Courses Offered

Although usually studied as an abstract art, American music often finds itself at the center of controversies involving race, politics, gender, and cultural identity. This course will explore these intersections between American cultural and musical life. Although the body of the course will focus on music between the Civil War and the 2000s, we will investigate the role of music in a wide variety of America's defining moments. These range from the search for an American symphony, to rap and hip-hop culture. We will also examine music's role in such movements as Prohibition, Abolition, and the Harlem Renaissance. Students will be asked to complete readings from a wide variety of scholarly sources and to demonstrate their understanding of the course materials through class discussion, reaction papers, group projects, and exams.  No prior musical background or training is assumed or required. Please note, while popular music plays an important role in this class, it is not a history of popular music. Students will listen not only to hip hop and rock, but also symphonies and operas.

Music Appreciation is a course that is designed to enrich the students understanding of the musical world. By studying elements of music history, theory, elements, musical cultures, and production student will gain a heighten awareness to what music is music really is. The goal of this class is to make students more aware of music in the world around them.  Students are encouraged to become active listeners to music in the world around them. Through lecture, discussion, listening, viewing, and examination students will develop some level of music literacy.

Band/Marching Band- This course will provide a large ensemble setting for students who wish to continue to develop both their own instrumental skill and that of an ensemble member interested in participating in both the Band and Marching Band setting. Students will be required to attend all football games and the required rehearsals after school and evenings. A required, two week on-site marching band camp will be held in August. The Concert Band will also be the performing group that will travel to festivals to perform. Grades 9-12 Full Year Course.

This course is an introduction to art for all students. Emphasis is placed on developing basic drawing and painting skills, and techniques. A variety of media will be used including drawing pencils, pastels, watercolors, collage, and acrylic paint. The fundamentals of composition as found in the elements and principles of design will be used when drawing and painting from life and imagination, using realistic and abstract themes. Students will learn about different influential artists and will learn to research, write, and create pieces of art using the influences of previous artists and their personal experiences. There will be field excursions to museums and a transportation cost will be collected prior to each excursion.

This course is an introduction to the world of Ceramics. Intro to Ceramics will concentrate on the function, form, and cultural contributions of Ceramics though basic hand building construction techniques, methods of pinching, coiling, slab, glazing and surface decoration. In addressing the California Content State Standards, the students will be able to solve visual arts problems that involve the elements of art and the principles of design. Students will analyze and critique artworks, discuss and understand how ceramic objects have been used across many cultures.