Visual & Performing Arts and Computer Science

Our Visual & Performing Arts and Computer Science (VPA + CS) department has been a leader in curricular innovation and design. The department’s showcase is “Frosh Creation: Think, Make, Share,” which has been offered since the 2018-19 school year. In this class, the worlds of art, computational thinking, music, and computer science fuse together and provide students opportunities to develop their teaming and design thinking skills while incorporating key elements from each discipline.

In conjunction with our VPA colleagues at De La Salle, we are able to offer our students more than 20 different course options! These range from beginner to AP course work with classes that are sure to appeal to the artist that resides in each student. The department is committed to meet the needs and interests of our students and continually revises, revamps, and creates new courses.

One of the department’s biggest collaborations is the annual Winton Arts Festival—a multi-day celebration of student work and performances. This takes place each spring on the campuses of both Carondelet and De La Salle. Be sure to watch for more information in the spring!

Courses

• Acting 1

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of TMS with a C- or better both semesters AND completion of a yearlong Visual Arts course with a C- or better both semesters

  This course provides an introduction to the elements of acting.
  Fundamental skills students will learn include: concentration and focus,
  observation, improvisation, vocal and physical control, breathing and
  relaxation, vocal and physical warm-ups, and character development.

• Acting 2

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Acting 1 with a C- or better both semesters

  Acting 2 is a continuation of the acting training begun in Acting 1. It
  focuses on the development of the skills of acting: physical, vocal, and
  interpretive. The work involves scene study, monologues, and
  improvisational theatre games and techniques.

• Acting 3

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Acting 2 with a C- or better both semesters

  Acting 3 students bring their experience from Acting 2 and their
  accumulated life experience to more challenging scenes and
  monologues, guiding the intermediate or advanced actor to a deeper
  knowledge and experience of drama and performance techniques.

• Advanced Costume and Fashion

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Costume & Fashion Design with a B or better both semesters AND instructor approval

  This advanced (honors) course focuses on developing a portfolio of two-dimensional and three-dimensional costume and fashion design pieces. Building on foundational skills such as pattern making, draping, and construction, students will explore more complex techniques in clothing design. Opportunities to showcase work include drama productions, a student-produced fashion show, and other arts-related events. Students will select an artistic theme to guide their designs and are required to collaborate with the instructor on gallery visits, critiques, and reviews of both historical and contemporary fashion designers.

• Animation 1 - P

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of TMS with a C- or better both semesters AND completion of a yearlong Visual Arts course with a C- or better both semesters

  In Animation, students will create their own individual and group animations. Students will learn to storyboard, build animation puppets, and use computer film editing software. Projects may include: Hand Drawn, Claymation, and Computer Animation. Students will also view cartoons from the earliest Mickey Mouse to the latest from Pixar and DreamWorks as they learn about this amazing industry’s major historical and modern influences. This is a five credit semester course.

• Animation 2 - P

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Animation 1 with a C- or better both semesters

  Animation 2 continues the development of skills learned in Animation 1. It is designed to improve and expand storyboarding, build animation puppets, and use computer animation editing software. Projects may include Hand Drawn, Claymation, and Computer Animation. Students will also view cartoons from the earliest Mickey Mouse to the latest from Pixar and DreamWorks as they learn about this amazing industry’s major historical and modern influences. This is a five credit semester course.

• AP 2-D Art and Design

  Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of TMS with a C- or better both semesters (CHS), completion of Fundamentals with a C- or better both semesters (DLS) AND completion of a yearlong Visual Arts course with a B or better both semesters. Instructor approval required.

  Students with experience outside of Carondelet can meet with AP Instructor to determine eligibility.

  In AP 2-D Art and Design, students will deepen the skills that artists and designers use to create a portfolio, which will be scored by the College Board. In this course, students will explore visual literacy frameworks, practice design thinking, and create an inquiry-based portfolio of artworks in accordance with the College Board criterion for success. Students may also choose to use this portfolio for college applications.
  
  Specific areas of study include:

  • Ideation through investigation of different environmental aspects such as pop culture, current events, films, contemporary artist research, etc.
  • Observational drawing, printmaking, basics of web design, animation, and painting.
  • Documentation and organization of artwork including both finished work and work in progress.
  • Journaling and reflective writing sessions. These will result in artistic statements that reflect inquiry outcomes such as aesthetic sense, personal artistic voice, and creative confidence.

  Note: students are required to start their portfolio by working over the summer. See the AP instructor for the assignments.
  

• AP Art History

  Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of TMS with a C- or better both semesters AND Completion of Honors English with B or better both semesters or completion of regular English with an A- or better both semesters AND completion of Honors History with B or better both semesters or completion of regular History with an A- or better both semesters.

  This class is open to 9th graders with a placement test in English to determine eligibility

  AP Art History is an introductory college-level art history course. Students cultivate their understanding of art history through analyzing works of art and placing them in historical context as they explore concepts like culture and cultural interactions, theories and interpretations of art, the impact of materials, processes, and techniques on art and art making, and understanding purpose and audience in art historical analysis.

• AP Computer Science A

  Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet/De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of AP Computer Science Principles with a C or better both semesters AND Completion of Algebra 2 with a C or better both semesters. Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 possible with instructor approval.
  *Note: Requires a strong foundation of basic linear functions, composition of functions, an understanding of the Cartesian plane, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving strategies that require multiple approaches and collaborative efforts.
  

  AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science through programming. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. College Course Equivalent AP Computer Science A is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science.
  The AP Computer Science A course requires that solutions to problems be written in the Java programming language. Because the Java programming language is extensive, with far more features than could be covered in a single introductory course, the AP Computer Science A Exam covers a subset of Java.

• AP Computer Science Principles

  Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Algebra 1 with a B or better both semesters

  
  AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory computer science course equivalent to a college course for non-majors.
  
  The course introduces students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity, and how computing impacts our world.
  
  Using project-based lessons and materials throughout, students will work to address real-world problems and design solutions to put computational thinking into practice. These culminate in a capstone Performance Task project where students can demonstrate what they have learned - to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them. This course will prepare students for the end-of-course AP exam.
  
  Equipment needed: access to a computer at home for homework.
  
  Note: a course requirement includes summer homework.

• AP Drawing

  Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of TMS with a C- or better both semesters (CHS), completion of Fundamentals with a C- or better both semesters (DLS) AND completion of a yearlong Visual Arts course with a B or better both semesters. Instructor approval required.

  Students with experience outside of Carondelet can meet with AP Instructor to determine eligibility.

  In AP Drawing, students will deepen the skills that artists and designers use to create a portfolio, which will be scored by the College Board. In this course, students will explore visual literacy frameworks, practice design thinking, and create an inquiry-based portfolio of artworks in accordance with the College Board criterion for success. Students may also choose to use this portfolio for college applications.
  
  Specific areas of study include:

  • Ideation through investigation of different environmental aspects such as pop culture, current events, films, contemporary artist research, etc.
  • Observational drawing, printmaking, basics of web design, animation, and painting.
  • Documentation and organization of artwork including both finished work and work in progress.
  • Journaling and reflective writing sessions. These will result in artistic statements that reflect inquiry outcomes such as aesthetic sense, personal artistic voice, and creative confidence.

  Note: students are required to start their portfolio by working over the summer. See the AP instructor for the assignments.

• Architecture 1

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of TMS with a C- or better both semesters AND completion of a yearlong Visual Arts course with a C- or better both semesters

  The Architecture class explores the architectural design process looking at form, function, proportion, scale, and space. Students will investigate and learn about specific architectural requirements for public and private spaces as well as the psychology of space. Great emphasis is placed on creativity, graphic presentation, and computer skills. In addition, students will be able to lean on their experience of hand sketching. 2D and 3D assignments including architectural model making will be a part of their investigation. Designed to make connections with the real world, a great emphasis is placed on learning about socially responsible and sustainable architecture.
  

• Band

  Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Audition required

  This musical ensemble focuses on the preparation and performance of contemporary and traditional concert band and wind ensemble literature. Included in the curriculum are individual and ensemble performance techniques, sight-reading, music vocabulary, as well as aspects of music theory and history. Emphasis is on the immediate practical application of skills. In the fall, parade, and field show music and marching techniques will be explored. Performance is required at home football games, band reviews, parades, and school and community functions. As per the grading policy, members are required to attend all performances. This ensemble is considered the “core” of the De La Salle music program. This is a 0 period class.

• Chamber Choir (H)

  Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  All students must audition with the Choral Director. Auditions are held in April/May for enrollment in the following school year.

  Chamber Choir (Honors) is the advanced level of choir and provides students with opportunities to advance their vocal technique, musical knowledge, and expressive ability through the study and performance of collegiate-level choral literature. Students participate in a rigorous performance schedule that includes the Christmas Concert, Visions of Christmas, Spring Concert, liturgies, and the opportunity to travel and compete at the national level (trip cost approximately $500–$1,000.)
  
  This is a blended course scheduled during period 7. A detailed calendar on Schoology outlines which days students are required to attend class in person.
  
  Note: Students must schedule an individual audition with the Choral Director in April/May before enrolling. Students are also required to purchase choral attire (TBD) and a choral folder for participation.

• Chorus I/II

  Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10 or 5
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  none

  Chorus is the foundational course for all choral students, designed to develop the adolescent voice into a healthy, expressive instrument while building essential musicianship skills. Students learn the fundamentals of singing, including proper technique, breath support, and tone production, as well as the basics of music reading, sight-singing, and notating music by ear.
  
  Chorus follows a rigorous performance schedule that includes the Christmas Concert, Visions of Christmas, Spring Concert, liturgies, and opportunities to travel and compete at the national level (trip cost approximately $500–$1,000.) By the end of the course, students will have expanded their vocal range, strengthened their musical literacy, and gained confidence performing both individually and as members of an ensemble.
  
  This is a blended course scheduled during period 7. A detailed calendar on Schoology outlines which days students are required to attend class in person. The first semester may be taken for five credits; students requesting the semester-only option should indicate this on the Course Request Form by noting “(SEM)” next to the course.
  

  Note: students will need to purchase choral attire (TBD) and a choral folder for participation in this class.

• Concert Choir

  Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Chorus class or instructor approval (If seeking instructor approval, an individual audition with the choral director must be arranged prior to enrolling in this course.)
  

  Concert Choir is the intermediate level of choir and provides students with opportunities to further develop their vocal technique, musical knowledge, and expressive ability through the study and performance of advanced choral literature. Students participate in a rigorous performance schedule that includes the Christmas Concert, Visions of Christmas, Spring Concert, liturgies, and the opportunity to travel and compete at the national level (trip cost approximately $500–$1,000.)
  
  This is a blended course scheduled during period 7. A detailed calendar on Schoology outlines which days students are required to attend class in person.
  
  Note: Students seeking instructor approval must schedule an individual audition with the choral director before enrolling. Students are also required to purchase choral attire (TBD) and a choral folder for participation.

• Costume and Fashion Design

  Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of TMS with a C- or better both semesters

  This is an introductory clothing design class that will focus on learning the basic skills required to design and build clothing, costumes, and fashions. It teaches students the aesthetic aspects of two and three-dimensional design necessary to create sketches, designs, and actual articles of clothing. This includes skills such as design cutting, draping, and stitching. This course also studies fashion trends throughout history from ancient times to modern-day and includes an understanding of cultural, social, political, and economic influences on fashion design. Opportunities for students to showcase work include participation in company shows, dance show(s), and a student-produced fashion show.

• Dance I/II

  Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10 or 5
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  none

  This course is designed for students of all levels of dance experience. The curriculum focuses on expanding the students’ exposure to movement and creating or broadening their understanding of the fundamental concepts of moevement and different forms of dance. Students will develop skills in the genres of jazz, modern/contemporary, ballet, and lyrical, with emphasis on transitional steps, as well as developing and refining stylized moves. Complex exercises, combining a variety of steps are the focus of this class. Turns, leaps, and extensions are taught, and improvisation is introduced. The final project requires a student-choreographed dance presentation. The first semester of this course may be taken for five credits If requesting to take this course as a semester offering, this should be clearly indicated on the “Course Request Form” by noting (SEM) next to course.

  Note: Carondelet dance pant, leotard and appropriate dance shoe is required.

  This class can be taken for Kin or VPA credit

• Engineering and Fabrication 1

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of TMS with a C- or better both semesters AND completion of a yearlong Visual Arts course with a C- or better both semesters

  A basic introduction to the world of Practical Engineering and Manufacturing focusing on the use of tools and machines along with how to design using a CAD program such as Fusion 360. Students would have the opportunity to learn the safe use of tools and machines along with how to manufacture using Computer-aided machinery. Along with the introduction to the tools and procedures of the fabrication area, students will get the chance to investigate people of importance from the manufacturing community

  Note: Engineering and Fabrication 1, 2, and 3 are UC/CSU approved College Prep Electives (area G) and do not satisfy the UC/CSU Visual and Performing Arts (area F) requirement.

• Engineering and Fabrication 2

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Engineering and Fabrication 1 with a C- or better both semesters

  This Engineering and Fabrication 2 course continues the development of skills learned in Engineering and Fabrication 1. This course is an introduction to industrial drafting, design, and the application of CAD and CAM knowledge acquired from Engineering and Fabrication 1. Students will develop their skills and understanding in problem-finding and problem-solving along with the development of fabricating a workable design to answer the challenge posed. Emphasis will also be placed on developing the student’s ability to design, utilizing tools, appropriate technology, symbols, and language. There is a construction component to this course involving the student’s completed designs and the creation of working prototypes that can be tested and evaluated to see if they answer the design brief set at the outset of the project.

  Note: Engineering and Fabrication 1, 2, and 3 are UC/CSU approved College Prep Electives (area G) and do not satisfy the UC/CSU Visual and Performing Arts (area F) requirement.

• Engineering and Fabrication 3

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Engineering and Fabrication 2 with a C- or better both semesters

  This course is focused on service learning, and the students are solely focused on working with a client to design and build an item that has been requested. Within this client-designer-fabricator course, students will learn how to work through a design process closely with a client and how to communicate design ideas. They will then be expected to fabricate their plans to a quality level that is acceptable to the client.

  Note: Engineering and Fabrication 1, 2, and 3 are UC/CSU approved College Prep Electives (area G) and do not satisfy the UC/CSU Visual and Performing Arts (area F) requirement.

• Frosh Creation: Think, Make, Share

  Course Level(s): 9th grade
  Credits: 10 (5 VPA, 5 Elective)
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  none

  Frosh Creation: Think, Make, Share is a team-taught course rooted in design thinking and creative exploration. Students learn to engage with the world through their creative power by researching, empathizing, designing, testing, failing, and succeeding in a variety of hands-on projects. Through exposure to audio and visual media, engineering design, and artistic analysis, they develop practical skills to bring their ideas to life. By year’s end, students will understand the strength of their own creativity and be ready to confidently share their ideas and solutions both in and beyond the classroom.
  

• Graphic Publications (Yearbook)

  Course Level(s): 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of TMS with a C- or better both semesters AND instructor approval

  Graphic Publications is a full year course designed to introduce students to photo and written journalism and desktop publishing. Students will approach the task of compiling a yearbook through well-written copy, tasteful layout and design techniques, and effective cropping of photographs. Students will perform their tasks using Adobe Photoshop, Walsworth Yearbook 360, and other desktop publishing software.

  Note: this course can be taken more than once and instruction will be modified to take into account student level.

• Jazz Band

  Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Audition with instructor; concurrent enrollment in Concert/Marching Band is required for brass, percussion, and woodwind players.

  This is a music performance class with several goals: introduction of basic jazz techniques, including improvisation, and performance of standard Jazz/Big Band repertoire. Other performance styles explored will range from swing and bebop to fusion, and rock. The ensemble will consist of standard Big Band instrumentation: alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, trumpets, trombones, guitar, bass, piano, and drums. The ensemble will not only perform home concerts, but also perform at school rallies, athletic events, community functions, and concert festivals. As per the grading policy, members are required to attend all performances. Membership in this ensemble is by audition and instructor approval. Members of this ensemble must be concurrently enrolled in the Concert/Marching Band (piano, guitar, and bass players may be exempted at the discretion of the director).

• Multimedia Design 1

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of TMS with a C- or better both semesters AND completion of a yearlong Visual Arts course with a C- or better both semesters

   

  The Multimedia Design course engages students in learning graphic design skills, visual communication, and design theory in order to explore various means to convey a message. The principles of visual design, the design process, and the history of 20th century design will be taught and executed through projects. Students will learn to navigate the vast world of communication in media design and industry through making, analyzing, experiencing, problem-solving, and playing with the intent of conveying a message, idea, and information. Hand and computer-based drawing, design iteration, and concept development are integral components of this course.

• Multimedia Design 2

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Multimedia 1 with a C- or better both semesters

  The Multimedia Design 2 course continues the development of skills learned in Multi-Media Design 1. The principles of visual design, the design process, and the history of 20th-Century design will be used to develop brand designs and the idea and ideology of branding and logo design. Students will learn to navigate the vast world of communication in media design and industry through making, analyzing, experiencing, problem-solving, and playing with the intent of conveying a message, idea, and information. Hand and computer-based drawing, design iteration, and concept development are integral components of this course. Students will have the opportunity to realize their designs with the use of computer-based machines such as vinyl cutters, laser cutters, 3D printers, and other computer-directed machinery. course. 

• Music Theory

  Course Level(s): 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  none

  This course will introduce students to the theory of music, providing them with the skills needed to read and write music notation, as well as to understand, analyze, and listen informedly. It will cover material such as pitches, scales, intervals, clefs, rhythm, form, meter, phrases, ear training, harmony, and basic composition techniques. The course will also be useful to experienced musicians with or without music notation skills who wish to improve overall musicianship. No previous music experience is necessary.

• Musical Theatre 1

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of TMS with a C- or better both semesters AND completion of a yearlong Arts course with a C- or better both semesters

  Musical Theatre I is a semester-long course that introduces students to
  the world of musical theatre. Students will learn the basics of musical
  theatre dance, acting, and singing techniques. They will practice working
  together building an ensemble and a world of a musical. Throughout,
  they will learn the major moments in the history of musical theatre, and
  where the world of musical theatre is today.

• Musical Theatre 2

  Course Level(s): 9th grade
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Musical Theatre 1 with a C- or better both semesters

  Musical Theatre II will expand students’ understanding of the way
  musical theatre works. They will learn the different staple songs that
  make up a musical (the “I want” song, and extended sequence), and how
  to trace a character arc. They will learn about keeping their voice healthy
  while bringing character to their songs. Throughout, they will take a
  deeper dive into musical theatre history and the eras that have defined
  it.

• Musical Theatre 3

  Course Level(s): 12th grade
  Credits: 5
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Musical Theatre 2 with a C- or better both semesters

  Musical Theater Workshop is designed for the student who is interested
  in pursuing a career in musical theater, whether as a performing artist,
  writer, choreographer, or director. Students will study all aspects of
  musical theater performance and creation: dancing, choreography,
  singing, acting, directing, and writing and analyzing lyrics and libretti.

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