Visual & Performing Arts Program
Ignite Your Creativity: Visual & Performing Arts
At Westminster High School, we believe the arts are essential to a well-rounded education. Our Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) department is a vibrant community where students transition from spectators to creators. Whether you are picking up a paintbrush for the first time or preparing for an audition, our diverse curriculum offers a path for every artist.
Visual Arts Courses
47U AP Art History (F) Grades: 10-12
This is a yearlong, college level course. Students will study art subjects, themes and stylistic tendencies that relate artworks from the past to the present. Their relationship to the artist, society of the period as well as the characteristics intrinsic to each art form - painting, sculpture and architecture - will be explored. Key monuments and important artists will be discussed in depth. Museum visits will be required throughout the year.
This is a yearlong, college level course. Students will study art subjects, themes and stylistic tendencies that relate artworks from the past to the present. Their relationship to the artist, society of the period as well as the characteristics intrinsic to each art form - painting, sculpture and architecture - will be explored. Key monuments and important artists will be discussed in depth. Museum visits will be required throughout the year.
47S AP Drawing (F) Grades: 10-12
This course is intended for highly motivated students committed to serious study in art and provides an opportunity to earn college credit. AP Studio Art Drawing reflects a study of sustained investigation.Various media and techniques at an advanced level will be emphasized. At the end of the course, students submit a portfolio for evaluation to receive college credit. This is also a MERITS pathway class.
This course is intended for highly motivated students committed to serious study in art and provides an opportunity to earn college credit. AP Studio Art Drawing reflects a study of sustained investigation.Various media and techniques at an advanced level will be emphasized. At the end of the course, students submit a portfolio for evaluation to receive college credit. This is also a MERITS pathway class.
48G AP 2D Art and Design (F) Grades: 10-12
This course is intended for highly motivated students committed to serious study in art and provides an opportunity to earn college credit. AP Studio Art 2D/AP reflects a study of three major concerns in art education: sustained investigation.quality, concentration, and breadth. Various media and techniques at an advanced level will be emphasized. At the end of the course, students submit a portfolio for evaluation to receive college credit. This is also a MERITS pathway class.
This course is intended for highly motivated students committed to serious study in art and provides an opportunity to earn college credit. AP Studio Art 2D/AP reflects a study of three major concerns in art education: sustained investigation.quality, concentration, and breadth. Various media and techniques at an advanced level will be emphasized. At the end of the course, students submit a portfolio for evaluation to receive college credit. This is also a MERITS pathway class.
48I AP 3D Art and Design (F) Grades: 10-12
This course is intended for highly motivated students committed to serious study in art and provides an opportunity to earn college credit. AP Studio Art reflects a study of sustained investigation. Various media and techniques at an advanced level will be emphasized. Students continue their exploration of the Elements and Principles of Design. At the end of the course, students submit a digital portfolio of at least (15) advanced projects for evaluation by the College Board to receive possible college credit.
This course is intended for highly motivated students committed to serious study in art and provides an opportunity to earn college credit. AP Studio Art reflects a study of sustained investigation. Various media and techniques at an advanced level will be emphasized. Students continue their exploration of the Elements and Principles of Design. At the end of the course, students submit a digital portfolio of at least (15) advanced projects for evaluation by the College Board to receive possible college credit.
47E Art 1 (F) Grades: 9-12
Art 1 is an exploratory course in the appreciation and use of the principles and elements of art fundamentals, which underlie the creation of all man-made things. Opportunities are provided in a wide variety of media and materials. MERITS pathway class.
47F Art 2 (F) Grades: 10 - 12
This course is an advanced class that offers in-depth problems that go beyond the Art 1 curriculum. There will be an emphasis on projects that relate to art history. Students explore problems in different art types such as Impressionism, Fauvism, Surrealism, Dadaism, Pop Art, etc.
This course is an advanced class that offers in-depth problems that go beyond the Art 1 curriculum. There will be an emphasis on projects that relate to art history. Students explore problems in different art types such as Impressionism, Fauvism, Surrealism, Dadaism, Pop Art, etc.
47G Art 3 (F) Grades: 11-12
Art 3 is designed for the serious art student with emphasis on advanced development of skills in drawing and painting, technical skill, and the end product. The teacher and student determine areas of concentration. Art 3 prepares the mature student in areas of specialization.
47R Art of Film (F) Grades: 9-12
This course is designed to teach the basic principles of American filmmaking, which include an analysis of the various techniques/styles of cinematography, screenwriting, and art direction, as well as directing, producing and distributing commercial movies. An overview of the historical development of film as well as the impact on American culture will also be presented. Students will learn beginning/intermediate skills in order to produce small film projects such as storyboarding, script-writing, filming, directing, capturing, and editing. For students going on to college, this course will provide background to help the students succeed in a fine arts emphasis major, film making, and any other visual media-related field as this course is modeled after the college level Film Studies course.
This course is designed to teach the basic principles of American filmmaking, which include an analysis of the various techniques/styles of cinematography, screenwriting, and art direction, as well as directing, producing and distributing commercial movies. An overview of the historical development of film as well as the impact on American culture will also be presented. Students will learn beginning/intermediate skills in order to produce small film projects such as storyboarding, script-writing, filming, directing, capturing, and editing. For students going on to college, this course will provide background to help the students succeed in a fine arts emphasis major, film making, and any other visual media-related field as this course is modeled after the college level Film Studies course.
49A Ceramics 1 (F) Grades: 9-12
Ceramics 1 provides students the opportunity to learn and apply the basic techniques of pottery: hand built construction, wheel throwing, design, surface decoration, and glazing. Students will also learn about the Elements and Principles of Design as well as influential artists and art movements throughout art history.
Ceramics 1 provides students the opportunity to learn and apply the basic techniques of pottery: hand built construction, wheel throwing, design, surface decoration, and glazing. Students will also learn about the Elements and Principles of Design as well as influential artists and art movements throughout art history.
49B Ceramics 2 (F) Grades: 10 -12
An intermediate class, Ceramics 2 is a review and embellishment of basic hand building techniques with continued work on the wheel. Students create more sophisticated design and glaze techniques with assignments specifically geared for high quality end products and display.
An intermediate class, Ceramics 2 is a review and embellishment of basic hand building techniques with continued work on the wheel. Students create more sophisticated design and glaze techniques with assignments specifically geared for high quality end products and display.
49C Ceramics 3 (F) Grades: 11-12
This is an advanced class for the self-motivated student. Emphasis is on skills development, material exploration, technical processes and a collection of finished end products.
This is an advanced class for the self-motivated student. Emphasis is on skills development, material exploration, technical processes and a collection of finished end products.
51O Graphic Arts (F) Grades: 9-12
Graphic Arts 1 is one of two sequential courses offered in the Graphic Design career pathway program at WHS. Students will explore their artistic creativity while using computers as the primary artistic medium. This course will cover the basics of art, including the Elements and Principles of Design, color theory, and creative expression. Students will study historical practices in visual communication and their effects on the development of contemporary visual media. Students will become proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and projects will include book covers, posters, portraits, logo designs, skateboard designs, and more.
Graphic Arts 1 is one of two sequential courses offered in the Graphic Design career pathway program at WHS. Students will explore their artistic creativity while using computers as the primary artistic medium. This course will cover the basics of art, including the Elements and Principles of Design, color theory, and creative expression. Students will study historical practices in visual communication and their effects on the development of contemporary visual media. Students will become proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and projects will include book covers, posters, portraits, logo designs, skateboard designs, and more.
51P Graphic Arts 2 Honors (F) Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite course: Graphic Arts 1
The purpose of this course is for self-motivated students who wish to pursue a career or have a strong interest in an art & design related field. Students will continue to develop their skills as graphic artists by exploring how the Elements of Art and Principles of Design are used in visual communication. They will explore the historical development of design, through the exploration of graphic arts history while engaging in hands-on problem solving and visual experimentation to produce real world graphic arts projects. They will engage in a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of visual communication including theory, technology and practice. They will critically observe their visual environment, solve design problems, and influence behavior through the use of graphic design.
Prerequisite course: Graphic Arts 1
The purpose of this course is for self-motivated students who wish to pursue a career or have a strong interest in an art & design related field. Students will continue to develop their skills as graphic artists by exploring how the Elements of Art and Principles of Design are used in visual communication. They will explore the historical development of design, through the exploration of graphic arts history while engaging in hands-on problem solving and visual experimentation to produce real world graphic arts projects. They will engage in a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of visual communication including theory, technology and practice. They will critically observe their visual environment, solve design problems, and influence behavior through the use of graphic design.
48K Photo 1 (F) Grades: 9-12
Students who complete Photo 1 will have a strong foundation and understanding in how to capture high quality images and prepare them for distribution. Students will understand and be able to appropriately use the technologies associated with digital photography and production. Students will become proficient in Adobe Photoshop so that they will feel comfortable editing and manipulating images to produce a final product. Also, students will recognize the difference in specifications needed for proper results in various output formats. As a result, students will know how to best share their photographs in a wide range of formats, from print to online-based presentations. Students will leave the class possessing the skills necessary to create great photographs, from the initial concept to the final product.
Students who complete Photo 1 will have a strong foundation and understanding in how to capture high quality images and prepare them for distribution. Students will understand and be able to appropriately use the technologies associated with digital photography and production. Students will become proficient in Adobe Photoshop so that they will feel comfortable editing and manipulating images to produce a final product. Also, students will recognize the difference in specifications needed for proper results in various output formats. As a result, students will know how to best share their photographs in a wide range of formats, from print to online-based presentations. Students will leave the class possessing the skills necessary to create great photographs, from the initial concept to the final product.
48L Photo 2 (F) Grades: 10-12
The advanced photography classes will build off the foundation from Photography I to start developing professional knowledge and competencies. All students will follow the same core curriculum but will select an emphasis to focus on. Students will be able to choose from photojournalism, print photography production, or fine arts. Participants in the class will serve as photographers for the school so they will be able to use skills learned in class to turn around and meet the needs of various programs on campus.
06F Yearbook/Journal Digital Design (F) Grades: 9-12
Yearbook is a comprehensive course that requires students to apply real-world skills while composing a publishable, historical artifact. Students will practice working as part of a hierarchical team that is primarily student-led. They will be required to compose layout designs, identify worthwhile stories, capture aesthetically pleasing and purposeful photos, compose intriguing and well-edited articles and captions, interview students and faculty, and design concepts and covers.
Yearbook is a comprehensive course that requires students to apply real-world skills while composing a publishable, historical artifact. Students will practice working as part of a hierarchical team that is primarily student-led. They will be required to compose layout designs, identify worthwhile stories, capture aesthetically pleasing and purposeful photos, compose intriguing and well-edited articles and captions, interview students and faculty, and design concepts and covers.
Performing Arts Courses
43C Advanced Music Honors - Instrumental (F) Grades: 10-12
Advanced music is a course set to challenge students that have already done well in Instrumental I and/or II in Winds, Percussion, and Strings or Chorus I/Chorus 2. Students perform the most difficult parts in our ensembles ,take on the roll of student leader and participate in additional performance opportunities and field trips There are additional projects for this course that our other music courses do not include like: composition and research projects. Additional performances are required. Audition required. Advanced Music Honors- Vocal is a mixed ensemble called Abbey Singers.
Advanced music is a course set to challenge students that have already done well in Instrumental I and/or II in Winds, Percussion, and Strings or Chorus I/Chorus 2. Students perform the most difficult parts in our ensembles ,take on the roll of student leader and participate in additional performance opportunities and field trips There are additional projects for this course that our other music courses do not include like: composition and research projects. Additional performances are required. Audition required. Advanced Music Honors- Vocal is a mixed ensemble called Abbey Singers.
44U Music Industry I / 44W Music Industry II (F) Grades: 9-12
The purpose of this course is for students to become well-rounded musicians and critical thinkers. The units each have a structure, but they allow flexibility in repertoire, styles and instrumental decisions so that students can personalize their education to fit their goals. Students are taught how to apply these skills to become working musicians. They are taught how to market themselves as musicians and book their own performances. Students are encouraged to trust their musical instinct and write or perform music that speaks to them. Students are consistently performing, writing, composing and arranging so they feel ownership of their work and find value in it.
The purpose of this course is for students to become well-rounded musicians and critical thinkers. The units each have a structure, but they allow flexibility in repertoire, styles and instrumental decisions so that students can personalize their education to fit their goals. Students are taught how to apply these skills to become working musicians. They are taught how to market themselves as musicians and book their own performances. Students are encouraged to trust their musical instinct and write or perform music that speaks to them. Students are consistently performing, writing, composing and arranging so they feel ownership of their work and find value in it.
45F Dance 1 (F) Grades: 9-12
Introductory course in dance. Covers beginning level terminology and execution of basic skills in Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, and Lyrical/Contemporary. Students will gain an appreciation for dance as an art form through dance literacy, the study of historical contributions, and the influence of culture on dance. They will also be able to recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle through fitness based activities. In addition, students will be expected to critically analyze dance through a written critique, as well as participate in a performance.
Introductory course in dance. Covers beginning level terminology and execution of basic skills in Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, and Lyrical/Contemporary. Students will gain an appreciation for dance as an art form through dance literacy, the study of historical contributions, and the influence of culture on dance. They will also be able to recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle through fitness based activities. In addition, students will be expected to critically analyze dance through a written critique, as well as participate in a performance.
45D Dance 2 (F) Grades: 9-12
Intermediate course in dance. Covers beginning to intermediate level terminology and execution of Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary and Modern skills. Students will be given opportunities to develop creative expression through choreography and performance. In addition, students will be expected to attend and analyze a dance show, and produce a written critique, as well as participate in a performance that incorporates dance production elements.
Intermediate course in dance. Covers beginning to intermediate level terminology and execution of Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary and Modern skills. Students will be given opportunities to develop creative expression through choreography and performance. In addition, students will be expected to attend and analyze a dance show, and produce a written critique, as well as participate in a performance that incorporates dance production elements.
44D Instrumental I / 44E Instrumental II (F) Grades: 9-12
These courses are offered to first year wind band students (Instrumental I) and continuing wind band students with previous high school wind band experience (Instrumental II). Educational emphasis is placed on the foundation and advancement of instrumental technique, initial and further development of music reading and comprehension skills, independent musicianship, style, a deeper understanding of small group ensemble music and wind band literature. Literature will contain the best material for the ensemble from Classical adaptations to contemporary wind band pieces, including other music that is used for school events as games, rallies, and community events. Students will perform both in small group ensemble projects and as a large group. Students learn through performing, listening, and seeing music performed. Develop a musical vocabulary to use in activities related to the theoretical and cultural/historical perspectives of the music used in coursework as well as great examples.The ensemble (Symphonic Band) will perform outside of class 5-6 times a year.
These courses are offered to first year wind band students (Instrumental I) and continuing wind band students with previous high school wind band experience (Instrumental II). Educational emphasis is placed on the foundation and advancement of instrumental technique, initial and further development of music reading and comprehension skills, independent musicianship, style, a deeper understanding of small group ensemble music and wind band literature. Literature will contain the best material for the ensemble from Classical adaptations to contemporary wind band pieces, including other music that is used for school events as games, rallies, and community events. Students will perform both in small group ensemble projects and as a large group. Students learn through performing, listening, and seeing music performed. Develop a musical vocabulary to use in activities related to the theoretical and cultural/historical perspectives of the music used in coursework as well as great examples.The ensemble (Symphonic Band) will perform outside of class 5-6 times a year.
44H Percussion Ensemble (F) Grades: 9-12
This is for students in the percussion ensembles. Educational emphasis is placed on the foundation and advancement of instrumental technique, initial and further development of music reading and comprehension skills, independent musicianship, style, a deeper understanding of small group ensemble music and percussion literature. Literature will contain the best contemporary ensemble etudes and pieces, including other music that is used for school events as games, rallies, and community events. Students will perform both in small group ensemble projects and as a large group. Students learn through performing, listening, and seeing music performed. Develop a musical vocabulary to use in activities related to the theoretical and cultural/historical perspectives of the music used in coursework as well as great examples.The ensemble will perform outside of class 15-16 times a year.
This is for students in the percussion ensembles. Educational emphasis is placed on the foundation and advancement of instrumental technique, initial and further development of music reading and comprehension skills, independent musicianship, style, a deeper understanding of small group ensemble music and percussion literature. Literature will contain the best contemporary ensemble etudes and pieces, including other music that is used for school events as games, rallies, and community events. Students will perform both in small group ensemble projects and as a large group. Students learn through performing, listening, and seeing music performed. Develop a musical vocabulary to use in activities related to the theoretical and cultural/historical perspectives of the music used in coursework as well as great examples.The ensemble will perform outside of class 15-16 times a year.
44P Orchestra (F) Grades: 9-12
Orchestra is offered to 9th-12th grade students as a continuation for students with previous orchestral experience as well as beginners. Educational emphasis is placed on the foundation and advancement of instrumental technique, initial and further development of music reading and comprehension skills, independent musicianship, style, a deeper understanding of small group ensemble music and orchestral literature. Literature will contain both Classical and Popular music. Students will perform both in small group ensemble projects and as a large group. Students learn through performing, listening, and seeing music performed. Develop a musical vocabulary to use in activities related to the theoretical and cultural/historical perspectives of the music used in coursework as well as great examples. Orchestra will perform outside of class 3-4 times a year.
Orchestra is offered to 9th-12th grade students as a continuation for students with previous orchestral experience as well as beginners. Educational emphasis is placed on the foundation and advancement of instrumental technique, initial and further development of music reading and comprehension skills, independent musicianship, style, a deeper understanding of small group ensemble music and orchestral literature. Literature will contain both Classical and Popular music. Students will perform both in small group ensemble projects and as a large group. Students learn through performing, listening, and seeing music performed. Develop a musical vocabulary to use in activities related to the theoretical and cultural/historical perspectives of the music used in coursework as well as great examples. Orchestra will perform outside of class 3-4 times a year.
47Q Banner / Flag (F) Grades: 9-12
The Banner/Flag course offers rehearsal and instruction for all beginning, intermediate, and advanced level members of the school’s Color Guard, Tall Flag, and/or Auxiliary Units. Instruction will include movement fundamentals and develop to more advanced techniques. Equipment fundamentals and development on flag and rifle, performance observations and analysis, and design and choreography projects and performances.
The Banner/Flag course offers rehearsal and instruction for all beginning, intermediate, and advanced level members of the school’s Color Guard, Tall Flag, and/or Auxiliary Units. Instruction will include movement fundamentals and develop to more advanced techniques. Equipment fundamentals and development on flag and rifle, performance observations and analysis, and design and choreography projects and performances.
46A Theatre 1 (F) Grades: 9-12
Learn basic theater principles in stage movement, voice, diction, and pantomime. Study the history and vocabulary of theater. Practice techniques to overcome stage-fright and develop self-confidence. Concentrate on improvisational techniques and acting skills for in-class performance and video projects.
Write original scenes as well as acting skills for in-class performance and video projects. Write original scenes as well as act in established scenes.
Learn basic theater principles in stage movement, voice, diction, and pantomime. Study the history and vocabulary of theater. Practice techniques to overcome stage-fright and develop self-confidence. Concentrate on improvisational techniques and acting skills for in-class performance and video projects.
Write original scenes as well as acting skills for in-class performance and video projects. Write original scenes as well as act in established scenes.
46B Theatre 2 (F) Grades: 10-12
This course is designed to expand on the intermediate actor’s knowledge of the art of acting and theater. Through various processes each student will discover what is encompassed in the artistic perception, creative expression, historical context, aesthetic value, and profession of drama. Students will have a more in depth understanding of the history of drama and the dramatic profession through lectures, readings, written assignments, creativity and acting. Different acting styles are introduced. Examples are Reader’s Theater and Children’s Theater.
This course is designed to expand on the intermediate actor’s knowledge of the art of acting and theater. Through various processes each student will discover what is encompassed in the artistic perception, creative expression, historical context, aesthetic value, and profession of drama. Students will have a more in depth understanding of the history of drama and the dramatic profession through lectures, readings, written assignments, creativity and acting. Different acting styles are introduced. Examples are Reader’s Theater and Children’s Theater.
46C Theatre 3 (F) Grades: 11-12
This course is designed to expand on the advanced actor’s knowledge from what was learned in Theater 1 and 2 courses. Emphasis is placed on an advanced understanding of the dramatic profession through lectures, readings, written assignments, creativity and acting. The third year student will also participate in a Shakespeare unit, partake in a Director’s workshop, direct Theater 2 students, produce student and faculty shows, and compete in several local theater festivals.
This course is designed to expand on the advanced actor’s knowledge from what was learned in Theater 1 and 2 courses. Emphasis is placed on an advanced understanding of the dramatic profession through lectures, readings, written assignments, creativity and acting. The third year student will also participate in a Shakespeare unit, partake in a Director’s workshop, direct Theater 2 students, produce student and faculty shows, and compete in several local theater festivals.
45O Dramatic Production (F) Grades: 9-12
This course is designed for students interested in all aspects of production, such as acting, costumes, directing, stage management, publicity and other technical theater. Students will be a part of full length theatrical productions, learning skills necessary for entry-level jobs in the theatrical production industry. Any interested student may enter the class - for those wanting to act, there is an audition involved and for those wanting to be a part of the crew you will interview with the teacher regarding your area of interest. Auditions will be held for each play. Please note this is a serious commitment as it requires hours after school; evening, and/or weekends are REQUIRED for rehearsals, construction and show productions.
This course is designed for students interested in all aspects of production, such as acting, costumes, directing, stage management, publicity and other technical theater. Students will be a part of full length theatrical productions, learning skills necessary for entry-level jobs in the theatrical production industry. Any interested student may enter the class - for those wanting to act, there is an audition involved and for those wanting to be a part of the crew you will interview with the teacher regarding your area of interest. Auditions will be held for each play. Please note this is a serious commitment as it requires hours after school; evening, and/or weekends are REQUIRED for rehearsals, construction and show productions.
46D Adv Dramatic Production/Theory Honors (F) Grades: 9-12
This is a highly advanced standards-based course fusing live theatrical production and theory with film/video production and theory. Students will lead other students as producers, directors, writers, managers, or actors supported by superior technical skills and solid theoretical grounding to produce both long and short-form productions. Theoretical, historical, perceptual, and application strands are addressed through reading college texts and writing analytical as well as reflective papers.
This is a highly advanced standards-based course fusing live theatrical production and theory with film/video production and theory. Students will lead other students as producers, directors, writers, managers, or actors supported by superior technical skills and solid theoretical grounding to produce both long and short-form productions. Theoretical, historical, perceptual, and application strands are addressed through reading college texts and writing analytical as well as reflective papers.