Visual & Performing Arts
English expressed
Music Appreciation I, Grade 9, 0.5 Credits
The goal of this course is for students to learn the elements of music such as beat, rhythm, pitch, and melody, in order to understand how they combine to form a means of expression that is valued in societies around the world. An exploration of current music and music from other cultures will expose students to new ways of thinking about and appreciating music. Students will participate in activities that will fully engage them in their study of music such as playing hand-held percussion instruments; reading and writing music; and analyzing, listening to, and responding to music.
Music Appreciation II, Grade 10, 0.5 Credits
This course builds off of the knowledge and skills learned in Music Appreciation I while adding new elements of music such as form, instrumentation, and style. An exploration of current music and music from other time periods will expose students to new ways of thinking about and appreciating music. Students are expected to already know how to sing/play an instrument or learn how to play basic piano or recorder. As in Music Appreciation I, students will participate in activities that will fully engage them in their study of music such as making music; reading and writing music; and analyzing, listening to, and responding to music.
Pre-IB Music, Grade 10, 0.5 Credits
This course prepares sophomores for the skills needed to succeed in IB Music, such as listening and analyzing music, composing, and performing. Other skills and subjects such as score-reading, sight-reading, and basic music theory will be taught. Students are expected to already be able to either sing or play an instrument at a basic level. Sophomores who are extremely motivated and interested in pursuing music should elect to take this course.
Chorus, Grades 9, + 10, 0.5 Credits
This is a performance-based class for students who are particularly interested in learning to sing well in an ensemble. Students will focus on vocal technique, sight-singing, and ensemble skills while also learning relevant elements of music theory, history, and analysis. Performance in the Winter and Spring concerts is mandatory. Other performance opportunities may be available.
IB Music SL1, Grade 11, 1 Credit / SL2, Grade 12, 1 Credit
This is a 2-year course for students with a good background in music who are serious about studying music in depth. The course focuses on many different aspects of music including performance, listening analysis, music theory, composition, music history, cultural music, and the role of music and musicians in society. Students will focus on preparing for assessments in the second year in each of three areas: choice of solo performance, group performance or composition; research paper; and a listening analysis exam. It is strongly recommended that students take private lessons in an instrument of their choice outside of school and participate in a musical ensemble for successful growth and understanding.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Pre-IB Music course or permission of the instructor.
IB Music HL1, Grade 11, 1 Credit / HL2, Grade 12, 1 Credit
This is a 2-year course for students with a good background in music who are serious about studying music in depth. The course focuses on many different aspects of music including performance, listening analysis, music theory, composition, music history, cultural music, and the role of music and musicians in society. Students will focus on preparing for assessments in the second year in each of four areas: solo performance; composition; research paper; and a listening analysis exam. It is strongly recommended that students take private lessons in an instrument of their choice outside of school and participate in a musical ensemble for successful growth and understanding.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Pre-IB Music course or permission of the instructor.
Fine arts expressed
Art 1 – Elements of Design, Grade 9, 0.5 Credits
In this introductory Art Appreciation course, students are exposed to the elements of design: Line, Shape, Forms, Space, Color, Texture, and Value. This class involves observational drawing, painting, and a variety of other exercises that enhances student understanding of artistic foundation. Students also maintain a sketchbook that involves equal amounts of visual and written research. This course is designed to give students a taste of artistic endeavor with the understanding that these foundations will be used regularly in the I.B. courses in Junior and Senior year.
Art 2 – Studio Foundations, Grade 10, 0.5 Credits
This course builds upon the previous foundational course with a greater emphasis on versatility within media and honing of skills. This class is designed to encourage artistic production and is a studio environment. Students will use the Elements of Design and apply them to the assigned in-class projects. In addition, students continue to work in a sketchbook, with more emphasis on written and visual investigation. Students will begin to learn the nature of an art critique and be introduced to art historical moments. This course is designed to help students be introduced to the idea of guided independent working and time management, two skills necessary for success in I.B. Art.
IB Art SL1, Grade 11, 1 Credit
In the first year of the SL I.B. Art course, students decide between SL Option A and SL Option B. In Option A, students are expected to produce 105 hours of Studio Work and 45 hours in their Research Workbook (RWB). Option B is designed for the student whose wishes to focus on the research element, investigating critical, cultural, and historical ideas in his or her RWB. In Option B, students are expected to spend 105 hours on the RWB and 45 hours on Studio Work. In both Options, students are expected to participate in Studio Work and in the production of a Research Workbook, a sketchbook that involves extensive written and visual research. From this RWB, students will begin to create a body of work that is reflective of their research. This course is filled with supervised independent coursework that is determined by the nature of the student’s RWB. In addition, smaller hands-on and written exercises are incorporated to enhance student technique and knowledge of art theory. Assessment will include written rubrics and constant peer and teacher review.
IB Art SL2, Grade 12, 1 Credit
This is the student’s final year in the two year I.B. Art course. Students should have already produced extensively in their Research Workbooks (RWB) and have a distinct direction with which to produce a body of art for I.B. Review. All of these efforts should be geared towards a final exhibition of student work. There will be greater emphasis on being able to express ideas about art orally and in writing. Students will continue to investigate ideas of art theory and work alongside peers as in an artist’s community to create informed, interesting artwork.
IB Art HL1, Grade 11, 1 Credit
Higher Level IB Art is a more rigorous version of Standard Level Option A IB Art. Students are expected to spend 168 hours in serious artistic production and 72 hours in their Research Workbook (RWB), where they investigate cultures and ideas through written and visual research and analysis. This class is more specialized and students should enter this course with a sound knowledge of different media and technical skills. Please refer to the Standard Level IB Art, Year One and Two descriptions for more information.
IB Art HL2, Grade 12, 1 Credit
Higher Level IB Art is a more rigorous version of Standard Level Option A IB Art. Students continue to investigate visual and written ideas to create a culminating exhibition of their artwork. This class is more specialized and students should enter this course with a sound knowledge of different media and technical skills. Please refer to the Standard Level IB Art, Year One and Two descriptions for more information.
Theater Masks of Comedy & Tragedy
Theatre 10, Grade 10, 0.5 Credit
Theatre 10, is a pre-requisite for IB Theatre SL1 &HL1. In this one semester course, students will be exposed to all aspects of theatre including performance, production, journal building, research, and Theatre in the Making on an introductory level. Students will begin to appreciate and utilize theatrical trends cross-culturally. Students will participate in a broad range of actor training including theatre games, theatrical movement exercises, improvisational scenes, and performances of monologues and scenes.
IB Theatre SL1, Grade 11, 1 Credit
IB Theatre SL1 is a pre-requisite for IB Theatre SL 2. In this one year course, students will be exposed to three core interrelated areas: Theatre in the Making, Theatre in Performance and Theatre in the World. Students will acquire and develop all skills required to create, present and observe theatre. Students will also apply practical skills within at least two varied roles of performance. A range of theatre traditions and cultural practices (at least two) around the world are explored and applied to creative script writing. Journal building of all work, class experiences, and outside observations is the basis for the course.
IB Theatre HL1, Grade 11, 1 Credit
IB Theatre HL1 is a pre-requisite for IB Theatre HL 2. In this one year course, students will be exposed to three core interrelated areas: Theatre in the Making, Theatre in Performance and Theatre in the World. Students will acquire and develop all skills required to create, present and observe theatre. Students will also apply practical skills within at least three varied roles of performance. A range of theatre traditions and cultural practices (at least two) around the world are explored and applied to creative script writing. Journal building of all work, class experiences, and outside observations is the basis for the course.
IB Theatre SL2 Grade 12, 1 Credit
IB Theatre SL2 is a one year course offered as a continuation of IB Theatre SL1. Students will hone their skills in Theatre in the Making, Theatre in the World and Theatre in Performance on an intensive level. Students will study one stimulus and develop an action plan for performance. Students will participate in two performances and study at least two contrasting theatrical practices. In addition, students will complete a research investigation (1500 words), a practical performance proposal (250 words), a theatre performance and production presentation (oral assessment), and compile a portfolio for an independent project (2000 words). A continued work in student journals is still the basis for all course work.
IB Theatre HL2 Grade 12, 1 Credit
IB Theatre HL2 is a one year course offered as a continuation of IB Theatre HL1. Students will hone their skills in Theatre in the Making, Theatre in the World and Theatre in Performance on an intensive level. Students will study two stimuli and develop an action plan for performance. Students will participate in two performances and study at least two contrasting theatrical practices. In addition, students will complete a research investigation (2000 words), a practical performance proposal (1000 words), a theatre performance and production presentation (oral assessment), and compile a portfolio for an independent project (3000 words). A continued work in student journals is still the basis for all course work.