FINE & PERFORMING ARTS

This course will require students to commit fully to the production of a full length school musical. The course will also be project based. Students will develop skills in acting, singing, dancing, and improvisation. The course will require a high level of commitment and some rehearsal outside of class time. Auditions for principal actors in this course will take place in September at the beginning of the semester. Students who take this course should have a desire to be on stage, or help with the production from behind the scenes. As a performance-based class, students will be expected to perform on stage. A limited number of students will be able to enroll for a tech/production position after giving evidence or speaking with the directors regarding experience, or possess a strong desire in the area of set/make-up design, lighting, costuming, or construction. 

Concert Band 10 is a year-long course, offered every other day.   Band 10 is an extension of Band 09, by which more challenging music and concepts will be covered. Performances will include a winter and spring concert in the Evan Hardy Theatre, music festivals in and out of town, and other community performances as they arise. 

This course will offer experience and skill development in choral singing.  Students will learn advanced vocal techniques and develop music reading and listening skills by studying various styles of choral music.  Some out-of-class time will be required for festival and concert performances. 

In this course students will develop skills in dance theory, technique, improvisation and composition. The students will study a variety of styles as well as the history and evolution of selected dance disciplines. This course will include a performance component. 

The focus of Drama 10 is to develop acting skills, self-confidence and a sense of community in an active, fun and safe environment.  No experience is required, as time will be taken to establish conditions where students feel comfortable taking dramatic risks.  Units will explore traditional and contemporary forms of storytelling, building the actor's toolbox, character development, and collective creations.  

This course will begin with basic note reading, theory and ear training through folk, classical, and pop style guitar.  Students will play solos and in small ensembles.  Guitar 10 involves some independent practice. 

Instrumental Jazz 10 is designed for students to explore the craft of improvisation which is at the heart of jazz.  The course will focus on listening to the works of the masters, chord/scale study, and improvising on a variety of pieces central to the jazz repertoire.  An emphasis will be placed on developing aural skills through big band.  By the end of this course, students should have a basic understanding of jazz and direction for life-long learning.  

The primary curricular focus of Visual Art 10 is on Saskatchewan art and artists both past and present. Students will develop self-expression and technical skills through exploration of various styles, media, and application techniques. Subject matter will vary as we work organically through the processes and respond to both past and present trends, social experiences and geographical influences. Students will experience informal class critiques, complete sketchbook exercises and be given an opportunity to complete an independent project of their choice at the end of the semester.

Students selecting this course must also select Studio Art 30 (VAS30) as AP Art is a year-long course (VAR30P and VAS30).

This enrichment opportunity is intended for highly motivated and independent senior artists who are passionate about art-making and would like to work towards a university or college-level credit in art.  The AP curriculum is based on the requirements of a first-year university studio art course, therefore projects and pace will reflect this.  Students will compile a portfolio in one of the following areas: Drawing, 2D Art & Design or 3D Art & Design, and portfolios will be graded through an external evaluation by the College Board in May.  Life drawing, in-depth critiques, guest artists, and field trips will be special highlights of this course. 

This course will require students to commit fully to the production of a full length school musical. The course will also be project based. Students will develop skills in acting, singing, dancing, and improvisation. The course will require a high level of commitment and some rehearsal outside of class time. Auditions for principal actors in this course will take place in September at the beginning of the semester. Students who take this course should have a desire to be on stage, or help with the production from behind the scenes. As a performance-based class, students will be expected to perform on stage. Only a limited number of students will be able to enroll for a tech/production position after giving evidence or speaking with the directors regarding experience, or possess a strong desire in the area of set/make-up design, lighting, costuming, or construction. 

Concert Band is a year-long course, with classes held every other day.  Band 30 is an extension of Band 20 by which more challenging music and concepts will be covered.  Performances will include a winter and spring concert at the Evan Hardy Theatre, music festivals in and out of town, and other community performances as they arise. 

This course is an extension of Choral 20.  Students will continue to develop vocal technique and listening styles by studying and performing quality choral repertoire.  Some out of class time will again be required for festivals and concerts.  Grade 12 students will have an option to meet as an individual group for additional performances. 

Students taking Dance 30 will be expected to observe and execute, with technical and qualitative accuracy, complex choreography and participate in dance improvisation exercises with confidence. In this course students are expected to perform choreography as well as their own composition work with technical accuracy and clarity of intention. Students in this course will also study a module on careers in the field of dance, with a look at professional dance companies & choreographers. 

In Drama 30, students will be expected to devote special effort to projects in acting, directing, writing, and producing.  The dramatic components of speech, movement, characterization, and improvisation will be built upon with emphasis on exploring various theatre styles.  Students will be taught the principles of producing and directing theatrical productions.  This course requires participation in performing a student-produced piece for the public and also viewing a professional live performance. 

Guitar 30 builds on skills learned in Guitar 10 and/or Guitar 20.  Self-directed, independent work is essential.  Emphasis is placed on mastering challenging acoustic pieces, developing skills and bar chords (and other moveable chords), finger-style melodies, various finger-picking techniques and alternate tunings.  The ability to read notes (in the first position) is a prerequisite.  Elements of playing style, audio recording, and performance will also be explored.  

Instrumental Jazz 30 is designed for students to explore the craft of improvisation which is at the heart of jazz.  The course will focus on listening to the works of the masters, chord/scale study, and improvising on a variety of pieces central to the jazz repertoire.  An emphasis will be placed on developing aural skills.  By the end of this course, students should have a basic understanding of jazz and direction for life-long learning.  

Studio Art 30 (VAS30) is the semester 2 course for students in AP Art (Visual Art 30 AP is held in semester 1). Those who take AP Art are required to take VAS30 to ensure their digital portfolio is completed and submitted in May. Once portfolios are submitted, students will focus on the professional side of becoming a practicing artist, which will include writing an artist statement, arranging formal gallery exhibition of their works, creating a website, researching higher education and career opportunities in the field, developing an understanding of how to value artworks and exploring the opportunities within the local art scene. 

Students in AP Art are required to pay the College Board AP Portfolio fee of $125.00 but do not pay an AP exam fee.

In this course students will build on their foundational understandings of art by exploring advanced media application techniques, subject matters and styles. We will explore Canadian Artists both past and present and participate in regular class critiques. This course is intended for committed students who wish to advance their visual art skills and design repertoire through several self-exploration assignments and independent projects, using a free choice of subject matter and media as well. Post-secondary and career opportunities will be discussed, and students will be given an opportunity to critique exhibitions at local art galleries.