Visual & Performing Arts

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS Course Catalog

2 semesters/ 10 credits required

Unless otherwise noted, all academic courses in this department meet both CSU and UC entrance requirements.

The VAPA cohort includes courses in 2-D and 3-D visual arts, dance, drama and music. Through these learning experiences a foundation is created for students to build skills, make connections and develop creative problem-solving through artistic expression. Students explore the arts as relevant beyond entertainment. They experience artistic thinking as a means to ignite change, to develop cultural awareness, and to serve their communities on a local, national and global scale.

Performing Arts - Dance

Performing Arts - Music

Performing Arts - Theater

Visual Arts

#VP5101S DANCE: TECHNIQUES AND AESTHETICS
5 credits - Grade(s) all 
Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to provide an introductory view of dance as an art form. Our main focus is to introduce and establish various dance techniques, investigate the history of dance, condition the body to maximize strength and analyze the various aesthetics of dance. Dance is integrated through video, literature and live performance. The culmination of our work is to perform both a jazz and a ballet piece in our semester showcase.

Please note: Taking both Dance Techniques and Dance Composition in the same year will fulfill the visual and performing arts graduation requirement. One semester of dance will also fulfill 5 credits (of the 10 required) of the PE graduation requirements. 

#VP5102S DANCE: COMPOSITION AND PERFORMANCE
5 credits - Grade(s) all   
Prerequisite: Survey of Dance: Techniques and Aesthetics or instructor approval.

CSU/UC approved

The goal of this course is to provide a knowledge base, practical skills and performance experience in dance. In this class, we study contemporary dance and learn the basics of improvisation. The second half of the semester focuses on the technique, structure and creation of expressive choreography for performance. This course culminates in the students choreographing and performing their own work in a dance showcase.

Please note: Taking both Dance Techniques and Dance Composition in the same year will fulfill the visual and performing arts graduation requirement. One semester of dance will also fulfill 5 credits (of the 10 required) of the PE graduation requirements. 

#VP5201S ADVANCED DANCE: TOPICS & TECHNIQUES
5 credits - Grade(s) all   
Prerequisite: Dance: Techniques and Aesthetics OR submit a portfolio
CSU/UC approved
 

This course is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding and appreciation of dance. Using the Common Core State Standards as a guide, the students will develop an advanced understanding of the cultural traditions of dance, techniques in various styles of dance, and choreography.  They will continue their study of dance history, improve skills in dance, increase vocabulary, present a research paper, and choreograph work for their peers to be presented in the larger community.  Students will hone their dance skills by closely studying advanced ballet, jazz and contemporary technique, all while broadening their understanding of dance and it's social and artistic impact. 

#VP5202S ADVANCED DANCE: CONNECTION & CHOREOGRAPHY
5 credits - Grade(s) all   
Prerequisite: Dance: Techniques and Aesthetics OR submit a portfolio
CSU/UC approved
 

This course is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding and appreciation of dance through critical analysis through a social justice lens. Students will continue their study of dance history, improve skills in dance, increase vocabulary, and choreograph work for their peers to be presented to the larger community. 

#VP6101 ADVANCED CHOIR 
10 credits - Grade(s) All    
Prerequisite: Audition 
Fee: Uniform - $50

This advanced choir, proudly named Fleur du Soleil, is an auditioned treble ensemble that explores and performs choral repertoire from a vast range of eras, styles, genres, cultures and languages; renaissance to contemporary, classical to a cappella. Focusing on leadership, vocal empowerment, and building community through music Advanced Choir functions as the on and off-campus musical ambassador for Notre Dame. All students improve their vocal technique, musicianship, music literacy and performance skills through a fun and rigorous rehearsal process. Performances include formal concerts, festivals, school events and more. Outside of the school day, events are required as a part of this ensemble. There are opportunities to travel too! Auditions are conducted in the spring semester of the previous school year unless arranged otherwise by the director. There is a one time course fee for a uniform.

#VP6401 INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN MUSICAL CULTURE - MUSIC IA
5 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: None

The music of America is as diverse, deep, rollicking and as original as the United States itself. During this course, students will learn the fundamentals of music theory, structure, and reading through the overview of American music history, from pre-colonial to the present day. Students will activate their personal understanding of music and how it functions in their lives and make connections with the legacy and influential moments of American music.

#VP6402 INTRODUCTION TO MUSICAL COMPOSITION - MUSIC IB
5 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: Music 1A or 1+ years of musical instrument/voice study

This course serves as an introduction to music composition through the examination of written music, music technology and how music has functioned in a specific focus era of United States history. Students may enroll in this course on a performance, history or technology track, but every student will be expected to learn aspects of all three areas. Students will achieve competency in sight reading and will use their understanding of music theory to create their own compositions. Students will create collaboratively as well as individually and will present their work in an end-of-year showcase.

#VP6201 STRING ENSEMBLE 
10 credits - Grade(s) All    
Prerequisite: Audition or instructor approval       

This auditioned string ensemble explores and performs string orchestra repertoire from a vast range of eras, styles, genres and cultures; baroque to contemporary, classical to cinema. This ensemble focuses on leadership, ensemble/collaboration and building community through music. String Ensemble serves students with a background in violin, viola, cello, string bass and piano with a place to continue growing their skills and develop greater musical maturity. All students will improve their technique, musicianship, music literacy and performance skills through a fun and rigorous rehearsal process. Performances include formal concerts, festivals, school events and more. Outside of the school day events will be required as a part of this ensemble. There will be opportunities to travel too! Auditions will be conducted in the spring semester of the previous school year, unless arranged otherwise by the director.

#VP6301 SYMPHONIC BAND 
10 credits - Grade(s) All    
Prerequisite: Woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument experience and audition/instructor permission 

Symphonic Band is a performance-based ensemble for individuals who have previous experience playing woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The ensemble rehearses and performs a variety of music while working to refine each member’s individual skills. All students improve their technique, musicianship, music literacy and performance skills through a fun and rigorous rehearsal process. Performances include formal concerts, festivals, school events and more. Outside of the school day events are required as a part of this ensemble. There are opportunities to travel too! Auditions are conducted in the spring semester of the previous school year, unless arranged otherwise by the director. This course requires each student to provide their own instrument.

#VP4100S DRAMA IA: EVOLUTION OF PERFORMANCE
5 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: None

This course introduces students to the various techniques used by the actor, including character analysis and performance through the lens of an actor’s mind, voice, body and spirit. Students will develop greater public speaking skills and confidence, as well as become more comfortable with themselves, physically and emotionally. Students are encouraged to practice outside-the-box thinking and enthusiastic experimentation as they develop as artists.

#VP4101S DRAMA IB: FROM PAGE TO STAGE
5 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: Drama 1A: Evolution of Performance

By learning new skills in script analysis, students will explore all the aspects of the process of making a script come to life. As a design team, students will search for clues that help them design sets, costumes, lights, sounds and props. As actors, students will learn how to evaluate character objectives and tactics and make strong acting choices. As technicians, students will design set elements, costumes and properties for their production. As critics, students will draw conclusions about the effectiveness of productions on the basis of intent, structure and quality of work. This course provides an inside look at theater production, from the first rehearsal to opening night. 

#VP4102S DRAMA  II: ADVANCED ACTING
5 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Drama 1A and Drama 1B or instructor approval
CSU/UC approved

This course provides an exciting plunge into the world of acting, as students focus on language, mood and use of space in performance. Students make acting choices based on script analysis, character research, reflection and revision. Students end the class with an improved ability to bring a piece of text to life. Pending UC approval.

#VP4103S DRAMA III: DIRECTING FOR THE STAGE
5 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Drama II

This course provides critical and theoretical opportunities for the student of theater. Students focus on production elements including directing skills, playwriting, and stage management as well as acting technique using the students enrolled in Drama 2 (Advanced Acting) as the acting ensemble. This course integrates theater skills for the career-oriented student featuring an extensive amount of work in play/script analysis, the evolution of theatrical art, as well as the study of advanced acting techniques, character analysis, and auditioning methods. Students attend drama seminars, direct and produce several one act plays, and consider multiple genres of plays through the eyes of the critical director. Rehearsals for class projects and productions may extend beyond the class, and students are expected to work outside of class time on a semi-regular basis.

#VP4104S DRAMA IV: Producing for the Theater
5 credits - Grade 12
Prerequisite: Drama III: Directing for the Stage
CSU/UC approved

This advanced level course is designed to prepare the serious theatre student for life in the theatre beyond the high school arena. Through a rigorous series of creative projects, the drama honors student is challenged to work as an actor, a director, a theater technician and a drama teacher. Students study advanced principles of acting and character analysis including an exploration of objectives, obstacles, choices and given circumstances. Students teach theater etiquette to their peers, serve as a casting director during an audition process, and are expected to lead improvisations, exercises and class discussions. From time to time, students are engaged in technical theatre experiences and workshops. Students are also required to work on technical construction outside of class. Students will either produce a showcase, assistant direct a mainstage production or direct a student production throughout the semester.

#VP4200 TECHNICAL THEATER I
10 credits - Grade(s) 9, 10, 11, 12
CSU/UC approved

This course develops knowledge of, and experience in, all the technical (nonperformance) aspects of theatrical production. Special emphasis is placed on the elements of theatrical design (scenery, lighting, properties, sound, costumes, and hair and make-up), design analysis, stage management and production management. Students gain hands-on experience in all aspects of technical theater and build or crew two productions.

#VP3100 INTRODUCTION TO CERAMICS       
10 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: None
Fee: $100

This yearlong course is an introduction to the nature of clay, including the three basic hand-building techniques: pinch, coil and slab; and wheel thrown methods. Various glaze, surface enrichment techniques and firing processes are studied. The course provides students with an opportunity to create decorative, functional and sculptural ceramic ware. Lectures and ceramic forms from both ancient and contemporary cultures are studied to enrich the students’ knowledge of ceramics. There will be field trips to local galleries, museums and ceramic studios. Students will be expected to record their research in their ceramics journal, write reflective essays, participate in course discussions, collaborate with peers and observe proper ceramics studio etiquette.

#VP1200 INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN  
10 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: None
Fee: $100

Graphic design has a major influence on our daily lives and plays a leading role in our consumerist society. In the simplest terms, graphic design is the relationship between images, text and symbols with the purpose of communicating something to a target audience. Students collaboratively learn and apply basic design and art elements in this yearlong course. In addition, they are encouraged to share their opinions, critical thoughts, observations and creative style, all within a positive learning community. Students also learn essential Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills to execute an idea from concept to completed design. Field trips to local galleries and classroom discussions inspire students’ own works of art.

#VP1202S ADVANCED GRAPHIC DESIGN 
5 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: Introduction to Graphic Design
Fee: $50

This course does not meet UC approval.

Note: This class will run every other school year, alternating with Visual Storytelling.

This one-semester course is designed for students who look to gain a deeper experiential understanding and appreciation of the ever-expanding language of graphic design. Projects will allow students to explore personal design interests/ influences as well as focus on small group creative collaborations. Students will also be given the opportunity to develop a diverse digital portfolio.

#VP1000 INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY    
10 credits - Grade(s) All 
Prerequisite: none 
Fee: $100

This yearlong course teaches the hands-on process of traditional 35mm black and white film photography as visual expression. Students learn how to apply thoughtful craftsmanship during the first semester when using a 35mm film camera and the darkroom printing process. They expand and refine these newly acquired skills during the second semester and develop their artistic voice with projects that equally challenge their critical thinking and creativity. Students are expected to take photos primarily outside of class. However, we will go on local photoshoot field trips and visit local art galleries.

ND will loan students a film camera for the course duration but students are encouraged to use their own, if possible.

Note: At the time of the course, if safety protocol restricts the use of our darkroom, this course will be all digital. No digital cameras will be provided, but students can use their smartphones or, if possible, a DSLR camera.

#VP3001 INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL ARTS    
10 credits - Grade(s) All  
Prerequisite: None
Fee: $100

No prior experience is needed – all skill levels are welcome! Activities and projects are specifically designed to introduce the student to the elements and principles of design. Techniques covered include: use of line and value, light and shadow, shape and space, use of perspective (1 point and 2 point), composition and portraiture. Students will explore a variety of mediums (pencil, charcoal, oil pastel, watercolor, acrylic paint, collage). There will be field trips to local galleries and museums, as well as whole class discussions and preparation of a portfolio. Students will develop their own artistic style and voice over the year. This is a yearlong course.

#VP3101S ADVANCED CERAMICS ~ CERAMICS II  
5 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12 
Prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics   
Fee: $50

Through this course, students will continue to expand their ceramics knowledge through an exploration of scale, function, form and surface design. This semester-long class will further explore utilizing ceramics as a vehicle for personal expression expanding the student’s conceptual development, techniques and understanding of materials. Focused on ceramic sculpture, students will investigate advanced handbuilding strategies as well as pottery wheel techniques. Handbuilding techniques will include learning how to use leather-hard slabs of clay to build modular forms that will articulate the student’s visual narrative. Pottery wheel techniques will introduce the wheel as a sculptural tool to throw multiple forms that will then be reassembled into functional ware. A variety of surface decorations will be covered including: underglaze image transfer, inlay, water etching, sgraffito and slip trailing. Throughout the semester, students will study contemporary ceramics artists as well as ceramics art history to inform and connect this research to their own art making practice.  Students will be expected to record their research in their ceramics journal, write reflective essays, participate in class discussions, collaborate with peers and observe proper ceramics studio etiquette.

#VP3102S ADVANCED CERAMICS ~ WHEEL THROWING
5 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Introduction to Ceramics
Fee: $50

From ancient techniques to contemporary practices, students will delve into the world of the potter’s wheel in this semester-long course. Through guided research, students will build upon their prior ceramics knowledge by using the pottery wheel as a tool to articulate their visual voice as well as expand their artist portfolio to include advanced level works that demonstrate mastery of technical skill and personal aesthetic.  Students will learn to throw complex wheel-thrown form such as a set of matching teacups, vases, lidded jars and teapots. A variety of surface design techniques will be covered including: underglaze image transfer, inlay, water etching, wax resist, sgraffito and slip trailing. Students will also have the opportunity to explore different clay bodies and continue to enrich the surface by layering mid-fire glazes. Throughout the semester, students will study contemporary ceramics artists as well as ceramics art history to inform and connect this research to their own art making practice. Students will be expected to record their research in their ceramics journal, write reflective essays, participate in course discussions, collaborate with peers and observe proper ceramics studio etiquette.

#VP3002S ADVANCED PEN & PAINT
5 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12 
Prerequisite: Introduction to Visual Arts 
Fee: $50

This semester course encourages the serious visual art student to refine and expand techniques in painting and drawing, and focuses on portfolio development. Topics include complex still life and observational studies, acrylic painting, exploration of 2D media and techniques to further develop the student artist’s skill, style and artistic voice. Each project will encourage critical thinking, problem solving and aesthetic discussion. In addition, projects will focus on building strong compositional skills as well as development of original concepts. Field trips to local galleries and classroom discussions inspire students’ own works of art.

#VP1100S ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY
5 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12   
Prerequisite: Introduction to Photography
Fee: $50

This semester-long course encourages creativity and curiosity through advanced photographic techniques. Students explore concepts, narratives and perspectives unavailable to them in traditional black and white photography. They also learn basic Photoshop techniques to enhance their images. Final projects are reproduced in large and small format high-quality inkjet prints. At times, students are required to complete written reflections, participate in group critiques, collaborate with peers and complete final projects as a way to showcase their growth.

Note: Students will need to provide their own digital camera for this course. This can include smartphones, point & shoot, DSLR, or mirrorless cameras.

#VP1400S MIXED MEDIA 
5 credits - Grade(s) 10, 11, 12   
Prerequisite: None
Fee: $50
Does not meet CSU/UC requirement   

This semester-long course explores the theory and practice of combining painting and drawing with other artistic elements to provide students with a deep understanding of traditional and contemporary art forms. Students will experiment with unconventional materials and techniques to create abstract sculptural works to enhance their level of critical thought and creativity. Projects may incorporate unusual surfaces, multiple media, fragments of other artwork or text.  This course introduces the student to critical discourse regarding the student’s artwork, art history and aesthetics.  Students may be expected to spend time outside of class gathering images to be used in their artwork.  Field trips to local galleries and museums will provide inspiration for students’ own works as well as in-class discussions.

#VP1300S VISUAL STORYTELLING
5 credits - Grade(s) All
Prerequisite: none
Fee: $50
Does not meet CSU/UC requirement

Note: This class will run every other school year, alternating with Advanced Graphic Design.

This one-semester course is for students interested in exploring the genre of creative visual storytelling, which is the marriage between the written word and graphical images with a story and audience in mind. This course will teach students basic story structure, script, character design and panel layout for maximum emotional impact. In addition, students will be exposed to the works of leading contemporary graphic novelists for further appreciation and inspiration in their own creative process. At the end of the school year, everyone's work will be published in an anthology to highlight and celebrate their achievements!

#VP1500S INDEPENDENT STUDY - ART   
5 credits - Grade(s) 12   
Please refer to independent study page, here.