Art 1-2 (9,10,11,12)
This is an introduction to various drawing techniques, styles and concepts. Units of study include contour, transfer graphic and freehand drawing procedures. A systematic investigation of color theory, the wheel of painting will comprise a major unit. Illustration and basic lettering concepts complete the first semester. The spring semester of this class offers the continued investigation of different types and uses of drawing in many kinds of media with assorted subject matter. Units of study include freehand sketching, contour and pictorial line drawing, rendering techniques, figure and perspective drawing. Media studies include pen and ink, carbon and colored pencil, conte crayon, pastel, charcoal, watercolor and tempura painting. This class meets UC Art requirement.
Art 2 (Color Theory and Design) (9,10,11,12) (Offered Spring Semester Only)
This class offers the continued investigation of different types and uses of drawing in many kinds of media with assorted subject matter. Units of study include freehand sketching, contour and pictorial line drawing, rendering techniques, figure and perspective drawing. Media studies include pen and ink, carbon and colored pencil, conte crayon, pastel, charcoal, watercolor and tempura painting. This class meets UC Art requirement.
Advanced Art 3-8 (Prerequisite: Art 1,2)
Use of advanced materials such as oil and acrylic paint, 3 dimensional design and independent portfolio projects to further explore the independent, creative process.
Advanced Placement Studio Art – Drawing (11,12) (Prerequisite: Art 1-2, Art 3-4, or permission of the instructor)
AP Studio Art Drawing assists students in the development of an original electronic portfolio of drawings submitted to the College Review Board at the end of the spring semester. Students will create a total of 29 original, two dimensional art works (which may require two-three years of preparation). Students will develop a total of 12 works in the Breadth section, 12 works in the Concentration area, and 5 total works for the Quality section. (Please see Art 1-2, Art 3-8 course descriptions).
Art of Video (Prerequisite: Art 1-2)
This course teaches students the process of filmmaking from the idea-brainstorming stage to taking the footage and editing the footage into a final product. Student’s imaginations and creative abilities will be challenged through hands-on projects utilizing their understanding of and experience with the designing stores, writing scripts, directing and acting, framing composition, camera angles and movement, and audio, light and editing. Students will become skilled in producing their artistic segments and will produce and manage their own news broadcast that goes out to the school and community. This course is a Univeristy of California approved elective course.
Ceramics 1-2 (9,10,11,12)
Ceramics, the process of making objects out of clay, is an exciting art form. This class will give students a chance to express themselves. There are no “right” answers. Students will learn basic clay forming processes and make a series of objects, some functional (cups and bowls), and some non-functional sculptures. Class discussions will provide students with new ideas that they can use in their work. This class meets UC Art requirement.
Ceramics 3-4 (10,11,12) (Prerequisites: Ceramics 1-2)
In the fall semester students create forms to address the elements and principles of art with an emphasis on design and craftsmanship. Wheel work and a unit on glaze calculation will also be included. In the spring semester students will work to create a personal style in visualizing and constructing ceramic forms, and develop a body of work showcasing their own ideas and interests. This class meets UC Art requirement.
Drama 1-2 (9,10,11,12)
Drama class offers a comprehensive and detailed study of acting beginning with simple pantomime and culminating in student-directed scenes from famous plays. Also covered are theory and technique, voice development and body training, and the study of stage terminology. The course also includes the survey study of the history of drama, the development of theater, and the types of plays.
Advanced Drama 3-8 (10,11,12) (Prerequisite: Drama 1-2)
A continuation of the study of drama theory, technique, voice development and body training, and stage terminology. Students will complete advanced projects in directing.
Dance (9,10,11,12)
The beginning dance class is an introduction to the art of dance. This class provides students with a well-rounded movement experience. The class focuses on the breakdown and application of a variety of dance styles and steps. Some of the dance styles to be explored include American Ballroom, basis positions of Ballet, Tap, Latin jazz, Hip Hop, Modern and Jazz and folk dancing. Students will learn beginning dance techniques, dance vocabulary, rhythm, special relationships, and basic choreography principals. Students will study the evolution of dance and how dance reflects world history as well as modern society. Students will show their knowledge of techniques through in class performances, written test, and dance critiques. Readings, movie clips, and class discussions of the history of dance can contributing choreographers will heighten the students’ appreciation of dance as an art form. Credit may not be earned in place of the core physical education course. This class meets UC Fine Art requirement.
Symphonic Band (Advanced Band) (9,10,11,12) (Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor)
This band is for students who have already played several years on a wind, brass, or percussion instrument, and who have learned the basics of large group rehearsal. The band performs at several concerts and festivals, as well as athletic events, and occasionally travels out of town. In addition to performing standard band literature, pop, and rock music, students will also study basic music history and theory. Members of this band form the Mills Jazz Band.
Advanced Choir (9,10,11,12) (Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor)
This chorus is the vocal music class at Mills and students should be able to match a tone and sing on key for membership. Some singing experience is desirable, but not required, and the choir will perform literature from the 15th century to modern pop and jazz. Activities will include several concerts and festivals, as well as the opportunity for periodic travel. Open to both men and women.
Modern Wind Ensemble (Jazz Band) (9,10,11,12) (Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor)
The jazz band will perform all styles of jazz with special emphasis on ensemble playing in both large and small groups. Students will earn improvisation and will perform at several concerts and festivals. All jazz band musicians must also be registered in either Advanced Band or Orchestra.
Orchestra Advanced (9,10,11,12) (Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor)
This ensemble is for students who have a basic understanding of the fundamentals of playing the instruments of the orchestra. This class is the string performance group at Mills and is for students with previous experience on stringed instruments who are beyond the basic level. The Orchestra will play literature from the Baroque to the 20th century, as well as study basic music history and theory. Activities will include several concerts and festivals, as well as opportunities for periodic travel
