VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

School Year: 2023-2024  /  Number of Courses: 64

Department Overview

Art programs in the individual schools vary according to the facilities of the school, and the needs of the students. Senior high school introductory and advanced courses offer broad exploratory and/or specialized experiences to meet individual interests of students. All VAPA courses address the AUHSD Content and Performance Standards, the State Content and Performance Standards, and the Visual and Performing Arts State Framework. The courses are designed to encourage the development of Artistic Perception, Creative Expression, Historical and Cultural Context, Aesthetic Valuing, and Connections, Relations and Applications. Academic skills are reinforced throughout the curriculum. All art programs infuse exciting and emerging technology to aid in delivering the curriculum. The student may be required to pay for materials used to fabricate personal projects. This will be indicated in each course with the symbol ($$).

 


VP193F PROFESSIONAL MUSICAL THEATER
7th - 12th
5.0 semester credits
This course satisfies the Career Education Graduation requirement.
UC - "F" Approved

Professional Musical Theater-Summer Intensive is art in action. Students in this VAPA Pathway course will design, perform, and produce a full musical theater production. It develops literacy and understanding in the areas of vocal music, instrumental music, theater, dance, lighting design and systems, audio design and systems, theater operations, marketing, and finance. It is the artistic hub where technical designers, actors, musicians, and stage managers collaborate to explore the artistic, technical, managerial, and financial elements of a dramatic production. Students will assume positions of responsibility in multiple areas of the production and will gain a working knowledge of all components of musical theater production. The course prepares students for careers in the professional theatre world.



VP193S PROFESSIONAL MUSICAL THEATER
7th - 12th
5.0 semester credits
This course satisfies the Career Education Graduation requirement.
UC - "F" Approved

Professional Musical Theater-Summer Intensive is art in action. Students in this VAPA Pathway course will design, perform, and produce a full musical theater production. It develops literacy and understanding in the areas of vocal music, instrumental music, theater, dance, lighting design and systems, audio design and systems, theater operations, marketing, and finance. It is the artistic hub where technical designers, actors, musicians, and stage managers collaborate to explore the artistic, technical, managerial, and financial elements of a dramatic production. Students will assume positions of responsibility in multiple areas of the production and will gain a working knowledge of all components of musical theater production. The course prepares students for careers in the professional theatre world.



VP700F DANCE
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
This course does not satisfy PE requirement.


Students will explore and learn many aspects of dance. Exposure to different styles will enable students to develop skills in technique, choreography, performance, and musical phrasing. Students will be encouraged to develop flexibility, rhythm, endurance, and balance. They will also develop strong social skills by working cooperatively on group projects which will include student-based choreography.



VP700S DANCE
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
This course does not satisfy PE requirement.


Students will explore and learn many aspects of dance. Exposure to different styles will enable students to develop skills in technique, choreography, performance, and musical phrasing. Students will be encouraged to develop flexibility, rhythm, endurance, and balance. They will also develop strong social skills by working cooperatively on group projects which will include student-based choreography.



VP711 DRAMA 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


This class is an introductory drama course. Students will learn pantomime, improvisation, and monologues, as well as acting in commercials and performing in scenes. Students will learn the basics of theater vocabulary, stage movement, vocal development, characterization, memorization techniques, and play production.



VP711F DRAMA 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


This class is an introductory drama course. Students will learn pantomime, improvisation, and monologues, as well as acting in commercials and performing in scenes. Students will learn the basics of theater vocabulary, stage movement, vocal development, characterization, memorization techniques, and play production.



VP711Q DRAMA 1
7th - 8th
2.5 quarter credits
Recommendation: None.


This class is an introductory drama course. Students will learn pantomime, improvisation, and monologues, as well as acting in commercials and performing in scenes. Students will learn the basics of theater vocabulary, stage movement, vocal development, characterization, memorization techniques, and play production.



VP711S DRAMA 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


This class is an introductory drama course. Students will learn pantomime, improvisation, and monologues, as well as acting in commercials and performing in scenes. Students will learn the basics of theater vocabulary, stage movement, vocal development, characterization, memorization techniques, and play production.



VP721 APPLIED ART
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Art 1, Art 2, or teacher recommendation.


Applied Art is designed primarily for the junior high school student desiring advanced art studies in both two and three-dimensional media. Layout and display may be included. Students will experience further growth in aesthetic appreciation and cultural awareness of art. Art may be combined with school service through poster design and school displays. ($$)



VP721F APPLIED ART
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Art 1, Art 2, or teacher recommendation.


Applied Art is designed primarily for the junior high school student desiring advanced art studies in both two and three-dimensional media. Layout and display may be included. Students will experience further growth in aesthetic appreciation and cultural awareness of art. Art may be combined with school service through poster design and school displays. ($$)



VP721S APPLIED ART
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Art 1, Art 2, or teacher recommendation.


Applied Art is designed primarily for the junior high school student desiring advanced art studies in both two and three-dimensional media. Layout and display may be included. Students will experience further growth in aesthetic appreciation and cultural awareness of art. Art may be combined with school service through poster design and school displays. ($$)



VP724 ART 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


Beginning Art is a basic, exploratory course offered for students who have little or no previous art experience. Students are introduced to elements of art and principles of design through the manipulation of basic art media such as pencil, crayon, ink, paint, paper, wood, wire, and clay. Students will become aware of art influences in history, culture and its place in our society. ($$)



VP724F ART 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


Beginning Art is a basic, exploratory course offered for students who have little or no previous art experience. Students are introduced to elements of art and principles of design through the manipulation of basic art media such as pencil, crayon, ink, paint, paper, wood, wire, and clay. Students will become aware of art influences in history, culture and its place in our society. ($$)



VP724Q ART 1
7th - 8th
5.0 quarter credits
Recommendation: None.


Beginning Art is a basic, exploratory course offered for students who have little or no previous art experience. Students are introduced to elements of art and principles of design through the manipulation of basic art media such as pencil, crayon, ink, paint, paper, wood, wire, and clay. Students will become aware of art influences in history, culture and its place in our society. ($$)



VP724S ART 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


Beginning Art is a basic, exploratory course offered for students who have little or no previous art experience. Students are introduced to elements of art and principles of design through the manipulation of basic art media such as pencil, crayon, ink, paint, paper, wood, wire, and clay. Students will become aware of art influences in history, culture and its place in our society. ($$)



VP725 EXPLORING DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


This course is designed to provide basic knowledge of photographic techniques and offer studio and laboratory activities that allow students to express their own creativity. Students develop a working knowledge of camera controls and photo editing software. Through hands-on experiences shooting in the field and in studio, students will become proficient in photo composition, lighting techniques and post production. This course will include exposure to historic photographic events and photography careers as students learn to see photography as an art and a technology. ($$)



VP725F EXPLORING DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


This course is designed to provide basic knowledge of photographic techniques and offer studio and laboratory activities that allow students to express their own creativity. Students develop a working knowledge of camera controls and photo editing software. Through hands-on experiences shooting in the field and in studio, students will become proficient in photo composition, lighting techniques and post production. This course will include exposure to historic photographic events and photography careers as students learn to see photography as an art and a technology. ($$)



VP725S EXPLORING DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


This course is designed to provide basic knowledge of photographic techniques and offer studio and laboratory activities that allow students to express their own creativity. Students develop a working knowledge of camera controls and photo editing software. Through hands-on experiences shooting in the field and in studio, students will become proficient in photo composition, lighting techniques and post production. This course will include exposure to historic photographic events and photography careers as students learn to see photography as an art and a technology. ($$)



VP746F INTRODUCTION TO GUITAR
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Replaces Guitar 1 (#4220)


This is a junior high level course. This course is open to beginning students on guitar. Students learn to read music and tablature. The chromatic scale is used to teach all notes on fingerboard and all major, minor, seventh, and minor seventh chords in # and A positions. Repertoire of songs taught include single string lead and bass patterns as well as chord songs. A typical student masters five songs per quarter.



VP746S INTRODUCTION TO GUITAR
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Replaces Guitar 1 (#4220)


This is a junior high level course. This course is open to beginning students on guitar. Students learn to read music and tablature. The chromatic scale is used to teach all notes on fingerboard and all major, minor, seventh, and minor seventh chords in # and A positions. Repertoire of songs taught include single string lead and bass patterns as well as chord songs. A typical student masters five songs per quarter.



VP747F UKULELE
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


Students will learn to play the ukulele, to harmonize songs, and will learn strumming patterns. They will learn to read music, chord symbols, and tablature. Students will learn to sing and play melodies and accompany themselves with harmonies. They will learn to play in multiple styles with expression, making connections with the cultural background of the and meaning in music and in the history of the ukulele.



VP747S UKULELE
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


Students will learn to play the ukulele, to harmonize songs, and will learn strumming patterns. They will learn to read music, chord symbols, and tablature. Students will learn to sing and play melodies and accompany themselves with harmonies. They will learn to play in multiple styles with expression, making connections with the cultural background of the and meaning in music and in the history of the ukulele.



VP748F JAZZ ENSEMBLE
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.


This course is designed for the outstanding instrumental musician. Special attention will be given to the development of technical proficiency, improvisation, musical ability, and sight reading as applied to jazz and popular idiom. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP748S JAZZ ENSEMBLE
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.


This course is designed for the outstanding instrumental musician. Special attention will be given to the development of technical proficiency, improvisation, musical ability, and sight reading as applied to jazz and popular idiom. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP749F BAND 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


This course is designed for students who have had no previous musical training on a band instrument. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances unless prior approval has been granted.



VP749S BAND 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


This course is designed for students who have had no previous musical training on a band instrument. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances unless prior approval has been granted.



VP750F ORCHESTRA
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: Teacher recommendation.


This group performs at festivals, school, and community concerts. This course is open to those students who can adequately perform on an orchestral instrument and have good basic knowledge of music fundamentals. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP750S ORCHESTRA
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: Teacher recommendation.


This group performs at festivals, school, and community concerts. This course is open to those students who can adequately perform on an orchestral instrument and have good basic knowledge of music fundamentals. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP751F PERCUSSION 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Placement by audition or teacher recommendation.  This course is limited to Percussion players only.


This course provides the study of all percussion instruments with emphasis on the development of rudiments, melodic playing, and tuning skills. This course is limited to percussion players only. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted by the school.



VP751S PERCUSSION 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Placement by audition or teacher recommendation.  This course is limited to Percussion players only.


This course provides the study of all percussion instruments with emphasis on the development of rudiments, melodic playing, and tuning skills. This course is limited to percussion players only. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted by the school.



VP771F CHORUS 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


Students will be instructed in basic musicianship and fundamental vocal techniques using introductory singing materials. This may be a performing group, in which case attendance at all rehearsals and performances will be required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP771S CHORUS 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


Students will be instructed in basic musicianship and fundamental vocal techniques using introductory singing materials. This may be a performing group, in which case attendance at all rehearsals and performances will be required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP772F BASS ENSEMBLE
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.


This course is designed for specialized vocal groupings and is open to students with some musical ability and interest. Instruction is given in fundamental vocal techniques and basic musicianship using singing materials written for specific voices. This may be a performing group, and attendance at all rehearsals and performances will be required unless prior approval has been granted



VP772S BASS ENSEMBLE
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.


This course is designed for specialized vocal groupings and is open to students with some musical ability and interest. Instruction is given in fundamental vocal techniques and basic musicianship using singing materials written for specific voices. This may be a performing group, and attendance at all rehearsals and performances will be required unless prior approval has been granted



VP773F TREBLE ENSEMBLE
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.


This course is designed for specialized vocal groupings and is open to students with some musical ability. Instruction is given in fundamental vocal techniques and basic musicianship using singing materials written for specific voices. This may be a performing group, and attendance at all rehearsals and performances will be required unless prior approval has been granted



VP773S TREBLE ENSEMBLE
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.


This course is designed for specialized vocal groupings and is open to students with some musical ability. Instruction is given in fundamental vocal techniques and basic musicianship using singing materials written for specific voices. This may be a performing group, and attendance at all rehearsals and performances will be required unless prior approval has been granted



VP792 MUSIC APPRECIATION 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


This course introduces students to the world of music. It is a non-performing course which teaches music fundamentals and musicianship through various activities focusing on music from past to present. Students will understand music as it relates to history, culture, and other art disciplines. Keyboards and other instruments may be used.



VP792F MUSIC APPRECIATION 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


This course introduces students to the world of music. It is a non-performing course which teaches music fundamentals and musicianship through various activities focusing on music from past to present. Students will understand music as it relates to history, culture, and other art disciplines. Keyboards and other instruments may be used.



VP792Q MUSIC APPRECIATION 1
7th - 8th
2.5 quarter credits
Recommendation: None.


This course introduces students to the world of music. It is a non-performing course which teaches music fundamentals and musicianship through various activities focusing on music from past to present. Students will understand music as it relates to history, culture, and other art disciplines. Keyboards and other instruments may be used.



VP792S MUSIC APPRECIATION 1
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


This course introduces students to the world of music. It is a non-performing course which teaches music fundamentals and musicianship through various activities focusing on music from past to present. Students will understand music as it relates to history, culture, and other art disciplines. Keyboards and other instruments may be used.



VP793F VISUAL & PERFORMANCE ART SRVY
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: Teacher recommendation.


This class will be a compendium of visual and/or performing arts courses which will introduce students to music, art, drama, and dance. Students will get fundamental instruction in each of the four areas with the idea that they can later decide which areas to pursue. Students will be exposed to both practical and performance opportunities in singing and/or playing instruments, ceramics, photography, drawing and painting, dance, and acting and basic elements of the theater. ($$)



VP793S VISUAL & PERFORMANCE ART SRVY
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: Teacher recommendation.


This class will be a compendium of visual and/or performing arts courses which will introduce students to music, art, drama, and dance. Students will get fundamental instruction in each of the four areas with the idea that they can later decide which areas to pursue. Students will be exposed to both practical and performance opportunities in singing and/or playing instruments, ceramics, photography, drawing and painting, dance, and acting and basic elements of the theater. ($$)



VP800F DANCE 2
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
This class does not satisfy PE requirement. Placement based on audition or teacher recommendation.


Students will continue to explore and learn aspects of dance. Exposure to different styles will enable students to develop skills in technique, choreography, performance, and musical phrasing. Students will be encouraged to develop flexibility, rhythm, endurance, and balance. They will also develop strong social skills by working cooperatively on group projects which will include student-based choreography.



VP800S DANCE 2
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
This class does not satisfy PE requirement. Placement based on audition or teacher recommendation.


Students will continue to explore and learn aspects of dance. Exposure to different styles will enable students to develop skills in technique, choreography, performance, and musical phrasing. Students will be encouraged to develop flexibility, rhythm, endurance, and balance. They will also develop strong social skills by working cooperatively on group projects which will include student-based choreography.



VP811F DRAMA 2
8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: A grade of "C" or better in Drama 1 or teacher recommendation.


This advanced drama course continues and builds upon skills acquired in Drama 1. This course provides experiences in acting before public audiences. Opportunities to direct, write, and act in class plays are provided. How to construct scenery, use lights and sound, and create other production effects is reviewed.



VP811S DRAMA 2
8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: A grade of "C" or better in Drama 1 or teacher recommendation.


This advanced drama course continues and builds upon skills acquired in Drama 1. This course provides experiences in acting before public audiences. Opportunities to direct, write, and act in class plays are provided. How to construct scenery, use lights and sound, and create other production effects is reviewed.



VP824 ART 2
8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: A grade of "C-" or better in Art 1 or teacher recommendation.


In this course the student will concentrate on developing individual skills and techniques with two-dimensional media. Students will develop sensitivity through the study of cultural, historical, and aesthetic aspects of art. Emphasis is on learning the elements of design and how to organize them for good composition. Such projects as lettering, landscape and still-life painting, figure and perspective drawing, and abstract composition are presented. ($$)



VP824F ART 2
8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: A grade of "C-" or better in Art 1 or teacher recommendation.


In this course the student will concentrate on developing individual skills and techniques with two-dimensional media. Students will develop sensitivity through the study of cultural, historical, and aesthetic aspects of art. Emphasis is on learning the elements of design and how to organize them for good composition. Such projects as lettering, landscape and still-life painting, figure and perspective drawing, and abstract composition are presented. ($$)



VP824S ART 2
8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: A grade of "C-" or better in Art 1 or teacher recommendation.


In this course the student will concentrate on developing individual skills and techniques with two-dimensional media. Students will develop sensitivity through the study of cultural, historical, and aesthetic aspects of art. Emphasis is on learning the elements of design and how to organize them for good composition. Such projects as lettering, landscape and still-life painting, figure and perspective drawing, and abstract composition are presented. ($$)



VP825 ADVANCED DIGITAL PHOTO
8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Exploring Digital Photography or teacher recommendation


This course builds on the foundational skills taught in the introductory Exploring Digital Photography course and provides instruction of advanced composition and in-depth application of photography skills. This course aims to give students a solid foundation in photography skills as preparation for high school-level photography courses.



VP825F ADVANCED DIGITAL PHOTO
8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Exploring Digital Photography or teacher recommendation


This course builds on the foundational skills taught in the introductory Exploring Digital Photography course and provides instruction of advanced composition and in-depth application of photography skills. This course aims to give students a solid foundation in photography skills as preparation for high school-level photography courses.



VP825S ADVANCED DIGITAL PHOTO
8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Exploring Digital Photography or teacher recommendation


This course builds on the foundational skills taught in the introductory Exploring Digital Photography course and provides instruction of advanced composition and in-depth application of photography skills. This course aims to give students a solid foundation in photography skills as preparation for high school-level photography courses.



VP849F BAND 2
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: Teacher recommendation.


In this course basic fundamentals are stressed. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP849S BAND 2
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: Teacher recommendation.


In this course basic fundamentals are stressed. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP850F BAND 3
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: Teacher recommendation.


The course is open to those students who can adequately perform on an instrument and who have a good basic knowledge of music fundamentals. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP850S BAND 3
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: Teacher recommendation.


The course is open to those students who can adequately perform on an instrument and who have a good basic knowledge of music fundamentals. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP851F ADVANCED ORCHESTRA
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: Teacher recommendation.






VP851S ADVANCED ORCHESTRA
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: Teacher recommendation.






VP871F CHORUS 2
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.


This course is open to students with strong musical ability and interest. Students will continue instruction in musicianship and the vocal techniques of part-singing. A greater amount of vocal independence and musicianship is expected. This is a performing group, and attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP871S CHORUS 2
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.


This course is open to students with strong musical ability and interest. Students will continue instruction in musicianship and the vocal techniques of part-singing. A greater amount of vocal independence and musicianship is expected. This is a performing group, and attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP872F CHORUS 3
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.


This course is open to students with previous performance experience or high musical aptitude and interest. Students will continue instruction in basic musicianship. Vocal independence will be developed through continuing mastery of the vocal techniques of part-singing. This is a performing group and attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP872S CHORUS 3
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.


This course is open to students with previous performance experience or high musical aptitude and interest. Students will continue instruction in basic musicianship. Vocal independence will be developed through continuing mastery of the vocal techniques of part-singing. This is a performing group and attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required unless prior approval has been granted.



VP996 MUSIC ELECTIVE CR
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Recommendation: None.


This course code number will be used to designate credits for music courses not offered in the Anaheim Union High School District.



VP998 ART ELECTIVE CREDIT
7th - 8th
5.0 semester credits
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.


Elective credit for students who took an art elective course outside of the Anaheim Union High School District.