VAPA Courses

 

Grade Level: 9-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

This is the foundation course for the visual arts program introducing students to aesthetics, creative expression, art history, and critique. Students learn the elements of art and conduct visual research using various media and materials. Students explore and gain proficiency working in paint, graphite, ink, mixed media, collage, pastel, color pencil, water color and printmaking. Art projects encourage students to see themselves as artists with unique experiences and cultural perspectives from which they can create meaningful art. Over the course of the year students discover their artists eye by creating realistic and expressive original artworks, working in sketchbooks, participating in art shows, and collaborative projects.

 

Grade Level: 10-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

Students extend their knowledge of the elements of art and learn the principle of design. Projects and assignments explore aesthetics, creative expression, art history, and critique. This course offers students more creative freedom and encourages students to explore their personal style. Coursework includes drawing, painting, perspective, color theory, portraiture, expressionism, abstraction, mural painting, installation, symbolism and cultural art. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Beginning Art.

 

Grade Level: 11-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

This course further expands student knowledge of the elements of art, principles of design, aesthetics, creative expression, art history, and critique in an open studio setting. Students refine their personal style through project proposals, creating original artwork, complex composition, conducting visual research in special interest areas, exploring themes in a global context and creating a cohesive body of work to be displayed in a portfolio. As portfolios progress, options for Advanced Placement Art will be explored. Students keep a sketchbook journal, visit a museum/gallery, participate in collaborative projects, extracurricular events, art club, and art shows. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate Art.

 

Grade Level: 11-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

Advanced Placement Art is intended for highly motivated and talented students who wish to purse college level studies while in high school. Students wishing to take AP Art need to submit a portfolio to the art department for approval and complete all summer art assignments. During the year, students produce a portfolio of high quality college level artwork to be submitted to the AP College 21 22 Board in May. After submission of portfolios, students focus on campus beautification by designing and painting a moralized chair, bench, door, wall or other object on campus. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate Art and Approval of Art Instructor

 

Grade Level: 10-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

Students will explore the possibilities of clay as a creative medium. Construction techniques will include pinch, coil, slab, and wheel thrown forms. A variety of surface decoration techniques will be explored. Ceramics –

 

Grade Level: 11-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

Students will alternate between more complicated wheel thrown forms and more advanced hand building techniques. Exploration of various surface decoration and glazing techniques will also be introduced in this course. Third year ceramics students will propose their own independent in-depth units to focus on during the year.

 

Grade Level: 11-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

This course is an introduction to three-dimensional design techniques emphasizing the elements and principals of art. Students will explore and develop their technical skills using a variety of media and concept techniques such as bead fabrication, etching and texturing of metal, combining copper, brass and silver metals, soldering techniques, bead looming, piercing and sawing. The sculpture process includes the use of clay, plaster foam board, fiber, paper, plaster, found objects, wire, and wood. The resulting jewelry and sculpture products will be synthesized with self-expression through historical and contemporary examples to inform and inspire exploration of the media. Students will develop competencies and creative skills in problem solving, communication, and management of time and resources that contribute to lifelong learning and career skills.

 

Grade Level: 10-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

Students will become technically and aesthetically proficient with both traditional and digital photography processes. Students will learn to operate a manual SLR film camera, process black and white film and prints, use a scanner, a digital camera, manipulate images in Adobe Photoshop CS4, use a photography studio and create a digital portfolio. This course will also explore the aesthetic, technical, cultural and historical aspects of photography and its role as a form of visual communication. Upon successful completion of course, students earn 3 credits at Chabot.

 

Grade Level: 11-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

Students continue to build skills both in taking photos using digital cameras and film cameras and using Industry Standard software such as Photoshop CS4 for digital editing. Students will make a digital a print portfolio of images. Upon successful completion of course students earn 3 credits at Chabot.

 

 

Grade Level: 9-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

This is a beginning performing choir with emphasis placed on learning how to sing correctly, along with building general musicianship skills needed to achieve musical independence. This choir is open to anyone, no audition required. Public Performance required. May be repeated for credit.

 

Grade Level: 11-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

A Cappella Choir is designed for the 3rd & 4th year of students’ choral and vocal studies. There is increased emphasis on interpretive techniques. Students should be able to read music. Public performance is required. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Audition or recommendation from music teacher required.

 

Grade Level: 11-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

This is a select, advanced performing group. Students need advanced skills in the area of singing and music theory. Public Performance required. May be repeated for credit. Must be able to match pitch and read music. Prerequisites: Audition or recommendation from music teacher required.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

This course is a group class which emphasizes basic classical and folk style techniques. It is designed for the student who has no previous experience playing the guitar. Students will learn to read music. Students must provide their own acoustic guitar. Electric guitars will not be permitted. 

 

Grade Level: 9-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

This one-year course is designed for students who have successfully completed the skills outlined in the Beginning Guitar syllabus. This course includes further development of the skill necessary to become independent as a guitarist. This course emphasizes the development of style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability and skills inherent to performance. Areas of concentration include: correct posture, note reading, aural skills, flat picking, singing songs, rhythmic, patterns, chord study, finger picking styles, musical forms, improvisation and performing experiences. A progression on technical proficiency is expected.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

Students are expected to already possess beginning technical, theoretical and performance skills including knowledge of common chord fingerings, first position scale, simple rhythmic figures, barre chord theory and practice, tablature, flat picking, major scales, application of a movable scale to the fifth position, understanding of the relationship between scales and key signatures, locating notes on the full fretboard, and accompaniment forms using varied rhythm strums and arpeggios. Participants will focus on improving/expanding skills in all areas of playing including right and left hand technique, rhythm (sixteenth, dotted notes, syncopation, triplets), solo and ensemble literature, fretboard knowledge (2nd, 5th, 7th positions) and music theory. Students will reflect/analyze on their own performances, as well as reflect/analyze performances by prominent performers of various styles and time periods. The class will culminate in a yearly recital of both ensemble and solo pieces.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

Beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels are available including Concert Band and Jazz Band Ensemble. Public performances outside of school hours are required.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

Emphasis is on the development of bowing techniques, ear training, performance skills, and the exportation of traditional and contemporary orchestral literature. Intermediate and advanced levels are available. Rehearsals and performances outside of school hours are required.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

This course will teach basic dance techniques applicable to a variety of dance styles. It will also introduce basic choreography principles as well as introduce students to the history of dance in America. This class is open to anyone and may be repeated for credit. This class can earn either Fine Arts or PE credit.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

Students in this course will develop skills and techniques used in contemporary hip hop dance while also applying and creating choreographic structures. The course explores dance as a means of expression and communication while comparing dance styles, genres, major works and artists. Students will understand dance history and the social and cultural significance of hip hop dance. The course includes participating in team dance competitions.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

Hip Hop II is building on what was learned from hip hop. Students will learn a variety of dance genres including jazz, hip-hop, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, break dance and improvisation; while improving their kinesthetic awareness and physical agility. Students will learn correct terminology and technical execution as well as develop creative expression through choreography and performance. Students will develop an appreciation for dance as an art form through the study of historical contributions and the influence of culture on dance. Through the study of stage and screen productions, students will develop an aesthetic valuing of dance through analysis and critical assessment of various works. Students will study various career opportunities available to dancers, including those as performers and/or educators. Performance techniques and choreography concepts such as space, phrasing, timing, imagery, energy, dance dynamics, and partnering will be explored. When not creating original choreography, students will learn pieces of choreography to perform at school and community events. Students will learn to productively discuss and give feedback on their work as well as analyze choreographers who have contributed to different styles of dance. This class may be repeated for credit.

 

Grade Level: 9-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

The class introduces the student to beginning acting techniques and theatre appreciation. The class will cover ensemble work/team work, movement, voice, scene and play analysis, scene work including an emphasis on objectives, obstacles, and acting techniques, improvisational skills, character analysis and performance, monologues, and theatre technical skills including; scenic design, costuming, and makeup. The class includes a public performance application as well as a drama critique.

 

Grade Level: 10-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

Intermediate Drama is a continuing theatre skills course within the performing arts framework, which includes Intermediate level acting skills, play analysis, scene and character study, international theatre, theatre history, and performance. Through increasing proficiency in movement, vocal work, scene work, and improvisation, students will learn competencies that apply to all areas of employment. Those skills include: confidence, creativity, collaboration, communication, and commitment. With a concentration both on continuing the techniques of acting and the more practical side of preparation, this course is applicable for both those who want to break into the entertainment industry and those who want to reach their maximum potential in their professional lives. This class will cover performance techniques, basic stagecraft skills, playwriting, and basic directing, as well as study of various theatre theorists, and multi-cultural theatre traditions. Students build on basic knowledge of acting, directing, and writing skills to create performance-based assessments for class, competition, and the public. They will explore historical and academic areas related to the field of theatre. Course content will provide experiences and information to meet the goals of California State Standards.

 

Grade Level: 11-12

F - Visual and Performing Arts

This course is the capstone course for the Drama student. It is designed for students to gain knowledge and explore the possibilities and realities of a professional career in the theater. It is to be a scene study course while also working on performances throughout the year. Students are encouraged to build a professional portfolio. This includes building a resume, research on furthering their training and education, their repertoire of monologues and scene work, as well as the directorial critiques they received for them, and their research into a specific production value. Within this framework, we will focus on various acting schools of thought and techniques, such as Meisener, Stanislavski, Strasberg, Hagen, and Adler. This class is essential in developing technique and applying this technique to main stage productions. Students will be directly involved in creating the 2 main stage productions, designing and controlling a specific, selected production value, and creating guidelines, notes and a time line which will be shared and built upon with other students. The final project is to produce and direct a one-act play. At the end of the year students should have developed expertise in acting, directing, marketing/publicity, and the technical aspects of the theater.