Arts

This beginning level TV broadcast course teaches the fundamentals of TV production, 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 TV Broadcast Sports and Entertainment. Students are expected to purchase their own external hard drive.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Minimum of B in the first semester of Intro to TV Broadcast. 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.

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 ensemble class is designed to introduce students to music and choral singing. This is an entry level class designed for the student with little or no experience. Students will learn the fundamentals of singing technique while being exposed to different genres and styles of music. They will also learn the basics of music theory both through singing and the playing of brass handbells. Performance is an important component of this art, so students are required to attend some performances outside of the regular school day and must participate in one school performance each semester. This class fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for graduation and can be taken multiple times for credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Audition and Director’s placement

Advanced Women’s Ensemble is an auditioned women’s choir. Members should demonstrate an adequate knowledge in the fundamentals of music theory and basic sight-singing. The repertoire for this class covers a wide variety of time periods and styles, and requires students to sing in foreign languages. Performance is an important component in this art, so students have to participate in all choral program performances in addition to choral festivals and outside performances. Students are required to purchase a specific choir dress and jewelry that can be used throughout their time at JSerra. This class is for girls only, fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for graduation and can be taken multiple times for credit.

Note: Students who fulfill certain requirements can earn Honors credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Audition and Director’s placement

Chamber Choir is an auditioned ensemble for men and women. This is an honors level class, where students will learn advanced vocal techniques, music theory and sight-singing, and will perform challenging pieces of music in numerous languages. Performance is an important component in this art, so Chamber Choir students have to be prepared to sing individually and are required to participate in all choral program performances, in addition to choral festivals and outside performances. Students are required to purchase specific attire and jewelry that can be used throughout their time at JSerra. This class fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for graduation and can be taken multiple times for credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

The Beginning Dance elective class is for the student who is being introduced to dance. In this
class students will explore multiple dance genres (e.g. ballet, jazz, lyrical/contemporary, hip-hop,
and musical theater), dance technique, and strength/cardio conditioning techniques. In tandem to
dance technique, students will also be introduced to improvisation, beginning level choreographic
principles, and exercises to develop performance character, work ethic, and intent. Students will
have the opportunity to be exposed to performances and respond critically through written form
and discussion. Injury prevention, health, and nutrition for the dancer will also be discussed.

Note: This course may be taken as a fine art credit only. Space is limited. 

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Audition and teacher recommendation.

The Intermediate Dance elective class is for the student that has minimal previous dance training.
In this class students will explore multiple dance genres (e.g. ballet, jazz, lyrical/contemporary,
hip-hop, and musical theater), dance technique, and strength/cardio conditioning techniques. In
tandem to dance technique, students will also be introduced to improvisation, intermediate level
choreographic principles, and exercises to develop performance character, work ethic, and intent.
Students will have the opportunity to be exposed to performances and respond critically through
written form and discussion. Injury prevention, health, and nutrition for the dancer will also be
discussed.

Note: In order to receive PE credit for Dance, you must take two years of intermediate or advanced dance. Space is limited.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Audition and teacher recommendation.

The Advanced Dance elective class is for the student that has extensive dance experience. In this
class students will explore multiple dance genres (e.g. ballet, jazz, lyrical/contemporary, hip-hop,
and musical theater), dance technique, and strength/cardio conditioning techniques. In tandem to
dance technique, students will also be introduced to improvisation, collegiate level choreographic
principles, and exercises to develop performance character, work ethic, and intent. Students will
have the opportunity to be exposed to performances and respond critically through written form
and discussion. Injury prevention, health, and nutrition for the dancer will also be discussed. This
class gets to collaborate with current professional choreographers for end of semester concerts.

Note: In order to receive PE credit for Dance, you must take two years of intermediate or advanced dance. Space is limited.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

The Lion Band is JSerra’s extracurricular marching and pep ensemble for woodwind, brass, and percussion students. This ensemble is open to all students without an audition and rehearses after school. Students perform at football and basketball games, march in the Swallows Day Parade, and represent the school at various community and campus events. Students learn fundamental music performance skills, marching techniques, and how to combine music and movement as a unified marching ensemble. Performance is an essential component of this ensemble, and students are required to participate in scheduled performances outside of the regular school day. This ensemble supports school spirit and community engagement and fulfills the Fine Arts or PE requirement for graduation.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• Note: Course may be taken multiple times.

Prerequisite: Audition or Director's approval.

The JSerra Wind Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble for woodwind, brass, and percussion students. This ensemble meets during the school day and performs a wide range of wind band literature, including traditional, contemporary, and selected transcriptions.

Instruction focuses on developing tone quality, ensemble balance, rhythmic clarity, technical proficiency, and expressive musicianship. Performance is a central component of the course, with students participating in four school concerts, festivals, and other school-related performances throughout the year. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for graduation.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• Note: Students who fulfill certain requirements may earn Honors credit.

Prerequisite: Audition or Director's approval.

The JSerra String Orchestra is an auditioned ensemble for students who play violin, viola, cello, or bass. The ensemble meets during the school day and explores a wide range of repertoire, including classical works, film scores, and contemporary string literature.

Students focus on developing tone production, intonation, rhythm, ensemble balance, and expressive playing. Performance is an essential component of the course, and students are required to participate in school concerts and other performances throughout the year. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for graduation.

From this ensemble, the top two violinists, one violist, and one cellist are selected to perform in the JSerra Honors String Quartet, a student-led chamber ensemble that studies and performs advanced chamber music repertoire.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• Note: Students selected for the Honors String Quartet may receive additional performance opportunities and advanced instruction.

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 are required and students may enroll multiple times.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

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. Performance opportunities are available for advanced students. 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

Prerequisite: Audition.

This music course is open to students who have completed the Guitar course or who have prior experience playing guitar, bass, keys, drums, and/or vocals. Through supervised rehearsals, student bands will cover performance techniques utilized in contemporary musical idioms such as rock, pop, blues, hip-hop, funk, and punk. This is a team-based course that develops students' ability to play in a band format 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; homework is self-guide

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Prerequisite: Audition.

This ensemble meets two days a week, after school. It is open by audition to students who play guitar, piano, bass, drums, sax, trumpet percussion, and/or sing. Students will develop their musical technique through the performance of jazz, blues, funk, soul, and Latin, with an emphasis on improvisational solos. Grading is based on a combination of rehearsal participation, creative projects, and performance effort. Jazz Band performs throughout the school year, and students may enroll 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. Grading is primarily based on class participation, creative projects, and performance participation; 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

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 courses do not perform publicly but are tested through performing in class. Grading is primarily based on class participation and individual and group projects, including self-guided practice of materials. Students can take this course more than once and learning will be customized to their progress.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Theatre 1: Introduction to Acting

This foundational course introduces students to the art of performance and the collaborative nature of theatre. Students study the history of theatre from classical to contemporary traditions while developing acting skills through monologues, partner scenes, and improvisation. Emphasis is placed on vocal and physical technique, character development, ensemble work, and introductory stagecraft: including sets, costumes, lighting, and sound. Rooted in the Catholic imagination, the course encourages students to explore storytelling as a means of expressing truth, beauty, and the dignity of the human person. Grading is based primarily on participation, in-class performances, and in-class projects.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Theatre 2: Introduction to Stagecraft

Prerequisite: Completion of Theater 1 or Director placement.

This intermediate course introduces students to the technical and design elements of theater production. Students receive hands-on training in lighting, props, costumes, scenic construction, and backstage operations. Emphasis is placed on craftsmanship, safety, collaboration, and problem-solving as students learn how technical choices support storytelling and performance. Through practical projects and production work students develop an understanding of theatre as a collaborative art for rooted in creativity, discipline, and the Catholic imagination. Grading is based primarily on participation, project completion, and production involvement. Theatre 2 may be taken multiple times for credit.

• Year
• 10 Credits
• UC Approved

Advanced Theatre: Production & Company Leadership

Prerequisite: Audition and Director placement.

Advanced Theatre is a student-led production course in which members serve as the creative and technical leaders of the school’s theatre program. Students design and produce all aspects of mainstage productions, including scenic construction, costumes, props, hair, makeup, lighting, and sound. Emphasis is placed on craftsmanship, collaboration, leadership, and professional rehearsal standards. Students take ownership of the program’s artistic vision while mentoring younger performers and contributing to a culture rooted in excellence, responsibility, and the Catholic imagination. Participation in major productions outside of class time is required. Entry by audition or by passing 2 years of lower level theater.

• 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 fast-paced, hands-on course in photojournalism, graphic design, and print production where you’ll play a key role in creating The Legacy—JSerra’s official yearbook. Think of it as running your own creative media company: you’ll collaborate, meet real deadlines, and build professional-level skills that go far beyond the classroom.

What You’ll Learn:

Photojournalism
Learn how to tell powerful stories through the lens. You’ll dive into photography fundamentals with an emphasis on visual storytelling, composition, and candid moments. You’ll also sharpen your interviewing skills as you document student life through photo shoots and event coverage.

Graphic Design
Become a visual communicator. Using Jostens’ online yearbook platform, you’ll design pages that are not just beautiful—but meaningful. You’ll focus on layout principles like balance, emphasis, and unity, crafting spreads that reflect the heart of the school year.

Production & Leadership
This class runs on real-world deadlines. You’ll gain valuable skills in time management, organization, and communication. From scheduling interviews and coordinating with staff to managing production timelines, you’ll work together to hit every milestone. Students can step into specialized roles like photographer or even editor—and help lead the team to the finish line.

• Homework Expectation: Most work is completed during class. The only off-campus responsibilities are photographing key school dances (Homecoming and Winter Formal).
• Required Materials: Personal 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