Academics & arts together

High School Core Academic Requirements (7:45am - 12:15pm)

Academic requirements for High School (grade 9 to 12) students include the following;

	Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
English	English 9	English 10	English 11	English 12
Social Studies	World Cultures and Geography	Asian and European History	American Studies	20th Century Ideas
Science	Geo Science and Health	Biology	Physics	Chemistry
Math	Core 1 or Core 2	Core 2 or Core 3	Core 3 or Pre-Calculus	Pre-Calculus or Calculus
Piano	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional
Foreign Language (French or Spanish)	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4

High School Academic Curriculum Details

English Department - 4 credits

English, 9th Grade
The 9th grade curriculum focuses on the theme of identity as represented in various texts from around the world. Students are required to demonstrate their understanding of the way in which we construct, alter and refine our identities in a series of formal and creative writing assignments and presentations.

English, 10th Grade
The 10th grade Language Arts curriculum focuses on the role and evolution of the hero throughout history and literature. The students are asked to examine several pieces of literature from the Classical Period, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to identify the ways in which the idea of the hero has evolved to reflect the changing values of the Western world.

English - 11th Grade
In community with the History Department, here at ASA, the English Department is part of a larger Humanities mission "to provide a literary and historical context that inspires students to create a more humane world." The course will be conducted as a college-prep, writing-intensive literary seminar. The content reflects an exploration of individual and collective identities, social expectations, and the relationship between history and truth. We will critically engage with many challenging texts, including poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. This course invites students to celebrate and analyze the human condition in all its complexity. We will also consider the worlds of many writers, what they wrote, how they wrote, and why they wrote. Most importantly, we will explore relevancy of these works. Are they still relevant today? Why? What does that reflect about us? English 11 is intended to be a transitional course, moving students toward an even more conscious, generative practice of critical reading and writing. This class includes literary analysis, research-based writing and presentations, cause-effect analysis, in-class timed essays, oral-interpretation of poetry, as well as personal and philosophical narratives (including a college application essay).

English 12/Challenge Based Learning- 12th Grade
The ASA senior year curriculum will consist of a challenge-based learning initiative designed to apply the various skills acquired at ASA in a real world context and produce meaningful change in the larger community. Challenge-based learning focuses student skills on authentically identifying and addressing real-world issues. Students will ultimately choose the content of their challenge within a specific framework provided by the teachers and administration. The "challenge" is an actionable project designed to serve and aid our community at large. Students will take ownership of their work, create community partnerships, resolve problems, and learn new skills that enhance their personal and collective abilities to live and work successfully in the 21st century. As a result of the challenge, students will acquire new skills, adapt and hone old ones, conduct in-depth research, cooperate in small and large group settings, develop independent learning skills, and creatively utilize technology. This class is a humanities course that will include economics, global issues, community literacy, self-reflection, and action-based initiatives. We will read, write, research, and present content, as we would do in any English/History course. We will also reach far beyond those traditions, with more emphasis on collaboration, technology, direct experience, and a new kind of entrepreneurialism.

Foreign Language Department - 4 credits

Spanish I
The overall goals of Spanish I are seen in terms of students performing linguistic tasks successfully, gaining self-confidence, relying on themselves and classmates and developing their ability to create with language.

Spanish II
The overall goals of Spanish II are seen in terms of enhancing students' communicative skills, successfully gaining self-confidence, relying on themselves and classmates, expanding their risk-taking in real-life communicative situations.

Spanish III
The overall goals of Spanish III are seen in terms of students performing linguistic tasks successfully, gaining self-confidence, relying on themselves and classmates, developing their ability to create with language, expanding their risk taking in real-life communicative situations, and gaining greater insight into the varied perspectives offered by the study of the Hispanic culture.

Spanish IV
The overall goals of Spanish IV are seen in terms of students performing linguistic tasks successfully, gaining self-confidence, relying on themselves and classmates, developing their ability to create with language, expanding their risk-taking in real-life communicative situations, and gaining greater insight into the varied perspectives offered by the study of the Hispanic culture.

French I
In French 1, students will gain a foundational understanding of basic vocabulary and grammar, which focuses on the present tense of verbs. Vocabulary includes: the calendar, colors, seasons and weather, classroom objects, the family, greetings and first contact dialogues, likes and dislikes, numbers, school subjects, body parts, animals, time, clothing, getting around town, and some history and culture.

French II
In French 2, students learn to communicate about events in the past (passé compose and the imperfect tenses), and describe their daily routine using reflexive verbs. They will be able to use vocabulary related to traveling, dining out, shopping, professions, sports, and health.

French III
In French 3, students will increase their ability to communicate about wishes and doubts by learning the subjunctive mood. They will also learn to use direct and indirect object pronouns and the compound tenses (pluperfect, future perfect, conditional past). Students will increase their vocabulary through short readings and the delightful Le Petit Nicolas.

French IV
In French 4, all the essential grammar will be reviewed and refined. Students will focus on a variety of reading selections, including literary, historical, cultural and journalistic pieces. They will also become familiar with colloquial and idiomatic expressions. In semester 2, students will translate and present their CBL project and enjoy the delightful Le Petit Prince as their main literary focus.

Social Studies - 4 credits

World Cultures & Geography, 9th Grade
Using the framework of cultural anthropology as a unifying theme, students in World Cultures and Geography study Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia throughout the year.

Asian & European Studies, 10th Grade
During 10th grade, students explore the history and contributions of the great civilizations of India, Greece, Rome, and Europe. Students use the perspective of philosophy, religion, politics, and literature to examine the larger questions of what makes up an ideal society and what factors contribute to and define a great civilization.

American Studies, 11th Grade
This is a critical thinking and writing course which uses the Enlightenment, the American Revolution, freedom, developing and expanding nation, the Civil War, industrialization, and other themes from American History as a basis of inquiry.

20th Century Ideas and Economics, 12th Grade
This class will explore the historic developments in politics, economics, art, and other cultural aspects throughout the Twentieth Century, concentrating on the major events of the post-World War II decades.

Biology, 9th Grade
Biology is an intensive laboratory course that covers a variety of life science topics. Students in Biology will explore the history of life science discoveries and will relate them to current events. The social and ethical aspects of science will be discussed as well, particularly during the unit on genetics. Topics covered in Biology will include cells and cell processes, heredity and genetics, evolution, ecology, and characteristics of organisms.

Physics, 11th Grade
Physics students engage in constructing, interpreting and applying the physical laws they develop in laboratory investigations to better understand their Universe. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, circular motion, an in-depth study of projectile motion, momentum, energy and conservation laws. The Modeling Method of instruction, which ongoing research has shown to substantially improve student conceptual understanding, is used extensively in this course.

Chemistry, 10th & 12th Grade
Chemistry students develop particle models to investigate and understand interactions at the microscopic scale. Models are adapted to fit observed chemical behavior as the interactions become more complex. Topics include kinetic molecular theory, gas laws, phase transitions, the role of energy in chemical interactions and bonding, stoichiometry, atomic structure, the Periodic Table and nuclear chemistry.

Mathematics Department - 4 credits

Core I
Students will be asked to analyze and draw conclusions from numerical and graphical statistical representations, formally study exponential functions to model exponential growth and decay situations, and synthesize properties and applications of two and three-dimensional objects developed in previous years.

Core II
Using Algebra, students study non-linear functions, domain, range, properties of exponents and systems of equations. Geometry topics include analytic proofs, problems involving angles, circles, and parallel lines, and an introduction to proofs using conditional statements.

Core III
This course expands on the concepts studies in both Core I and Core II. Topics include linear, non-linear and absolute-value inequalities; right triangle trigonometry; matrices; linear programming; probability; combinations; and permutations.

Precalculus
Precalculus is designed to complete preparation of students for calculus and includes an intensive study of functions and their graphs.

Calculus
Calculus is a college-bound course available to students who have completed Precalculus in their junior year.

AP Statistics
The topics for ASA's advanced placement course are divided into four major themes: exploratory analysis (20-30 percent of the exam), planning and conducting a study (10-15 percent of the exam), probability (20-30 percent of the exam), and statistical inference (30-40 percent of the exam).

Community Service - .5 credit

 

High School Core Arts Requirements

Arts requirements for High School (grade 9 to 12) students include the following;

	Grade 9-10	Grade 11-12
Required Arts Options for Grade Level (2 Classes)	Students choose 2-3 classes from: 1. Music* (Instrument, Voice or Piano), OR 2. Drama, OR 3. Ballet* (1 Class - 2 Credit Block) *All students must be at intermediate level or higher in Music and Dance.	Students major in one area taking at least 2 credits (usually 2 classes) from their chosen area, each school year: Music, Drama or Dance.
Notes	Study Hall option available for High School students that take a 9th-hour arts class.	Study Hall option available for High School students that take a 9th-hour arts class.

High School Arts Curriculum Details

Intermediate Dance
This level is designed for students who are at an intermediate/advanced level in ballet. In Intermediate Dance, students attend ballet classes four days a week. Pointe work and Men's work is introduced within the first semester for students with the instructor's approval. The remaining day is reserved for an additional class which will continue through the length of each semester and may include one of the following: Modern or Flamenco. Pre-requisites: Satisfactory completion of Ballet Foundations 2 or audition. 7-12 grades.

Ballet Corps Intensive
Ballet, Pointe, Men's, Modern, and Flamenco. This level is designed for advanced students and the classes are taught off campus at the School of Ballet Arizona. A bus is provided to the off-site location. Parents are required to pick-up students at the off-site location at the end of class. This level will continue to expand and explore in greater depth the technical and artistic nature of classical ballet, flamenco, and contemporary dance forms. These students are expected to have a strong grasp of the fundamentals of ballet and to be able to use them to form expressive, quality movement in classical and contemporary styles of dance. Pre-requisites: Satisfactory completion of Intermediate Dance or audition. 8-12 grades.

Band

Band Foundations 1
A fast-paced course in which woodwinds, brass, and percussion are taught in an ensemble setting focusing on building and straightening the fundamentals of their instrument. The course includes both full band ensemble and separate sectional classes. Pre-requisites: None. 7- 9 grades.

Band Foundations 2
A continuing course in ensemble playing for woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The course includes both full band ensemble and separate sectional classes. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Concert Band
A high performing intermediate band ensemble. Large ensemble work is focused on artistic development and performance technique. The course includes both full band ensemble and separate sectional classes. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Wind Ensemble
An excelling performance ensemble. The course emphasizes performance, technique, sight-reading, and advanced literature. The course includes both full band ensemble and separate sectional classes. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Jazz Band
The ASA Jazz Band is Big Band consisting of saxes, trumpets, trombones and a full rhythm section (drum set, bass, guitar and piano) in a traditional Big Band setting popularized by acts like Count Basie or Duke Elllington. This group studies and performs a variety of literature from various periods of Jazz performance, ranging from Swing to Bossa Nova, Funk to Fusion and anything else that will enrich the class. Entrance Audition/Permission of Instructor. (Concert band and wind ensemble level only). 7-12 grades.

Percussion Ensemble
An advanced level performing ensemble focusing on mastery of traditional, non-traditional and world percussion techniques through the study of contemporary percussion ensemble literature. Entrance Audition/Permission of Instructor. (Concert band and wind ensemble level only)

Guitar

Guitar Foundations 1
An entry-level guitar class. Classical guitar techniques are taught in a group setting. All students will learn to read music. Pre-requisites: Students must purchase a nylon string classical guitar and foot stand for participation in class. Students with other equipment will not be admitted. Pre-requisites: 7-9 grades only.

Guitar Foundations 2
A continuing class in classical guitar techniques with an emphasis on ensemble work, beginning study of solo repertoire, sight-reading, and performance. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 6-12 grades.

Advanced Guitar Ensemble
An advanced classical guitar ensemble. Class emphasis is on advanced performance techniques, including extensive study of solo repertoire, sight-reading, and performance. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Drama

Acting 1
This course will explore the fundamentals of acting. Study will include but is not limited to the following: monologue and scene work for audition preparation, voice and diction, connecting the physical body, the mind and the soul. Pre-requisites: 9-10 grades. Open to majors and non-majors. 9th Period class will be open to 8th grade students based upon availability only. Interested 8th grade students will be required to audition with Theatre Department Chair. (theatre majors - required)

Intro to Theatre
This course provides a basic introduction to all aspects of theatre including performance and production as explored through history from theatre origins to present day. This class is very interactive and hands-on and is a great arts course for all students! Pre-requisite: None, 9-12 grades. (theatre majors - required)

ASA Glee/Show Choir
Students will have the opportunity to learn and practice various musical theatre skills and styles. Course content changes slightly each year to provide the most up-to-date musical selections from Classical to Rock. Coursework includes music study, acting study, character development, and choreography. This ensemble performs publicly at an array of functions and venues throughout Phoenix. Pre-requisites: Acting 1; must be confident singing harmonies and sight-singing; audition is required. 9-12 grades. Class size limited.

Acting 2
This course continues an actor's education by helping the students develop their own acting process through actor training. The class will explore the intensity of character through various techniques and performance styles, and will apply their training to ensemble based work. Students will explore through styles that may include but not be limited to: Viewpoints, Commedia, Melodrama, Clown and more. Extensive vocal and physical work should be expected and students should dress accordingly. Pre-requisites: Acting I or Theatre Department Chair permission. 9-12 grades.

Acting 3
Students in Acting 3 will work with students in the Directing Class to learn various styles and techniques furthering their acting skills and developing collaborative relationships with Directors. Students will focus on various performance methods, etiquette, and preparation, and will work in depth on character development, progression, and script / character analysis. Students will explore methods that may include but not be limited to: Stanislavski, Hagan, Grotowski, Laban. Pre-requisites: Acting I, Acting II, permission of Theatre Department Chair. 9-12 grades.

Production Studies
Study and participate in technical theatre production! Class time includes working with tools, lighting, sound, set, makeup, and more. Students will receive an overview of each design aspect of theatrical production and will learn the basics of theatre management. The class time will be divided into class study and projects. The class will also be responsible for the technical elements of ASA theatre department productions. Pre-requisites: None. 9-12 grades. Additional requirements: Production work for ASA theatre productions may include some required after school and/or Saturday work calls. (theatre majors - Required)

Directing
Introduction to the process and techniques of directing for the stage. Students will learn the art of developing a concept as well as script analysis, working with designers, blocking, how to audition an actor, working with period material, and how to navigate the many phases of the rehearsal process. Students will also have an opportunity to direct actors from the Acting III class and will have the opportunity to direct a public performance. Pre-requisites: Acting I, Intro to Theatre, Production Studies. Highly recommended, Acting II. 11-12 grades. (theatre majors - required)

Drama

Advanced Acting Ensemble
Students seeking more advanced work can continue their classroom education by developing and fine tuning individual technique while exploring creatively and collaboratively with other arts disciplines. The objective of this class is to better prepare each student for collegiate programs, conservatory training or professional training programs. This class will work often outside of the traditional classroom setting and students will collaborate and explore with Music, Visual Art, Dance and other arts disciplines. Students will write and produce original work throughout the year and the class will function like a production ensemble. Pre-requisites: 11th and 12th Graders only, Acting 1, Acting II, Acting III OR Directing. 10th grade students will be considered through audition during the 2011 - 2012 academic year without prior Acting III or Directing experience. Please contact the Theatre Department Chair for information on how to audition for this course.

Piano

High School Piano
Class piano instruction occurs during arts hours for high school students. Students work independently at full-size Yamaha digital keyboards with individual headphones. Class emphasizes solo literature from each stylistic period, ensemble literature, technique, and theory. Recitals are held each quarter. Priority will be given to students by seniority. Pre-requisites: Students must have a piano or full-size keyboard with pedals at home. Students must pass a Level 3 ASP Theory Exam and perform appropriate pieces at that level. Students will be expected to practice outside of class time. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all piano students. Period 7, 8 & 9 are High School students only.

Advanced High School Piano
Students will be enrolled at the faculty's discretion. The class will emphasize advanced performance technique, music analysis, and advanced musicianship skills. Students who qualify for advanced piano will have advanced piano on their transcripts. This class is offered 7th period only. Regular high school piano will still be offered during 7th period. Pre-requisites: Instructor permission.

Strings

String Foundations 1
A continuation of the ASA Intro courses in violin, viola, cello, and double bass. This course is also for incoming students without prior experience. Students will learn the basics in string technique, music theory for strings, and ensemble playing. The course includes both full string orchestra and separate technique classes (violin, viola or low strings). Pre-requisites: None. 7-9 grades.

Strings

String Foundations 2
A continuation of String Foundations 1 at an intermediate level. Students will learn to play in a large ensemble and understand higher-level string theory. Students will learn shifting, 2 & 3 octave scales & arpeggios. Class will include an introduction of music history as it pertains to different styles of playing. The course includes both full string orchestra and separate technique classes (violin, viola or low strings). ?Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Concert Orchestra
An upper-level performing ensemble. Emphasis will be placed on shifting, 3 octave scales, arpeggios, and more advanced technique including vibrato. Students will study advanced music theory and historical performance practices. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all members. The course includes both full string orchestra and separate technique classes (violin, viola or low strings).?Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Sinfonia
An advanced string ensemble that performs regularly. The ensemble performs music from the standard concert string orchestra literature. Chamber music is an integral part of the program. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all members. The course includes both full string orchestra and separate technique classes (violin, viola or low strings). Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Voice

Mixed Choir I
This class offers the building blocks for proper vocal technique, music reading skills, and working within a mixed voice ensemble. Students explore 3 to 4 part singing in a variety of languages and in various genres of music. that will emphasis vocal health, sight-singing, and theory. Special attention will be made to the changing voice. Pre-requisites: None. 7-12 grades.

Voice

Mixed Choir II
A continuation of Mixed Choir 1 with a further application of proper singing techniques and rehearsal discipline. Students will study choral music in 4 plus part singing in a variety of languages and in various genres of music. Students perform with artistic integrity, giving careful attention to accuracy of pitches, rhythms, dynamics, and articulation. Repertoire includes a cappella and accompanied works from the Renaissance to the current century. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Voice

Women's Choir
A continuation from Mixed Choir with a further application of proper singing techniques. Students continue to learn correct vowel production, consonant production and 3 to 4-part singing. Sight singing regularly and making music literacy is a priority. Students will have an increased competence in note-reading, rhythm reading, score awareness, symbolic notational devices, and music directions written in other languages. Students perform with artistic integrity, giving careful attention to accuracy of pitches, rhythms, dynamics, and articulation. Repertoire includes a cappella and accompanied works from the Renaissance to the current century. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Concert Choir
Prerequisites are a vocal technique, which demonstrates breath control and good intonation, sight-reading ability with solfege on melodies outlining the tonic triad in major and minor modes, and concentration in rehearsal. Goals at this level are increased vocal technique including the ability to control longer phrases, improved intonation, sight-reading melodies outlining the tonic and dominant triads plus the raised fourth in major and minor modes. The repertoire is expanded to include works by major composers. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 9-12 grades, although experienced singers in Grade 8 may audition.

Chamber Singers
Singers are assigned only by audition and the recommendation of both artistic and academic staff. Prerequisites are a vocal technique with good adduction (no breathiness), control of intonation in all registers, sight-reading of melodies containing wider intervals, and dedication to an intense rehearsal situation. Goals at this level are attaining a vocal technique that can control phrases with a high degree of musicianship, excellent intonation and blend within a mixed choir, sight-reading of melodies outlining tonic, dominant, and secondary dominant chords, and the application of theory to interpretation. Repertoire consists almost entirely of the most exemplary choral literature from the last five centuries. Pre-requisites: Audition only. 9-12 grades.

Study Hall

Study Hall
A faculty supervised, quiet, classroom environment for students to work on homework assignments. No faculty tutoring is available. Pre-requisites: current enrollment in 2 arts classes in the afternoon, permission from school administration. 9-12 grades only, and middle school students enrolled in Guitar Foundations 2.