ART 1, 2

The foremost objective of this course is to develop and nurture skills in drawing and painting with an emphasis on technique, creativity, and originality.   Students will gain a basic understanding of drawing and painting through the elements and principles of design.   Works of art will be developed in a variety of dry and wet media such as pencil, oil pastel, chalk pastel, color pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, tempera, and watercolor.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   None (return to VPA course index)

ART ADVANCED (repeatable for credit)

Students will continue to explore the theory and practice of the elements and principles of design.   They will continue to develop their drawing and painting skills, creating complex works of art using the media encountered in Art 1 & 2 and new media such as egg tempera, acrylic paint, and mixed media.   Emphasis will be placed on individual expression and the development of a personal style.
GRADE LEVEL:   10 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Art 1, 2 (return to VPA course index)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDIO ART 1, 2

During this one-year course, students prepare a portfolio of artwork in accordance with standards set by the College Board.   The College Board recognizes three distinct portfolios: Two-Dimensional Design, Drawing, and Three-Dimensional Design.   Not every portfolio is offered every year.   For more information visit www.collegeboard.org.
GRADE LEVEL:   10 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Three semesters of art courses and/or permission of teacher based on portfolio. (return to VPA course index)

ART IN ARCHITECTURE 1, 2

Fundamental skills in technical and freehand drawing, spatial visualization, and standard visual communication techniques are presented. Principles of design are presented and the aesthetic, social, and geographic factors in building are considered.   The course also examines selected architectural styles through readings, research, and field projects.   Career opportunities in architecture are explored.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   None (return to VPA course index)

ADVANCED ART IN ARCHITECTURE 1, 2 (repeatable for credit)

Students build on the architectural drawing skills presented in Art In Architecture 1, 2.   Architectural rendering and model-building are introduced.   Design principles are further explored through the completion of one or more major studio projects.
GRADE LEVEL:   10 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Art in Architecture 1, 2. (return to VPA course index)

CERAMICS 1, 2

This course provides an introduction to the medium of clay through basic hand construction methods. Both functional and sculptural ceramic objects are created and a variety of finishing processes introduced.   Emphasis is placed on technical development and exploration of clay as a means for personal aesthetic growth.   Students learn to evaluate their work and the work of others through class critiques.
GRADE LEVEL:   10 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   None (return to VPA course index)

CERAMICS ADVANCED (repeatable for credit)

Students build on the knowledge acquired in Ceramics 1 and 2.   The potter's wheel for throwing clay forms may be introduced.   Students use historical, technical, and aesthetic concepts to resolve complex artistic problems.   Initiative, imagination, and technical skills are developed, as are methods for understanding and valuing works of art.    
GRADE LEVEL:   10 - 12.   PREREQUISITES: Ceramics 1 and 2 (return to VPA course index)

ART HISTORY ADVANCED PLACEMENT 1, 2

Through readings (primarily in the textbook), the study of slides, class discussions, individual and small-group presentation, analytic papers, videos, art projects, and field trips to local museums, students trace the development of mankind's visual art from prehistoric times to the present.   Works of art will be studied both for their aesthetic value and their function as historical documents.   This course prepares students to take the AP Art History exam offered every May. For more information visit www.collegeboard.org.
GRADE LEVEL:   10- 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Under review.  
Note: this course's status regarding the SFUSD VPA Graduation Requirement is under review.   (return to VPA course index)

• Learn how to use a digital camera with manual controls . Digital cameras are provided for your use at school. However, you are encouraged to use your own camera (preferably with manual controls).
• Learn the principles and history of photography in order to better understand the development of photography as an art medium and to better critique works of photography.
• Explore the many uses and applications of photography in the world.
• Develop your creativity and artistic expression through photography and additional art mediums.

GRADE LEVEL:   10 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Art 1, 2. (return to VPA course index)

PHOTOGRAPHY ADVANCED (repeatable for credit)

Students use the skills and knowledge developed in Photography 1 & 2 in the creation of special photographic projects inspired by a variety of cultural and historical sources.
GRADE LEVEL:   11 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Photography 1, 2. (return to VPA course index)

DANCE BEGINNING 1, 2

Basic techniques of ballet, modern dance, and jazz dance are taught.   Students develop poise, strength, flexibility, coordination, rhythm, and creativity.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   None (return to VPA course index)

DANCE INTERMEDIATE 1, 2

Intermediate techniques of ballet, modern dance, and jazz dance are taught.   Students continue to develop poise, strength, flexibility, coordination, rhythm, and creativity.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Permission of teacher. (return to VPA course index)

DANCE ADVANCED (repeatable for credit)

Students become highly skilled in all of the above styles and techniques.  

Choreography and performance are emphasized.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Permission of teacher. (return to VPA course index)

DRAMA 1, 2

Students study drama as a performing art, an academic discipline, an aesthetic experience, and a craft.   Through exercises in emotional response, body movement, and oral interpretation, they experience basic acting techniques and acquire technical knowledge of stage movement, makeup, and costume.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   None (return to VPA course index)

DRAMA ADVANCED (repeatable for credit)

More intense exercises are included in each of the areas covered in Drama 1 and 2.   Emphasis is placed on physical warm-ups, stage movement, pantomime, concentration and believability exercises, character and dialogue work, scene studies, and the writing of students' own scenes.
GRADE LEVEL:   10 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Drama 1, 2 and permission of teacher. (return to VPA course index)

THEATER TECH BEGINNING 1, 2

Students are introduced to the stage and theatre equipment.   Students learn basics skills in sound, lights, set construction, rigging, fly system, scene painting, and more.   Emphasis is on learning basic terms, tools, and techniques.   Students provide technical support for school and community performing arts productions.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   None (return to VPA course index)

THEATER TECH INTERMEDIATE 1, 2

Students are introduced to the stage and theatre equipment.   Students learn basic skills in sound, lights, set construction, rigging, fly system, scene painting, and more.   Students take a leadership role in their chosen specialty area.   Students provide technical support for school and community performing arts productions.
GRADE LEVEL:   10 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Theatre Tech Beginning (return to VPA course index)

THEATER TECH ADVANCED (repeatable for credit)

Students learn principles of stage design, technical direction, or production management.   They apply their knowledge in the production of school plays and musicals.
GRADE LEVEL:   11 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Theater Tech Intermediate and permission of teacher. (return to VPA course index)

VOCAL MUSIC BEGINNING   1, 2

Students develop skills in voice development, breath control, tone production, diction, and music literacy.   They build a repertoire of vocal works from many historical periods and cultures.   Students perform in winter and spring concerts.  
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   None (return to VPA course index)

Students develop intermediate skills in voice development, breath control, tone production, diction, and music literacy.   They build a repertoire of vocal works from many historical periods and many cultures.   Students perform in winter and spring concerts and represent Lowell at the CMEA Choral Festival.  
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Permission of teacher. (return to VPA course index)

VOCAL MUSIC ADVANCED (repeatable for credit)

Students develop advanced skills in the topics listed above.   The choir's large repertoire is showcased in many school and community concerts throughout the year including the CMEA Choral Festival.   Members may audition for a place in the Chamber Choir, a select group of about twenty-five singers who rehearse outside of class and perform widely.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Permission of teacher. (return to VPA course index)

BAND INTERMEDIATE (repeatable for credit)

Intermediate Band is designed for students with middle school band experience.   Students in this class perform in a minimum of two concerts during the school year.   Emphasis is placed on technical and musical development.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Permission of middle school band teacher or Lowell band teacher. (return to VPA course index)

BAND ADVANCED (repeatable for credit)

Advanced Band is a high-level performance class in which students perform in at least four concerts during the school year.   Emphasis is placed on technical and musical mastery of one's instrument and development of leadership skills through sectionals and chamber music.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Permission of teacher. (return to VPA course index)

SYMPHONIC BAND 1, 2 (repeatable for credit)

In addition to performing in many concerts throughout the school year, members of this band represent the school at the CMEA Band Festival.   It is expected that students have attained technical and musical mastery of their instrument and possess strong leadership skills.   Members may audition for a place in the Symphony Orchestra, or for the honor of performing a solo with the Symphonic Band.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Permission of teacher. (return to VPA course index)

JAZZ BAND (repeatable for credit)

Students in this high-level performance class perform Big Band music ranging from classic to contemporary jazz.   They develop skills in ensemble playing, articulation, and improvisation.   The Jazz Band appears at many school and community functions throughout the year.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Permission of teacher. (return to VPA course index)

ORCHESTRA INTERMEDIATE (repeatable for credit)

Intermediate Orchestra is the entry-level course for students who participated in their middle school orchestra program.   Students continue their studies on the violin, viola, cello, or double bass with intermediate exercises in bowing, fingering, tone production, musicianship, vibrato, and shifting.   The Intermediate Orchestra performs repertoire from MENC Grades 2 and 3.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   None (return to VPA course index)

ORCHESTRA ADVANCED (repeatable for credit)

Students develop advanced skills in bowing, fingering, vibrato, shifting, and musicianship.   They apply these skills in the performance of repertoire from MENC Grades 3 and 4.   That repertoire, chosen for its historical and cultural value, is researched and discussed in class.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   None (return to VPA course index)

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 1, 2 (repeatable for credit)                 

Symphony Orchestra members possess a high degree of skill in instrumental technique and musicianship.   The Symphony Orchestra performs repertoire from MENC Grades 4 and 5, including works for full orchestra.   That repertoire, chosen for its historical and cultural value, is researched and discussed in class. In addition to performing in many concerts throughout the school year, members of this orchestra represent the school at the CMEA Orchestra Festival.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   None (return to VPA course index)

MUSIC THEORY ADVANCED PLACEMENT

This one-year course in the theory of western music prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination in May.   Advanced topics in melody, rhythm, harmony, and sight singing are covered. For more information, visit www.collegeboard.org.
GRADE LEVEL:   10 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   Permission of teacher. (return to VPA course index)

PIANO LAB 1, 2

Piano Lab provides for the sequential development of music skills through the study and performance of keyboard literature.
GRADE LEVEL:   9 - 12.   PREREQUISITES:   None (return to VPA course index)