Rocklin High School

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: None

Voluntary Class Contribution 

Course Preview Video: https://youtu.be/Gv1cFjDnHA8

 

This course offers students an introduction and foundation for basic art concepts with an emphasis on drawing and painting. Students will experience a wide variety of media such as tempera, watercolor, acrylics, pastels, and pencil. Concepts such as color theory, drawing and shading techniques, linear perspective, human face proportions, art history, and the elements and principles of design are explored.

Grade Level: 10 – 12

Prerequisite: Art I or Instructor Approval

Voluntary Class Contribution

 

Art II offers further exploration of art concepts and techniques with an emphasis on the critique process and portfolio development. Students work in a variety of media such as prismacolor, pen & ink, scratchboard, printmaking, watercolor, tempera, and acrylic. Concepts such as the proportions of the human body, abstract art, and modern art history movements are studied.

 

Grade Level: 11 – 12

Prerequisite: Art II

Voluntary Class Contribution

 

This course is designed for the serious and disciplined art student. A greater depth of  understanding of art concepts and increasingly advanced technical skills are expected of students as the year progresses. Regularly scheduled group critique, individual style, and portfolio development are emphasized throughout the year. Student work is scored using an advanced-level rubric. During the second semester, students have the opportunity to create their own area of focus through independent study. Students are encouraged to explore arts related college and career options. This course also provides opportunities for arts related community involvement and service.

 

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisite: Art III

Voluntary Class Contribution

 

This senior course is designed to meet the needs of the serious and disciplined art student who wishes to build a portfolio of original works that would not necessarily fit the College Board requirements for AP Studio Art. Through an independent study contract, students will continue to improve their creative skills in a variety of media. Scoring is based on an advanced-level rubric and regularly scheduled critique deadlines. Students will explore arts related college and career options. This course also provides opportunities for arts related community service.

 

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisite: Art III

Voluntary Class Contribution

 

Grade Level: 10 – 12

Prerequisite: None/Prior Musical Experience Assumed

Fee: College Board testing fee ($TBD)

AP Music Theory is designed for students who wish to explore a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of music. The course first helps students master the rudiments and terminology of music, including notational skills, intervals, scales and keys, chords, metric organization, and rhythmic patterns. Musical skills are developed through various types of musical exercises including listening, sight-singing, written exercises, creative exercises, and analytical exercises. The course incorporates a brief introduction to twentieth century scales, chordal structures, and compositional procedures, either through analysis or original composition.The ultimate goal of AP Music Theory is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. The course includes, but is not limited to, a wide variety of vocal and instrumental music from the standard Western tonal repertoires. Students may earn college credit or advanced placement or both depending on the policies of the institution attended.

Grade Level: 9 – 12 

Prerequisite: None

 

The Rocklin High School Concert Band is an entry level band course, focusing on standard high school band literature. Students develop musicianship in accordance with the California State Standards for Visual and Performing Arts. Instruments played include: woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Concert Band students may be required to participate in Pep Band at football games. Band students may also choose to participate in adjunct performing groups, including, but not limited to, Honor Bands, Drum Line, Musical Pit Orchestra, the Santa Band, and the annual Spring Tour. No audition is required. Beginning students are welcome to join Concert Band.

 

Grade Level: 9 – 12 

Prerequisite: Audition only

 

The Rocklin High School Jazz Band is an advanced course. Students study and perform select jazz big band music throughout the year, with an emphasis on the California State Standards for Music. Depending on class size, Jazz Band may be informally divided into an Advanced Jazz 1 and an Intermediate Jazz 2. Space is limited by instrumentation. Community and festival performances are scheduled during the year. Please visit the RHS Band website at http://www.rocklinhighmusicboosters.org for detailed information.

 

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: By audition only

 

The Rocklin High School Symphonic Band is an intermediate course, focusing on high school band literature. Students develop musicianship in accordance with the California State Standards for Visual and Performing Arts. Instruments played include: woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Symphonic Band students may be required to participate in Pep Band at football games. Band students may also choose to participate in adjunct performing groups, including, but not limited to, Honor Bands, Drum Line, Musical Pit Orchestra, the Santa Band, and the annual Spring Tour. Auditions will be held in the Spring for membership in the Fall for the following year. Current 8th graders may audition for this course. Please visit the RHS Band website at http://www.rocklinhighmusicboosters.org for detailed information.

 

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: By audition only

 

The Rocklin High School Wind Ensemble is the most advanced of the ensembles and is designed for the student who is a highly competent performer. The student is challenged by  music of the highest caliber, requiring a more sophisticated understanding of complex rhythms and all key signatures, musical terminology, ensemble skills, and extra effort on the part of the student.  Students develop musicianship in accordance with the California State Standards for Visual and Performing Arts. Instruments played include: woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Wind Ensemble students may be required to participate in Pep Band at football games. Wind Ensemble students may also choose to participate in adjunct performing groups, including, but not limited to, Honor Bands, Marching Band, Drum Line, Musical Pit Orchestra, the Santa Band, and the annual Spring Tour. Auditions will be held in the Spring for membership in the Fall for the following year. Current 8th graders may audition for this course. Please visit the RHS Band website at http://www.rocklinhighmusicboosters.org for detailed information.  

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: None

Voluntary Class Contribution

 

This course offers an introduction to the clay medium. Students will explore construction methods such as pinch, coil, and slab. Projects include constructing and decorating of ceramic art forms which include various sculpture media. This course will prepare students for more advanced work in ceramics.

Grade Level: 10 – 12

Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Voluntary Class Contribution

This course offers a more in-depth study of the clay medium and other sculpture media.  Students will be working on advanced projects and will be more self-directed. Projects include wheel throwing and more advanced sculpture studies.

Grade Level: 11 – 12

Prerequisite: Ceramics II

Voluntary Class Contribution

 

This course offers an advanced, three dimensional art study through the development of a portfolio of artwork. Course work includes a series of pieces that demonstrate the ability to interpret and express ideas through an increased refinement of their project creation. There will be an increased emphasis on the student to develop an individual style. Students will become acquainted with the work of famous sculptures from the 20th century and make informed responses of works of art, nature, and other objects by using objective criteria for analysis, interpretation, and judgment. Technically, students will refine their abilities to apply design elements and principles in wheel throwing, hand building, and glazing techniques. Students will build a portfolio that includes evidence of local gallery visits that have been reflected upon through written and visual responses.

 

Grade Level: 12

Prerequisite: Ceramics III

Voluntary Class Contribution

 

This senior course is designed with the major emphasis being to extend the student’s technical skills and conceptual approaches to the medium of clay. Stress is on craftsmanship, discipline, and originality. The course helps the students to further develop aesthetic criteria of the ceramic arts and to investigate potential vocational aptitudes. Reading and writing assignments are a part of this course.

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: None

The Concert Choir is a non-auditioned entry level choir that is open to any student. This treble choir is open to all Soprano and Alto Voices regardless of grade level. The Choir will perform a wide variety of musical styles in various major concerts throughout the year. Students will learn to sing with proper vocal techniques and gain an understanding of basic music concepts. No audition is required, just request this course if you would like to join. Please visit both the RHS Choir YouTube Video and the RHS Choir website at RHS Choir Website for detailed information.

 

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: Audition

The Chamber Choir is a Mixed Ensemble open by audition to any student wishing to perform in an advanced level mixed choral group. Auditions are held in the spring of each year. This group performs frequently in community events, competitions, festivals, and other regularly scheduled choir concerts. Students perform a wide variety of musical styles and sing a capella and with accompaniment. In addition to singing in a large ensemble, students are encouraged to sing in smaller groups and will be given opportunities to perform as soloists if desired. Students will perform music arranged for a cappella and accompanied voices. Please visit both the RHS Choir YouTube Video and the RHS Choir website at RHS Choir Website for detailed information.

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: Audition

Advanced Women’s Ensemble is open by audition to any Soprano or Alto Voice interested in a premier vocal ensemble. Auditions are held in the spring of each year. Students develop proper vocal technique and gain an understanding of basic music concepts. The group performs in several concerts, competitions and festivals throughout the year. Students perform a wide variety of musical styles and sing a capella and with accompaniment. In addition to singing in a large ensemble, students are encouraged to sing in smaller groups and will be given opportunities to perform as soloists if desired. Students will perform music arranged for a cappella and accompanied voices. Please visit both the RHS Choir YouTube Video and the RHS Choir website at RHS Choir Website for detailed information.

 

Grade Level: 10 – 12

Prerequisite: None; however enrollment/experience in another performing arts class is encouraged.

 

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: None

Student provides his/her own dance clothing and shoes.

 You can receive VAPA, CTE or P.E. credit by taking any dance course.  Dance 1 is a performance-based class designed to introduce beginning dance students to dance. No audition for Dance 1. The styles and techniques studied include jazz, musical theatre, hip hop and lyrical ballet.  Students will be required to perform in the annual Rocklin High School Dance One Showcase.  Please visit the Rocklin Dance link for additional information.

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: Audition only

Student provides his/her own dance clothing and shoes.

This is a performance-based class designed for intermediate dancers to strengthen and further skills developed in regards to technique and performance skills. The styles and techniques studied include jazz, lyrical, hip hop, musical theatre, and ballet. In addition to dance technique and performance skills, students will learn about proper nutrition and fitness for dancers, dance-based opportunities and career paths beyond high school, and have the opportunity to work with a variety of choreographers. Please visit the Rocklin Dance link for additional information.

 

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: Audition only

Student provides his/her own dance clothing and shoes.

 

This is a performance-based class designed for advanced dancers to provide a more intense study of dance. The styles and techniques studied include jazz, ballet, musical theatre, hip hop, and lyrical. In addition to dance technique and performance skills, students will learn about proper nutrition and fitness for dancers, dance-based opportunities and career paths beyond high school, have the opportunity to choreograph show routines and work with a variety of choreographers. Students will be required to perform in the annual Rocklin High School Advanced  Dance Show, the VAPA Assembly, and the Creepy Concert. Please visit the Rocklin Dance link for additional information.

 

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: Audition only

Student provides his/her own dance clothing & shoes.

 

This is a performance-based class designed for the most advanced dancers working towards a career in the dance industry. Greater emphasis will be placed on student choreography and teaching techniques. The styles and techniques studied include jazz, ballet, musical theatre, hip hop, modern, lyrical. Students will be required to perform in the annual RHS/WHS 4WRD Dance Show in December, the Creepy Concert, Rocklin High School Advanced Dance Show, and VAPA Assembly. Please visit the Rocklin Dance link for additional information.

 

DANCE STUDENT DIRECTOR 

Grade Level: 11 – 12 

Prerequisite: Instructor approval 

Student must provide his/her own dance clothing & shoes.

 

Student Directors are advanced dancers concurrently taking Dance 3 or 4 who take this course to develop skills such as teaching dance, choreography, presenting, lesson planning, directing, and critical thinking. Student Directors may apply in the Spring if they have completed one year of Dance 3 or Dance 4 at Rocklin High School.  Student Directors will  be enrolled in the course for the entire academic year. Students in this course are considered leaders of the RHS Dance Program and will be expected to put in extra time to assist peers as they prepare for assessments and shows. Daily active participation, responsibility, creativity, initiative, and dedication are necessary for success in this course.

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: None

The Guitar Lab is an elective music class at Rocklin High School. The curriculum follows the California State Content Standards for Music, as applied to the medium of guitar performance.  This course is appropriate for beginning level students. Topics include chords, melody, rhythmic accompaniment, music fundamentals, theory, performance, listening, composing, improvisation, and reading standard notation and tablature. A limited number of guitars are available for 

classroom use. 

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: None

 

This course is offered to any student desiring a well-rounded music education through the study of the piano keyboard. Students will gain skills in proper playing technique, notation reading, performance skills, and listening skills. Regularly scheduled in-class recitals will allow students to demonstrate their ability to prepare and perform a wide variety of musical styles from past and present cultures throughout the world. Students receive group and individual instruction on electric keyboards and acoustic pianos. Students of all skill levels are welcome.

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: One or more years of an orchestra course

 

The String Orchestra is an intermediate to advanced level course for string players (violin, viola, cello, bass) with two or more years of experience. Students study and perform music from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary period. Musicianship is developed in accordance with the California State Standards for Visual and Performing Arts. Students may choose to participate in Honor Orchestra, Musical Pit Orchestra, various small ensembles, and the Spring Trip. Please visit the RHS Band website at http://www.rocklinhighmusicboosters.org for detailed information. 

 

Grade Level: 9 – 12

Prerequisite: None

 

This is an introductory course that emphasizes acting skills. The course includes scene study, monologues/audition technique, stage combat, commercial acting, and musical theatre. Students also gain basic technical theatre skills such as set building, painting, use of the light and sound board, and stage makeup.

Grade Level: 10 – 12

Prerequisite: Theatre Arts I 

 

This course is an extension of the introductory course. Actors explore several time periods in theatre history and playwrights from those periods. They sharpen their improvisation skills and master several dialects. Students write and perform a show for local elementary schools.  In addition, actors may take this course twice for Theatre II and Theatre III credit. The curriculum is designed to be a two year course.

 

Grade Level: 11 – 12

Prerequisite: Teacher approval required

 

This is an advanced-level theatre class. Students begin the year with an advanced mask characterization unit. This is followed by creating an original production for the Lenaea Festival at Folsom Lake College. Finally, students will put on the spring play where they will rehearse in class. They will also be required to participate in tech week and performances outside of class. This is a co-curricular class.

Grade Level: 10 – 12 

Prerequisite: None

 

This course is for students who are interested in learning or refining their technical theatre skills.  Technical students of all levels are welcome. Included in the course: set design and construction, light design, program light cues, sound design, operation of sound equipment, assistant director, and stage manager skills. Students are an integral part of the designing and building of sets for all main stage productions.