Students choose electives, starting in Kindergarten

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Electives

Kindergarten

1st-3rd Grade

3rd Grade Electives

Orchestra

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.

Orchestra Program

Dance & Theater

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. 

Dance Program

Theater Program

Exploring Technology

3rd grade exploring technology, is the place for students who love tech. Students will develop collaboration and communication skills through hands-on coding, robotics and engineering projects. 

Coding Program

Robotics Program

Engineering Program

4th-5th Grade Electives

Orchestra

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.

Orchestra Program



Piano

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.

Piano Program



Choir

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. Throughout the year, students will explore performance etiquette, choral vocal technique, solo opportunities, music theory, movement in music, and many other related musical ideas.

Choir Program

Theater

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 Program

Dance

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.

Dance Program

Exploring Technology

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.

Coding Program

Robotics Program

Engineering Program

Visual Arts

In this course young students will explore a wide range of mediums and processes. An introduction to art foundations with an emphasis on understanding the Elements of Art and Principles of Design as a basis for composition. 

Visual Arts Program


Band

4th grade band is an opportunity for students to explore band instruments. You will learn written rhythm and musical notation all while exploring various band and percussion instruments. This class will give you a strong musical foundation to spring-board your learning into the next band class. 

Band Program

6th-9th Grade Electives

Beginning / Intermediate Band 2

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.

Band Program

Advanced Band

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.

Band Program

Concert Choir

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.

Choir Program

Advanced Choir

Audition Required

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.

Choir Program

Dance Company

Audition Required

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.

Dance Program

Dance Technique

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.

Dance Program

Digital Media

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. 

Digital Media Program

6-9 Digital Graphic Arts / Yearbook

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.

Digital Media Program

6-9 Digital Graphic Arts

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. 

Digital Media Program

Intro to 3D Design / Creative Coding Robotics / Engineering

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.

Digital Media

Coding Program

Robotics Program

Engineering Program

8-9 Video Editing & Effects

Prerequisite: Video Production

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.

Digital Media Program

7-9 Coding with Robotics

Intro to 3D Design / Creative Coding Robotics / Engineering

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.

Digital Media Program

Coding Program

Robotics Program

Engineering Program

7-9 Advanced Robotics

Prerequisite: Coding with Robotics OR Computer Engineering & 3D Design

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. 

Digital Media Program

Coding Program

Robotics Program

Engineering Program

7-9 Computer Engineering & 3D Design

Prerequisite: Intro to 3D Design/Creative Coding/Robotics/Engineering

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.

Digital Media Program

Coding Program

Robotics Program

Engineering Program

8-9 Robotics Technology / Engineering Technology

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. 

Robotics Program

Engineering Program

6-9 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!

6-9 Guitar, Beginning

Must provide your own instrument.

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. 

Musical Instruments Program

6-9 Guitar, Advanced

Must provide your own instrument.

This course covers basic barre chords, embellished chords, fingerpicking, moderately complex strumming patterns, note reading, composing, and improvising. 

Musical Instruments Program

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.

Theater Program

Arts Program

6-9 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.
*This is a 2-period class

Theater Program

Dance Program

Arts Program

7-9 Music Production

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.

Arts Program

6-9 Beginning Orchestra

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. 

Orchestra Program

6-9 Intermediate Orchestra (Audition Required - Must provide/rent your own instrument )

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. 

Orchestra Program

6-9 Advanced Orchestra (Audition Required - Must provide/rent your own instrument)

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.

Orchestra Program

6-9 Piano

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.

Musical Intruments Program

8-9 Spanish I

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.

8-9 Spanish II

Prerequisite: Spanish I

6-9 Theater Foundations

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 Program

Arts Program

7-9 Video Production / TV Broadcasting (Prerequisite: Digital Media)

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.

Digital Media Program

7-9 Theater Foundations II (Prerequisite: Theater Foundations 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 Program


7-9 Acting & Audition Technique

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.

Theater Program

Arts Program

7-9 Theater Tech

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.

Theater Program

Arts Program

8-9 Theater Production & Design (Prerequisite: Theater Tech)

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. 

Theater Program

Arts Program

6-9 Visual Art

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.

Visual Arts Program

8-9 Advanced Visual Arts (Prerequisite: 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.

Visual Arts Program

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.

Theater Program