Fine Arts Courses

Band 9 is a performance based class where students playing woodwind, brass and percussion instruments further their love of music through daily group activities and rehearsals that build their skills and expand their appreciation for many forms of music. Skills are built not only through daily class work, but also through public performances and festivals. Emphasis is placed on individual and group growth and development through work on the development of basic music skills, theory, music history, rhythm, sight reading and technique.

One of the goals of participating in Band is that a student's self image, confidence and level of responsibility will grow through the activities that take place. Another goal, is that each student will continue to grow in their musical abilities, allowing them to take on greater musical challenges and be exposed to a wider selection of musical repertoire. 

Instrumental Music 10, 20, 30 

This course is a performance based class where students playing woodwind, brass and percussion instruments further their love of music through daily group activities and rehearsals that build their skills and expand their appreciation for many forms of music. Skills are built not only through daily class work, but also through public performances and festivals. Emphasis is placed on individual and group growth and development through work on the development of basic music skills, theory, music history, rhythm, sight reading and technique.  

One of the goals of participating in Band is that a student's self image, confidence and level of responsibility will grow through the activities that take place. Another goal, is that each student will continue to grow in their musical abilities, allowing them to take on greater musical challenges and be exposed to a wider selection of musical repertoire.

Jazz Band

The Chinook Jazz Band consists of, but is not limited to, saxophones, trumpets, trombones and a full rhythm section (drum set, bass, guitar and piano) like a traditional Big Band modeled on legendary acts like Count Basie or Duke Ellington. This group studies and performs a variety of literature from various periods of jazz performance, ranging from Swing to Bossa Nova, Funk to Fusion and anything else that will enrich the class. Traditionally, Big Band has a smaller number of performances than a concert band. Because of this, students are asked to audition before being enrolled.

Concert Choir (Choral Music 10/20/30)

This is a mixed voice choir that meets two times a week during the flex block. Students will work on basic choral technique and a variety of repertoire. No formal training is required, just a love of choral music and a willingness to contribute their voice to a collective sound. Students can receive up to 5 credits for participation in this class.

Women’s Chorus

This is a female vocal ensemble that explores the range and sound of the female voice. The music will provide a fun challenge to the members of the group as they work on singing throughout their entire vocal register and in close three+ part harmony with other female voices. This class will be offered outside of the timetable for the 2022-2023 school year. This is a 5- credit course.

Mixed Chorus

This is a mixed voice choir that will sing a variety of music, from madrigals to jazz and everything in between. Students will be encouraged to learn a variety of genres and styles to broaden their technique and vocal sound. This class will be offered outside of the timetable for the 2022-2023 school year. This is a 5-credit course.

Dance 15

This is a non-performance dance class for anyone who wants to learn or to continue their study of dance. The focus will be split between various forms of dance including: Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, West African and Musical Theatre. Dance history and basic anatomy will help to deepen and broaden our appreciation for dance as an art form. In this class, dance will be a vehicle to build confidence, creativity, strength and flexibility.

Dance 25

This is a non-performance dance class for those who want to continue their study  of dance from Dance 15. This class will build on the technique and experienced gained in the previous year. More emphasis will be placed on the process of creativity during the study of various dance forms which will lead to an in-class presentation of student work. The styles studied can include: Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, West African and Tap. Dance history and anatomy will continue to be a foundation for the work we do in this
course. Students must have Dance 15 or teacher approval to participate.

Dance 35

This is a non-performance dance class for those who want to continue their study of dance from Dance 25. It is an intermediate-advanced class, which will study various dance styles including: Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, West African, Musical Theatre and Tap. The study of the creative process, built in Dance 25, will be deepened during the course of the semester which will lead to an informal presentation of student works. Students will continue to study dance history and anatomy as it pertains to the course. Students must have Dance 25 or teacher approval to participate in class.

Beginner Dance Performance 15/25/35

Prerequisites: Dance Performance 15—No Prerequisites
Dance Performance 25—Dance Performance 15
Dance Performance 35—Dance Performance 25

This course is for those who have a deep interest in dance performance but have little training in the dance world. The work we do will build skills for the beginning dancer to be a confident performer. Students will have the opportunity to build confidence, technical ability and stage presence through choreography and performance. They will study various forms of dance including: Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, West African and Musical Theatre. Our dancers will have the opportunity to work with choreographers from the community and Alberta to hone their skills in preparation for our performance at the end of the semester. Please contact Alisha Hornberger at Alisha.hornberger@lethsd.ab.ca for more
information.

Int/Adv Dance Performance 15/25/35

Prerequisites: Int/Adv Dance Performance 15—No Prerequisites
Int/Adv Dance Performance 25—Dance Performance 15
Int/Adv Dance Performance 35—Dance Performance 25

This course is for those who have dance training outside of the program (previous school or studio experience) and have a deep interest in performance. The work we do is geared towards those who are focused and determined dancers. Students will have the opportunity to build confidence, technical ability and stage presence through choreography and performance.

They will study various forms of dance including: Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, West African and Musical Theatre. Our dancers will have the opportunity to work with choreographers from the community and Alberta to hone their skills in preparation for our performance at the end of the semester. Please contact Alisha Hornberger at Alisha.hornberger@lethsd.ab.ca for more information.

Digital Media 10, 20, 30 (Communication Technology Program of Studies)

This strand introduces (10 level), builds upon (20 level) and specializes (30 level) students skills in the Adobe 2019 software packages (ie Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, InDesign, Dreamweaver (HTML), Audition, etc.).

The areas of study include graphic design, digital video production, animation, interactive presentation, digital photography, digital image manipulation, electronic layout and publishing, web design, audio mixing, and printing (large format and/or 3D).

Some of our project-based learning challenges activities include:  T-shirt print and design, producing a video, event poster, photo shoots and editing, page layouts for print and digital publishing.  Students are encouraged to create a portfolio of their work.  Career pathways and post-secondary opportunities are discussed at each level.

Please note:  5 30-Level credits in this strand is approved as a 5^th course requirement at The University of Lethbridge.

Please contact Amanda Sequeira for more information

Click here to check out projects from current and past Chinook students

Drama 10/20/30

These action packed courses explore the wonderful world of creative drama and theatre. From improvisation games to scripted work, we will play at the art of making a play. Drama helps students develop creative ways to think outside the box and discover their confidence. Students voice their thoughts and ideas through a range of medium which encourages the creative soul. If you are shy, this is the class for you. If you are outgoing, this is the class for you. If you like to have fun and get to know others, this is definitely the class for you. Drama 30 is accepted as a university entrance course.

Advanced Acting/Touring Theatre 15/25/35

This class nurtures the students who loves to perform. Advanced Acting/Touring Theatre is a project based class that focuses on Performing Arts. Students are involved in school productions and learn about the rigors of rehearsals, performance and working with a cast. Analysing script and developing character are the cornerstones for Advanced Acting. Students will perform for both school and community audiences to develop the craft of acting. Students are asked to audition before being enrolled.

Technical Theatre 15/25/35 

The backstage demands of lights, sound, costumes and set are the focus of this class. Students will learn by experiencing the responsibilities of the technical side  of the theatre. Working in an outstanding facility and with school staff and community professionals, technical theatre students learn by doing. At the higher level, students are introduced to the design components of theatre productions.

Directing 25/35

Chinook is one of few schools in the province that offers a specialized, robust directing program! Directing 25-35 is a course series developed to meet the unique needs of students in an advanced fine arts program. It provides opportunities for students to explore the role of the theatre director as the creative leader of a theatrical production from the inception of an idea, through the development process of rehearsal, to the culminating performance. This course series also provides opportunities for students to build skills, confidence and leadership as they work collaboratively with others to interpret, design and facilitate a theatrical production.

Guitar 9 

This course is a performance-based class where students learn how to play the guitar. Skill levels range from beginner to expert, and everyone is included. The purpose of the class is to expand everyone's love of music through small group activities, solo projects, and guitar orchestra performances. This will build their skills to expand their appreciation for music. Skills are built not only through daily class work, but through public performances and festivals. Emphasis is placed solo performance, group orchestra performances and Rock group performances. In guitar 9 students learn Classical Guitar and Popular Guitar and focus on reading music, soloing, improvising, and learning songs. 

Guitar Orchestra 10/20/30 

This course is a performance-based class where students learn how to play the guitar. Skill levels range from beginner to expert, and everyone is included. The purpose is to expand their love of music through small group activities and guitar orchestra rehearsals. This will build their skills to expand their appreciation for music. Skills are built through daily class work, public performances, and festivals. Emphasis is placed solo performance, group orchestra performances and rock group performances. In guitar class students learn Classical Guitar, Popular Guitar, jazz guitar and learn how to read music, solo, improvise and, work as a team. 

Please contact Scott Davidson for more information

Musical Theatre Studies 15/25/35

The Musical Theatre course is designed for students with an interest in developing stage performance skills in the areas of singing, acting and dancing. This diverse and engaging program utilizes both individual and group performance work. Students are featured in a term end showcase as part of their final performance projects. Musical Theatre is offered in the regular timetable as a one semester, 5-credit course

Please contact Stephanie McFarlane for more information

Rock and Pop 10/20/30

This is a performance-based class where students play guitars, drums, bass guitars, piano, and sing. The purpose is to expand their love of music through group activities and rehearsals that build students skills and expand their appreciation for music. Skills are built not only through daily class work, but through public performances and festivals. Emphasis is placed on individual and group work with music development through instrumental music skills and theory. Students also learn how to write music in this class. 

One of the main goals of this class is participating in group work. Students start a Rock Band and learn a set list of songs to perform. They perform their set at Chinook concerts, Chinook productions, and community performances. Student's self-image, confidence and level of responsibility will grow through the activities that take place. Another goal is that each student will continue to grow in their musical abilities through specializing on an instrument allowing them to take on greater musical challenges

Art 9, 10, 20, 30 

This sequence of courses allows students experimentation with the use of art materials, various art media and the elements of two and three-dimensional design. Students will create and explore art through: drawing, painting, print making, sculpture, and mixed media. As students progress through the courses art projects become increasingly more challenging.  Historical and contemporary art is incorporated into each project.  Students learn to effectively critique a piece of art.

Portfolio Art 35

Portfolio Art 35 is an extension of the high school art program for students who are passionate about art and want to pursue their art practice beyond Art 30. The format is the same as Art 30, however; studio projects and drawings are more self directed. The goal of this course is for students to develop a unique personal style and to build a successful portfolio of artwork. Prerequisite: Art 30 (In most cases, 80% or higher is recommend in Art 30 before taking Art 35)

Photography 10/20/30

Photography 10/20/30 is a semester-long option course at Chinook High School heavily focused on the ‘science’ of photography and what makes a ‘good’ photo. Students will focus on fostering a strong foundation in the elements of photography composition. As well, students will learn the importance of photography as a means of communication, and how a series of photos, editing styles, or even online content layout can create long-lasting and impactful messages in our world. 

This course is made up of 5 different unit themes (subject to change; the first three units align with the mandatory modules students must complete for the course in their 1st semester taking Photography):

1. Visual Composition of a Photo
2. Media Impact on Society and Project Planning
3. Photography Foundations
4. Exposure, Shutter Speed, and Aperture

5. Adobe Lightroom Foundations

Yearbook 10/20/30:

If photography, writing, design work, and sticking to deadlines is your jam, then this class is for you! In this CTS-based, cross curricular, project-based class, you will work collaboratively by using technology such as digital cameras, photo editing software and Adobe InDesign or online design software to digitally produce Chinook's yearbook. You will also utilize writing skills, communication skills and creativity to tell the story of the school community and peers in an engaging way. Together let's build the best yearbook Chinook has seen yet!