Arts
The Arts are a vital part of a comprehensive education in Orange County Schools, fostering creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking. Through courses in visual arts, music, and theater, students explore their unique talents while developing skills in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. Arts education encourages students to connect with their emotions, communities, and the broader world, promoting cultural appreciation and personal growth.
In addition to nurturing individual creativity, the Arts prepare students for diverse opportunities in higher education and future careers. Whether pursuing the Arts professionally or as a lifelong passion, students gain transferable skills that enhance their academic and personal success. Orange County Schools is committed to empowering students to discover their artistic voices and enrich their lives through the transformative power of the Arts.
Students enrolled in a leveled visual arts, band, chorus or theatre arts course will need to show proficiency in all essential standards before progressing to the next level. For example, a student enrolled in a Novice or Developing level will not progress to the intermediate level unless they show proficiency on all standards. Students can also take the same course more than once if they have not shown proficiency. Proficiency level will be determined by the instructor through standards based projects, auditions, or portfolio depending on the course. Student fees for participation in instructional programs shall be assessed in accordance with Orange County Schools Board Policy 4600.
Cultural Arts Course Options
Music - Instrumental
Students enrolled in either band (Novice - Advanced) or Marching Band (Novice - Advanced) can expect to build upon musicianship skills begun in middle grades band. Students will have the opportunity to perform in various ensembles from Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and others. All students will participate in required performances at their local school and in the surrounding community.
Students who DO NOT intend to participate in Marching Band should select from these course options:
Band Novice - 52582X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None
Students with no band experience but wishes to learn should sign up for Band Novice.
Band Developing - 52592X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: 8th Grade Band
Band students who have completed 8th grade band and do not intend to be a part of the marching band should sign up for Beginning Band (Fall) and Beginning Band (Spring). This is a two semester class that will receive 2 units of elective credit. Ensemble placement will be determined by the Band Director. After-school rehearsals and performances will be required.
Band Intermediate - 52562X0
Credit: 1 unit each semester
Prerequisite: Band Developing
Band students who have met the standards for Band Beginning and do not intend to be a part of the marching band, should sign up for Band Intermediate (Fall) and Band intermediate (Spring). This is a two semester class that will receive 2 units of elective credit. Ensemble placement will be determined by the band director. After-school rehearsals and performances will be required.
Band Accomplished Honors - 52575X0
Credit: 1 unit each semester
Prerequisite: Band Intermediate
Band students who have met the standards for Band Intermediate and do not intend to be a part of the marching band, should sign up for Band Accomplished (Fall) and Band Accomplished (Spring). This is a two semester class that will receive 2 units of elective credit. Ensemble placement will be determined by the band director. After-school rehearsals and performances will be required.
Band Advanced Honors - 52585X0
Credit: 1 unit each semester
Prerequisite: Band Accomplished
Band students who have met the standards for Band Accomplished and do not intend to be a part of the marching band, should sign up for Band Advanced (Fall) and Band Advanced (Spring). This is a two semester class that will receive 2 units of elective credit. Ensemble placement will be determined by the band director. After-school rehearsals and performances will be required.
Students who DO intend to participate in Marching Band at Orange High School should select from these course options: (Note: Marching Band at CRHS is not part of a student's course selection.)
**Marching Band and Color Guard Courses at Orange High School Only**
Marching Band Developing - 52592X0M-1
Credit: 1 unit each semester
Prerequisite: 8th Grade Band
Band students who have completed 8th grade band, and first headers of the auditioned color guard, who elect to be part of the marching band should enroll in Marching Band Developing (Fall) and Band Developing (Spring). The student will receive 2 units of elective credit for this sequence. Students enrolled in Marching Band will perform difficult repertoires, compete, travel, and develop higher levels of performance and musical skills. Requirements include attendance at all after-school rehearsals on the published rehearsal calendar, Friday night VARSITY football games including home playoff games, local parades, three to five Saturday competitions, occasional local performances and summer camp. Students are expected to meet strict attendance and behavior policies. OHS ONLY: Non-instrumentalists in the color guard will only take Marching Band in the fall semester and will receive only one elective credit.
Marching Band Intermediate - 52562X0M-1
Credit: 1 unit each semester
Prerequisite: Marching Band Developing or Band Developing
Students that have met the standards for Band Developing, who elect to be part of the marching band should enroll in Marching Band Intermediate (Fall) and Band Intermediate (Spring). The student will receive 2 units of elective credit for this sequence. Students enrolled in Marching Band will perform difficult repertoires, compete, travel, and develop higher levels of performance and musical skills. Requirements include attendance at all after-school rehearsals on the published rehearsal calendar, Friday night VARSITY football games including home playoff games, local parades, three to five Saturday competitions, occasional local performances and summer camp. Students are expected to meet strict attendance and behavior policies. OHS ONLY: Non-instrumentalists in the color guard will only take Marching Band in the fall semester and will receive only one elective credit.
Marching Band Accomplished Honors - 52575X0M-1
Credit: 1 unit each semester
Prerequisite: Marching Band Intermediate or Band Intermediate
Students that have met the standards for Marching Band Intermediate, who elect to be part of the marching band should enroll in Marching Band Accomplished (Fall) and Band Accomplished (Spring). The student will receive 2 units of elective credit for this sequence. Students enrolled in this class will perform difficult repertoires, compete, travel, and develop higher levels of performance and musical skills. Requirements include attendance at all after-school rehearsals on the published rehearsal calendar, Friday night VARSITY football games including home playoff games, local parades, three to five Saturday competitions, occasional local performances and summer camp. Students are expected to meet strict attendance and behavior policies. OHS ONLY: Non- instrumentalists in the color guard will only take Marching Band in the fall semester and will receive only one elective credit.
Marching Band Advanced Honors - 52585X0M-1
Credit: 1 unit each semester
Prerequisite: Marching Band Accomplished or Band Accomplished
Students that have met the standards for Marching Band Accomplished, who elect to be part of the marching band, should enroll in Marching Band Advanced (Fall) and Band Advanced (Spring). The student will receive 2 units of elective credit for this sequence. Students enrolled in this class will perform difficult repertoires, compete, travel, and develop higher levels of performance and musical skills. Requirements include attendance at all after-school rehearsals on the published rehearsal calendar, Friday night VARSITY football games including home playoff games, local parades, three to five Saturday competitions, occasional local performances and summer camp. Students are expected to meet strict attendance and behavior policies. OHS ONLY: Non- instrumentalists in the color guard will only take Marching Band in the fall semester and will receive only one elective credit.
Color Guard - 961020X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed for students interested in learning and performing the art of color guard as part of the marching band program. Students will develop technical skills in dance, flag, and other equipment work, along with performance techniques to enhance visual storytelling. This class involves active participation in rehearsals, performances at Friday night football games (including home playoff games), local parades, and three to five Saturday competitions. Attendance at summer camp and all after-school rehearsals listed on the published rehearsal calendar is required. Students will gain one elective credit for this course. Strict attendance and behavior policies apply. No prior experience is required, but commitment to excellence and teamwork is essential.
Jazz Ensemble - 57002
Credit: 1 unit (Pass/Fail)
Prerequisite: Prior music training
In this small group setting, students will study the art of improvisation as well as the history of the jazz idiom. Prior musical training is needed before taking this course. Students can expect to listen, watch, read and perform different aspects of jazz both in and out of class. There are observation hours and clinics associated with this class which will be listed on the syllabus. Students interested in this course should see the Band Director. This course is offered in a“0” period setting instead of during the instructional day.
Music - Vocal
Students enrolled in Vocal Music Novice-Advanced can expect to build on basic musicianship started in the middle grades chorus. Students will have the opportunity to perform in various ensembles (some auditioned, some volunteer). All students can expect many required performances per year at their local school and in surrounding communities. Enrollment in any specific ensemble will be determined by the site music instructor based on the applicants and audition and current ability/music literacy level. After school activities are required. While prior choral experience (middle school) is helpful, it is not required to sign up for Vocal Music Beginning. Proficiency level will be determined by the instructor through standards based projects, auditions, or portfolio depending on the course.
Vocal Ensemble Novice - 52382X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None
All 9th-grade choral students should sign up for Vocal Ensemble Novice. Ensemble placement will be determined by the Vocal Music Director. Some after school rehearsals and performances are required. A dress code is required for performances. This can be taken both semesters for a year long elective. If choose to take both semesters, sign up for Vocal Ensemble Novice and Vocal Ensemble Developing.
Vocal Ensemble Developing - 52392X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Vocal Ensemble Novice
Vocal Ensemble Developing is the second course progression. Ensemble placement will be determined by the Vocal Music Director. Some after school rehearsals and performances are required. A dress code is required for performances. This can be taken both semesters for a year long elective. If choose to take both semesters, sign up for Vocal Ensemble Novice and Vocal Ensemble Developing.
Vocal Ensemble Intermediate - 52312X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Vocal Ensemble Developing
All choral students who have completed Vocal Ensemble Developing should sign up for Vocal Ensemble Intermediate. Ensemble placement will be determined by the Vocal Music Director. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required. A dress code is required for performances. This can be taken both semesters for a year long elective. If choose to take both semesters, sign up for Vocal Ensemble two times.
Vocal Ensemble Accomplished Honors - 52325X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Vocal Ensemble Intermediate
All choral students who have completed Vocal Ensemble Intermediate should sign up for Vocal Ensemble Accomplished Honors. Ensemble placement will be determined by the Vocal Music Director. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required. A dress code is required for performances. This can be taken both semesters for a year long elective. If choose to take both semesters, sign up for Vocal Ensemble two times.
Vocal Ensemble Advanced Honors - 52335X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Vocal Ensemble Accomplished
All choral students who have completed Vocal Ensemble Accomplished Honors should sign up for Vocal Ensemble Advanced Honors. Ensemble placement will be determined by the Vocal Music Director. Some after-school rehearsals and performances are required. A dress code is required for performances. This can be taken both semesters for a year long elective. If choose to take both semesters, sign up for Vocal Ensemble two times.
Theatre Arts
Students enrolling in Theatre Arts courses can expect to learn on stage and back stage techniques and procedures. Students in this area should expect some in class and out of class performance obligations. Students interested in on stage learning should sign up for the Theatre Arts sequence while those students interested in backstage management should sign up for the Tech Theatre sequence of classes. Students enrolled in the Theatre Arts Beginning-Advanced are expected to memorize dialogue and perform in front of groups on a regular basis. Proficiency level will be determined by the instructor through standards based projects, auditions, or portfolio depending on the course.
Theatre Arts Beginning - 53152X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None
This introductory acting course offers skill development in improvisations, monologues, scenes, stage movements, character study, and examination of scripts. Students will learn the basics of both acting and tech theatre work.
Theatre Arts Intermediate - 53162X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts Beginning
This intermediate acting course offers further skill development for students who have met the standards for Theatre Arts Beginning. Students will learn advanced character and script analysis as well as acting styles, classical theatre literature, and the basics of directing for the theatre.
Theatre Arts Accomplished Honors - 53175X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts Intermediate
This advanced acting course offers further skill development in acting styles, voice, movement, and directing for students who have auditioned.
Theatre Arts Advanced Honors - 53185X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts Accomplished
This advanced acting course prepares students for collegiate theatre studies in script and character analysis, voice, movement, and directing. This course is open only to students who have auditioned.
Tech Theatre Beginning - 53212X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None; Recommended Theatre Arts Beginning
This introductory technical theatre course offers skill development in all of the “backstage” functions essential to play production, including: scenery, set, prop and costume constructions.
Tech Theatre Intermediate - 57002X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Tech Theatre Beginning
This intermediate technical theatre course offers skill development for students who have met the standards for Tech Theatre Beginning in all of the “backstage” functions essential to play production, including scenery, set, prop and costume constructions.
Tech Theatre Accomplished Honors - 53315X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Tech Theatre Intermediate
This advanced technical theatre course offers skill development for students who have met the standards for Tech Theatre Intermediate in all of the “backstage” functions essential to play production, including scenery, set, prop and costume constructions.
Tech Theatre Advanced Honors - 57005X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Tech Theatre Accomplished
This advanced technical theatre course offers skill development for students who have met the standards for Tech Theatre Accomplished in all of the “backstage” functions essential to play production, including scenery, set, prop and costume construction; lighting; sound; stage makeup and front-of-the-house management.
Visual Arts
Students enrolled in Visual Arts courses will learn everything from basic drawing skills to 2D and 3D art designs to sculpture culminating with the production of a portfolio suitable for admission to post-secondary art programs. Students in all levels can expect to participate in regular art shows at school and/or in the community.
Art Beginning - 54152X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: None
This general survey art course is designed to reinforce and build on knowledge and skills developed at the elementary and middle school levels. It is the level for art study throughout high school.
Art Intermediate - 54162X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Art Beginning
Intermediate Art level with more in- depth art studio experience; Art Intermediate builds on the student’s technical skills and foundation of knowledge developed in Art Beginning.
Art Accomplished Honors - 54175X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Art Intermediate
Art Proficient builds on skills from Art Intermediate with a more in-depth approach to the study of art processes and techniques, aesthetic issues, art criticism, and art history.
Art Advanced Honors - 54185X0
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Art Accomplished
Art Advanced builds on skills from Art Accomplished. Emphasis is placed on fine art and commercial designs including the production of a portfolio suitable for admission to a post-secondary art program.
IB Arts (CRHS Only)
IB Music SL YR1 - 5I048X0A
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Previous courses or experience in vocal or instrumental music
IB Music SL YR2 - 5I048X0B
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: IB Music SL YR1
Involving aspects of the composition, performance and critical analysis of music, the course exposes students to forms, styles and functions of music from a wide range of historical and socio-cultural contexts. Students create, participate in, and reflect upon music from their own background and those of others. They develop practical and communicative skills which provide them with the opportunity to engage in music for further study, as well as for lifetime enjoyment. Both standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) music students are required to study musical perception. SL students in music are then required to choose one of three options:
creating (SLC); solo performing (SLS); or group performing (SLG).
HL students are required to present both creating and solo performing.
In the teaching of the music course it should be possible to have groups of students that include both SL and HL students. Through a variety of teaching approaches, all students—whether SL or HL—will be encouraged to develop their creative and critical abilities and to enhance their appreciation and enjoyment of music.
IB Visual Arts HL YR1 - 5I098X0A
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: Art Beginning or higher level
IB Visual Arts HL YR2 - 5I098X0B
Credit: 1 unit
Prerequisite: IB Visual Arts HL YR1
The IB Diploma Programme visual arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with, and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. This course culminates with a mandatory art exhibition of 8 -11 works created during the first year and a half which in addition develops a strong portfolio for college submissions. The course is designed for students who want to go on to study visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts.