Visual & Performing Arts

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee:  $200 per year

Drama is an introduction to the theatre. Students become acquainted with the history of the theatre and various significant plays. Areas of technical production such as make up, lighting, costuming, and set design are studied. Class requirements also include limited performance work and a final project demonstrating skills and knowledge applied in this course. 

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee:  $200 per year

In this course students will study all the elements and principles of art from a discipline-based perspective. They will study the language of art, learning to compare and contrast art movements and artists, distinguishing the various relationships of elements that make up the composition of a work of art. They will learn to analyze and criticize art by distinguishing the differences between what is fine art as compared to folk art and commercial art. Students will develop an understanding of the historical significance of great works of art by learning the influence culture and values of a society have on art, and how the art of a time period reflects those values. They will learn about the lives of artists of historical periods and how their art has influenced and inspired the artists of future periods. For each unit studied, students will create an art work of their own, using the various methods of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and architecture. The class will include a field trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.  

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee:  $200 per year

This course further investigates two-dimensional and three-dimensional media covered in Exploring Visual Art. Also, includes more in-depth critiquing and analyzing of class projects, masters art works, and movements in art history.  Students will have completed a portfolio of art works demonstrating expertise in their chosen media and subject by the end of the course, a total of 20-25 works. Prerequisite:   Exploring Visual Art and approval by art instructor. 

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee:  $200 per year; $100 AP Fee

This course is intended for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of art. Students should be aware that the AP Studio Artwork involves significantly more commitment and accomplishment than the Advanced Art course and is not for the casually interested. Portfolios will be prepared to meet the Requirement of the College Board for the AP Studio Art portfolio review. Students will need to work outside the classroom as well as within and beyond the scheduled class periods. Completion of 30 works of art will be submitted for portfolio review. In addition, group and individual critiques, sketchbooks, and journals are included in the coursework. Work for the portfolio begins in the summer months prior to the beginning of school in August.

Prerequisite:  Mark of “A” in Exploring Visual Art or Advanced Art for 2 semesters, and the approval of the art instructor. 

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

Students will explore the artistic medium of film from a scholarly perspective. This includes learning about film history, from its technological beginnings in the late nineteenth Century through modern day. They will also explore various film genres and topics, such as Dramas, Westerns, Film Noirs, the Auteur Theory, and World Cinema. Critical analysis of films will focus on aspects such as the medium’s relationship to contemporary society, artistic intent, and the use of visuals to depict ideas, including metaphor, social commentary, and propaganda.

Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
1 Semester

This course includes extensive practice in tactics and techniques for the preparation and presentation of various kinds of public speeches.

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee:  $200 per year

This course teaches the student the beginning fundamentals of music theory and composition, including the knowledge required to navigate and compose a musical score in the most basic form.  Some of the elements taught include major/minor keys, advanced scales, harmony, and chord structure. This course is ideal for students who have a background playing an instrument but would like to learn to write their own compositions.

Prerequisite:  Ability to read music notation. Basic ability on any instrument. 

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee:  $200 per year

This course is designed to supply students with a full view of music through listening, analysis, arrangements, and performance.  Students will be introduced to reading music and learning a new instrument on a basic level.  Using an instrument of your choice, the class will cover rhythmic and harmonic music notation, with the goal of sight-reading music accurately in various keys. 

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements for Art or PE - not both)
Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee: $200

This course is designed to instruct the beginning student in the Japanese art form of Taiko Drumming. It is the first of three Taiko classes. Taiko drumming combines elements of martial arts, dance, and percussion. A heavy degree of physical endurance, mental focus, and flexibility are required to play the drums. Emphasis is placed on working hard to achieve as a team, seeking strength and personal growth in the face of difficult tasks, and attention to detailed physical form within the ensemble. Students will also learn the history of Taiko and its significance within the Japanese/American culture.

Prerequisite: No musical experience is necessary

(Meets UC & Cal State University Requirements)
Tenth, Eleventh, or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee: $200

This course provides advanced instruction in the Japanese art form of Taiko Drumming. Students who have completed "Beginning Taiko" will now learn to play each and every drum in the ensemble, with the goal of performing arrangements completely independent from the instructor.  

Prerequisite: Completion of Beginning Taiko course with a grade of "B" or higher

Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee: $200

The Crespi Taiko Ensemble applies skills learned in previous taiko classes to the stage several times throughout the year.  This class performs at the highest level that the taiko program has to offer. In order to achieve this goal, frequent availability for performances both during and after school hours is a requirement.   The Ensemble will perform at Crespi events and headline our annual taiko recitals and concerts. 

Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation and completion of Advanced Taiko Drum Ensemble with a grade of “B” or higher.  

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee: $200

Students will learn how to create different types of architectural drawings including plans, elevations, and two-point perspectives using both traditional tools and computer technology. Students will also receive a basic understanding of the history of world architecture.

Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters

This course covers every aspect of yearbook publication including the computer design of the cover and pages, placing photos on page layouts, and writing copy. Photography assignments outside of class may be required as well as fundraising.

Prerequisite: Approval of the Art Department

Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee: $200

Photojournalism introduces students to the basic principles of photography and provides students with opportunities to apply photography skills to the practice of journalistic photography. The class will cover core concepts associated with traditional SLR and print photography, (composition, focus, exposure, etc.). Students will document school events, and their work will make a significant contribution to school publications, including the yearbook.

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee: $200 per year

This course is an overview of film and media production. Students will learn directing, screenwriting, acting, cinematography, and production design through hands-on lessons, demonstrations, film analysis, production practice, and short films. Emphasis is placed on learning how to operate in a team-based environment, both creatively and socially, as well as the effort required to see major projects to completion.

(Meets UC and Cal State University Requirements)
Tenth, Eleventh, or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee: $200

This is an advanced-level film and media production course. Students will further develop their knowledge and ability through conservatory-style practice, which entails consistently utilizing previously learned techniques to produce short films in a simulated professional environment. The course is modeled after the curriculum of the AFI Conservatory and Chapman University.

Prerequisite: Grade of A in Theory of Media Arts.

Tenth, Eleventh, or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee: $200

Students will learn media production through the operation of a simulated production company Celt Media.  Content includes sports broadcasts, a weekly news show that is broadcast during announcements, and a Crespi podcast.  Emphasis is placed on giving the productions a level of professionalism by learning the creative and physical skills it takes to produce videos with a high level of speed and efficiency for regular exhibition. A commitment outside of school hours is required due to the sports broadcasts.

Prerequisite:  Passing credit in Theory of Media Arts approval of the Art Department.