Courses Offered
vAAI VISUAL ARTS
*AAI VISUAL DYNAMICS 1
10th, 11th, and 12th Grades – Acceptance into AAI Required Year Course
Prerequisite: Completion of Art 1 or Photo 1
Students will gain intermediate/advanced skills in a variety of two/three-dimensional media to create expressive artworks. Art history, visual literacy and how art fits in our cultural context are also studied. Twenty-first-century skills, such as collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Students will develop portfolio websites and get practice presenting their work. They will develop skills to analyze and make informed judgments about important artists and their work, as well as their own work and that of their peers. Integration of art across subject areas and exploration of career opportunities in the visual arts is part of the course. All AAI students will showcase their work in the community and have the opportunity to be a part of a student leadership group called AAI Ambassadors.
AAI VISUAL DYNAMICS 2
11th and 12th Grades – Acceptance into AAI Required Year Course
Prerequisite: Completion of AAI Visual Dynamics Level 1
AAI Visual Arts II continues the advanced level study begun in AAI Visual Dynamics 1. Students will gain intermediate/advanced skills in a variety of two/three-dimensional media to create expressive artworks. Art history, visual literacy and how art fits in our cultural context are also studied. Twenty-first-century skills, such as collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Students will develop portfolio websites and get practice presenting their work. They will develop skills to analyze and make informed judgments about important artists and their work, as well as their own work and that of their peers. Integration of art across subject areas and exploration of career opportunities in the visual arts is part of the course. All AAI students will showcase their work in the community and have the opportunity to be a part of a student leadership group called AAI Ambassadors.
AAI VISUAL DYNAMICS 3
12th Grade – Acceptance into AAI Required Year Course
Prerequisite: Completion of AAI Visual Dynamics Level 2
AAI Visual Arts II continues the advanced level study begun in AAI Visual Dynamics 1. Students will gain intermediate/advanced skills in a variety of two/three-dimensional media to create expressive artworks. Art history, visual literacy and how art fits in our cultural context are also studied. Twenty-first-century skills, such as collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Students will develop portfolio websites and get practice presenting their work. They will develop skills to analyze and make informed judgments about important artists and their work, as well as their own work and that of their peers. Integration of art across subject areas and exploration of career opportunities in the visual arts is part of the course. The centerpiece of the year is the development of a “senior project” which could be anything from a solo art show, participation in Flow or an internship experience. All AAI students will showcase their work in the community and have the opportunity to be a part of a student leadership group called AAI Ambassadors.
v AAI PERFORMING ARTS – THEATER ARTS
*AAI ADV. THEATER STUDY 1
10th, 11th, and 12th Grades Year Course
Prerequisite: Completion of Drama Level 1 and/or 2, and acceptance into AAI required.
Advanced Theater Study Level 1 is a course designed to enable students to develop and refine their abilities as theater artists. The course offers advanced training in acting, directing, play production, and technical theater with an emphasis on producing student written and directed works. Students are encouraged to discover their artistic selves, explore social interaction, decision making and organizational skills, and benefit by discovering a variety of personal and artistic strengths that will enable them to reach higher educational and career goals. History, culture and technology will be examined, and career opportunities will be explored. Students are expected to exceed the Drama 1 and 2 standards and demonstrate higher levels of skill, dealing with more complex examples, and responding to works of art in increasingly sophisticated ways.
*AAI ADV. THEATER STUDY 2
11th & 12th Grades – Acceptance into AAI Required Year Course
Prerequisite: Completion of AAI Theater Level I and acceptance into AAI required.
Advanced Theater Study Level II is a course designed to expand upon and enhance the work achieved in the Level I course. Level II offers continued training in acting, directing, play production, and technical theater with an emphasis on technical theater and production, and an exploration of theater occupations. Theater history, culture, and technology will be further examined. Through the exploration of themes in drama, students will grow in their ability to comprehend the world and to communicate with others. Students will analyze the universal concerns revealed in dramatic literature as brought to life on stage. Students are expected to exceed the Level I standards and demonstrate higher levels of skill, dealing with progressively challenging examples, and utilize theater to artistically express individual creativity with an innovative approach.
*AAI ADV. THEATER STUDY 3
12th Grade – Acceptance into AAI Required Year Course
Prerequisite: Completion of AAI Theater Level 1, and acceptance into AAI required.
Advanced Theater Study Level III is a course intended to enhance, sharpen, and refine each student’s knowledge, skill, and aptitude as an actor, director, and technician of theater. The course offers advanced training in acting, directing, play production, and technical theater with an emphasis on stagecraft and the auditioning process. All aspects of learning and instruction explored in Levels I and II will be utilized and employed at more intense and professional degrees. Staging, lighting, costume, set, and scenic design will be further examined, and career opportunities will be researched and explored. Students are expected to exceed the Level II standards and demonstrate greater aptitude and ability, dealing with more complex examples, responding to works of art in increasingly innovative and challenging ways, and complete a senior project.
AAI TECHNICAL ART AND PRODUCTION DESIGN
10th, 11th, and 12th Grades Year Course
Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to Tech Theatre, and acceptance into AAI required.
Students will practice the skills and concepts associated with the technical elements of the performing arts including lighting, sound, set design, stage craft, costuming, make up, and production management. Students will practice and develop skills in each design area through script analysis, research, design, and implementation. Students will apply knowledge of historical theatre architecture and stage design practices in creating and producing a variety of theatrical productions. Students will create and maintain a professional digital portfolio which includes resumes, cover letters, images from completed productions.
AAI TECHNICAL ART AND PRODUCTIONS DESIGN 2
11th & 12th Grades Year Course
Prerequisite: Completion of AAI Technical Art and Production Design 1
This capstone course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to further their knowledge and technical design skills in the field of theatre and performing arts. Students will hone their skill sets associated with the technical elements of the performing arts including lighting, sound, set design, stage craft, costuming and make up, and production management. Students will practice and develop skills in each design area through script analysis, research, design, and implementation. Students will apply knowledge of historical theatre architecture and stage design practices in creating and producing a variety of theatrical productions. Students will develop problem solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills through participation in multiple design and managerial positions. Students will create and maintain a professional digital portfolio which includes resumes, cover letters, images from completed productions, images of call books, sketches, annotated research, and written reflections of completed design projects. Students will participate in an internship in the spring months from April thru June, working with our community partners at North Coast Reparatory Theatre or the Arcata Playhouse. Through this internship, students have the possibility to continue working with the organization in the summer months, if they are interested.
- vAAI PERFORMING ARTS – MUSIC
* AAI MUSICAL EXPLORATIONS 1
10th, 11th, and 12th Grades – Acceptance into AAI Required Year Course
This course is designed for students currently involved in music who wish to advance their skills and knowledge in music performance, reading, theory, history, improvisation, sound recording, rehearsal techniques and composition are available. Students and instructor work together in small combos to develop music repertoire of their choice for performance. Students also work on developing solo and ensemble repertoire as directed by the instructor to develop music reading, and improve performance. Ensemble and individual practice/research time is scheduled weekly. This class welcomes all instrument families such as guitars, piano, percussion, woodwinds, and brass winds. There are numerous performances in class and in the community. Please note that entering students benefit by having a music background that includes private study and prior experience in musical performance organizations.
AAI MUSICAL EXPLORATIONS 2
11th & 12th Grades – Acceptance into AAI Required Year Course
Musical Explorations II is a continuation of Musical Explorations I. It is an opportunity for those students who have completed their first year in Musical Explorations to further develop and advance their skills and knowledge in music. Advanced instruction in music performance, reading, theory, history, improvisation, sound recording, rehearsal techniques and composition are available. Second year students should demonstrate advanced rehearsal skills and the ability to work more independently than first year students. Core repertoire on their individual instruments will be emphasized. Students also work on developing solo and ensemble repertoire as directed by the instructor to develop music reading, and improve performance. This class welcomes all instrument families such as guitars, piano, percussion, woodwinds, and brass winds. There are numerous performances in class and in the community. Please note that entering students benefit by having a music background that includes private study and prior experience in musical performance organizations.
AAI MUSICAL EXPLORATIONS 3
12th Grade – Acceptance into AAI Required Year Course
Musical Explorations III is a designed to facilitate a disciplined, creative, advanced level study of music; it is a continuation of Level II. The centerpiece of the year is the development of a “senior project”. This will be a community based project developed with a team of mentors, experts in the field of art, and presented in a community context. As independent learners and artists, students will develop the ability to construct their own art/learning situation and develop the ability to work with others to create a meaningful experience to fit their individual needs and passions. This class welcomes all instrument families such as guitars, piano, percussion, woodwinds, and brass winds. There are numerous performances in class and in the community. As in the other levels, students benefit by including private study and experience in musical performance organizations.
- vAAI MEDIA ARTS
*AAI DESIGN FOR COMMUNICATION 1
10th, 11th, & 12th Grades Year Course
Prerequisite: completion of Art 1 or Photo 1
Students will gain intermediate/advanced skills in a variety of two dimensional media to create expressive artworks. Art history, visual literacy and how art fits in our cultural context are also studied. Twenty-first-century skills, such as collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance are emphasized throughout the curriculum. This course builds understanding of graphic design principles and students will learn the basic processes and tools involved in digital imaging and design for both print and the web. Students will learn to draw, scan, and manipulate images using digital tools such as computers, digital cameras, iPads, and software such as Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will have an opportunity to investigate the video production process if they choose. Students will develop portfolio websites and get practice presenting their work. They will develop skills to analyze and make informed judgments about important artists and their work, as well as their own work and that of their peers. Integration of art across subject areas and exploration of career opportunities in the visual arts is part of the course. All AAI students will showcase their work in the community and have the opportunity to be a part of a student leadership group called AAI Ambassadors.
AAI DESIGN FOR COMMUNICATION 2
11th & 12th Grades Year Course
Prerequisite: completion of AAI Media Arts Level 1
AAI Design for Communication 2 continues the advanced level study begun in AAI Design for Communication 1. Students will gain intermediate/advanced skills in a variety of two dimensional media to create expressive artworks. Art history, visual literacy and how art fits in our cultural context are also studied. Twenty-first-century skills, such as collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance are emphasized throughout the curriculum. This course builds understanding of graphic design principles and students will learn the basic processes and tools involved in digital imaging and design for both print and the web. Students will learn to draw, scan, and manipulate images using digital tools such as computers, digital cameras, ipads, and software such as Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will have an opportunity to investigate the video production process if they choose. Students will develop portfolio websites and get practice presenting their work. They will develop skills to analyze and make informed judgments about important artists and their work, as well as their own work and that of their peers. Integration of art across subject areas and exploration of career opportunities in the visual arts is part of the course. All AAI students will showcase their work in the community and have the opportunity to be a part of a student leadership group called AAI Ambassadors.
AAI DESIGN FOR COMMUNICATION 3
12th Grades Year Course
Prerequisite: Completion of AAI Design For Communication Level 2
AAI Design for Communication 3 continues the advanced level study begun in AAI Design for Communication 1. Students will gain intermediate/advanced skills in a variety of two dimensional media to create expressive artworks. Art history, visual literacy and how art fits in our cultural context are also studied. Twenty-first-century skills, such as collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance are emphasized throughout the curriculum. This course builds understanding of graphic design principles and students will learn the basic processes and tools involved in digital imaging and design for both print and the web. Students will learn to draw, scan, and manipulate images using digital tools such as computers, digital cameras, ipads, and software such as Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will have an opportunity to investigate the video production process if they choose. Students will develop portfolio websites and get practice presenting their work. They will develop skills to analyze and make informed judgments about important artists and their work, as well as their own work and that of their peers. Integration of art across subject areas and exploration of career opportunities in the visual arts is part of the course. The centerpiece of the year is the development of a “senior project” which could be anything from a solo art show, participation in Smart Design or an internship experience. All AAI students will showcase their work in the community and have the opportunity to be a part of a student leadership group called AAI Ambassadors
*ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) STUDIO ART
11th and 12th Grade – Fulfills Fine Art Requirement Year Course
Prerequisite: Acceptance into Arcata Arts Institute and completion of one year of AAI
Requires signed Advanced Placement Course enrollment Parent Notification/ Agreement.
AP Studio Art is designed for highly motivated students who are interested in pursuing art in higher education or as a career. Summer work is required. Students must complete a large portfolio by May and participate in a variety of critiques. Out of class work is necessary to fulfil AP requirements. Traditionally this class is taken by seniors, but on occasion juniors may with instructor approval. This is an Arcata Arts Institute course.
*ART 1
9th, 10th, 11th & 12th Grades – Fulfills Fine Art Requirement Year Course
Art 1 is a foundation level class that encourages students to develop their own creative voice through the visual arts. Students will work in several different mediums including colored pencil, pastel, watercolor, tempera and ink. Students will learn the basics of drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and digital media. The elements & principles of design will be taught and emphasized throughout the year. All students will work in a sketchbook and create a portfolio to visually map their creative development. This course may also be used as a foundation course for enrollment in the Arcata Arts Institute.
*DRAMA 1
9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Grades – Fulfills Fine Art Requirement Year Course
The aim of this course is to develop self-discipline, responsible behavior, and talent as an actor. Students will learn to appreciate all aspects of theatre, including both performances and production. This class will cover movement, mime, dance, voice, memorization, and characterization through improvisation, acting exercises, scenes, and one-act play production. Dramatic literature, history of theatre, and technical theatre will also be studied.
Course qualifies as a foundation course for enrollment in Arcata Arts Institute.
INTRO TO TECH THEATRE
9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Grades – Fulfills Fine Art Requirement Year Course
Using hands on experiences, demonstration, and text, this course explores technical production skills for theatre, music, and performing arts. Students will learn backstage fundamentals such as safety, theatre terminology, and the correct operation of technical theatre equipment to prepare students to participate not only on technical crews for the high school productions but also in collegiate and professional theaters. We will discuss and experiment with the artistic designs of scenery, properties, costumes, lighting, makeup, video, and sound. This course will also cover the responsibilities of a stage manager and other career options in technical theatre. Texts will include a few core texts along with a variety of plays, musicals, and scenes from the classroom library, which will be determined by assigned groups each year or by the school performances.
Course qualifies as a foundation course for enrollment in Arcata Arts Institute.
*FLORAL DESIGN
9th-12th Grades- Fulfills CSU/UC Fine Art Requirement Year Course
The Art and History of Floral Design provides an introduction to artistic and creative perception including aesthetic valuing through a series of projects in various media including tempera, pencil, flowers, tile, and a variety of papers. Students are also introduced to the elements and principles of visual art design such as line, shape/form, color, balance, and emphasis using a series of floral-based projects to explore the connections, relations, and application to visual arts design. Students will research and study floral trends. Assignments include historical culture, color theory, and analytical critiques of various floral art works. Students will learn multi-part floral designs and creative expression through wedding and special projects.
MEDIA ARTS: YEARBOOK PUBLICATION
9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Grades Year Course
Note: Fulfills Fine Arts requirement for graduation ONLY- NOT for CSU or UC
This project-based class is open to all students and works collaboratively to produce the school yearbook and the end-of-the-year video. Students will learn graphic design, journalistic photography, writing and editing, interviewing, reporting, and computer skills, all while meeting publishing deadlines with a large publishing company to create the AHS Advance. Through business ad sales and regular communications with teachers and staff, students gain confidence in communication and a connection to their school and the larger community.
*PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN
9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th Grades – Fulfills Fine Art Requirement Year Course
This course is designed to provide students with basic knowledge and skills in the medium of fine art photography and design. Students will use digital cameras and studio lighting to make photos based on a variety of creative concepts. Composition techniques and technical camera information such as shutter speed and depth of field will be introduced. Students will use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to edit their photos and create design projects. 21st century skills will be emphasized along with media arts and photography career options. The elements & principles of design will be taught and emphasized throughout the year. Various design assignments, exposure to fine art photographers and graphic designers and class critiques are used to promote creative thinking and enhance the creative process. Students are encouraged to provide their own digital camera but NOT required. In many cases students’ personal cell phone cameras can also be used. This course qualifies as a foundation course for enrollment in AAI.
*BAND JAZZ
9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Grades – Fulfills Fine Art Requirement Year Course
Students will study and perform traditional and contemporary styles of Jazz and big band music. Other styles such as funk, blues, world, and pop music will also be examined. Students should expect to perform often around the local community as well as traveling and performing at festivals outside of our area. Instrumentation is specific to the standard jazz band style such as trumpets, trombones and saxophones, and a rhythm section piano, bass, and drums.
Course qualifies as foundation course for enrollment in the Arcata Arts Institute.
*CHOIR
9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Grades – Fulfills Fine Art Requirement Year Course
This course is a foundation level course designed to enable students wishing to develop and advance their vocal skills. Emphasis will be on vocal production including breathing techniques, range development and intonation control. Students will learn the fundamentals of music, music theory, sight singing and singing in harmony. This choir will sing a repertoire of multiple genres and have some self-directed choices.
Course qualifies as a foundation course for enrollment in Arcata Arts Institute.
*CHOIR MADRIGAL
10th, 11th, and 12th Grades – Fulfills Fine Art Requirement Year Course
This group is an advanced level choir. It is designed for highly motivated students who wish to advance their vocal skills in multiple genres. Ear training and sight singing are an important part of the curriculum. This choir performs extensively in the community and travels internationally every two years.
Course qualifies as a foundation course for enrollment in Arcata Arts Institute.
CONCERT BAND
9th-12th Grade Year Course
Students will study and perform traditional and contemporary styles of the concert band repertoire. Through the lens of the chosen repertoire, the course will focus on specific instrumental techniques, music history, world music, and an introduction to music theory. Instrumentation is specific to the concert band style, which includes flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, all saxophones, French horn, trumpet, baritone/euphonium, trombone, tuba, and percussion. Students perform for football games, in the local community, and local festivals, as well as biannual travel outside of our area. Prior playing experience is recommended. All ability levels are invited but beginners should contact the instructor before registering.
*ORCHESTRA
9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Grades – Fulfills Fine Art Requirement Year Course
This course will provide exposure to orchestral literature designed for the advancement of each student's musical development and enjoyment. Course content will include the performance aspect as well as a sound foundation of music history and theory. The course will require class rehearsals and outside participation involving performances and rehearsals for both school and community functions. Students will be expected to practice music literature covered in class on their own time. This group travels nationally and internationally every two years.
Course qualifies as a foundation course for enrollment in Arcata Arts Institute.
*ORCHESTRA HONORS
11th and 12th Grades – Fulfills Fine Art Requirement Year Course Prerequisite: Minimum of one year of Orchestra, Band Concert or Jazz
Honors orchestra is a highly select group of musicians designed for the advanced player. Special emphasis is placed on solo and chamber performance as well as regular orchestral studies. Students accepted into this program will be expected to expand their mastery of music theory, music history, and composition and write a research paper. This course runs concurrently with Orchestra.