The fine and performing arts are for everyone, whether you choose to explore and develop a new interest or specialize in a current interest. Participation in the arts enhances your creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Fine and Performing Arts Includes

• Visual Arts: Art, Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Sculpting, Professional Development in the Arts (PDA)
• Dance: Dance, Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Jazz Dance, Dance Composition, PDA
• Drama: Drama, Advance Acting & Touring Theatre, Directing, Film Studies, Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre, PDA
• Music: Instrumental Music, Band, Chamber, Instrumental Jazz, PDA
• Choral Music: Choral Music, Chamber Ensemble, Choir, Vocal Jazz, PDA
• General Music: General Music

Art

Art 10 (1400) - 5 credits

This course provides an introduction to the visual arts at the high school level. No previous art courses are required for you to experience success. Taking this course will help you develop new skills and refine previously acquired skills through the exploration of various materials and techniques. Opportunities to creatively express yourself through various methods of painting, drawing, sculpting, etc will be provided. Prerequisite: None

Art 20 (2400) - 5 credits

Art 20 is designed to develop, expand and refine your confidence and abilities when communicating visually. You will be encouraged to experiment with a variety of materials and techniques in both two and three dimensional work. Increasingly you will select personal themes for expression, allowing you to assess your interest and potential through the visual arts. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 10.

Art 30 (3400) - 5 credits

The emphasis of Art 30 is to foster within you, an independent and stylistic characteristic common to practicing artists. You are expected to achieve and exhibit a personal style through in-depth study. Personal experiences will be used as a source of images. Research of selected artists and periods will be incorporated into the course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 20.

Dance

Dance 15 (1404) - 5 credits

Senior high dance seeks to develop personal and social growth through dance experiences, and an understanding of dance as an art and means of self- expression.  You will be provided with the opportunity to explore a variety of dance styles that may include a combination of up to 4 styles: jazz, hip hop, ballet, lyrical, creative, West African, funk and modern dance. Dance technique, creativity, choreography, performance, safety, anatomy, history and dance awareness are integral components of the program. In addition, positive interaction skills such as cooperation, consideration for
others, and self-discipline will be stressed. You will be evaluated based on your competencies, choreography memorization, personal growth, in-class and stage performances. Prerequisite: None

Dance 25/35 (2404/3404) - 5 credits each

Dance 25 challenges students to improve the dance skills that were developed in Dance 15. As you grow as a dancer, you will also have opportunity to develop leadership skills by creating dance warm-ups, and exercises. Collaboration and contribution to class choreography will also be explored.

Dance 35 sequentially develops dance technique and skills learned in Dance 25. Emphasis is placed on developing leadership skills and creating choreography. You will also have the opportunity to teach and perform that choreography with other students. Prerequisite for Dance 25: Dance 15. Prerequisite for Dance 35: Dance 25. 

*All dance classes have a performance element. Dances learned in class will be presented at school shows, where dancers have the opportunity to learn and demonstrate all the elements of a rehearsed and polished performance.

Music

Instrumental Music 10 / Physical Education 10 - 5 credits each
(10 credit combination – full year)

If you are interested in pursuing studies in instrumental music this is a course you should consider. The course will include all aspects of playing a wind (brass or woodwind) or percussion instrument, including development of tone, range and flexibility. Music performed will be selected from a variety of periods and styles. The course will also include theoretical and historical concepts as they pertain to the music. If you do not have the prerequisite, you may be considered if you possess equivalent experience. If you are enrolled in the music program you are expected to be involved in the
performance- based course which occurs outside of the regular timetable. This combination course is scheduled for the full year, devoting equal amounts of time to instruction in instrumental music and physical education. The physical education course combined with Band is restricted to Band students. Prerequisite: Grade 9 Band or Music teacher's recommendation.

Instrumental Music 20 (2425) - 5 credits

Prerequisite: Instrumental Music 10

Instrumental Music 30 (3425) - 5 credits

Prerequisite: Instrumental Music 20

*The following “performance-based” band courses meet outside of regular class time and do not affect course choices within the regular timetable. The performing groups include concert band, jazz band and possibly small ensembles. This course is offered for either 3 or 5 credits and is graded separately from the Instrumental Music course in which students are registered. Note | You will not be able to request these courses on your Course Selection form as enrolment in these courses is managed by the teacher in September.

*Concert Band 15/25/35 – 5 credits each

Students enrolled in Instrumental Music 10/20/30 will be enrolled in Concert Band and/or permission of the teachers.

*Instrumental Jazz 15/25/35 - 3 or 5 credits each

Enrolled in Instrumental Music 10/20/30 and/or permission of the teacher.

Choir 15 (1423) - 5 credits

Note | Choir occurs outside the timetable and will count as extra credits. 

This course offers the opportunity to study choral music in a variety of styles and develop ensemble skills as members of a large vocal ensemble. You will work on developing introductory music theory, vocal technique and skills. The focus of choir is process driven, with rehearsal and public performance based outcomes. To be appropriately assessed, you are required to participate in live performances. Prerequisites: none 

Choir 25 (2423) - 5 credits

This course offers continued development of tone and vocal production. You will continue to develop many styles and expand your music theory. To be appropriately assessed, you are required to participate in live performances. In addition to developing vocal and performance technique, more advanced mentoring opportunities will be offered. Prerequisite: Choir 15

Choir 35 (3423) - 5 credits

This course offers continued development of tone and vocal production. You will continue to develop many styles and expand your music theory. To be appropriately assessed, you are required to participate in live performances. At this level, you will have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the class and solos within the ensemble pieces will sometimes be offered. Prerequisite: Choir 25

General Music 10/20/30 (1424/2424/3424) - 5 credits each

In this course, students will have the opportunity to explore many different aspects of the music business. General Music is for either the student who is interested in music recording, production and engineering or the student who plays an instrument (guitar, bass, drum set, keyboard/piano, vocals, violin, harp, anything else…). You do not need to know how to play an instrument to be in this course, just have a passion for music.

The content of General Music, though set by the provincial curriculum, has enough flexibility so that it can be largely guided by student interest(s). As part of the course work students will be learning and writing songs, learning the basics of multi-track recording as well as, some basic music theory.

Technical Theatre / Performing Arts

Drama 10 (1410) - 5 credits

Drama 10 has been designed to give you a chance to collaborate creatively with other students and to take artistic risks in a supportive and positive environment. The goal is to ensure success for each and every person in the drama room. Drama is based on participation, collaboration and a genuine willingness to take risks that will improve the quality of both personal and collaborative work. The curriculum focuses on Orientation, Mime, Movement, Improvisation, Readers Theatre, Theatre History, Story Telling and Technical Theatre. Prerequisite: None

Drama 20 (2410) - 5 credits

Drama 20 has been designed to give you a chance to continue to grow and develop through positive artistic experiences. Drama 20 builds upon the skills and experiences of Drama 10 while at the same time working through: orientation, collective creation, tech theatre/design, scripted mime, acting to script, an introduction to playwriting, monologues and improvisation. Prerequisite: Drama 10

Drama 30 (3410) - 5 credits

Drama 30 is an opportunity for self-discovery and independence. In this course, you will utilize all of the skills that have been developed to create group projects. You will continue your work in the different disciplines. The planned program of studies includes: orientation, collective creation, dramaturge, improvisation, playwriting, the one act form, tech theatre & design, directing, acting to scripts and monologues for audition. Prerequisite: Drama 20

Musical Theatre 15 (1979) - 5 credits

This course provides you with the opportunity to explore and develop acting, movement, and vocal skills. You will experience what it is like to be a part of a cast production through teamwork, commitment and collaboration. Classwork will explore character development, creativity, and performance. The culmination of the semester’s work is the production of a full scale musical. Prerequisite: None

Musical Theatre 25 (1979) - 5 credits

This course further explores the elements learned in Musical Theatre 15. Deeper complexity and growth in character development, movement and vocal skills will be achieved. You are expected to have leadership roles as a peer coach when rehearsing songs and scenes with other students, as well as taking responsibility in helping fulfill artistic elements of the production, such as dance choreography. Prerequisite: Musical Theatre 15 and audition

Musical Theatre 35 (1979) - 5 credits

Success in this course is required for most post- secondary Performance Programs. This course further explores the elements learned in Musical Theatre 25. Deeper complexity and growth in character development, movement and vocal skills will be achieved. You are expected to take a strong leadership role in the rehearsal and production of the musical, including coaching peers and directing scenes. You will have various responsibilities in helping conceptualize and realize artistic elements of the production. Prerequisite: Musical Theatre 25 and audition.

*All levels of Musical Theatre will require performance participation; there will be after school rehearsals and mandatory evening commitments during show performance week. This will provide actors with the opportunity to learn and understand all the elements of a rehearsed and polished performance including costume, technical components and a live
audience. Note | For Advanced Acting do not select these course as an audition is required.

Technical Theatre 15/25/35 (1406/2406/3406) - 5 credits each

Technical Theatre occurs in a hands-on learning environment that deals with all of the non-acting components of theatre. Do you have a genuine interest in lighting, sound, costumes, make-up, management, props, set design and construction? Students will provide technical support for Remembrance Day Services, Dance Shows, Musical Theatre and Drama Main Stage Productions, as well as through other opportunities as they present themselves. Students who take this course need to be able to work with their hands and have a real desire to learn on the job. This course may be offered outside of the timetable and you will facilitate the running of various shows in and around the school. Co-requisite Tech Theatre 15: Recommend Drama 10 Prerequisite of Tech 25/35: Successful completion of Technical Theatre 15/25