Fine Arts Standards
To ensure that all students develop an appreciation and understanding of the fine arts, one year (10 credits) of study in this department is required for graduation. Many students, however, are involved with the different offerings for all four years of high school. The Fine Arts program is divided into four sections: Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Instrumental, and Choral. The department reflects the diversity of art as a form of entertainment and aesthetic appreciation. Classes are offered to attract the eye (visual arts), the ear (music, both instrumental and vocal), the body (movement and dance), and the mind (dramatic arts). It is our goal to integrate the arts on the campus and to promote involvement in the arts off-campus, in the community.
VISUAL ARTS
ART IA/IB Grades 9 –12
UC/CSU Approved 5 credits
Prerequisites: No prerequisites
This is a sequence based introductory course to the basic ideas and techniques of two -dimensional art. This beginning course explores the fundamentals of drawing and the elements of art (line, value, texture, shape vs. form, perspective, and color). Students will create in a variety of media: pencil, charcoal, colored pencils, acrylics, watercolors, etc. Artistic talent is not a requirement to enroll in this class. Art 1A is a prerequisite for all other art classes and a requirement for the Visual Arts Career Path. An art materials fee donation will be collected.
DIGITAL ART 1 A & B Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Art 1A 5 –10 Credits
This course is an introduction to the computer and creative software as an art-making tool. Students will complete projects using Adobe software: Photoshop, In-Design, and Illustrator. Students will explore the principles and elements of art and graphic design as they develop their creative geniuses. A small materials fee donation will be collected.
2-DIMENSIONAL ART A/B Grades 9 -12
Prerequisite: “C” grade or better in Art 1A 5-10 Credits
Drawing and Painting is designed for the student interested in developing skills in any of the advanced two-dimensional areas. Areas of study may include drawing, painting, printmaking and illustration. When this class is repeated for credit, new subject matter is explored and advanced skills developed. This class is a requirement for the Visual Arts Career Path in 2-D art. Material fee donation is handled individually based on the medium the student is specializing in.
ADVANCED 2 D ART A/B Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor, portfolio review 5-10 Credits
This course provides a more in depth study of representational and abstract drawing and painting expanding the used of mixed media. Students will begin to explore and develop their own visual and conceptual ideas. Advanced 2-D Art A/B is a requirement for the Visual Arts Career Path in 2 -D Art. Art materials fee donation will be collected.
AP STUDIO ART (General) Grades 11-12
UC/CSU Approved 10 Credits
Prerequisites: Completion of Art I and II with a grade of "B" or higher, the student must also complete work during the summer prior to the AP portfolio requirements. If these requirements are documented (by portfolio works), the student may participate in the AP Studio Art program.
AP Studio Art General is intended for the highly motivated student who is interested in the serious study of art. The course is centered on producing a portfolio including: four original works in one or more media; a series of work exploring one area in depth, four works in color, four works focused on visual organization, eight drawings, and two pieces of sculpture or three dimensional work. The portfolio, along with a written explanation of the work, may be submitted for Advanced Placement credit. See instructor for detailed information.
AP SUDIO ART (Drawing) Grades 11-12
UC/CSU Approved 10 Credits
AP-Studio Art: Drawing is intended for the highly motivated student who is interested in the serious study of drawing. This course is designed to produce a portfolio including: six original works in one or more media, a series of work exploring one area in depth, and 14 additional works demonstrating a range of drawing abilities. The portfolio, along with a written explanation of the work, may be submitted for Advanced Placement credit. See instructor for detailed information.
CERAMICS I A/B Grades 9 –12
Prerequisite: “C” grade or better in Art 1A 5 Credits
This course is designed for those students who would like to work with clay. The following techniques are studied: pinch pot, slab, coil, wheel and sculpture. Ceramics 1A is a requirement for the Visual Arts Career Path in Ceramics. Material cost for clay and tools.
CERAMICS II A/B Grades 9 –12
Prerequisite: “C” grade or better in Ceramics 1A 5 Credits
These courses are designed for the student who would like to further develop skills learned in Ceramics 1. Students will learn the skills in mold making and casting techniques. Air-brushing and experimental glazing are encouraged. The course also includes sculpting and ceramic history. The student is allowed to develop the skills he or she chooses. Ceramics 1B, 2A, 2B are required courses for the Visual Arts Career Path in Ceramics. Material cost of clay and tools.
VIDEO PRODUCTION 1A Grades 9-12
UC/CSU Approved 5 credits
Prerequisites: No prerequisites
This course provides a basic understanding of all the aspects of the film and television industry as well as learning how to produce videos. Students will be trained in the use of cameras, editing equipment, script writing, story boarding, and how to do voice-overs. Students will learn the basic steps involved in producing their own videos as they use the equipment to produce commercials, public service announcement, movies, and music videos. A contribution of $10 is appreciated for personal project items.
VIDEO PRODUCTION 1B Grades 9-12
UC/CSU Approved 5 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of Video 1A with a passing grade.
Students will learn the more advanced techniques of video production in preparation for career placement. Students will continue to work in small groups to enhance their skills in producing longer and more elaborate projects including ins tructional videos, public service announcements, and feature stories for entry into local and national video contests. A contribution of $15 is appreciated for personal project items. This course is a requirement for the Television Production Career Path.
VIDEO PRODUCTION 2 A/B Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Completion of Video 1B with a passing grade. 5 credits
Video Production 2A/B is a hands-on course for the movie maker. Students will be working on larger scale videos and mini-films as well as advancing their knowledge of non-linear editing on industry standard editing programs. Students will be expected to plan, write, shoot, score, and edit a 10-15 minute film, as well as produce school related feature stories to be broadcast on GVTV, the daily morning news program. A contribution of $15 is appreciated for personal project items. This course is a requirement for the Television Production Career Path.
CHORAL MUSIC
MIXED CHORUS Grades 9-12
UC/CSU Approved 5 – 40 Credits
Prerequisites: No prerequisites
Mixed chorus is a performing group for beginning to intermediate singers. Students will develop a basic knowledge of music that includes reading and vocal production. The purpose is to develop in the student a positive attitude in choral music. Students will learn and perform styles of music varying from classical to jazz, gospel and popular. A 2.0 GPA must be maintained in order to perform. The choir will be performing in school, community and festival programs. Material costs. Fulfills the UC/CSU VPA “F” requirement.
CONCERT CHOIR Grades 9-12
UC/CSU Approved 10 – 40 Credits
Prerequisite: Previous choral experience and audition.
Concert Choir is a selective performing group organized for students who have a desire to further refine their skills in ensemble singing. The class also provides opportunities for each student to develop musically to his maximum ability. Highly advanced music is performed in school, community and choral festivals. Attendance at performances is mandatory and considered to be a part of the course requirements. Concert attire is required for the class. This is a yearlong course. A 2.0 GPA must be maintained in order to perform. Full-fills the UC/CSU VPA “F” requirement.
SHOW CHOIR Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Membership in Concert Choir and audition 10-40 Credits
Show Choir is a very selective performing group consisting of singers who have previously mastered the fundamentals of ensemble singing and have dancing ability. Students will sing and learn choreography to popular music and must have strong, solo voices so that each person can sing his or her part independently. This group travels and performs in school, in the community and at festivals. Attendance at performances is mandatory and considered to be a part of the course requirement. Full fills the
UC/CSU VPA “F” requirement.
WOMEN’S CHAMBER Grades 9-12
UC/CSU Approved 10-40 Credits
Prerequisite: Previous choral experience and audition.
This is an intermediate level class for ladies. Some previous choral experience is required and students must audition. Three and four part classical, pop, jazz, and rock music will be performed. This course emphasizes vocal development and style with continued focus of proper vocal use, breathing and posture. Music theory is included into the curriculum, as well as some choreography. Students can be expected to perform in school, community, and music festivals. Special clothing attire will be required for performances. A 2.0 GPA must be maintained to perform.
MUSIC APPRECIATION Grades 9–12
UC/CSU Approved 5 Credits
Prerequisite: No prerequisite
This class meets the graduation Fine Arts requirement. Students will learn both the basics of music and about composers from classical to jazz and rock. This course meets one semester of the Fine Arts UC/CSU course requirements.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
JAZZ BAND A/B Grades 9-12
UC/CSU Approved 5 – 40 Credits
Prerequisites: Admittance by director consent only.
The Golden Valley Jazz band is one of the advanced, touring groups on campus. Jazz band will provide students with an opportunity to study and perform literature arranged specifically for large jazz ensemble and traditional big bands including jazz, rock, blues and other types of music. Emphasis is placed upon technical ability, interpretation, improvisation, and jazz theory. Individual and Ensemble performance and technique are emphasized at all times. All performances are mandatory.
MARCHING BAND Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: At least one year of instrument experience 5 – 20 Credits
or consent of instructor.
The Grizzly Marching Band is open to all Wind Instrumenta lists. Students will rehearse both during and after the school day. The Marching band will perform at all Home Varsity football games, sometimes an away games, field show competitions, pep rallies, and other various seasonal events including parades or civic events. Marching band will provide students with the basic music skills necessary for them to be successful during the spring concert season. Students will be required to practice 3 to 4 hours outside of class. Individual and Ensemble performance a nd technique are emphasized at all times. There is a mandatory band camp that occurs each summer. Contact the director for information. All performances and rehearsals are mandatory.
STAGE BAND A/B Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Desire to learn a wind instrument. 5 Credits
Stage Band is designed to help students learn the fundamentals of music on a wind instrument of their choice. Emphasis is placed on rhythm, note reading, proper posture, embouchure, and instrument fundamentals. After successful completion of this course students will be prepared to audition for other performing ensembles on campus. Students are required to provide their own instrument. Students will learn the history of instrumental music and its uses today as well as study individual composers and their contributions to instrumental music.
SYMPHONIC BAND (WIND ENSEMBLE) Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition during the fall semester. 5 – 20 Credits
This is a group of the school’s best instrumental musicians emphasizing the study and performance of contemporary and classical wind band literature geared towards the advanced high school musician. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Afternoon, night and weekend rehearsals are also mandatory. THIS COURSE IS OFFERED SPRING SEMESTER ONLY.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE/DRUM LINE Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Audition during fall semester. 5 – 20 Credits
This performing ensemble competes in the Indoor Drum Line circuits of Southern California and Winter Guard International in a number of local and out-of-area events. It involves the artistry of music and percussion excellence combined with the athletics of body and the cooperation of teamwork to create an incredible performing experience. The students in this class may be made up of Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Class Percussion students. Drum Line is a time intensive activity with mandatory afternoon, night, weekend rehearsals and performances. THIS COURSE IS OFFERED SPRING SEMESTER ONLY. Material Costs.
GUITAR A/B Grades 9-12
UC/CSU Approved
Prerequisite: Student to obtain his/her own instrument. 5 Credits
Guitar is open for all experience levels. It will involve learning the basics needed to play six string guitars as well as advanced instruction. Students signing up for this class will be instructed in the following areas: the history of the guitar; instrument care and preparation; strumming and picking techniques; chordal playing and progressions; and stylistic procedures. Students will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining their own guitar. This course, if taken for one year, meets the UC/CSU VPA “F”
requirement.
PERFORMING ARTS
THEATRE ARTS I A/B Grades 9-12
UC/CSU Approved 5 credits
Prerequisite: No prerequisite
During the semester, students will learn about the world of theatre, from being backstage to having a starring role. They will study the history of theatre, improvisation, scene work, and performance. Attendance at one Golden Valley Production will be required. Class fee donation will be collected from each student.
THEATRE ARTS II - IV Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theatre Arts 1 A/B 5-40 Credits
Students will continue to gain exposure to the art of theatre, the aesthetic principles, the literature, and advance acting techniques. Class-work will focus on production-related activities such as: advanced acting techniques, casting and directing one -act plays, and writing a scene. Class fee donation will be collected from each student.
THEATRE PRODUCTION Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Audition and successful completion of 5 credits Theatre 1 A/B or teacher approval.
This is an advanced acting course with emphasis on performance. Students will participate in a minimum of one main stage show, and attend drama tournaments. Extensive study and analysis of individual and group scenes is required. Class fee donation will be collected from each student.
STAGECRAFT A/B Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 1 A/B 5 Credits
Students will learn the behind the scene skills necessary to be part of a stage crew. The course will include stage management, set design and construction, lighting and script analysis. The class may be repeated for grade.
CHILDREN’S THEATRE Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 1 A/B 5 - 40 Credits
Students will participate in all aspects of production for a children’s theatre touring company. Multiple productions will be mounted for performance for local schools and the local community. Class fee donation will be collected from each student.
Contact the Fine Arts Department
