VAPA Courses
VISUAL ARTS
Course Title: 3D Art 1 (P)
Course Number: 6001-6002
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: None
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Art
Course Description: Three-dimensional Art 1 is an introductory course that explores three- dimensional art forms through lecture, demonstration, audio visual aids, and execution of projects. 3D Art 1 develops a student’s understanding of the terminology, being able to communicate effectively using art vocabulary, and implementing basic art elements and principles that will be taught through a variety of media. Projects will include studies in art history and cultural civilizations and will encourage exploration and personal growth through the arts through discussions, presentations, and technology or research. Units of study may include sculpture, clay, fiber, paper, mixed media, jewelry, color theory, and printmaking.
Course Title: 3D Art II (P)
Course Number: 6006-6007
Grade Level: 10–12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: 3D Art I
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Art
Course Description: Three-dimensional Art 2 is the intermediate level and continuation of 3D Art 1. The course provides further exploration of these art elements and principles: line, color, value, shape and form, space, texture, balance, unity, contrast, emphasis, movement or rhythm, and pattern. Emphasis is placed on creative application and presentation. Projects involve creative thinking and problem solving. Units of study may include sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, advanced color theory, printmaking, mosaics, stained glass, and weaving, research papers, sketchbook/journal keeping and presentations.
Course Title: 3D Art III (P)
Course Number: 6010-6011
Grade Level: 11 -12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: 3D Art II
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Art
Course Description: Three-Dimensional Art 3 is a continuation of the skills and media discovered in the previous courses, while enhancing the ability to be creative and solve problems. Exploration may include units of study in sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, weaving, printmaking, sketchbook or journals, computer skills, art careers, portfolio development, school or community art projects, research papers and oral presentations. Curriculum contracts, which develop and challenge special interests, may be approved.
Course Title: 3D Art IV (P)
Course Number: 6010-6011
Grade Level: 11 -12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: 3D Art III
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Art
Course Description: Three-dimensional Art 4 is an advanced level course in which 3-D media and techniques are refined, striving toward a professional level, while encouraging the ability to be creative problem solvers. Exploration may include one or more of the following areas; sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, weaving, printing, sketchbook or journals, computer skills, art careers, portfolio development, school or community art projects, research papers and oral presentations. Curriculum contracts, which develop and challenge special interests, may be consensually approved.
Course Title: Studio Art 1 (P)
Course Number: 6102-6103
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: None
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Art
Course Description: Studio Art 1 provides an introduction and exploration of 2 dimensional art forms through lecture, demonstration, audio visual aids and execution of projects. Understanding the terminology, being able to communicate effectively using design dialog, and implementing basic design principles and elements will be taught through a variety of media. Projects will include studies in art history and cultural civilizations while encouraging exploration and personal growth through the arts in discussions, presentations, audio visual or research papers. Units of study include painting and drawing techniques, color theory, graphics, perspective, creative thinking and problem solving. Students will work independently and in cooperative situations. Students will demonstrate respect for their projects, classroom tools and equipment, as well as other people's projects.
Course Title: Studio Art II (P)
Course Number: 6106-6107
Grade Level: 10-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year /10 credits
Prerequisites: Studio Art I
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Art
Course Description: Studio Art II is the Intermediate level and continuation of Studio Art 1. Further exploration of the design elements and principles: line, color, value, shape and form, space, texture, balance, unity, contrast, emphasis, movement or rhythm, and pattern. Emphasis will be placed on creative application and presentation. Projects are usually larger and require problem solving and decision making ability. Units of study will include painting and drawing, color theory, graphic design, careers in art, portfolio development, computer skills, printmaking and school based projects. Students will also complete projects in art history, cultural research, along with critiques of their own art works and works of others. Papers and oral presentations in groups and individually are also required.
Course Title: Studio Art III (P)
Course Number: 6110-6111
Grade Level: 11-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Studio Art II
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Art
Course Description: Advanced level students will explore in-depth 2D media in Studio Art III. Students will do in-depth exploration of painting and drawing techniques, creative thinking skills, technology, portfolio development, art history, printmaking, and color interaction. Media may be one already explored in previous classes or entirely new. Each project’s execution will be presented and evaluated at an advanced level. Students will be effective goal setters and demonstrate personal responsibility. Sketchbook journals or calendar notebooks will be required to support student's work. Student and teacher may develop a curriculum contract which develops and challenges the student's special interests with approval of teacher, parent and student.
Course Title: Studio Art IV (P)
Course Number: 6114-6115
Grade Level: 12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Studio Art III
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Art
Course Description: Advanced level Students will explore in-depth 2D media. Students will do in-depth exploration of painting and drawing skills and techniques, portfolio development, creative thinking, computer graphic skills, art history research, school-wide art projects and advanced printing techniques. Media may be one already explored in previous classes or entirely new. Students will be effective goal setters and demonstrate personal responsibility. Sketchbook journals or calendar notebooks will be required to support student’s work. Student and teacher may develop a curriculum contract that develops and challenges the student’s special interests with the approval of teacher, parent and student.
Course Title: Yearbook
Course Number: 6302-6303
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Art
Course Description: The Yearbook class centers on the production of the school yearbook. Students meet to plan the book's theme and content, determine what the book will cost and plan the financial campaign. They then sell the books and advertising to help finance its production. The staff develops a production schedule and then works to maintain that production schedule by developing and printing pictures, writing stories and headlines and designing layouts under the deadline schedule. Students use the darkroom, PageMaker and Photoshop software programs in the production process.
Course Title: Photography
Course Number: 6352-6353
Grade Level: 10-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Art
Course Description: Photography is an entry level lab-oriented course centered on the principles of photography including 35 mm camera operation, black and white film and print processing, photographic expression, and digital imagery (the use of computer software and hardware to scan, alter, print and present photographic images). The course includes a variety of hands-on projects focused on the course objectives and based on the state standards in fine arts. In addition to the projects, the course includes a survey of the history of photography and an overview of famous photographers, illustrating the impact of their work on national and world events.
THEATRE
Course Title: Drama I (P)
Course Number: 6202-6203
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: None
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: This course is an introduction to the dramatic arts. This is an activity-centered course so during the year the following interactive areas will be studied: warm-up exercises (both physical and vocal), improvisation, pantomime and movement, oral interpretation, and acting techniques. This is also an academic course where during the year we will study acting and technical theatre terminology, theatre history, the structure of the play, and play criticism.
Course Title: Drama 2 (P)
Course Number: 6206-6207
Grade Level: 10-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Drama 1
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: The Drama 2 course continues where the introductory drama leaves off. Instruction continues to focus on acting techniques voice and articulation, theatre history from the Renaissance through the 18th century, character analysis and play production. The course provides opportunities for an in-depth study of William Shakespeare and his plays. Increasingly challenging skits and longer plays are performed in class. Performances required increased skill in pacing, fluency, timing, blocking, movement, line delivery and other aspects in an overall performance. Instruction is an activity-centered and involves participation outside of class.
Course Title: Drama 3 (P)
Course Number: 6210-6211
Grade Level: 11-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Drama 2
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: This course emphasizes the production of plays (the fall and spring plays which are open to all students to audition). Students will know the jobs of all members of a production company theoretically as well as from practical experience. Students will also adapt a published short story or write an original one-act play for presentation. Students will also continue to survey theatre history. It is an activity-centered course and will require participation outside of class.
Course Title: Stage Design & Tech (P)
Course Number: 9810-9811
Grade Level: 11-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Drama 1 and Teacher Approval
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: This course emphasizes the production of plays (the fall and spring plays which are open to all students to audition). Students will know the jobs of all members of a production company theoretically as well as from practical experience. Students will also adapt a published short story or write an original one-act play for presentation. Students will also continue to survey theatre history. It is an activity-centered course and will require participation outside of class.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Course Title: Intermediate Band (P)
Course Number: 6402-6403
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Previous musical experience recommended
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: This course is designed to expose the student to the various styles of band literature. Skills and concepts are developed by playing a wide range of musical/physical ideas will include its terminology, advanced instrumental techniques, performance practices and styles, form (as it relates to various idioms of selected instrumental music), and the physical/mental attitude required to perform music appropriately. This class is designed to prepare the student for an advanced group.
Course Title: Advanced Band (P)
Course Number: 6406-6407 (Adv), 6406PER-6407PER (Adv Percussion)
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Audition/Permission by instructor/Previous playing experience recommended
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: This course is designed to expose the student to the various styles of band literature and marching styles. Skills and concepts developed through playing/marching this wide range of musical/physical ideas will include its terminology, advanced instrumental techniques, performance practices and styles, form as it relates to various idioms of selected instrumental music, and the physical/mental attitude required to perform this music appropriately.
Course Title: Jazz Band (P)
Course Number: 6414-6415
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Audition/Permission by instructor
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: This course is designed to expose the student to the 20th century American music called jazz. Skills and concepts through playing/marching this wide range of musical/physical ideas will include its terminology, advanced instrumental techniques, improvisation, performance practices and styles, form as it relates to various idioms of selected instrumental music, and the physical/mental attitude required to perform this music appropriately.
Course Title: Wind Ensemble (P)
Course Number: 6418-6419
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Audition; Permission of the instructor. Must be enrolled concurrently in Advanced Band or Jazz Band
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: This course is designed to expose the student to the various styles of band literature. Skills and concepts developed through playing the wide range of musical/physical ideas will include terminology, advanced instrumental techniques, performance practices and styles, form as it relates to various idioms of selected instrumental music, and the physical/mental attitude required to perform music appropriately. College level literature is emphasized. Must be enrolled concurrently in Advanced Band or Jazz Band.
Course Title: Orchestra (P) / Advanced Orchestra (P) / Advanced Orchestra 2 (P)
Course Number: 6452-6453, 6456-6457 (Adv), 6460-6461(Adv 2)
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Audition/Permission by instructor.
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: This course uses a wide range of orchestral music to develop artistic awareness and technical performance skills. Skills and concepts developed through playing this wide range of musical ideas will include terminology, advanced instrumental techniques, performance practices and styles, form as it relates to various idioms of selected instrumental music and the attitude required to perform this music appropriately. Performances are expected.
CHORAL MUSIC
Course Title: Beginning Soprano/Alto Chorus (P)
Course Number: 6502-6503
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: None
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: Beginning Soprano/Alto Chorus is open by audition to beginning female singers grades 9-12. This is a yearlong course in beginning vocal techniques, music theory, sight reading, and choral literature for the specialized women's ensemble. This group is a performing ensemble, with requiring participation in co-curricular concerts and festivals.
Course Title: Advanced Soprano/Alto Chorus (P)
Course Number: 6521-6522
Grade Level: 10-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Enrollment is by audition and with permission of instructor
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: Intermediate Soprano/Alto Chorus is open to all students whose natural vocal range is primarily concentrated in the so-called “treble register,” or from G to approximately G (and/or a 4th degree higher C) as well as consent of the director (via interview/audition).
Course Title: Bass Clef Chorus (P)
Course Number: 6506-6507
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: None
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: Bass Clef Chorus is open to all students whose natural vocal range is primarily concentrated in the so-called “bass register,” or from C to middle C (and/or 4th degree higher F), as well as consent of the director (via interview/audition).
Course Title: Concert Choir (P)
Course Number:
Grade Level: 10-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Enrollment is by audition and with permission of instructor
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: Concert Choir is a year-long course in advanced vocal techniques, music theory, sight reading, and choral literature. Coursework focuses on advanced specialized literature composed for the advanced mixed choir (SATB). The Concert Choir is a performing ensemble and an active participant in concerts, school assemblies, festivals, and tours. This highly select ensemble requires leadership and musical excellence. Co-curricular performances are required.
Course Title: Vocal Ensemble Honors (P)
Course Number: 6523A - 6523B
Grade Level: 11-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Enrollment is by audition and with permission of instructor
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: This is a yearlong course in advanced vocal techniques, music theory, sight-reading, and choral literature. Coursework includes in-depth study of advanced specialized literature composed for the advanced Chamber Ensemble (SATB). This vocal group is an active participant in concerts, school assemblies, festivals, and tours. This highly select ensemble requires leadership and musical excellence. Co-curricular performances are required.
DANCE
Course Title: Introduction to Dance (P)
Course Number: 6601-6602
Grade Level: 9–12
Elective/Required: Elective / meets PE requirement for 10th grade
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: 9th graders must be concurrently enrolled in Core Physical Education.
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: Introduction to Dance develops correct beginning terminology and technical execution in tap, jazz modern and ballet. The course develops creative expression through choreography and performance. An appreciation for dance as an art form is promoted through the study of the artistic contributions and the influence of culture on dance. Through the study of stage and screen productions, participants develop an aesthetic of dance through analysis and critical assessment of various works. Career opportunities available to dancers, including those performers are included as a part of the course content.
Course Title: Intermediate Dance (P)
Course Number: 6606-6607
Grade Level: 9–12
Elective/Required: Elective / meets PE requirement for 10th grade
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: “C” or better in Introduction to Dance or audition. 9th graders must be concurrently enrolled in Core PE.
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: Instruction in Intermediate Dance emphasizes and extends understanding of intermediate dance terminology and technical execution in tap, jazz, modern, and ballet. The course develops creative expression through choreography and performance. An appreciation for dance as an art form is promoted through the study of the artistic contributions and the influence of culture on dance. Through the study of stage and screen productions, participants develop an aesthetic, of dance through analysis and critical assessment of various works. Career opportunities available to dancers, including those performers and/or educators are included as a part of course content.
Course Title: Advanced Dance (P)
Course Number: 6608-6609
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective / meets PE requirement for 10th grade
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Enrollment in this class is by audition only. Audition may include: Performance of advanced-level technique, choreography and performance of self-choreography, and personal interview. 9th graders must be concurrently enrolled in Core PE.
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: This course focuses on learning correct advanced terminology and technical execution in modern, tap, jazz, and ballet. Through choreography and performance, creative expression and an appreciation of dance as an art form will be explored in addition to the study of historical contributions and the influence of culture on dance. Opportunities for aesthetic valuing of dance through analysis and critical assessment of various works, including stage and screen productions, will be explored. Various career opportunities available to dancers, including those as performers and/or educators will be noted.
Course Title: Dance Performance (P)
Course Number: 6611-6612
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective / meets PE requirement for 10th grade
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Enrollment in this class is by audition only. Audition may include: Performance of advanced-level technique, choreography and performance of self-choreography, and personal interview.
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: This course focuses on learning and using advanced terminology and technical execution in modern dance, tap, jazz, and ballet. Through choreography and performance, creative expression and an appreciation of dance as an art form will be explored. In addition, the course of study includes the historical contributions and influence of culture on dance and opportunities for aesthetic valuing of dance through analysis and critical assessment of various works, including stage and screen productions. Career opportunities available to dancers, including those as performers and/or educators, will be noted.
Course Title: Hip Hop Dance (P)
Course Number: 6616-6617
Grade Level: 9–12
Elective/Required: Elective / meets PE requirement for 10th grade
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Audition and permission of instructor; Beginning dancers encouraged.
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: Hip Hop will be the primary dance focus in this class. In addition, this course focuses on learning correct terminology and technical execution in jazz. Through choreography and performance, creative expression and an appreciation for dance as an art form will be explored. A study of historical contributions and the influence of culture on dance will be included. Opportunities for aesthetic valuing of dance through analysis and the critical assessment of various works, including stage and screen productions, will be explored. Career opportunities available to dancers, including those as performers and/or educators, will be noted.
Course Title: International Dance (P)
Course Number: 6614-6615
Grade Level: 9–12
Elective/Required: Elective / meets PE requirement for 10th grade
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Audition and permission of instructor; Beginning dancers encouraged.
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: Multi-cultural dance will be the primary dance focus in this class. This course emphasizes learning correct intermediate level dance terminology and technical execution in Latin and Folkloric dance styles. Through choreography and performance, the course leads to the development of creative expression and an appreciation for dance as an art form through the study of the historical contributions and influence of culture on dance. Opportunities for aesthetic valuing of dance through analysis and critical assessment of various works, including stage and screen productions, will be explored. Various career opportunities available to dancers, including those as performers and/or educators, will be noted.
Course Title: Color Guard (P)
Course Number: 6422-6423
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective/Required: Elective
Length/Credits: Year/10 credits
Prerequisites: Audition/Permission by instructor
Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “F” Visual & Performing Arts
Course Description: This course is designed to expose the student to styles of dance and flag techniques utilized in the modern marching band and winter guard. Skills and concepts will include: its terminology and the physical/mental attitude required to perform appropriately.