Program of Studies | Westford Public Schools

Visual and Performing Arts Course Composites

Visual Arts Classes

Courses offered within the Fine Arts Department provide a sequential program of instruction that culminates with Advanced Placement Studio Art. The department offers a selection of both semester and full-year courses, allowing the student to select a variety of courses and commitment levels. A student may opt to concentrate on one medium such as painting, photography or clay for one semester or, select a full-year visual art class that allows the student to explore a variety of media and techniques. It is strongly recommended that any student considering post-secondary study in the arts, complete at least one of the full-year visual art courses. Students considering post-secondary study will often be required to submit a portfolio of work as part of their application process and should consider full-year visual art and/or foundation courses to aid in the preparation of their portfolio.

551 Image Editing CP - (9-12) - 2.5 credits

Students will learn the fundamentals of image manipulation and illustration using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator Creative Cloud 2021 software. Students will learn the basic tools of both software packages in addition to creating paths, layering, masking, retouching, creating text effects, utilizing filters, performing color corrections and more. Satisfies Technology requirement.

552 Image Editing II CP - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: 551 Image Editing I CP

This course will expand and embrace image manipulation using Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud 2021 software. Students will learn beyond the basic tools to more advance techniques of image editing. Students will explore in depth of non-destructive editing/manipulation with layer mask, adjustment layers, retouching, text effects, and more. Students will also be required to shoot their own pictures.

556 Graphic Design I CP (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: 551 Imaging Editing I CP

Graphic Design 1 will provide students with an introduction to the exciting field of graphic design. Students will use and develop their knowledge of the elements and principles of design. Students will also use the Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator Creative Cloud 2021 software programs to utilize the "design process" developed by professional designers. This course will emphasize design and its important role in the commercial world of visual marketing.

559 Graphic Design II H - (11-12) - 5 credits

Prerequisite: 556 Graphic Design I CP and Teacher Recommendation

Graphic Design II Honors will build on the skills acquired in Graphic Design I as well as incorporate advanced techniques in image editing, illustrating and desktop publishing. The project-based assignments will focus on the commercial aspect of graphic design including mock-client presentations. Students will utilize the design process and Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator Creative Cloud 2021 software. Class critiques will enable students to analyze what good design encompasses and evaluate their own as well as other student's work.

562 Intro to Movie Making CP - (9-12) - 2.5 credits

Students will acquire the knowledge needed to effectively prepare and deliver presentations using state-of-the-art technology. They will learn the basic techniques of video/digital editing using IMOVIE and ADOBE PREMIERE CC21 (nonlinear editing software). Projects include commercials, PSA (Public Service Announcement). Satisfies Technology requirement.

564 Movie Making I CP - (10-12) - 5 credits

Prerequisite: 562 Intro to Movie Making CP

This course will expand and embrace the basic Intro Movie Making and will take students to an intermediate level in using Adobe Premiere CC21 as well as introduce them to new video software applications: Adobe After Effects. The use of video digital cameras as well as extensive story boarding with projects to be used throughout the school and community will be an integral part of this course.

565 Movie Making II H - (11-12) - 5 credits

Prerequisite: 564 Movie Making I CP and teacher recommendation

This course will expand and embrace the Movie Making I course at an accelerated pace, and includes digital nonlinear video editing using Adobe Premiere CC21 Adobe After Effects CC21, and Audition CC21. The use of the latest Codecs will be employed. Students will use digital video and still cameras in preparing their projects.

566 Movie Making III H - (11-12) - 5 credits

Prerequisite: 565 Movie Making II H

The Movie Making III Honors course is designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience in filmmaking. Students will write multiple short scripts based on their story ideas and generate storyboards and a preproduction plan to support it. They will expand their understanding of storytelling by employing editing, sound design, and graphics to help tell a story. Students will focus on mastering their skills on camera work (movement, focus pulling, lens choice, and depth of field) and hone their shooting and lighting techniques for digital cameras.

568 3D Animation and Modeling (9-12) - 2.5 credits

This course will offer students an introduction to 3D animation and modeling using Blender. Students will create basic 3D modeling and animation, students will also learn how to construct, design, lighting, camera angles, and texture rendering. Satisfies Technology requirement

569 Advanced 3D Animation and Modeling – (10-12) – 5 credits

Prerequisite: 3D Animation and Modeling

This course will expand and embrace the basic techniques of modeling and animation and will continue to focus on skill development in 3D modeling and rendering techniques using lighting, staging, and special effects for digital output. The course emphasizes the production of three-dimensional (3D) animation as final digital outputting using modeling, rendering, and animation software (Blender).

700 Foundations of Art (9-12) - 2.5 credits

Foundations of Art serves as prerequisite for 709 Studio Art (formerly Visual Art II CP), 713 Photography I, 716 Ceramics, 705 Drawing and 706 Painting.

Foundations of Art is a one-semester course designed to provide students the opportunity to learn about a variety of two dimensional media, technique and process. Understanding and using the elements and principles of art and design to enhance artwork will be stressed. Ideas of aesthetics, art criticism and art history will be introduced. As this course covers an introduction into the basic media and processes of art, students who wish to pursue advanced study within the arts must complete this course.

701 Foundations of Art II (9-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: Foundations of Art

Foundations of Art II gives students an opportunity to create artwork across both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture, while expanding on concepts covered in Foundations of Art. Students will be working in a variety of media to develop both concrete and abstract visual expression. An emphasis is placed on intermediate-level techniques, while strengthening a fundamental understanding of subject, style and creative problem solving.

703 Advanced Art H - (11-12) - 5 credits

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation, 90 or above in 702 Studio Art (formerly Visual Art II CP), Completion of mandatory summer homework assignment.

Advanced Art Honors is a full year art course for juniors and seniors. This honors level course reflects the student's continued interest and dedication to the study of the visual arts; therefore emphasis is placed on the development of a competitive portfolio of work for college admission. Students will build upon skills acquired in Foundations of Art and Studio Art (formerly Visual Art II CP) exploring aspects of drawing, painting, printmaking, and three-dimensional processes at a more advanced level. Emphasis is placed on the development of student driven themes and the pursuit of achieving a personal style. Mandatory summer homework assignments are required to remain in this honors level course. Students that do not complete the assignment will be removed from the class.

704 Advanced Placement Studio Art - (11-12) - 5 credits

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation, 90 or above average in 703 Advanced Art Honors, Completion of mandatory summer homework assignment.

Advanced Placement Studio Art is a full-year intensive study designed for the student who wishes to develop a portfolio that suits the standards set by AP College Board. Students will be investigating a variety of artistic media at an in-depth level while completing a concentration of work that explores a single concept through 15 pieces. The expectation is that each student will utilize their skill to the best of their ability while responding to the structured guidelines the curriculum offers.

A mandatory summer homework assignment is given prior to the student entering the Advanced Placement Studio Art course. Failure to complete the summer assignment will result in the student being removed from the course. Students selecting this course must commit to taking the Advanced Placement exam in May.

705 Drawing - (9-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: 700 Foundations of Art

Drawing is a one-semester course designed to expand upon concepts taught in Foundations of Art with a focus on drawing materials and techniques. The course will teach methods for developing drawings from direct observation. Emphasis will be placed on using the elements and principles of art and design to create dynamic compositions. Students will analyze and discuss drawings, learn from art history, and synthesize information to develop more creative and thoughtful drawings.

706 Painting - (9-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: 700 Foundations of Art

Painting is a one-semester course designed to provide students with a strong introduction into a variety of painting materials, methods and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on learning and using the elements and principles of design as they relate to both drawing and painting. Introduction to aesthetics, critical analysis and art history will also be included.

707 Painting II - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: 706 Painting I

Students will continue the study of color, creativity, and the aesthetic values covered in Painting I. In-depth assignments with an emphasis on expressive possibilities will be explored. Personal style will be encouraged as students respond to assignments in the categories of representational, abstract, and no-objective painting.

708 Advanced Placement Studio - Photography - (11-12) - 5 credits

Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, 90 or above in 713 Photography I, 714 Photography II and 715 Digital Photography

The AP Studio - Photography curriculum is based on guidelines provided by the College Board. Students enrolled in this course should be self-motivated since they are required to explore a single topic in depth ("Sustained Investigation") over the course of the year. Additionally, students will be given class assignments addressing a broad range of topics. At the end of the course, students are required to submit a portfolio (Advanced Placement exam) to the College Board. Students must be committed to working at home as well as independently in class. Working digitally is encouraged but traditional darkroom materials and processes is also an option.

A mandatory summer homework assignment is given prior to the student entering the AP Studio Art course. Failure to complete the summer assignment will result in the student being removed from the course. Students selecting this course must commit to taking the Advanced Placement exam in May.

709 Studio Art CP (10-12) - 5 credits

Prerequisite: 700 Foundations of Art

Studio Art expands and refines those skills previously acquired in Foundations of Art. Students will develop and strengthen visual perception through observational drawing and its working relationship to many art processes. Students will begin to understand their visual voice and utilize its potential as a cultural and social tool for communication. The process of critiquing class projects will emphasize the evaluation and understanding of what a well-executed project entails. Studio Art serves as a prerequisite for Advanced Art Honors.

*This course was formerly called Visual Art II.

713 Photography I - (9-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: 700 Foundations of Art

Note: As the supply of school cameras is limited, it is recommended that students have their own 35mm camera.

Photography I is an introductory course that allows students to explore conceptual as well as practical aspects of traditional (non-digital) photography. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of black and white photographic processes and basic darkroom techniques. Students will learn how to use a 35mm camera, develop film and print a photograph. The use of filters as well as other ways of manipulating photographic images during the printing process will be covered. The elements and principles of design are incorporated in not only the creation of photographs but also in the analysis of both student and professional work.

714 Photography II - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: 713 Photography I

Note: As the supply of school cameras is limited, it is recommended that students have their own 35mm camera.

Photography II will cover advanced photographic techniques and give students the opportunity to refine skills previously learned in Photography I. Students will learn the manual features of the 35mm camera in depth, using the aperture and shutter speed controls to create desired results. Students will also explore alternative photographic processes. Developing a personal style as well as continued critical analysis are important elements of this course.

715 Digital Photography - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: 713 Photography I

Note: As the supply of school cameras is limited, it is recommended that students have their own digital camera, preferably a DSLR camera but a point-and-shoot camera is also fine.

Students will be introduced to the digital camera and the fundamentals of editing photographs using Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud 2020. Students will digitize film shot in Photography I, as well as shoot new images using a DSLR digital camera. Emphasis is placed on using this medium as a form of personal expression as well as considering its practical applications. In a hands-on approach to learning, students will utilize scanning, image editing tools and techniques, collage-based projects and digital printing. Students will expand upon photographic skills previously learned and become familiar with the correlation between traditional darkroom processes and their digital counterparts. This course satisfies the Technology requirement.

716 Ceramics I - (9-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: Foundations of Art

Ceramics I is a one-semester course designed to expose students to the techniques and processes unique to clay. Throughout the semester students will become familiar with a variety of hand building techniques: pinching, coiling, slab construction, and sculpture, as well as with all aspects of the ceramic studio: construction, glazing, and firing. Students will analyze and discuss a variety of ceramic arts from many cultures and time periods. Understanding and using the elements and principles of design will be stressed.

717 Ceramics II - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Ceramics II is a one-semester course, which builds upon the foundation of Ceramics I. Emphasis is placed upon gaining proficiency with the potter's wheel and in creating advanced hand built projects that demonstrate a high level of skill and craftsmanship in coiling and slab construction. Exploration of ceramic arts from a variety of cultures and time periods will allow students to develop a personal style in relation to ceramic arts within a broader context.

Theater Arts

711 Elements of Theater - (9-12) - 2.5 credits

In this discussion driven course, students will be introduced to contemporary drama and comedy through in-class reading and script analysis. With an emphasis on understanding the building blocks of theater, we will explore the origins of the art form and learn how ancient traditions still inform our practice today. Formal assessments include: monologue performance; scene construction; costume design; directing exercises; and playwriting. With a recognition of the audience as theater’s most vital element, students will learn to appreciate the value of giving and receiving feedback.

720 Play Lab H - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: At least two semesters of prior Theater coursework and Departmental Approval. An Interview/Audition process will determine the Artistic Team including actors, designers and technicians.

The objective of this workshop course is to explore, research, design and construct Westford Academy Theater Arts' Submission to the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild's Festival.

721 Public Speaking CP - (12) - 2.5 credits

Students will strengthen their formal and informal speech communication skills through an examination of self, subject, audience, space and time. Students will also sharpen their listening skills as they offer daily critique with an emphasis on the effectiveness of body, face and voice.

722 Directing I CP - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: Elements of Theater

Students will approach the living art of theater from a new perspective as sculptor rather than clay! This new focal point gives students an opportunity to make their visions a reality on stage. From text analysis to the importance of facilitating motivated movement, students will learn the responsibilities of assuming the director's chair. Practical skill sets including: the audition process, casting, planning the production schedule, and the rehearsal process are a reoccurring focus. The relationships between director and actor, and director and designer are also introduced.

723 Independent Workshop: Directing CP (12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval required

Juniors are eligible to submit a written proposal to direct in the black box in either the Spring or Fall. Proposals will include: a directorial concept statement; casting requirements (not to exceed five); and a justification of the play's relevancy and importance to the Westford Academy community. Students selected as directors are required to take Independent Workshop: Directing in the semester that correlates with their production season.

726 Playwriting H - (10-12) - 5.0 credits

Students will examine the elements of structure of playwriting through the exploration of a variety of plays including the works of Suzan-Lori Parks, David Mamet, Edward Albee, and Paula Vogel. Students will share their inspirations, scene work and plays in the “Playwright’s Support Group” that our class will grow to be. Emerging playwrights will develop a portfolio of their work that will ultimately include ten-minute plays, a one-act play, and the first act of a full-length play. The culminating assessment will be an interdisciplinary collaborative with Directing and Acting students resulting in a fully realized production of an original work.

727 Acting I CP - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Students will explore the physical, mental and psychological aspects of the art of Acting. A strong emphasis is placed on the significance and power of self-awareness in this introductory level course. Students will develop confidence in the audition process, improvisation, choice, and in partnering.

Course objectives include answering essential questions including: Who am I? What are my strengths? (As an actor and a person?) What is character? How do build and sustain a viable character? What is partnering?

Interested candidates with little or no experience are encouraged to enroll!

728 Acting II H - (11-12) - 5.0 credits

Prerequisite: Acting I or Departmental Approval

Students continue an examination of Acting through character development and script analysis. Acting theorists and their ideologies are read, discussed and practiced including Stanislavski, Strasberg, Brecht, Suzuki and Mamet. Relaxation, concentration, given circumstance, and action become the focal points of the study.

Music

Music Performance Ensembles

744 Concert Percussion - (9-10) - 5 credits

Concert Percussion is a sub-section for all percussion students in grade nine and ten. Concert percussion focuses on the musical needs and technical demands exclusive to the percussion family. Students taking Concert Percussion will join their woodwind/brass counterparts during dress rehearsals, public performances, and all band related function. See Course 752 for further course description.

746 Symphonic Percussion H - (11-12) - 5 credits

Symphonic Percussion is a subsection for all percussion students in grade eleven and twelve. Symphonic percussion focuses on advanced musical and technical demands exclusive to the percussion family. Students taking Symphonic Percussion will join their woodwind/brass counterparts during dress rehearsals, public performances, and all band related function. See Course 753 for further course description.

747 Symphonic Band (9-10) 5 credits

This select ensemble is for advanced wind instrumentalists. The ensemble will perform a wide range of advanced works from the modern concert band repertoire in a wide range of styles. Advanced technical, ensemble and musicianship skills will be emphasized. Admission to the ensemble is by audition and evening rehearsals and performances are required.

Grade 10 students may apply to enroll in Symphonic Band with director recommendation. No honors credit will be awarded to grade 10 students in Symphonic Band.

750 Concert Choir - (9-12) - 5 credits

Anyone (Grades 9-12) interested in studying vocal technique is invited to join the choir. Concert Choir is the primary chorus of Westford Academy. Performances of varied repertoire include evening concerts, appearances for community organizations and possible out-of-state competitions. Singers may also have opportunities to observe professional performances. Piano accompanists are also encouraged to enroll. Evening rehearsals and performances required. Students may take this class as a semester course with director approval.

751 Choir H - (10-12) - 5 credits

This auditioned ensemble is comprised of advanced singers and consists of balanced instrumentation for performance of more a cappella setting. In addition to their own challenging pieces, singers in Honors Choir will also perform with and have the same opportunities as the Concert Choir. Piano accompanists are also encouraged to enroll. Evening rehearsals, performances and an audition are required.

Concert Choir is a prerequisite for Choir Honors. Exceptions will only be made in cases of adding vocal parts needed to create a balanced ensemble after a successful audition.

751a Chamber Singers H - (10-12) - 5 credits

For singers who have gained more vocal and musicianship experience through either Concert Choir or other Westford Academy Performing Arts participation. Singers will be assessed during the Honors Choir audition period in early March and placed as appropriate. Chamber Singers will perform with the Honors and Concert Choirs but may be given additional performances as the opportunity presents. An audition and evening rehearsals/performances required.

752 Concert Band - (9-12) - 5 credits

This wind ensemble is the primary performing band of the Westford Academy. Students are expected to have some previous experience on their instrument. The ensemble will perform a wide range of works from the modern concert band repertoire in a wide range of styles. Basic technical, ensemble and musicianship skills will be emphasized. Evening rehearsals and performances required.

753 Symphonic Band H - (11-12) - 5 credits

Grade 10 students may apply to enroll in Symphonic Band with director recommendation. No honors credit will be awarded to grade 10 students in Symphonic Band.

754 Chamber Orchestra - (9-12) - 5 credits

This is the orchestra for freshmen at Westford Academy. Students are expected to have some previous experience on their instrument. The ensemble will perform a wide range of works from the orchestra literature in a wide range of styles. Basic technical, ensemble and musicianship skills will be emphasized. Evening rehearsals and performances required.

754a Symphony Orchestra - (9-12) - 5 credits

This ensemble is the primary ensemble for sophomores and juniors of Westford Academy. Students are expected to have participated in Chamber Orchestra during their freshman year. Intermediate technical, ensemble and musicianship skills will be emphasized. The ensemble will perform a wide range of works from the orchestra literature in a wide range of styles. Evening rehearsals and performances required.

755 Orchestra H - (11-12) - 5 credits

This advanced ensemble is for seniors and select sophomores and juniors by permission of the instructor. The ensemble will perform a wide range of advanced works from the orchestral repertoire in a wide range of styles. Advanced technical, ensemble and musicianship skills will be emphasized. Admission to the ensemble is by audition and evening rehearsals and performances are required.

756 Dual Ensemble - (9-12) - 5 credits

Students should sign up for this course if they wish to perform with both Concert Choir and Concert Band. A schedule will be worked out with both directors so that students may alternate between both ensembles. Please see the course descriptions for Concert Choir and Concert Band for more information. Director's approval required.

757 Dual Ensemble H - (10-12) - 5 credits

Students who wish to be in both Honors Band and Honors Choir should sign up for this course. Students will work out a schedule with both directors to alternate between the two ensembles. Please see the course descriptions for Honors Choir and Honors Band for more information. Director's approval and an audition required.

Applied Music

759 Elements of Percussion - (9-12) - 2.5 credits

This semester course offers a hands-on introduction to drumming skills and the percussive arts. Students will experience drum-set playing, stick control, simple rhythm reading, hand drumming, melodic percussion and modern theatrical percussion performance. Students will practice on acoustic and electric drum-sets, African and Latin percussion instruments, concert percussion and marching percussion instruments. This class is open to any student at Westford Academy including students with proficiency on other instruments. No previous experience is necessary.

760 Guitar I - (9-12) - 2.5 credits

This introductory course is designed for beginners and inexperienced guitar players who are interested in studying guitar. Students will learn to tune, develop a basic repertoire of chords and learn proper fundamental techniques in a variety of playing styles. Emphasis will be placed on elementary music theory for guitar and reading notes, chords and tab notation. Students will record their pieces and perform for their classmates.

761 Guitar II CP - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: 90% or higher in Guitar I and Music Teacher Approval

Students enrolled in this course will continue development of the skills covered in Guitar I. They will expand their techniques into more advanced areas of accompaniment, ensemble experiences and solo performances utilizing more difficult harmonic patterns, melodic structure and chord progressions. Students will refine their aptitude in all areas of music performance including rhythm, melody, harmony and expression at a more accelerated pace. High expectations will be placed on students to perform more difficult and expanded repertoire at a higher level of accuracy using 21st century tools. A solid foundation of musical literacy in standard notation is an expectation at this level. Regular performances in front of live audiences is a required expectation of this course.

762 Guitar III H- (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: 90% or higher in Guitar II and Music Teacher Approval

Students enrolled in this course will show a serious interest in music and in study of performance on guitar at an accelerated pace. Students will continue to develop skills acquired in Guitar I and Guitar II, but at a much higher level of difficulty. These advanced guitar students will model these skills for their peers and for other audiences throughout the semester. Repertoire will be chosen by both the instructor and the student to reflect challenge on more in-depth techniques. Regular performance experiences in front of live audiences will be planned and executed by the student, and are required. Students will analyze the work of others as well as their own performances as an important step in the artistic process. Musical literacy in all guitar notations must be at an advanced level to be considered for this course and are a focus of continuing development.

765 Piano Lab I - (9-12) - 2.5 credits

This course offers hands-on introduction to the Musical Process through basic piano skills and is designed for beginners and inexperienced piano players. Students will learn basic posture and hand positions as well as proper fingerings and playing techniques in a variety of musical styles. Emphasis will be placed on elementary music theory for guitar and reading notes. Students will record their pieces and perform for their classmates. This course is designed as an introduction to the fundamental elements of music for the beginner as well as a prerequisite to Music Theory AP. Satisfies Technology requirement.

765b Piano Lab II CP - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: 90% or higher in Piano Lab I and Music Teacher Approval

Students enrolled in this course will continue development of the Musical Process and the skills covered in Piano Lab I. They will expand their techniques into more advanced areas and in a wider variety of styles which will include more difficult harmonic patterns, melodic structure and chord progressions. Students will refine their aptitude in all areas of music performance including rhythm, melody, harmony and expression at a more accelerated pace. High expectations will be placed on students to perform more difficult and expanded repertoire at a higher level of accuracy using 21st century tools. A solid foundation of musical literacy in standard notation is an expectation at this level. Regular performances in front of live audiences is a required expectation of this course.

765c Piano Lab III H - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: 90% or higher in Piano Lab II CP and Music Teacher Approval

Students enrolled in Piano Lab III Honors will show a serious interest in advancing their understanding of the Musical Process and in study of performance on piano at an accelerated pace. They will continue to develop skills acquired in Piano Lab I and Piano Lab II, but at a much higher level of difficulty. Repertoire will be chosen by both the instructor and the student to reflect challenge on more in-depth techniques. Regular performance experiences in front of live audiences will be planned and executed by the student, and are required. Students will analyze the work of others as well as their own performances as an important step in the artistic process. Musical literacy must be at an advanced level to be considered for this course and are a focus of continuing development.

769 Music Theory AP - (11-12) - 5 credits

Prerequisite: 90% or better in Piano Lab I, at least 2 years of a WA music ensemble, or at least 4 years of private piano with theory study.

This course is designed for musicians interested in pursuing future music study and those with a solid background in music performance. Students will continue their study of music theory beyond that which they received in the ensembles, the keyboard course, or in private piano instruction. Students will review the concepts of keys, scales, intervals, triads and seventh chords. Emphasis is placed on four-part writing, analysis, harmonic and melodic dictation and sight-reading in preparation for the College Board AP Music Theory Exam, which is expected all students will take at the end of the course.

90% or better in Piano Lab I, WA music ensembles, music theory study in private piano lessons, and/or permission from the instructor required. Students selecting this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Music Theory exam in May.

770 Music Theory Honors - (11-12) - 5 credits

Prerequisite: 90% or better in Piano Lab I, or at least 2 years of an ensemble, or at least 4 years of private piano with theory study.

This course is designed for musicians with interest in pursuing a deeper study of the subject. Students will continue their studies of music theory through keys, scales, triads, intervals, and chords. Emphasis is placed on four-part writing, analysis, harmonic and melodic dictation and sight-reading. Students may not add to or take AP Music Theory if they are enrolled in or have completed this course. This course is not a prerequisite to AP Music Theory.

90% or better in Piano Lab I or WA music ensemble, or 4 years of private piano, or permission from the instructor required.

774 Electronic Music I - (9-12) - 2.5 credits

Students will create original remixes, acoustic recordings, video-game scores, electronica, commercial film music, pop music and more while learning Logic-Pro, Apple's flagship music production software. This course focuses on developing your own unique sounds and artistic identity using industry standard digital audio workstation software.

No musical experience necessary, but basic instrument proficiency or a strong interest in music is needed. Satisfies technology and arts requirement.

774b Electronic Music II CP - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisites: Electronic Music I or Teacher Recommendation, basic instrument proficiency or basic music theory fluency.

This course will expand on the foundational knowledge of Electronic Music production presented in level 1.

Students in Electronic Music II will use a Digital Audio Workstation to create original works of music that suit their personal music preferences. Students will also complete learning modules designed to expose students to more advanced functionality of Logic Pro X including mixing, mastering, pitch correction, midi composition, beat making, and sound design. All projects and modules are tailored to suit the musical interests of students rather than a specific style of music.

774c Electronic Music III H - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

Prerequisites: Electronic Music II, basic instrument proficiency and basic music theory fluency.

This course will expand on the intermediate knowledge of Electronic Music II. Students in Electronic Music III will use a Digital Audio Workstation to create and expansive portfolio or original music. Collaborations, cross-platform/cross-curricular project work, and professional production/marketing practices will be expected. Regular work will be required outside of the school day. Students will be required to enlist instrumentalists, vocalists, technicians, and visual artists to publicize, produce, and promote their work.

779 Rise of Popular Music - (9-12) - 2.5 credits

Rise of Popular Music is a semester course for students interested in the development of popular music. We will study a wide range of great songs, top stars, and iconic musical styles. No musical experience is necessary. Students will listen to, watch, and explore the many styles of music that people listen to today. The format of student projects will be tailored to accommodate many different backgrounds and interests. Writers can create Rolling Stone-style reviews, historians can connect influential pieces of music to the culture of their time and place. Other project examples could include background bios on a musician posters or cover art, or instrumental/vocal performances.

In addition to discussing the influence of the blues on some of the most popular styles of music such as rock and roll and hip-hop, the curriculum will be heavily influenced by student interest and musical experience.

799 Ukulele I - (9-12) - 2.5 credits

This 4-stringed Hawaiian instrument is prevalent in today's popular music genre for musicians and non-musicians alike. Students in Elements of Ukulele will explore the tuning, chord structure and proper techniques used in performance on Ukulele. They will explore single note melodies through reading music in standard notation as well as modern notation and will have opportunities to play alone and with others in a small ensemble. Musicianship skills will be reinforced for those with little to no formal training and will be strengthened for those with music experience. Satisfies technology requirement.

799b Ukulele II CP - (10-12) - 2.5 Credits

Prerequisite: 90% or higher in Ukulele I and Music Teacher Approval

In this course, students will build upon the skills developed in Ukulele I. They will expand their techniques into more advanced areas of accompaniment, ensemble experiences and solo performances utilizing more difficult harmonic patterns, melodic structure and chord progressions. Students will refine their aptitude in all areas of music performance including rhythm, melody, harmony and expression at a more accelerated pace. High expectations will be placed on students to perform more difficult and expanded repertoire at a higher level of accuracy using 21st century tools. A solid foundation of musical literacy in standard notation is an expectation at this level. Regular performances in front of live audiences is a required expectation of this course.

799c Ukulele III H - (11-12) - 2.5 Credits

Prerequisites: 90% or higher in Ukulele II and Music Teacher Approval

Students enrolled in this course will show a serious interest in music and in study of performance on the ukulele at an accelerated pace. Students will continue to develop skills acquired in Elements of Ukulele and Ukulele II, but at a much higher level of difficulty. These advanced students will model these skills for their peers and for other diverse audiences throughout the semester. Repertoire will be chosen by both the instructor and the student to reflect challenges on more in-depth techniques. Regular recordings and performance experiences in front of live audiences will be planned and executed by the student, and are required. Students will analyze the work of others as well as their own performances as an important step in the artistic process. Musical literacy in standard notation must be at an advanced level to be considered for this course.

800 Music Fundamentals (9-12) - 2.5 credits

The goal of the Music Fundamentals course is to provide REACH students with opportunities to explore and develop the creative process through music. Students will collaborate to investigate various traditional and world music styles, will explore introductory electronic music software, and will apply the elements of musical performance in a concert setting.