FILTER
This course is a mixed singing ensemble intended for singers of advanced ability and specializes in performance of challenging literature of diverse genre. Students will read music notation in treble and bass clefs, demonstrate understanding of more complex notation, demonstrate knowledge of terminology pertinent to the performance of choral music, demonstrate and understand correct singing technique, and demonstrate appropriate rehearsal discipline and performance skills. Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals, performances and choral festivals. The class generally meets before school in the morning.
First Semester Taken: Chamber Singers A (6546)
Second Semester Taken: Chamber Singers B (6547)
Subsequent Semesters Taken: Chamber Singers C (9863)
This course is offered outside of the 9:00 am – 2:45 pm school day. Meets 2-3 mornings per week, plus performances.
Chemistry (Physical Science) is the scientific study of matter. This course aims to develop students as practicing laboratory scientists who can ask and answer questions of their own about what the world is made of and how and why chemical reactions occur. This course also aims to develop students’ conceptual and quantitative understanding of chemical principles. Units of study in this course include the nature of the atom, naming of chemicals and compounds, bonding, the periodic table, reactions and equilibrium, stoichiometry, behavior of gases, acids, bases, and safe laboratory practices.
The (Physical Science) honors course differs from the non-honors course in that each topic is covered in more detail, at a faster pace, and with greater mathematical rigor.
Students will explore Mexico through the lens of film for one semester in this advanced Spanish course designed for students who wish to improve their Spanish language skills and cultural knowledge. In class, students will view full-length feature films, shorts, and documentaries. Students will learn about the Golden Era of Mexican Film during the 1940’s and 1950’s. Students will focus on New Mexican Cinema with films from the 2010’s. Students will learn to appreciate Mexican directors, like Luis Buñuel & Claudia Saint-Luce, and actors, like Pedro Infante, Mario Moreno “Cantinflas”, Blanca Estela Pavón, Karla Souza, Eugenio Derbez. Students will gain perspective on the Mexican experience, taking a critical look at poverty and wealth, gender issues, music as a tool for change, migration, and the family unit amongst other themes. Students will be asked to view a brand new Mexican movie at a film festival. In-class discussions will provide a forum for students to think critically and trade ideas with each other. Writing assignments will include movie critiques and alternative final scenes. Students will get to make their own short films as well. In order to immerse students, the class will be conducted in Spanish and students are expected to speak Spanish in class.
*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.
Communication about many serious issues in the modern day is often marked by a distinct lack of nuance, reliability, and articulate expression. Competitive Speech and Debate is a course designed to help build the skills necessary to communicate effectively and persuasively in today’s world. Student will build all the necessary skills to do credible research, critically organize their thoughts, and compose writing that effectively articulates their point of view. Students will employ the skills they learn in competitive settings to receive feedback from a wide range of audiences, understanding the nuances of communicating their thoughts to diverse groups.
Some of the outcomes for students who take this class are:
- Advanced Communication Skills
- Critical Thinking Proficiency
- Confidence in Public Speaking
- Collaborative and Ethical Discourse
- Adaptive Leadership and Civic Engagement
UC/CSU Subject G Approval
This course is offered outside of the 9:00 am – 2:45 pm school day.
In this one semester Spanish course, students will explore, use and improve their Spanish by reading outstanding short stories by some of the most successful authors of our time; Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, Julio Cortázar, Jorge Luis Borges, Carlos Fuentes, & Juan Rulfo, just to name a few. Students will read ONE short story per week. Students will be asked to read, understand, & analyze these short stories. For quizzes students will need to recall characters, vocabulary, and storylines and critically think about themes. Class discussions and debates will provide a forum for students to become literature critics and trade ideas with the teacher and classmates regarding the messages provided in the stories. Students will be able to strengthen their grammar, vocab and speaking skills in Spanish. In order to immerse students in the target language, the class will be conducted in Spanish and students are expected to speak Spanish at all times.
*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.
Cura Personalis (translated from Latin as “Care for the Whole Person”) is a required one-semester course for freshmen focused on a multi-dimensional understanding of personal wellness. Students explore a variety of topics in the areas of mental health, social health, drug & alcohol awareness, sexual health, and physical fitness. Students are encouraged to explore their own personal values and beliefs while also learning new information and identifying resources that support each student’s aspirations to maximize their potential. Throughout the semester, students are instructed in mindfulness, including the establishment of a meditation practice. Cura Personalis is a Pass/Fail class that does not impact a student’s GPA.
Important Arts Department Information
Dance 1A is a survey course that will introduce movers of all experience levels to a wide range of dance genres. The course will include physical practice in the techniques of ballet, jazz dance, and social dance. Students will study dance history, dance composition, and improvisational techniques. Through written work and class discussions, students will learn to analyze dance performance as an art form, through a critical, informed, and appreciative lens. Students will work collaborative to explore dance elements and perform choreographed dances in a supportive community environment.
DANCE 1A is a special section of the introductory survey course designed for dancers with at least one year of prior dance training in any style. DANCE 1A(P) will include physical practice in the techniques of ballet, jazz dance, and social dance, with a greater focus on technical proficiency and performance skills. Students will study dance history, dance composition, and improvisational techniques. Through written work and class discussions, students will learn to analyze dance performance as an art form through a critical, informed, and appreciative lens. Students will work collaboratively to explore dance elements and perform choreography both in class and in public performance. To be approved for the special section of DANCE 1A(P), students must audition in person, by video or get approval from the Dance Director.
DANCE 1A is a special section of the introductory survey course designed for dancers with at least one year of prior dance training in any style. DANCE 1A(P) will include physical practice in the techniques of ballet, jazz dance, and social dance, with a greater focus on technical proficiency and performance skills. Students will study dance history, dance composition, and improvisational techniques. Through written work and class discussions, students will learn to analyze dance performance as an art form through a critical, informed, and appreciative lens. Students will work collaboratively to explore dance elements and perform choreography both in class and in public performance. To be approved for the special section of DANCE 1A(P), students must audition in person, by video or get approval from the Dance Director. Contact the Dance Director for more information on audition requirements.
