Visual and Performing Arts (VPA)

Art Foundations - VP100

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Semester, 1 Period

Credit: 0.50 FAR

Art Foundations is the entry level course in the Westerville City Schools High School Visual Art curriculum. It is recommended as the first art class in a sequence of classes. The course is designed to promote critical thinking skills through making artwork, research and aesthetic problem solving. Students are introduced to the history of art and the role of visual art in sociocultural development. Lessons are mainly project-based and designed to encourage students to make connections between visual art and other subject areas. Evaluation is based upon art-making, mastery of concepts, involvement and improvement.

Digital Art 1 - VP151

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Semester, 1 Period

Credit: 0.50 FAR

Recommended: Art Foundations 

Digital Art 1 is an introduction to digital photography, film and applicable computer programs. Students will learn to apply the elements and principles of design in the capture and enhancement of digital images. Photoshop, Illustrator and other arts-based computer programs will be introduced and used to create and communicate with photographic images. Students will utilize multimedia techniques to create their own visual and film productions. Evaluation is based upon art-making, mastery of concepts and computer programs, involvement and improvement. Art Foundations is highly recommended as a prerequisite. An appropriate camera is required.

Drawing and Design 1 - VP152

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Semester, 1 Period

Credit: 0.50 FAR

Recommended: Art Foundations

Drawing and Design 1 is designed for students who want to develop their drawing skills and their abilities to design in a two dimensional format. Students will develop their powers of observation and increase their understanding of compositional elements. Strong emphasis will be placed on visual perception, structural drawing and compositional design. The course will explore the artwork of successful artists, both past and contemporary. Students will learn to critique their own artwork and the work of others, using appropriate visual art vocabulary. Evaluation is based upon art-making, mastery of concepts, involvement and improvement. Art Foundations is highly recommended as a prerequisite for this course.

Ceramics and Sculpture 1 - VP153

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Semester, 1 Period

Credit: 0.50 FAR

Recommended: Art Foundations

Ceramics and Sculpture 1 is designed for students who want to explore a variety of three dimensional media including but not limited to ceramics. Historical, cultural and social contexts will be explored through guided research. Students will be expected to analyze both professional and personal art through oral discussion and written reflections. They will develop an understanding of and appreciation for the artwork of different cultures and experiment with a variety of materials in creating works of art. Evaluation is based on aesthetic design, craftsmanship, art criticism and the knowledge of vocabulary and processes. Art Foundations is highly recommended as a prerequisite for this course.

Digital Art 2 - VP161

Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Semester, 1 Period

Credit: 0.50 FAR

Recommended: Art Foundations, Digital Arts

This advanced photography course will focus on promoting personal artistic expression through the use of digital media including photography and film. Students will continue to refine skills with Photoshop, Illustrator and other arts based computer programs. A level of understanding of the processes and programs learned in the beginning Digital Arts 1 course is expected. Projects will be more individualized. Evaluation is based upon art-making, mastery of concepts, involvement and improvement. An appropriate camera is required.

Drawing and Design 2 - VP162

Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Semester, 1 Period

Credit: 0.50 FAR

Recommended: Art Foundations, Drawing and Design 1

This course  is designed for students who have successfully completed Drawing and Design 1 and wish to continue to refine their skills. Students enrolled in Drawing and Design 2 will utilize a variety of subject matter and explore their own ideas through the use of two dimensional materials. Strong emphasis will be placed on drawing and design. Evaluation is based upon art-making, mastery of concepts, involvement and improvement. 

Ceramics and Sculpture 2 - VP163

Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Semester, 1 Period

Credit: 0.50 FAR

Recommended: Art Foundations, Ceramics and Sculpture 1

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Ceramics and Sculpture 1 and wish to continue to develop artistic skills with a variety of three dimensional media. The course will focus on the relationship of artistic materials to the scope and intent of each project. Students will investigate contemporary sculptures and new media. Students in Ceramics and Sculpture are expected to self-reflect and to be able to work independently. Evaluation is based on aesthetic design, craftsmanship, art criticism and the knowledge of vocabulary and processes.

Advanced Painting 1 - VP121

Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Year, 1 Period/Day OR Semester, 2 Periods/Day

Credit: 1.00 FAR

Recommended: Art Foundations and Drawing and Design 1

Advanced Painting 1 is a continuation of the concepts and drawing skills emphasized in Drawing and Design 1 . Students will further develop their powers of observation, their understanding of compositional elements, and their ability to interpret the world around them. Color and color theory are an important focus. This course covers paint properties and techniques. It also explores past and contemporary artwork. Students learn to critique their own artwork as well as the work of others. Evaluation is based on aesthetic design, craftsmanship, art criticism, and the knowledge of vocabulary and processes. Successful completion of Drawing and Design 1 is highly recommended before taking this course.

Advanced Painting 2 - VP122

Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Year, 1 Period/Day OR Semester, 2 Periods/Day

Credit: 1.00 FAR

Recommended: Drawing and Design 1 and Advanced Painting 1

Advanced Painting 2 is an opportunity for the advanced art student to continue to develop his/her painting skills. Students will create original works of art that show an understanding of composition, paint techniques, and personal expression. The lessons promote an understanding of historical, cultural, and social contexts. The Advanced Painting 2 student is expected to work independently and develop a personal portfolio. Evaluation is based on aesthetic design, craftsmanship, art criticism, and the knowledge of vocabulary and processes. Successful completion of Drawing and Design course(s) and Advanced Painting 1 are highly recommended before taking this course.

Yearbook - VP500

Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Year, 1 Period

Credit: 1.00 ELE elective credit

Recommended: Course Application

Yearbook focuses on the process of creating a professionally published book. Using state-of-the-art technology and methods, students will research, report, organize and convey information accurately. Students use communication skills to conduct ad and sales campaigns. Interviewing, copyrighting, editing, photography and graphic design are emphasized. The annual yearbook is completed by the end of the course and delivered in early fall. Students should be self-disciplined and able to meet deadlines. An extra-curricular component may be offered with the class.

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Students may earn college credit or advancement in college coursework with qualifying scores on IB exams.

IB Visual Arts Standard Level - IB611S (1st year) / IB612S (2nd year)

Grade Levels: 11, 12

Course Length: 2 Years, 1 Period 

Credits: 1.0 FAR per year

1.125 Weighted grade

Required: Successful completion of all Ohio State Tests through the end of sophomore year

Recommended: Drawing and Design 1

Approximate cost: $122 for IB test (required)

Location: Westerville South only

This two-year course satisfies a Standard Level Group 6 requirement for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. IB Visual Arts SLA has a studio and a research component. The course is recommended for students who have had previous success in making art. Students should also have an interest in the study of world cultures and an ability to work independently and meet deadlines. Each student will be responsible for planning, completing, and presenting an exhibition of original artwork, a process portfolio and a comparative study of two artists. Teacher-initiated assignments include studio projects, sketchbook assignments, artist research, collaborative critiques, and response papers. This course differs from IB Visual Art HL in its level of expectation. The student will receive a Westerville South grade as well as an International Baccalaureate score. Evaluation is based on IB criteria. 2-D Art is the recommended prerequisite.

IB Visual Art: Higher Level - IB611H (1st year) / IB612H (2nd year)

Grade Levels: 11 and 12

Course Length: 2 Years, 1 Period

Credits: 1.00 FAR per year

1.250 Weighted grade

Required: Successful completion of all Ohio State Tests through the end of sophomore year

Recommended: Drawing and Design 1

Approximate cost: $122 for IB test (required)

Location: Westerville South only

This two-year course satisfies a Higher Level Group 6 requirement for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Students may also enroll in the two-year course as a course candidate. IB Visual Art HL has a studio component and a research component. The course is recommended for students who have had experience and success in making art. Students should also have an interest in the study of world cultures and an ability to work independently and meet deadlines. Each student will be responsible for planning, completing, and presenting an exhibition of original artwork, a process portfolio and a comparative study of two artists. Teacher-initiated assignments include studio projects, sketchbook assignments, artist research, collaborative critiques, and response papers. This course differs from IB Visual Art SL in its longer time frame and higher level of expectation. The student will receive a Westerville South grade as well as an International Baccalaureate score. Evaluation is based on IB criteria. 2-D Art is highly recommended as a prerequisite.

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Concert Band Ensemble - VP302

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Year, 1 Period

Credits: 1.00

Recommended: Audition; permission of instructor may be required

Concert Band is an introductory course to high school wind and percussion literature. Emphasis is placed on developing basic performance skills; literature ranges from easy to moderate levels. Students will gain basic instrumental, sight-reading and theory skills as they relate to instrumental music. This is a performance ensemble course that includes public performances outside the school day that support and extend learning in the classroom. A co- or extracurricular component may be offered with the class; fundraising opportunities may be offered to offset the cost of the music program.

Symphonic Band Ensemble - VP303

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Year, 1 Period

Credits: 1.00 FAR

Recommended: Audition; permission of instructor may be required

Symphonic Band is an advanced course for wind and percussion literature. Emphasis is placed on performance of moderate to difficult literature that requires considerable skill. Students will gain advanced instrumental, sight-reading and theory skills as they relate to instrumental music. This is a performance ensemble course that includes public performances outside the school day that support and extend learning in the classroom. A co- or extracurricular component may be offered with the class; fundraising opportunities may be offered to offset the cost of the music program.

Jazz Ensemble - VP305

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Year, 1 Period

Credits: 1.00 FAR

Recommended: Audition; member of Concert/Symphonic Band

Jazz Ensemble allows students to study and perform music written for this genre. Music in the tradition of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, Thelonius Monk and others will be covered. Students will be placed according to ability level and instrumentation. Students interested in improvisation will have the opportunity to develop this aspect of their playing. This is a performance ensemble course that includes public performances outside the school day that support and extend learning in the classroom.  Exceptions must be approved by the instructor. A co- or extracurricular component may be offered with the class; fundraising opportunities may be offered to offset the cost of the music program.

Marching Band - VP310

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length:      Year, 1 Period

Credits:                   1.00 FAR

Recommended:       Audition; permission of instructor may be required

Additional Fees:      $250-$400 (students participating in Marching Band)

Marching Band is considered a co-curricular option in instrumental music and meets after school. After school extracurricular practice time and band camp are required for marching band members. The marching band program encourages personal growth, self-discipline, responsibility, school spirit, and music education. Students are required to participate in performances outside the school day that support and extend learning in the classroom. A co- or extracurricular component may be offered with the class; fundraising opportunities may be offered to offset the cost of the music program.

Orchestra Ensemble - VP320

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Year, 1 Period

Credits: 1.00 FAR

Recommended: Audition; permission of instructor may be required

Orchestra Ensemble is a large group ensemble for string players. Emphasis will be placed on developing instrumental skills to perform quality string literature from string ensemble, full orchestra and chamber music repertoire. Students will gain basic instrumental, sight-reading and theory skills as they relate to orchestra literature. This is a performance ensemble course that includes public performances outside the school day that support and extend learning in the classroom. A co- or extracurricular component may be offered with the class; fundraising opportunities may be offered to offset the cost of the music program.

Tenor-Bass Chorus - VP401

Treble Chorus - VP402

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Year, 1 Period

Credits: 1.00 FAR

This ensemble is especially designed for the needs of new and beginner students. Various styles of choral and solo literature are studied. No audition is needed. All 9th graders are placed into these groups. A co- or extracurricular component may be offered with the class; fundraising opportunities may be offered to offset the cost of the music program.

Concert Choir - VP403

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Year, 1 Period

Credits: 1.00 FAR

Recommended: Audition; permission of instructor may be required

Concert Choir is an introductory course for high school choral literature. Emphasis will be placed on developing vocal skills to perform quality choral literature. Students will gain basic vocal, sight-singing and theory skills as they relate to choral singing. This is a performance ensemble course that includes public performances outside the school day that support and extend learning in the classroom. A co- or extracurricular component may be offered with the class; fundraising opportunities may be offered to offset the cost of the music program.

Symphonic Mixed Choir - VP404

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Year, 1 Period

Credits: 1.00 FAR

Recommended: Audition; permission of instructor may be required

Symphonic Mixed Choir is an advanced course for choral literature. Emphasis is placed on performance of moderate to difficult literature that requires considerable skill. Students will gain advanced vocal, sight-singing and theory skills as they relate to choral singing. This is a performance ensemble course that includes public performances outside the school day that support and extend learning in the classroom. A co- or extracurricular component may be offered with the class; fundraising opportunities may be offered to offset the cost of the music program.

Symphonic Treble Choir - VP405

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Year, 1 Period

Credits: 1.00 FAR

Recommended: Audition; permission of instructor may be required

Symphonic Treble Choir is for those wishing to sing in a large, select women's choir. Emphasis will be on developing vocal skills to perform and on understanding and appreciating all styles of music. Students will gain basic vocal, sight-singing and theory skills as they relate to choral singing. A co- or extracurricular component may be offered with the class; fundraising opportunities may be offered to offset the cost of the music program.

Notables, Soundsations and Jazz Central - VP410

Grade Levels:        9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length:      Year, 1 Period

Credits:                   1.00 FAR

Prerequisite:          Audition; member of Concert/Symphonic Choirs

Approximate cost: $125 Performance attire

The most active and visible of the vocal music groups, these ensembles perform on a regular basis throughout the community and at festivals and concerts. The music covers a wide variety of styles from pop to Broadway, and jazz. As representatives of their respective buildings, these students  are selected by a rigorous audition process. Students are responsible for performance attire and must be a member of Concert or Symphonic Choirs. Exceptions must be approved by the instructor. A co- or extracurricular component may be offered with the class; fundraising opportunities may be offered to offset the cost of the music program.

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Students may earn college credit or advancement in college coursework with qualifying scores on IB exams. In order to enroll in the following IB music performance courses, students must be concurrently enrolled in the IB Music Theory and Analysis course (IB 671S junior year and IB 672S senior year). This course meets every other day, 10th period over the course of the junior and senior year.

IB Jazz SL - IB631S (1st year) / IB632S (2nd year)

Grade Levels: 11, 12

Course Length: 2 years, 1 period

Credits: 1.00 FAR per year

 1.125 Weighted grade

Approximate cost: $119 for IB test 

Location: Westerville South only

IB Jazz SL is designed as an overview of music theory, history, analysis and performance. The course will balance the performing and theoretical aspects of jazz band music. Students will be exposed to a broad spectrum of jazz music and its western and non-western antecedents, including but not limited to western music, African music, south American and Afro-Caribbean music, field chants, Negro spirituals, and ragtime. Students are given opportunities to creatively develop their knowledge, abilities, and understanding through performances in both an ensemble and solo recital. The IB Music SL scores are based on an internally assessed performance, an externally assessed musical investigation paper, and an exam.

IB Orchestra SL - IB641S (1st year) / IB642S (2nd year)

Grade Levels: 11, 12

Course Length: 2 years, 1 period

Credits: 1.00 FAR per year

 1.125 Weighted grade

Approximate cost: $119 for IB test 

Location: Westerville South only

IB Orchestra SL is designed as an overview of music theory, history, analysis and performance. The course will balance the performing and theoretical aspects of orchestral music. Students will be exposed to a broad spectrum of Western music spanning 300 years. Students are given opportunities to creatively develop their knowledge, abilities, and understanding through performances in both an ensemble and solo recital. The IB Music SL scores are based on an internally assessed performance, an externally assessed musical investigation paper, and an exam.

IB Music: Wind Ensemble SL - IB651S (1st year) / IB652S (2nd year)

Grade Levels: 11, 12

Course Length: 2 years, 1 period

Credits: 1.00 FAR per year

 1.125 Weighted grade

Approximate cost: $119 for IB test 

Location: Westerville South only

IB Music - Wind Ensemble SL is designed as an overview of music theory, history, analysis and performance. Students that have an aptitude and interest in instrumental music should take this class concurrently with one of our band ensembles. The course will balance the performing, and theoretical aspects of instrumental music. Students will be exposed to a broad spectrum of Western music spanning 300 years. Students are given opportunities to creatively develop their knowledge, abilities, and understanding through performances in both an ensemble and solo recital. The IB Music SL scores are based on an internally assessed performance, an externally assessed musical investigation paper, and an exam.

IB Music: Choir SL - IB661S (1st year) / IB662S (2nd year)

Grade Levels: 11, 12

Course Length: 2 years, 1 period

Credits: 1.00 FAR per year

 1.125 Weighted grade

Approximate cost: $119 for IB test 

Location: Westerville South only

IB Choir SL is designed as an overview of music theory, history, analysis and performance. The course will balance the performing and theoretical aspects of choral music. Students will be exposed to a broad spectrum of choral music in western society and international music. Students will also develop appropriate musical language and terminology to describe and reflect their critical understanding of musical examples from different countries, and/or different historical periods. Students are given opportunities to creatively develop their knowledge, abilities, and understanding through performances in both an ensemble and solo recital. The IB Music SL scores are based on an internally assessed performance, an externally assessed musical investigation paper, and an exam.

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 Introduction to Theatre - VP200

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Semester, 1 Period

Credit: 0.50 FAR

Introduction to Theatre is a course in which students will be exposed to many facets of theatre: the structures and types of plays, historical developments in the theatre arts, an introduction to the basic principles of acting, the viewing of actual productions in the community and an introduction to the technical aspects of theatre. Course fees will go toward purchasing scripts and supplemental materials for instructional purposes and performances. This course counts as 0.50 elective credit toward visual and performing arts requirement.

Acting - VP202

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Length: Semester, 1 Period

Credit: 0.50 FAR

Recommended: Introduction to Theatre

Acting continues to give primary emphasis to those aspects of actor training that have to do with the development of internal and interpretative skills which were presented in Introduction to Theatre. Some after-school performances may be required as part of the course. Course fees will go toward purchasing scripts and supplemental materials for instructional purposes and performances. This course counts as 0.50 elective credit toward visual and performing arts requirement.

Students may earn college credit or advancement in college coursework with qualifying scores on IB exams.

IB Theater SL - IB681S (1st Year) / IB658S (2nd Year) 

Grade Levels: 11, 12

Course Length: 2 years, 1 period

Credits: 1.00 FAR per year

 1.125 Weighted grade

Approximate cost:    $119 for IB test (required)

Location: Westerville South only

IB Theater SL satisfies a Standard Level Group 6 requirement for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Students may also enroll in the two-year course as a course candidate. IB Theatre SL is multifaceted, giving students the opportunity to  engage in theatre as creators, designers, directors and performers. Students will work individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble. Through researching, creating, preparing, presenting, and critically reflecting on theatre, students gain a rich understanding of themselves, their community and the world.  Students will have the opportunity to discover and engage with different forms of theatre across time, place and culture, promoting international-mindedness and appreciation of diversity of theatre.

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