Art I and II:
These students are provided with the opportunity to further their growing artistic development. Students create their own sketchbooks for refining their ideas and for practicing various techniques. Students will use both wet and dry media while exploring two-dimensional and three-dimensional formats. Art History is often used to help introduce a concept. Current trends in art will also be explored. While some projects are intended to build upon the elements and principles of design, students will also be given the opportunity to create their own problem to solve.
Digital Art I and II:
This course concentrates on learning the Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator programs. Students will be expected to purchase the Adobe Suite. While the focus is on the digital programs and their ability to aid in the creation of artistic works, students will also explore the elements and principles of design. To fine-tune the artistic manipulation of the digital format, students will also be given the opportunity to create with traditional materials.
Advanced US Art: Prerequisite - 2 years of any upper school level art
This year-long course is intended for the more serious-minded art student and is structured as an introduction to Advanced Placement Studio Art. The course explores a variety of media applications as well as offering more room for student-initiated art experiences. Students will be expected to keep a sketchbook that leads them through the artistic journey. Offered with teacher recommendation.
Advanced Placement Art:
The AP Art and Design course framework presents an inquiry-based approach to learning about and making art and design. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, and ideas. The framework focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design foundations courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to articulate information about their work. AP Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection.
US Band:
US Band is a full year course where students continue to advance their individual and ensemble performance skills for playing an instrument. US Band events include performing for Founders Day, Veterans Day, First Responders Breakfast, Fine Arts Night in the Winter and Spring, and participating in the Rockin’ Rams! Band for pep rallies and home varsity football games. US Band students also tryout for Region Band, participate in TAPPS Solo & Small Ensemble contest and perform for residents in a retirement community.
Advanced US Band: Prerequisite - 2 years of US Band
Advanced Band is a full year course earning 4.5 credits. Advanced Band students continue to elevate their individual and ensemble performance skills and have opportunities for leadership including mentoring, conducting, composing and applying for the position of Band President. Advanced Band events include performing for Founders Day, Veterans Day, First Responders Breakfast, Fine Arts Night in the Winter and Spring, and participating in the Rockin’ Rams! Band for pep rallies and home varsity football games. Advanced Band students tryout for Region Band in the Texas Music Educators Association, Small School Bands Division, with an opportunity to advance to Area and All State Bands, participate in TAPPS Solo & Small Ensemble contest with a Grade 1 or Grade 2 UIL Solo and perform for residents in a retirement community.
Choir:
This class for Middle and Upper School Students will explore a diverse repertoire while honing their vocal techniques and ensemble skills. In class rehearsals will culminate with performances at both Winter and Spring Fine Arts Nights. This course is available to 7th through 12th grade students.
US Orchestra:
This is an advanced intermediate level, full year course. The students will perform all full score music. Students will also learn about the various ways music can lead to careers in their lives. Students will write a full music essay every Spring semester. The Orchestra events include performing for Founders Day, Veterans Day, Winter & Spring Fine arts night, TAPPS Solo & Ensemble event, and retirement community service volunteer performances.
Advanced Orchestra:
This is a full year course of study which develops musical concepts and skills related to full score string music. Participation in a performing group offers the students the opportunity to experience a high level of teamwork. Students will write a full music essay every Spring semester. The Orchestra events include performing for Founders Day, Veterans Day, Winter & Spring Fine arts night, TAPPS Solo & Ensemble event, and retirement community service volunteer performances.
US Piano:
This is a full year course which develops musical concepts and skills related to full score string music. Experience is required. Auditions are held to place students by ability in the Piano classes. Students can make a full music essay every Spring semester. The Orchestra events include performing for Founders Day, Veterans Day, Winter & Spring Fine arts night, TAPPS Solo & Ensemble event, and retirement community service volunteer performances.
US Theatre:
US Theatre builds on previous acting skills but also delves into the technical aspects of stagecraft. Students will learn lighting and sound design as well as work with set and costume creation. Through hands-on projects students will develop a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling on the stage.
Advanced US Theatre: Prerequisite - 2 years of US Theatre
Advanced theatre is a hands-on, in-depth review of theatre where students will build upon fundamental theatre concepts and ideas, and see the impact theatre has had on the world. Performance studies, script analysis, stagecraft, improvisation, technical and design elements are all employed in the classroom for a well rounded study of the dramatic arts. Additionally, Advanced Drama Students are required to participate in a production in both the Fall and Spring semesters.
Yearbook:
This course is designed to develop students’ skills in yearbook production by providing experiences in selected aspects of yearbook production. Students learn basic principles of yearbook production and develop skills that include writing copy, captions, and headlines; digital photography; desktop publishing and using appropriate technology tools for media production. Producing the yearbook supports students’ development as writers, photographers, editors, and independent users of technology.