Fine & Performing Arts

Arts education is integral to any strong education. The arts shape our thinking and our lives, and provide different methods of communicating ideas, experiences and feelings. Sturgeon Composite provides a wide array of opportunities for students to learn and benefit from visual, music, dramatic and films arts.

Music Overview

Be a part of one of the finest music programs in Alberta! SCHS offers courses in band, choir, jazz band, vocal jazz and guitar. Our groups have won numerous awards including the Rose Bowl from the Rotary Music festival and the Provincial Choral Competition. Our students experience excellence daily and maintain a high level of achievement. With our focus on excellence through performance, students will develop leadership, self confidence and their own creativity. Be a part of the award winning tradition. Grow your talent!

Courses

Art 10, 20, 30

ART 10
Credits: 3/5
Prereq: None
This is a very basic general art course. The students should develop
aesthetically through appreciation and expression in areas such as drawing, design and painting. Fundamentals are stressed and many different media are experienced.

ART 20
Credits: 5
Prereq: Successful completion of ART 10
Art 20 aims at further development of basic skills in drawing, painting, sculpture and environmental design together with art history related to each area. This will involve at least one individual project where the student makes an in-depth study in his favourite art field. Emphasis will be placed on allowing the student to assess his true interest and potential in a variety of art media.

ART 30
Credits: 5
Prereq: Successful completion of ART 20
Art 30 is an in-depth study of various art activities in drawing design, painting, and/or sculpture. Students should develop ability in assessing the work of others, self- evaluation, and personal interpretation. The student, in consultation with the teacher, plans his/her program.

 

Drama 10, 20, 30

DRAMA 10
Credits: 5
Prereq: None
Drama 10 serves as an entry level introduction to drama in which students receive an opportunity to explore a range of dramatic forms in a fun, active, and practical manner. No previous drama experience is necessary. Developing the student’s confidence and comfort level on stage is the priority. Basic skills relating to speech, movement, scene study, characterization, improvisation, and technical theatre design are the major areas of focus in this supportive and collaborative environment.

DRAMA 20
Credits: 5
Prereq: Successful completion of DRAMA 10
Drama 20 builds on the fundamentals learned in Drama 10 by focusing on character development and commitment to an acting role. Student actors, as well as technical theatre
students, will be expected to advance their learning as they prepare a variety of theatrical pieces. Due to an emphasis on public performance, an increased level of skill and dedication is essential for student success.

DRAMA 30
Credits: 5
Prereq: Successful completion of DRAMA 20
As the concluding course in the high school drama sequence, Drama 30 provides students with the opportunity to refine acting and technical theatre skills, as well as delve into unexplored areas such as directing and stage management. The main area of emphasis is the preparation for our One Act Play Festival, as well as performances for local elementary and middle-school students. Drama 30 student actors, directors, and technicians must be prepared to commit themselves to this highly collaborative course.

 

Music (Instrumental Concert Band) 10, 20, 30

MUSIC 10 (INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT BAND)
Credits: 5
Prereq: Successful completion of Grade 9 band or private study (2 years)
The primary focus of this course is for each student to develop his/her musical technique and ability. The majority of class time is spent developing skills through band rehearsal; however, some time may be spent in small ensembles. Music theory is also explored covering topics such as theoretical rudiments of music and music appreciation.

MUSIC 20 (INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT BAND)
Credits: 5
Prereq: Successful completion of MUSIC 10 (INSTRUMENTAL)
In this second level of high school music, students will develop their musical knowledge
and instrumental technique to a higher level. More emphasis is placed on developing as a performer through solo and small ensemble repertoire.

MUSIC 30 (INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT BAND)
Credits: 5
Prereq: Successful completion of MUSIC 20 (INSTRUMENTAL)
This is the senior level course in this program. Continued development of musical technique and ability are furthered, with more focus on leadership skills through conducting and leading small ensembles.

Music (Choral) 10, 20, 30

MUSIC 10 (CHORAL)
Credits: 5
Prereq: None
Various styles of vocal music will be explored so that students can develop correct vocal techniques and skills. This will be achieved through group rehearsals, small ensembles and solo work. Music theory is also explored covering topics such as theoretical rudiments of music and music appreciation.

MUSIC 20 (CHORAL)
Credits: 5
Prereq: Successful completion of MUSIC 10 (CHORAL)
Continued exploration of various styles of vocal music so that students can develop correct
vocal techniques and skills. Focus will be placed on small ensembles and solo work.

MUSIC 30 (CHORAL)
Credits: 5
Prereq: Successful completion of MUSIC 20 (CHORAL)
This level of choral music will give the student opportunity to further develop their vocal range and ability. More emphasis will be placed on solo performance and individual development.

General Music (Guitar) 10, 20, 30

GENERAL MUSIC 10 (GUITAR)
Credits: 5
Prereq: None
Through the use of individual performance-based courses, the focus of this course will be on
basic guitar performance techniques. The students will be taught note reading, basic and
intermediate guitar chords and basic music theory. Previous experience not required. A classical guitar is provided.

GENERAL MUSIC 20 (GUITAR)
Credits: 5
Prereq: Successful completion of GUITAR 10
The focus of this program will be on guitar performance techniques at the intermediate
level. Through various performance courses and group situations, students will be taught note reading, guitar chords, music theory and small ensemble performance. A classical guitar is provided.

GENERAL MUSIC 30 (GUITAR)
Credits: 5
Prereq: Successful completion of GUITAR 20
The focus will be on guitar performance at the advanced level. Technique, solo performance and group situations will be the focus. A classical guitar is provided.

Drumline 15, 25, 35

DRUMLINE 15
Credits: 5
Drumline is now being offered for credits at SCHS. The goal is for all students to gain basic
percussion skills on all four drumline featured instruments (Snare, Bass, Tenor, Cymbals). Students will drum every class and learn short memorized percussion patterns and build
skills towards performing in varied venues and events. All equipment will be provided and
maintained through course fees.

DRUMLINE 25
Credits: 5
This is a continuation from the previous drumline course that will expand on skills and move students towards leadership roles in the ensemble. Students will drum every class and build skills towards performing in varied venues and events. All equipment will be provided and maintained though course fees.

DRUMLINE 35
Credits: 5
This is a continuation from the previous drumline course that will expand on skills and take on acting as section leaders in the ensemble. Students will drum every class and build skills towards performing in varied venues and events. All equipment will be provided and maintained though course fees.

Audio Music 15 (NEW)

AUDIO MUSIC 15
Credits: 5
Audio 15 is a newly offered 5-credit course offered at Sturgeon Composite. Audio 15 provides students with an opportunity to develop their Digital Music Skills with a variety of practical software that can show the wide range of sound engineering and music production. In Audio 15, students will engage in audio recording techniques, post-production mixing skills and the ability to connect these techniques and skills to milestones in the history of popular music. This course sequence uniquely engages students interested in creative expression through audio production. Students will practice the main stages of audio engineering, including recording, editing, and mixing and mastering while working with software such as Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic, FL Studio, Audacity, Audition (Adobe), Premiere Pro (Adobe), ProTools, Soundtrap, and more.