Ten Credits

Open to Grades 10, 11 and 12

PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION: This advanced course involves "hands-on" work with Microsoft Office X (for Macintosh), developing sophisticated word-processing, graphic, database, and spreadsheet projects. This course will also provide extensive instruction and self-paced practice with Adobe InDesign and PhotoShop. Working within the context of a Graphic Design Studio, students will produce personal projects as well as documents and presentations requested by the various components of the school community. Projects will be solicited from all areas of school life and students will work within a "contract" context to satisfy the graphic design needs of the school. Students will work with scanners, digital cameras and other peripherals to complete these projects.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 10, 11 and 12

PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION: This course will explore the development of computers, concentrating on the invention and increasing use of the Internet and the World Wide Web. Students will learn the components that go into the creation of website design. Students will learn to write HTML and create web pages from "scratch" Once the foundations of HTML have been mastered, students will use programs like BBEdit and the Adobe Creative Suite to create original Web sites.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 10, 11 and 12

PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of HTML codes and DreamWeaver program. Teacher recommendation.

DESCRIPTION: This advanced course involves "hands-on" work with designing and maintaining Web pages. Students will learn the components that go into the creation of a well-designed web site. Students will create and maintain original web pages. The students in the class will use the Macromedia Studio Suite programs (DreamWeaver, Flash, etc.), Photoshop and GarageBand programs. Students will work within a "contract" context to create and maintain a section of the school web site and other web based projects that meet the graphic design needs of the school.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 10, 11 and 12

PREREQUISITES: Web Design course or teacher approval

DESCRIPTION: In this course students will examine web based media and the many digital formats that are being used to communicate information. Emphasis will be placed on the artistic design, integration of digital formats to effectively enhance the product as well as an understanding of their "client and clientele". Students will be "owners" of a digital media company and complete projects for "clients". Projects will require the students to work independently and in groups. Students will use multiple programs to create web sites, animations, video and podcasting and the integration of sound and music into digital media projects. During the semester students will use Adobe CS3 DreamWeaver, Flash , Fireworks , Bridge, MS Office, Smultron, Photoshop, GarageBand, iMovie, and other video and animation programs.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 9

PREREQUISITES: None (Students are not required to have prior music training.)

DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the traditional instruments of the band as well as the basics of harmony, rhythm, and analysis. Students study the art of reading and interpreting music notation, perform music independently and with others, evaluate music by using critical thinking and listening skills, and participate in the cultural life of the community through involvement in school and local music opportunities.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 10

PREREQUISITES: Audition and teacher recommendation. All students must pass the intermediate band audition exam.

DESCRIPTION: This course builds on the skills acquired in the beginning band program. Students will continue to develop individual technique and performance skills. Students will evaluate music by using critical thinking and listening skills, and participate in the cultural life of the community through involvement in school and local music activities.

Ten Credits

Open to Grades 11 and 12

PREREQUISITES: Audition and teacher recommendation. All students must pass an audition exam before acceptance to this course.

DESCRIPTION: This course explores and builds upon the skills acquired in the beginning and intermediate band courses. Students will engage in a variety of performance opportunities that include formal concerts, parades, school athletic events, community relations events, and state music festivals. About thirty performances are given each year, some of which include state and national travel. As the most visible travel ensemble on campus, students are expected to maintain the highest standards of instrumental technique, marching skills, and personal/group discipline.

Ten Credits

Open to Grades 11 and 12

PREREQUISITES: Concurrently enrolled in Concert Band. Acceptance based on audition and teacher recommendation.

DESCRIPTION: An advanced band ensemble with an instrumentation of five saxophones, five trombones, five trumpets, and a percussion section. Instruction includes the history and development of jazz music. Students will receive coaching in the techniques and theories of Jazz, including improvisation. There will be tours of several jazz festivals and workshops. The Jazz Band will perform regularly at school functions and in regional Jazz Band competitions. There will be one major tour in the Spring semester.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 9

PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION: This class is designed for the student with little or no experience in theatre arts. The curriculum covers the history, application and appreciation of theatre, through on-your-feet improvisation and scene work; acting terminology, theatre history (primitive society to current day); watching and reviewing plays; composing and reciting a Shakespearean sonnet; Hamlet unit vocal dynamics; and the discussion or current events. The semester-long 'Creative Research Project' is a major component, and covers research techniques, outline, bibliography, essay writing and independent study skills. The project culminates in an oral presentation where the student 'teaches' the class what he has learned about his topic with the help of show and tell objects/presentation aids.

Ten Credits

Open to Grade 11 and 12

PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION: This course is a "how to" for beginning actors, where students learn aspects of the craft and work to gain confidence and ease expressing themselves in front of others. Students study terms and techniques, get up on their feet and "do," and participate in character development vis-à-vis scene study, audition, lip sync, & oncamera techniques. The class encourages imagination, spontaneity, and risk-taking. Activities & exercises include: Character Walk/Observational Analysis/Integrated Character; Rock Star lip-sync; Newscast videotaping; Script Analysis; Rehearsal & Performance; Improvisation; Shakespearean Sonnet; written compositions & reviews; and oral opinions.

Ten Credits (Art I and II are distinct courses; each are assigned 5 credits and separate grades)

Open to Grades 10, 11, and 12

PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION: Introductory art students learn to use the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Basic composition skills are taught primarily through drawing and painting in a variety of media. Students first form the basis of their artistic expression with elementary skills and techniques before moving toward self-expression and the exploration of larger concepts. Students are expected to master terminology of visual arts and gain skill s in art criticism. A visit to a local art museum will be required. Students will also be directed to purchase materials for their own art kits, including a sketchbook and drawing supplies.

Ten Credits (Art III and IV are distinct courses; each are assigned 5 credits and separate grades)

Open to Grades 10, 11, and 12

PREREQUISITES: C or better in both Art I & II, or by permission of instructor

DESCRIPTION: Engaging in problems of visual communication and aesthetics, students will further the composition and design skills that were introduced in Art I & II through drawing, painting, sculptures, and mixed media works. Students will be more independent in their explorations of contemporary art making problems and techniques. A strong emphasis is placed on collaborative meaning making and art criticism. A visit to a local art museum or galleries will be required. Students will also be directed to purchase materials for their own art kits, including a sketchbook and drawing supplies.