Arts

This beginning level TV broadcast course teaches the fundamentals of TV production and filmmaking, including producing, script writing, editing, camera operation, audio, and lighting. Grading is primarily based on class participation, conduct, assessments, and group and individual video projects. Students are occasionally required to attend after school or weekend video shoots. Most projects can be completed in class. Upon completion, students are eligible to enroll in Filmmaking Workshop or TV Broadcast Sports and Entertainment. Students are expected to purchase their own external hard drive.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisites: Completion of Intro to TV/Filmmaking or instructor approval.

This intermediate/advanced level film course further develops the skills introduced in Filmmaking Workshop, but is more project-based. Students will complete individual and group film projects, watch and analyze classic films, and further develop their skills in camerawork, sound, lighting, and editing. Grading is based on class participation, assessments, discussions, group projects, and creative film projects as works of art. Students may enroll in Filmmaking Workshop multiple times for credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum of B in the first semester of Intro to TV Broadcast or Filmmaking Workshop. Teacher approval required.

This intermediate level TV broadcast course builds upon the skills of the Intro course and is mostly project-based. Grading is primarily based on class participation, conduct, and group and individual video projects. Students are occasionally required to attend after school or weekend video shoots. Most projects can be completed in class; there is less than one hour of homework per week. Students may enroll in TV Broadcast Sports and Entertainment multiple times for credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Teacher interview/video sample review and minimum B in the first semester of TV Broadcast Sports and Entertainment or Filmmaking Workshop.

This advanced level TV broadcast course is appropriate for elite TV broadcast students as determined through a teacher interview and video sample review. In the course, students work independently to produce news segments and produce the daily school newscast, "The Lion Report." Grading is primarily based on class participation, conduct, and group and individual video projects. Students are occasionally required to attend after school or weekend video shoots. Most projects can be completed in class; there is less than one hour of homework per week. Students may enroll in TV Studio Production multiple times for credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

This in-depth course provides students with the fundamentals of Social Media and Digital Marketing. Students learn and test different promotional strategies to create compelling social media ads across various social media network platforms. Students will gain experience in writing ad copy, analyzing demographics, and marketing/promotional strategies. Students will use a powerful simulation social to put into real world practice. Grading is based on class participation, assessments, simulation software projects, group projects, and real-world social media posts. Most of the work for this course can be completed during class time; there is less than one hour of homework per week.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

This beginning dance course introduces students to basic dance technique through a variety of genres, including ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, and other global dance styles. Grading is primarily based on class participation, assessments, and performances. Typically, Beginning Dance performs publicly twice per year; homework is mostly self-guided practice. Students may enroll in Beginning Dance multiple times for credit. At the time of registration, students may select to receive Arts or Physical Education credit for this course.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Audition.

This intermediate dance course builds upon the techniques developed in Beginning Dance through continued exposure to a wide variety of dance genres, including ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, and other global dance styles. Grading is primarily based on class participation, assessments, discussions, choreography projects, and performances. Dance Workshop performs publicly about three times per year; homework is mostly self-guided practice. Students may enroll in Dance Workshop multiple times for credit. At the time of registration, students may select to receive Arts or Physical Education credit for this course.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

This beginning level ensemble introduces students to vocal pedagogy, musicianship, and ensemble performance skills. Grading is primarily based on participation in class work and performances; this class has little to no homework. Concert Choir performs publicly about 2-3 times each semester. Students are expected to provide their own performance attire. Students may enroll in Concert Choir multiple times for credit

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Audition.

This advanced level further develops the skills of vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble performance. Grading is primarily based on participation in class work and performances; this class has about one hour of homework per week. Chorale performs publicly multiple times each semester. Students are expected to provide their own performance attire. Students are encouraged to enroll in Chorale multiple times for credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Learn to play a brass, woodwind, or string instrument—no previous musical experience necessary! Instrument choices include trumpet, trombone, flute, clarinet, saxophone, violin, viola, and cello. Select instruments are available to borrow from the school. Students will learn the foundations of their chosen instrument and how to read sheet music through a wide range of contemporary and traditional genres designed to appeal to teenagers—we promise no “Mary Had a Little Lamb, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” or “Hot Cross Buns”! Upon completion, students are eligible to enroll in Symphony Band/Orchestra. No homework; public performances are optional.

• Year
• 10 Credits

Prerequisite: Previous experience playing a woodwind, brass, percussion, piano, or string instrument or completion of Instruments 101.

This intermediate/advanced music ensemble course is open to students who have previous experience playing a woodwind (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon), brass (trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, tuba), percussion (snare drum, timpani, marimba, xylophone, etc), piano, or string (violin, viola, cello, bass) instrument. Students will develop musical technique through the rehearsal/performance of music from a wide range of contemporary and traditional genres, including classical, jazz, film music, and other global styles. Grading is primarily based on participation in class, occasional rehearsals outside of regular school hours, and in several performances each year; typically, the only homework is self-guided student practice. Students are encouraged to enroll in Symphony Band/Orchestra multiple times for credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Audition.

This advanced music ensemble course is open by audition to students who play a woodwind, brass, string, or rhythm section (guitar, piano, bass, drums) instrument. Students will develop musical techniques, including improvising solos, reading syncopated rhythms, and playing with a unique expressive voice, through the rehearsal/performance of many different jazz styles. Grading is based on a combination of rehearsal participation, creative projects, and performance participation. Jazz Band performs frequently throughout the school year. Students may enroll in Jazz Band multiple times for credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Students must possess their own guitar (instructor approved).

This beginning-level music course teaches students basic guitar techniques, including open chords, common strumming patterns, and barre chords through a wide range of popular music genres. Students also learn the basics of drums and bass for introductory rock band projects. Students in Guitar do not perform publicly. Grading is primarily based on class participation and individual and group projects; there is little to no homework.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Completion of Guitar or audition.

This intermediate music course is open to students who have completed the Guitar course or who have enough prior experience to audition on guitar, bass, keys, drums, and/or vocals. This is a team-based course that develops students' ability to play in a band format through group projects across a wide range of genres. Rock Band Workshop bands perform frequently throughout the school year. Grading is primarily based on class participation and individual and group projects; the only homework is self-guided student practice. Students may enroll in Rock Band Workshop multiple times for credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Completion of Rock Band Workshop or audition.

This advanced music ensemble course is the premiere performing rock band course. Through supervised rehearsals, student bands will cover performance techniques utilized in contemporary musical idioms such as rock, pop, blues, hip-hop, funk, and punk. Students will gain experience in performing classic, contemporary, and original material. Grading is primarily based on class participation, creative projects, and performance participation; the only homework is self-guided student practice. Rock Ensemble bands perform frequently throughout the school year. Though some school instruments are available to borrow on a first-come-first-serve basis, students are generally expected to supply their own instrument. Students are encouraged to enroll in Rock Ensemble multiple times for credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

This introductory level course provides students the opportunity to develop various technological skills associated with careers in the music industry, including live sound, digital audio recording, and creating original digital music. Students will learn concepts in microphone technique, audio recording and editing, song creation, peer collaboration, and music analysis. Students will use various pieces of hardware and software to create and produce a variety of audio projects, and will learn the basics of audio, physics of sound, recording, and mixing through hands-on experiences with state-of-the art equipment.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

History of Rock and Roll is designed for the student who has a deep interest in rock and roll music, its incredible artists, and its importance in shaping American culture. This course will focus on the distinct eras of Rock 'n Roll — from its 1950s birth (a melding of traditional country western, gospel and blues from the early 20th century) to the rock explosion of the 60s (including the British Invasion, Folk, Soul, and Psychedelia) into the 70s with Punk, Hard Rock, and Singer/Songwriters, the 80s with New Wave and Heavy Metal, 90s Grunge, and ending with today's current rock trends.

Students will listen to and discuss various artists who capture the "flavor" of a particular era. Popular styles and trends will also be explored.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

This beginning-level music course teaches students the basics of piano technique, including fingering, music reading, performance practice, and an introduction to music theory and history. Students must be able to work independently. The Piano class does not perform publicly, though there is typically one classroom recital per semester. Though the school provides classroom instruments for use during class time, students are expected to supply their own piano or keyboard (please wait for instructor guidance before purchasing). Short fingernails required.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Completion of Piano or audition.

This intermediate/advanced level music course further develops students' piano keyboard skills and exposure to advanced techniques and repertoire. Students must be able to work independently. Grading is primarily based on assessments and class participation. The Piano Workshop class does not perform publicly, though there is typically one classroom recital per semester. The only homework is self-guided student practice. Though the school provides classroom instruments for use during class time, students are expected to supply their own piano or keyboard (please wait for instructor guidance before purchasing). Short fingernails required. Students may enroll in Piano Workshop multiple times for credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisites: Two or more years of participation in the music department or teacher approval.

This advanced level music course corresponds to two semesters of a typical introductory college music theory course that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, musical materials, and procedures. Musicianship skills including dictation and other listening skills, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are considered an important part of the course. Through the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. Development of aural skills is a primary objective. Performance is also part of the learning process. Students understand basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are emphasized.

• Homework Expectation: 25 to 35 minutes per day
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors

This beginning level theatre course introduces students to the techniques of acting and building productions (i.e. sets, costumes, lighting, sound, etc). Grading is primarily based on class participation, assessments, and classroom performances. Most projects can be completed in class.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Completion of Theater 1 or audition.

This intermediate level theatre course further develops skills in acting and theatre design (i.e. sets, costumes, lighting, sound, etc). Grading is primarily based on class participation, assessments, creative group projects, and classroom performances. Most projects can be completed in class; there is about 1-2 hours of homework per week. Theatre 2 may be taken multiple times for credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

This is an 8th period theater course designed to provide the student training in body movement, voice techniques, stage presence, spontaneity, teamwork, acting techniques, and character development. Students will learn the techniques of performing an improvised scene, both comedic and dramatic. They will explore short-form and long-form styles. Students will use Improv terminology in their daily exercises, evaluations, and they will practice constructive criticism. They learn how Improv turns imagination into action, reality, and participation. The class will participate in local improv competitions.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Drawing and Painting I is a year-long course that introduces students to the elements of art and the principles of design, and how to implement those elements and principles in the creation of dynamic compositions using a variety of materials. The students will explore line, value, texture, shape and color. Materials used will include pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, pastel, colored pencil, and a variety of paints including watercolor and acrylic. A sketchbook is required to complete in-class exercises and occasional homework assignments. Students will compile a portfolio of work by the end of the year.

• Homework Expectation: 15 to 25 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: A minimum B in the first semester of of Drawing and Painting 1 or a similar year-long art course. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements.

Drawing and Painting 2 is a year-long course that is designed to provide students with a more specific overview of two-dimensional art-making techniques. Students work in a more independent manner than in Drawing and Painting I and will continue to apply the elements of art and the principles of design. Art projects are geared towards developing their problem-solving skills in a more complex manner. A sketchbook is required to complete in-class exercises and occasional homework assignments. Various mediums and techniques involve charcoal, acrylic, watercolor, and oil paints. An emphasis is placed on creativity and the mastery of skills to adequately prepare students to move on to the Advanced/AP level art courses. Students will compile a portfolio of work by the end of the year.

• Homework Expectation: 15 to 25 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisites: A minimum B in the first semester of Drawing and Painting 1 and Drawing and Painting 2. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements. Teacher approval required.

This course is designed to give the advanced art student a more specific overview of drawing and painting techniques, using the art elements and principles of design in the process. The students will explore these techniques on a higher level and the subject matter will include master copies, the figure, still life, landscape and portraiture. Media will include graphite, pen and ink, charcoal, oil pastel, oil and acrylic paint. Work is mainly produced in class.  Weekly sketchbook assignments are homework and take approximately 30 minutes to one hour. Emphasis is placed on creative thinking, problem solving and building an aesthetic vocabulary to prepare students for AP Art and Design.

• Homework Expectation: 30 minutes to one hour per week
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisites: Completion of two out of three courses in either Drawing and Painting or Graphic Design with a minimum A in the first semester of: Drawing and Painting 1, Drawing and Painting 2, Advanced Drawing and Painting, OR Graphic Design 1, Graphic Design 2, Adobe Suite. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements. Teacher approval required.

AP Art and Design provides the motivated art student with the opportunity to develop a two-part portfolio that is personal to their individual talents and interests. Through the creation of up to 15 pieces of art over the course of the year, students will submit a portfolio to the College Board for evaluation in May in either 2-Dimensional Design or Drawing. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of one theme or idea over the course of the year. The course focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design foundation courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to articulate information about their work. AP Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection.

• Homework Expectation: 25 to 35 minutes per day
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors

Adobe Creative Suite is an upper-division course introducing traditional drawing and painting students to the world of computer-generated art. The student will focus on the artistic skills necessary to create complex works of digital art in four powerful Adobe software programs within the Apple/Macintosh platform: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. As an extension of traditional drawing and painting, the student will learn how to combine digital with traditional techniques, creating unique works of art. This course will also prepare them for a possible career in the visual arts and the technology and knowledge required to sell their work. All work is done in the classroom; there is NO homework, tests or quizzes. One chosen project will serve as a final.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Graphic Design is a year-long digital art class providing students a hands-on, working knowledge of a career in graphic design. Students will explore the role of the artist as a visual communicator — one who seeks bold simplicity of form. Students will primarily learn ow to use two of the most popular and powerful Adobe software programs (Adobe Illustrator CS5 and Adobe Photoshop CS5), creating vector-based (line) illustrations, business documents (logos, ads, brochures, etc.), and pixel-based photo manipulation. We will focus on the six design elements: line, color, shape, space, value and texture, as well as the design principles of balance and emphasis. Mastery of the Mac operating system will further enhance the students' grasp of technology in the world of graphic design. The course has a limited enrollment. All work is done in the classroom; there is NO homework, tests or quizzes. One chosen project will serve as a final.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisites: A minimum B in the first semester of Graphic Design 1, or a minimum B in first semester of Adobe Creative Suite, or teacher approval. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements.

Graphic Design 2 continues to provide students a hands-on, working understanding of a career in digital graphic design within the MacIntosh environment. As an extension of Graphic Design 1, students will continue to explore the role of the artist as a mass communicator — one who seeks bold simplicity of form. Utilizing the powerful software programs, Adobe Illustrator CS6, and Adobe Photoshop CS6, Adobe InDesign CS6, and Adobe Animate, the student will create original vector-based (line) illustrations, pixel-based photographic enhancements, both aimed toward final assembly within a digital desktop publishing program. With dynamic composition as a goal, we will focus on the five elements of design: line, color, shape, space and texture, as well as three significant design principles: balance, emphasis and unity. Each student will be treated as a working graphic designer under the guidance of an art director (teacher), with projects reflecting authentic design campaigns.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Graphic Design—Adobe Animate is an ART class providing students a hands-on, working understanding of cartooning in the digital MacIntosh environment. Utilizing the powerful software program Adobe Animate 2024, the student will create vector-based (line), multi-frame animated cartoon imagery, all with movement and duration. Each successive project will incorporate new software “tricks,” culminating in the year’s final project: a full three-minute cartoon, complete with synchronized voice overs.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisites: Completion of two out of three courses in each category (Drawing and Painting or Graphic Design) with a minimum A in the first semester of: Drawing and Painting, Drawing and Painting 2, Advanced Drawing and Painting, OR Graphic Design, Graphic Design 2, Adobe Suite. Teacher approval required. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements.

AP Art and Design provides the motivated art student with the opportunity to develop a two-part portfolio that is personal to their individual talents and interests. Through the creation of 15 pieces of art over the course of the year, students will submit a portfolio to the College Board for evaluation in May in 2-Dimensional Design. Graphic Design students may use any digital applications they choose to create their portfolio. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of one theme or idea over the course of the year. The course focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design foundation courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to articulate information about their work. AP Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection.

• Homework Expectation: 25 to 35 minutes per day, can include weekends and breaks
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors

Yearbook is a photojournalism, graphic design, and print production class, one providing students with a hands-on, working understanding of the production of a high school yearbook. There are three main areas of learning:

1. Photojournalism: Students will learn basic photography techniques with an emphasis on storytelling and composition. They will also learn interview techniques. Students will then utilize these skills in monthly photo-shoots and interviews of different events around campus.

2. Graphic Design: Students will explore the role of the artist as a visual communicator — one who seeks bold simplicity of form. Utilizing Adobe InDesign (a powerful industry standard software), the student will create JSerra's high school yearbook, The Legacy. With dynamic composition as a goal, class members will focus on three significant design principles: balance, emphasis, and unity.

3. Production: In the process of completing the book, students will acquire many 21st century skills. Students will develop professional communication abilities when they email and speak to members of JSerra staff and administration to schedule and plan pictures and interviews. Students will learn to meet hard deadlines that cannot be changed by the plant. All will have opportunities for leadership within the class system, where a student may be anything from a photography specialist to an editor-in-chief. Lastly, all members of the class will develop teamwork, in this small-business style class where all must lend a hand at one time or another.

• Homework Expectation: photography and interviews of school events (once a month).
• Each student needs their own 32GB SD card.
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Must possess a DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of manual operation. Canon, Nikon, and Sony are all acceptable with the Canon Rebel being the most used in class.

Digital Photography 1 is a year-long course that explores the digital photographic process. Course topics include digital camera operation, camera manipulation, preproduction and postproduction techniques, image manipulation, and restoration. We will also dive into ethical issues surrounding digital manipulation, AI use, ethical issues surrounding privacy, and what it means to be a history recorder. Students will also learn about past and current inspirational photographers and their impact on the photographic world. Students will gain a real-world understanding of the elements of art and principles of design, composition, and black-and-white tonal scale in relation to the photographic process, as well as a cursory understanding of the business of photography. Using Adobe Photoshop, students will further explore combining digital techniques with historic and alternative photographic processes for greater artistic expression. Instruction will include both in class demonstrations and location assignments both on and off campus. Students are provided with a current iMac for use at school to complete assignments.

• Homework Expectation: 15 to 25 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: A or better in 1st semester of Digital Photography 1 and requires teacher approval. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements. Must possess a DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of manual operation. Canon, Nikon, and Sony are all acceptable, with the Canon Rebel being the most used in class.

Digital Photography 2 is an intermediate photography class for students with a working knowledge of digital photography and application in real world scenarios. Expected topics will be studio lighting, HDR photography, night photography as well as advanced lessons in Photoshop, Lightroom and Bridge.  This year-long course is designed to continue to build student knowledge, further skill levels and to encourage the student to develop a style and incorporate that into all assignments. The student will utilize these techniques to develop advanced artistic problem-solving skills and to convert digital images into high quality photographs and artwork including professional prints on metal, canvas and traditional photographic paper as well as display on digital media and online galleries. Students are provided with a current IMac to complete in-class assignments. Students will be required to compile a portfolio of work each semester for evaluation.

• Homework Expectation: 15 to 25 minutes per day
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisites: A minimum A in the first semester of Digital Photography 1 and 2. Teacher approval required. Placement pending based on 2nd semester grades matching prior requirements.

AP Art and Design provides the motivated photography student with the opportunity to develop a two-part portfolio that is personal to their individual talents and interests, while demonstrating mastery of 2-D design principles as they pertain to photography.  Since this is a design course, other students in the class will work with a variety of art media while photography students will use photography as their medium. Through the creation of 15 images over the course of the year that demonstrate a sustained investigation of one theme or idea, students are required to submit a portfolio to the College Board for evaluation in May. Homework consists of photo shoots for each project, while class time is used for editing and critiques. AP Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection.

• Homework Expectation: 15 to 25 minutes per day, can include weekends and breaks
• AP Exam Required: $105 Fee
• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved for Honors