Fine & Performing Arts
Acknowledging the vital importance of providing opportunities to develop creativity
The Fine & Performing Arts Department offers a variety of exciting course options within a discipline-based program. We offer students the opportunity for either initial exploration or in-depth study. The focus of our curriculum is on creative processes and active student engagement, as well as performance, maintaining a very active performance and show calendar. Students are treated as artists, asked to confront the same challenges and questions that all practicing artists meet, and under the guidance of a faculty mentor/teacher to explore those challenges and questions.
"WRA recognizes the value of the arts and the impact they can have on an individual as well as an entire community. There is an arts course for every student. Some students may not know which course to dance into first, but we encourage taking risks and exploring all the possibilities."
- Emily Barth, Fine & Performing Arts Department Chair
Spotlight Course
Digital music production
This course will introduce students to the realm of music production and the necessary skills needed in this digital age. Students will hone their ability to listen to and analyze professional productions, ranging from Michael Jackson to Randy Newman to Avicii. Topics covered will include stereo processing, analogue and digital processing, compression, limiting, filtering, panning, reverb, and EQ. Mixing and creating a final mastered product will provide students the ability to actualize the different components in producing commercial level music. All DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) will be explored with the main use of Apple’s Logic Pro. Live streams, DAWs, and production courses will be made available to students.
The Path
Options
Students may pursue fine arts, dance, vocal or instrumental music and theater.
Courses
Art I, Art II, Environmental Art, Advanced Studio Art, Photography, Ceramics I, Ceramics II, 3D I, 3D II, Book Arts
Dance, Honors Dance
Choir, String Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, CL Music Theory, Studio Music, The Jazz Ensemble, Digital Music Production
Acting for the Stage, Advanced Acting, Stagecraft, Costume Design
Around Campus:
Showcase art in the Moos Gallery, across campus and on the Artline Gallery; Portfolio work with individuals pursuing art; Afternoon Art offered for students pursuing art or show great interest; OMEA Solo and Ensemble Contest; Musical Theater Production; Two Plays - Typically one drama and one comedy; Shakespeare Contest; Two Dance Performaces; Afternoon Dance
Graduation Requirements
2 credits from any Fine and Performing Arts courses
View our complete course offerings list and the Academic Course Descriptions 2020-21.
