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Music Appreciation is a one-semester course designed to teach students the basic elements, principles, processes, materials, and inherent qualities of music. Students will examine a broad range of methods and will conduct critical analyses of the creative processes involved in music. Students will reflect on the connections between society and music. Music Appreciation students will develop perceptual awareness and aesthetic sensitivity as well as a foundation for a lifelong relationship with music.

Theatre Appreciation is a one-semester course in which students develop fundamental theatre skills through academic study. Students will develop an understanding of basic theatre skills and the history of the theatre, analyze and evaluate artistic work, and discover connections between theatrical works and societal, cultural, and historical contexts. Notes: Attending theatre department productions is a requirement of this course. Standard play ticket price for students is $5.00; standard musical ticket price for students is $10. Student ushers receive free admission.

Visual Art Appreciation is a one-semester course designed to develop perceptual awareness and aesthetic sensitivity, as well as a foundation for a lifelong relationship with the arts. Students will learn the elements of art and principles of design; explore the basic processes, materials, and inherent qualities of visual art; examine a broad range of methods; conduct critical analyses of the creative processes involved in the various art forms; and reflect on the connections between society and visual art. Note: This class satisfies the ADE DESE Digital Learning Component required for graduation.

A general introduction to the visual arts. Lectures on art theory and an introduction to art history, plus demonstrations, films, slides, and field trips.

The foundational concepts, instructional principles, and artistic practices at the heart of this course prepare students for participation in AP Art & Design. Students build and refine technical skills while also developing an understanding of art making as a means of communicating and investigating topics or ideas of significance. Additionally, course instructional materials highlight works of art featured in AP Art History, giving students the opportunity to build familiarity with these foundational works and practice analyzing and interpreting a wide range of artistic examples. Pre-AP Visual Arts instruction highlights these skills, inviting students to analyze and respond to works of art, develop and refine their own ideas by drawing on a variety of source material, and constructively respond to the work of peers as it develops. Course instruction equips students with the ability to think critically, creatively, and flexibly; to practice and persist in the development of artistic skills and the creation of new work; and to effectively communicate with other artists and with wider audiences about their processes of creating that work—all skills that lend themselves to success in a variety of future roles and workplaces. Creativity has been cited in surveys of business leaders and superintendents as being among the most-needed skills of the current and future workforce. Fee: $15.00 materials fee.

Visual Art Foundations I-IV are two-semester courses designed to teach students to apply the elements of art and the principles of design. Students will use a variety of media, techniques, processes, and tools to create original artwork that demonstrates understanding of aesthetic concerns and complex compositions. These basic concepts are introduced at the Visual Art Foundations I level. As students progress through each course, they will develop, expand, and increase real life application of problem-solving through artistic maturation. Students will create, critique, reflect, and make connections to art. Students will exhibit original artwork and develop portfolios that reflect their personal growth. Fee: $15.00 materials fee.

Visual Art Foundations I-III are two-semester courses designed to teach students to apply the elements of art and the principles of design. Students will use a variety of media, techniques, processes, and tools to create original artwork that demonstrates understanding of aesthetic concerns and complex compositions. These basic concepts are introduced at the Visual Art Foundations I level. As students progress through each course, they will develop, expand, and increase real life application of problem solving through artistic maturation. Students will create, critique, reflect, and make connections to art. Students will exhibit original artwork and develop portfolios that reflect their personal growth. Fee: $15.00 materials fee.

Visual Art Foundations I-III are two-semester courses designed to teach students to apply the elements of art and the principles of design. Students will use a variety of media, techniques, processes, and tools to create original artwork that demonstrates understanding of aesthetic concerns and complex compositions. These basic concepts are introduced at the Visual Art Foundations I level. As students progress through each course, they will develop, expand, and increase real life application of problem solving through artistic maturation. Students will create, critique, reflect, and make connections to art. Students will exhibit original artwork and develop portfolios that reflect their personal growth. Fee: $15.00 materials fee.

Studio Art 3-D is a one-semester course designed for students who have successfully completed Visual Art Foundations I. Studio Art 3-D is a course in which students further explore, apply, and move toward mastery of the elements of art and principles of design in specific areas of art, such as ceramics, jewelry, mosaics, fiber arts, sculptures, mixed media, altered books, or other 3-D media. Student art will demonstrate evidence of complex problem-solving skills, higher-order thinking, risk-taking, imagination, and innovation. Students will exhibit art and will assemble portfolios that reflect personal growth in the media, techniques, process, and tools used to create complex 3-D compositions. Student compositions will cover a breadth of media and subject matter and will demonstrate successful completion of Studio Art 3-D student learning expectations. Fee: $10.00 materials fee.

Ceramics I is a two-semester course designed to teach students to apply the elements of art and the principles of design. Students are expected to use a variety of media, techniques, processes, and tools to create original ceramic artwork that demonstrates understanding of aesthetic concerns and complex compositions. These basic concepts are introduced at the Visual Art Foundations I level. Students will develop, expand, and increase their real-life application of problem solving through maturation. Students will create, critique, reflect, and make connections to ceramic art. Students will exhibit original ceramic artwork and develop portfolios that reflect their personal growth. Fee: $20.00 materials fee.

Ceramics II is a two-semester course designed to build on the concepts introduced in Ceramics I. Students will develop, expand, and increase their real life application of problem solving through maturation. Students will create, critique, reflect, and make connections to ceramic art. Students will exhibit original ceramic artwork and develop portfolios that reflect their personal growth. Fee: $20.00 materials fee.

Sculpture is a two-semester course designed to teach students to apply the elements of art and the principles of design. Students are expected to use a variety of media, techniques, processes, and tools to create original sculpture that demonstrates understanding of aesthetic concerns and complex compositions. These basic concepts are introduced at the Visual Art Foundations I level. Students will develop, expand, and increase their real-life application of problem-solving through maturation. Students will create, critique, reflect, and make connections to sculpture. Students will exhibit original sculpture and develop portfolios that reflect their personal growth. Fee: $20.00 materials fee.

Students will develop their skills in drawing as they explore different media and approaches. They will create artwork that reflects their own ideas and skills and what they have learned. Students create a portfolio of work to demonstrate inquiry through art and design and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course of a year. Portfolios include works of art and design, process documentation, and written information about the work presented. In May, students submit portfolios for evaluation based on specific criteria, which include skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, guided by questions. Notes: Students must submit the AP Portfolio in May for the weighted GPA. See General Information on Advanced Placement. Fee: $15.00 materials fee.

Students will explore the history of art across the globe from prehistory to the present. They will analyze works of art through observation, discussion, reading, and research. The AP Art History course welcomes students into the global art world to engage with its forms and content as they research, discuss, read, and write about art, artists, art making, and responses to and interpretations of art. By investigating specific course content of 250 works of art characterized by diverse artistic traditions from prehistory to the present, the students develop an in-depth, holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students learn and apply skills of visual, contextual, and comparative analysis to engage with a variety of art forms, developing understanding of individual works and interconnections across history. Notes: Students must submit the AP Portfolio in May in order to receive weighted credit. See General Information an Advanced Placement.

Students will develop their skills in a two-dimensional medium such as graphic design, photography, collage, printmaking, and others as they learn the principles of 2-D design. They will create artwork that reflects their own ideas and skills and what they have learned. Students create a portfolio of work to demonstrate inquiry through art and design and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course of a year. Portfolios include works of art and design, process documentation, and written information about the work presented. In May, students submit portfolios for evaluation based on specific criteria, which include skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, guided by questions. Notes: Students must submit the AP Portfolio in May in order to receive the weighted credit. See General Information on Advanced Placement. This course is also offered as a part of the Ignite Digital Design and Photography Pathway. See Ignite for more details. Fee: $15.00 materials fee.

Students will develop their skills in a three-dimensional medium such as sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, glass work, and others as they learn the principles of 3-D design. They will create artwork that reflects their own ideas and skills and what they have learned. Students create a portfolio of work to demonstrate inquiry through art and design and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course of a year. Portfolios include works of art and design, process documentation, and written information about the work presented. In May, students submit portfolios for evaluation based on specific criteria, which include skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, guided by questions. Notes: Students must submit the AP Portfolio in May in order to receive weighted credit. See General Information on Advanced Placement. Fee: $15.00 materials fee.

Pre-AP Theatre is a two-semester course in which students will develop fundamental theatre skills through an in-depth study of theatre and performing arts. Instructional highlights focus on skills of research, analysis of sources, constructing arguments, and communicating ideas. Pre-AP Theatre invites students to analyze and respond to works of theatre, develop and refine their own ideas by drawing on a variety of source material, and constructively respond to the work of peers as it develops. Course instruction equips students with the ability to think critically, creatively, and flexibly; to practice and persist in the development of artistic skills and the creation of new work; and to effectively communicate with other artists and with wider audiences about their processes of creating that work. Notes: Attending theatre department productions is a requirement of this course. Standard play ticket price for students is $5.00; standard musical ticket price for students is $10. Student ushers receive free admission.

Theatre I is a two-semester course in which students master both academic and performance skills in the art of drama and theatrical production. They are introduced to improvisation, expressive movement, analysis of scripts and characters, acting, and stagecraft. Students will evaluate and critique both written and performed works and make connections between theatre, other art forms, and other cultures. Notes: Attending theatre department productions is a requirement of this course. Standard play ticket price for students is $5.00; standard musical ticket price for students is $10. Student ushers receive free admission.

Theatre II expands the knowledge and performance base of Theatre I. Synthesizing the information and skills they learned in Theatre I, students will gain a deeper understanding of character development, playwriting, script analysis, theatre history/literature and ensemble work. In Theatre II, students will explore direction and acting theories. Notes: Attending theatre department productions is a requirement of this course. Standard play ticket price for students is $5.00; standard musical ticket price for students is $10. Student ushers receive free admission.

Theatre III expands the knowledge and performance base of Theatre II. Students will be expected to refine and articulate their understanding of theatre’s role in society and will have the opportunity to define their own individual aesthetic as they continue to collaborate with their peers as a high functioning ensemble and theatre company. Theatre III is for the advanced and committed theatre student. In Theatre III, students will refine their directing skills and vocabulary. Notes: Attending theatre department productions is a requirement of this course. Standard play ticket price for students is $5.00; standard musical ticket price for students is $10. Student ushers receive free admission.

Theatre IV is a two-semester course that guides students to master the skills required to direct drama/theatre experiences. Notes: Attending theatre department productions is a requirement of this course. Standard play ticket price for students is $5.00; standard musical ticket price for students is $10. Student ushers receive free admission.

Theatrical Makeup is a one-semester course that is designed to enable students to master the technical theatre specialty of theatrical makeup. Mastery in theatrical makeup means discovering the expressive elements of design and application, knowing the terminology and historical background that is used to comprehend technical theatre, having a clear sense of what theatrical makeup embodies, and being able to reflect, critique, and connect personal experience to the theatre. Notes: Students will have the optional opportunity to act as makeup crew for BSD Theatre productions. Attending theatre department productions is a requirement of this course. Standard play ticket price for students is $10.00; standard musical ticket price for students is $10. Student ushers receive free admission. Fee: $65.00 materials fee for a personal makeup kit.

Costume Design I is a two-semester course that is designed to enable students to master the technical theatre specialty of costuming. Mastery in costume design means discovering the creative elements of design and construction, knowing the terminology and historical background that is used to comprehend technical theatre, having a clear sense of what costuming embodies, and being able to reflect, critique, and connect personal experience to the theatre. Notes: Costume Design and Technology students are required to serve on the wardrobe crew for one BSD Theatre production during the course year. Attending theatre department productions is a requirement of this course. Standard play ticket price for students is $5.00; standard musical ticket price for students is $10. Student ushers receive free admission.

Technical Theatre I is a two-semester course which provides students with exposure to and/or experience in all elements of technical theatre, including scenery, props, lighting, sound, costume, and makeup. Notes: Attending theatre department productions is a requirement of this course. Standard play ticket price for students is $5.00; standard musical ticket price for students is $10. Student ushers receive free admission.

Technical Theatre II is a two-semester course which allows students to advance their skills in all elements of technical theatre through practical experience, with new instruction in design. Notes: Attending theatre department productions is a requirement of this course. Standard play ticket price for students is $5.00; standard musical ticket price for students is $10. Student ushers receive free admission.

Technical Theatre III is a two-semester course which allows students to deepen their understanding and advance their skills in one specialized area of technical theatre, which could include scenery, props, lighting, sound, costume, and/or makeup. Notes: Attending theatre department productions is a requirement of this course. Standard play ticket price for students is $5.00; standard musical ticket price for students is $10. Student ushers receive free admission.

Tech Theatre IV is a two-semester course which focuses on leadership skills required to provide technical direction to a collaborative production staff. This course focuses on the artistic processes of creating, performing, responding, and connecting.

Concert Band, 1 academic credit
Symphonic Band, 1 academic credit
Symphonic Wind Ensemble, 1 academic credit
Wind Ensemble, 1 academic credit
Band Color Guard, 1 academic credit
Jazz Band, 1 academic credit
Chamber Orchestra, 1 academic credit
Concert/Camerata Orchestra, 1 academic credit
Philharmonic Orchestra, 1 academic credit
Symphonic/Sinfonia Orchestra, 1 academic credit

Instrumental Ensembles, including Band I-IV and Orchestra I-IV, are two-semester courses designed for traditional and emerging ensembles. Ensemble students will demonstrate an ability to apply music fundamentals and instrumental techniques in the production, performance, analysis, and critique of instrumental music performance. Students are expected to apply sight-reading skills, improvisational skills, and performance techniques in solo, small group, and large group settings. Ensemble students will critique music performances and deeply reflect upon the impact of instrumental music on society as well as societal influences on instrumental music. Students will regularly perform in a variety of settings and will demonstrate successful completion of student learning expectations.

Notes for Band Courses: Band students must audition each year to maintain their membership in the band program. Students will not register for a particular band (Concert, Jazz, etc.). Instead, students will be able to register for “Band” as a placeholder and will be placed in the appropriate band based on rosters provided by the band director(s). After spring auditions, student course requests will be updated automatically to include a primary course request for the appropriate band.

The Band performs at football games, basketball games, pep rallies, parades, concerts, festivals and marching competitions. Rehearsals begin in July prior to the start of the school year and continue in after-school sessions through the year. Students must be willing to spend this extra time to be successful members of the band program. Students who are in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds or in 9th Grade are required to participate in All-Region Band and Clinic (if selected) as a part of the course requirement. Students must also participate in All-State Band and Clinic (if selected) as a part of the course requirement.

Fees: Various fees apply. Costs could include instruments/instrument rentals, travel and lodging for All-Region/All-State and other regional competitions.

Notes for Marching Band: Students involved in athletic programs and marching band outside the school day such as golf, tennis, swim, bowling, etc. do not receive PE credit for that physical activity. However, we provide an online module free of charge. Upon completion of the online modules that complement their activity the HPE standards are met and credit is awarded.

Notes for Orchestra Courses: Students will not register for Chamber or Symphonic Orchestra. Instead, students will be able to register for “Orchestra” as a placeholder and will be placed in the appropriate orchestra based on rosters provided by the orchestra director(s). After spring auditions, student course requests will be updated automatically to include a primary course request for the appropriate orchestra. Students will be required to perform in concerts after school. Students who are in the Orchestra Program will be required to participate in All-Region Orchestra and Clinic (if selected) as a part of the course requirement. Students must also participate in All-State Orchestra and Clinic (if selected) as a part of the course requirement.

Fees: Various fees apply. Student-owned instruments and their maintenance are the responsibility of the student/family. Additional costs could include travel and lodging for All Region/All State and other regional competitions.

Concert Choir, 1 academic credit
Choir Advanced 9 – Tenor-Bass
Choir Advanced 9 - Treble
Sophomore Select, 1 academic credit
A Cappella, 1 academic credit
Chamber Choir, 1 academic credit

Vocal Ensembles are two-semester courses designed for traditional and emerging ensembles. Vocal music students can develop competency in a variety of Specialized Vocal Ensemble courses including but not limited to Concert Choir, 9th (Advanced/On-level) Treble, 9th (Advanced/On-level) Tenor-Bass. In these ensemble courses, the major weight and work of the discipline falls in the performing process. Although the artistic processes of creating, responding and connecting are important, the concepts covered in these processes are accessible only after students are thoroughly versed in the fundamental skills necessary to perform in an ensemble. Vocal music students will demonstrate an ability to apply music fundamentals and vocal techniques in the production, performance, analysis and critique of vocal music performance. Students are expected to apply sight-reading skills and performance techniques in solo, small group and/or large group settings. Vocal music students will critique and reflect on vocal music performances. Students will regularly perform in a variety of settings and will demonstrate successful completion of student learning expectations in vocal music.

Notes for Choir Courses: Students wishing to perform in advanced ensembles are required to audition with a director in the spring for the following year. Students are able to register for “Choir” as a placeholder and will be placed in the appropriate choir (advanced/on-level) based on rosters provided by choir directors. After spring auditions, student course requests will be updated automatically to include a primary course request for the appropriate choir.

Students in a Vocal Ensemble course will participate in several concerts and/or contests during the school year. Extra rehearsals may be required. Each student will be responsible for the required performance attire. Each student has the opportunity to audition for the All-Region Choir (Advanced, required; On-level, strongly encouraged).

Fees: Various fees apply. Costs could include travel and lodging for All-Region/All-State and other regional competitions.

For the beginner guitarist, Guitar I will cover the basics of the instrument and an application of essential music fundamentals. Students will learn the basics of playing guitar at a beginning level by studying the academic vocabulary of music, music notation, and instrumental techniques. A brief history of the guitar along with a study of its respective musical styles will also be covered in this course. Students will learn how to read music notation, chord symbols, and tablature. Students will also gain a better understanding of many different musical genres including classical, flamenco, blues, jazz, rock, and pop music.

Music Theory is a two-semester advanced course designed to expand and enhance the skills of the serious high school musician. Students in Music Theory examine components of music composition, melodic practices, theories of harmony, and other musical concepts. Students analyze music from different stylistic periods and develop notation, aural, and sight-reading skills. Emphasis is placed on the application of rhythm, melody, harmony, form, and other compositional devices into original compositions.

Students will learn to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music. They will develop skills by listening to, reading, writing, and performing a wide variety of music. AP Music Theory course corresponds to one-to-two semesters of typical, introductory college music theory coursework that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, and musical materials and procedures. Musicianship skills, including dictation and listening skills, sight-singing, and harmony, are an important part of the course. Through the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of tonal music that are heard or presented in a musical score. Development of aural (listening) skills is a primary objective. Performance is also part of the curriculum through the practice of sight-singing. Students learn basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are emphasized. Notes: Students must take this course’s AP exam in May in order to receive weighted credit.