Come explore the three-dimensional world of art and design. Using the design process and creative thinking skills, students will be able to build objects out of clay, metal, mixed media, recycled materials and more. Students will make both fine art and design pieces, exploring and problem-solving different solutions. They will be exposed to the wide world of design including fashion, product design, architecture, furniture design as well as different kinds of sculpture from historical to contemporary pieces.

This course will provide students opportunity to develop sophisticated performance techniques including improvisation, movement and character development. Emphasis will be placed on improv, scene work and acting styles. Directing and playwriting will also be explored. These skills and techniques will be explored within the context of culture, society and theatre history. Whether you are looking to prepare for the stage or excellent life skills, this class is for you!

This course will provide students an opportunity to develop sophisticated performance techniques including relaxation, concentration, imagination and character development. Emphasis will be placed on sense memory, monologue work, scene work, auditioning techniques and acting styles. These skills and techniques will be explored within the context of culture, society and theatre history. Whether you are looking to prepare for the stage or excellent life skills, this class is for you!

This course will provide students an opportunity to develop sophisticated performance techniques including relaxation, concentration, imagination and character development. Emphasis will be placed on sense memory, monologue work, scene work, auditioning techniques and acting styles. These skills and techniques will be explored within the context of culture, society and theatre history. Whether you are looking to prepare for the stage or excellent life skills, this class is for you!

Concert Band examines music at one of its most important levels, performance. Students enrolled in this course will develop concepts and skills necessary to accurately and effectively perform various styles of music. Topics explored include proper practice techniques, music terminology, music history, elements of music theory, and compositional techniques. Students will develop their own individual musicianship as well as their ability to be a contributing member of a large ensemble. In addition to coursework, students will be required to perform in various concerts and music festivals as well as attending rehearsals before and/or after school at the discretion of the director. Prerequisites: This course requires that musicians have prior experience on a woodwind or brass instrument before enrolling in this course. Percussionists must have completed at least one year of the Percussion course and are admitted to Concert Band by invitation or audition only.

Digital Audio Production is an introduction to current music technology used in both, live and recorded audio production. Students will learn about digital audio workstations (DAW), microphones, and MIDI instruments and how to use them to produce audio, especially music, using their own personal devices through techniques, such as sequencing and live recording of digital and analog musical instruments. Students will also acquire the basic skills and knowledge necessary to build their own home production studios. Finally, audio production exists outside of the studio as music is a live performance art as well. This course will also study the equipment, tools, and skills necessary to produce concerts and live events including microphones, analog and digital mixers, speakers, monitors, and cabling.

This course looks at the art and science of the American Film Industry from its beginnings at the birth of the silent era to the present. The first part of the class will focus on the history of film, language of cinema and basic film analysis. As the class progresses, we will examine the rise and fall of the studio system, the role of the “auteur” in modern cinema and the many complex ways this medium has influenced modern American culture. Through screenings, discussions and creative film making activities students will have the opportunity to explore the techniques, content, structure and impact of a variety of film and genres. Genres we examine will include Westerns, Crime and Gangster Films, Comedy, Political Satire, Science Fiction and Musicals. Students who elect to take this class for .1 credit will be asked to write a culminating paper each semester further exploring a topic of their choice in propaganda, film or mass media.

Chorus is designed for students who like to sing, and who have a desire to learn the techniques of vocal presentation. Students will perform a variety of music and will be introduced to sight singing techniques. Students will perform at school liturgies, special presentations and Christmas and Spring concerts. Some students in the class may be given the opportunity to participate in a Capella groups.

Concert Band examines music at one of its most important levels, performance. Students enrolled in this course will develop concepts and skills necessary to accurately and effectively perform various styles of music. Topics explored include proper practice techniques, music terminology, music history, elements of music theory, and compositional techniques. Students will develop their own individual musicianship as well as their ability to be a contributing member of a large ensemble. In addition to coursework, students will be required to perform in various concerts and music festivals as well as attending rehearsals before and/or after school at the discretion of the director. This course requires that musicians have prior experience on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments.

This course examines music at one of its most important levels, performance. Students enrolled in this course will develop concepts and skills necessary to accurately and effectively perform various styles of music on percussion instruments. Topics explored include proper stick and mallet techniques, rhythm and meter, practice techniques, music terminology, music history, elements of music theory, and compositional techniques. Students will develop their own individual musicianship as well as their ability to be a contributing member of a large ensemble, percussion ensemble in this case. In addition to coursework, students will be required to perform in various concerts and music festivals as well as attending rehearsals before and/or after school at the discretion of the director. Prerequisites: Students should have at least one year experience on piano, drum set, or other percussion instrument prior to enrolling in the course

From darkroom to digital, this class is designed for students to develop their photographic skills and personal vision. It will also provide an understanding of photography as an artistic and creative medium. Students will be issued both Nikon 35mm film and Nikon digital SLR cameras. Experimental and alternative processes, pinhole photography, photograms and traditional hand coloring techniques will be explored. The course culminates with students producing professional quality portfolios of their best digital photographs. Each student will receive their own subscription to Adobe Photoshop and other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.

This course offers students the opportunity to learn in depth about the various elements of the theatre. Every facet of play production including script analysis for design, developing a concept for directing, acting, design and execution of sets, lighting, sound and costumes, stage managing, public relations and front-of-house work will be studied and approached in a hands-on manner. In addition, students will attend professional productions, and will serve as stage managers, box office managers and crew heads as well as scenic designers for all in-house productions.

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques of Art. The core content will be based upon exploration of the elements and principles of design. The course can serve as foundation for future study in visual art, or as an enriching elective experience. The class will provide students with a wide range of opportunities for self- expression and creative enjoyment. Art activities may include drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, photography, print making and mixed media.

This course is designed to engage students in the study and practice of the basic elements of broadcast journalism. Students will be introduced to the process of producing news segments and shows as well as documentaries and podcast series for digital broadcast platforms. During the year, students will learn to research and pitch story ideas, use advanced video and audio technology, create short-form nonfiction scripts, and understand advanced editing techniques. Students in this class will also have the opportunity to explore the interconnected relationships of modern mass media and American culture. The WLSA Broadcasting students will learn the history of broadcasting while working to improve practical skills as they plan, create, and edit content for WLSA. Students enrolled in WLSA Broadcasting will join production teams as videographers, producers, directors, writers, or editors and will have full responsibility for producing programming for the Broadcast Center. Prerequisite: This class will be open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors opposite Physical Education periods. Only Juniors and Seniors will be a part of the WLSA homeroom where they will continue to finalize programs and maintain the website.