The following brief descriptions of the course offerings at Lake Stevens High School are provided to assist you in selecting your courses wisely. If, after reading the description, you have further questions, please see your counselor. Courses that can be taken more than one time are indicated by the asterisk. (*). This is located next to the credit amount for each course.

FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT

All courses satisfy the Fine Arts graduation requirement. A student who does not successfully complete a beginning course may repeat that course.

Art: Humanities: Music:
Design 1 Ancient & Medieval Guitar
Design 2 Modern Music Appreciation
Drawing 1   Concert Band
Painting   Stage Band
Sculpture   Wind Ensemble
Adv Drawing   Concert Choir
AP Studio Art   Treble Swing Choir
Photography   Jazz Choir

Back to the Top

Art Courses
ART 123 Design 1
Grade: 9,10,11,12
Length: 1 semester
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5
Prerequisite: None

This course teaches the basic design elements. A variety of art media are employed such as painting, drawing, printmaking, and clay. There will be a $15 materials fee.

Back to the Top

ART 125 Design 2
Grade: 9,10,11,12
Length: 1 semester
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5
Prerequisite: Design 1

This course reviews the basic design elements and introduces the design principles. A variety of media is employed such as, painting, clay, wire, and collage. This course prepares students for advanced classes in design and graphic arts. There will be a $15 materials fee.

Back to the Top

ART 231 Drawing 1
Grade: 9,10,11,12
Length 1 semester
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5
Prerequisite: Design 1
Students learn techniques to improve drawing skills using a variety of subjects and media. There will be a $10 materials fee.

Back to the Top

ART 232 Advanced Drawing
Grade: 10,11,12
Length 1 semester
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5
Prerequisite: Design 1 & 2, and Drawing 1
This course involves further exploration in drawing with advanced subjects and media. There will be a $10 materials fee.

Back to the Top

ART 241 Painting/Advanced Painting
Grade: 10,11,12
Length: 1 semester
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5
Prerequisite: Design 1 and Design 2
Adv Painting Teacher Permission required
Students will explore and learn different methods of painting techniques. The different painting techniques will include tempera, acrylic, watercolor and ink wash. Different styles of art will be explored such as realism, impressionism, expressionism, abstraction, and surrealism. There will be a $15 materials fee.

Back to the Top

ART 261 Sculpture
Grade: 10,11,12
Length: 1 semester
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5 *
Prerequisite: Design 1 and Design 2
Explore the basic elements and principles of three-dimensional design using clay, plaster, paper mache and other media. This class may be repeated with instructor’s permission. There will be a $20 materials fee.

Back to the Top

ART 411/412 AP Studio Art
Grade: 11,12
Length: 2 semester
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5 per semester
Prerequisite: Instructor Permission
AP Studio Art is designed for students who are seriously interested in practical experience of art. At the end of the school year, students submit a portfolio of their work, to be evaluated by a national committee of the College Board. The completed portfolio allows students to earn college credit while still in high school. Students select from three types of portfolios: Drawing and 2-D or 3-D Design.

Back to the Top

VIA 175 Photography
Grade: 9,10,11,12
Length: 1 semester
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5*
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to teach the beginning photographer effective use of all mechanical controls of the camera (shutter speed, aperture, focus), composition, printing processes and display procedures. The student will also learn about the history of photography and about careers related to the field of photography. The students will gain understanding in these areas through "hands-on" projects, lectures, demonstrations, group exercises, reading and writing.

Back to the Top

ART 271 Humanities: Ancient and Medieval
Grade: 10,11,12
Length: 1 semester (1st semester only)
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5
Prerequisite: None
Ancient and Medieval is a historical survey of the art of the western world. Students will study examples of architecture, painting, sculpture, music and literature. Humanities: Ancient and Medieval traditionally surveys pre-historic, ancient and medieval art and will be offered in the fall semester, and can be counted as either a fine arts or general elective credit towards graduation.

Back to the Top

ART 272 Humanities: Modern
Grade: 10,11,12
Length: 1 semester (2nd semester only)
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5
Prerequisite: None
Modern is a historical survey in which students have traditionally studied examples of architecture, painting, sculpture, music and literature from the modern era of western history, as well as some examples of non-western art.

Music Courses:

All courses in the music department will satisfy the Fine Arts graduation requirement. Courses beyond
Concert Band and Concert Choir are by audition or instructor permission only.

Back to the Top

MUS 115 Beginning Guitar
Grade: 9,10,11,12
Length: 1 semester
Block of Time: 1 period
Credit: .5
Prerequisite: Student must furnish their own acoustic guitar for the class
This elective music course is open to all students who are interested in learning how to play the guitar. There is no experience necessary but students must furnish their own acoustic guitar for the class. They will learn how to read standard music notation and the special guitar notation called Tablature (TAB). Students will learn various styles of music on guitar.

Back to the Top

MUS 180 Music Appreciation
Grade: 9,10,11,12
Length: 1 semester
Block of Time: 1 period
Credit: .5
Prerequisite: None
From Bach to Rock…this elective music course is open to all students who are interested in learning about the fine art of music. There is no prerequisite for this class and it is not necessary to be able to sing or play an instrument. This course will explore music of all styles from the earliest time to the late 20th century with emphasis on the major periods of music, including jazz and rock & roll. Students will learn about the structure and language of music and participate in writing a blues tune. There is no text for this course and note taking is essential.

Back to the Top

MUS 111 Concert Band
Grade: 9,10,11,12
Length: 1 year
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5 *
Prerequisite: None
This elective course requires previous study of an instrument of the band or willingness to study privately with an instructor. Music representing different styles and periods of history is learned and performed.

Opportunities for composition and conducting may be explored, too. Band members are required to perform at all band events such as public concerts, contest and festivals. In addition, students are required to perform and march at all football and some basketball games as well as parades. Students shall work for continuous growth in musical skills and awareness of musical styles.

Back to the Top

MUS 151 Stage Band (Jazz Ensemble)
Grade: 9,10,11,12
Length 1 year
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5 per semester* (May earn .5 Occupational credit, one time only)
Prerequisite: Audition only or instructor’s permission and enrollment in MUS 111 or MUS 152
Full year class for selected students. Students will perform in jazz styles from 1900 to present day, expressing a variety of styles from periods such as swing, rock, fusion, and eclectic.
An opportunity for combo work may be available as well as arranging for jazz ensembles. Jazz ensemble members will be required to perform at all concerts, contests and other performances outside of school.

Back to the Top

MUS 152 Wind Ensemble
Grade: 9,10,11,12
Length 1 year
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5 per semester* (May earn .5 Occupational credit, one time only)
Prerequisite: Audition only or instructor’s permission;
must be able to play major scales
An advanced level concert band, a much smaller organization with the emphasis being placed on one to two instruments to a part. More practice time is expected for this class.

Back to the Top

MUS 121 Concert Choir
Grade: 9,10,11,12
Length 1 year
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5 per semester*
Prerequisite: 1st semester required for 2nd semester
This year long course offers the opportunity to gain experience in the performance of vocal music. The preparation and public performance of three and four part music, both accompanied and unaccompanied, selected from a variety of styles and musical periods provides the basis for this course. Vocal technique and music theory will also be examined.

Back to the Top

MUS 221 Treble Swing Choir
Grade: 10,11,12
Length 1 year
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5 * (May earn .5 Occupational credit, one time only)
Prerequisite: Audition in spring, Concert Choir or equivalent

This year long course is intended for those students with successful previous choral experience. The preparation and performances of SSA/SSAA arrangements in various styles of music, ranging from traditional to jazz, provides the basis for this course. Outside time is required for performances, rehearsals, competitions, and fund raising. Students will be required to purchase an outfit.

Back to the Top

MUS 222 Jazz Choir (Vocal / Jazz Ensemble)
Grade: 10,11,12
Length 1 year
Block of Time: 1 period
Credits: .5 (May earn .5 Occupational credit, one time only)
Prerequisite: Audition in spring. Concert Choir or equivalent
This year long course is intended for those students with successful previous choral experience. Admission is by audition only. The preparation and performances of vocal jazz, the study of vocal jazz literature, techniques, performers, and competition at jazz festivals form the basis for this course. Due to the nature of this course, a great deal of time is required outside of class for rehearsals, performances, and competitions. Students will be required to purchase an outfit.