Visual and Performing Arts
- Visual and Performing Arts: Visual Arts
- Visual and Performing Arts: Music/Choir
- Visual and Performing Arts: Music/Instrumental
Visual and Performing Arts: Visual Arts
Visual and Performing Arts: Visual Arts
Foundations in Art Course #6107-6108
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $20
Foundations in Art is a survey course designed to give students a broad exposure to the fine arts. Students will learn and apply the elements and principles of art as they create. Various media will be used to explore art making and its relationship to our history and various cultures. Critical thinking will be used to assess and analyze the merits of personal work as well as that of others.
Ceramics 1-2 Course #6131-6132
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $40
This introductory two-semester course focuses on the skills and knowledge of important hand-building techniques that include pinching, coil building, and slab building. Students will create a range of ceramic sculpture and functional pottery by hand with a brief introduction to the wheel. Students will apply their learned understanding of the elements of art and principles of design to their constructed pieces, as well as studying the work of some modern ceramists and sculptors.
Ceramics 3-4 Course #6133-6134
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ceramics 1-2 and/or recommendation of instructor
In Ceramics 3-4, students will focus on advanced hand-building and wheel throwing skills and techniques to generate a body of work. During this course, students will spend time exploring different decorative methods and the design process of artmaking. A clear use of the elements of art and principles of design will be incorporated into their work and the process of critiques used to evaluate student work. Reflection, discussion, and presentation of work are expected in this advanced course.
Ceramics 5-6 (H) Course #6135-6136
Full year = 1 credit (Honors)
Lab Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ceramics 3-4 and/or recommendation of the instructor
In Ceramics 5-6, students will continue to expand on their knowledge of ceramic sculpting, wheel throwing, firing, and decorative surface techniques in this course. Students will research important technical and artistic developments in ceramics and its uses worldwide as well as the work of contemporary ceramic artists to build upon a foundation established with the first 2 years of study. Students may be asked to submit work to exhibit or to present work in a portfolio at this level.
Ceramics 7-8 (H) Course #6137-6138
Full year = 1 credit (Honors)
Lab Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ceramics 5-6 and/or recommendation of the instructor
In this final year of study, ceramics 7-8 students will have the opportunity to pursue and refine their artistic voice using the ceramic medium and the continued study of important historic and contemporary ceramic artists. Using the previous year’s foundational experiences, it is expected that students will demonstrate a high level of technical proficiency and knowledge in the area of ceramics. Students will create a body of exhibition quality work and build a portfolio for presentation at the end of this course.
Drawing 1-2 Course #6141-6142
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1-2 and/or recommendation of the instructor
Drawing 1-2 is an introductory course designed for high school students interested in exploring the fundamentals of visual art through the medium of drawing. This course emphasizes the development of technical skills, creative expression, and an understanding of artistic concepts and techniques. Students will learn to observe and depict the world around them using a variety of materials, including pencil, charcoal, ink, and pastels. The curriculum focuses on essential drawing techniques such as line, shape, value, texture, perspective, and composition. Through guided practice, students will create works that demonstrate their understanding of proportion, spatial relationships, and light and shadow.
Drawing 3-4 Course #6143-6144
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drawing 1-2 and/or recommendation of the instructor
Drawing 3-4 is a course designed for students who wish to further refine their artistic skills and creative voice. This course builds on foundational techniques, focusing on mastery of drawing concepts and personal artistic development.
Students will explore advanced techniques in a variety of media, such as graphite, charcoal, ink, colored pencils, and mixed media, while delving deeper into concepts of composition, form, texture, and advanced perspective. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing observational skills, developing dynamic compositions, and experimenting with expressive and conceptual approaches to art-making. This course also introduces students to life drawing, portraiture, and thematic works, encouraging them to explore complex subjects and individual narratives.
Drawing 5-6 (H) Course #6145-6146
Full year = 1 credit (Honors)
Lab Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drawing 3-4 and/or recommendation of the instructor
Drawing 5-6 is an honors course designed for students who are ready to further hone their artistic skills, explore complex themes, and develop a unique artistic voice. This course emphasizes independence, technical refinement, and conceptual depth. Students will engage in advanced techniques across a variety of drawing media, including graphite, ink, charcoal, pastels, and mixed media, while experimenting with innovative approaches to traditional and contemporary art practices. The curriculum focuses on advanced principles of design, abstraction, narrative art, and portfolio development.
Drawing 7-8 (H) Course #6117-6118
Full year = 1 credit (Honors)
Lab Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drawing 5-6
Drawing 7-8 is an honors course designed for highly motivated students who wish to pursue advanced mastery in drawing. This capstone course emphasizes individual artistic exploration, technical expertise, and professional portfolio development. Students will focus on creating a cohesive body of work that reflects their personal artistic voice and vision. The curriculum encourages deep engagement with complex concepts, innovative use of materials, and experimentation with advanced techniques. Students will explore traditional and contemporary drawing methods, integrating mixed media, digital tools, and interdisciplinary approaches as desired. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to self-directed projects, allowing students to design, execute, and refine works that align with their artistic goals. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative critique sessions are integral to the course, fostering a professional mindset and a deeper understanding of the creative process.
Painting 1-2 Course #6151-6152
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1-2 or Foundations in Art
Painting 1-2 is an introductory course designed for high school students interested in exploring the art of painting. This year-long course emphasizes foundational techniques, creative expression, and an understanding of color theory and composition. Students will learn to work with a variety of painting mediums, such as acrylics, watercolors, and tempera, while gaining an understanding of essential techniques, including brushwork, blending, layering, and texture. The curriculum focuses on the elements and principles of art, teaching students how to create dynamic compositions that convey mood and meaning.
Painting 3-4 Course #6153-6154
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Painting 1-2
Painting 3-4 is an intermediate-level course designed for school students who wish to further refine their skills and explore advanced painting techniques. This course emphasizes technical growth, creative exploration, and the development of a personal artistic style. Students will expand their mastery of painting mediums, including acrylics, watercolors, and mixed media, while exploring advanced concepts such as composition, perspective, and thematic storytelling. The curriculum challenges students to experiment with techniques such as glazing, impasto, and color layering to enhance their work's depth and complexity.
Painting 5-6 (H) Course #6155-6156
Full year = 1 credit (Honors)
Lab Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Painting 3-4
Painting 5-6 is an honors course for are ready to elevate their painting skills, explore complex artistic concepts, and refine their personal artistic voice. This course emphasizes independent exploration, mastery of techniques, and preparation for portfolio development. Students will work with a wide range of painting media, including acrylics, watercolors, oils, and mixed media, to create sophisticated and meaningful works of art. The curriculum encourages experimentation with advanced techniques such as underpainting, glazing, palette knife work, and nontraditional approaches to painting.
Painting 7-8 (H) Course #6117-6118
Full year = 1 credit (Honors)
Lab Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Painting 5-6
Painting 7-8 is an honors course designed for highly motivated high school students who wish to achieve mastery in painting. This course focuses on independent artistic exploration, technical refinement, and the development of a professional-level portfolio. Students will create a cohesive body of work that reflects their personal artistic vision and explores complex themes and ideas. They will work with advanced painting media, including acrylics, watercolors, oils, and mixed media, while experimenting with innovative techniques and approaches. The curriculum emphasizes conceptual depth, dynamic compositions, and pushing creative boundaries. Students will engage in self-directed projects, guided by mentorship, with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving. They will study significant historical and contemporary artists, participate in critiques, and refine their ability to analyze and present their work.
Students will be expected to participate in the Scholastic Arts Competition and in the AP College Board Portfolio process (not necessarily for AP College Board credit).
Visual and Performing Arts: Music/Choir
Visual and Performing Arts: Music/Choir
Concert Choir Course #6801-6802
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $20
Honors credit available for students who complete additional requirements
Concert Choir is a course open to all students interested in vocal performance. This course involves the study of and participation in vocal performance, training in proper vocal technique, and refinement of musicianship skills such as sight-reading, ear training, musical interpretation, and expression. Students are required to participate in co-curricular rehearsals and performances beyond the school day to receive class credit. Class performances will include but are not limited to Fall, Winter, Zone, Spring, and Festival.
Advanced Choir Course #6803-6804
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $40
Honors credit available for students who complete additional requirements
This course is open to all advanced choir students interested in continuing the development of singing skills, multi-part singing, sight reading, and other musicianship skills. With this training, students will be eligible to audition for Treble Choir or another advanced choir, as well as for Washoe County School District Honor Choir and Nevada All-State Choir. Students are required to participate in co-curricular rehearsals and performances beyond the school day to receive class credit. Class performances will include but are not limited to Fall, Winter, Zone, Spring, and Festival.
Treble Choir Course #6809-6810
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $20
Honors credit available for students who complete additional requirements
This is an advanced course designed for students interested in singing and performing with an all-treble choir. Literature ranging from traditional to contemporary will be covered. Chorus will be divided into three and four-part arrangement (SSA, SSAA). Students are eligible to audition for Advanced Choir (Intermezzo) as well as for Washoe County School District Honor Choir and Nevada All-State Choir. Students are required to participate in co-curricular rehearsals and performances beyond the school day to receive class credit. Class performances will include but are not limited to Fall, Winter, Zone, Spring, and Festival.
Chorale Course #6813-6814
Full year = 1 credit
This course is open to all beginning choir/general music students interested in learning to sing, read music, and explore musical concepts. With this training, students will be eligible to advance to the Concert Choir or audition for Treble Choir, Intermediate Choir or Advanced Choir. Students may be required to participate in co-curricular rehearsals and performances beyond the school day to receive class credit. Class performances may include but are not limited to Fall, Winter, Zone, Spring, and Festival.
VSNS Choral Course #6817-6818
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $20
Honors credit available for students who complete additional requirements
The vocal ensemble class is designed for advanced choral students interested in singing madrigals, vocal jazz, and a cappella music of many styles. This class will not exceed 16 students (four on each vocal part) to qualify for district and state ensemble competitions. The emphasis will be tone production, beauty, and blend. Students in this class will be expected to audition for WCSD Honor Choir and Nevada All-State Choir. In addition, students will be expected to sing with the ensemble at district and state solo/ensemble festivals and competitions.
Vocal Solo Ensemble Course #6819-6820
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $20
The vocal ensemble class is designed for advanced choral students interested in singing madrigals, vocal jazz, and a cappella music of many styles. This class will not exceed 16 students (four on each vocal part) to qualify for district and state ensemble competitions. The emphasis will be tone production, beauty, and blend. Students in this class will be expected to audition for WCSD Honor Choir and Nevada All-State Choir. In addition, students will be expected to sing with the ensemble at district and state solo/ensemble festivals and competitions
Visual and Performing Arts: Music/Instrumental
Visual and Performing Arts: Music/Instrumental
Concert Orchestra Course #6641-6642
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $40
Prerequisite: Participation in Middle School Advanced Orchestra or instructor approval
Concert Orchestra offers progressing level instruction for 9th grade students on violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Students who are in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grade may enroll and repeat this course for credit. Students will solidify their understanding of the elements of music through performance and identifying relationships between music,
other disciplines, and daily life. Emphasis will be placed on expanding technique through musical community. Students will be required to perform in concerts during and/or after school wearing the ensemble’s designated attire. Out of school rehearsals may be required. Other events such as honor ensembles, Solo & Ensemble Festival,
and All-State Orchestra may be required per teacher’s directive. For an annual rental fee, school instruments are available for students who qualify.
Chamber Orchestra Course #6643-6644
Full year = 1 credit (repeatable)
Lab Fee: $40
Honors credit available for students who complete additional requirements
Prerequisite: Instructor approval and participation in Concert Orchestra or Sinfonia Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra will focus on increased technical and musical fluency for 10th grade, 11th grade, and 12th grade students on violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Acceptance for advancement to Chamber Orchestra will be based upon application (which includes a performance audition). Students will refine their understanding of the elements of music through performance and identifying relationships between music, other disciplines, and daily life. Emphasis will be placed on refining technique through musical community. Students will be required to perform in concerts during and/or after school wearing the ensemble’s designated attire. Out of school rehearsals may be required. Other events such as honor ensembles, Solo & Ensemble Festival, and All-State Orchestra may be required per teacher’s directive. For an annual rental fee, school instruments are available for students who qualify.
Sinfonia Orchestra Course #6645-6646
Full year = 1 credit (repeatable)
Lab Fee: $40
Honors credit available for students who complete additional requirements
Prerequisite: Instructor approval or participation in Concert Orchestra
Sinfonia Orchestra offers advancing level instruction for 10th grade, 11th grade and 12th grade students on violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Students will extend their understanding of the elements of music through performance and identifying relationships between music, other disciplines, and daily life. Emphasis will be placed on expanding technique through musical community. Students will be required to perform in concerts during and/or after school wearing the ensemble’s designated attire. Out-of-school rehearsals may be required. Other events such as honor ensembles, Solo & Ensemble Festival, and All-State Orchestra may be required per teacher’s directive. For an annual rental fee, school instruments are available for students who qualify.
Eclectic Orchestra Course #6625-6626
Full year = 1 credit (repeatable)
Lab Fee: $40
Honors credit available for students who complete additional requirements
Prerequisite: 10th grade, 11th grade, 12th grade who have completed Concert Orchestra or instructor approval. 9th grade with concurrent enrollment in Concert Orchestra.
Eclectic Styles Orchestra is a year-long course for 10th graders, 11th graders, and 12th graders. This course is also available for all 9th grade students simultaneously enrolled in Concert Orchestra. Students are encouraged to enroll concurrently in a second orchestra ensemble. Students will augment and connect musical knowledge, understanding, and performances through music literature including (but not limited to) American Roots music, blues, classical, fiddle, jazz, rock, and non-Western musical styles. Students will be required to perform in concerts during and/or after school wearing the ensemble’s designated attire. Out-of-school rehearsals may be required. Other events such as honor ensembles, Solo & Ensemble Festival, and All-State Orchestra may be required per teacher’s directive. For an annual rental fee, school instruments are available for students who qualify. Other instruments may join with the instructor’s approval.
Symphonic Orchestra Course #6681-6881
Full year = 1 credit (repeatable)
Lab Fee: $40
Honors credit available for students who complete additional requirements
Prerequisite: 10th grade, 11th grade, 12th grade who have completed Concert Orchestra or instructor approval. 9th grade with concurrent enrollment in Concert Orchestra.
Symphonic Orchestra is a year-long course for 10th graders, 11th graders, and 12th graders. This course is also available for all 9th grade students simultaneously enrolled in Concert Orchestra. Students are encouraged to enroll concurrently in a second orchestra ensemble. Students will perform a variety of large ensemble orchestral literature of diverse genres and instrumentation. Students will also be expected to prepare solo études, orchestral excerpts, and to study music history components of music literature from varied time periods. Students will be required to perform in concerts during and/or after school wearing the ensemble’s designated attire. Out-of-school rehearsals may be required. Other events such as honor ensembles, Solo & Ensemble Festival, and All-State Orchestra may be required per teacher’s directive. For an annual rental fee, school instruments are available for students who qualify. Other instruments may join with the instructor’s approval. This course is offered concurrently with Symphony Orchestra: Symphonic Winds and Percussion.
Mariachi 1 Course #6693-6694
Full year = 1 credit (repeatable)
Lab Fee: $40
This course is designed for students to perform in an ensemble which has a selected membership and specializes in performing beginning level Mariachi ensemble literature. The place of music in the Mariachi musical heritage and the importance of sustained group and individual effort are stressed. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course is appropriate for grades nine through twelve and may be repeated.
Marching Band Course #6701-6702
One semester = 0.5 credit (repeatable)
Full year = 1 credit (repeatable)
Lab Fee: $200
The Marching Band is open to any student regardless of being enrolled in a band or music class. The Marching Band offers all students a comprehensive music and visual program at the highest level of excellence in modern marching band music, technique, performance, and practice. Students enrolled in Marching Band can expect to perform as a pep band at football games, as well as perform for various school or civic performances such as pep rallies, assemblies, and parades. Students must participate in after school or Saturday rehearsals and performances. The Marching Band may compete in field shows during the fall season. Students in Marching Band may be required to attend a band camp held in the summer prior to school starting. Please see syllabus for detailed rehearsal and performance schedule. Students earning credit in this course may also earn a 0.5 credit PE exemption during the fall semester.
Marching Band/Symphonic Band Course #6705-6706
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $30
This course is designed to encompass all facets of today's accepted standards of Marching Band and Symphonic Band. It will focus on the development of musical technique, sight-reading, and ensemble performance. There are many co-curricular activities that make up a band program. Students may be required to attend practices and performances outside of the regular school day in order to receive credit for the class. Performances may take place throughout the entire school year. Students in the Marching Band may be required to attend a band camp held in the summer prior to school starting. Students earning credit in this course may also earn a 0.5 credit PE exemption during the fall semester.
Marching Band/Concert Band Course #6889-6890
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $30
This course is designed to encompass all facets of today's accepted standards of Marching Band and Concert Band. It will focus on the development of musical technique, sight-reading, and ensemble performance. There are many co-curricular activities that make up a band program. Students may be required to attend practices and performances outside of the regular school day in order to receive credit for the class. Performances may take place throughout the entire school year. Students in the Marching Band may be required to attend a band camp held in the summer prior to school starting. Students earning credit in this course may also earn a 0.5 credit PE exemption during the fall semester.
Concert Band Course #6703-6704
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $30
This course is designed to provide instrumentalists with experience in all aspects of the modern wind band technique. The Concert Band will consist of students who are at a playing level of beginner to intermediate and will perform appropriate standard wind band repertoire. Most rehearsals will take place during the required classroom time. There may be after school rehearsals and performances throughout the school year. All members of the Concert Band are eligible to audition and participate in the Washoe County Honor Band, Nevada All-State Honor Band, and Solo and Ensemble Festivals. All members of the Concert Band may be required to participate in the HS Marching Band.
Jazz Band Course #6707-6708
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $30
This group is for students who wish to further their musical knowledge and skill through the study of Jazz. Membership in this ensemble may be by audition. Members of the Jazz Band may be required to enroll in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, or Marching Band, unless by special permission of the director. The focus of the Jazz Band will be on the performance of various jazz styles, articulation, and improvisation. The Jazz Band performs at various concerts as well as festivals and competitions in and around the Reno/Sparks area.
Advanced Jazz Band Course #6709-6710
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $30
This ensemble is for students who wish to further their musical knowledge and skill through the study of Jazz. Membership in this ensemble is by audition only. The focus of the Jazz Ensemble will be on the performance of various jazz styles, articulation, and improvisation of jazz.
Wind Ensemble Course #6711-6712
Full year = 1 credit
Lab Fee: $30
This course is designed to provide instrumentalists with experience in all aspects of the modern wind band technique. The Wind Ensemble will consist of students who are at a playing level of upper intermediate to advanced level and will perform appropriate standard wind band repertoire. Exploration of various styles, theory, and techniques of wind instrument performance will be offered. There may be required after school rehearsals and performances throughout the school year. All members of the Wind Ensemble are eligible to audition and participate in the Washoe County Honor Band, Nevada All-State Honor Band, and Solo and Ensemble Festivals. All members of the Wind Ensemble may be required to participate in the HS Marching Band.
Ukulele 1 Course #6723-6724
Full year = 1 credit (repeatable)
Lab Fee: $20
This course is designed for students who want to learn to play the ukulele. Students will receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to playing the ukulele. Areas of concentration include instrument anatomy, history of the instrument, correct posture, note-reading, aural skills, rhythmic patterns and notation, basic chord study, strumming patterns, reading tablature and musical forms.