Valley Christian Schools

As you might imagine, high school students are well on their way as they perform in musical, two-dimension and three-dimension arts. VCHS arts provide the opportunity for students to hone skills, develop repertoire and facility, and to explore new things. Students joining VCHS from middle school try-out for and find themselves learning the art of jazz in one of our jazz bands. Or jumping in to the Crusader Choir (a no-audition required choir) and land on the La Mirada Performing Arts Center's stage in our Broadway Showcase. A student with limited or developed art skills can move through, for example, eight semesters of ceramics, or give watercolor or photography a try. 

 

The VCHS Fine Arts Department (comprised of working artists and musicians who are also credentialed and dedicated teachers) believes that creativity is a gift from God.  Through daily work and practice, this belief is impressed on our students -- their creative process and talents are a God-given gift which should be used and appreciated.  We stress that we are "wonderfully and fearfully made" and strive to teach within all of our courses, the appreciation of creation and nature as it relates to the fine arts.  One unit of fine art is required for graduation. 

 

NOTE:  For the college-bound student, fine art courses should to be taken in the same discipline, but not necessarily in concurrent semesters (eg, two semesters of drawing). 

 

 

2 semesters (1.0 units)

UC Approved Fine Art

Class Fee: AP Exam testing fee

Pre-requisite: application and instructor's permission

Elective: grades 10--12

AP Art History is a college-level survey class which helps show how art reflects its culture and time period. It includes architecture, painting, sculpture, and photography, and includes works from all over the globe. Pre-historic through contemporary art will be studied. Students will gain an understanding of how to connect pieces of art throughout different time periods, and how to analyze an art work for function and meaning. Students will work to gain a deeper appreciation for all types of art and how they fit into the timeline of history.  APAH is UC approved and fulfills the fine art requirement for the pre-college track at VCHS.

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

Class fee: $40.00

elective: grades 10-12

Pre-requisite: application and instructor's permission, along with two semesters of a specific art class

The course allows students who are applying to art programs a chance to work on mixed media projects and create a more diversified portfolio.  The class has two Directed Studies options: a 2D or 3D emphasis. Qualified students should have fulfilled their fine art requirement.

 

DRAWING 1    

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee: $30.00                                                                                                    

elective: grades 9 - 12

UC approved

Drawing 1 is an introduction to basic art elements and principles, using the media and tools associated with drawing. Students will learn the basic skills of perspective, effects of light, portraiture, and still life, and the principles of art will be used in relation to each project.

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee: $35.00         

elective: grades 9 - 12

prerequisite : Drawing 1  with a passing grade

UC approved

Drawing 2 continues the basics learned in Drawing 1, with an emphasis on drawing from observation.  Students will practice interpreting and translating visual forms into 2-D artwork, using a variety of media and tools specific to drawing. Some art history will be learned and discussed in relation to projects. 

 

DRAWING 3                                                                                                                       

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee: $35.00

elective: grades 10 - 12

prerequisite : Drawing 2 with a grade of B or better and permission of instructor

This advanced course continues to emphasize observational drawing. The student will aim at mastery of various techniques and media.  Art history and selected artists will also be studied and discussed.

 

DRAWING 4    

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee: $35.00

elective: grades 10 - 12

prerequisite : Drawing 3 and a grade of B or better and permission of instructor

This is an advanced projects course with a concentration on personal interpretation and expression through various media.

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee: $35.00

elective: grades 11 - 12

prerequisite : Drawing 4 and a grade of B or better and permission of instructor

This is an advanced projects course with a concentration on personal interpretation and expression through various media. The student will create a portfolio of original works of art based on observational drawing with personal interpretation.

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

Pre-requisite: Drawing 5 and the instructor's approval

Fee: $35.00

Drawing 6 is designed for the student planning on a career in art, or who has a great interest in the subject. Further development of personal style, along with technical mastery will be emphasized. Projects may be designed to help the student develop a well-rounded portfolio for college applications.

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

Pre-requisite: None

Fee: $40.00

This course is for anyone who wants to get a lot of experience drawing people. Over the semester we will work on developing the skills and techniques for drawing the human figure, along with studying basic anatomy and movement. Students will progress from an accurate style of drawing to including a personal style in their work by the end of the semester. This is a good elective for anyone interested in studying animation.

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee - $45.00

elective: grades 9 - 12

UC approved

This is an introduction to painting, using watercolor and acrylic paints.  Students will explore landscape, portraiture, the effects of light, color theory, still life, and a variety of painting techniques.  Students will learn to express art concepts through class critiques and discussion of various art movements.

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee - $45.00

elective: grades 9 - 12

prerequisite : Painting 1 with a passing grade

UC approved

This course will expand on the basics learned in Painting 1, including color theory and creating 3-dimensional forms with lighting effects.  Students will begin to develop personal expression through selected projects.  

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee: $45.00

elective: grades 10 - 12

prerequisite : Painting 2 with a grade of B or better and permission of instructor

This advanced course continues the development of painting skills emphasizing color mixing and various techniques with watercolor and acrylics. An emphasis will be on personal interpretation and expression in each project.

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee:  $45.00  

elective: grades 10 - 12

prerequisite : Painting 3 with a grade of B or better and permission of instructor

This advanced course continues the development of a personal style and confidence in color mixing and application, with an emphasis on creating a portfolio of original works of art, which may aid the student in art college or intern applications.

 

PAINTING 5                                                                                  

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee:  $45.00  

elective: grades 11 - 12

prerequisite : Painting 4 with a grade of B or better and permission of instructor

This advanced course continues the development of a personal style and confidence in experimental paint application and expression of social issues, with an emphasis on creating a portfolio of original works of art, which may aid the student in art college or intern applications.

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee:  $45.00  

elective: grades 11 - 12

prerequisite : Painting 5 with a grade of B or better and permission of instructor

This advanced course continues the development of personal expression of social issues and personal worldview, with an emphasis on creating a portfolio of original works of art, which may aid the student in art college or intern applications.  

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee:  $45.00  

elective: grade 12

prerequisite: Painting 6 with a grade of B+ or better and permission of instructor

This advanced course continues the development of personal expression along with experimental techniques and use of mixed media to express the student's personal worldview, with an emphasis on creating a portfolio of original works of art, which may aid the student in applications or interviews to art schools or intern applications.

 

PAINTING 8                                    

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee:  $45.00  

elective: grade 12

prerequisite: Painting 7 with a grade of B+ or better and permission of instructor

This advanced course continues the development of personal expression along with experimental techniques and use of mixed media to express the student's personal worldview, with an emphasis on creating a portfolio of original works of art, which may aid the student in applications or interviews to art schools or intern applications.

 

CERAMICS 1 

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee - $40.00

elective: grades 9 - 12

UC approved 

Ceramics 1 is an introduction to art through working with clay.  Basic handbuilding techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab are explored.  Concepts of design in line, shape, and form will be emphasized through the use of clay, slips, and glazes.

 

CERAMICS 2   

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee - $40.00

elective: grades 9 - 12

prerequisite : Ceramics 1

UC approved 

This course expands on Ceramics 1.  There will be an introduction to the potter's wheel as well as further exploration into decorative techniques and projects that express themes for personal visions.  Art history of western culture and contemporary ceramic artists will be incorporated in project assignments.

 

CERAMICS 3                                                       

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee: $40.00

elective: grades 10 - 12

prerequisite : Ceramics 2 with a grade of B or better and permission of instructor

This course covers hand building projects as well as further developing skills on the potter's wheel.

 

CERAMICS 4    

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee: $40.00

elective: grade 10 - 12

prerequisite : Ceramics 3 with a grade of B or better and permission of instructor

This course continues skill building in the use of the potter's wheel, glaze techniques and hand building projects.

 

CERAMICS 5                                                            

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee: $40.00

elective: grade 11 - 12

prerequisite : Ceramics 4 with a grade of B or better and permission of instructor

This class covers advanced projects using the potter's wheel and hand building sculpture.

 

CERAMICS 6   

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee: $40.00

elective: grade 11 - 12

prerequisite : Ceramics 5 with a grade of B or better and permission of instructor

This course covers more advanced throwing techniques and projects using a variety of clays and glazes.

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee: $40.00

elective: grade 12

prerequisite : Ceramics 6 with a grade of B or better and permission of instructor

The class will work on larger more advanced throwing projects with emphasis on quality work.

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee: $40.00 + 4gb flash drive

elective: grades 9 –12

UC approved

This course will focus on the student who likes art and design but doesn’t feel as naturally gifted at drawing. We will explore design through the medium of Adobe Photoshop and focus on composition that will produce eye-catching prints. This class will start to give the student the skills needed to gain a high understanding of Photoshop.

 

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee: $40.00 + 4gb flash drive

elective: grades 9 – 12

UC approved

This course will expand the student’s knowledge of Photoshop and Design and will introduce more sophisticated uses of masks, filters and selections. Students will learn to develop vector art pieces and to paint on the computer. We will explore creating fonts and abstract artwork.  

 

GRAPHIC ARTS  1                                            

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee:  $40.00 + 4gb flash drive

elective: grades 9 - 12

UC approved

This class is designed to instruct the student in computer drawing and painting applications.  The student will gain a deeper understanding of the computer and its operating system, as well as learning to use the applications, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.  A series of projects will be assigned to introduce students to graphic art design concepts and principles.  Students will also be introduced to the concept of sublimation printing.  A graphic art portfolio will be developed that will assist the art student in a career in computer graphics and advertising.

 

GRAPHIC ARTS 2 

1 semester (0.5 units)

class fee:  $40.00 +4gb flash drive

elective: grades 9 - 12

prerequisite : Graphic Arts I 

UC approved

This class continues instruction of graphic art design concepts and principles by building on the student’s knowledge and use of Adobe Photoshop.  Students will learn photo re-touching, selections, color and lighting adjustments and interesting morph-isms.  The student will learn to design advertisements and layouts through photograph manipulation projects. They will start exploring vector art by creating a cartoon image and will learn to paint in an “Old Master” style.

 

1 semester (.05 units)

class fee: $40.00 + 4gb flash drive

elective: grades 10 - 12

Prerequisite: graphics 1 & 2

Instructor approval required

This class is for the student who wants to take their Graphics knowledge to the next level.  We will be exploring more Adobe Photoshop filters and effects to be used on photographs and words which are common in the advertising world.  

 

1 semester (.05 units)

Class Fee:  $40.00 + 4gb flash drive

Prerequisite: Graphics 1-3 plus the approval of the instructor. 

This class will take the graphics student to a more advanced level working with advanced adjustment layers, masks, channels, filters and more.  If you love design, this class is for you.  Students must be able to work independently.  Students may also use the class to prepare work for college admission portfolios.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY 1                                                                                                            

1 semester (0.5 units)

UC approved  

elective: grades 9 - 12                                          

Class fee: $20.00

prerequisite : a film or digital camera with aperture and shutter capability is required

Photo 1 will familiarize the student with the technological and artistic basics of photography as a fine art. Students will also learn the vocabulary needed to evaluate photographs. Students are required to provide their own camera, and photo prints are required for projects. This course does not include darkroom procedures, but digital darkroom basics using PhotoShop will be covered.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY 2   

1 semester (0.5 units)

UC approved  

elective: grades 9 - 12                                          

Class fee: $20.00

prerequisite : Photography 1 with a grade of a C or better; a 35mm SLR camera or digital camera with aperture and shutter settings is required.

This course is a continuation of Photography 1 and is designed for students who have a desire to further their knowledge and skill with an emphasis on creativity and self-expression. 35mm camera techniques will be reviewed and expanded upon, as well as compositional elements with a focus on creative techniques. Adobe PhotoShop will be used for digital darkroom processing.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY 3    

1 semester (0.5 units)

elective: grades 9 - 12

limited enrollment, permission of instructor required                                                    

Class fee: $20.00

prerequisite : Photography 2, permission of instructor and a 35mmSLR is required  

This course is a special projects course and is designed for students interested in a career in photography. A portfolio of work will be developed, including projects to broaden the student's knowledge and techniques, with an emphasis on lighting, personal expression and mood through his or her work. Portfolios will be designed to aid the student in college or internship applications.

 

 

DRAMA        

2 semesters (1.0 unit)

elective: grades 9 - 12                         

UC approved 

This introductory course explores the basics of theater arts.  Students will learn basic acting skills such as improvisation, characterization, preparing for a role, and stage movement.  Students will study and perform monologues and short skits, progressing later to public performance of one-act plays and Broadway Musicals.  Students will be guided through the various aspects of the production process, from rehearsal to backstage crews, and will explore a range of career opportunities in theater and theater education.  Students will be required to perform in class and also at chapel services.  Field trips may be taken (sometimes for a small fee).

 

CRUSADER CHOIR 

2 semesters (1.0 unit)

elective: grades 9 – 12

Requirement : Full year enrollment

UC approved 

Crusader Choir is a beginning mixed choral ensemble open to any high school student with any range of musical experience.  The choir will actively rehearse choral literature utilizing soprano, alto, and male voices.  The course of study consists of the basics of vocal production, the fundamentals of music theory, music listening, and fine ensemble singing; music is chosen from various historical periods and styles; performances for Broadway Showcase and three major concerts per year.  No audition required.

 

WOMEN'S ENSEMBLE   

2 semesters (1.0 unit)

elective: grades 9 – 12 (if selected)

Audition required

Requirement :  Full year enrollment

UC approved 

Women's Ensemble is an intermediate women's choral group made up of students who enjoy rehearsing and performing choral literature for a combination of soprano and alto voices.  The course of study consists of the basics of vocal production, the fundamentals of music theory, music listening, and fine ensemble singing; music is chosen from various historical periods and styles; performances for chapel services, Broadway Showcase, and three major concerts per year.

 

2 semesters (1.0 unit)

elective: grades 9 - 12 (if selected)  

Audition required

Requirement :  Full year enrollment          

UC approved 

Concert Choir is an intermediate mixed choral ensemble open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who enjoy rehearsing and performing choral literature utilizing soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices.  The course of study consists of the basics of vocal production, the fundamentals of music theory, music listening, and fine ensemble singing; music is chosen from various historical periods and styles; performances for chapel services, Broadway Showcase, and three major concerts per year.

 

MADRIGAL SINGERS             

2 semesters (1.0 unit)

elective: grades 9 – 12 (if selected) 

Audition required

Requirement :  Full year enrollment   

UC approved 

The Madrigal Singers is an advanced mixed choral group open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who enjoy studying, rehearsing, and performing choral literature.  The ensemble is limited to 18 voices, nine men and nine women.  The course of study consists of the basics of vocal production, the fundamentals of music theory, music listening, and performance skills.  The group wears formal attire and performs numerous concerts throughout the year, including chapel services, worship services, seasonal concerts, Broadway Showcase, choir exchanges with other schools, and civic events.

 

CRUSADER BAND 

2 semesters (1.0 unit) 

elective: grades 9 - 12 

Requirement: Full year enrollment

Course Fee: $46 (first-year student), $30 (returning student) 

Auditions for percussion (10 max) held in the spring 

UC approved 

The Crusader Band studies and performs a diverse sampling of the best literature written for the concert and pep bands. The band serves as the school's pep band during the fall football season, and as the school's concert band throughout the year.

 

2 semesters (1.0 unit) 

elective: grades 10 - 12 

Requirement: Full year enrollment, plus one full-year of Crusdaer Band (or equivalent)

Course Fee: $46 (first-year student), $30 (returning student) 

Auditions for percussion (10 max) held in the spring 

UC approveal - pending

The Crusader Wind Ensemble studies and performs a diverse sampling of the best literature written for the concert and pep bands. The Crusader Wind Ensemble joins the Crusader Band to serve as the school's pep band during the fall football season, and plays independently as the school's advanced band throughout the year.

 

2 semesters (1.0 unit) 

elective: grades 9 - 12 

Requirement: Full year enrollment

Course Fee: $46 (first-year student), $30 (returning student) 

UC approved 

The orchestra studies and performs a sampling of the best literature written for chamber orchestra. They perform in area churches and for special programs.

 

HANDBELLS 

2 semesters (0.5 units) 

elective: grades 9 - 12 

Requirement: Full year enrollment 

Note: meets before school 

The handbell choir meets two mornings a week before school. After developing a repertoire of meaningful selections, they perform regularly in the area churches and for special programs and assemblies. This is an audition only class. 

 

BEGINNING JAZZ BAND 

2 semesters (0.5 units)

Elective open to grades 9-12 

Requirement:  Full year enrollment and concurrent Crusader Band or Orchestra enrollment, meets before school       

The Beginning Jazz Band includes study and performance of choice pieces from the jazz repertoire, study of the history of this uniquely American art form, and study of the fundamentals of improvisation.  This class is an auditioned ensemble open only to those who are members of the Crusader Band or Orchestra and is a prerequisite course for Jazz Band if a student has no prior experience with jazz

 

JAZZ BAND 

2 semesters (0.5 units) 

elective: grades 9 - 12 

Requirement: Full year enrollment, concurrent Crusader Band or Orchestra Enrollment 

Note: meets before school 

The Jazz Band includes study and performance of choice pieces from the jazz repertoire, study of the history of this uniquely American art form, and study of the fundamentals of improvisation. This class is an auditioned ensemble open only to those who are members of the Crusader Band or Orchestra.

 

2 semesters (0.25 units) 

elective: grades 9 - 12 

Requirement: Full year enrollment, concurrent Crusader Band or Orchestra Enrollment, director approval 

Note: meets before school 

The small ensembles study and perform a diverse sampling of the best literature written for instrumental ensembles.

 

1 semester (0.5 credits)

elective: 9-12

UC approved

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the art of guitar playing. Students will be taught basic guitar techniques, chords, strumming techniques, and finger picking through the use of contemporary worship music and other genres. Students will also learn the basic elements of music theory that can be employed to recognize patterns in music. Sheet music and other course material will be provided. Each member of the class must have a guitar (either an acoustic or an electric with a small practice amp) that can be brought to school and back home again daily. The class will be taught in a group setting with occasional individual instruction.

 

1 semester (0.5 credits)

elective: 9-12

UC approved

This course may only be taken if you have previously taken Guitar 1 or if you have been pre-approved through the application process. The purpose of this course is to study intermediate and advanced guitar playing techniques. Students will learn barre chords, more challenging strum patterns and finger picking, and scales through the use of contemporary worship music, blues, and other genres. Music theory will be taught in greater depth. The class also participates in performing for Broadway, which is a mandatory part of this course. Each member of the class must have a guitar (either an acoustic or an electric with a small practice amp) that can be brought to school and back home again daily. The class will be taught in a group setting with occasional individual instruction.

 

1 semester (0.5 credits)

UC Approved (if taken for two semesters)

elective: 9-12

Class fee:  $35

Music Technology is the application of computers and software to the musical arts.  This course will cover the study of audio recording, music production and related techniques using the ProTools digital audio workstation.  Projects will involve recording/producing original music as well as recording fellow students, school ensembles and more.  Some musical background is recommended, but not required.

 

1 semester (0.5 credits)

UC Approved (if taken for two semesters)

elective: 9-12

Class fee:  $35

This course may only be taken after completion of Music Technology I. This course will cover more advanced studying of audio recording, music production and related techniques using the ProTools digital audio workstation.  Projects will involve recording/producing original music as well as recording fellow students, school ensembles and more.  Some musical background is recommended, but not required.

 

2 semesters (0.25 credits per semester)

Elective: Grades 9-12

Requirement:  Full Year Enrollment

Note:  Meets before school

The Praise Team is responsible for leading worship during our Wednesday Chapel services.  The group includes full instrumentation including: electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drums, keyboard, vocalists, and Audio/Visual Techs.  Other instruments are also considered.  This is an auditioned ensemble and auditions typically take place in late Spring for the upcoming school year.