Vista Kindergarten from Vista School on Vimeo.

3rd Grade Dance-Theater from Vista School on Vimeo.

Children love to move and need to move. They learn through engagement of whole self. The power of dance and theater education inherently promotes within students lifelong learning, complex learning, effective communication, compassion, aesthetic awareness, collaboration skills, responsible citizenship and career readiness. The purpose of this third grade dance/theater course is to focus on learning through movement that develops bodily skill and kinesthetic awareness. Through movement activities and dance technique, the student will develop an understanding of time, space, and energy. This class will also emphasize the creative process, development of artistic insight, and individual expression. Lastly, students will be introduced to how dance and theater fit into one’s own life, the lives of others, and other historical and cultural perspectives that connect humanity.

In Vista’s 3rd grade beginning strings class, students have the exciting opportunity to explore performance on the violin/viola/cello/bass. This class is an introduction to the string family. Third graders will learn the proper violin/viola/cello/bass set-up, bow hold and correct left and right hand technique. Students will learn the different parts of the violin/viola/cello/bass and bow and how to read the treble/alto/bass clef. There will be opportunities for performance. Students will be exposed to the positive energy and confidence building that music brings into their lives through study and performance and the academic benefits that come from learning a musical instrument. Vista will provide an instrument for each student to use at school but please know that, to insure the proper size for each student (especially viola/cello/bass), it is strongly suggested that rental of an instrument be considered for home practice as well, ensuring your child every opportunity to progress at a much faster rate. Research shows that when a child starts out with the “right sized” instrument, they are more likely to continue with that instrument for years to come. This class will prove to be a very real investment in your child’s future in more ways than you can imagine! Welcome to Vista’s String World!

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, educates the whole child, and helps each one learn the important life-skills that theater demonstrates above and beyond just acting and comprehension. Major Instructional Goals are: 1) Identify and define theater types, terminology, and stage directions, 2) Display signs of overcoming stage-fright, increased confidence in story-telling through drama, 3) Identify plot structure, 4) Demonstrate Playmaking skills by applying Plot Structure to original scenes, skits, and plays, 5) Use memorization and performance skills in monologues, scenes, and plays.

In this class, students will learn proper dance technique and terminology. Classical ballet is the foundation while creative movement and basic Jazz skills are incorporated to give variety and versatility. Classes are structured around American Academy of Ballet and RAD syllabus. Students will be able to discern and demonstrate correct alignment and use correct French terminology. Students will memorize and perform choreography in fall production of The Nutcracker as well as the Spring dance showcase. Students will have an opportunity to perform ballet, jazz, & contemporary/hip-hop by the end of the year

Offers students the opportunity to study violin, viola, cello, and bass in a string ensemble/orchestra setting. Right and left hand technique exercises, including scales, and arpeggios will be taught. Strictly Strings Method Book One, and Suzuki Book One repertoire will be utilized as preparation for fun classical, and popular, string orchestra works. The art of “Busking” will also be introduced. Students: You will learn to work as a team and perform like rock stars! This class will build confidence, and high self-esteem, leadership, respect, improve memory, nurture creativity, support coordination and balance, plus offer a bit of musical history. Performances in school and around the St. George area will be introduced. Instruction on the care and maintenance of stringed instruments will also be included.

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.  Concepts such as learning all the notes on the staff and terminology will be gradually introduced gradually in fun and innovative ways using technology 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.

4th & 5th Grade Choir – Mr Nickle from Vista School on Vimeo.

This class is designed to encourage excellency in vocal music through choral singing and introductions to music theory. This is an auditioned class that can be chosen as an elective course. This class will take the place of “Vista’s Vocal Xpressions” for the 4th and 5th grades, but it will be within the normal school day schedule. Throughout the year, students will explore performance etiquette, choral vocal technique, solo opportunities, music theory, movement in music, and many other related musical ideas. There will be performances and dress rehearsals that the students will be expected to attend. The performances will be joint with the 5th grade choir class.

In this elective course, students will explore many different components of technology.  This hands on STEM class will introduce students to circuits, coding, robotics and more.  Students will integrate basic code with robotic platforms such as sphero, drones, Lego EV3, and VEX IQ. Students will learn to collaborate with others to implement science principles such as simple machines to solve problems using snap together robotic components. Students will gain a basic understanding of the engineering design process as they create and build various projects.  This course is intended as an introduction and jump start to Vista’s 3D engineering, coding, and robotics classes offered to 6th-8th grade students. 

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, educates the whole child, and helps each one learn the important life-skills that theater demonstrates above and beyond just acting and comprehension.

Major Instructional Goals:

• Identify and define theater types, terminology, some history, and stage directions

• ·  Display signs of overcoming stage-fright, increased confidence in story-telling through drama

• ·  Identify plot structure and the elements within

Demonstrate Playmaking skills by applying Plot Structure to original scenes, skits, and plays

• ·  Display some comprehension of Shakespeare and other playwrights

• ·  Use memorization and performance skills in auditions, monologues, scenes, and plays

In this class, students will learn proper dance technique and terminology. Classical ballet is the foundation while creative movement and basic Jazz skills are incorporated to give variety and versatility. Classes are structured around American Academy of Ballet and RAD syllabus. Students will be able to discern and demonstrate correct alignment and use correct French terminology. Students will memorize and perform choreography in fall production of The Nutcracker as well as the Spring dance showcase. Students will have an opportunity to perform ballet, jazz, & contemporary/hip-hop by the end of the year

Offers students the opportunity to study violin, viola, cello, and bass in a string ensemble/orchestra setting. Right and left hand technique exercises, including scales, and arpeggios will be taught. Strictly Strings Method Book One, and Suzuki Book One repertoire will be utilized as preparation for fun classical, and popular, string orchestra works. The art of “Busking” will also be introduced. Students: You will learn to work as a team and perform like rock stars! This class will build confidence, and high self-esteem, leadership, respect, improve memory, nurture creativity, support coordination and balance, plus offer a bit of musical history. Performances in school and around the St. George area will be introduced. Instruction on the care and maintenance of stringed instruments will also be included.

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. 

Students who are a bit more advanced will receive music that is appropriate for their level so that they are engaged and are continually learning new and exciting material.  

This course is for incoming 5th grade students who want to learn how to play any of the following instruments: Flute, Clarinet, or Bell Kit. If you wish to learn saxophone, you should start on clarinet. In this class, students need not have previous musical knowledge, though it is welcomed. We start at square one – we learn how to read music, hold the instrument, breathe to get sound, and other basic concepts of playing! We perform all together in multiple concerts throughout the year, making beautiful music as a combined group of budding musicians! Students will need to rent their own instrument. It’s an exciting class, but not everything can be learned during school. This class requires students to sacrifice some of their time at home to practice each day. While it is not easy, it is so much fun and worth it! Contact Mr. Clegg at cclegg@vistautah.com to ask for more details about this class.

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. This class will prepare students for 6th-9th grade beginning guitar class the following year. If a student really excels, they can get permission to skip straight to the Advanced Guitar class the following year.

Supplies:
An Acoustic Guitar, either nylon strings or steel strings (required)
Guitar Picks (required)
Binder with plastic sleeves for music/handouts (required)

This course is for incoming 5th grade students who want to learn how to play any of the following instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, or Bell Kit. If you wish to learn saxophone, you should start on clarinet. In this class, students need not have previous musical knowledge, though it is welcomed. We start at square one – we learn how to read music, hold the instrument, breathe to get sound, and other basic concepts of playing! We perform all together in multiple concerts throughout the year, making beautiful music as a combined group of budding musicians! Students will need to rent their own instrument. It’s an exciting class, but not everything can be learned during school. This class requires students to sacrifice some of their time at home to practice each day. While it is not easy, it is so much fun and worth it! Contact Mr. Clegg at cclegg@vistautah.com to ask for more details about this class.

4th & 5th Grade Choir – Mr Nickle from Vista School on Vimeo.

This class is designed to encourage excellency in vocal music through choral singing and introductions to music theory. This is an auditioned class that can be chosen as an elective course. This class will take the place of “Vista’s Vocal Xpressions” for the 4th and 5th grades, but it will be within the normal school day schedule. Throughout the year, students will explore performance etiquette, choral vocal technique, solo opportunities, music theory, movement in music, and many other related musical ideas. There will be performances and dress rehearsals that the students will be expected to attend. The performances will be joint with the 4th grade choir class.

In this elective course, students will explore many different components of technology.  This hands on STEM class will introduce students to circuits, coding, robotics and more.  Students will integrate basic code with robotic platforms such as sphero, drones, Lego EV3, and VEX IQ. Students will learn to collaborate with others to implement science principles such as simple machines to solve problems using snap together robotic components. Students will gain a basic understanding of the engineering design process as they create and build various projects.  This course is intended as an introduction and jump start to Vista’s 3D engineering, coding, and robotics classes offered to 6th-8th grade students.

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. Don’t worry about previous experience. You will gain a lot of knowledge from taking this class. It won’t be easy – but it will be hard work and it will be worth it.

9th Grade Theater – Mr Thomas from Vista School on Vimeo.

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
>and providing Props for a theatrical production
This class differs from Theater Tech in that it will be accomplished with hands-on projects, and mostly practical experience. You must have taken Theater Tech before taking this class. You will gain a lot of knowledge from taking this class. It won’t be easy – but it will be hard work and it will be worth it.

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 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.

This exploratory vocal music class at Vista will focus on helping students to develop a love for the art and science of music. These classes will be fast paced and exciting as students learn music from many time periods that support the lessons in their academic classes. Sight singing, vocal pedagogy, music history, and music theory are included in a well rounded curriculum. Students enrolled in these classes should expect to have a lot of fun as they explore and perform many different styles of music, and they will experience the magic that music has to improve their confidence and academic achievement.

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.

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 as 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-the-year showcase.

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 awesome two block class is team-taught between the Music, Dance, and Theatre teachers. Students are given the opportunity to be instructed in Music, Dance, and Theatre every week!
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. Auditioning for musicals begins in this section and is added upon by the Theatre and Dance sections.
During the Theatre section of this class, we will be delving into a few different units. We will discuss Musical Theatre History, and follow up with a section on Plays vs. Musicals. We will also be working on acting and adding character to the songs and parts you choose for your solos and audition pieces.
Dance – Musical Theatre Dance is an exposure to all types of dance with an emphasis on Ballet, Jazz and Tap techniques. This course will teach technique, terminology, and choreography.
After the holiday season, we will apply the skills we’ve learned from each Section by preparing for our year end curriculum performance.
Major Instructional Goals:
· Identify and define Musical Theater terminology, history, and culture
· Display signs of overcoming stage-fright, increased confidence in storytelling through Musical
Theatre
· Use memorization and performance skills in solo and group performances

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. Instructor permission is required before signing up for this class.

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.

Songwriting & Composition from Vista School on Vimeo.

This course focuses on teaching students to be solo performers through the lens of songwriting and composition. Students will work on lyric writing, harmonic and melodic composition as well as commercial music. The class will incorporate music theory, elements of music history, and the use of technology in music. Students will work on various composition and songwriting projects to add to a portfolio and prepare for student showcases. The projects will be engaging and relatable and personalized towards the student and their music background. A portion of the class will also focus on artistry development as we prepare to share our work with others. Students will learn how to better convey their art as we study performance techniques, stage etiquette, and other valuable real world performance tools. Students do not need to be proficient on an instrument to engage and learn in this course.

This course is an auditioned group that teaches those who want to learn how to play 4 main percussion instruments: Keyboards, Timpani, Snare Drum, and Auxiliary Instruments. Percussion students support the Band Groups with percussion parts, as well as their own percussion ensemble pieces. There will be multiple opportunities to perform throughout the year. Because demand for this class is high, students must audition to be in this class. The audition this year will be March 17, 2021, after school. All students who want to join must audition, even if they were in the percussion class the previous year. Go to https://www.vistautah.com/auditions/ for audition info.
Note: this is NOT a “rock band” class! Drumset is not taught in our curriculum. Do not attempt to join this class if you want to learn to play the drum set.

This course is for incoming 6-9th grade students who want to learn how to play any of the following instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, or Bell Kit. If you wish to learn Saxophone, you should start on Clarinet; if you wish to learn French Horn, you should start on Trumpet; If you wish to learn Tuba, you should start on Trombone. In this class, students need not have previous musical knowledge, though it is welcomed. We start at square one – we learn how to read music, hold the instrument, breathe to get sound, and other basic concepts of playing! We perform all together in multiple concerts throughout the year, making beautiful music as a combined group of budding musicians! Students will need to rent their own instrument. It’s an exciting class, but not everything can be learned during school. This class requires students to sacrifice some of their time at home to practice each day. While it is not easy, it is so much fun and worth it! Contact Mr. Clegg at cclegg@vistautah.com to ask for more details about this class.

This course is for students who have one or more years of experience playing a wind instrument, and have progressed enough to move on to the next level. Intermediate players are those who have shown through hard work and rehearsing well in Mr. Clegg’s class that they are able to play three major scales, and describe how to practice effectively. Students in this class will get the opportunity to play in several concerts throughout the year, play at community events and fundraisers, play in small groups, and compete in festivals where they are given feedback from a panel of judges. With so many opportunities for performance, students will quickly progress in their musical skills, and be able to “wow” their friends and family with the melodies they can perform! This class requires students to sacrifice some of their time at home to practice each day. While it is not easy, it is so much fun and worth it! Intermediate students are required to rent their own instrument, with the exception of Tuba, which can be rented from the school. Contact Mr. Clegg at cclegg@vistautah.com to ask for more details about this class.

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.

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.

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.

Intro to Psychology from Vista School on Vimeo.

This course is designed to introduce students to many aspects of psychology. We will cover the five modern perspectives of psychology and how each perspective seeks to explain behavior. Other areas covered will include but may not be limited to health, developmental, and abnormal studies. Students will be required to write a research paper and give an oral presentation. Students will be expected to come to all class meetings prepared and ready to take part in discussions.

Riding for Focus from Vista School on Vimeo.

Bicycles have the power to make lives better—they bring people and communities together, motivate us to become better humans, and help us take advantage of what the world has to offer. At Vista, we are committed to helping all kids have access to bikes. We know that bicycles have the ability to improve the academic, health, and social success of our students.
The beginning cycling class allows students to work through a cycling curriculum put together by Specialized Bicycles. Students will ride bikes between 3-6 miles around Ivins, Snow Canyon State Park, and the paved trails near the school. We’d love to have you get out and ride!

Riding for Focus from Vista School on Vimeo.

Bicycles have the power to make lives better—they bring people and communities together, motivate us to become better humans, and help us take advantage of what the world has to offer.  At Vista, we are committed to helping all kids have access to bikes.  We know that bicycles have the ability to improve the academic, health, and social success of our students.

The advanced cycling class allows students to work through a cycling curriculum put together by Specialized Bicycles.  They’ll work on leadership skills by planning cycling routes, leading the group of riders, and ensuring all students are safe while riding.  Students will ride bikes between 8-10 miles around Ivins, Snow Canyon State Park, and the paved trails near the school.   We’d love to have you get out and ride!

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.

An introductory course that focuses on the world of transportation and manufacturing technology. This hands on class will help students gain an understanding of how transportation and 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 transportation and manufacturing. This class is intended for students that like to make things move as well as those interested in various forms of transportation.

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.

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.

Movie Production – Mr Ostrom from Vista School on Vimeo.

This course will cover a more indepth look at storytelling through digital media. Students will learn the steps of the movie production process including development, pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution. Students will learn and implement strategies of organizing and scripting a story and follow the process through to a final product. This course will cover skills and techniques used to enhance video and multimedia productions like composition, lighting and effects. Students will gain a basic understanding of DSLR cameras and their function through filming and taking photographs. This course is intended as a project based course to engage students, and students will work continuously throughout the year on producing Vista Student News to be shown throughout the school. Projects from this course will prepare students to enter their work in the vista technology awards at the end of each year.

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 Vista Student Newspaper as well as working on the yearbook while learning about page layout and design, typography, color and the use and placement of images.

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.

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.