Department Mission Statement
Students will develop a lifelong appreciation of Visual and Performing Arts while broadening their life skills and nurturing their imagination.
Grading Scale
Grading Scale
100 - 90=A
89 - 80=B
79 - 70=C
69 - 60=D
59 - 0 =F
Fine and Performing Art Global Assessment
25% Commitment and Effort
- Participation
- Meeting the deadline
- Planning, writing, and research
25% Craftsmanship
- Details
- Mastering Technique
- Application
25% Understanding the Assignment
- Addressing the project objectives/criteria
25% Creative Expression
- Addressing the issue/project in a novel way
- Personal development
| AREA OF EVALUATION | DESCRIPTORS OF AREA | PERCENTAGE OF FINAL COURSE MARK |
| Skills Development Outside of Class Time Periodic Auditory and Visual Evaluation by Instructor | Purpose ·Practice Frequency ·Daily Feedback Provided ·Daily by all stakeholders Learning Domain ·Knowledgeable, understanding, synthesis, application, analysis | 20-30% |
| Major Projects | Purpose ·Aesthetic valuing, critical thinking, self-assessment, and concert reviews Frequency ·Varied/semester Feedback Provided ·Written comments, verbal feedback Learning Domain ·Knowledgeable, understanding, synthesis, application, analysis, evaluation | 10-20% |
| Performance Assignments | Purpose ·Demonstrate Skill Mastery, Creative Expression, Aesthetic Valuing Frequency ·Daily ·Outside Classroom Performances as needed ·Prepared and on time for performances Feedback Provided ·Self Assessment, Instructor feedback Learning Domain ·Knowledgeable, understanding, synthesis, application | 60% |
| AREA OF EVALUATION | DESCRIPTORS OF AREA | PERCENTAGE OF FINAL COURSE MARK |
| Skills Development Outside of Class Time Periodic Auditory and Visual Evaluation by Instructor Assignments, Quizzes | Purpose ·Practice Frequency ·Daily Feedback Provided ·Daily by all stakeholders Learning Domain ·Knowledgeable, understanding, synthesis, application, analysis | 20% |
| Daily Performance and Rehearsal Participation | Purpose ·Practice, critical thinking, self-assessment, peer-assessment Frequency ·Daily Feedback Provided ·Verbal feedback, Aural feedback, Recordings Learning Domain ·Knowledgeable, understanding, synthesis, application, analysis, evaluation | 40% |
| Performance Assignments | Purpose ·Demonstrate Skill Mastery, Creative Expression, Aesthetic Valuing, and proper equipment care Frequency ·Daily ·Outside Classroom Performances as scheduled ·Prepared and on time for performances Feedback Provided ·Self Assessment, Instructor feedback, taped adjudicator feedback, recordings, clinics with music professionals Learning Domain ·Knowledgeable, understanding, synthesis, application, analysis, evaluation | 40% |
| Area of Evaluation | Descriptions of Area | Percentage of Grade |
| Performance Project/Portfolio | Purpose ·To assess the attainment of standards and to provide constructive feedback to students on their artwork. Frequency ·On per-project basis Feedback ·Written and oral feedback Domain ·Knowledge, understanding, application, analysis, synthesis | Painting 85% Drawing 85% AP Studio Art 85% |
| Reports/Written Work Artist’s Journal (Sketchbook) Internet Presentations (Yearbook: Copy writing and editing.) | Purpose ·To assess student’s ability to identify and analyze characteristics of art and artists in terms of elements and principles of design. To assess student’s ability to make informed judgments about the quality of their own work and the work of others. Frequency ·1-2 times per semester Feedback ·Oral and written Domain ·Knowledge, understanding, analysis | Painting 10% Drawing 10% AP Studio Art 10% |
| Tests and/or Finals | Purpose ·To assess student learning and comprehension Frequency ·1-2 per semester Feedback ·Graded test or final Domains: ·Knowledge, understanding and analysis. | Painting 5% Drawing 5% AP Studio Art 5% |
| Area of Evaluation | Descriptions of Area | Percentage of Grade |
| Performance Project | Purpose ·Measure attainment of standards Frequency ·Per project Feedback ·Written, one-to-one verbal communication, group verbal communication | 75% |
| Reports/Written Work | Journal planning/summary: Writing, drawing Critiques Reading: Technical descriptions from articles and project details | 20% |
| Tests and/or Finals | Mid-term and Final Exams | 5% |
| Area of Evaluation | Descriptions of Area | Percentage of Grade |
| Performance Projects | Purpose To assess the attainment of standards and to provide constructive feedback to students on artwork. ·Artistic Judgment ·Aesthetic Valuing ·Creative Expression ·Historical Content ·Connections Careers Frequency On per-project basis Feedback Written, critique, and oral feedback Domain Knowledge, understanding, application, analysis, synthesis | 75% Drawing |
| Reports/Written Work Artist’s Journal (Sketchbook) Internet Presentations | Purpose To assess student’s ability to identify and analyze characteristics of art and artists in terms of elements and principles of design. To assess student’s ability to make informed judgments about the quality of their own work and the work of others. ·Artistic Judgment ·Aesthetic Valuing ·Creative Expression ·Historical Content ·Connections Careers Frequency 10 times per semester Feedback Written and oral feedback Domain Knowledge, understanding, analysis | 15% Drawing |
| Tests and/or Finals | Purpose To assess student learning, ability to apply principles and techniques, and comprehension ·Artistic Judgment ·Aesthetic Valuing ·Creative Expression ·Historical Content ·Connections Careers Frequency ·2-3 per semester Feedback ·Oral and written ·Graded Portfolio Domains: ·Knowledge, understanding, depth, and future application | 10% Drawing |
| Area of Evaluation | Descriptions of Area | Percentage of Grade |
| Performance Projects | Purpose To assess the attainment of standards and to provide constructive feedback to students on artwork. ·Artistic Judgment ·Aesthetic Valuing ·Creative Expression ·Historical Content ·Connections Careers Frequency On per-project basis Feedback Written, critique, and oral feedback Domain Knowledge, understanding, application, analysis, synthesis | 80% Jewelry |
| Reports/Written Work Sketchbook Presentations | Purpose To assess student’s ability to identify and analyze characteristics of art and artists in terms of elements and principles of design. To assess student’s ability to make informed judgments about the quality of their own work and the work of others. ·Artistic Judgment ·Aesthetic Valuing ·Creative Expression ·Historical Content ·Connections Careers Frequency 1 time per semester for presentation 5 times for sketchbook Feedback Written and oral feedback Domain Knowledge, understanding, analysis | 10% Jewelry |
| Tests and/or Finals | Purpose To assess student learning, ability to apply principles and techniques, and comprehension ·Artistic Judgment ·Aesthetic Valuing ·Creative Expression ·Connections Careers Frequency 5 times per semester 1. Sawing 2. Soldering 3. Safety 4. Technique 5. Final Feedback ·Written Domains: ·Knowledge, understanding, depth, and future application | 10% Jewelry |
| Area of Evaluation | Descriptions of Area | Percentage of Grade |
| Performance Signatures | Purpose To assess the attainment of standards and to provide constructive feedback to students on artwork. To assess student’s ability to identify and analyze characteristics design and aesthetics in terms of the elements of art and the principles of design. ·Artistic Judgment ·Aesthetic Valuing ·Creative Expression ·Historical Content ·Connections Careers Frequency On per-project basis Feedback Written and oral feedback Domain Knowledge, understanding, application, analysis, synthesis | 70% Graphic Design |
| Reports/Written Work Copy writing and editing | Purpose To assess the student’s ability to make informed judgments about the quality of their written work and the work of others ·English standards ·Concise Writing ·Creative Expression ·Historical Content ·Connections Careers Frequency 12 times per semester Feedback Written and oral feedback Domain Knowledge, understanding, analysis | 30% Writing |
| Tests and/or Finals | Purpose To produce a finished and professional product ·Artistic Judgment ·Concise ·Creative Expression ·Historical Content ·Connections Careers Frequency ·12-15 per semester Feedback ·Oral and Written ·Graded layout or copy Domains: ·Knowledge, understanding, depth and analysis. | Finished Yearbook |
Courses & Teachers
Arts--Visual, Fine, and Performing
All courses meet the Fine Arts graduation requirement for Milpitas High School. All courses except Jewelry meet the California State University (CSU) Arts requirement. CSU and UC require that students complete courses within the same academic year and within the same discipline.
Visual Art Essential Courses
#6351 $20 per year (UC) (CSU) (Meets Fine Art college entrance requirement)
Grade level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: None
Description: This is an entry-level course designed to introduce students to a variety of multicultural arts and standard art-making practices. Students will gain knowledge of the common themes expressed in the elements and principles of art. Beginning techniques in drawing, printmaking, painting, sculpture, light metals, textiles, and using mixed media are explored. Homework in the form of short essay and reading is a requirement for UC/CSU approval.
#6261 $50 per year/$25 per semester (UC) (CSU) (Meets Fine Art college entrance requirement)
Grade level: 10-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: None
Description: This ceramics course will teach students the skills and techniques necessary to transform clay into a functional and aesthetic art form. Students will critique verbally and communicate personal expression through projects such as: a comprehensive notebook, ceramic techniques, sculpting, wheel throwing, glazing, slab, coil, and pinch construction. The art elements and principles of design emphasized throughout the construction and glazing process. Students will strengthen their academic skills by taking notes during lectures, video presentations, and researching information from books and the internet. Hence, they will increase their reading comprehension, writing skills, subject matter knowledge, and critical thinking skills. Creative and artistic expression will be demonstrated in student projects in class and at home. Homework in the form of short essay and reading is a requirement for UC/CSU approval.
#6271 $20 per year (UC) (CSU) (Meets Fine Art college entrance requirement)
Grade level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: None
Description: Students will develop introductory and intermediate skills in drawing. Technical prowess with pencil, ink, crayon, charcoal, pastel, and colored pencil are explored. Projects will focus on building technical skills and then extend into the development of creative solutions and processes. Major projects will have a critique and emphasize the development of critical thinking solutions and self-assessment. This course is grounded in the historical components, the elements and principles of art, and developments of drawing as an art form. The course is structured to boost confidence in the student’s capabilities and help to develop life long interest and curiosity about art and the world they live in. Homework, research, and writing are an integral part of the course as a requirement for UC/CSU approval. Please note that this is not a general art class, but a class that specifically focuses on drawing.
#6371 $25 per year (UC) (CSU) (Meets Fine Art college entrance requirement)
Grade level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Drawing/Art Exploration
Description: Painting gives students the opportunity to develop artistic expression and aesthetic value. Painting techniques, drawing composition, and problem solving will be emphasized. Master artists and art movements will be studied for reference to projects in painting. Cultural and contemporary issues will be discussed for reference to a project in class. Students will be required to critique artwork in verbal and written form. Students will be expected to create a body of work that demonstrates originality, attention to craftsmanship personal style and theme development.
For the art-career student, opportunities are available to visit art schools and build on their portfolio collection. Homework in the form of short essay and or reading is a requirement for UC/CSU approval.
Production and Graphic Design
#6281 $20 per semester
Grade level: 9-12
Length: 1 semester (repeatable)
Prerequisites: None
Description: This is an introductory course to graphic design and the creative process. The students will learn about design principles, basic drawing skills, traditional and computer aided layout and visual literacy. Design components of the course involve designing brochures; newsletters, product mock-ups, self-promotional work, photo manipulation and retouching. This class will include traditional paste-up as well as electronic layout and design. The following programs will be used: Adobe InDesign®, PhotoShop®, and Microsoft Office®. Please note: This class meets part of the requirement for a MHS diploma. However, this class does NOT fulfill the Visual and Performing Arts requirement for the CSU/UC systems.
#6451 $50 per year/$25 per semester (UC) (CSU) (Meets Fine Art college entrance requirement)
Grade level: 10-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course is designed to introduce students to black and white photography to provide opportunity for artistic expression. This course will provide the opportunity to extend their knowledge and skills in the field of photography. Camera techniques, photographic composition, and problem solving will be emphasized. Master photographers and their traditional techniques will be studied and compared to the contemporary application of digital photography and computer techniques. Cultural and contemporary issues will be discussed for reference to a project in class. Students will be required to critique artwork verbally and in written form. Students will be expected to create a body of work that demonstrates originality, craftsmanship, personal style and theme development.
#6121 $25 per semester
Grade level: 9-12
Length: 1 semester
Description: This course is designed for the student who wishes to learn three-dimensional design through metalsmithing and other jewelry-making techniques. Students will use plastic, wood, and metal (brass, copper) to create jewelry projects. Traditional fabrication, soldering and cold connection are explored. Please note: This class meets the fine arts requirement for a MHS diploma. However, this class does NOT fulfill the Visual and Performing Arts requirement for the CSU/UC systems.
#6421 $20 per year (UC) (CSU)
Grade level: 10-12
Length: Semester or 1 year
Prerequisites: Drawing, Art Exploration with a grade of “B” or better. Prior computer experience recommended.
Description: This course will explore the computer as a creative medium. Students will develop skills using a variety of graphics programs on a Macintosh® computer. Software programs such as Adobe Illustrator®, PhotoShop®, Macromedia Flash, Adobe InDesign®, and other assorted professional graphics programs are covered. Class work will include photo manipulation, drawing, painting, desktop publishing and web site construction. Students will use a scanner, digital tablet and camera. At the end of the class a portfolio of completed work is completed.
This course meets the UC/CSU Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
#5151 (UC) (CSU)
Grade level: 10-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: none
Description: Architectural Design I is designed to enable students to express their creativity in home design. The course will expose students to house design, construction methods, and consumer knowledge necessary for the future homeowner. The students will utilize the fundamentals of home design to develop a complete set of working drawings and design a single-family dwelling. This course meets the UC/CSU Visual and Performing Arts requirement. (AutoCAD, Solid Builder, and 3-D Home).
Performing Art Courses
#7341 $ {UC} (CSU)
Grade level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, audition and concurrent enrollment in Band or Orchestra. Exceptions may be made to the prerequisites at the director’s discretion in order to fill any empty spots in the Band only after students in another music class have been given the opportunity to be enrolled in the class.
Description: Jazz Band is an advanced ensemble specializing in jazz literature, technique, and theory. The group is a performing organization with many opportunities to practice acquired skills with performances at festivals, competitions, concerts, and community events. The Jazz Band practices daily during zero period: 7:00 AM. A commitment beyond the regular school day is required.
Students provide their own uniform; slacks, dress shirt, and tie. We generally car pool to competitions and have no associated transportation costs. Extra trips and overnight stays are additional.
#7311 $ {UC} (CSU)
Grade level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation (Room D4)
Description: This course is designed for students with a serious interest in musical performance. Classical and contemporary concert band and marching band literature will be studied and performed in concerts, at football games, and at other events throughout the school year. Students will also study music history and theory in an ongoing basis throughout the year as it applies to the music being performed. Instrumentation in the band will only include: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, and Percussion, (Students should provide their own instrument. A limited number of instruments are available for rent from the music department.) A commitment beyond the regular school day is required for performances and rehearsals, including evenings and weekends.
There is $70 Uniform Cleaning Fee for Marching Band. There are other costs associated with the band and the boosters, but this is the main class expense. Each student usually contributes about $250 to help with the operating costs of doing marching band. We have many fundraisers the students can do to help offset these costs. About $150 of this money is tax-deductible to the parents through the boosters. Additional trips always cost the students more. Some students cannot afford to pay this and the boosters absorb the difference with donations and fundraising. However, all students are expected to volunteer during fundraisers to help reduce costs when they cannot afford something. Extra trips and overnight stays are additional.
#7251 ${UC}(CSU)
Grade level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation (Room D4) and ability to play an instrument
Description: This course is designed for students with a serious interest in musical performance. Classical and contemporary orchestra literature will be studied and performed throughout the school year. Students will also study music history and theory in an ongoing basis throughout the year as it applies to the music being performed. Instrumentation in the orchestra will only include: Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, and a limited number of Percussionist. (Students should provide their own instrument. A limited number of instruments are available for rent from the music department.)
Approx. cost : $20-40 for transportation to 1-2 competitions. Extra trips and overnight stays are additional.
#7441 {UC}(CSU)
Grade level 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: None
Description: This year long course for 9th-12th grade students serves as an introduction to acting, voice, movement, stagecraft, theatre history, and dramatic literature. Through improvisation, mime, puppetry arts, play writing, scene and monologue study, directing, and integrated theatre history; students will develop an understanding of theatre as a performing art with a rich literary and cultural heritage.
#7361 {UC}(CSU)
Grade level: 10-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Theater Arts or Teacher recommendation
Description: This year long course is for 10th-12th grade students who have a serious interest in theatre and wish to continue their study of drama. Students will continue to hone their acting skills by using advanced acting techniques. Students will further explore theatre history by delving into the development of technical stagecraft such as costumes, scenery, lighting, and makeup. Scenes and monologues performed in class will be from recognized classics representing various periods in theatre history.
#6381 $ {UC} (CSU)
Grade level: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: None
Description: Dance I will view, discuss, learn, and perform various types of dance. The course concentration will include units on fundamental tap, modern, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, hula, country line and minor units on other cultural dance forms. The material covered will also include choreography and a history of dance. An additional aspect of this course will be physical conditioning, improved coordination, and self-esteem. Two pair of dance shoes will be required. Estimated cost $40-$50. The course will conclude with a recital. Estimated costume cost: $35.
Intermediate Dance
#6481 $ (UC) (CSU)
Grade level: 10-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisite: Beginning Dance or by audition only
Description: Beginning-Intermediate Dance is designed for students with previous dance experience. Students will view, discuss, learn, and perform tap, modern, jazz, ballet, hip hop, hula, country line, ballroom, and minor units on other cultural dance forms. The class content will require student choreography and student teaching. An additional aspect of this course will be physical conditioning, improved skills, and self-esteem. The course will conclude with a recital. Estimated costume cost: $40.
Studio Advanced Placement Visual Art Courses
These courses are designed for the serious advanced art student to further their techniques and possibly prepare their portfolio for university level review. The classes are generally repeatable for credit. Teacher approval is required for all classes.
#6191 $20 per year (Repeatable for credit)
Grade level: 10-12
Length: 1 semester
Prerequisite: Available year long art class or Instructor approval
Description: This course is designed for the advanced multi-disciplined art student. Assignments are constructed to refine technical skill in a variety of art mediums and/or preparation for university-level portfolio preparation. Students will be required to critique artwork in verbal and written form. Students will be expect to create a body of work that clearly demonstrates imagination, attention to quality craftsmanship, personal voice and higher level theme development. Reading, studying and written research on major art movements, techniques and theories are explored.
#6061 $20 per year {UC} (CSU) (Repeatable for credit)
Grade level: 10-12
Length: 1 semester
Prerequisite: Drawing or Instructor approval
Description: This course is designed for the advanced drawing student. Assignments are constructed to refine technical skill and preparation for university-level portfolio review. Students will be required to critique artwork in verbal and written form. Students will be expect to create a body of work that clearly demonstrates imagination, attention to quality craftsmanship, personal voice and higher level theme development. Reading, studying research on major art movements, techniques and theories are explored. There is no painting in this course.
#6321 $25 per semester (Repeatable for credit)
Grade level: 10-12
Length: 1 semester
Prerequisite: Photography or instructor approval
Description: This course is designed for the advanced photography student. This course is designed to study black and white photography in-depth. This course will provide the opportunity to extend their knowledge and skills in the field of photography. Camera techniques, photographic composition, and problem solving will be emphasized. Master photographers and their traditional techniques will be studied and compared to the contemporary application of digital photography and computer techniques. Cultural and contemporary issues will be discussed for reference to a project in class. Students will be required to critique artwork verbally and in writing. Students will be expected to create a body of work that demonstrates originality, craftsmanship, personal style and theme development. For the art-career students, opportunities are available to build portfolio collections.
#6141 $25 per semester {UC} (CSU) (Repeatable for credit)
Grade level: 10-12
Length: 1 semester
Prerequisite: Ceramics
Description: This course is designed for the advanced Ceramics student to develop their expertise in clay construction and design. Using the Raku method the students will create unique, functional, and sculptural projects. Various techniques are explored, such as wheel throwing, slab fabrication, coil construction, and glazing.
#6401 (Elective credit)
Grade level: 10-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisite: Interview/Teacher permission
Description: The Video Production class is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the various phases of video production. This includes work in both Electronic Field Production (EFP) and Studio-TV Production. In addition, students will gain experience and knowledge in all phases of production beginning with script writing and concluding with digital editing.
Yearbook
#6101 (Fine Art credit)
Grade level: 11-12
Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: Application and advisor approval
Description: This class creates and markets The Saga, the Milpitas High School Yearbook. Staff members learn techniques and terminology of page design, interviewing, copy-writing skills, editing, photography, business management and marketing. The students learn Adobe InDesign® and PhotoShop® to create and complete layouts. This course meets the Fine Arts requirement for the MHS diploma.
