MUSIC APPRECIATION:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: None

This is a music course for the non-singer. Students will learn about the different types of music from ancient times to the present. The background elements of music, instruments, composers, music's relationship to culture and world events, and aural recognition of important pieces of music are some of the course components.

SARTON SINGERS:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: Audition Required for Enrollment

This performance-based ensemble is designed for the more experienced singer. It is open to male and female students in Grades 10 through 12. This group will sing for school liturgies, programs, the musical, and events and competitions outside of school. Participation in such events is mandatory. Music, theory, and vocal development are more advanced than that of the Girls and Boys Choruses. Enrollment is by vocal audition, proven knowledge of theory, and permission of instructor. Auditions will be announced. Pianists who wish to accompany and be part of this group must also audition.

Grade 10~12

GIRLS CHORUS:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: None

This is a course for the novice female singer. Students will learn the basic elements of vocal production and part-singing. Music elements and theory will also be presented. This group is performance/production-based and will sing for school liturgies, the musical, and various programs. Participation in such events is mandatory. First year enrollment is open to all female students. Enrollment after the first year is by permission of instructor. Pianists who wish to accompany and be part of this group must receive permission to enroll.

Grade 09~12

BOYS CHORUS
Credit 1
Prerequisite: None

This is a course for the novice male singer. Students will learn the basic elements of vocal production and part-singing. Music elements and theory will also be presented. This group is performance/production-based and will sing for school liturgies, the musical, and various programs. Participation in such events is mandatory. First year enrollment is open to all male singers. Enrollment after the first year is by permission of instructor. Pianists who wish to accompany and be part of this group must receive permission to enroll.

Grade 09~12

BAND:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: 2 of the last 3 years in a band program and/or private lessons.

Pre-requisite: Approval of Instructor
This class is open to students who have spent at least 2 of the last 3 years in a band program and/or private lessons. Students must provide their own instruments. This course will advance students' knowledge of ensemble performance, technique, and theory. Band students will play for Masses, programs, the musical and other events. Participation in these events is mandatory. Enrollment after the first year is by permission of instructor.

Grade 10~12

ART I:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: None

The students, through their experience with the basic techniques of drawing and design, will create a variety of media in progression. The concentration is on 2-dimensional work. The goal is creativity, productivity and satisfaction. The elements and principles of art as well as art history are studied in the text and used in class. Homework also includes skill assignments. Semester tests include the text, theory and resource materials.

ART II: Drawing
Credit 1
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Art I

This course offers students greater depth in color, drawing, and realistic rendering. 2-D media includes ink, acrylics, airbrush, pastels, watercolors, printmaking and calligraphy. 3-D media includes clay, plaster, paper, site or found construction sculptures. Drawing and painting include direct observation, figure, portrait, nature, and a variety of subject matters. Art criticism, esthetics and art history in more scope is covered in the text. Semester tests cover art theory, art history and resource material.

ART III: Painting
Credit 1
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Art II

The content of this course includes advanced color theory and applied design. Students experiment in depth, breadth and sequence in developing their individual style. Emphasis is on building a portfolio. Students will be introduced to computer graphics. Students will also learn art history in this advanced course. Semester tests will cover aesthetics, art history, and resource material.

ART IV: Special Projects:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Art III

The students will create in areas of their special interests in 2-D and 3-D projects. In 2-D, more advanced drawings, paintings, computer graphics and projects in larger scale with more varied materials will be done. In 3-D, armatures, plaster carving, clay modeling and sculpture will be done. Semester exams will cover major influences in art, artists and art from resource material.

HONORS STUDIO ART: (College Credit Available)
Credit 1
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Art III and Instructors Signature

This course emphasizes the development of skills needed both for scholarships and the AP examination. It is for the serious art student who is willing to devote the energy and time to balance their portfolio with the requirements and number of pieces AP requires.

INTERIOR DESIGN:
Credit 1/2
Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Art I

The student will learn American housing styles, home decorating, furnishings, heritage, new housing concepts and create floor plans. Upon completion, the student will learn how to create a style that depicts their personality. Field trips are included. Students use their drafting skills to design inside spaces. They will draft their ideal home with floor plans. Room illustrations will show style and theme in color and perspective.

DRAMA I:
Credit 1
Prerequisite: None

This is an introductory course into all aspects of theatre. Students gain an understanding and appreciation for drama throughout history and relate this information to religion, society, culture, and individual responses. Students learn to evaluate theatrical styles, genres and themes while experiencing live performances. Students develop concepts about self, human relationships and environment using elements of drama and conventions of theater. Creative expression is an integral part of this course. Significant playwrights are discussed and numerous scripts are analyzed. Students are exposed to theater throughout the Kansas City area and are required to attend professional and amateur productions outside of class time. Field trips and guest speakers are vital to the Drama I curriculum. Drama I provides students with hands-on approaches to auditioning techniques, set design, prop construction, make-up techniques, costume building, lighting and sound design as well as specific production team responsibilities. Improvisation and acting exercises are incorporated into weekly lesson plans; however, this is an academic course and is geared toward basic understanding of theater as a collaborative art. This is not an acting or improvisation class. Students will be required to support and participate in four main SPX productions either on stage or behind the scenes. Each classroom team will work cooperatively to bring to life short ten-minute scripts. A theater portfolio notebook is developed throughout the course of the year. Homework assignments will vary from creative projects with fabric, paint and wood, to thrift store adventures, to researching technological advances in the performing arts.

DRAMA II
Credit 1
Prerequisite: Audition Required for Enrollment

This course is offered to students who have completed Drama I or have prior approval from the instructor. It is an advanced study aimed at the craft of acting and the responsibilities of producing and directing. Improvisational skills are strengthened and significant emphasis is on voice usage, body development, breathing, relaxation, stage movement, and concentration exercises. Some film acting techniques are explored. The directing/producing element of this course involves in-depth script analysis and interpretation. Students will be required to direct a one-act play, develop personal portfolios, audition for performances at venues outside the SPX production season, and complete reading assignments that further their understanding of acting, directing, and producing. Acting Up is for creative students who enjoy challenges and problem-solving. Candidates for this class should be disciplined, self-starters. They should be focused and hard-working, and willing to enhance their skills and leadership. As vital team players, the actors in this class will set personal and group goals. Attendance at productions and events outside of class will be required.

ST. PIUS X PLAYERS
Credit 1
Prerequisite: Audition Required for Enrollment

This is an audition-only class focused on ensemble acting. The main emphasis of SPX Players is to perform outside of St. Pius X High School for schools, groups, organizations and clubs; attendance is mandatory at scheduled performances. Scripts and role assignments will be given in the spring to facilitate memorization throughout the summer months. Students accepted into Players will be required to meet the demands of their roles on a daily basis. This touring troupe experience will help students develop self-discipline and community awareness.

Grade 10~12

ORAL INTERPRETATION-D
Credit 1/2
Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to expose the student to the areas of debate. Policy, Cross Examination and Lincoln Douglas theories will be studied. Students will research the National Forensic League topic and prepare an appropriate case(s). In addition, the student will learn basic speaking skills, persuasive strategies, note taking and listening skills for a formal debate. An introduction to parliament, student congress and mock trial will also be included in the curriculum. A minimum of two outside competitions a semester is required. A student may take this course multiple times.