Visual & Performing Arts

More information can be found on our website link:

https://blogs.sd41.bc.ca/alpha-vpa/

Course Outline

ARTS EDUCATION 8

Art 8 is an introductory course in which students explore a variety of materials in two-dimensional and three-dimensional image-making, develop basic drawing skills, and consider the work of selected artists. A sketchbook is recommended.

ARTS EDUCATION 9

This course provides opportunity for exploration of a variety of materials, processes and techniques in two-dimensions and three-dimensions, and the study of artists who have worked in these areas. Emphasis will be placed on the development of personal imagery and a basic understanding of the elements and principles of design.  A sketchbook is recommended.

VISUAL ARTS 10/STUDIO ARTS 11/12:  DRAWING & PAINTING

This course explores techniques of drawing and painting. Students will enjoy creative artistic expression using a variety of materials such as: acrylic and watercolour paint, pen and ink, charcoal, graphite, oil and chalk pastel and pencil crayons. As they are exposed to many styles of art and study the work of selected artists, they will develop a deeper understanding of the elements and principles of design. It is highly recommended that students taking AP Studio Art 12 take this course either concurrently or as a pre-requisite. A sketchbook is recommended.

VISUAL ARTS 10/STUDIO ARTS 11/12:  CERAMICS & SCULPTURE

This course is for students who like to work 3-dimensionally. Students create a variety of art forms using clay, wire, papier-mâché, plaster, cardboard, and recycled materials. The focus is manipulation of form and space using materials and processes while learning the elements and principles of 3D design. Historical and contemporary ceramics and sculpture will be explored.

VISUAL ARTS 10: MEDIA ARTS 10

This course exposes the foundations of graphic arts design, preparing students for Graphic Arts 11/12. The course emphasizes the development of foundational knowledge, requiring students to understand elements and principles of design, image development strategies, media technologies, and common terminology in media arts. Students will further develop their understanding on how design plays a role in communication. Furthermore, it delves into ethical considerations, addressing moral rights, cultural appropriation, and plagiarism within the realm of media arts technology. Students will be expected to both explore design via freehand drawing and using technology.

STUDIO ARTS 10: GRAPHICS 11/12

This course actively engages students in creating two-dimensional media artworks, embracing sensory inspiration, imagination, and inquiry. The course emphasizes the development of foundational knowledge, requiring students to understand elements and principles of design, image development strategies, media technologies, and common terminology in media arts. Furthermore, it delves into ethical considerations, addressing moral rights, cultural appropriation, and plagiarism within the realm of media arts technology. Students will be expected to both explore design via freehand drawing and using technology.

PHOTOGRAPHY 10/11/12

This course is designed for students who wish to learn about photography, and it includes both technical and creative components. Students will study historical developments and apply the elements and principles of design in photographic production and critiques. Students will take photographs using cell phones and digital DSLR cameras as well as discover the uses of a variety of lenses. There will be opportunities to enhance and alter images using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.  Students who take this course for more than one year will deepen their understanding of photography, and they will develop a portfolio of personal work and explore career options.

YEARBOOK 11/12LUNCH TIME CLASS

If you are a committed and responsible student who is looking for a way to get involved in the school community, this course is for you! This is a linear course scheduled at lunch time. Attendance is crucial in order to meet the requirements of this course. Photography assignments will require students to stay after school and travel to take sports team photos. As well, some evenings will be required to take events such as the winter concerts. Each student must be prepared to dedicate more than just class time to the production of this historical document.  In return, this course offers students valuable work skills and training in photography and design.  Students will learn about journalism, photography, photo editing, layouts and typography.  Highly motivated and organized students will take on various leadership roles including Co-Editor and Section Editors. Because of the demands of meeting publishing deadlines, both attendance and punctuality are a must.

DRAMA

DRAMA 8

Drama 8 is a beginner’s dramatic course that allows a new high school student to hang up their academic hat at the door and melt into a world of imagination and exploration while learning the basic fundamentals of performance, theatre history, respect, and responsibility. In this course, students will learn valuable techniques in public speaking and delivery, how to work well in a cooperative learning environment without desks and chairs, and also how to become self-reliant and secure. This elective will provide students who have a theatrical edge the opportunity to begin on the path to their dreams, as well as a first chance at expressing oneself for the students who are approaching a dramatic course for the first time.

DRAMA 9

Welcome to Drama 9!  For some this course is a reintroduction to the Dramatic Arts, and for others, it is a new dramatic experience, as they are entering the elective for the first time.  This course is an experience like no other grade nine course, where students will be able to illustrate their creativity in one of the truest forms:  performance! It is anticipated that the students will find comfort in this classroom with their peers, as they learn to perform and harness their dramatic skills.

DRAMA 10 

Drama is a discipline that originates in the impulse to depict experiences, communicate an understanding of these experiences, and give them form and meaning. Drama 10 takes the level of confidence and creative thought gained in junior drama courses and employs it within a comprehensive use of previously acquired skills. This course is a creative dramatics course with an emphasis on personal and social development, concentration, trust and cooperation, all while covering the fundamentals of theatre, the elements of basic acting as well as preparing roles through simple character development.

DRAMA 11/12: Acting

Acting is a physical form of emotion, a method of human interaction, and a moment in someone else’s shoes. Since the dawn of time, we have evolved to become expert storytellers, performers, and observers. In this course, I will be harnessing this innate desire to perform in the form of various acting techniques and exercises.

Students in this class will experience theatre and film in an open, safe, fun, and comfortable environment. The variety of performances within the course will provide each student with an array of dramatic experiences, stirring within them a formidable appreciation for the arts.

THEATRE PRODUCTION 9/10/11/12 – LINEAR PM class

To produce art is a gift that should be shared with many.  In this course, students will work towards one greater good:  bringing theatre to the community around us.  Students will study the act of production and its various genres, and then come together as a company to put forth a piece of art that we are proud to call ours while uniting our community in a creative way.  From parody, to seasonal productions including Remembrance, Anti-Bullying, and winter spirit, students will be working on many mini-productions throughout the year.  Students will also be studying the genre specific to their major spring production before performing it for an audience, either virtually or in-person.

MUSIC

MUSIC 8:  BEGINNERS’ BAND

This course is an introductory course by which students are introduced to the maintenance, technique and rudiments of a selected band instrument. Concepts such as articulation. embouchure, blend, balance, tone and style are introduced to form a foundation of musical awareness that encourages expression, reflection and performance. All Grade 8 band classes are a part of the junior band. Students are expected to attend any and all scheduled extra-curricular rehearsals and performances as part of the course requirements. Students should select Beginners’ Band 8 if they have no previous experience with an instrument. 

MUSIC 8: CONCERT BAND

This course is intended for students who have already taken Elementary Grade 7 Band course.  The course will involve instrumental technique, performance, theory, music history, and music appreciation as they relate to the repertoire studied.  All Grade 8 band classes are a part of the junior band. Students are expected to attend any and all scheduled extra-curricular rehearsals and performances as part of the course requirements.

MUSIC 9: CONCERT BAND

This course is intended for students who have taken a band course in Grade 8.  The course will involve instrumental technique, performance, theory, music history, and music appreciation as they relate to the repertoire studied. Grade 9s make up the intermediate band, which provides leadership opportunities for more experienced players. Students are expected to attend any and all scheduled extra-curricular rehearsals and performances as part of the course requirements.

MUSIC 10/11/12: CONCERT BAND  – AM CLASS

In this course, students will continue their exploration of repertoire, instrumental performance technique, and small ensemble/solo work in addition to more advanced studies in theory and music history related to the repertoire studied. Grade 10, 11s and 12s make up the senior band, which provides leadership opportunities for more experienced players. Students are expected to attend any and all scheduled extra-curricular rehearsals and performances as part of the course requirements.

 

MUSIC 8/9/10: JAZZ BAND – PM CLASS 

Students will gain a general knowledge of jazz styles and interpretation, as well as the techniques and rhythms unique to jazz.  Students will learn fundamental jazz improvisation skills. Students in grades 8, 9 and 10 make up the Junior Jazz Band. Instruments are: trumpet, trombone, saxophone (alto, tenor, bari) and rhythm section (piano, bass, drums, and guitar).  Students are expected to attend any and all scheduled extra-curricular rehearsals and performances as part of the course requirements.   PRE-REQUISITE: students MUST have minimum one year experience on their instrument for this course AND be registered for concert band. AUDITION: ensemble placement may require audition depending on instrumentation and demand.

MUSIC 10/11/12: JAZZ BAND – PM CLASS 

Students continue developing improvisational skills, exploring jazz styles, and providing leadership within this advanced ensemble. Students in grade 10, 11 and 12 make up the Senior Jazz band. Instruments are: trumpet, trombone, saxophone (alto, tenor, bari) and rhythm section (piano, bass, drums, and guitar).  Students are expected to attend any and all scheduled extra-curricular rehearsals and performances as part of the course requirements. PRE-REQUISITE: students MUST have minimum 2 years experience on their instrument for this course and be registered for concert band. AUDITION: ensemble placement may require audition depending on instrumentation and demand.

MUSIC 8/9/10/11/12: STRING ORCHESTRA

This course is designed for students who take private lessons on an orchestral string instrument (violin, viola, cello and bass) to explore ensemble skills and string orchestra repertoire.  The course will involve performance, theory, music history, and music appreciation as they relate to the repertoire studied. Students must provide their own instrument and have a minimum of 1 year playing experience. Students are expected to attend any and all scheduled extra-curricular rehearsals and performances as part of the course requirements. 

MUSIC 8/9/10/11/12: CONCERT CHOIR – AM CLASS 

This course gives students a unique opportunity to learn in an ensemble made up of students from grade 8 through 12, allowing for a lot of leadership from our more advanced students, and a chance for our beginners to learn from other students who have been in the group for years. Through the exploration of repertoire, we build vocal technique, ear training skills, and music literacy.  Students are expected to attend any and all scheduled extra-curricular rehearsals and performances as part of the course requirements. No pre-requisite.

MUSIC 8/9/10/11/12:  CHAMBER CHOIR – LUNCH TIME CLASS 

This course is meant to give an advanced level of choral learning to students who have strong enough skills to participate in the ensemble. We explore advanced choral repertoire in a small ensemble context.  Students are expected to attend any and all scheduled extra-curricular rehearsals and performances as part of the course requirements. 

MUSIC 8/9/10/11/12: BEGINNER GUITAR (Acoustic) 

Students will learn basic chord patterns in folk, pop and rock styles, rudimentary music theory, note-reading, tablature, rhythmic skills, basic finger-picking patterns, various left-hand techniques, and some forms of melodic/harmonic styles of guitar playing.  The emphasis in the course is on ensemble playing, though there will be opportunities to prepare individual pieces.  Students will be required to provide their own instrument.  No previous musical experience is necessary. 

APPLICATIONS OF LEADERSHIP 11/12:  MUSIC 

This course is for the mature, dedicated music student who wish to expand their own leadership skills while working with younger musicians to improve their instrumental, vocal, and music composition abilities. Students are encouraged to consult with their music teacher before selecting this course. 

DANCE

DANCE 8/9

Dance 8/9 is an introductory creative dance course. Students will learn, create and perform dance in a variety of settings. Learning will culminate with a final evening performance at the end of the semester. A focus on collaborative skills, technique and movement dynamics will be emphasized as these are the building blocks for further dance studies. Each class will include a mix of the following: warm-up, centre exercises, across the floor exercises, choreography combinations and improvisation. These will be done in a variety of dance styles including hip hop, jazz, contemporary and many more.

DANCE TECHNIQUE & PERFORMANCE 10 – 12

Dance 10-12 is a dance course for all levels and abilities. Students will learn, create and perform dance in a variety of settings. Learning will culminate with a final evening performance at the end of the semester. A focus on collaborative skills, technique, movement dynamics and performance skills will be utilized and analyzed. Each class will include a mix of the following: warm-up, centre exercises, across the floor exercises, choreography combinations and improvisation. These will be done in a variety of dance styles including hip hop, jazz, contemporary and many more.

DANCE COMPANY 9 – 12 – AM CLASS

Dance Company 9-12 is an outside of the timetable class for dancers who want an enrichment experience where they truly become a part of a dance ensemble. Dance Company 9-12 is a class for advanced students who will be given challenging choreography to perform in multiple extra-curricular performances.  As representatives of the dance program, they will perform in multiple community events, performances and competitions. This class is for students who are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience. Students in the class become a team that must rely on each other for success. (*Students are also encouraged to participate in the in-schedule Dance Technique & Performance 10 – 12 or Choreography 11/12 courses.)

CHOREOGRAPHY 11/12

Choreography 11/12 is a class for students who are interested in learning the ins and outs of what it means to be a choreographer and who are interested in taking on a leadership role with the Dance 8/9 classes. Students will create choreography in a variety of styles that will be used as across floor and combinations. Students should have previous dance experience. This is a great opportunity for students to develop the necessary skills to teach and lead a dance class. In this course, students will learn what it takes to be a choreographer and how to provide constructive feedback for fellow dancers.

APPLICATIONS OF LEADERSHIP 11/12:  DANCE

This course is for the mature, dedicated dance student who wishes to expand their own leadership skills while working with younger dancers to improve their technique, vocal, and choreography abilities. Leadership Dancers will also be placed in roles to choreograph for the classes, as well as lead dance workshops for PHE Dance Units.  Students are encouraged to consult with their Dance teacher before selecting this course.