Fine Arts

Interested in Band or Orchestra? Talk to Mr. Knudson about joining! Mr. Knudson decides the band placement. If you are not sure which one to sign up for, talk with him!

Beginning Band

Grades: 6-12 Length/Credits: Full Year (1.0 credit)

If students have never played an instrument, or are looking to learn a new instrument, this band is for them! All HS and MS students are welcome to join. Students learn the fundamentals of music making and music reading through performance of diverse repertoire, composition, and improvisation. Small group pull out lessons occur about 2 times per month for all Beginning Band members. There are 3 required concerts throughout the year. Band is a yearlong class and students must commit to it for the entire year. Come experience the magic of music making!

Symphonic Band

Grades: 6-12 Length/Credits: Full Year (1.0 credit)

This ensemble is for more advanced HS or MS players, or students with 2+ years of experience on their instrument. We begin to refine our individual skills and deepen our understanding of ensemble performance through challenging and diverse repertoire. Students continue to explore the fundamentals of music theory, improvisation, and composition. Small group pull out lessons will be required of middle school students only. There are 3 required concerts throughout the year. Symphonic Band Members also have the opportunity to participate in the TCA Pep Band at basketball and volleyball games throughout the season. Band is a yearlong class and students must commit to it for the entire year. Come flex your musical muscles!

Concert Band

Grades: 6-12 Length/Credits: Full Year (1.0 credit)

This is the top performing band at TCA, open to advanced HS or MS players with 2+ years of experience. Concert Band Members apply their skills to challenging and diverse repertoire. Students continue to explore the fundamentals of music theory, improvisation, and composition. Small group pull out lessons will be required of middle school students only. There are 3 required concerts throughout the year. Concert Band Members also have the opportunity to participate in the TCA Pep Band at basketball and volleyball games throughout the season. Band is a yearlong class and students must commit to it for the entire year. Come showcase your musical talent!

Orchestra

Grades: 6-12 Length/Credits: Full Year (1.0 credit)

If you are interested in learning (or already play) a stringed instrument like Violin, Viola, Cello or Bass, this is the course for you. Throughout this course, students will learn the basics of holding their instrument, using the bow, and fundamental rhythms and notes.

Intro to Drawing and Painting - 2D

Grades: 9 -12 Length/Credits: One Semester (0.5 credits)          

This is an introductory art course welcomed to all students that will explore two dimensional art through various mediums. The course will begin with an introduction to drawing skills and concepts building a foundation for their 2D work. The second half of the course will carry those skills into an exploration of the painting process where students will be introduced to concepts of color and color theory. Students will be asked to explore mediums such as pencil, charcoal, oil pastel, and acrylic paint.

Intro to Sculpture - 3D Art

Grades: 9 -12 Length/Credits: One Semester (0.5 credits)   

This is an introductory course welcomed to all students that will explore three dimensional art through various mediums. The course will begin with an introduction to sculpture through developing a deeper understanding of form, depth, and shape. In this course students will brainstorm, plan, and create sculptural work and explore mediums such as clay, wire, cardboard, plaster, and other mediums typical of three dimensional art.

Canvas & Culture

Grades: 9 -12 Length/Credits: One Semester (0.5 credits)   

This is an introductory course welcomed to all students that will explore various periods and movements of art that have taken place across arts history. Students will receive a brief history on each movement or period of art and create projects that further explore those topics and subject matter. Students will explore a variety of topics and mediums as they navigate the rich history of visual arts.

Studio Art

Grades: 11-12 Length/Credits: One Semester (0.5 credits)          Prerequisite: 2 Previous Art Classes

This advanced course does require 2 art courses being taken and passed prior to enrollment. Studio Art is an independent course wherein students will come up with an outline for their course work. This outline will be created in collaboration with Mr. Benson to determine what areas, subject matter, and mediums each student is most interested in pursuing. Once an outline is established students will be required to meet deadlines and make progress independently on their body of work. Experience and a heavy interest in art is highly recommended but not required.

American Popular Music

Grades: 9 -12 Length/Credits: One Semester (0.5 credits)   

American Popular Music is a semester course designed for students who would like to explore the history of popular music in the United States from the early 19th century to today. Topics will include Early American Pop Music, Jazz and Blues, the Swing Era, Early Rock & Roll, The British Invasion, the 1960’s, the MTV era, Hip-Hop, and the music of today. Students will be evaluated on daily work, online discussion posts, unit written quizzes, listening quizzes, individual projects, and a final examination. 

Theatre Arts

Grades: 9-12 Length/Credits: One Semester (0.5 credits)

This is an overall exploration of what theatre is and the impact it has on the arts and society. Students will explore history, acting and design within the world of the stage. Students will also learn how to use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to become a strong, multifaceted character. Students act individually, in pairs, and in groups. 

Creative Arts and Technology

Grades: 9-12 Length/Credits: One Semester (0.5 credits)

This class is an introduction to exploring creative arts through technology that goes beyond traditional mediums. Students will express their perspectives within aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts through digital arts and interactive media. Possible projects include: creating digital collages, web design, blogging, stop motion animation, curating a focused social media platform, and/or beginning video game design.

Music of Today

Grades: 9-12 Length/Credits: One Semester (0.5 credits)

This course is designed to supply students with foundational skills in music analysis, with an emphasis on music production. We will analyze popular modern music, learn to write our own songs using electronic music software, and examine the social, cultural, and political impact music can have on society and that our society can have on music. No prior musical experience is necessary.  Students should be interested in creating and editing their own music, as well as analyzing modern styles of music. Some of the material we will cover is determined by class interests. Students should be prepared to share and discuss their interests, as well as being accepting of the interests of their classmates!