Visual & Performing Arts

Arts Staff

EPHS Visual & Performing Arts Requirements

Performing Arts Course Descriptions

Performing Arts Courses

Band

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Duration & credit: 1 year | 1.0 credit

Credit type: VAPA

Prerequisite: Attend summer band camp

High school band offers students a dynamic and rewarding musical experience through participation in concert band, marching band, and pep band. The marching band performs at home football games, the Catch the Glow Parade, and weekend marching competitions, providing exciting performance opportunities and strong team camaraderie. Pep band supports school spirit by performing at select home basketball and volleyball games, while concert band focuses on musical growth and artistry through three on-campus concerts each year, as well as performances at regional and state festivals. Band students have opportunities to audition for Regional Honor Bands and All-State Band, and to participate in solo and ensemble contests. The primary goal of the high school band program is to build strong music fundamentals, develop high-level performance skills, and foster discipline, teamwork, and pride in excellence. Band is a year-long commitment, and consistent attendance at rehearsals and performances—including band camp in late July/early August and Saturday rehearsals during the fall marching season—is required and reflected in the grading policy.

Concert Choir

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Duration & credit: 1 year | 1.0 credit

Credit type: VAPA

Prerequisite: Audition required

Concert Choir specializes in repertoire specifically arranged for large vocal ensembles and selection is by audition only. Concert Choir performs 5-8 times throughout the school year, including singing the National Anthem at an Avalanche or Nuggets’ game and a combined choirs performance of a major choral work in the spring. Each member must purchase concert attire (a dress for women, tuxedo for men, and black shoes). Dresses and tuxedos are also available for rent from EPHS.

Jazz Band

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Duration & credit: 1 year | .5 credit

Credit type: VAPA

Prerequisite: Permission of band director

Co-Requisite: Participation in Concert Band, exceptions made by director discretion

Jazz band is a select group of musicians who perform a variety of musical styles within the jazz genre, including swing, funk, rock, ballads, Latin America styles like Samba and Bossa Nova, and more. Students will also study jazz theory, improvisation, and other specifics of jazz performance style. The band will perform at concerts and special events throughout the year, both on and off-campus. The band will also travel and perform at jazz festivals. Members of the jazz band are eligible for All-State Jazz Band and other honor-jazz groups. Performance attendance is mandatory and is included in the jazz band grading policy. This course begins in September and meets from 7:00 am to 7:50 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students enrolling in jazz band should be prepared to commit to the full September through May course duration.

Major13

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Duration & credit: 1 year | .5 credit

Credit type: VAPA

Prerequisite: Audition required

Major13 specializes in vocal jazz and popular music. This group is limited to 13 students and selection is by audition only. Major13 performs 10-14 times throughout the school year, including singing the National Anthem at an Avalanche or Nuggets’ game, various community civic organization functions, and jazz festivals throughout the state.

Tenor/Bass Choir

Grade: 9

Duration & credit: 2 semesters | 1.0 credit
Credit type: VAPA

Tenor/Bass Choir specializes in repertoire specifically composed for tenor and bass vocal ensembles. Tenor/Bass performs 4-6 times throughout the school year, including singing the National Anthem at an Avalanche or Nuggets’ game and a combined choir performance of a major choral work in the spring. Each member must purchase a tuxedo and black shoes. Tuxedos are also available for rent at EPHS. No audition is necessary.

Treble Choir

Grade: 9

Duration & credit: 2 semesters | 1.0 credit

Credit type: VAPA

Treble Choir specializes in repertoire specifically composed for soprano and alto vocal ensembles. Treble Choir performs 5-8 times throughout the school year, including singing the National Anthem at an Avalanche or Nuggets’ game and a combined choir performance of a major choral work in the spring. Each member must purchase a choir dress and black shoes. Dresses are also available for rent from EPHS. No audition is necessary.

Color Guard

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Duration & credit: 1 year | 1 credit

Credit type: VAPA

Prerequisite: Permission of band director

Color Guard teaches students the athletic and artistic elements of pageantry arts through performance, teamwork, and creative expression. Students will develop skills in dance, movement, and equipment work using flags, rifles, and sabres while learning choreography and performance techniques. First semester, the Color Guard performs with the Marching Band at parades, home football games, and weekend Competitions. In the second semester, the class shifts focus to competitive performance as part of the Colorado Winter Guard circuit, emphasizing precision, musical interpretation, and ensemble unity. In both seasons the band/guard has a history of competing at the State level. Guard will rehearse on weekends throughout the year to stay competitive in our division. Throughout the year, students build physical strength, coordination, confidence, and discipline while collaborating in a supportive, performance-driven environment.

Concurrent Enrollment Band and Jazz Band

Grade: 11, 12

Duration & credit: 1 year | 1 credit

Credit type: VAPA and/or elective credit through FRCC

Prerequisite: Permission of band director, minimum one year of prior high school band experience.

Students in Band and/or Jazz Band with one or more prior years in the program make take the class for concurrent enrollment credit through Front Range Community College. Concurrent Enrollment participants will participate in all aspects of the normal band or jazz class, with added criteria to receive college credit. Required criteria may include:

Auditioning for All-State Band
Auditioning for other Regional or local honor bands
Performing a solo or small ensemble recital
Performing outside of class for a retirement home or other similar venue
Other requirements TBD

This version of the course is in the planning phase still, and details have not yet been finalized. A full syllabus will be ready at the beginning of the school year.

Visual Art Course Descriptions

Visual Art Courses

3D/Sculpture Art

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Duration & credit: 1 semester | .5 credit

Credit type: VAPA

Course Description: 3D Art is an engaging course designed for high school students interested in exploring the dimensions beyond traditional two-dimensional art forms. This course will guide students through the foundational elements of creating three-dimensional artwork, utilizing a variety of materials and techniques. Students will develop their artistic skills and understanding by engaging in hands-on projects ranging from sculpture and ceramics to mixed media and installation art.

Advanced Studio Art

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Duration & credit: 1 semester | .5 credit

Credit type: VAPA

Prerequisite: Studio Art

Fee: $15 materials fee

Students will learn advanced skills in Collage, Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Photography, Printmaking and/or Fiber Arts. Students will work to develop their personal style and create an artist's portfolio with a body of artwork.

Digital Photography

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Duration & credit: 1 semester | .5 credit

Credit type: VAPA

Students will learn the mechanics of digital still and video cameras. Composition skills will be developed as the foundation for projects in portraiture, landscape, studio and macro photography. FIlm studies will include the use of storyboards to build an understanding of narrative and documentary filmmaking. Students will learn editing skills in Photo, Lightroom and Imovie. Students will use the artistic processes to guide their work for their final project. Students will write an artist's statement and present their final project in a student art show.

Jewelry Making

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Duration & credit: 1 semester | .5 credit

Credit type: VAPA

Fee: $15 materials fee

This studio course provides an introduction to metalsmithing and jewelry design. Students will learn practical fabrication techniques while exploring the craft's historical and cultural traditions. Students engage the artistic cycle, from ideation and preparatory sketching to the mastery of core fabrication techniques, including wirework, metal forming, cold connections, and sustainable mixed media design. Critical analysis is integrated through formal critiques and the development of a professional artist's statement to effectively articulate creative intent and material choices. The course culminates in the exhibition of a curated final collection, fostering the development of transferable skills in technical precision, problem-solving, and professional art practice.

Studio Art

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Duration & credit: 1 semester .5 credit

Credit type: VAPA

This studio art course develops fundamental artistic understanding and creative skill. The curriculum focuses on color theory and the elements and principles of art, establishing the essential theoretical foundation for visual communication. Students engage in diverse projects across two-dimensional and three-dimensional media. Successful completion provides students with foundational techniques, critical analysis skills, and the capacity for informed, independent creative output.

High School Visual & Performing Arts Curriculum

Quarter 1

Artistic Process

Learning Targets

Students maintain a sketchbook practice to develop my skills
Students create a personal art portfolio
Students utilize my ideas to develop a theme or style in my artwork in drawing, painting and sculpture
Students determine which artistic medium best expresses my style or ideas
Students discuss and analyze my artwork and the artwork of others
Students write an artist statement that describes my inspiration, intended meaning and artistic process with grade level writing expectations
Students present my artwork in a professional setting
Students research to compare and contrast a historical artistic with a contemporary artist who share either their subject, medium, style or message

Drawing

Learning Targets

Students demonstrate my understanding of value scales, perspective, and proportion to create realistic artworks
Students create a drawing that communicates an intended idea

Quarter 2

Painting

Learning Targets

Students demonstrate my understanding of a variety of painting materials
Students create a painting that communicates an intended idea using color theory

Sculpture

Learning Targets

Students demonstrate my understanding of a variety of sculpture materials
Students create artwork that communicates an intended idea that uses balance

Digital Photography

Semester

Semester

Unit 1: Artistic Process (nonlinear targets taught throughout the semester)

Learning Targets

Students learn to take care of photography and film equipment.
Students analyze the history of photography and film and identify the contemporary uses of the mediums.

Unit 2: Photography

Learning Targets

Students identify and demonstrate composition techniques in photography.
Students explore how to effectively use shutter speed to capture the appropriate amount of light and moment in a photo.
Students use F Stop to effectively use the aperture to adjust the depth of field of a photo.
Students demonstrate the uses of photography in advertising, storytelling and fine art.
Students utilize photoshop to adjust my photos for a specific outcome.

Unit 3: Film

Learning Targets

Students identify and demonstrate how point of view is used in filmmaking.
Students demonstrate an understanding of the film genres of stop motion, storytelling and documentary.
Students utilize film technology to edit and enhance my films.

Jewelry Making

Semester

Semester

Tools & Materials

Learning Targets

Students safely use a jewelry saw, beading Loom, pliers, tin snips, and beading needles
Students create a jewelry chain from wire
Students attach jewelry fasteners
Students wire wrap a fused glass pendant
Students design and pour a resin pendant
Students sculpt clay beads

Jewelry Design

Learning Targets

Students design jewelry using recycled materials
Students create jewelry using natural materials
Students make jewelry using metals

Attachment

Learning Targets

Students utilize wire wrapping to create a pendant
Students attach metals using rivets
Students create bead designs using brick stitch and loom weaving

Jewelry Display

Learning Targets

Students identify how jewelry displays enhance jewelry designs
Students design and create a jewelry display that matches the aesthetic of their jewelry

Sculpture Art

Semester

Semester

Unit 1: Artistic Process (non linear targets taught throughout each medium of art)

Learning Targets

Students develop studio habits to manage materials and tools in the art studio.
Students maintain a sketchbook practice to develop my skills.
Students research artists throughout history.
Students write a personal artist statement at my grade level expectations for writing.
Students generate ideas for artmaking.
Students determine which artistic medium best expresses my idea or concept.
Students discuss and analyze my artwork and the artwork of others using art vocabulary.
Students reflect on my artwork.
Students present my artwork.

Unit 2: Sculpture

Learning Targets

Students analyze history and contemporary uses of sculpture as an art form.
Students utilize sculpture tools and equipment safely.
Students analyze the attributes of different sculpture materials.
Students create sculptures with paper, plaster, clay, and metal.

Studio Art

Quarter 1
Quarter 2

Quarter 1

Artistic Process

Learning Targets

Students develop studio habits to manage materials and tools in the art studio.
Students maintain a sketchbook practice to develop my skills.
Students research artists throughout history.
Students write a personal artist statement at my grade level expectations for writing.
Students generate ideas for artmaking.
Students determine which artistic medium best expresses my idea or concept.
Students discuss and analyze my artwork and the artwork of others using art vocabulary.
Students reflect on my artwork.
Students present my artwork.

Drawing

Learning Targets

Students analyze the attributes of different drawing materials
Students demonstrate drawing skills with value scales, perspective and proportion

Quarter 2

Painting

Learning Targets

Students analyze the attributes of different painting materials
Students recognize the use of color schemes in artwork
Students create artwork with an intended meaning using color theory

Sculpture

Learning Targets

Students utilize sculpture tools and equipment safely
Students analyze the attributes of different painting materials
Students create artwork with balance

Brass/Woodwinds Band

Quarter 1

Unit 1: Marching Band

Learning Targets

Students march to my individual spots with proper marching style, step size and horn angle
Students demonstrate extensive knowledge of marching band terminology and execution
Students perform music and marching from memory accurately and expressively
Students perform my individual drill sets from memory
Students analyze performances based on the Colorado Bandmasters Association judging criteria
Students describe a suggested warm-up and warm-down routines

Quarter 2

Unit 2: Honor Band Auditions

Learning Targets

Students perform the honor band music with accurate notes and rhythms
Students play a major, harmonic minor and chromatic scale
Students utilize practice time most efficiently

Unit 3: Winter Concert

Learning Targets

Students read phrases or groups of notes instead of individual notes
Students play basic scales, arpeggios, and technical exercises
Students follow more advanced conducting techniques
Students start a piece without a countdown
Students observe the “road map” of a piece before playing it for the first time

Quarter 3

Unit 4: Concert Band Festival

Learning Targets

Students alternate fingerings for difficult passages or for better intonation
Students perform endurance and range-building techniques & exercises
Students adjust their instrument to compensate for sharp or flat pitch
Students adjust and balancing ensemble sound to suit the acoustical environment
Students perform in more advanced meters such as 6/8, 9/8, 7/4, etc.
Students perform 8th and quarter note triplets with accuracy

Quarter 4

Unit 5: Solo & Ensemble

Learning Targets

Students perform in a solo or small group setting

Unit 6: May Concert

Learning Targets

Students produce the appropriate style and tone/timbre depending upon material being performed
Students play more advanced scale/rhythm combinations for increased technical proficiency
Students play with phrasing, including placement of breaths, dynamics, tempo changes, etc. for maximum artistic effect

Color Guard

Quarter 1

Unit 1: Marching Band

Learning Targets

Students can march to their individual spots with proper marching style, step size and technique from memory
Students demonstrate knowledge of marching band terminology and execution
Students analyze performances based on the Colorado Bandmasters Association judging criteria
Students demonstrate proper equipment handling and body posture
Students perform choreography and marching from memory accurately and expressively

Quarter 2

Unit 2: Advanced Techniques

Learning Targets

Students demonstrate basic flag flourishes, spins and tosses with proper technique
Students perform rifle spins and tosses with control and precision
Students perform complex dance sequences with fluidity and expression
Students create 30 seconds of choreography to music of my choosing

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

Unit 4: Performance & Assessment

Learning Targets

Students participate in dress rehearsals to fine-tune routines
Students perform color guard routines and school events and competitions
Students evaluate their own performance and identify areas for improvement
Students set personal goals for continued growth in color guard
Students reflect on their overall progress and growth as a color guard performer

Unit 5: Further Develop Note-Reading Ability Skills

Learning Targets

Students sight-read an 8-bar example using note-names
Students sight-read a simple 8-bar example using note-names

Unit 6: Further Develop Note-Reading Ability Skills

Learning Targets

Students sight-read an 8-bar example using solfege
Students sight-read a simple 8-bar example using solfege and Kodaly hand symbols

Unit 1: Marching Band

Learning Targets

Students march to their individual spots with proper marching style, step size and technique
Students demonstrate extensive knowledge of marching band terminology and execution
Students perform music/choreography and marching from memory accurately and expressively
Students perform their individual drill sets from memory
Students analyze performances based on the Colorado Bandmasters Association judging criteria
Students describe a suggested warm-up and warm-down routines

Quarter 2

Unit 2: Percussion Foundations

Learning Targets

Students demonstrate basic instrument care and maintenance for various percussion instruments
Students demonstrate proper grip and hand technique
Students demonstrate proper playing technique on snare drum, bass drum, timpani, mallets, marimba, and auxiliary instruments
Students play 7 major scales with arpeggios (Db, Ab, Eb, Bb, F, C, G)
Students prepare and perform a grade 2 percussion ensemble piece

Quarter 3

Unit 3: Intermediate Playing Techniques

Learning Targets

Students demonstrate 20 of the 40 essential rudiments for snare drum
Students play 9 major scales with arpeggios (Gb, Db, Ab, Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D)
Students demonstrate 2 mallet independence
Students prepare and perform a grade 2.5 percussion ensemble piece
Students prepare and perform pieces with the high school band demonstrating proper balance and blend

Quarter 4

Unit 4: Advanced Playing Techniques

Learning Targets

Students demonstrate 40 of the 40 essential rudiments for snare drum
Students play 12 major scales with arpeggios (Gb, Db, Ab, Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D, A, E, B)
Students demonstrate 4 mallet independence
Students demonstrate speed, accuracy and control when playing snare drum literature
Students prepare and perform a grade 3 percussion ensemble piece

Unit 5: Further Develop Note-Reading Ability Skills

Learning Targets

Students sight-read an 8-bar example using note-names
Students sight-read a simple 8-bar example using note-names

Unit 6: Further Develop Note-Reading Ability Skills

Learning Targets

Students sight-read an 8-bar example using solfege
Students sight-read a simple 8-bar example using solfege and Kodaly hand symbols