The visual arts pathway opens up many creative options for students who enjoy a range of 2D and3D processes. After completing the 2D and 3D foundation classes, students will be able to specialize in certain areas and refine their skill to a higher level and ultimately consider AP art. Visual arts is for students who are creative, enjoy art or simply want to improve. The introduction classes (vis comp I and II) are split over a year. Students will learn the basics of 3 dimensional art in one semester, which includes pottery, wire sculpture, plaster carving and other 3D materials. The 2D component will help students perfect their drawing and painting skills as well as other techniques such as collage and printing. Both courses look closely at relevant artists and events.

Visual Art I/II Pre-Req Required

Crafts, (Vis Arts III) offers students the opportunity to express their creativity through a range of both traditional and contemporary techniques. Students will look at the impact of historical events such as the Arts and Crafts movement as well as the contributions of prominent craftsmen and women. Students will explore processes such as stained glass, candle making, fused jewelry and wind chimes.

Visual Art I/II Pre-Req Required

In this course you will learn basic ceramic techniques and processes. We will learn different building techniques to create functional vessels such as cups, vases, and teapots. We will also learn the basics of glazing and experiment with glazing techniques and processes. In this course we will also cover the history of pottery from its origin to today’s contemporary ceramic artists.

Visual Art I/II Pre-Req Required

In this course we will be covering a range of mediums and techniques used to create three-dimensional sculpture. We will use cardboard, wood, recycled materials, found objects, clay and more! This is a great class if you can’t decide on which art class to take and just want to experiment with a range of different materials. We will make mobiles, vessels, pop art, abstract sculptures, and many other 3D forms. We will also cover the art history of sculpture and talk about the famous works and artists that paved the way for what sculpture is today.

Visual Art I/II Pre-Req

Required

Drawing and painting offers students the opportunity to refine and develop their 2D skills through a range of media and processes. Students work on a larger more ambitious scale and work towards a more independent line of enquiry. Students will use a variety of materials such as paints, chalks, charcoal and pencil. Students will look at the work of both traditional and contemporary artists and art movements in order to influence their own investigation. The drawing and painting pathway enables students to move on to level III.

Visual Art I/II Pre-Req Required

The AP course is designed to promote the students artistic voice and develop an independent artist. The course focuses on helping students develop a drawing portfolio. The course emphasizes practice, experimentation, and revision of one's work as it develops, and thoughtful integration of materials, processes and ideas.

Students work on a topic of their own choosing and develop a series of works relating to it. Drawing includes many forms of 2D methods including textiles and printmaking. Students will submit a total of 15 images to the AP college board for evaluation.

Visual Art I/II Pre-Req Required

The AP course is designed to promote the students artistic voice and develop an independent artist. The course focuses on helping students develop a 2D design portfolio. The course emphasizes practice, experimentation, and revision of one's work as it develops, and thoughtful integration of materials, processes and ideas.

Students work on a topic of their own choosing and develop a series of works relating to it. 2D design, includes all forms of 2D methods including digital art and photography. Students will submit a total of 15 images to the AP college board for evaluation.

Visual Art I/II Pre-Req Required

Develop your skills in a three-dimensional medium such as sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, glass work, and others as you learn the principles of 3-D design. You’ll create artwork that reflects your own ideas and skills and what you’ve learned. In this course you will learn about Investigating the materials, processes, and ideas that artists and designers use, practicing, experimenting, and revising as you create your own work, and communicating your ideas about works of art and design.

Visual Art I/II Pre-Req Required

Printmaking is an artistic process based on the principle of transferring images from a matrix onto another surface, most often paper or fabric. Traditional printmaking techniques include woodcut, etching, engraving, and lithography, while modern artists have expanded available techniques to include screen printing. Students will have the opportunity to work with a range of printing techniques, both historical and contemporary. Students will research a number of printmakers and techniques that have made significant contributions to the field. They will use their findings to inspire their own works.

Visual Art I/II Pre-Req Required

Students will be introduced to photographic techniques dating back to 1826 up to modern day editing software such as photo shop. They will experiment with dark room practices and exposure techniques as well as working with digital art. Students will look at historical photographers, journalists as well as artists making political and social commentaries. This research will help them to form their own images and create a portfolio.

This ensemble is designed for all incoming freshman. This group will explore wind literature in various and contrasting styles. The class is designed to build fundamental skills through basic, enduring, technical, and tone exercises. This is a great opportunity to fine tune playing and listening skills in an ensemble setting. This band is a performance based class and all evening concerts and rehearsals are required.

This group will explore wind literature in various and contrasting styles. The class is designed to build fundamental skills through basic, enduring, technical, and tone exercises. This is a great opportunity to fine tune playing and listening skills in an ensemble setting. This band is a performance based class and all evening concerts and rehearsals are required. An audition is required to be placed in this group.

This is the top band performing group at Mountain View High School. The class will continue to build more advanced, individual musicianship through large and small ensemble performance. This is the opportunity for our advanced musicians to showcase their talent through the performance of advanced wind literature. This band is a performance based class and all evening concerts and rehearsals are required. An audition is required to be placed in this group.

This is a class for freshmen percussionists. It is a performance-oriented class that focuses on the performance of both current and historical percussion repertoire. This class utilizes a large variety of percussion instruments including but not limited to: piano, marching percussion instruments, marimba, vibraphone, accessory percussion, etc.

This class is open to any female with or without chorus experience who has a desire to sing. There is a cost factor involved in this class for performance outfits/dues. There are also required/graded after school

Rehearsals and performances involved in this class.

Students in this class must have permission from Mrs. Wicker. If you are new to Mountain View, you should have a transfer grade of B or higher in a Beginning or Intermediate chorus class. Singers should have sung not only in English, but also had some experience in Latin. Students should be proficient in singing major and minor and be able to sight read basic music they would have sung in middle school and 9th grade level with moderate success. Students MUST be able to match pitch. If they cannot, they should be in the Beginning level class. They may interview/audition with Mrs. Wicker. There is a cost factor involved in this class for performance outfits/dues. There are also required/graded after school rehearsals and performances involved in this class.

Students in this class must have permission from Mrs. Wicker. If you are new to Mountain View, you should have a transfer grade of B or higher in an Intermediate or Advanced chorus class. Singers should have sung not only in English, but also in Latin and other foreign languages. Students must be proficient in singing major, minor and chromatic scales and be able to sight read intermediate level music they would have sung in grades 9/10 with a high level of success, both pitch and rhythm. Mrs. Wicker needs to interview/audition students wishing placement in this class. There is a cost factor involved in this class for performance outfits/dues. There are also required/graded after school rehearsals and performances involved in this class.

This class is open to any male with or without chorus experience who has a desire to sing. There is a cost factor involved in this class for performance outfits/dues. There are also required/graded after school rehearsals and performances involved in this class.

Open to any and all dancers regardless of previous dance knowledge. Focuses on the basics of ballet, modern, and jazz in preparation for dancers to move to the next level and learn more complicated choreography. There is a show each Fall and Spring.

By audition only. This level is for students who have minimal previous dance experience in multiple styles and/or have taken some studio dance. Students must come to the open audition or audition in class after going through the Introduction Level. Focuses on ballet, modern, and jazz dance with the occasional other style. There is a show each Fall and Spring.

By audition only. This level is for students who have some previous dance experience in multiple styles and/or have a history of studio dance. Students must come to the open audition or audition in class after going through the Introduction and/or Intermediate Black Levels. Focuses on ballet, modern, and jazz dance with the occasional other style. There is a show each Fall and Spring.

By audition only. This level is for students who have extensive previous dance experience in multiple styles and/or have a long history of studio dance. Students must come to the open audition or audition in class after going through the Introduction, Intermediate Black, and/or Intermediate Gold Levels. Focuses on ballet, modern, and jazz dance with the occasional other style. There is a show each Fall and Spring.

The goal of the course is to provide students the opportunity to explore Theatre Arts. Theatre Fundamentals, promotes learning the essential vocabulary and processes of theatre as well as reading, writing, and researching theatre literature, acting and technical theatre. Acting experience in this course includes exploring the concepts of self, body and voice work, improvisation, acting techniques, and reading and writing related to theatre study. In addition, students learn about and reflect on various aspects of theatre through history and in different cultures, as well as the various forms of theatre and theatre-related media. Students have the opportunities for practical application of knowledge in informal productions. This course develops creativity and spontaneity in those students wanting to explore theatre, as well as those who wish to commit to a theatre program. Theatre Fundamentals is an entry level course open to any student.

The goal of the course is to provide students the opportunity to explore a variety of acting methodologies. Students will be introduced to acting as a process. The course includes an introduction to a variety of contemporary acting techniques and methods from teachers including Konstantin Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, Viola Spolin, Kenneth Stilson, Kristin Linklater and others. If time permits we may also explore some period acting (Shakespearean, Greek). Emphasis will be placed on acting exercises, physical and vocal awareness and practical (honest and committed) application of techniques and theories. Classes include exercises in movement, improvisation, character development, vocal expression, articulation and projection, relaxation exercises, concentration, sensory awareness, emotional recall, working in the moment, given circumstances, and text analysis. This work develops skills in creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, perseverance and leadership. Classes will also include performances and responding to your own and others’ class work and performances in journal writings and discussion. Only students with a strong desire for performance should take this class. There is no prerequisite for this course.

Audition & Application Required

The Advanced Drama course is designed to teach students how to appreciate, and understand the basic techniques and functions of acting, singing, theatre tech, and dance within the specific genre, thus allowing them to develop and access an educated tomb of knowledge which will apply to the performance setting. Students who complete the course will obtain a comprehensive understanding of musical theatre, classical theatre choreography, technical theatre design, technical theatre application, vocal care and techniques, and facial/ body expression/ movement for the stage. Theatre Fundamentals and/or Acting serve as a prerequisite. Students wishing to move straight into this class and exempt the prerequisites must submit a one minute theatrical monologue or one minute theatrical song to micki.ankiel@gcpsk12.org

Pre-Req Theatre Fund I,II Required

Students will spend time preparing and performing musical pieces on aerial silks and aerial hoop, developing aerial performance vocabulary, learning basic kinesiology, and enhancing aerial performance skills. Students are required to have taken one year of another theatrical, or fine arts course and will be required to have an athletic physical completed prior to the start of the course.

Music Tech is a class where you can learn to take your enjoyment of music to a new level. Whether you are interested in learning more about the music industry or wanting to know more about how successful musicians create the music we listen to every day - this class is a great way to learn the basics. The best part: no experience required.

Mountain View Bear Tracks Productions provides 4 different levels of classes to help you learn how to take your music to the next level. Classes must be taken in order, but regardless of your background, you can find success here.

In BEGINNING MUSIC TECH, we focus on becoming acquainted with the Elements of Music and how they are applied to much of the commercial music that entertains us through different mediums. We focus on using MIDI and eventually progress to audio but all the while, you learn how to incorporate your ideas of music with tried and true methods for successful arranging and editing. This also is the time when students are exposed to the various types of equipment in editing, creating, & arranging music.

In INTERMEDIATE MUSIC TECH, we continue to refine your editing skills but also begin to focus on songwriting. Students will learn a little more music theory including chord progressions. Whereas Beginning MuTech relied heavily on outside musical sources, students begin to create their own music using samples and other original ideas giving you a voice all your own. Students also begin to study other styles of music not covered in Beginning Music Tech and develop an understanding of how various genres are similar and different. Another aspect for electronic music will be learning how to use basic coding to create music for either studio or live performances.

In ADVANCED MUSIC TECH, students learn how to apply more technical skills to their knowledge base. In this class, students will learn how to design, construct and fabricate musical instruments (acoustic or electric) as well as mastering recording techniques from live performances. The goal is to provide students opportunities for real life situations where they can help local musicians with recording, or even work events as live sound technicians. In class, students will continue learning how to create ways to express themselves through music.

Students who successfully complete the first three years of Music Technology and want to continue on into MASTERY MUSIC TECH will be given multiple opportunities to help teach younger students (beginning) the basics. Mastery level students will help design acoustical setups for various scenarios; be provided opportunities to work with both ameteur and professional musicians in the area as well as be exposed to recording, editing, performing, producing, mastering as well as promoting.

At the end of each year, there is a capstone project or portfolio which will showcase student work. Students will be encouraged to create music for various events at school (sporting, banquets, etc…) as well as throughout the community. The tenets of the MV Bear Tracks Productions are to CREATE, PERFORM, & CONNECT. While music is the medium, the goal is to help students find creative solutions to problems they may encounter outside of the studio, in the school and within the community as a whole. So come and learn ways to “BRING YOUR MUSIC TO LIFE!”

This course is designed for serious music students who have an interest in gaining greater experience in music as they prepare for a college major or simply want to learn more about the process of writing and analyzing music. While not a requirement, most students have experience in Band, Chorus, or Orchestra and already know how to read music and or play an instrument. This course is taught comparable to a first year college course and requires students to maintain a vigorous pace in preparation for the annual AP Music Theory Exam (typically in May).

Students will learn how to notate, read, perform/sing, analyze, & critique musical examples and performances based on music of Western civilization. Currently, the class is taught in the Music Tech lab where students have access to online resources, iMac computers, piano synthesizers, and recording equipment. Most students who take the course are juniors/seniors who have the additional room in their schedule.

While this course is designed to help students prepare for the first semester of a college course in Music, it is not required that students pursue this. Any serious musician who wants to learn how to improve their own music understanding and composing skills will learn a great deal from this course. See Mr. Owens in room C204 or email him at William.Owens@gcpsk12.org for more information.

Prerequisites: three years middle school orchestra experience

Black & Gold Orchestra provides continuing growth and foundational studies in music through the study and performance of classical literature (grade 2-3.5) in an orchestral setting. This ensemble is designed for incoming freshman and is a prerequisite to Classic and Symphonic Orchestras. This orchestra performs several concerts each year and is designed for students interested in learning and reinforcing fundamental performance skills as well as perfecting proper technique, and refining musical and ensemble skills. This course does require performances and rehearsals outside of class and members are expected to be dedicated to this time commitment. Each orchestra coarse opens the door to social activities, class trips, orchestra only scholarships, Fine Arts Legacy cords, and eligibility for Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Prerequisites: three years middle school orchestra experience and Black & Gold Orchestra, OR audition.

Classic Orchestra provides continuing growth and foundational studies in music through the study and performance of classical literature (grade 3-4) in an orchestral setting. This orchestra performs several concerts each year and is designed for students interested in refining fundamental performance skills as well as perfecting proper technique, and experiencing small ensemble skills. This course does require performances and rehearsals outside of class and members are expected to be dedicated to this time commitment. Each orchestra coarse opens the door to social activities, class trips, orchestra-only scholarships, Fine Arts Legacy cords, and eligibility for Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Prerequisites: three years middle school orchestra experience and Black & Gold Orchestra, OR audition.

Symphonic Orchestra provides continuing growth and foundational studies in music through the study and performance of classical literature (grade 3-4.5) in an orchestral setting. This orchestra performs several concerts each year and competes at the district level. This orchestra performs several concerts each year and is designed for students interested in refining fundamental performance skills as well as practicing proper technique, and experiencing small ensemble skills. This course does require performances and rehearsals outside of class and members are expected to be dedicated to this time commitment. Each orchestra coarse opens the door to social activities, class trips, orchestra-only scholarships, Fine Arts Legacy cords, and eligibility for Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Prerequisites: three years middle school orchestra experience, Black & Gold Orchestra, Classic Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra, OR audition.

Philharmonic Orchestra provides continuing growth in music through the study and performance of intermediate- advanced orchestral literature. Private study is recommended as this course is designed for serious, motivated students interested in building and refining their technique, performance ability, and ensemble skills. This orchestra performs several concerts each year and competes at the district level. Students are expected to participate in occasional full symphony rehearsals outside of the school day and are expected to be dedicated to this time commitment which focuses on refining and perfecting musical skills. Each orchestra coarse opens the door to social activities, class trips, orchestra-only scholarships, Fine Arts Legacy cords, and eligibility for Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Chamber Orchestra is an auditioned performance ensemble that provides continuing growth in music through the study and performance of advanced orchestral literature. Private study is highly recommended as students must meet rigorous audition criteria to be considered for this group. This orchestra comprised of elite performers has the busiest concert schedule, most frequent rehearsals, and regularly performs in the community. Additionally, students in the Chamber Orchestra will be expected to maintain participation in small ensembles and occasional full symphony rehearsals outside of the school day. Members are expected to be dedicated to this time commitment which focuses on refining and perfecting musical skills. A history of excellence in music participation, preparation, performance, and attitude is required for this group. Each orchestra coarse opens the door to social activities, class trips, orchestra-only scholarships, Fine Arts Legacy cords, and eligibility for Tri-M Music Honor Society.