Performing & Fine Arts Department

La Salle has an outstanding Performing & Fine Arts program. As an essential part of our college preparatory community, our educators provide excellence in both teaching of content and in fostering a deep appreciation of the human need to express itself in art, music, or drama.

Visual Arts include 2-D applications such as drawing, printmaking, painting, mixed media, photography, and design principles as well as 3-D applications, including ceramics and sculpture. AP Studio Art is an intensive college level course for students interested in building a strong portfolio of work.

Musical Fine Arts include choir, guitar, jazz band, concert band, and music technology. As one of the most popular electives, choir performs at events, mass, Baccalaureate, and more. Beginning and advanced guitar students learn both musical theory and practice in a variety of genres including classical, folk, liturgical, blues and more. Jazz and Concert Band musicians study music history, improvisation, and perform at various events throughout the year.

Performing & Fine Arts Courses

Art Foundations

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1.0, Full Year

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: None

Students will be introduced to the basic foundations of Visual Arts including 2D applications such as Drawing, Printmaking, Painting, Mixed Media, Photography, and Design Principles as well as 3D applications, including Ceramics and Sculpture.Emphasis is placed on students’ understanding of the elements and principles of art. Demonstration of that understanding will be shown through student-centered art projects in a variety of mediums. Art history, Art theory, scientific principles in visual arts, and Art Criticism will also be integrated into learning, research, and exploration. Students will have opportunities to compete in National, State, and local competitions. Art Foundations meets the Fine Arts graduation requirement.

Advanced Art 2D

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1.0, Full Year

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: Art Foundations

Advanced art students will continue study in Drawing, and begin to be more independent in areas of study, including Printmaking, Painting, Mixed Media, Photography, Graphic Design, Digital Art, Mixed Media processes. Students will build a portfolio of work and learn to document, photograph and build a website for their artwork. Students will have opportunities to compete in national, state, and local competitions. Art 2D will prepare students for AP Studio Art coursework.

Advanced Art 3D

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1.0, Full Year

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: Art Foundations

Advanced art students will be introduced to Art Fabrication including Ceramics, Mixed Media Sculpture, Jewelry, Paper, Metals, Wood, and Glass. Students will learn elements of design and art in relation to 3D art projects. Students will build a portfolio of work and learn to document, photograph and build a website for their artwork. Students will have opportunities to compete in national, state, and local competitions. Art 3D will prepare students for AP Studio Art coursework.

AP Studio Art

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1.0, Full Year

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: Art Foundations, Advanced Art 2D or Advanced Art 3D

AP Studio art is a college-level course designed for serious art students who are looking to build a strong portfolio of work. The AP College Board studio classes are based on the completion of a portfolio that is submitted digitally and physically to the college board. The portfolio consists of two sections, the sustained investigation and selected works. Student portfolios are reviewed by college, university, and secondary school art instructors using rigorous standards. This CollegeBoard program provides the only national standard for performance in the visual arts that allows students to earn college credit and/or advanced placement while still in high school. The curriculum for this course aligns with The College Board requirements. Students are encouraged to compete in various international and national art competitions as well as state and local contests.

Concert Choir

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1.0, Full Year

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: None

La Salle Concert Choir is open to all students who want to learn how to improve their voice and sing in a choir. Students will perform in concerts, competitions, festivals, and other events. They will develop an appreciation for and an interest in music and the fine arts as a part of their lives. This choir class can be taken for credit each year (freshman through senior year) and can be taken for all 4 years. Choir is a year-long class and fulfills 1.0 credit of the Fine Arts requirement. With the teacher's recommendation, students can opt to have half of their year fulfill their Speech Requirement (.5 credit). Students in this class can compete in district and state solo festivals and choir festivals.

Morning Choir

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1.0, Full Year

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: None

Morning Choir is open to all students who want to improve their voice and sing in a choir. The class is designed for students who have a scheduling conflict with other Choir classes. Morning Choir will perform with the Concert Choir at Christmas and Spring concerts, and other community and school events. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in the Oregon Music Educators Association solo and ensemble contests. Morning Choir will meet Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. Morning Choir is a year-long class and is open to all students. Students in this class can compete in district and state solo festivals and choir festivals.

Band

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1.0, Full Year

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: Beginner playing ability on a woodwind, brass, string or percussion instrument, as well as a beginner’s knowledge of reading music

This class is for students to participate in an instrumental wind band ensemble. Students may participate on their woodwind, brass, string or percussion instruments. This performance-based ensemble will focus on performing selections of classical, jazz and popular music. Students will be taught to develop their ear-training in order to transcribe and arrange music for the ensemble as a creative composing activity. Students will perform for school concerts (December and May), a selection of athletic events at La Salle, spring graduation, and other special events throughout the year. Attendance is required at all performances.

Beginning Guitar

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1.0, Full Year

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: None

Open to any student who wants to learn to play guitar. Students learn about music in theory and practice. Students study various guitar styles including classical, folk, liturgical, blues and others. They compose pieces as well as play standard repertoire. Students perform in concerts and other events. Students develop an appreciation for and an interest in music and the fine arts as a part of their lives. Meets the Fine Arts graduation requirement.

Advanced Guitar

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1.0, Full Year

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: Beginning Guitar

Advanced Guitar students will learn about music in theory and practice as they continue their studies after Beginning Guitar. Students will study various guitar styles including classical, folk, rock, blues and others. Students will compose pieces as well as play standard repertoire of various styles. Students will perform in concerts and other events. If students declare it at the beginning of the year, students can obtain a .5 fine arts credit and a .5 speech credit. These students must be in the class the entire year. These

students will be given speeches in class throughout the year. Students who have private teachers can have the opportunity to take Advanced Guitar without taking Beginning Guitar if they can pass a proficiency exam. Advanced Guitar can be taken for more than one year.

Music Technology

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 0.5, Semester

Credit Status: Satisfies 0.5 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: None

Students will be introduced to electronic music, MIDI, piano, sound systems, audacity, digital and analog audio, and Propellerhead's Reason. This project-based class will provide students with the proper tools to create and master an original music composition using the computer programs Audacity, Garage Band and Reason 7.0. Students will learn the basics of musical notation, harmony, composition, styles and aesthetics. Students will have the opportunity to perform original compositions in a final class concert. No musical background needed.

Introduction to Theater Arts

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1.0, Full Year

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: None

Provides an overall intro to the theatrical art and its practices with a primary focus on theatre appreciation, criticism and performing. Open to any student of any grade level who has little or no theatrical experience or training. Meets the Fine Arts graduation requirement and can also fulfill the speech requirement as it provides training in vocal and performing skills. Students using this class for both Fine Arts and Speech will be granted 0.5 credit in Fine Arts and 0.5 credit in Speech. * Spring semester requires ONE after school project.

Introduction to Theatre Production & Design

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1.0, Full Year

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: None

This course is an introduction to production design class combined with stagecraft. Students will learn about all elements of design such as costuming, make-up and hair, sound, lights, and construction techniques. This class will explore some of the philosophies behind different design concepts as well as serve as a practical course with enrolled students working as crew on La Salle productions. Students enrolled in this class will be required to be available outside of class on specific calendar days. This course counts towards the Fine Arts graduation requirement.

Designing & Directing

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1.0, Full Year

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: Introduction to Theater Arts and teacher approval

This is primarily a performance-based class with emphasis on acting styles and approaches, audition techniques, theatre history, as well as formal script and character analysis and directing | producing. The primary focus of the first semester will be on production techniques and the development of storytelling styles and theatrical conventions. Students will learn acting techniques as well as write and direct their own shorts. The second semester will focus on production and design in storytelling for the stage. Acting and Directing students will also be responsible for the production aspects of the Original Works One-Acts Festival and development of various designs, such as costumes, props, sets, etc. Students using this class for both Fine Arts and Speech will be granted 0.5 credit in Fine Arts and 0.5 credit in Speech. * Please note there are some after school projects required with this class.

Advanced Acting & Production

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 0.5, Semester

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: Introduction to Theater Arts and teacher approval

The purpose of Advanced Acting & Production at La Salle Prep is to further develop the art-form of acting and prepare the student for a lifetime of learning and service to art and the world. As a performance-based class, students are expected to produce a full-length show. Students have an opportunity to develop their interest and talent in the various skills needed in mounting a production; such as acting, lighting, sound design, set production, costume design, and production make-up artistry etc. This course counts towards the Fine Arts graduation requirement.

Filmmaking & Screenwriting

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1.0, Full Year

Credit Status: Satisfies 1.0 of Fine Arts graduation requirement

Prerequisite: Demonstrate an interest in filmmaking and screenwriting

This new filmmaking course will feature a mixture of project based and dynamic online curriculum for students interested in developing as digital storytellers. It is appropriate for students motivated to learn about cinema as an important medium for self-expression and art. This course will be project intense, time-consuming, structured, and rewarding. Filmmaking is a time-sensitive activity and requires each student work in a cooperative environment and show leadership in managing time, personalities, and projects. Because a portion of this class is online, students will be expected to, at times, work independently while still managing deadlines.