- Delano Joint Union High School District
- Course Descriptions
Click on the class name to see the course description
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Please note that course descriptions and requirements may vary and that not all courses are offered at each school site. Contact the school for more information on course updates, availability, and/or requirements.
Fine Arts Courses
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Art Appreciation
ACCEPTED GRADE LEVEL: 9 – 12
PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will be introduced to the terminology to describe the characteristics works of art. Students will learn and consider the physical qualities of art and how these are arranged to produce paintings, sculpture, architecture, and environments. Students will explore basic principles, standard concepts and knowledge commonly used throughout all of the related disciplines or art and the humanities.
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Drawing I
ACCEPTED GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
PREREQUISITES: Passing grade in Art Appreciation or instructor’s permission
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Drawing I is a year-long course aimed at developing students’ artistic technique, style, appreciation, and understanding. Students will explore challenging and innovative ways to express themselves. Historical references will assist them by providing examples and references. Students will be exposed to different mediums not used in Art Appreciation.
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Pottery/Sculpture
ACCEPTED GRADE LEVEL: 10 – 12
PREREQUISITES: Passing grade in Art Appreciation or instructor’s permission
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Pottery/Sculpture is a one year course designed to challenge the technical and imaginative skills of students. Students will learn advanced wheel throwing skills, hand building techniques, and their respective applications. Student will also develop their own glazes as well as load and fire the kilns.
Performing Arts Courses
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Beginning Band
ACCEPTED GRADE LEVEL: 9 – 12
PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Playing in parts is introduced and is employed in music ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Emphasis is placed on reading music notation, tone production, phrasing, and breath control. Proficiency on department vocabulary test required for passing grade.
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Varsity Band
ACCEPTED GRADE LEVEL: 9 – 12
PREREQUISITES: Passing grade of Beginning and Intermediate Band or instructor’s permission
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class is open only to experienced musicians. The group appears at many functions during the year including football games, parades and competitions. Emphasis is on showmanship, the performance of popular music and band spirit. Attendance at outside rehearsals and performances is required.
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Jazz Band
ACCEPTED GRADE LEVEL: 9 – 12
PREREQUISITES: Instructor’s audition
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Emphasis on basic improvisational skills, theory of jazz, blues and hybrid styles, and ensemble performance, stage band repertoire, as well as combo arrangements, may be utilized. Performances required outside of class. Proficiency on department vocabulary test required for passing grade.
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Music Appreciation
ACCEPTED GRADE LEVEL: 9 – 12
PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Emphasis on learning the fundamentals of music theory, the historical progress of music from ancient to modern times, plus the development and refinement of one’s values and attitudes towards music listening. May include performance component on piano keyboards and pre-band instruments.
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Chamber Advanced Choir
ACCEPTED GRADE LEVEL: 10 – 12
PREREQUISITES: Passing grade in advanced choir or audition.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: This is one of the most advanced vocal groups in the department. The course teaches advanced levels of vocal production, music theory, choral literature, and performance technique. Students must have successfully completed Gold Choir and/or pass an audition. This class meets the state graduation requirement for Fine Arts. This course is offered as a year-long course and may be repeated more than one year. Exceptional students in grade 9 may enter the course based upon audition.
