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ARTS EDUCATION

The Fine Arts courses are intricately woven into the school’s mission to provide a Christ-centered education. These courses, encompassing Drama, Music, and Visual Arts, are designed to nurture creativity, encourage critical thinking and self-reflection, enhance communication and documentation skills, and broaden perspectives through connection with diverse artistic traditions. This holistic approach to arts education aligns with the school’s dedication to developing students as expressive, thoughtful, and spiritually grounded individuals, prepared to engage and contribute positively to their communities and the world.

Graduation Requirements Statement

To graduate, students must take one full-year course or two 2-quarter courses of ADST and/or Arts Education in the Grade 10, 11 or 12 level.

DRAMA
Drama 9

Description: Students explore and express their identity through drama experiences, and gain confidence in front of groups while having fun! Primarily an acting class, students collaborate to create a community that nurtures risk-taking and exploration. Improvisation, games and invented scene work cultivate creative expression and presentation confidence.

Recommendations:

  • Students should be able to demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience.
  • Students should be able to contribute to a collaborative environment with a positive attitude.
  • Students should be willing to imagine, rehearse, and perform.

Additional information: This course runs for two quarters.

Musical Theatre 10

Graduation Requirement: ADST and Arts Education 10, 11 or 12.  

Description: Musical Theatre 10 is a year-long intensive performance class that engages students in every aspect of musical theatre, incorporating acting, singing, and choreographed dancing with the intent of putting on a full-length Musical production in May.  Students will learn a variety of relevant musical theatre skills, including audition techniques, vocal warm-ups, music theory, and rehearsal, staging and performance fundamentals.  In addition, students will gain valuable life skills by building self-confidence, creativity, and resilience. Growth as a theatre company requires perseverance, collaboration, and reflection.   

AdditionalInformation: Because the school incurs a significant cost in renting a professional venue for our performance (GATEWAY THEATRE), enrollment in this course requires students to be fully committed to the performance dates required.  Final dates will be announced in September, but the show will usually run in mid-late May.  A contract must be signed that ensures that students and families are aware of the performance-day commitments, as well as the after-school rehearsal-day commitments leading up to the performance.  This course and venue arrangement gives students an exciting opportunity to experience what working in a professional venue with professional technicians is like.    

Students in this block are enrolled with Theatre Company 11 and 12 students for mentorship opportunities.  

Musical Theatre 11

Prerequisite: Theatre Company or Musical Theatre 10 or permission from the teacher  

Graduation Requirement: ADST and Arts Education 10, 11 or 12  

Description: Musical Theatre 10 is a year-long intensive performance class that engages students in every aspect of musical theatre, incorporating acting, singing, and choreographed dancing with the intent of putting on a full-length Musical production in May.  Students will learn, as well as mentor younger students in a variety of relevant musical theatre skills, including audition techniques, vocal warm-ups, music theory, and rehearsal, staging and performance fundamentals.  In addition, students will gain valuable life skills by building self-confidence, creativity, and resilience. Growth as a theatre company requires perseverance, collaboration, and reflection.    

AdditionalInformation: Because the school incurs a significant cost in renting a professional venue for our performance (GATEWAY THEATRE), enrollment in this course requires students to be fully committed to the performance dates required.  Final dates will be announced in September, but the show will usually run in mid-late May.  A contract must be signed that ensures that students and families are aware of the performance-day commitments, as well as the after-school rehearsal-day commitments leading up to the performance.  This course and venue arrangement gives students an exciting opportunity to experience what working in a professional venue with professional technicians is like.

Students in this block are enrolled with Musical Theatre 10 and 12 students, and there is an expectation that grade 11 students will learn how to mentor the younger students and lead them in their growth and confidence.   

Musical Theatre 12

Prerequisite: Theatre Company or Musical Theatre 11 or permission from the teacher  

Graduation Requirement: ADST and Arts Education  

Description: Musical Theatre 10 is a year-long intensive performance and leadership class that engages students in every aspect of musical theatre, incorporating acting, singing, and choreographed dancing with the intent of putting on a full-length Musical production in May.  Students will learn, as well as mentor and lead younger students in a variety of relevant musical theatre skills, including audition techniques, vocal warm-ups, music theory, and rehearsal, staging and performance fundamentals.  In addition, students will gain valuable life skills by building self-confidence, creativity, and resilience. Growth as a theatre company requires perseverance, collaboration, and reflection.   

AdditionalInformation: Because the school incurs a significant cost in renting a professional venue for our performance (GATEWAY THEATRE), enrollment in this course requires students to be fully committed to the performance dates required.  Final dates will be announced in September, but the show will usually run in mid-late May.  A contract must be signed that ensures that students and families are aware of the performance-day commitments, as well as the after-school rehearsal-day commitments leading up to the performance.  This course and venue arrangement gives students an exciting opportunity to experience what working in a professional venue with professional technicians is like.    

Students in this block are enrolled with Musical Theatre 10 and 11 students, and there is an expectation that grade 12 students provide leadership, mentorship, and direction to younger students in the class.   

Theatre Production 11

Graduation Requirement: ADST and Arts Education

Description: Students gain real-world theatre experience by working within a functioning theatre company, whether through the RCS musical or dramatic productions.  During musical years, the course emphasizes more on practical competencies such as the of building props, sets, and working in a theatre alongside theatre professionals. They contribute to the creative assembly of costumes and sets and conduct a marketing campaign. During non-musical years, students build portfolios including costume designs and set models, developing a professional response to a “creative brief”. In either year, students practice skills such as perseverance and resilience, becoming adaptable, innovative, resourceful and confident under pressure. Involvement is beneficial for CV and university applications.

Recommendations: Completion of Studio Art 10 or Theatre Company 10.

Theatre Production 12

Prerequisite: Theatre Production 11

Graduation Requirement: ADST and Arts Education

Description: Taking leadership roles, Theatre Production 12 students fulfill responsibilities within a functioning theatre company. This course prepares all the technical aspects for the RCS Musical, whether during a musical year or not. Lead students design and create props, make-up, sound, and lighting effects. Students design and conduct a marketing campaign, as well lead the creative assembly of costumes and sets. As running crew captains, students grow in leadership, mentoring, and real-world chain-of-command in a professional theatre setting. Collaborating and clear communication will ensure that all production challenges are solved through creativity, innovation, and professional resourcefulness. Involvement is beneficial for CV and university applications.

MUSIC
Choir 10

Prerequisite: None 

Graduation Requirement: ADST and Arts Education 10, 11 or 12 

Description:  This course introduces students to the fundamentals of choral music, focusing on vocal technique, sight-singing, and group performance. Through studying and performing a variety of choral repertoire, students will develop an understanding of melody, rhythm, and expression while exploring the cultural and historical contexts of music. Opportunities to participate in school and community performances encourage teamwork and personal growth. 

Recommendations: Students should be proficient in reading music and counting rhythms. 

Choir 11

Prerequisite: Choir 10 

Graduation Requirement: ADST and Arts Education 10, 11 or 12 

Description:  Building on foundational skills, Choir 11 emphasizes advanced vocal techniques, musicianship, and interpretative skills. Students will deepen their understanding of the structural elements of music, refine their ear training, and explore the relationship between lyrics, rhythm, and expression. Engagement with historical and cultural contexts enriches their repertoire and performance preparation. Regular performances provide a platform for skill application and community involvement. 

Recommendations: Students should be proficient in reading music and counting rhythms. 

Choir 12

Prerequisite: Choir 11 

Graduation Requirement: ADST and Arts Education 10, 11 or 12 

Description:  In this capstone course, students refine their vocal artistry and musicianship, mastering complex choral works and demonstrating fluency in sight-singing, rhythm, and expression. Emphasis is placed on analyzing and interpreting music within its historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts. Leadership opportunities, concert production, and reflective practices prepare students for lifelong participation in music. Performances showcase their technical and interpretative growth while fostering community connection and artistic advocacy. 

Recommendations: Students should be proficient in basic music theory. 

Concert Band 9

Prerequisite: Middle school experience, at least 1 year of playing experience, or instructor’s permission. 

Description: This course is designed to help students develop foundational skills in playing a band instrument, improving their technique, ensemble playing, and rhythm reading. Students will have opportunities to perform in school concerts, showcasing their progress. Ear training will be a key component of the course and will be done using computer-based tools, focusing on rhythm development. To succeed, students are expected to practice regularly at home to reinforce their skills and build confidence.  

Recommendations: Students should already know how to name musical notes and have basic playing proficiency on a concert band instrument, violin, or piano. 

Additional information: This course runs for two quarters.

Concert Band 10

Prerequisite: Completion of Concert Band 9, 2 years of playing experience, or instructor’s permission. 

 Graduation Requirement: Fulfills ADST and Arts Education 10, 11, or 12 requirements. 

Description: This course builds upon the skills developed in Concert Band 9, focusing on improving musicianship and tone quality. Students will work on sight-reading, a vital skill for band musicians, and will continue their rhythm and ear training using computer-based tools. Regular home practice is essential to develop a strong tone and maintain the high standard required for performing grade 10–12 level pieces. 

Students will have several performance opportunities in school concerts and can also participate in optional band trips that take place during the spring. These trips provide an exciting chance to bond with other band members and showcase their talents in new settings. 

Recommendations: Students should be comfortable with reading and counting rhythms accurately. 

Concert Band 11

Prerequisite: Completion of Concert Band 10, 3 years of playing experience, or instructor’s permission.

Graduation Requirement: ADST and Arts Education 10, 11 or 12

Description: This course is aimed at advancing students’ skills on their instruments, with a strong emphasis on developing musical expression and phrasing. Students will explore the emotional and artistic aspects of music while continuing to strengthen their technical abilities. Performances at school concerts remain a central component, and optional spring band trips provide additional performance opportunities. 

Ear training will continue to focus on rhythm development, using computer tools to support learning. Regular practice at home will be important for achieving a polished and expressive sound. 

Recommendations: Students should already have a solid ability to read and interpret music. 

Concert Band 12

Prerequisite: Completion of Concert Band 11, 4 years of playing experience, or instructor’s permission. 

Graduation Requirement: Fulfills ADST and Arts Education 10, 11, or 12 requirements. 

Description:  As the most advanced level in the Concert Band program, this course focuses on leadership and advanced musicianship. Students are expected to take active roles in leading the band, including running warm-up exercises, conducting, and leading sectional rehearsals. These responsibilities will help students build confidence and develop leadership skills alongside their musical abilities. 

The course will also focus on ear training and rhythm skills, with students continuing to use computer tools to enhance their learning. Performances at school concerts are a highlight of the year, and students are encouraged to join the optional spring band trips, which provide further opportunities for collaboration and growth. 

Recommendations: Students should have a good understanding of basic music theory and be prepared to contribute as leaders within the band. 

VISUAL ARTS
Visual Arts 9

Description: This course will focus on skill development and will require students to work in a variety of two-dimensional mediums. The students will have the opportunity to learn to express him/herself as a person who is made in the image of the Creator God. The student will grow as an artist by focusing on the creative process through thought, experimentation, perseverance, risk-taking, reflection and self-evaluation.

To see samples of student art work and projects please visit https://rcsartgallery.weebly.com/

Additional information: This course runs for two quarters.

Art Studio 10

Graduation Requirement: ADST and Arts Education 10, 11 or 12. Must take another 2-quarter course.

Description: This course will focus on skill development and will require students to work in a variety of media, both two-dimensional and three-dimensional. The students will have the opportunity to learn to express him/herself as a person who is made in the image of the Creator God. The student will grow as an artist by further developing creative processes and supporting it with the practice of technique and more abstract thought.

Recommendations: 

  • Students should have an interest in creating artistic works using imagination and personal inquiry.
  • Students should be able to demonstrate respect for self, others, and place.
  • Completion of Visual Arts 9 is recommended but not mandatory.

To see samples of student art work and projects please visit https://rcsartgallery.weebly.com/

Additional information: This course runs for two quarters.

Art Studio 11

Graduation Requirement: ADST and Arts Education 10, 11 or 12

Description: Art Studio 11 provides opportunities for students to engage in a focused and in-depth study of various visual expression areas. The Art Studio 11 course provides opportunities for students to develop their technical skills in relation to perceiving, responding to, creating, and communicating about art forms through a variety of projects that explore the properties of dry and wet mediums, printmaking, and sculpture. This course is meant to challenge students to engage with the world around them and to use art as a means of expression and ministry.

Recommendations: 

  • Students should be proficient in applying basic drawing and shading techniques using observational skills.
  • Students should be proficient in reflecting on personal and cultural values.
  • Completion of Art Studio 10 is recommended but not mandatory.

To see samples of student art work and projects please visit https://rcsartgallery.weebly.com/

Art Studio 12

Prerequisite: Art Studio 11

Graduation Requirement: ADST and Arts Education 10, 11 or 12

Description: Art Studio 12 is a continuation of the Art Studio 11 course that builds on the many skills they have learned through different styles and media. This course places an emphasis on independent problem-solving and choice-based projects. This year’s topics may include the following: drawing, painting, design, digital arts, conceptual art, sculpture and printmaking.

Recommendations: Students should be able to demonstrate an ability to independently explore artistic possibilities and be willing to take creative risks.

To see samples of student art work and projects please visit https://rcsartgallery.weebly.com/