6-9 grade beginning/intermediate band is a class where students will
choose one band instrument (or percussion) to play and begin to
develop good musical sounds as well as begin to work toward
independent playing. Toward the end of the first semester, we will
begin to work on ensemble playing where we work on fun pieces of
music. No experience is necessary for this class. Percussion selection,
however, is limited and will be given first to students with prior piano
experience. If you have any questions or would like to visit with me
about this opportunity, please call the school or email me at
radkins@vistautah.com

6-9 grade advanced band is an audition only ensemble. This group will
represent Vista School by playing at community events and will
participate in judged performances and competitions. We will increase
our musical knowledge to include: style, compositions, composers,
theory, and form in addition to consistently striving toward excellence in
reading, playing, and blending within our instrumental ensemble.
Students in this ensemble want to take their musical knowledge to the
next level and are willing to put in the work in class and outside of class
to achieve the level of excellence that Vista Performing Artist expect. If
you have any questions or would like to visit with me about this
opportunity, please call the school or email me at
radkins@vistautah.com

This is a non auditioned group that requires students to have at least one full year of experience in another choir and selection from the director to participate in. Advanced choir performs in many events throughout the year and focuses on developing within each student strength in vocal music performance. Many music genres will be performed and opportunities for student accompanists are encouraged. Students will improve their knowledge and skill within music theory concepts including sight singing, stage presence, and vocal pedagogy. Students will also be encouraged to sing as a soloists as well as in small groups to enhance their overall confidence in their changing voices.

perform many different styles of music, and they will experience the magic that music has to improve their confidence and academic achievement.

Advanced choir is an auditioned only group that will be performing in the community and representing Vista at festivals. It is our top traditional choir and students will be expected to put in after school hours for practice and performance preparation. Auditions will be held for current students in the spring of the previous year, and at the beginning of the new school year for students new to Vista. Students will learn sight singing, part singing, A Capella and accompanied music, and a large variety of music genres.

This is an auditioned class. Auditions are held in the spring. Dancers in this company are required to commit to performances in the Nutcracker, at Jubilee of Trees, and the Spring showcase. Vista’s Dance Company classes include Dance Apprentice, Dance Corps, Dance Soloist and Principal Dancers.

This is a non-performance class in which students will learn proper dance technique and terminology. Classical ballet is the focus, while basic jazz skills are incorporated to give variety and versatility. Classes are taught based on Mignon Furman’s American Academy of Ballet Technique asa well as The Royal Academy of Dance Method. Students will be able to discern and demonstrate correct alignment, use correct French terminology for ballet and jazz steps, and be able to memorize and perform choreography for the end-of-year showcase.

This course is an introduction to creating digital projects with programs from the Adobe Creative Suite. During the first 12 weeks of class, students will learn about the elements of design, typography, and text manipulation as they create and work with vector shapes and use the basic tools in Adobe Illustrator. Next we will spend 4 weeks studying best practices in photography and videography and the proper use of a DSLR camera. During the following 12 weeks, students will be immersed in Adobe Photoshop learning about raster graphics, photo manipulation, selections, and image corrections. We will end the year with 12 weeks of Adobe Premiere Pro, shooting digital video, recording audio, and creating video projects on a timeline using transitions and video effects. Videos will be entered into the Vista Technology Awards at the end of the year. Throughout the course, students will learn about file types, best uses, and how to export each of them.

Digital Media is a prerequisite. This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the field of desktop publishing. The ins and outs of Adobe Illustrator will be explored in this class. Students will learn how to use tools to implement effective design strategies. This course will include the use of Photoshop to create and edit images, while exploring both the technical and aesthetic aspects of image manipulation. Students will also learn about photography and will gain a basic understanding of DSLR cameras and their function as well as the basics of ISO, aperture and shutter speed through taking photographs. This course is intended as a project based course, and students will work extensively on designing posters, flyers, event programs, etc. to be used for Vista school events. Students in this course will also produce the yearbook while learning about page layout and design, typography, color and the use and placement of images.

Digital Media is a prerequisite. This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the field of desktop publishing. The ins and outs of Adobe Illustrator will be explored in this class. Students will learn how to use tools to implement effective design strategies. This course will include the use of Photoshop to create and edit images, while exploring both the technical and aesthetic aspects of image manipulation. Students will also learn about photography and will gain a basic understanding of DSLR cameras and their function as well as the basics of ISO, aperture and shutter speed through taking photographs. This course is intended as a project based course, and students will work extensively on designing posters, flyers, event programs, etc. to be used for Vista school events. Students in this course will also produce the yearbook while learning about page layout and design, typography, color and the use and placement of images.

8-9 Video Editing and Effects
After successfully completing the Movie Production course, students who want to continue to improve their video production skills can take this advanced course. This course will focus heavily on the post-production side of video production. Rather than filming during class, students will instead focus on editing and manipulating videos that have already been filmed. Students will learn how to use the powerful Adobe After Effects program for video compositing, motion graphics, and visual effects. Students will be expected to record videos outside of class time so that they have footage to edit during class. As such, students who take this course will need to have a strong work ethic and be highly motivated to complete projects outside of the classroom. This course is for video enthusiasts who are ready to enhance their videos like the pros do!

An introduction to 3D design, 3D Printing, Coding, Robotics and Engineering. This course will cover all 4 areas and give students a basic understanding with hands on experience. 4 sections will be split up between two classes and two teachers. Students will rotate half way into the year to the other section.
Creative Coding-Robotics is an introductory course intended for students to explore the art of coding. With the growing demand for computer programmers, coding is an exciting career to explore. Aligned with national computer science standards, this course will introduce students to coding terms and elements. Students will learn basics of computer processes and functions while working on coding projects such as using the code on electronic boards and robots. Students will also learn basic coding including order of operations, rules and basic commands of mostly HTML and Python. Students will be engaged in various languages including scratch, html/css, and python. This is a fun, fast paced course where student creativity is encouraged with every project. Students who have any interest in computers or coding are encouraged to take this course!
3D-Engineering – Students will learn to engineer and design a basic 3D model, and then print it on a 3D printer. The 3D models can be used in a variety of ways. The class will focus on parts for Robotics and Engineering. Class projects will be incorporated as the class brings the 3D-Design, Printing and Coding into real life application.

This course is designed to extend what is taught in intro to creative coding to the physical world of electronics and robotics. This lab-style class is where students will explore the application of various programming languages to see how they are used in the world around us. Students gain a deeper understanding of coding and programming languages. Students will also learn basic electrical concepts in order to build circuits to make LED lights flash and motors turn extra. Students will be engaged through various platforms including Arduino and Raspberry Pi computers. Students will explore the application of robotics in industry and program robots to perform various tasks. This course is a prerequisite to Robotics II.

Advanced Robotics is a hands-on project-based STEM education course where students work in teams to collaborate, design, and build a VEX robot and other robotic and automated systems. Students who have completed or are enrolled in Coding with Robotics OR 3D engineering II are encouraged to take this course. This course will cover key concepts and engineering principles such as simple machines, mechanical advantage, and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Students in this class will also be encouraged to participate in the VEX robotics VCE after school program to compete on a competitive robotics team against teams from other schools.

Students will gain deeper knowledge and experience of Computer 3D Design. Students will use software programs such as Fusion 360, Tinkercad, Sketchup, Sculptris and other software to design these objects. Classroom projects will include structural and hardware design. Group projects will build collaboration skills and be used to build objects with parts such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, electronic boards and 3D printed models. This class will work in conjunction with the coding course on collaborative projects including robotics that require some programming from the coding class.

8-9 CAD Architectural Design
Computer Engineering & 3D Design is a prerequisite. This course will introduce and prepare students for a career in the Architecture, Engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Students will use 2D and 3D computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to draw a small residential home with an emphasis on blueprint reading.

Manufacturing Technology is a half year class that is an introductory course that focuses on the world of manufacturing technology. This hands-on class will help students gain an understanding of how manufacturing technologies impact politics, the environment, society, and the economy. Students will design, build, and test various transportation models to help expand their understanding of occupational opportunities in the world of manufacturing.
Construction Technology is a half year class that is designed to introduce students to skills and careers related to construction. Students will gain an understanding of how construction technologies impact politics, the environment, society and the economy. Students will explore construction through hands-on projects in various related fields.

Fitness for Life – Students will participate in planning and implementing different types of personal fitness programs, demonstrate competency in lifetime activities, describe key concepts associated with successful participation in physical activity, model responsible behavior while engaged in physical activity, and fill a need for self-expression, challenge, social interaction and enjoyment!

This class is designed to foster a love of playing the guitar and music in general. Students will learn to read guitar tablature, develop their sense of rhythm, play chords to accompany melodies, and play as a group with different parts. Students will perform their music for other classes. Students will also have time to develop their skills at their own pace and receive guidance specifically for them, depending on their strengths.
Supplies:
An Acoustic Guitar, either nylon strings or steel strings (required)
Guitar Picks (required)
Binder with plastic sleeves for music/handouts (required)
A Guitar Tuner (optional)

This course covers basic barre chords, embellished chords, fingerpicking, moderately complex strumming patterns, note reading, composing, and improvising. Students will learn to creatively accompany melodies and soloists, play popular pieces of music, and read guitar tablature. This course is designed for students who already have some fundamental knowledge in both note reading and chords. 1 year guitar instruction required.

6-9 Musical Theatre
This class is for anyone in the 6th – 9th grade that is interested in being involved in and exploring the world of Musical Theatre! It is team-taught between the Music and Theater teachers. The Music section focuses heavily on learning to sing your own parts as part of a greater musical ensemble as well as singing solos from the Musical Theatre canon. The Theatre section focuses on the history, styles, genres, and acting techniques of Musical Theatre. We will analyze and discuss a broad range of works from the Musical Theatre canon. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of musical dramatic works by developing character analyses for one or more major characters while focusing on one or more of the songs and parts selected for solos and audition pieces.
We will put it all into practice by having students work on in-class projects that will consist of solos, monologues, scenes, and small and large ensemble musical numbers from select Broadway Musicals, culminating in an end of year performance incorporating choreography.

Music Dance Theatre Companies/Musical Cast
This class consists of our Auditioned 6th – 9th Graders. Students will audition for a spot in class in the spring of the previous school year for placement in it for the following school year. They will be placed into VRS, Vocal XPressions, or our new MDT Showcase Company. One of the biggest differences for this class, is that this placement will also require students to not only participate in these groups, but in the school musical as well. No longer will we be holding rehearsals for the 6th – 9th grade musical after school (until mandatory after school Tech and Dress Rehearsals. We will also hold the musical performances in the evenings as usual).
We will use class time to rehearse VRS, Vocal XPressions, and MDT Showcase Company material, study and practice performance and rehearsal techniques, and our custom Music, Dance, and Theatre Technique curriculum, which includes but is not limited to exercising artistic discipline and collaboration to achieve ensemble cohesiveness, striving to improve personal performance using various self-assessment tools, coaching, feedback, and constructive criticism, while accepting, analyzing, and applying suggested or learned strategies for continued growth based on individual or ensemble strengths and needs. When the time comes, class time will also be used to cast and rehearse the 6th – 9th grade school musical.
VRS and XPressions will still have a required weekly after school rehearsal.

This course is intended to introduce students to technology related to music production. Students with a musical background or students with an interest in music will learn the skills to produce and record music. The content of the class will cover a variety of topics including audio recording and mixing, editing, and music production. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of various audio equipment and how to use it to create original works using tools used by professionals. Additionally students will learn the tools and skills to record live performances here at vista. Students will explore careers in music technology and music production while having fun being creative and developing new skills.

Beginning Strings will offer students the opportunity to continue the study of violin, viola, cello, and bass as a chamber orchestra. Right and left hand technique exercises, scales, arpeggios, etudes, Suzuki Book I and II, and the String Calisthenics Method Book will be used in preparation for exciting intermediate to advanced musical selections. These selections will be performed for school concerts and special musical events, as well as music festivals in and around the St. George area. The art of “Busking” will also be introduced as another playing opportunity. The 6th-8th grade string students will also be instructed as a team, on how to lead the orchestra without a conductor! Students: You will learn to work as a finely tuned musical machine, and as a result, perform like champions! This class will build confidence, high self-esteem, leadership, respect, improve memory, nurture creativity, support coordination and balance. We will create responsible and capable musical artists with the potential of helping their parents pay their way through college. Instruction on the care and maintenance of stringed instruments will also be included.

6-9 Intermediate Orchestra
Intermediate Orchestra will accept string candidates who have successfully completed the 6-8 Grade Strings Class and who have auditioned for the music director. Intermediate Strings will offer students the opportunity to continue the study of violin, viola, cello, and bass as a chamber orchestra. Right and left hand technique exercises, scales, arpeggios, etudes, Suzuki Book I and II, and the String Calisthenics Method Book will be used in preparation for exciting intermediate to advanced musical selections. These selections will be performed for school concerts and special musical events, as well as music festivals in and around the St. George area. The art of “Busking” will also be introduced as another playing opportunity. The 6th-9th grade string students will also be instructed as a team, on how to lead the orchestra without a conductor! Students: You will learn to work as a finely tuned musical machine, and as a result, perform like champions! This class will build confidence, high self-esteem, leadership, respect, improve memory, nurture creativity, support coordination and balance. We will create responsible and capable musical artists with the potential of helping their parents pay their way through college. Instruction on the care and maintenance of stringed instruments will also be included.

Will accept string candidates who have successfully completed the 6-8 Grade Strings Class and who have auditioned for the music director. Audition requirements are: One 3 octave major scale and arpeggio, mm-50 per note, non-vibrato, and a two minute solo of student’s choice. Cello and Bass have the option to perform a two octave major scale and arpeggio, mm-50 per note, non-vibrato, and a two minute solo of their choice. There will be an ensemble piece chosen by the director. The candidate will be asked to perform this piece with members of the current Vista Advanced Orchestra. Upon acceptance, the student will study right and left hand technique exercises, scales, arpeggios, and have assignments from the String Calisthenics Method Book as well as Suzuki Book II and III. This will be in preparation for exciting intermediate to advanced musical selections which will be performed for school concerts and special musical events, as well as music festivals in and around the St. George area. The art of “Busking” will also be introduced or continued. There will also be instruction on how to perform without a conductor! Students: You will learn to work as a finely tuned musical machine, enabling your present playing ability to improve above its current level. The goal is to reach a playing level much higher than the average middle school music student is expected to achieve. As a result, you will perform like a champion. In addition, you will build confidence, high self-esteem, leadership, respect, improve memory, nurture creativity, support coordination and balance and become a responsible and capable musician/artist with the potential of helping your parents pay your way through college. Instruction on the care and maintenance of stringed instruments will also be included. Audition preparation techniques will be introduced, combining breathing techniques and memory tips.

This class is designed to help students foster a love for piano music and playing music in general. This class offers a gradual and fun curriculum that focuses on reading by motion and fingerings, developing a sense of rhythm, playing along to accompaniment, and learning some fun songs to play at home. Important musical concepts, such as learning all the notes on the staff and musical terminology, will be introduced gradually in fun and innovative ways so that students are learning the essential concepts while having a great time. In this class, students will also have the opportunity to perform for their peers when they feel that they are ready.

Beginning Spanish is designed to develop listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills in Spanish as well as cultural competency in the Hispanic world. This course is intended for students with no prior knowledge of Spanish.

6-9 Spanish II (Prerequisite: Spanish I)

All students should have the opportunity to experience the fine arts as part of a well-rounded curriculum and complete education. The study of drama helps students explore realities, relationships, and ideas that cannot be expressed simply in words, numbers, or the other arts. Theater Foundations class nurtures creativity and educates the whole child and helps each one learn the important life-skills that theater demonstrates above and beyond just acting and comprehension.
a. Highly effective memorization skills – monologues, scenes, lyrics
i. Tried multiple tools and found the ones that work
b. Highly effective performance skills – alone and in an ensemble
i. projection, diction, characterization, “physicalization” – pantomime, tableau, Stanislavski Method, Suzuki Method, etc.
ii. Proficiency in different performance genres/styles
iii. Be able to create an in-depth character w/justification from text.
c. Recognize and be able to define many theater terms/vocabulary
d. Working basic knowledge of theater history (Greek, Roman, Medieval, Shakes, etc.)
e. Read and write a script – recognize/develop profound plot structure in both
f. Measurable growth in personal confidence in front of an audience (less stage-fright) — Belief in oneself
g. Measurable individual growth – as a person – not just a performer
> Prepare a portfolio for future audition opportunities.
> Preparation for entering 9th grade and High School drama

All students should have the opportunity to experience the fine arts as part of a well-rounded curriculum and complete education. The study of drama helps students explore realities, relationships, and ideas that cannot be expressed simply in words, numbers, or the other arts. Theater Foundations class nurtures creativity and educates the whole child and helps each one learn the important life-skills that theater demonstrates above and beyond just acting and comprehension.
a. Highly effective memorization skills – monologues, scenes, lyrics
i. Tried multiple tools and found the ones that work
b. Highly effective performance skills – alone and in an ensemble.
i. projection, diction, characterization, “physicalization” – pantomime, tableau, Stanislavski Method, Suzuki Method, etc.
ii. Proficiency in different performance genres/styles
iii. Be able to create an in-depth character w/justification from text.
c. Recognize and be able to define many theater terms/vocabulary
d. Working basic knowledge of theater history (Greek, Roman, Medieval, Shakes, etc.)
e. Read and write a script – recognize/develop profound plot structure in both
f. Measurable growth in personal confidence in front of an audience (less stage-fright) — belief in oneself
g. Measurable individual growth – as a person – not just a performer
h. Prepare a portfolio for future audition opportunities.
i. Preparation for entering high school theater courses

All students should have the opportunity to experience the fine arts as part of a well-rounded curriculum and complete education. The study of acting helps students explore realities, relationships, and ideas that cannot be expressed simply in words, numbers, or the other arts. Advanced Acting class nurtures creativity and educates the whole child and helps each one learn the important life-skills that theater demonstrates above and beyond just acting and comprehension.
Students will review the building blocks previously taught:
> performing monologues and scenes – written and original
> study and perform various acting techniques
> enhanced audition skills
Students will also perform scene work and monologues from scripts to build analytical skills and character development skills.
Students will study the acting theory as well as implement the technique into their performances.
Students will develop basic audition skills including resume building, presentation of self and performance pieces, and cold reading skills.

In order to be well rounded and educated in theatre, a student needs to understand all elements of it. Theatre is a collaborative art form and it takes many hands to put a show together. In this class students will learn what goes into scenic design and construction, lighting, costuming, and providing props for a theatrical production through in-class instruction, hands on projects, and some practical experience. No previous experience needed.

8-9 Theater Production and Design
In order to be well rounded and educated in theatre, a student needs to understand all elements of it. Theatre is a collaborative art form and it takes many hands to put a show together. In this class students will continue their study of:
– Scenic Design and Construction
– Scenic Art
– Stage Lighting
– Costuming
– Providing Props for a theatrical production
This class differs from Theater Tech in that it will be accomplished with more hands-on projects, and mostly practical experience. This class requires an application. You must have taken Theater Tech and received a passing grade in order to apply. The students in this class will be the Tech Crew for Vista productions. Applications are available in the theater.

Students will learn important elements of making and appreciating art, through emphasis on important artists, works of art, and artistic concepts. Students will review, develop, and apply concepts introduced in previous grades, as they work with and explore many different mediums. We will focus on combining art history with analysis of specific illustrative works.

8-9 Advanced Visual Arts
In this course, advanced students will focus on portfolio development as they continue to develop skills in producing high quality works of art. Emphasis is placed on creating more complex visual statements. A range of materials and processes will be further explored, and students will have the opportunity to focus on a chosen subject or medium.

8-9 Vista Theatre Company
Vista Theatre Company is a class for 8th-9th graders focused on refining acting skills and preparing for high stakes performances. Students in the class will prepare a variety of pieces to compete at the Utah Shakespeare Festival competition in the fall, the Utah High School Region and State Drama competition in the spring*, and incorporate advanced acting techniques into all of their performances. This class will be heavily performance based and require students to be outside of their comfort zone, explore a variety of acting techniques, build awareness of their personal strengths and weaknesses, and consistently work to become a well rounded and professional performer.
*Only 9th grade students will compete at the Utah Region/State competition, but 8th graders may be accepted in the class and prepare pieces alongside the 9th grade students as part of class work.*