Effective 2003, ten units of Visual and Performing Arts will be required for graduation at Western Christian High School

Art 2 explores in-depth the fundamental s of art: color theory, line, value, texture, shape, balance, and pattern. Art 2 will explore a variety of medi a as well as techniques including: pastels and oil pastels, water colors, tempera, a crylic paints, and printmaking. In-depth lessons on significant artists and art movements will incorporate appreciation towards the art. Lab fee and sketchbooks are required.

Art 3 is designed to further enhance basic skills and knowledge of the elements of art. This course involves in-depth long-term projects in medi a such as painting in both acrylics and oils, block printing, and sculpture. Lab fee , sketchbooks, and some supplies required (supply list will be given on the first day of school).

Art 4 is a contract-based class where the understanding of the elements of art and proper technique are essential. This rigorous class requires students to supply their own professional materials, and compile a qualified portfolio by the end of the year. Lab fee required

Students will learn basic hand construction, limits and characteristics of clay, texture, decoration, glazing techniques, and wheel throwing . Towards the end of year, cultural influences will be studied in conjunction with a Raku firing. Advanced students will learn glaze calculations, advanced wheel throwing techniques, sculpture, as well as the loading and firing of the kilns. Lab fee required.

Ceramics 2 is an advanced ceramics course in which students design and construct wheel thrown and sculptural ceramic objects emphasizing form and surface enrichment, use molds, weigh, mix and use glazes, as well as load kilns and fire electric kilns. Students will learn the history of and practice Raku Firing. Emphasis will be placed on developing personal style of expression and interpretation.

Choir is a large mixed vocal ensemble designed to improve singing, and music reading abilities through intensive rehearsal. Frequent performances culminate in an annual tour . Requires off-campus concerts during weekends and after-school hours .

Drama 1 offers students experiences in fundamental acting skills including voice training, movement, acting technique, vocabulary, improvisations, scene study, character analysis and theater tradition. Individual and group acting projects are performed which require reading and analysis of scenes, and assessment of formal and informal presentations.  Drama 1 also allows students to learn the technical and production elements of theater, including set design, scenery, properties, costumes, make-up, lighting, sound, and management.

0322

Film 1: Film Production

Yearbook

Yearbook is the lab based class responsible for production of The Challenger , the school yearbook. Students will employ the basics of page design, photo journalism, and writing for copy, headlines, and captions. Additionally, students will learn the ethics of news writing, desktop publishing, using the professional software Adobe InDesign for graphic design, as well as Photoshop, all on Macs. The intention is to provide students with professional marketable skills they can use beyond their high school experience.

0328

Music Fundamentals

Music Fundamentals is an interactive course designed to teach students the basics of music theory, music history, and musical styles. Students learn to read and write music, improve their musical ear through music listening, and study musical periods and composers.