool use, problem solving, and collaboration. Students will design and complete a small quilt project while building fine motor skills, creativity, and mindfulness through a sustainable, stress-relieving practice.