One year (10 credits) of a Visual and Performing Art class is required for graduation.

ART

ART & MULTIMEDIA 1-2
Grade: 10-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: None

This one year course introduces students to the fundamentals of traditional art through technology exploration as media. Topics covered include the elements of art, principles of design, fine art, graphic design, media, and provides career exploration. Students will develop creative expression, solve visual problems, explore software and develop digital imaging techniques. Students will develop a digital portfolio as well as art historical appreciation. There is a $10 material fee per semester.

3D ART 1-2
Grade: 10-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: None

This one year lab course provides students a form to think about the design and creation of three-dimensional art. Traditional and contemporary designs of several ethnic cultures are an inspiration for several of the three-dimensional projects. Students will solve design problems, develop creative expression and craftsmanship techniques through the use of a variety of tools. Emphasis on jewelry and sculptural art using various materials such as paper, wood, stone, silver, glass and found objects. There is a $15.00 material fee per semester.

DRAWING 1-2
Grade: 9-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: None

In this one year course, students learn fundamentals of drawing using a variety of techniques that explore line, texture, shading, perspective and composition. Students use pencil, charcoal, ink and other drawing media in a variant of studies observing nature, still life and photographic sources. There is a $10.00 material fee per semester.

DRAWING ADVANCED 3-4
Grade: 10-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in Drawing 1-2 and/or permission of teacher.

This one year course combines studies begun in Drawing 1-2. The class includes a series of drawing problems designed to perfect individual skills and provide a group of finished work that is suitable for art school portfolios, display and exhibition. There is a $10.00 material fee per semester.

ART 1-2
Grade: 9-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: None

Art 1-2 is a basic one year lab course where students will learn and develop the essential skills in art and design. Studio experiences in the classroom will give the student opportunity to develop creative expression, visual perception and technical abilities as well as art historical appreciation. Drawing, painting, design, collage, 3D, art history and careers in art will be explored. There is a $10 material fee per semester.

ADVANCED ART 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
Grade: 10-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in Art 1-2 and/or permission of the teacher.

This one year course builds upon the concepts and techniques learned in Art 1-2. The class includes a series of drawing, painting and collage projects that would be suitable for art school portfolios. Students will write an artist statement, do a research project based on careers in art and an art history research project. There is a $15 material fee per semester.

 

STUDIO ART 1-2 AP
Grade: 11-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: One full year of any visual arts course and teacher approval based on portfolio review. Art 3-4 is highly recommended.

This is a portfolio development class. Students may select one of the following focuses: 2-D Design portfolio, drawing portfolio or 3-D design portfolio. Student portfolios are evaluated by the College Board at the end of the year. Summer assignment is required.

DANCE

DANCE – BEGINNING
Grade: 9-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: None

In this year long course, students will learn beginning dance techniques in the area of jazz, hip hop, ballet and tap. This class is recommended for students with little or no formal dance training and who are interested in studying dance as an art form. Some written work is required. This dance class requires special shoes. Students are required to perform in the Spring Dance Concert.

DANCE – INTERMEDIATE
Grade: 9-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in Beginning Dance or permission of teacher.

In this year long course, students will continue to develop the dance skills and techniques learned in the previous course. Students are exposed to a variety of dance forms including jazz, hip hop, Latin jazz, theater dance, lyrical ballet and tap. Students will have the opportunity to experience further skill development, creativity and group choreography. Some written work is required. This dance class requires special shoes. Students are required to perform in the Spring Dance Concert.

DANCE – ADVANCED (BEARCAT DANCE ENSEMBLE)
Grade: 9-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: Permission of teacher (Auditions held in April, contact teacher).

In this year long course, students will study advanced choreography techniques in jazz, Latin jazz, lyrical ballet, tap hip hop and musical theatre. Students will be required to learn a wide variety of choreographic styles and will also be asked to incorporate these styles into the creation of their own performance level choreography. Dance performance will be emphasized. Some written work is required. This dance class requires special shoes. The Bearcat Dance Ensemble will be required to perform in the Spring Dance Concert, at school functions and some community events.

DRAMA

DRAMA 1-2, 3-4
Grade: 9-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: None

The beginning drama class will introduce students to the world of the performing arts. Through improvisation and scene study, students will learn the basic elements of acting and production, dramatic form and technique. Students will read and see plays as well as develop acting skills to prepare them for performance. This class should be taken as a one year course.

MUSICAL THEATRE
Grade: 10-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: One year of high school drama.

An in depth study of the history and style of musical theatre. Students learn basic vocal and choreographic techniques and how to audition properly. Through study and performance of scenes, students are exposed to many different types of musicals. The year culminates in the public performance of a musical play or review.

TECHNICAL THEATRE 1-2
Grade: 9-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: None

Study of the basics of scenic design and construction, scene painting, lighting and sound. Students assist in the production of school plays and various musical and dance programs. Opportunities are given for students to use these skills with outside organizations which use the Performing Arts Center.

CINEMA AND SOCIETY
Grade: 10-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: None

This one year course will give students a greater appreciation and understanding of film as an art form and as a means of communication. Through readings and viewings, students will gain knowledge of the craft and history of film and develop critical skills in literary and film analysis. The course will focus on the interdependence of artistic form and content and on the contribution made by directors, screenwriters, visual artists, musicians and actors in order to help students better understand how films are structured and how imagery, camera work and sound are utilized to communicate meaning to an audience.

MUSIC

CHORUS 1-2 (VOCAL ENSEMBLE)
Grade: 9-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: None

This course is for the beginning to intermediate singer. It focuses on the study, practice and performance of a wide variety of music. Broadway, pop, gospel and classical styles will be sung. Students will learn good vocal production and note reading. Concerts and other scheduled performances and rehearsals are a major part of this course.

ADVANCED CHOIR (CONCERT CHOIR)
Grade: 10-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: Permission of teacher.

This course is for the advanced singer. Advanced levels of vocal production, rehearsal and performance techniques and music theory will be emphasized. Concerts and other scheduled performances and rehearsals are a major part of this course.

MIXED CHORUS (CHAMBER SINGERS)
Grade: 10-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: Permission of teacher via audition.

This course is made up of a select group of singers. Students must demonstrate the ability to sing independently at a level to perform advanced choral literature. While exhibiting proper techniques of rehearsal and performance, the students analyze compositional elements in cultural and historical context, gaining a deeper aesthetic understanding of music. Concerts and other scheduled performances and rehearsals are a major part of this course.

BAND – INTERMEDIATE (CONCERT BAND)
Grade: 9-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: One year or previous band experience. Beginners may be accepted only with teacher approval.

The band is made up primarily of Freshman and those students who wish to further develop the technical skills needed for Advanced Band. Concerts and other scheduled performances are a major part of the course.

BAND – ADVANCED (SYMPHONIC BAND)
Grade: 9-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: Permission of teacher.

The Advanced Band prepares and performs music covering a wide range of musical styles and periods. Students must demonstrate the ability to play a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument at a level to perform standard band literature. Concerts and other scheduled performances are a major part of this course.

MODERN WIND ENSEMBLE (JAZZ BAND)
Grade: 9-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: Consent of teacher via audition.

This course covers standard jazz repertoire, jazz history, theory and improvisation. Instrumentation includes saxes, trombones, trumpets, percussion, piano, guitar and bass. Performances are a major part of this course.

MARCHING BAND
Grade: 9-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: None

• This class meets 0 period.

Desire, dedication and drive are the attributes of a San Mateo “Bearcat” band member. Students assume a high degree of personal responsibility in the band’s appearance at parades, band reviews and field shows throughout the Western states. The band includes brass, winds and percussion and flag, rifle and identification auxiliary units.

ADVANCED ORCHESTRA
Grade: 9-12
Duration: Year
Credits: 10
UC/CSU: Yes
Prerequisite: None

A multi-level course for all string players. The class will play as a larger ensemble and also as a series of small groups, i.e. string quartet. This is an excellent opportunity for an advanced player to learn standard repertoire or for a beginner to learn a first or second string instrument.

Visual and Performing Arts Department

Til Tribuzi, chair
Brad Friedman
Shawn Reifschneider
Julie Stock
Robyn Tribuzi
Elizabeth Yapp