Arts Education

ARTS EDUCATION - Exposure to the Fine and Performing Arts is a tremendous advantage for all students. Arts education helps develop young people who are creative thinkers, innovators, problem-solvers and can bring new and unique perspectives to challenges. Exploring the Arts encourages learners to view the world through many different lenses and explore creative ways of viewing, understanding and representing ideas. Fine and Performing Arts classes at Richmond Secondary School include courses in Art, Music, Drama & Theatre and Photography.

ART

VISUAL ARTS 8 and DRAMA 8

Grade 8 students will complete a course that rotates half-way through the year from Visual Arts to Drama as this course introduces students to the basic concepts and skills of both Fine Arts areas. In Art, Grade 8 students will work in a variety of 2 and 3-dimensional media (e.g. drawing, painting, sculpting, etc.) while exploring a number of contemporary and traditional themes in art. An 8.5" x 11" sketchbook is required for the course. In Drama 8, students will learn and explore their personal identities as well as a number of themes in society and in our school. Students will play roles, learn to collaborate and work with others, develop their public speaking skills and learn how to communicate through body language and expression. In both art and drama, students will develop their creative thinking, communication and personal and social awareness competencies and have fun! These introductory courses will allow Grade 8 students to try different courses, learn new skills and help them make informed decisions about their course selections in future years.

Please note - incoming Grade 8 students selecting Band will not take Art/Drama 8. Read more about Grade 8 band options further below in this section.

VISUAL ARTS 9

This course is for students interested in learning about art and advancing their drawing, painting and sculptural skills using a variety of materials such as clay, paint, plaster and more. You will also learn about famous artists and important events in art history through class discussions and art assignments. A hardcover sketchbook is required for this course and will be provided by the teacher.

These courses meet the Applied Skills/Fine Arts Graduation requirements for grade 10, 11, 12.

ART STUDIO 10

Art 10 is designed for students of all levels. The projects in this course are designed to develop your artistic ability in beginners and at the same time allow developing students to advance their artistic skills. You will work with a variety of two-dimensional materials such as printmaking, drawing and painting as well as sculptural materials such as clay, plaster and much more. Throughout the year we will look at the work of artists from around the world. A hardcover sketchbook is required for this course and will be provided by the teacher.

ART STUDIO 11

ART STUDIO 12

This course is designed for students of all levels (beginners and advanced) who are interested in working with a variety of materials and processes such as clay, printmaking, drawing, painting, sculpture and much more. Students will be encouraged to discover their own artistic style and talents while exploring social and artistic themes. Students with demonstrated self-motivation and self-discipline will have the opportunity to adapt assigned class work to individual portfolio requirements and/or themes for university portfolios. A hardcover sketchbook is required for this course and will be provided by the teacher.

STUDIO ARTS 3D 09-12

This course is designed for students of all levels who are interested in 3D art. In this course, students will develop techniques specific to ceramics and sculpture. Using some of the following media: paper mache, clay, plaster, wood and various recycled materials students will create realistic and abstract sculptures. Projects will include functional ceramics (e.g. cups, bowls, etc.) as well as conceptual creations e.g. masks, animal morphs, carvings, plaster castings, etc.). A hardcover sketchbook is required for this course and will be provided by the teacher.

STUDIO ARTS 2D 09-12

Students will work with a variety of traditional drawing mediums (conte, charcoal, graphite, coloured pencil, pen and ink, etc.), painting mediums (acrylic and watercolour paints) and print making and collage processes and materials. Projects will be focused on traditional and contemporary composition and image strategies to assist students in finding their own artistic voice in 2D art making. A hardcover sketchbook is required for this course and will be provided by the teacher

ART CAREERS 11/12

This Inquiry based studio class provides you with extra guidance in building your art skills, personal style, and ideas. This course is geared towards grade 11 and 12s students wanting to develop a more flexible portfolio to meet a range of fine arts post -secondary portfolio admission requirements, while not having to adhere to the more specific IB portfolio parameters.

It will be both challenging and rewarding. You will develop your skill and concepts through practice, experimentation, and revision. You will be asked to use a range of materials and processes, as well as to reflect upon the questions that guide your creative process.

As this is a Career focused studio class, you are expected to investigate different post -secondary opportunities and begin to develop and document a suitable portfolio of work. A key course objective is to allow you a creative space to foster synthesis between concept and practice. Students will engage in focused individual and group art “critiques”, and practice documenting and displaying their artworks. Ultimately, this is what is needed for a successful Art Portfolio, and success in post-secondary.

IB 11 VISUAL ARTS SL AND HL

IB 11 Visual Arts is the first year of a two-year program for students who are very interested in art and wish to investigate past, present and emerging forms of visual art and engage in producing, appreciating and evaluating these. There is a strong emphasis on written research and finished studio pieces that are developed from the student's research into areas such as art history, art of other cultures, art as social commentary and contemporary art. Students are expected to have a good understanding of art techniques, an ability to work independently, strong time management skills as well as being innovative and curious about the process of making art. A hardcover sketchbook is required for this course and will be provided by the teacher. This course also provides a strong foundation for students who may wish to pursue a career in further study in visual arts or creative communications.

IB 12 VISUAL ARTS SL AND HL

IB 12 Visual Arts is the second year of a two-year program in which the student, together with the teacher, determines a direction of study. The students' focus may consist of making art in response to broader social issues in the world, a personal theme or continuing to work with a particular medium. Students need to be well disciplined, able to work independently to achieve success on their IB Visual Arts Exam in their graduating year. Upon completion of IB Art 11 and 12, students interested in furthering their art studies at the post-secondary level should have a well developed portfolio. A hardcover sketchbook is required for this course and will be provided by the teacher.

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY/GRAPHICS

The photography, graphics and yearbook course descriptions can be found under the Technology Education section. These courses are considered both ARTS and ADST courses.

DRAMA & THEATRE

The goals and objectives of drama are to provide students with experiences in the theatre to develop an appreciation of the diversity of the performing arts and to build their communication skills, self-confidence, interpersonal skills and, with further study, perhaps start them on a career in the performing arts. Theatre skills contribute to the development of the intellectual, emotional, creative, social and aesthetic life of students. Students will develop an understanding of performance as well as develop their public speaking, team building and leadership skills, and they will have a lot of fun too!

VISUAL ARTS/DRAMA 8

Grade 8 students will rotate from Visual Arts to Drama half-way through the year. Please read the Drama 8 course description at the top of this section.

DRAMA 9

This course continues to develop the skills outlined in Drama 8. Activities will include both small and large group work as students develop a grasp of foundational skills such as voice, movement, characterization and focus. In Drama 9 students will develop a greater sense of the more subtle and complex components of communication, including physical awareness, imagination, creative expression, public speaking and the interpersonal skills key to working well in collaboration with others.

DRAMA 10

Drama 10 delves into the skills introduced in Drama 8 and 9 with greater depth, attention to detail, and more emphasis on performance and theatrical skills. Activities include character study, monologues, improvisation, and lip syncs. This is an excellent course for students wanting to increase their self-confidence, concentration, and leadership through performance.

DRAMA 11

Drama 8-10 is strongly recommended

Although Acting 11 is an extension of the skills acquired in Drama 8-10, the focus shifts drastically from the elements of creative drama to more textually-based work. The objective of this course is to study the techniques and skills involved in analysing scripts and bringing a character to life. This performance-oriented course includes character development, movement, voice, scene interpretation, play reading and analysis, and theatre etiquette.

DRAMA 12

Successful completion of Theatre Performance Acting 11 or instructor approval required.

This course provides for more intensive study in the techniques outlined in Drama 11. In addition, acting styles relating to various periods in the history of the theatre will be studied. These periods include Greek, Commedia Dell’Arte, and Elizabethan theatre. Student should note that great emphasis in this course is placed on script analysis and interpretation, participation and self-discipline, as well as the skills learned in Drama 8-10.

IB THEATRE ARTS (HL) 11/12

IB THEATRE ARTS (SL) 11/12

This two-year course is an excellent opportunity to explore and develop artistic vision through theatre. Students will be expected to think critically about theatre and its social and political context in the world at large. Through several opportunities to perform and direct in various global genre and styles, students will gain practical knowledge about the creative process, and the power of performance and media in culture. Through this process students will develop a better understanding of themselves, their society and their world.

DIRECTING & SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT 11

DIRECTING & SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT 12

This course is open to Grade 11 or 12 students who have an interest in scriptwriting and the basic techniques of directing for the stage. This is an excellent course for students interested in management, creative writing and production. All students will write and direct their own work during this course.

THEATRE COMPANY 10-12

Admission by audition only

This exciting course is intended for a serious drama/theatre student who excels in their field and wants to apply the practical skills they have learned in class to a full scale theatre production. This course will include auditions, rehearsal, design, set construction, costumes, publicity, and the many other aspects of creating a mainstage production. This course is not meant to replace Drama 10 or Drama 11 and 12. It is strongly recommended that students take both courses in tandem. Students should note that this course happens outside of the timetable. The reality of a theatre production is that it requires absolute commitment to long hours in concentrated blocks of time. Students are required to attend all rehearsals, tech and performances.

THEATRE PRODUCTION 11

Learn the basics of theatre production including lighting, sound, set construction, props, costumes, make-up and more. This is an excellent course for students interested in discovering what goes on to create a theatre production.

THEATRE PRODUCTION 12

This is a more advanced course in theatre technology for students who want more in-depth knowledge of stage management, set, lighting, and costume design.

FILM & TELEVISION 11

This is an introductory course focusing on video production, media literacy, and acting for film. Through the basics of film critique and hands-on technical experience, students will create their own films. Combining both technical skill and artistic interpretation, students will learn basic scriptwriting, storyboarding, camera technique, lighting, sound, and editing skills through various practical film assignments.

FILM & TELEVISION 12

This course builds on what was learned in Film and Television 11, with more depth and greater emphasis on detail in both acting in, analyzing, and creating films. Much of the course is self-directed, with students choosing their areas of focus.

MUSIC

Note - incoming Grade 8 students can choose either Introductory or Intermediate Band, based on their experience and performance abilities.

INTRODUCTORY BAND LEVEL 1 - GRADE 8

This course is designed for new students in their first year of playing a band instrument or experienced students seeking a stronger foundation in performance skills like sight reading, building range, tone, articulation and dynamics. Students choose from a variety of instruments including flute, oboe, saxophone clarinet, trumpet, French horn, tuba, percussion and electric bass. Students will explore a wide variety of musical styles from classical, Latin and jazz to pop music. The band will take part in numerous performance opportunities.

INTERMEDIATE BAND LEVEL 2 - GRADE 8

This course is for students who have played a band instrument for at least one year and show a mastery over performance skills covered in Level I method books (e.g. Essential Elements Book I (yellow) or Standard of Excellence Book I (red). Music of various styles will be rehearsed and there will be opportunities to perform at concerts. Home practice and regular attendance are important.

The following are Band courses for students in grades 9-12:

INTRODUCTORY BAND LEVEL 1 - GRADE 9-12

This course is designed for students in their first year of playing a band instrument or experienced students seeking a stronger foundation in performance skills like sight reading, building range, tone, articulation and dynamics. Students choose from a variety of instruments including flute, oboe, saxophone clarinet, trumpet, French horn, tuba, percussion and electric bass. Students will explore a wide variety of musical styles from classical, Latin and jazz to pop music. The band will take part in numerous performance opportunities.

INTERMEDIATE CONCERT BAND LEVEL 2 - GRADE 9-12

This course is for students who have played a band instrument for at least one year and show a mastery over performance skills covered in Level I method books (e.g. Essential Elements Book I (yellow) or Standard of Excellence Book I (red). Music of various styles will be rehearsed and there will be opportunities to perform at concerts. Home practice and regular attendance are important.

ADVANCED BAND LEVEL 3 - GRADE 9-12

These courses are for more experienced students who already play a band instrument. A variety of musical styles will be rehearsed – with some chosen for concert performances. Home practice and attendance are important.

CHORAL MUSIC (Choose one grade level of the following)

CONCERT CHOIR 09

CONCERT CHOIR 10

CONCERT CHOIR 11

CONCERT CHOIR 12

This course involves learning about music through participation in a choral (vocal) ensemble. Students will form a choir that will rehearse a wide variety of vocal music including popular, classical, music of Broadway, jazz and folk music. This ensemble will participate in numerous performances like school concerts, our Remembrance Day ceremonies, and community performances. Students will have opportunities to sing solos and record performances of their favourite music. Previous music training is not essential. All students will receive instruction in note reading and vocal production (singing) skills based on their individual level of experience.

VOCAL JAZZ 9-12

Strongly Recommended: Interview with Music Director

Students should have previous singing experience and a desire to rehearse and perform music in the jazz idiom. There is also a need for a rhythm section – piano, bass and drums to accompany vocal jazz singers.

This class meets once per week after school. Full attendance at these meetings is expected. Students will also be expected to check in on-line frequently to take advantage of posted resources that will enhance their musical growth and learning.

Students who choose this course will be required to register through Richmond Virtual School (RVS). Details on this registration process will be given to students once they have chosen and been accepted into the course. Please see the Music Director with any questions you may have.

INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ BAND 9-12

Strongly Recommended: Interview with Music Director

This course is open to students who already play one of the following instruments: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, electric bass, drums or percussion. Previous experience on one of these instruments as well as basic theory knowledge is expected. This group will rehearse and perform music in various styles including Swing, Latin, Rock, Bebop, Ballads, and Blues. Students are encouraged to improve improvisational abilities, listen to recordings, and attend concerts. Opportunities to perform in festivals and concerts exist along with a potential spring tour. Reading of challenging musical material enables the student to progress quite quickly.

GUITAR 10

GUITAR 11

GUITAR 12

This course is open to students of all levels from beginner to advanced. Beginner students will learn the basics for playing simple chord songs, note reading and tablature. Students will have an opportunity to learn songs of their own choosing as well as songs chosen by the instructor for group performance. Students will have many opportunities to work independently as well as in small groups. Assessment will be based on individual progress and performance goals set by the instructor.

COMPOSITION & PRODUCTION 11

COMPOSTION & PRODUCTION 12

This course is for any student who has ever dreamed of writing a hit song. Students in this course will explore song writing and composition in a variety of styles. Students will have an opportunity to learn and use a wide variety of music software including Garage Band, Musescore and Sibelius. Students will have an opportunity to hear their music performed live as well as record their music in the format of MP3, CD or online publication. A musical background is helpful but not essential.

DRUMMING (Choose one grade level of the following)

DRUMMING 10

DRUMMING 11

DRUMMING 12

This is a hands-on drumming course designed for students with all levels of musical experience who have an interest in world music. Students will learn to play African rhythms on djembe hand drums as well as Brazilian samba rhythms on samba instruments. Students will also learn to play a wide variety of beats on drum set. Ability to read music is not required for this course.

IB MUSIC (Choose one grade level of the following)

IB MUSIC (HL) 11

IB MUSIC (HL) 12A

IB MUSIC (SL) 11

IB MUSIC (SL) 12

This is the most comprehensive study of music offered at the high school level. Students will engage in listening to, analyzing, performing and creating music from personal, local and global contexts. Over the two-year duration of the IB Music course, students keep a journal documenting their exploration of music as a researcher, creator, and performer. At the end of the course, students select samples of their best work for a portfolio submission that includes written excerpts, performances, and compositions as evidence of their musical growth. Previous musical experience is not required but acquiring a basic knowledge of music theory concepts would be an asset.