San Juan Hills will be introducing four new Fine Arts courses to the campus in the 2013-2014 school year. Classes offered include Introduction to Fine Arts, Commercial Music, AP Music Theory, and AP Art History; all of which provide students the opportunity to learn more about their passions as well as discover those of a different medium.
Introduction to Fine Arts is a new course in itself that exposes student to Music Appreciation, Introduction to Theatre, Dance Styles Across the World, Introduction to Art History, Music and Media, History of Rock and Roll, Careers in the Arts, Group Singing, and Instrumental Music: Percussion and Piano. This course is a great opportunity provided for students to experience each component without a year’s commitment while still learning in the pace necessary to appreciate each component.
Commercial Music provides to students an inside look on the performance factor of commercial music as well as creating the music they know and love. Students will learn the basics of guitar, piano harmonization, vocal production, and drum set technique. Technical components will also be covered through music technology including professional multi-track recording and sound mixing. The course establishes the opportunity to familiarize oneself with each aspect of commercial music, whether or not the student plans to pursue a career in the industry.
AP Music theory builds upon basic understanding of music that might be learned prior, fulfilling the F (Visual and Performing Arts) requirement for the UC/CSU A-G course sequence. Students will learn to compose music and develop the ability to compose and write the songs they are listening to. This course is especially intended for all instrumental and choral music students, piano players currently in the Certificate of Merit program, and any other musicians with basic note reading ability. AP Music Theory builds upon the basics and is ideal for students with an interest in music composition as well as performance aspects of a future career.
AP Art History allows students to travel the world from prehistory to twentieth century art. Students will familiarize themselves with the cultures of countless countries as well as the art that has been created within, developing an ‘eye’ and proper vocabulary to better understand and discuss all works. Class lectures are illustrated through color slides and reproductions to prepare students for the AP Exam at the end of the year. This course meets the F (Visual and Performing Arts) requirement requested by UC/CSU schools and stands out as a cultural advancement. Students will truly scour the work of the generations throughout the world and learn in-depth understanding of a piece’s significance and creation.
