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HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Table of Contents
- Page 2- Art Credit
- Page 11- Drivers Ed
- Page 12- Career and Technical
- Page 24- Healthy Lifestyles
- Page 27- Language Arts
- Page 31- Mathematics
- Page 37- Science
- Page 41- Social Studies
- Page 45- World Languages
ART CREDIT
Performing Arts:
Music Theory AP: This class is not for the light minded but for the open minded who are willing
to stretch their knowledge and work hard toward new levels of musical comprehension. Learn
how music is structured the way it is. Learn to compose your own music and be able to identify
different eras and styles of music. Be able to listen to music and identify chords and melodic
lines and relay them onto paper. Find out how Beethoven, who was deaf, was able to create one
of the greatest masterpieces ever and more. This class has a fee of $120 to cover the test book
and workbook. The workbook is an optional fee but highly recommended.
Guitar 1 (Beginning): This class will teach you the beginning essentials of Guitar playing. The
main focus is on learning to read and play classical music. We will also spend time working on
basic chords such as G Major, C, Major and D7 Major and more. We also introduce tab music.
You must own an acoustic guitar to be in this class. Students must have a guitar or $40.00 to
rent one.
Concert Choir: This class is offered for grades 10-12. Students must have completed one year
of an entry- level choir to be considered for Concert Choir. Although no audition is required, a
signature must be attained from Ms. Dalgleish. Students will continue to explore many different
genres of music, while having the chance for numerous performance opportunities. Pieces of
different languages may be studied including, Latin, French, German and/or Spanish. Students
will also continue the study of Solfege, music theory and music history. Fees will partially cover
professional concert attire with some additional clothing items provided by the student.
Concert Choir plays a major role in the school musical and is required to be part of the chorus.
Spring tour is an optional but encouraged activity for this class.
Mixed Choir: This class is offered for grades 9-10. Fees will partially cover concert attire with
some additional clothing items provided by the student. This is an entry -level choir with
emphasis placed on learning to read music (solfege) and working on proper choral music
technique. Students will experience many different genres of music and learn beginning music
theory and history. Some performance opportunities will be given to showcase their polished
repertoire.
Concert Band: This is a non-audition band for anyone who would like to participate in a band in
High school. This class is required to participate in outside of school rehearsals as well as
evening concerts each quarter. We also participate as part of the pep band and play at the
football and basketball games. We also compete at Region festivals. There is a class fee that
covers your concert uniform and pep band uniform that does not exceed $125. There is also a
district-mandated fee of $45 dollars to help cover the cost of festivals and busses.
Beginning Orchestra: This class is offered for grades 9-12. Fees will cover professional black
concert attire and a T-shirt. Students may be at either a beginner or intermediate level. Skills
learned will include: developing tone production for a stringed instrument, understanding of
fingerings and developing bow technique and styles. Performance opportunities will be given
during the year for students to showcase their polished repertoire.
Percussion Ensemble (Advanced): This class is not for the light minded percussionist but for one
who would like to experience what it’s like to play with students who have been in a band
setting and would now like to play in smaller ensemble for percussionist only. You must have
prior experience on the drums and/or piano to be in this class. This class is required to
participate in outside of school rehearsals as well as evening concerts each quarter. We also
participate as part of the pep band and play at the football and basketball games. We also
compete at Region festivals and you will have the opportunity to go on Tour with the
department as a part of this class. There is a class fee that covers your concert uniform and pep
band uniform that does not exceed $125. There is also a district-mandated fee of $45 dollars to
help cover the cost of festivals and busses.
Percussion Ensemble (Beginning): This class is for the person who always wanted to play the
drums and has never had the opportunity. It’s a semester class that will teach you the
fundamentals of the snare drum as well as give you a brief overview of all the other fun
percussion instruments. No prior experience is needed to be in this class. There is no class fee
for this class, however you are expected to have your own pair of snare sticks and a practice pad.
Theatre 1: For the beginning student. Helps get rid of stage fright. Students will learn the basics
of creating a character with their body and voice through multiple skits and improvisations.
Perfect way to get your arts credit. No out-of-class time commitment.
Theatre 2: For the interested theatre student. Students will learn the intricacies of realism
acting. This class is a must for anyone hoping to be cast in speaking roles in Hillcrest plays,
Shakespeare Team, or Productions Company. Freshman should only take this if prior theatre
experience has been acquired (Beginners should take Theatre 1 first). Students will work with
each other in presenting scenes from Shakespeare and contemporary playwrights. No out-of-class time
commitment.
Theatre 3 (Advanced Acting): For the serious theatre student. Theatre 2 is a prerequisite. Explores
acting theories based on the realism style. Students will work with the greatest scripts and
playwrights in the canon to delve deeply into their acting technique. An in-depth study and
application of the world’s most influential acting theories and theorists (Stanislavski, Meisner,
Adler, Strasberg, etc…).No out-of-class time commitment.
IB Theatre Arts (SL and HL): Students will study world styles and theatrical traditions including Greek, Asian, and Italian theatre. Students will also learn how to write, direct, and design productions. Taking the IB Test is optional, but can yield college credit. No out-of-class time commitment.
Stage Technology (Stage Crew – Full year): These students run the lights, sound and effects for
everything in the auditorium. They also build the sets and props for all of the main-stage
productions. Requires lots of after-school time commitment as well as prior knowledge and
experience in working with technical equipment and tools.
Stage Technology (Introduction - Semester): Students will learn the basics of building sets for
the theatre, as well as running sound, lights, and special effects for auditorium productions and
assemblies. Students will learn the basics of visual design (costumes, props, sets, etc…) for a
variety of productions. No out-of-school time commitment. Great way to get your arts credit.
Theatre 1 (Musical Theatre): For the student interested in preparing themselves to be involved
in musicals and performing groups at Hillcrest. Students will learn musical theatre vocal
techniques, as well as how to create musical theatre characters and movement. No out-of-class
time commitment.
Dance 1: A beginning semester dance class for those who have never danced before, and/or
those that want the chance to explore a new style while building technical and choreographic
skills.
Dance 1 (Men): A beginning semester dance class for those who have never danced before,
and/or those that want the chance to explore a new style while building technical and
choreographic skills. Will focus specifically on techniques and styles for men.
Dance 2: An intermediate full year class for those with some dance training, and/or those
wanting to continue to develop their technical ability, explore beginning improvisation, delve
into dance history, and build their choreographic skills.
Performing Arts (Audition only):
Vocal Ensemble: This class is offered for grades 11-12. Students must have completed at least
one year of an entry-level choir to be considered for Vocal Ensemble. Vocal Ensemble members
are also required to be a member of Concert Choir and/or another advanced level performing
group which includes: Dance Company, Chamber Orchestra, Productions Company or Jazz Band.
Fees will partially cover professional concert attire and show choir costumes. Students will be
required to provide some additional clothing items. Pieces of different languages will be studied
including, Latin, French, German and/or Spanish. Different genres of music will be studied,
including classical, pop and musical theater. An extensive performance schedule is required in
this class, which will include numerous Holiday performances and other community
performance events. Spring tour is an optional but strongly encouraged activity for this class. Auditions for the 2013-2014 seasons will be held on May 2-3 from 3:30-5:30. Interested
students should be prepared with a musical selection, which shows their best vocal performance
and range. The audition will also include sight-reading and other vocal assessments.
Jazz Band: This is an audition only class that is for advanced students. Any 9-12 grade student
may audition in May. This class meets from 6:30 am-7:15 am Monday- Friday. To be a member
of the jazz band, you must all be a member of the Symphonic Band, Orchestra, or Percussion
Ensemble during the day. This class is required to participate in outside of school rehearsals as
well as evening concerts each quarter. We are also invited to perform at other locations
throughout the year aside from our evening concerts. We also compete at Region festivals and
you will have the opportunity to go on Tour with the department as a part of this band. There is
a class fee that covers your concert uniform, as well as clinics we participate in that does not
exceed $50.
Dance 3: An advanced full year class for those with some dance training, and/or those wanting
to delve deeply into technique, dance history, improvisation, composition, and performance.
Class culminates with a performance at the end of the year. Also covers all requirements for IB
dance.
Dance Company: An auditioned performance group where members develop skills in all forms
of dance and choreography. Students perform for the school and community. Rehearsals and
performances are required outside of the regular school day, and constitute a portion of the
course grade.
Theatre 4 (Productions Company – Audition only): A group of the school’s most advanced
theatre students. These students will perform in 3 full-length productions ranging from
Shakespeare to musical theatre. Out-of-class rehearsal time commitment is required.
Advanced Chamber Orchestra: This class is offered for grades 9-12 and is an audition only
performance class. Fees will cover professional black concert attire and a T-shirt. All interested
students should have excellent technique and note-reading skills. Emphasis will be placed on
further refinement of shifting, vibrato and advanced bowing techniques. We will have greater
performance opportunities, which will include collaboration with the choir and pit orchestra for
the school musical. Spring tour is an optional but strongly encouraged activity for this class.
Students interested in auditioning in the spring should be prepared with a piece which
represents their best playing level and a 3 octaves scale of choice. Auditions for the 2013-2014
seasons will be held on May 7-8 from 3:30-5:30. See Ms. Dalgleish with questions.
Symphonic Band: This is an audition class that is for advanced students. Any 9-12th grade
student may audition in May. This class is required to participate in outside of school rehearsals
as well as evening concerts each quarter. We also participate as part of the pep band and play
at the football and basketball games. We also compete at Region festivals and you will have the opportunity to go on Tour with the department as a part of this band. There is a class fee that
covers your concert uniform and pep band uniform that does not exceed $125. There is also a
district-mandated fee of $45 dollars to help cover the cost of festivals and busses.
Art 1020 Drawing is a beginning college drawing course that is taught in conjunction with the Drawing 2 class. Fee: $20. Homework: 1-3 hours per week.
Art History AP: This is a yearlong course that teaches the history and appreciation of great art
works from the Western Art traditions. I It starts with prehistoric works and ends with post- modern works. University credit can be earned with a successful performance on the AP exam.
Art Foundations: This is an introduction to the basic elements and principles of art and a good
place for anyone to start. Fee: $10.
IB Visual Arts is a full year, college level art class for juniors or seniors designed to prepare you
for one of the IB Visual Arts tests. You need to have some artistic skill and a commitment to
working hard. Drawing and/ or Painting is a pre-requisite or you must provide examples of your
work for teacher approval in order to register. Fee: $60, kits available for purchase. Homework:
3-5 hours per week minimum
Ceramics Iis a beginning ceramics class where basic ceramic fundamentals are taught. Even if
you have no experience this is the class for you. Students learn how to hand build, apply glazes
and satins and evaluate their work. All work to be completed in class. Fee: $20. Homework:
minimal
Ceramics II builds on the material taught in the ceramics I class. The assignments are
challenging, creative, and they vary from semester to semester to keep them interesting. Raku
firing is introduced in Ceramics II. Ceramics I is a pre-requisite. All work to be completed in
class. Fee: $20
Sculpture is a course that teaches the basic principles of 3-dimentional design and sculpting.
Students create a variety of sculptures using clay, wire, plaster, stone, found objects, etc. Both
abstract and realistic sculpture is explored. Fee: $20. Homework: minimal, but attendance vital
AP Drawing This is a full year advanced art class for Juniors and Seniors designed to prepare you
for one of the AP Art exams. Artistic skill is required along with a dedication to the visual arts. A
variety of art projects will be explored including drawing, painting and printmaking. Drawing
and/or Painting is a pre-requisite or you must provide examples of your work for teacher
approval in order to register. Fee: $60, kits available for purchase. Homework: 3-5 hours per
week minimum.
AP Studio 3-D is a full year advanced art class for Juniors and Seniors designed to prepare you
for the 3-D AP Art exam. Artistic skill is required along with a dedication to the visual arts.
Ceramics or Sculpture is a pre-requisite or you must provide examples of your work for teacher
approval in order to register.
Drawing I is a basic drawing class and explores different drawing techniques, styles, and various
drawing materials. This class will help develop your imaginative and observational skills.
Students are encouraged to be expressive and creative in this class. Fee: $15 + sketchbook.
Homework: minimal.
Drawing II is a higher level art class designed to help improve your drawing skills. We explore
lots of different drawing tools and approaches to drawing including realism, mixed media, and
even graffiti. Drawing I is a pre-requisite. Concurrent Enrollment Art 1020 is available for this
class. Fee: $20 + sketchbook. Homework: 1-3 hours per week..
Painting I is a course that teaches the basics of painting. Students will create a variety of
projects using watercolors, acrylics, and tempera paints, as well as ink and printmaking. Some
drawing ability is desired as most of our paintings begin with a sketch. Students will learn about
color and do both realistic and abstract paintings. Fee: $20 + 5 if you want a brush kit.
Homework: 1-3 hours per week.
Painting II if you enjoyed Painting I, and want to learn more about painting then this is the class
for you! This is a higher level art class where we will learn how to oil paint along with the other
kinds of painting. Painting I is a pre-requisite or good drawing ability with teacher approval.
Concurrent Enrollment Art 1530 (Beginning Paining – Watercolor) is available for this class.
Jewelry I is an introduction to basic jewelry making and design. Students will learn how to