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

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)
Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh or Twelfth Grade
2 Semesters
Fee:  $200 per year

This course explores the world of film from an introductory standpoint. From classics, like Casablanca, to current films, such as Bowling for Columbine, emphasis is placed on exposing students to films they have most likely not seen, while they examine genre, style, form, theme, and metaphor. The mirror that film as art holds up to society will be explored, as well. The course will provide an understanding of the working relationships between the elements of filmmaking; how, through a delicate balance of talent between the writer, producer, director, cast and casting, editor, and composer, a wonderful end-product can be achieved. Course requires bimonthly tests on films viewed, research papers, projects, and occasional homework. 

(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 instructor

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 designed to give students a broad overview of the Entertainment Industry, Broadcast Journalism, and Newspaper Journalism. Students will learn to write, analyze, edit, and broadcast stories and short video productions. Some outside class and laboratory time will be required. This class is a prerequisite for Applied Media Art and Journalism.

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

This course is designed to give students who excelled in Theory of Media Arts more experience in interviewing, video editing, and broadcast operations, while learning leadership and supervision skills. Students will work with peers to organize and produce programming for the school's in-house network, as well as different projects as needed for the school administration. A substantial amount of outside class time is required.

Prerequisite: Grade of A in Theory of Media Arts.