Visual and Performing Arts Courses

Recommended Prerequisite - Teacher approval

The AP program in Studio Art is intended for highly skilled, exceptional and motivated students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art.  AP Studio Art is not based on a written examination; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year.  These two-quarter courses assist students in the preparation of either a Drawing Portfolio, a 2-D Design Portfolio or a 3-D Design Portfolio.  Portfolio preparation involves a significant time commitment and is intended for dedicated, advanced students who want to complete a college-level art course.  These courses meet the UC/CSU “f” Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

This course is offered to provide the same benefits to secondary students as those provided by the introductory college course in art history:  an understanding and appreciation of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within historical and cultural contexts.  This course is designed to meet college standards and requires a high degree of commitment to academic work.  This course has been approved to meet the UC “f” or “g” requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Digital Media 1-2, Teacher Recommendation

Introduces students to the basic tools, techniques, and vocabulary of broadcast journalism.  Students will practice the fundamentals of communicating using the television medium and through hands-on projects will learn to perform the basic job requirements of the camera operator, audio operator, video switcher, lighting director, floor manager, graphics operator, announcer, and director. Students will apply their knowledge as they produce regular news segments to be broadcast for the school. This course meets the UC/CSU “g” Elective requirement.  This course is repeatable; however, only two quarters (1-2) will apply toward meeting the UC “g” requirement.                 

Design in Mixed Media is your chance to dive into the exciting world of art and creativity! In this hands-on studio course, you'll explore the elements and principles of design while working with a wide variety of materials and techniques. From crafting unique jewelry and expressive paintings to experimenting with paper maché, printmaking, fabric art, and even upcycled materials—there are no limits to what you can create. Inspired by cultures from around the world, you’ll develop both two- and three-dimensional projects that showcase your personal style. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, this course is your opportunity to experiment, innovate, and bring your artistic ideas to life!

Recommended Prerequisite:  Design in Mixed Media 1-2

Students enrolled in Design and Mixed Media 3-4 will continue to use the elements and principles of art through exploration in various design assignments. This course will provide more advanced activities for the student through guided experiences, discussion, and explorations that emphasize art criticism, art history, and art philosophy, as well as art production. This course has been approved to meet the UC “f” or “g” requirement.

Drawing and Painting 1 & 2 are the perfect courses for students who want to take their artistic skills to the next level! In this dynamic studio environment, you'll dive into the world of drawing and painting, mastering the essentials of art and design while exploring your own creative voice. From sketching with graphite and charcoal to experimenting with vibrant acrylics and delicate watercolors, you'll develop a strong foundation in technique, composition, and creative problem-solving. Whether you're refining your style or trying something new, this class will challenge you to think outside the box, plan your projects, and create stunning works of art you'll be proud of!

Recommended Prerequisite:  Drawing/Painting 1-2

Drawing and painting 3-4 is designed for passionate and motivated artists ready to take their skills to the next level! In this advanced studio course, you'll refine your artistic voice and push the boundaries of your creativity through a variety of drawing and painting techniques. From mastering anatomy and gesture drawing to exploring stylized painting, portraiture, and even comic arts, you'll dive deep into both contemporary and historic art practices. With a focus on strengthening your studio habits and visual storytelling, this course provides the perfect framework to explore new creative outlets and develop original, portfolio-worthy artwork. Whether you're dreaming of a future in the arts or simply love to create, this is your chance to level up and express yourself like never before!

Recommended Prerequisite:  Drawing/Painting 1-2, Drawing/Painting 3-4

Studio Art is for those students who have advanced skills in drawing, painting, and three-dimensional design. The course assists these students in preparation of a portfolio for application to, and scholarships to, institutes granting degrees in visual arts. Through oral discussions and writing in research/response journals, the students will address subject, form, and content in works of historical, contemporary, and personal art. This course has been approved to meet the UC “f” requirement.

(Students can receive college credit for this course.  See “Articulated Courses”.)

Photography 1-2 is an exciting hands-on course that introduces you to the world of photography—both as an art form and a potential career path. You’ll learn how to confidently use a digital camera, explore cool photography gear, and dive into editing software to bring your creative ideas to life. This class will show you how to use photography as a powerful way to tell stories and express yourself. You’ll develop your imagination and eye for detail by learning how to compose awesome images with the right elements. Plus, you'll explore the history of photography and sharpen your skills by critiquing photos like a pro.

Recommended prerequisites:  Photography 1-2                            

(Students can receive college credit for this course.  See “Articulated Courses”.)

Photography 3-4 takes your skills to the next level by focusing on real-world uses of photography, like journalism, magazine features, publishing, electronics, and portrait photography. This class gives you the chance to dive deeper into creative projects while also exploring potential career paths in the photography industry. Whether you're interested in storytelling, media, or technical photography, you'll get hands-on experience and discover new ways to apply your passion. This course meets the UC “f” requirement as well as the PUSD Fine Arts credit.

Photography 5-6 is all about building your portfolio and sharpening the skills you need for careers in commercial photography, portraiture, photojournalism and fine art. You'll work on developing your unique artistic style through personalized projects, class critiques, and self-reflection. This course encourages creativity and experimentation in every step— from brainstorming ideas to editing and presenting your work. You'll also explore the meaning behind your art through written reflections and daily discussions, helping you think more deeply about your creative process and goals.

Recommended Prerequisite: Integrated 1

Computer Science Principles is designed as a college-level introduction to a computer science course for non-computer science majors. The course focuses on computational thinking and fluency. In order to gain a basic understanding of computers and computation, students will: learn about the impacts of computing; identify abstractions and learn how to use them in computing; be given solutions to computer programs to analyze for correctness and to engage in discussions about the solutions; and create computational artifacts, working individually and in teams. The course meets the PUSD Physical Science requirements and recommended third year of UC “d” Science requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Integrated Math 2

Introduction to Computer Programming 1-2 will introduce the students to the current computer programming language. Students will learn to develop algorithms, computer programming in the computer language, as well as learn the Windows XP operating system. The primary emphasis will be to learn the proper and efficient use of standard commands, structures, and statements in the computer programming language. This course will stress logic and analytical thinking skills. It is recommended for the college bound student planning on a business, math, or computer science major. This course is designed for the student planning to take AP Computer Science 1-2. This course meets the UC/CSU "g" Elective requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Programming           

Advanced Placement Computer Science A 1-2 places major emphasis on programming methodology, algorithms, and data structures. Applications of computing provide the context in which these subjects are treated; applications are used to develop student awareness of the need for particular algorithms and data structures, as well as to provide topics for programming assignments to which students can apply their knowledge. A particular programming language constitutes the vehicle for implementing computer-based solutions to particular problems. Treatments of computer systems and the social implications of computing are integrated into the course and not isolated as separate units. This course meets the UC/CSU “g” Elective requirement.

Cybersecurity prepares students for success in postsecondary information technology majors and for careers in network administration and information technology support services with a focus on cybersecurity. The course includes a series of technical modules that provide hands-on learning as well as knowledge and skills development in computer hardware, operating systems, networking, coding, and security infrastructures. Industry-based curricula are utilized in network and virtual image environments to emulate real-life scenarios and prepare students for industry-recognized certifications. Students research and address ethical and legal standards related to information security. Students mitigate cyber vulnerabilities through intricate problem solving scenarios requiring critical thinking, incident response and analysis, and collaboration.  This Career Technical Educational Course is part of the Information and Communication Technologies pathway. This course meets the PUSD Physical Science requirement and recommended third year of UC “d” Science requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite:  None

This course serves as the initial training ground for young performers who will take the stage in Drama Club productions.  Important vocal and physical training begins in this class, and students also learn the vocabulary and traditions of the stage. The goal of this class is to raise students’ interests in dramatic art and develop their abilities to view theater analytically.  Students will be expected to read plays, memorize lines, and rehearse at home, as well as complete paperwork in preparation for performances and other notebook entries.  This course meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of previous level drama class

Drama 3-6 are advanced classes which focus on the development of individualized performances through prepared productions for other classes. Students will learn about the major dramatic works while preparing productions of scenes by authors studied in other classes.  Grades will consist of a subjective review of the effort and professionalism applied to in-class and inter-school performances.  Some analytical paperwork will also be graded and a final exam given.   Homework:  Students are required to spend time reading, analyzing, and memorizing at home.  These courses meet the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Audition and teacher approval

This course is intended for those students who are ready to make an in depth commitment to the study and performance of theater.  Students will continue to hone and expand their skills in performance, design, stagecraft and theatre management through the process of selecting and producing plays from a variety of theatre genre for public performance. This course meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Technical Production for the Theater 1-2 is a course which covers the basics of set design and construction, lighting, costuming, sound, makeup, and stage management.  Students will be expected to operate the equipment used in sound effects and musical background for a play, to plan and apply makeup for play characters, and to act as stage manager. This course meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Tech. Production 1-2

Technical Production for the Theater 3-4 is a practical theater class which continues to build on knowledge, experience and interest acquired in 1-2.  These courses meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Beginning Choir 1-2 offers the student of choral music an opportunity to develop musical skills and to broaden the musical experience through rehearsal and performance.  This is a performance class, and students are expected to participate in all choral activities.  The make-up of this class could be mixed voices, women only, or men only. This course meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Previous choral experience

Concert Choir offers the student of choral music an opportunity to further develop musical skills and to broaden the musical experience through rehearsal and performance.  This is a performance class, and students are expected to participate in all choral activities.  This course meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Audition and teacher approval

Classical Vocal Ensemble is a course for advanced choral musicians.  Advanced choral and vocal technique will be taught.  Classical and traditional repertoire will be studied and performed.  This is a performance class, and students are expected to participate in all choral activities.  Outside time is required.  The Classical Vocal Ensemble will represent the school at District and state levels in adjudicated festivals. This course meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Consecutive participation in Middle School Band prior to entering high school, Concurrent enrollment in Marching Band PE and Band ENS 1 & 2, teacher permission required.

Freshmen Band serves as the entry point for any student participating in high school band – regardless of ability level.   In this class, students will focus on fundamental ensembles music skills and perform music from various musical genres. This class will require participation in rehearsals and performances outside of the school day. To meet the academic rigor of high school band, students are expected to have successfully completed continuous enrollment in middle school band.  Students participating in band are required to enroll in band for the fall and spring term.  This course meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Freshmen Band and/or Symphonic Band; teacher permission required. Concurrent enrollment in Marching Band PE during fall term.

Concert Band is the primary training ensemble in order to advance to Symphonic Band.   In this class, students will focus on fundamental ensembles music skills and perform standard high school music from various musical genres. This class will require participation in rehearsals and performances outside of the school day.  Auditions into this group are based on scores earned during fall band proficiency testing.  Students must successfully complete Freshmen Band before advancing into Concert Band.  Students participating in band are required to enroll in band for the fall and spring term.  This course meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of Freshmen Band and/or Concert Band; Concurrent enrollment in Marching Band PE during fall term, teacher permission required.

Symphonic Band is the primary training ensemble in order to advance to Wind Ensemble.  In this class, students will focus on advanced high school literature from various musical genres. This class will require participation in rehearsals and performances outside of the school day.  Enrolment in this class is by audition only.  Auditions into this group are based on scores earned during fall band proficiency testing. Students participating in band are required to enroll in band for the fall and spring term.  This course meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concert Band and/or Symphonic Band; Concurrent enrollment in Marching Band PE during fall term, teacher permission required.

The Wind Ensemble is the most advanced concert ensemble at RBHS.  In this class, students will learn and perform collegiate literature from various musical genres.  This class will require participation in rehearsals and performances outside of the school day.  Enrolment in this class is by audition only.  Members in this ensemble will be held responsible for the highest level of instrumental proficiency and generally study with a private instructor on their instrument.  Auditions into this group are based on scores earned during fall band proficiency testing.  Students participating in band are required to enroll in band for the fall and spring term.  This course meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Consecutive participation in Middle School orchestra prior to entering high school, teacher permission required.

String Orchestra serves as the entry point for any student participating in high school orchestra – regardless of ability level.   In this class, students will focus on fundamental ensembles music skills and perform music from various musical genres. This class will require participation in rehearsals and performances outside of the school day. To meet the academic rigor of high school orchestra, students are expected to have successfully completed continuous enrollment in middle school orchestra.  Students participating in orchestra are required to enroll in orchestra for the fall and spring term.  This course meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Consecutive participation in Middle School orchestra prior to entering high school; successful completion of String Orchestra, teacher permission required.

The Chamber Orchestra is the most advanced orchestra ensemble at RBHS.  In this class, students will learn and perform collegiate literature from various musical genres.  This class will require participation in rehearsals and performances outside of the school day.  Enrolment in this class is by audition only.  Members in this ensemble will be held responsible for the highest level of instrumental proficiency and generally study with a private instructor on their instrument.  Auditions into this group are based on scores earned during fall proficiency testing.  Students participating in orchestra are required to enroll in orchestra for the fall and spring term.  This course meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Marching Band PE, Successful completion of Color Guard auditions in May, teacher permission required.

Enrollment into the color guard program are based on auditions held in May. Students in Color Guard are expected to enroll in the color guard program for the entire year.  The color guard provides visual support during the marching band season through the use of flag, rile, and saber.  Students are trained on the pieces of equipment during class in addition to instruction in dance movement.  In the spring term, the color guard will split into two winter guard ensembles or remain as one ensemble - pending the size of the color guard program.  Students must participate in the fall marching band season in order to participate in spring term.  The competitive Winter Guard season will begin at the end of marching season and will last until championships in April.  This class will require attendance at rehearsals and performances outside of the school day.  This course meets the UC “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Freshmen Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, or Dance Prop for the full year, teacher permission required.

Members of the Royal Regiment are the most visible unit of the RBHS music program.  Participation in this ensemble requires rehearsals and performances in field show competitions, football games, and parades off site held outside of the school day. The competitive marching band begins over summer and culminates in November.  Students who participate in marching band must also be simultaneously enrolled in a concert band or color guard class for the entire year.  This course fulfills PE graduation requirements.