Students choose electives, starting in Third Grade

Dance for Musical Theater is an opportunity for students to learn essential dance skills centered around performing in musical theater. Students will gain understanding of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Hip-Hop basics while applying those techniques to broadway choreography. Each quarter, students will learn and pass off an excerpt of popular broadway repertoire. 

Concert Choir is an introductory level choir class.  It is for students who are new to choir, or 6th graders who might have had previous choir experience and are looking to continue. Students will learn vocal technique, music theory, sight singing, and teamwork all while singing fun and accessible repertoire.  Students will have performance opportunities throughout the year.  

Advanced Choir choir is for developing vocal students with previous choir or vocal experience either here at Vista or elsewhere in the community. Students will work to build the skills necessary to sing in harmony and will dive into more advanced repertoire. The class will continue to build the students background in music theory, sight singing and vocal technique. Advanced Choir has several performance opportunities throughout the year. Students should have one year of choir experience to be placed in this class.

Audition Required

Chamber Choir is an audition- only group that represents Vista throughout the community. Students will participate in festivals and competitions as well as other training and performance opportunities throughout the year. Students are expected to work diligently to learn the material and act professionally as representatives of the school.  Previous choir experience is required.  

Do you love to write stories? Do you aspire to one day write your own book? Then creative writing class is for you! In creative writing, we will learn how to compose amazing stories. You will be able to choose what you write about. There are no essays. Think of creative writing like an art class, but instead of creating art, you are writing stories. We will learn about things like how to start and end a story, what makes compelling characters and compelling villains, and how to build fictional worlds. 

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.

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

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. 

Must provide your own instrument.

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

This class is for anyone in the 6th – 9th grade that is interested in being involved in and exploring the world of Musical Theatre! Student will learn the basics in all three areas: Music, Dance, and Theater. Students will learn how to perform group scene work, monologues, solos, and ensemble songs while gaining foundational skills in Ballet, Jazz, and Tap. 

Audition Required

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 MDT Company, MDT Showcase, and Vista Rising Stars (VRS).

Music Composition and Audio Production This project-based course introduces students to the technical and creative foundations of modern sound. Students will master music theory essentials before transitioning to digital workstations like Soundtrap and Audacity to compose original beats, score films, and produce professional podcasts. From recording live audio to final mixing and engineering, students will gain the hands-on skills necessary to bring digital audio projects to life.

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. 

(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. 

(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.

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 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.

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.

Prerequisite: Spanish I

3D Modeling and Animation (6th - 7th grade)

This studio-style course teaches 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, and animation using Blender. Students explore polygonal and procedural modeling, UV unwrapping, material creation, lighting, and animation principles to produce polished stills and motion projects. Emphasis is on creative storytelling, pipeline best practices, and preparing assets for rendering or real‑time use.

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. 

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.

Prerequisite:Intro to 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.

Prerequisite: Intro to 3D Design

In Computer Engineering & 3D Design, students build on foundational 3D modeling and design skills to solve real-world engineering challenges. Using the Engineering Design Process, students plan, create, test, and improve their own designs to develop effective solutions. The course emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning, with students creating physical projects using tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters. Throughout the course, students develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and an understanding of how digital designs become real-world products.

Prerequisite:Intro to Digital Graphics Arts

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.

Prerequisite: Intro to Digital Graphic Arts

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.

Exploring Technology is a comprehensive, action-based course that introduces students to technology and its impact on society. Students will develop problem solving skills, improve awareness for college and career readiness, and build understanding of the relationship between science, technology, engineering and math.

Prerequisite: Intro to Coding

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and project-based experience of fundamental gaming development concepts relating to STEM. These concepts include game design, scripting, creation of digital assets, graphic resources, animations, understanding hardware, problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and project management.

This course is an introduction to creating digital projects with programs from the Adobe Creative Suite. 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.

Introduction to Robotics & Engineering (VEX IQ) (6th - 7th grade)

This course introduces students to robotics and engineering concepts using the VEX IQ platform. Students explore how robots are designed, built, and programmed to perform specific tasks. Through interactive challenges and friendly competitions, students practice teamwork, creativity, and logical thinking while gaining experience with basic coding, mechanical design, and the engineering design process.

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. 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. This hands-on course teaches 3D modeling and additive manufacturing using Onshape. Students learn core CAD (computer aided design) skills while applying design principles for strength, printability, and material efficiency. Regular 3D printing projects turn digital models into physical prototypes; students iterate designs, troubleshoot print issues, and document their process. Ideal for beginners through intermediate learners interested in product design, engineering, robotics components, and maker projects.

An introductory course focused on the world of manufacturing technology. Students will gain an understanding of how Manufacturing Technologies impact politics, the environment, society, and the economy. Students will develop a foundation of essential abilities and attitudes that will in turn expand their occupational opportunities in the manufacturing world.An introductory course focused on construction technology. Students will gain an understanding of how construction technology impacts politics, the environment, society, and economy. Students will develop a foundation and essential abilities and attitudes that will in turn expand their occupational opportunities in the world of construction.

Engineering & Robotics Technology-This year-long course is designed to take students from the basics of engineering design to the advanced application of robotic systems.

• Semester 1: Foundations of Engineering – Students explore the engineering design process, focusing on problem-solving, documentation, and the societal impacts of technology. This phase introduces various engineering fields and career pathways through collaborative, hands-on projects.
• Semester 2: Robotics– Building on their design foundations, students dive into the world of robotics. This semester emphasizes the integration of math and science skills to understand and build automated technologies, examining how these innovations influence the environment and the global economy.

Prerequisite: Intro to Video Production

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.

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. 

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

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 ProgramArts Program

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. 

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 ProgramArts Program

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.

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.

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.

Acting for Musical Theatre is an acting workshop class where our source material comes from the musical theatre canon. It will help students prepare to do more than just sing and dance to help tell a musical story as an individual, in small groups, and as an ensemble. Preparing for musical auditions will also be explored and expected as well, which does include singing, but will focus more on acting the song.