• Music Course Descriptions

    Grade K-5 Music Classes

     

    Course Detail

    Course Description

    General Music

    Grades K-5

     

    The Elementary General Music Curriculum is a creative and active learning experience in which all K-5 elementary students participate.  The students will be exposed to musical literature, historical context, cultural diversity and exercises in creativity. By using this eclectic approach, the Elementary General Music Curriculum will be an ever-widening spiral based on the Pillars of the North Allegheny Music Curriculum to reach the whole musical learner, while also meeting the Pennsylvania Art Standards and the National Music Standards, the elementary general music classes will incorporate a wide variety of teaching techniques and approaches drawn from several schools of musical thought and research. The Elementary General Music Curriculum centers around an active understanding and use at different levels of Rhythm, Melody, Harmony, Form, Timbre, and Creativity. The main musical schools of thought include the following:

     

    The Orff approach is a way of introducing and teaching children music on a level that they can easily comprehend. Musical concepts are learned through singing, chanting, dance, movement, drama and the playing of percussion instruments. Recorders are played in grades 3, 4 and 5. Improvisation, composition and a child's natural sense of play are encouraged.

     

    The Gordon Music Learning Theory uses three basic learning sequences: skill learning, tonal content and rhythm content. As a method of instruction, the learning sequences are combined in various classroom activities. A skill level is achieved in combination with a tonal or rhythm content level.

     

    Dalcroze Eurhythmics utilizes physical movement and musical rhythms to affect the student's performance and retention of musical basics. Through participation in simple games, exercises and improvisations, the students learn to combine music and movement in order to develop rhythmic unity between the eye, ear, mind and body.

     

    The Kodaly Method uses a child-developmental approach to sequence the introduction of skills strongly focused on ear training and sight singing. Children are first introduced to musical concepts through experiences in listening, singing and movement. After the child becomes familiar with a concept, he or she then learns how to notate it. Concepts are constantly reviewed and reinforced through games, movement, songs and exercises.

     

    The above four schools of musical thought join beautifully in a unique eclectic blend of musical methods. The book series GAMEPLAN by Jeff Kriske and Randy Delelles creatively ties these concepts together in a grade by grade level plan for a school year. This curriculum will provide instructional consistency across our seven elementary schools while fostering individual creativity among our music educators.

     

     

     

     

     

    Music Course Descriptions

    Grade K-5 Music Classes

     

    Course Detail

    Course Description

    Adapted Music

    K-5

    Students in the adapted music class are learners in the Life Skills Support or Autistic Support programs.  Students will experience an eclectic array of musical experiences.  The curriculum focuses on creative movement, the playing of pitched and unpitched classroom instruments, music literacy, listening to a wide variety of musical genres, keeping a steady beat and developing an overall appreciation for music and the arts.

    Band

    Grades 4-5

    The beginning band program in the North Allegheny School District is designed for 1st and 2nd year players in 4th and 5th grades.  Students may try band instruments at the end of grades 3rd or 4th grade to choose an instrument to study in the following school year.   Instruction is offered on flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and percussion.  Parents may rent or purchase an instrument from outside vendors for their child.

     

    There are two components in beginning band instruction; students meet in a small group 30-minute lesson each week, and a 45-minute large full-band rehearsal each week.  Throughout lessons and band rehearsals, students are expected to perform with a sense of tone, breath support, intonation, rhythm, harmony and articulation.

     

    The bands perform two in-school assemblies and two evening concerts per school year.

    Chorus

    Grades 4-5

    In 4th and 5th grade Chorus, the students will learn basic singing techniques to best develop the physical body as a singing instrument.  During the two-year elementary chorus experience, the student will focus on five main vocal elements.  First is Respiration: learning to coordinate breathing to support the voice for speaking and singing production.  The second is Phonation: developing agility in the various vocal registers. The third is Resonant Tone Production: producing uniform vowel colors when singing. Diction is the fourth unit: including word pronunciation, consonant articulation, and vocal tract freedom (i.e. correct positioning of the parts of the mouth and throat).  The final concept is Expression: covering phrasing, meaning and mood of a song and learning to execute tempo and dynamic variations. These elements are incorporated simultaneously over the two-year elementary choral experience.

    Orchestra

    Grades 4-5

    Beginning in grade 4, students have the opportunity to play a string instrument in the school orchestra. Students who wish to play a string instrument can try out the violin, viola, or cello at the end of the 3rd grade year in preparation for the following year.  After one year of string instrument study, students may speak with their orchestra teacher if they wish to play the string bass. The string students in the elementary schools meet twice a week for class; once for a half hour small group lesson consisting of 4-6 students and once for a 45-minute rehearsal in a large ensemble.  Elementary orchestras perform two in-school assemblies and two evening concerts per school year.

    Students have the opportunity to continue string instrument study through 12th grade. There are over 1,700 students playing a string instrument in the District. We have dedicated string specialists that service the students in 4th through 12th grades.  There are seven elementary schools, three middle schools, an intermediate school and a high school.

     

     


     

    Music Course Descriptions

    Grade 6-8 Music Classes

     

    Course Detail

    Course Description

    General Music

    Grades 6-8

     

    General Music is the study of music performance, history, theory, technology, and appreciation of the arts across various cultures approached by the following means:

     

    1.  Understanding many types of music through the study of guided listening, and moving to music.

    2.  Understanding and using music notation as a means to perform and compose music.

    3.  Understanding musical structures and forms by analyzing musical examples.

    4.  Creating music by improvising, composing, and arranging music for voices, instruments, computers and electro-acoustical instruments.

     

    General Music develops musical skills and understanding not readily acquired through ordinary school or social experiences.  Students who have completed the prescribed sequence of General Music courses should listen to music with understanding, describe music verbally and/or non-verbally, read music notation, perform music, and improvise and/or compose music.  These courses include African drumming, guitar playing, keyboard playing, music history, music theory, and composition.

    Adapted Music

    Grades 6-8

    Students who enroll in middle school Adapted Music are learners in the Life Skills Support or Autistic Support programs.  Class activities may include reading, writing and performing music using the voice, pitched/non-pitched percussion, sometimes using visual association of instruments and musical symbols.  Students may use locomotor and non-locomotor movement, including dance sequencing in moving to music, often to a steady beat.

    Band

    Grades 6-8

    The North Allegheny Middle School Band program includes instruction on wind and percussion instruments.  Band is a co-curricular performance class that is offered in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades with students grouped according to grade level and instrument choice.  This class meets every other day and the full ensemble meets during activity period. In the small group setting, students focus on reviewing concepts, skills and information learned in elementary band but at a higher level of proficiency and understanding in keeping with the spiral curriculum.  In class, emphasis is placed on proper breath support, embouchure development, tone quality, aural skills, intonation, instrument technique, music reading, listening skills, ensemble playing and teamwork.  Within this curriculum, students can expect to perform a varied repertoire of music.  Students will also learn appropriate rehearsal and concert etiquette.   Students are not auditioned for inclusion in the program. Each group performs in two formal concerts (winter and spring) as well as assemblies and other performances throughout the year.

    Chorus

    Grades 6-8

    The North Allegheny Middle School Choral program is a natural progression from the elementary choral program.  The goal of middle school vocal music is to support and develop the adolescent changing voice by performing literature that is vocally age-appropriate while developing independent musicianship.  Students in the middle school choral program will sing a diverse repertoire that teaches them about the development of choral music. The courses include instruction in healthy vocal technique, proper tone production, and comprehensive musicianship. Within each grade level, there is an emphasis on independent musicianship including aural development, reading music, and part-singing depending on the grade and level of ensemble. Chorus students in the middle school meet every other day as a scheduled academic class.

    Orchestra

    Grades 6-8

    The North Allegheny Middle School Orchestra program consists of any student with experience playing a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass).  Orchestra students in the middle school meet every other day as a scheduled class. The orchestra performs literature of varying styles and time periods throughout the school year. 

     

    Music Course Descriptions

    Grade 9-12 Music Electives (NAI and NASH)

     

    Course Detail

    Course Description

    Music Theory and Composition I

     

    Semester/Full Time

    Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

    Credit .5

     

    This course provides the foundation for all other music theory and composition classes.  The focus is on mastering the fundamentals of music through literature and composition.  The student will learn how to hear, read, write, analyze, and compose music from diverse genres. Students will learn to become independent musicians who can transfer their skills to any instrument, ensemble, or composition.

     

    This course is an absolute must for anyone considering a career in music. It will also provide the non-music major with valuable skills that will enable him/her to understand and enjoy music better. Students do not have to be able to play an instrument to take this course nor is any prior music background required.

    Music Theory and Composition II

       

    Semester/Full Time

    ·    Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

    ·    Credit .5

    This course is an extension of Music Theory and Composition I. This level includes more advanced studies of melody and harmony. The student will continue to develop skills needed in order to learn how to hear music and write it down, how to read music, how to write music, how to analyze music and how to compose music.

    Honors Music Theory and Composition III

       

    Semester/Full Time

    ·    Grades 10, 11, 12

    Credit .5

    The dominant seventh chord is the first topic covered in the third level of music theory. Students will be able to build, analyze, and part write dominant seventh chords. This includes proper resolution of the seventh. Modulation, closely related keys, common chord modulation, phrase modulation, and chromatic modulation are also covered. These are all advanced skills that university and college students must possess. The student will continue to develop skills needed in order to learn how to hear music and write it down, how to read music, how to write music, how to analyze music and how to compose music.

    Electronic Music

     

    Semester/Full Time

    ·    Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

         Credit .5  

    This course improves students’ listening, reading, performing and creating skills. The student will learn how to operate electronic music-making equipment, how to program and play a sound synthesizer and a music computer.  The student will study a wide range of composers and styles of music to help them create original music projects. Students do not have to be able to play an instrument to take this course.

    Advanced Electronic Music

     

          Semester/Full Time

          Grades 9, 10, 11, 12          

          Credit .5

    This course is a continuation of Electronic Music.  The student will create projects through the use of recording techniques, sound synthesizers and computers.  The course also includes activities to improve the student’s ear-training and music analysis skills.

    Songwriting

     

    · Semester/Full Time

    · Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

    · Credit .5

     

    Activities in this course include: Creating original music, learning to use different kinds of instruments and sound-generating equipment, and how to express ideas to others by writing, performing, and recording music. Included is arranging for various instrument kinds, learning how artists develop their musical idea, and how to develop a musical idea into a final performance. Topics covered include: melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, form, and various song styles.

    Honors Music Theory

     

    · Full Year/Full Time

    · Grades 11, 12

    · Credit 1

     

    The Honors Music Theory class is designed for students who have an interest in becoming a well-rounded musician.  It is open to all Juniors and Seniors who have previous experience in music theory courses, music technology courses, or previous theory knowledge.

     

    The class meets every day for the entire school year. It incorporates advanced web-based lessons, harmonic analysis, music history, aural development, sight-singing, composition, keyboard harmony, and melodic dictation.  Students utilize a variety of music writing software such as Finale, GarageBand, and Reason to create original compositions.

     

    Students are encouraged to take Honors Music Theory during their junior year and AP Music during their senior year.  Honors Music Theory provides an opportunity for students to take more time to develop aural skills and compositional techniques.

     

    Prerequisite: Previous music theory or electronic music classes, teacher recommendation, or successful completion of the entrance exam.

    Advanced Placement Music

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 11, 12

    Credit 1

     

    Advanced Placement Music is designed for students who have desire to develop their knowledge and application of music theory and composition to the highest level.  It is open to all Juniors and Seniors who have previous experience in music theory courses, music technology courses, or previous theory knowledge.  Students are encouraged to take Honors Music Theory before taking AP Music.

     

    AP Music is a natural progression from Honors Music Theory.  The course focuses on advanced harmonic analysis, part-writing procedures, and non-traditional harmony.  There is also a strong emphasis on advanced aural skills and creative composition leading up to twentieth-century music including non-traditional instruments and technologies.

     

    Prerequisite: Honors Music Theory, teacher recommendation, or successful completion of the entrance exam.

    Concert Band

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 9, 10

    Credit 1

     

    The Intermediate High School Concert Band is designed for brass, woodwind, and percussion students in 9th and 10th grades.  This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform a variety of music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions.  Students are expected to have a sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation.  In addition to the band repertoire, theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed.

     

    Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required.  After school rehearsals may also be required. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or NAfME honors festivals, Marching Band, and\or chamber ensembles including Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.

    Symphonic Band

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 9, 10

    Credit 1

     

    The Intermediate High School Symphonic Band is designed for the advancing brass, woodwind, and percussion student in 9th and 10th grades.  This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform medium to advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions.  Students are expected to have an above average sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation.  In addition to the band repertoire, theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed.  Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required.  After school rehearsals may also be required.  Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or NAfME honors festivals, Marching Band, and\or chamber ensembles including Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.

    Honors Wind Ensemble

     

    · Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 9, 10

    Credit 1

     

    The Intermediate High School Wind Ensemble is designed for the most serious and advanced brass, woodwind, and percussion student in 9th and 10th grades.  This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform the most advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions.  Students are expected to have a highly developed sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation.  In addition to the band repertoire, advanced theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed.  Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required. After school rehearsals may also be required. Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or NAfME honors festivals, Marching Band, and\or chamber ensembles including Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.

    String Orchestra

     

    ·  Full Year/Full Time

    · -Grades 9, 10

    · -Credit 1

     

    The String Orchestra is for students with previous experience playing a string instrument. This course meets every day as a scheduled class. This course gives students the opportunity to improve techniques unique to orchestra and string music and prepares them for public performance. String Orchestra students perform with all students of the high school orchestra program in the “Golden Strolling Strings” program. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances is required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians interested in participating in PMEA honors festivals must be enrolled in String Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra.

    Honors Chamber Orchestra

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 9, 10

    Credit 1

     

    The Chamber Orchestra is for the most serious and advanced string player in 9th and 10th grades. The members of this ensemble are selected through audition and the ensemble meets every day as a scheduled class. This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform the most advanced music written for string orchestra. Students are expected to have a highly developed sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, and harmony. Advanced theoretical and technical concepts will also be addressed.  Chamber Orchestra students perform with all students of the high school orchestra program in the “Golden Strolling Strings” program. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances is required. There may also be required after school rehearsals. Musicians interested in participating in PMEA honors festivals must be enrolled in String Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra.

    Choral Ensemble

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

    Credit 1

    This course is for 9th and 10th grade girls who are either continuing their vocal development from middle school or singing in a choir for the first time. This class performs many different styles of music in various periods as they sing two and three part treble music.  Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of tone, intonation, rhythm, sight singing and harmony. This choir sings at two mandatory performances per year along with two mandatory after school rehearsals prior to each concert. Grading is based on in-class singing tests, written quizzes, daily participation, and combined rehearsal and concert attendance.

    Choral I

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 9, 10

    Credit 1

    This course is for 9th grade girls and boys who are either continuing their vocal development from middle school or singing in a choir for the first time. This class performs many different styles of music in various periods as they sing three and beginning four part literature.  Students are expected to have a good knowledge of tone, intonation, rhythm, sight singing, harmony, and good personal vocal awareness. This choir sings at two mandatory performances per year along with two mandatory after school rehearsals prior to each concert. Grading is based on in-class singing tests, written quizzes, daily participation, and combined rehearsal and concert attendance.

    Choral I

     

    Full Year/Part Time

    Grade 9

    Credit .5

     

    Same as Choral I on a part time basis for .5 credit. This course is for 9th grade girls and boys who are either continuing their vocal development from middle school or singing in a choir for the first time. This class performs many different styles of music in various periods as they sing three and beginning four part literature.  Students are expected to have a good knowledge of tone, intonation, rhythm, sight singing, harmony, and good personal vocal awareness. This choir sings at two mandatory performances per year along with two mandatory after school rehearsals prior to each concert. Grading is based on in-class singing tests, written quizzes, daily participation, and combined rehearsal and concert attendance.

    Choral II

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 9, 10

    Credit 1

     

    This course is for 10th grade girls and boys who are continuing their vocal development from the 9th grade choir. This class performs many different styles of music in various periods as they sing three and four part literature.  Students are expected to have a good knowledge of tone, intonation, rhythm, sight singing, harmony, and good personal vocal awareness.  A continuation of vocal training and music literacy prepares students to advance into Concert Choir and Chamber Choir.   This choir sings at two mandatory performances per year along with two mandatory after school rehearsals prior to each concert. Grading is based on in-class singing tests, written quizzes, daily participation, and combined rehearsal and concert attendance.

    Choral II

     

    Full Year/Part Time

    Grade 10

    Credit .5

     

    Same as Choral II on a part time basis for .5 credits. This course is for 10th grade girls and boys who are continuing their vocal development from the 9th grade choir. This class performs many different styles of music in various periods as they sing three and four part literature.  Students are expected to have a good knowledge of tone, intonation, rhythm, sight singing, harmony, and good personal vocal awareness.  A continuation of vocal training and music literacy prepares students to advance into Concert Choir and Chamber Choir.   This choir sings at two mandatory performances per year along with two mandatory after school rehearsals prior to each concert. Grading is based on in-class singing tests, written quizzes, daily participation, and combined rehearsal and concert attendance.

    Honors Chamber Choir

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 10, 11, 12

    Credit 1

     

    This course is a vocal ensemble designed for only the most serious singer. Students will perform many different styles of music with more challenging literature than previously handled. Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances is required. Special emphasis will be placed on sight-reading, adaptations of different styles of music, diction, blending of voices, and vocal quality.

    Concert Choir Male

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 11, 12

    Credit 1

    This course is a vocal ensemble for singers with previous experience singing in a Choral setting. This choir will give the students the opportunity to sing many different styles of music in various periods. Students are expected to have a good sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, and harmony, and will perform at least three concerts per year with mandatory attendance. The Concert Choir is the largest of the three vocal ensembles at the Senior High School level. This group travels every other year with a performance as well as an adjudication. Students should be aware that outside-of-school performances are required.

    Concert Choir Female

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 11, 12

    Credit 1

     

    This course is a vocal ensemble for singers with previous experience singing in a Choral setting. This choir will give the students the opportunity to sing many different styles of music in various periods. Students are expected to have a good sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, and harmony, and will perform at least three concerts per year with mandatory attendance. The Concert Choir is the largest of the three vocal ensembles at the Senior High School level. This group travels every other year with a performance as well as an adjudication. Students should be aware that outside-of-school performances are required.

    Concert Band

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 11, 12

    Credit 1

     

    The Senior High School Concert Band is designed for brass, woodwind, and percussion students in grades 11 and 12.  This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform a variety music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions.  Students are expected to have a sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation.  In addition to the band repertoire, theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed.  Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required.  There may also be required after school rehearsals.  Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or NAfME honors festivals, Marching Band, and\or chamber ensembles including Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.

    Symphonic Band

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 11, 12

    Credit 1

     

    The Senior High School Symphonic Band is designed for the advancing brass, woodwind, and percussion student in grades 11 and 12.  This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform medium to advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions.  Students are expected to have an above average sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation.  In addition to the band repertoire, theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed.  Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required.  There may also be required after school rehearsals.  Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or NAfME honors festivals, Marching Band, and\or chamber ensembles including Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.

    Honors Wind Ensemble

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 11, 12

    Credit 1

     

    The Senior High School Wind Ensemble is designed for the most serious and advanced brass, woodwind, and percussion student in grades 11 and 12.  This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform the most advanced music written for the modern band as well as orchestral transcriptions.  Students are expected to have a highly developed sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, harmony, and articulation.  In addition to the band repertoire, advanced theoretical and technical concepts appropriate to individual instruments will also be addressed.  Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances are all required.  There may also be required after school rehearsals.  Musicians wishing to participate in AV, PMEA, or NAfME honors festivals, Marching Band, and\or chamber ensembles including Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble must be enrolled in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.

    String Orchestra

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 11, 12

    Credit 1

     

    The String Orchestra is for students with previous experience playing a string instrument.  This course meets every day as a scheduled class.  This course gives students the opportunity to improve techniques unique to orchestra and string music and prepares them for public performance. String Orchestra students perform with all students of the high school orchestra program in the “Golden Strolling Strings” program.  Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances is required.  There may also be required after school rehearsals.  Musicians interested in participating in PMEA honors festivals must be enrolled in String Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra.

    Honors Chamber Orchestra

     

    Full Year/Full Time

    Grades 11, 12

    Credit 1

     

    The Chamber Orchestra is for the most serious and advanced string player in grades 11 and 12.  This ensemble is by audition only and meets every day as a scheduled class. This ensemble will rehearse, study, and perform the most advanced music written for string orchestra.  Students are expected to have a highly developed sense of tone, intonation, rhythm, and harmony.  Advanced theoretical and technical concepts will also be addressed.  Chamber Orchestra students perform with all students of the high school orchestra program in the “Golden Strolling Strings” program.  Students should be aware that participation in school concerts as well as outside of school performances is required.  There may also be required after school rehearsals.  Musicians interested in participating in PMEA honors festivals must be enrolled in String Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra.

    Computer Multi-Media Arts

     

    Semester/Full Time

    Grades 11, 12

    Credit .5

     

    In this course, the students design and create original media-rich websites and computer multimedia presentations that include animation, video, photography, graphics, sound, and music.  Students shoot, edit, montage, and apply special digital photo effects in Photoshop. Students shoot, edit, composite, and create special effects in video using Final Cut Pro software. Students learn sound recording, editing and design, and compose MIDI music using GarageBand. Students create animation and dynamic web content using Flash software. In the independent final project, students are encouraged to work to their interests and strengths, emphasizing a particular subject or artistic discipline. Projects have included digital art or music portfolios, web site development, online exhibits, learning games, multimedia stage performances, videos, and interactive presentations on a variety of topics. The course emphasizes conception and planning, solving design challenges, personal artistic expression, and communication through new media technology. The course provides a foundation for those planning for careers in the growing field of web and multimedia design as well as for the casual user.

    Computer Multi-Media Arts II

     

    Semester/Full Time

    Grades 11, 12

    Credit .5

    This course is a continuation of Multi-Media Arts. In this course, the students continue to design and create original media-rich websites and computer multimedia presentations that include animation, video, photography, graphics, sound, and music. Advanced animation topics and installation art will be covered. The course provides a stronger foundation for those planning for careers in the growing field of web and multimedia design as well as for the casual user.