Courses

8500 Wind Symphony

Full Year Course

Prerequisite: none

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 $$

Full Year Course 

Beginning course open to all students. 

Purchase of some materials required.

This class is designed to introduce students to the world of percussion. 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 and will perform at least once per semester at a concert. After completing Percusion, students should be eligible for Advanced Percussion with instructor approval.

853 Jazz Band

Full Year 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 class. This class meets in the morning during 0 period at 7:00 AM on alternating days.

8670 Steel Band

Full Year 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

Fall Semester Course

This semester course is designed for students of all playing abilities, especially those with no previous musical experience. Areas of concentration include correct posture, learning chords, note and rhythm reading, and strumming patterns. Within the first week, students will be playing along with modern-day songs. By the end of the semester, students will know how to play several chords which will be the basis for them to learn how to write their own songs or play more advanced music afterward. 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. This is a semester course.

NEW 8573 Guitar Studies III

Full Year Course

Prerequisite: Guitar Studies I and II, or instructor approval

Guitar Studies III is an electric guitar-only course. Students will begin their journey on truly understanding the guitar fretboard with single-string playing and position playing exercises. In addition to student-selected repertoire pieces (with teacher guidance), students will learn scales, modes, and intervals. Students are required to perform one piece for the class each quarter.

8600 String Orchestra

Full Year Course

Prerequisite: Instructor approval

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, and percussion. Performances are required.

866 Chamber Orchestra

Full Year Course

Prerequisite: Audition and instructor approval

Chamber Orchestra is designed for advanced string players  and offers students great variety and challenge in musical performance. It is recommended that students have at least 2-3 years 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 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. This class meets in the morning during 0 period on alternating letter days.

862 Concert Choir

Full Year 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

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) $$

Prerequisite: Departmental approval

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.

NEW 877 Social & Cultural Dance

Semester Course

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.

871 Beginning Dance

Semester Course

Open to all students

This course is for students who have had none to very little dance experience. The goal of this course is to provide students with fundamental instruction in dance theory, technique, composition, and criticism. In order to accomplish this, students will learn the basic dance technique, and will be exposed to 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 Intermediate Dance. 

872 Intermediate Dance

Semester Course

Prerequisite: Completion of Beginning 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

Full Year Course 

Prerequisite: Intermediate 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 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 

Full Year Course 

Prerequisite: Formal audition in the previous spring and instructor approval 

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.

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 is a continuation of Juan Diego’s Technical Theater course. It is for students who have had prior technical theatre 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 theatre 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 theatre terms and history. Students learn respect for fellow students in the development of their creative potential. Some written assignments and theatre attendance required.

8883 Advanced Drama

Full Year Course

Prerequisite: Instructor approval

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 theatre 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 theatre productions.

892 Ceramics $$

Semester Course

$25 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 teacher approval is required - $25 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.

896 Advanced Ceramics $$

Full Year Course 

Prerequisite: Intermediate Ceramics or teacher approval - $75 course fee

This is an advanced course for students who demonstrate commitment to learning wheel thrown pottery with a greater emphasis on studio production, aesthetics, and mastery of the skill set. Projects will emphasize combining wheel thrown methods and hand-building techniques to create truly spectacular works of art. Students will also be encouraged to produce, market, and sell their work to raise money for charity. A full year commitment is required to build the desired skill set; therefore, students will not be allowed to join midyear. This course may be repeated. 

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

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 - $75 fee + AP Test fee

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.