prep's high school arts course descriptions

2D Design
2D Design is an introduction to the basic elements of art and principals of design, with an emphasis on line, color
theory, and composition used in two-dimensional art. Students will learn the seven Elements of Art and how to
incorporate them in a two-dimensional work; the seven Principals of Design and how to incorporate them in a two-
dimensional work; development of a good composition; color theory and the ability to mix colors.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 1 semester
Prerequisite: none

3D Design
3D Design is an introduction to the basic elements of art and principals of design, with an emphasis on shape, form,
space, texture, and composition used in three-dimensional art. Students will learn the Principles of Design and
Elements of Art; development of good three-dimensional compositions and history and style of several three-
dimensional artists.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 1 semester
Prerequisite: none

Beginning Band
This course is designed to teach students the basics of playing an instrument. Instruction is given in music reading
(theory) as well as basic instrumental skills. The class is divided into group instruction time, individual practice time,
individual instruction, and individual and group testing with both written and playing tests.
Grade: 9
Length: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: None

High School Band
This course is designed to develop skills learned in Beginning Band. Students perform at high school events, varsity
games and concerts.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Beginning Band, audition, and/or Instructor's Approval

High School Choir
High School Choir is a two semester course for grades 9-12. In this course students will learn music theory, sight
reading skills, and a varied repertoire of music. Students will learn proper vocal techniques, how to sing in parts, and
sight reading skills. There are three concerts in each school year; fall, winter, and spring. Students will be able to
perform from memory, and use correct rehearsal techniques. In this course students will have the unique experience
of singing harmony with a group of students. There is no experience like it. They will learn to work as a group, blend
sound, self correct, and share music with the community.
Grade 9-12
Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: none

Advanced Choir
Advanced Choir is audition only. This is a two semester course for grades 9-12. In this course students will learn
music theory, sight reading skills, and a varied repertoire of music. Students will learn proper vocal techniques, how
to sing in parts, and sight reading skills. There are three concerts in each school year; fall, winter, and spring.
Students will be able to perform from memory, and use correct rehearsal techniques.         In this course students will
have the unique experience of singing four part harmony. There is no experience like it. They will learn to work as a
group, blend sound, self correct, and share music with the community.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Audition required

Digital Photography (UL) (Fall)
This course introduces students to digital photography including exploration of camera operation, basic editing
techniques, composition, and presentation.
Grade: 11-12
Length: Semester
Prerequisite: None

Computer Photo Imaging (UL) (Spring)
An introduction to digital image development and editing including exploration of digital image-editing software,
advanced editing techniques, composition, and presentation.
Grade: 11-12
Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Must take Digital Photography as dual enrollment if taking Computer Photo Imaging for dual enrollment

Computer Skills
Students will perform basic Windows functions, navigate the Internet, increase their typing speed and accuracy,
create word processing documents, design spreadsheets, build databases, produce presentations and publish flyers
and newsletters.
Grade: 9-12
Length: Semester
Prerequisite: None

Drawing (UL) (Fall)
This course introduces students to the basic elements of line, value, texture, and surface manipulation, with an
emphasis on composition and dry media usage, such as pencils and charcoal.
Grade: 11-12
Length: Semester
Prerequisite: None

Watercoloring (UL) (Spring)
This course introduces students to the basic elements of watercolor painting, with an emphasis on color theory,
pigment variations, mixing techniques, layering of color, and wet-on-wet and dry-brush techniques.
Grade: 11-12
Length: Semester
Prerequisite: None

Drumline
Students learn and utilize the fundamentals of playing percussion, including rudiments, music notation, elements of
music theory and listening. Advanced drumline skills and teamwork are emphasized. This group also plays concert
percussion with the High School Band.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: None

Electronic Illustration
Creating art in a digital environment means applying traditional art theory to software based tools. Students will
review the basics of conceptual thinking, current and historical illustration styles, and illustration techniques as they
learn proficiency in the software and to improve their aesthetic thinking abilities.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: none

Electronic Publishing Design
Publications include business cards to books and everything in between. Students will work individually and as a
class to plan, design, create content for, and build a variety of publications. Integration of text and photos on pages,
both printed and electronic, will be covered in depth as we work through the options available with current software
programs.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 1 semester
Prerequisite: none

Guitar I
No prior musical training is needed for this class. Students will learn the basics of playing the acoustic guitar.
Students learn and utilize the fundamentals of music notation, music reading skills, tone production, intonation,
elements of music theory, and listening skills as well as development of proper attitude with emphasis on group
participation.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: None

Guitar II
Students will continue to learn the basics of playing the acoustic guitar. Students learn and utilize the music notation,
music reading skills, tone production, intonation, elements of music theory, and listening skills as well as development
of small ensemble playing.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Guitar I

One Acts Plays
The One-Act Performance class is designed to offer additional performance opportunities for the serious theatre
student. Emphasis is placed on memorization, character development and creative blocking choices. The midterm
and final exam for this course are practical and will consist of a performance before an audience in the Prep Theatre.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 1 semester
Prerequisite: Theatre I or instructor approval

Piano I
Piano I is a course for students without formal piano study and those returning to piano study after an extended
absence. Students will learn to read musical notation, terms, symbols, basic technique, basic keyboard theory, and
explore a diverse repertoire.
By the end of the semester students will be able to read music and obtain a repertoire list including songs they have
chosen and the songs studied in the book. They will also be able to read musical symbols and play them accurately.
This course is a foundation to playing any instrument.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 1 semester
Prerequisite: none

Piano II
Piano II is a course for students who have completed Piano I. Students will learn to read musical notation, terms,
symbols, basic technique, basic keyboard theory, and explore a diverse repertoire. By the end of the semester
students will be able to read music and obtain a repertoire list including songs they have chosen and the songs
studied in the book. They will learn to play piano ensembles and duets. These ensembles fine tune the sense of beat
and staying on tempo. They will also be able to read more advanced musical symbols and play them accurately. This
course is a foundation to playing any instrument.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 1 semester
Prerequisite: Piano I

Printmaking
Printmaking is an introduction to the basic types of printmaking, Monotype, Relief printing, Intaglio printing and
Collagraph. Students will learn The Elements of Art and Principals of Design; the skills to make art using different
types of printmaking; and development of good a composition.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 1 semester
Prerequisite: none

Theatre I
Theatre I is a hands-on course designed to give students an understanding of how theatre is created. Students will
gain cursory knowledge of basic theatre terminology.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: None

Theatre II
Theatre II is a course designed to give students an intensive look into acting technique. Stanislavski, Meisner, LaBan
and other acting practitioners are studied and their techniques practiced and practically implemented.
Grade: 11-12
Length: 2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Beginning Theatre
.
Web Page Design
Students will explore the web to understand where good and useful design can be found and evaluate its contrast to
the multitude of bad design examples. Students will learn the basics of contemporary software tools for web animation
and development and will be required to plan, write copy, create content, and develop free-standing animations,
advertisements, and web sites. This is not a programming course.
Grade: 9-12
Length: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: None