Advanced Art IV offers a more individualized experience, within the classroom. Using prior knowledge as a point of departure for deeper self-expression students are mentored in an agreed topic and media. Students become more efficient in directing their own artistic growth, through pre-planning, identifying, and reflecting upon each artistic endeavor. Sketchbooks are required. (prerequisite: Art III.) 

(Full Year) A student’s unique self-expression and artistic skills develop as he completes the requirements for one of four possible AP portfolios: Drawing, 2-D Design, 2-D Design- Photography, or 3-D Design. Students creating a photography- based portfolio would enroll in 2D Design. Students must submit only ORIGINAL artwork. Failure to do so is plagiarism, and will result in failure. If unchecked, the student may be liable to copyright laws, and/or disciplinary actions by their accepting colleges. The student prepares a portfolio with specific AP requirements. The “Sustained Investigation” is a year-long study involving investigation of a single topic, concept, media selection, and personal interest. Students will document the journey and thought behind their investigation as part of their portfolio submission. The “Quality” section requires the student to select his idea of excellence from his portfolio.In some cases actual artwork must be sent. It will be returned.The expectations of AP Studio Art courses require students to work outside of class, as well as in class, and beyond scheduled periods. Maintaining an updated sketchbook/journal is also necessary. Only students with a history of a dedicated work ethic, a passion for self-expression, and excellence in ability may have approval. Each student will be required to create a digital portfolio of his work to submit to the AP College Board for evaluation.
Prerequisites: Photo III, Art III or Independent Art, and approval of the teacher by signature.

(Full Year) A student’s unique self-expression and artistic skills develop as he completes the requirements for one of four possible AP portfolios: Drawing, 2-D Design, 2-D Design- Photography, or 3D Design. The student prepares a portfolio to meet specific AP requirements: The “Concentration” is a yearlong study involving a topic, concept, media selection, and personal interest. The “Breadth” demonstrates both skill and creativity in a broad variety of media and conceptual topics. The “Quality” section requires the student to select his idea of excellence from his portfolio.  The expectations of AP Studio Art courses require students to work outside of class, as well as in class, and beyond scheduled periods. Only students with history of a dedicated work ethic, a passion for self-expression, and excellence in ability may have approval. Each student will be required to create a digital portfolio of his work to submit to the AP College Board for evaluation. (prerequisites: Art III or Independent Art, and approval of the teacher).

(Full Year) A student’s unique self-expression and artistic skills develop as he completes the requirements for one of four possible AP portfolios: Drawing, 2-D Design, 2-D Design- Photography, or 3D Design. The student prepares a portfolio to meet specific AP requirements: The “Concentration” is a yearlong study involving a topic, concept, media selection, and personal interest. The “Breadth” demonstrates both skill and creativity in a broad variety of media and conceptual topics. The “Quality” section requires the student to select his idea of excellence from his portfolio.  The expectations of AP Studio Art courses require students to work outside of class, as well as in class, and beyond scheduled periods. Only students with history of a dedicated work ethic, a passion for self-expression, and excellence in ability may have approval. Each student will be required to create a digital portfolio of his work to submit to the AP College Board for evaluation. (prerequisites: Art III or Independent Art, and approval of the teacher).

This course is designed to supplement piano study that students are doing outside of school, and is adjunct to the Choral Arts Department. All students are required to be currently studying piano with a bona fide piano instructor. Students request permission to take this course from the Director of Choral Arts, who administers the program. All interested students are required to audition for the limited number of slots available. The course requires a regular on-campus practice schedule, weekly sessions with the Choral Arts Director, a short recital each semester, assignments to accompany the chorus at liturgy or in concert, duets with other students, performance exams and a term paper. Requires audition and permission of the instructor, and all applied piano students must study with a private instructor outside of school.  

Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors, the Applied Vocal Music Program is adjunct to the Gonzaga Choral Arts program, and provides Gonzaga students with an opportunity to sing in the Chamber Choir despite an irresolvable scheduling conflict. Vocal students will learn the repertoire and participate in all performances of the Chamber Choir. Applied Vocal students have a prerequisite of one or more years in the Gonzaga Chorus or Chamber Choir, and function as part of the combined choral ensembles in liturgies and concerts. In addition, highly motivated students will have opportunities to be cantors at liturgies and soloists in concerts, as well as to present a solo or duet concert. Each student has a regular on-campus practice schedule monitored by the Director of Choral Arts, which includes weekly rehearsal sessions and scheduled individual instruction sessions. Requires audition and permission of the instructor, and all applied vocal students must study with a private instructor outside of school. 

(Full Year) This course introduces the basic concepts of realistic art.The student learns visual awareness through hands-on projects, designed to emphasize the various elements and principles of art. The still-life, 2 point perspective, and self-portrait, are among the common subject matter. Pencil and watercolor are common media. Teachers are encouraged to add relevant content and media supportive of course goals. A sketchbook, from the school bookstore, is expected to be kept for work in and out of class.

(One Semester) This course builds on foundational art concepts, with Art Basics as a prerequisite. It provides a hands-on exploration of clay, focusing on both traditional and contemporary hand-building techniques. Students will create three-dimensional artworks, both functional and sculptural while emphasizing creativity, craftsmanship, and material understanding. The course encourages students to develop their artistic voice and enhance their portfolio through innovative design and skill refinement.

(Full Year) This entry-level choral arts experience is open to all students who are new to high school level choral singing. Students interested in this course should speak with Mrs. Dunn about enrolling as you may have prior experience that would make you a better fit for Concert Choir or Honors Chamber Choir. Students will learn the basics of tone production and sight reading. They will learn to sing in unison and in parts, and will perform a variety of musical genres, styles, and eras. Students participate in class rehearsals, with additional mandatory evening rehearsals and concerts as scheduled. This course is designed to build foundational vocal and musicianship skills, while offering students the opportunity to explore their voices and gain confidence in their skills.

(Full Year) The class is designed to help improve the students’ fundamental skills while learning to play in an ensemble setting. While this course is not for beginners, it offers organized instruction for students who already play a band instrument and are seeking continued development in order to meet qualification standards for Symphonic Wind Ensemble for freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Students supply their own instruments. If, in the view of the director, the student has already attained enough requisite skill, it may be recommended that the student be registered for Symphonic Band.

(One Semester) Graphic Design is a class that teaches art through technology. This course explores the principles of design using professional-grade Adobe Creative Suite software applications such as Photoshop and Illustrator on your devices. In this class students will use design as a creative process in communication. Students will develop problem-solving skills used to inform their creative decisions. Students can take this class for two semesters; any further study of Graphic Design requires the approval of the department. This course was formerly named Communications Design.

(Full Year) This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of tonal music. Areas of study include music notation, terminology, keyboard harmony, harmonic analysis and rudimentary composition. Students learn about key signatures, note values, bass and treble clefs, and part writing. Students will also learn to use a music writing program. Some knowledge of basic note reading and rhythms is strongly suggested. (No pre-requisite: Grades 10, 11 & 12)

(Full Year) Honors Percussion Ensemble is open to students with at least three years of experience. In this performing group, students hone their ability to interpret music written for a wide variety of percussion instruments. Additionally, the Honors Percussion Ensemble performs the percussion parts for Honors Symphonic Band events. Through their participation, students learn to perform on both battery and mallet percussion instruments, as well as timpani and basic keyboard skills. The Honors Percussion Ensemble also functions as a drumline for performance with Gonzaga’s pep band. Departmental approval is required; open to all grade levels.

(One Semester) This course serves as a preparation for AP 2D Design, offering students a gradual transition from standard coursework to the rigor of an AP-level curriculum with a focus on digital photography. Students will develop photographs for the selective work section of the AP Portfolio and engage in self-led sustained investigations, which will be central to their portfolio development. With guidance from the teacher and peer critiques, students will take an independent approach to their creative process. This course acts as a bridge to AP 2D Design, ensuring students are well-prepared for advanced artistic exploration. Application and approval required. Prerequisite: Photo III

(Full Year) Available for sophomores. Students must receive departmental approval; students will be required to take private instruction with a bona fide and approved private instructor. Private instruction must be on their primary or major instrument. Private lessons should average out to one per week and be a minimum of 30 minute lessons. Students must also play in an outside ensemble (Liturgical Ensemble and Jazz Band will fulfill this requirement) and attend two external concerts during the school year and write a critique of the concerts attended. *A special exception may be granted to students who are transferring into the school if he has experience commensurate with this requirement, pending an audition.

(Full Year) Available for juniors. Students must receive departmental approval; students will be required to take private instruction with a bona fide and approved private instructor. Private instruction must be on their primary or major instrument. Private lessons should average out to one per week and be a minimum of 30 minute lessons. Students must also play in an outside ensemble (Liturgical Ensemble and Jazz Band will fulfill this requirement) and attend two external concerts during the school year and write a critique of the concerts attended. *A special exception may be granted to students who are transferring into the school if he has experience commensurate with this requirement, pending an audition.

(Full Year) Available for seniors. Students must receive departmental approval; students will be required to take private instruction with a bona fide and approved private instructor. Private instruction must be on their primary or major instrument. Private lessons should average out to one per week and be a minimum of 30 minute lessons. Students must also play in an outside ensemble (Liturgical Ensemble and Jazz Band will fulfill this requirement) and attend two external concerts during the school year and write a critique of the concerts attended. *A special exception may be granted to students who are transferring into the school if he has experience commensurate with this requirement, pending an audition.

(Full Year) Available for freshmen. Students must receive departmental approval; students will be required to take private instruction with a bona fide and approved private instructor. Private instruction must be on their primary or major instrument. Private lessons should average out to one per week and be a minimum of 30 minute lessons. Students must also play in an outside ensemble (Liturgical Ensemble and Jazz Band will fulfill this requirement) and attend two external concerts during the school year and write a critique of the concerts attended. *A special exception may be granted to students who are transferring into the school if he has experience commensurate with this requirement, pending an audition.

(Full Year) This course seeks to build on the work of TV Communications I and II; students are accepted based on their application (including a portfolio of their best work) and teacher approval. Together with the instructor, the students develop a curriculum reflecting each student’s direction and unique pursuits. It requires on-going communication between teacher and student. Students in this course will challenge themselves in filmmaking, showing mastery in cinematography, editing, and storytelling.

(One Semester) Independent tutorials in the Arts allow students who have completed the course of study in a particular medium at Gonzaga to continue their mastery of that medium through one-on-one instruction with a faculty member in the discipline. These courses are typically taken in junior or senior year.

(Full Year) Students from all artistic disciplines will meet together, during a scheduled period for critique, inspiration, and a consistent workspace. This course is a teacher/student mentorship. Together they develop a curriculum reflecting each student’s direction and unique pursuits.  It requires on-going communication and a developing, supportive, artistic relationship between teacher and student. Students must have a proven record of strong artistic ability, focused intention, and ability to work cohesively with others. Students, who have demonstrated these qualities, can receive approval on a yearly basis to enroll in Independent Art.  The minimum of a weekly critique is required as students investigate their individual topics and artistic paths. Students are given feedback by peers and faculty at weekly critiques. A signed contract of commitment between teacher/student/and parent is required to take this course. Prerequisite: Photo IV, AP studios, Art II, Art III, OR Independent Art with signed permission of the teacher.

(Full Year) This course is designed for advanced instrumental performance students who have demonstrated the ability to work in an independent format. Students who have an irrevocable schedule conflict that does not allow for that student to take Wind Ensemble may qualify for this course. Students meet with the instructor by appointment on a regular basis for individualized instruction and coaching. Students are assigned to specific small rehearsal groups that meet with the instructor weekly. Students participate in all sectional rehearsals and all performance related events in association with the Wind Ensemble. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of ensemble performance repertoire. (This course is available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students in this course must study with a private instructor throughout the academic year.)

(Full Year) This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of media arts and digital journalism. Students will learn to explore, create, and analyze various forms of media, including audio, video and photo journalism. Rooted in the State Education Agency Directors of Art Education (SEADAE) National Core Arts Standards and guided by the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm, this course aims to foster creativity, critical thinking, and ethical journalism practices while preparing students for the ever-evolving media landscape. Through hands-on projects, students will actively engage with the art of storytelling, journalism, and media production. Reflective exercises will encourage students to discern the deeper meaning of their experiences and connect their work to their values and beliefs. Informed by reflection, students will take action by creating media content that serves a purpose, informs, or entertains.

(Full Year) This course is about what to listen for in music from all eras and cultures, and it encourages a better understanding of the variety of musical styles in the world. Students strive to recognize different genres of music by their sound through extensive listening. They are exposed to terminology and symbols used by musicians and music lovers, and to the technology that is so important in the production and business of music. A Music History component introduces students to the classic repertoire in a textbook format with coordinated listening exercises. also learn to express their thoughts and impressions about music in an informed way. During each semester, students are expected to attend concerts of live music in different genres and to write about them.

(One Semester) This course will serve as an introductory photography course. Photo I is a semester class and a prerequisite for all other photography classes at Gonzaga. This course will cover the basic operations and understanding of the camera, basic editing in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, as well as the application of the fundamental theories of art and design. Projects are designed to help strengthen the student’s photographic, editing, and artistic skills. The class will be focused on process, revision, and experimentation. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to exemplar artists and photography career paths. A digital DSLR camera that can be set to manual and lens are required for the course.

(Full Year) This elective course is not only to sharpen students’ storytelling skills, but also to show them how to present that information in a print publication and to do it all legally and ethically in a visually interesting format. Students will do every part of the process of creating a print publication monthly —creation of story ideas, interviewing, writing and editing stories, taking photos and designing artwork, and laying out the print publication.
In writing, a special emphasis will be placed on the following: mastering The Associated Press style, writing in a tighter, more concise style using active voice, using a different style for attribution of content from sources, and thinking critically about and evaluating content to fit a word count. Students in this course will also learn the arts of interviewing and research. Students will evaluate news and current events to foster a sense of curiosity and awareness of the world and to evaluate news for bias/fairness. Guest speakers will be invited to share their perspectives on journalism and to discuss the research, interviewing, and writing processes with students.

(Full Year) The Symphonic Wind Ensemble plays more challenging music than the Concert Band while still spending time on further developing fundamentals. This band gives two concerts a year and travels to festivals and adjudications throughout the year. This course is for students who have played instruments in an organized program. Students participating in this course may also qualify for Liturgical Ensemble and/or Jazz Band. Classes are organized in standard rehearsal format. This course is open to freshmen. Placement in this ensemble is by audition only.

(Full Year) The Symphonic Wind Ensemble plays more challenging music than the Concert Band while still spending time on further developing fundamentals. This band gives two concerts a year and travels to festivals and adjudications throughout the year. This course is for students who have played instruments in an organized program. Students participating in this course may also qualify for Liturgical Ensemble and/or Jazz Band. Classes are organized in standard rehearsal format. This course is open to sophomores. Placement in this ensemble is by audition only.

(Full Year) The Symphonic Wind Ensemble plays more challenging music than the Concert Band while still spending time on further developing fundamentals. This band gives two concerts a year and travels to festivals and adjudications throughout the year. This course is for students who have played instruments in an organized program. Students participating in this course may also qualify for Liturgical Ensemble and/or Jazz Band. Classes are organized in standard rehearsal format. This course is open to juniors. Placement in this ensemble is by audition only.

(Full Year) The Symphonic Wind Ensemble plays more challenging music than the Concert Band while still spending time on further developing fundamentals. This band gives two concerts a year and travels to festivals and adjudications throughout the year. This course is for students who have played instruments in an organized program. Students participating in this course may also qualify for Liturgical Ensemble and/or Jazz Band. Classes are organized in standard rehearsal format. This course is open to seniors. Placement in this ensemble is by audition only.

(Full Year) This course provides students with the opportunity to develop acting, stagecraft, construction, design, direction, and critique skills, with a strong emphasis on applying these skills within the context of a script and understanding their role in a theatrical production. Students will analyze and critique live theater, including both Gonzaga's and professional performances, using techniques learned in class. In the first part of the course, students will build a portfolio that includes both a performance and design element. In the second part, they will participate in a practicum performance, allowing them to specialize in their area of interest. Enrollment in the GDA is not required to take this course

(Full Year) In this full year course, students learn the basics of broadcast journalism while working in Gonzaga’s television studio (WZAG) to produce a daily broadcast. Students create original videos and reports for the program. Students will learn basic video equipment operations involved in TV studio work and feature editing. Available to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

(Full Year) In this full year course, students continue their work in Gonzaga’s television studio (WZAG) creating a daily program of announcements, editorials and special features. This course will deepen students' understanding of Broadcast journalism and digital media production while further developing an understanding for quality and audience. Available to students who have completed TV Communications I.