Foundations in Art                                                                                         

Course #6107-6108     

Semester = 1/2 credit

Fee: $10.00 lab fee

Foundations in Art is a survey Course designed to give students a broad exposure to the fine arts. Students will learn and apply the elements and principles of art as they create. Various media will be used to explore art making and its relationship to our history and various cultures. Critical thinking will be used to assess and analyze the merits of personal work as well as that of others.

 

Note: This semester class will ONLY count as a general elective/humanities, it is NOT a Pre-Requisite to any other offered art course.

Art 1 - 2                                                                                                          

Course #6111-6112

Full year = 1 credit                               

Fee: $10.00 per year

Art is an introductory class designed to give students a background for both understanding and producing quality visual art. This class follows a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum, as mandated by the Nevada Department of Education Standards for visual arts. Units in drawing on the right side of the brain, elements and principles of design, color theory, painting and multi-media may be explored. In Art 2 technical skills will be refined by working from observation, judging proportion using sighting and referencing. Artwork will incorporate basic composition and perspective. Students will demonstrate the use of the elements and principles of design, study the historical context of art, and develop their critiquing skills. Various drawing and painting materials and techniques will be used.

Ceramics 1-2                                                                                                  

Course #6131-6132     

Full year = 1 credit                               

Fee: $20.00 per year

Prerequisite:  None

This introductory course focuses on the skills and knowledge that students need to create ceramic sculpture and pottery. Students will become familiar with the entire ceramic process from making clay to firing and glazing their work as well as the geology and chemistry of clay and glazes. Several important hand-building techniques will be taught including pinch building, coil building, slab building, and a brief introduction to wheel thrown pottery. Students will also become familiar with the elements and principles of art, as well as the work of some important ceramists and other modern sculptors.

 

Ceramics 3-4                                                                                                  

Course #6133-6134     

Full year = 1 credit                               

Fee: $25.00 per year

Prerequisite: Ceramics 1-2

Ceramics 3 will focus heavily on advanced hand building and wheel throwing.  Students will work with different clays and decorative methods.  Clear use of the elements and principles of design will be stressed. Historical uses of clay and ceramics will be incorporated with all projects.  Critiques will be used to evaluate student work and that of others.

Ceramics 4 is an in-depth three-dimensional design study. Sculptural forms and advanced independent projects in sculpture, throwing, and hand building will be assigned.  A high level of the use of the elements and principles of design will be stressed. Historical uses of clay and ceramics will be incorporated with all projects.  Critiques will be used to evaluate student work and that of others.

 

Ceramics 5-6 (H)                                                                                           

Course #6135-6136     

Full year = 1 credit

Fee: $25.00 per year

Prerequisite:  Ceramics 3-4 and permission from instructor.

In Ceramics 5-6 students will continue to expand on their knowledge of ceramic and glaze chemistry while continuing to refine their hand built and wheel thrown techniques. Students will study and research important technical and artistic developments in the history of Ceramics and its uses worldwide as well the work of important contemporary Ceramic artists.

Drawing 1-2                                                                                                   

Course #6141-6142     

Full year = 1 credit                     

Fee: $25.00 per year

Prerequisite:  Art 1-2

Drawing 1 will introduce students to basic drawing techniques, perspective and the elements and principles of design. A variety of subject matter will be covered using many drawing materials. Evaluation skills will be developed through critique and class discussions. In Drawing 2 skills of drawing from observation will be explored. Students will learn to judge proportion using sighting and referencing. Drawings will incorporate basic composition and multi-point perspective. Various drawing materials and techniques will be used. Evaluation skills will be developed through critique and class discussion.

 

Drawing 3-4                                                                                                   

Course #6143-6144

Full year = 1 credit                     

Fee: $25.00 per year

Prerequisite:  Drawing 1-2

In Drawing 3 students will learn basic portrait drawing. Students further develop their drawing skills and techniques to create drawings with depth and volume. Students will explore more advanced problems with emphasis on creative interpretation, developing ideas and explore methods for personal expression.

Drawing 4 will teach students how to draw the human figure. Students will study the structure and anatomy of the human form and learn proportion, volume, form and mass of the figure. Emphasis will be placed on expression and emotion.

 

Drawing 5-6                                                                                                   

Course #6145-6146

Full year = 1 credit                     

Fee: $25.00 per year

Prerequisite:  Drawing 3-4

Students are given the opportunity to fine tune their drawing and observation skills. This course develops a higher level of drawing ability and compositional awareness. Students will concentrate on their individual creative concepts using various media. Completed work will be assembled to create a portfolio. Drawing 6 is an advanced study of drawing techniques and media with an emphasis on creativity. Students will concentrate on their individual creative concepts using various media. Proficiency in a media of choice will be stressed. Students will refine their artistic vision and voice using artist statements. Completed work will be added to their art portfolio.

 

Painting 1-2                                                                                                    

Course #6151-6152     

Full year = 1 credit                                  

Fee: $35.00 per year    

Prerequisite:  Art 1-2

This course is designed for the student who wishes to concentrate on painting the entire semester. Students will learn and practice color theory, gain knowledge of the elements and principles of design, and learn various painting techniques. Students will be graded on creativity, quality and concept. This class will explore a variety of media. The painting class continues by refining technical skills. Projects will become more complex. Paintings will demonstrate the use of the elements and principles of design. Students will study the historical context of painting and develop their critiquing skills. Various media may be used including acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media.

*Lab fee must be PAID PRIOR to a student beginning a canvas painting.

 

Painting 3-4                                                                                                    

Course #6153-6154     

Full year = 1 credit                                  

Fee: $35.00 per year   

Prerequisite:  Painting 1-2

This is an Intermediate Studio Course with challenging and open-ended projects. Students are expected to develop a process of self-evaluation to clarify their personal visions and to express and defend their creative platforms. Design and composition concepts as well as looking at art from art history will be part of the instruction.
The second semester of this Intermediate Studio Course will have challenging and open-ended projects. Students are expected to develop a process of self-evaluation to clarify their personal visions and to express and defend their creative platforms. Design and composition concepts as well as looking at art from art history will be part of the instruction. Students will be asked to submit a portfolio of paintings from the entire year.

*Lab fee must be PAID PRIOR to a student beginning a canvas painting.

Art 5-6 (H)                                                                                                     

Course #6115-6116 

Art 7-8 (H)                                                                                                     

Course #6117-6118

Full year = 1 credit

Fee: $40.00 per year     

Prerequisite:  1) Art 1-2, 2) At least one of the intermediate level courses - Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, and/or Graphic Design, and 3) Instructor's approval

Art 5-6 (H) /7-8 (H) is an advanced art course, designed to expand and utilize the knowledge of art and strengthen art-making skills, to further push students' creative potential using a variety of media. All students will be expected to develop a portfolio and artist statements through the applications of the elements and principles of art, the development of problem-solving, and the competent performance of technical skills. They are also required to submit artwork to the Scholastic Art competition through the Nevada Museum of Art in December. Types of art for this course can be Drawing, Painting, Photography, Digital Art, Graphic Design, Editorial Design, Interior Design, Sculpture, Ceramics, Printmaking, Textile design, Fashion design, Collage, and/or Multi-media. However, there will be no limit to the types of art that students can pursue for his/her creativity. This class will prepare students for taking AP Studio Art, but it is not an AP prerequisite.

AP Studio Art: Drawing                                                                                

Course #6261-6262         

AP Studio Art: 2D Design                                                                              

Course #6263-6264         

AP Studio Art: 3D Design                                                                              

Course #6265-6266         

Full year = 1 credit                                                    

Lab Fee:          $70 – AP Art 2D/3D/Drawing

AP Exam         $98.00 (subject to change by College Board)

Prerequisite:  Art 1-2 and Instructor approval

This class is a year-long course for the advanced student who is seeking intense visual arts experience in a variety of media. These students may be planning a career or college degree in art or visual communication. The Course is designed to prepare students to submit portfolios to the College Board's advanced placement Art Portfolio in 3D- design. Students enrolled in AP studio Art are required to submit a portfolio. This portfolio will consist of 5 pieces of their best quality work and twenty-eight images of work showing a breadth of media and a concentration of one area of study.

Note:  This course is intended to prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement Exam; those who enroll in this class will be required to take that exam in May.  All AP exams have a cost associated with them, currently the cost is $98 for the exam. A $40 deposit is due by November 1^st. This course may not be dropped from a student’s course schedule after the last day of school prior to the year the student plans on taking the course. (Some financial assistance may be available.)

**** Ceramics 1-2 does not require Art 1-2 as a Prerequisite

Music Appreciation                                                                                        

Course #6599 

Credit: ½ elective credit                                                                  

Fee: None

Prerequisite: None

This course offers an exciting survey of the traditions of music from the Middle Ages to the present, from Medieval music to Twenty-first Century Pop. Study topics will include how music relates to social, economic, cultural, and political developments of each era in the development of music. The class will show how major events in music affected our society and how major events in society shaped music, as we know it. Other aspects of music to be studied will cover: the art of listening, the fundamental elements of music, world music, musical instruments, and the future of music.

Guitar-Beginning                                                                                           

Course #6718     

1/2 credit = semester    

Fee: $10.00 per semester

Prerequisite:  Students must supply their own 6-String classical, acoustic, or electric guitar in good working condition in the first week of class.

This semester course is designed for students with no previous guitar experience. Students will receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to playing the guitar on a beginning level and will learn many of the different styles, skills, and techniques required to become a successful musician. Areas of concentration include correct posture, note reading, aural skills, flat picking, singing songs, rhythmic patterns, chord study, bass playing, finger picking styles, melody construction, musical forms, tablature notation, improvisation, and performing experiences.

 

Guitar- Intermediate                                                                                      

Course #6720   

1/2 credit = semester

Fee: $10.00

Prerequisite: Beginning Guitar or instructors' approval. Students must supply their own 6-String classical, acoustic, or electric guitar in good working condition in the first week of class.

This semester course is designed for students with intermediate experience on guitar. Students will receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to playing the guitar on a beginning level and will learn many of the different styles, skills, and techniques required to become a successful musician. Areas of concentration include correct posture, note reading, aural skills, flat picking, singing songs, rhythmic patterns, chord study, bass playing, finger picking styles, melody construction, musical forms, tablature notation, improvisation, and performing experiences.

Orchestra-Chamber                                                                                       

Course #6823-6824     

Full year = 1 credit

Fee: $35.00 per year

Prerequisite:  Audition and approval of instructor.   At least three years of experience on a string instrument is preferred.

This class is for very advanced string students and entrance is by audition and approval of instructor only. Proper instrumental balance will be maintained, meaning that students may audition as openings occur. Students study advanced ensemble techniques, literature, styles, theory and music theory.  Student participation in co-curricular activities and performances is required. May be taken for honors credit by contract.  NOTE:  Students need to furnish their own instrument, though some school-owned instruments are available on a limited basis for a rental fee.

 

Orchestra-Concert                                                                                              Course #6641-6642     

Full year = 1 credit

Fee: $35.00 per year    

Prerequisite:  At least one year of experience on a string instrument.

Concert Orchestra offers progressing level instruction for students on violin, viola, cello, and double bass.  Students will solidify their understanding of the elements of music through performance and identifying relationships between music, other disciplines, and daily life. Emphasis will be placed on expanding technique through musical community.  Students will be required to perform in concerts during and/or after school wearing the ensemble’s designated attire.  Out of school rehearsals may be required.  Other events such as honor ensembles, Solo & Ensemble Festival, and All-State Orchestra may be required per teacher’s directive. Student participation in co-curricular activities and performances are required. NOTE:  Students need to furnish their own instrument, though some school-owned instruments are available on a limited basis for a rental fee.

 

Orchestra-Sinfonia                                                                                        

Course #6645-6646     

Full year = 1 credit       

Fee: $35.00 per year    

Prerequisite:  Audition and approval of instructor.

Sinfonia Orchestra offers advancing level instruction for students on violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Students will extend their understanding of the elements of music through performance and identifying relationships between music, other disciplines, and daily life. Emphasis will be placed on expanding technique through musical community.  Students will be required to perform in concerts during and/or after school wearing the ensemble’s designated attire.  Out of school rehearsals may be required.  Other events such as honor ensembles, Solo & Ensemble Festival, and All-State Orchestra may be required per teacher’s directive.  For an annual rental fee, school instruments are available for students who qualify. Student participation in co-curricular activities and performances is required.  NOTE:  Students need to furnish their own instrument, though some school-owned instruments are available on a limited basis for a rental fee.

Band: Percussion                                                                                           

Course #6715 - 6716

Full year = 1 credit

Fee: $50.00 Sticks/consumables

Prerequisite: Director approval.

This class will provide the percussion students with a comprehensive study of all aspects of percussion music and performance. Studies will include snare drum, mallets, drum set, auxiliary instruments, and styles of percussion from world music to jazz. There may be required after school rehearsals and performances throughout the school year. All members of the Percussion Ensemble are members of the band program and are expected to perform at all band performances. All members of the Percussion Ensemble may be required to participate in marching band*. Students in the Marching Band may be required to attend a band camp held in the summer prior to school starting. This is an intermediate to advanced level band class. Students earning credit in the course may also earn a .5 credit PE waiver during the fall semester.

Note: All percussionists will learn all aspects of percussion and may focus on the marching band music in the first semester.

 

Color Guard                                                                                                  

Course #6751-6752

1/2 credit = semester

Fee: $150.00 Cougar Spirit Pack

Prerequisite: none

This class will provide color guard students with a comprehensive study of all aspects of color guard technique and performance. Studies will include dance, flag, and other appropriate equipment technique. There may be required after school rehearsals and performances throughout the school year. All members of the Color Guard are members of the band program and are expected to perform at all Marching Band performances. All members of the Color Guard may be required to participate in Marching Band. Students in the Marching Band may be required to attend a band camp held in the summer prior to school starting. Students earning credit in the course may also earn a .5 credit PE waiver during the fall semester.

 

Jazz Band                                                                                           

Course #6707-6708   

Full year = 1 credit

Fee: $50 per year Transportation/Music Costs/Coaching Staff

Prerequisite: Auditioned by director

This ensemble is for students who wish to further their musical knowledge and skill through the study of Jazz. Membership in this ensemble is by audition only. The main focus of the Jazz Ensemble will be on preforming of various jazz styles, articulation, and improvisation of jazz. The Jazz Ensemble performs at various concerts at SSHS as well as festivals and competitions in and around the Reno/Sparks area.

 

Note: Students will need to provide their own instrument. A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for an additional fee of $50.00 per school year.

 

Marching/Symphonic Band (Cougar Band - Year)                                         Course #6705-6706     

Full year = 1 credit                               

Fee: $250.00 per year  *Concert and Marching Music/Uniform Maintenance/Drill/Transportation/Entry Fees

Prerequisite: All students are welcome in the band. Marching Students must have instrumental music experience on a standard wind or percussion band instrument and have achieved reasonable proficiency. Students with no experience are welcomed.

This course is designed to encompass all facets of today's accepted standards of Marching Band and Symphonic Band. It will focus on the development of musical technique, sight-reading, and ensemble performance. There are many co-curricular activities that make up a band program. Students may be required to attend practices and performances outside of the regular school day in order to receive credit for the class. Performances may take place throughout the entire school year. Students in the Marching Band may be required to attend a band camp held in the summer prior to school starting. Students earning credit in the course may also earn a .5 credit PE waiver during the fall semester.

Note: Students will need to provide their own instrument. A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for an additional fee of $50.00 per school year. Students and parents are required to sign the WCSD Music Honors Credit Contract agreeing to the requirements established for this course by the WCSD if honors credit is requested. The necessary forms can be obtained from the Director of Bands.

 

Symphonic Band                                                                                               Course #6647-6648        

Full year = 1 credit                               

Fee: $50.00 per year     *Transportation/Music Costs/Coaching staff

Prerequisite:  At least 1 year of Band experience or at the director’s discretion.

This course is designed to provide instrumentalists with an experience in all aspects of the modern wind band technique. The Symphonic Band will consist of students who are at an intermediate playing level and will perform appropriate standard wind band repertoire. Most rehearsal will take place during required classroom time. There may be after school rehearsals and performances throughout the school year. All members of the Symphonic Band are eligible to audition and participate in the Washoe County Honor Band, Nevada All-State Honor Band, and Solo and Ensemble Festivals.

This class will not require you to participate in Marching Band.

Note: Students will need to provide their own instrument. A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for an additional fee of $50.00 per school year.

Musical Theatre Workshop                                                                           

Course #6506-6513     

Full year = 1 credit                                                                       

Fee: 40.00

Prerequisite: None

Students will learn the history of the American Musical Theater and how it has developed, how to audition for a musical, and how to create a resume. They will also participate in movement and dance choreography, learn character development through dialogue and music, perform a variety of scenes and selections from musical theater literature, and participate in all technical and creative aspects of musical theater production. Through individual and group coaching and directing of vocal, movement, and technical production skills, students will gain a knowledge of all aspects of musical theater production that will prepare them for participation in community and professional theater. This class is repeatable.

 

Technical Theatre I                                                                                        

Course #6467-6468     

Full year = 1 credit                               

Fee: $40.00 per year

This course is ideal for students who are interested in any facet of theatre except acting. We will explore the Theatre Hierarchy of technical theatre and students will take on the roles of carpenter, painter, electrician, light board operator, sound board operator, costume crew, props crew, and marketing. Skills will be taught as we explore each of these roles. Students will help build costumes, sets, props, focus lights, and help with sound equipment and marketing for each production through the year in order to have hands on learning. Appropriate use of technology and industry-standard equipment is a vital part of this course. Students must be able to accept direction and act with maturity. Although most work is completed in class, some student participation in co-curricular activities is required. 18 extra-curricular lab hours required.  Note:  This course fulfills the Humanities graduation requirement if taken for a full year and passed.

Technical Theatre II                                                                                      

Course #6469-6470     

Full year = 1 credit                                             

Fee: $40.00 per year

Prerequisite: Technical Theatre I.

This course is a continuation of Technical Theatre I. We will explore the Theatre Hierarchy of technical theatre and students will take on the roles of Technical Director, Master Painter, Master Electrician, Costumer, Props Master, and Marketing. Skills will be taught as we explore each of these roles. Students will plan and oversee Tech I students in the build of costumes, sets, props, the focus of lights, and prepare sound equipment and marketing for each production through the year in order to have hands on learning. Appropriate use of technology and industry-standard equipment is a vital part of this course. Ability and willingness to be a positive student leader is mandatory. Students must be able to accept direction and act with maturity. Work on the after-school productions is required. Note: This course fulfills the Art/Humanities graduation requirement if taken successfully for a full year.

Theatre Arts 1-2                                                                                             

Course #6501-6502  

Full year = 1 credit

Fee: $40.00 per year

Prerequisite:  None

This course is designed for the beginning theatre student who is interested in learning the fundamentals of theatre arts. Instruction will include theatre etiquette, script analysis and critical response, improvisation, pantomime & movement, voice, interpretation, scene work, solo acting, and theatrical production. Course work will also include written critical analysis, playwriting, careers in theatre, theatre history, and performance projects. Student participation in co-curricular performances is required for successful completion of the course.

 

Theatre Arts 3-4                                                                                                          Course #6511-6512     

Full year = 1 credit                               

Fee: $40.00 per year

Prerequisite:  Theatre Arts 1-2

This course is an intermediate level drama course in acting, movement, physical theatre, playwrighting, and play production. Instruction will include challenging units in character development and script analysis while preparing for performances of monologues and scenes. Students also may expect to learn basic stage makeup application, mask and puppetry performance techniques, stage combat, and production elements for a one-act play. Student participation in some co-curricular rehearsals and performances is required for successful completion of the course.

NOTE:  This course fulfills the Art/Humanities graduation requirement if taken for full year.

 

ADV Theatre Arts                                                                                                      Course #6503-6504     

Full year = 1 credit                   

Fee: $ 10.00 per year

Prerequisite:  Theatre Arts 3-4

This course is designed to challenge upper-level actors with a variety of sophisticated approaches to scene work and monologues, including an emphasis on theory and world theatre. Instruction will focus on deepening student understanding of role development, critical analysis, film, playwrighting and devising, dramaturgy, and improvisation. Study will be centered on both classical and contemporary plays. Student participation in co-curricular rehearsals and performances is required for successful completion of the course.

NOTE:  This course fulfills the Art/Humanities graduation requirement if taken for full year. This class can be repeated for credit.

Choir- Advanced                                                                                            

Course # 6803-6804 

Full year = 1 credit

Fee: $25.00 per year *Uniform cleaning/Transportation/Entry Fees/Music 

Prerequisite: Audition Required

This course is open to all advanced choir students interested in continuing the development of singing skills, multi-part singing, sight reading, and other musicianship skills. With this training, students will be eligible to audition for Treble Choir or another advanced choir, as well as for Washoe County School District Honor Choir and Nevada All-State Choir. Students are required to participate in co-curricular rehearsals and performances beyond the school day to receive class credit. Class performances will include but are not limited to Fall, Winter, Zone, Spring, and Festival. This class may qualify for Honors credit. See the instructor for Honors requirements.

 

Choir- Concert                                                                                               

Course # 6801-6802

Full year = 1 credit

Fee: $25.00 *Uniform cleaning/Transportation/Entry Fees/Music

Prerequisite: None

Concert Choir is a course open to all students interested in vocal performance. This course involves the study of and participation in vocal performance, training in proper vocal technique, and refinement of musicianship skills such as sight-reading, ear training, musical interpretation and expression. Students are required to participate in co-curricular rehearsals and performances beyond the school day to receive class credit. Class performances will include but are not limited to Fall, Winter, Zone, Spring, and Festival. This class may qualify for Honors credit. See the instructor for Honors requirements.

 

Choir – Vocal Solo Ensemble                                                                        

Course #6819-6820

Full year = 1 credit

Fee: $25.00 per year *Uniform cleaning/Transportation/Entry Fees/Music

Prerequisite: Audition Required

The vocal ensemble class is designed for advanced choral students interested in singing madrigals, vocal jazz, and a cappella music of many styles. This class will not exceed 16 students (four on each vocal part) to qualify for district and state ensemble competitions. The emphasis will be tone production, beauty, and blend. Students in this class will be expected to audition for WCSD Honor Choir and Nevada All-State Choir. In addition, students will be expected to sing with the ensemble at district and state solo/ensemble festivals and competitions.