The Valor Christian High School Arts Department is committed to reclaiming the arts for Christ, equipping our students with the knowledge and inspiration required to express the Christian heart in a relevant, artistic and authentic manner. Our faculty is actively doing, as well as teaching, their respective disciplines, and is able, therefore, to combine theory with professional viability, knowledge with inspiration.
This course will examine what it means to be a Christian artist in the modern world. Using the lens of scripture, students will consider what a Biblical view of artisanship entails, and developing an understanding of artistic gifting from a Christian perspective. Through lectures, discussions, guest speakers, relevant field trips and pertinent source articles and texts, students will be given the opportunity to consider a wonderfully creative God and connecting His creativity with their own as they seek to emulate Him in the world. Students will consider the importance of an active and growing relationship with the Creator in achieving a life fulfilling as an artist. The course will also help students build an understanding and skills in challenging cultural norms that do not align with the life that Christ offers and have a Kingdom impact in the arts industry. The course will culminate in a final project that is service-based and a possible business model for future development.
This course offers students a comprehensive and practical understanding of dance technique and the development of their physical strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination. Students will discover their dance skills and develop their creative abilities through choreography and performance. Students will learn proper dance technique in the disciplines of hip-hop, jazz, ballroom, and ballet. Dancers will learn how to sequence choreography while gaining confidence as students focus on foundational dance elements.
This course offers students a beginner to intermediate level of technique and training of their physical strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination. Students will use and expand upon their dance foundations and develop their creative abilities through choreography and performance. Students have the opportunity to create themes, stories and choreograph with a partner, a small group and as a class. We will challenge the students’ previous technical skills in the disciplines of hip-hop, ballet, jazz and lyrical. This course will assist the dancers in bringing their concepts to life and will provide opportunities to perform their art. The primary focus of this class will be for students to use their gifting’s and potential in the art of dance to glorify God.
Prerequisite: Principles of Dance and teacher recommendation.
This course offers students an advanced level dance technique and training of their physical strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination. Students will use and expand upon their dance proficiencies and develop their creative abilities through improvisation, choreography, and performance. Students have the opportunity to create themes, stories and choreograph with a partner, a small group and as a class. We will challenge the students’ previous technical skills in the disciplines of hip-hop, ballet, jazz and lyrical. This course will assist the dancers in bringing their concepts to life. This course will provide students with opportunities to perform and compete in the art of dance. The primary focus of this class will be for students to use their gifting’s and potential in the art of dance to glorify God.
Competitive Dance provides students with the technical and artistic skills necessary to perform and dance for the Valor community as well as various opportunities to perform competitively. Particular focus is on professionalism, choreography, service, and mastering the technical aspects of working with a partner or in a group, as well as physical strength training and technique.
Conservatory Dance is one of the courses offered to students participating in the Valor Conservatory program. Through individualized and extended instruction as well as intense training in various types of dance and choreography and physical and technical training, students are prepared to master their craft and excel technically and artistically. Attention is also given to gifting and craft in light of a Biblical Worldview.
Prerequisite: Acceptance in The Valor Conservatory for the Arts.
The Veritas Company is very specifically designed to encourage and develop the love of the Lord through dance and to grow in faith, talent and technique. All dancers in the Veritas program are personally challenged in their faith, biblical worldview, dance technique, choreography skills and life transformation. It is the goal of Veritas to create a culture in which all dancers are encouraged to become self-disciplined in their art and community. Veritas means “truth”, and in it, the students of the class will pursue the holy truth of God. In addition to a strong Biblical foundation, Veritas Training focuses on the discipline and strength training that forms a foundation for more advanced dance skill and technique.
Conservatory Ballet is one of the courses offered to students participating in the Valor Conservatory program. Through individualized and extended instruction, a formal study of ballet focusing on the Cecchetti method with conditioning and choreography will prepare students to excel technically and artistically. Attention is also given to gifting and craft in light of a Biblical Worldview.
Veritas is very specifically designed to encourage and develop the love of the Lord through dance and to grow in faith, talent and technique. All dancers in the program are personally challenged in their faith, biblical worldview, dance technique, choreography skills and life transformation. It is the goal of Veritas to create a culture in which all dancers are encouraged to become self-disciplined in their art and community. Veritas is also designed to increase the awareness of the students to what kingdom living really is, and how to be a Christ-centered citizen of the kingdom of God. Veritas is also a place of humble servant leadership and global service. Veritas means “truth”, and in it, the students of the class will pursue the holy truth of God.
Prerequisite: Audition and/or interview with the instructor is required prior to enrolling.
This year-long course is designed to take each instrumentalist from where they are as a musician and player and nurture them to greater skill and musical understanding. Through practice and performance of orchestral and band music from a variety of musical genres, students will gain an appreciation for music and for the process of practicing and performing music at a high level. Audition and/or interview with the instructor is required prior to enrolling. Each student must also be studying with a private instructor on their individual instrument.
Prerequisite: Successful interview with instructor.
This is Valor’s premier vocal group comprised of singers and beatboxers who successfully audition prior to the start of the school year and are invited to join the group. The Valor Voice repertoire is best understood as being in the style of the a capella group Pentatonix. The a cappella repertoire requires its members to have a refined ear for harmonies and at least a rudimentary knowledge of rhythm and how to read music. This group has numerous performance opportunities every year, both in school and in the community. They have performed at the Western Stock Show, the Denver Nuggets, and even in Albania through Valor’s Discovery program. Auditions are held each year in May and August for prospective group members.
Prerequisite: Successful audition prior to the start of the school year.
This introductory course is for any student with little or no experience with playing an acoustic guitar. It is designed to quickly help them become familiar enough with the basics of playing the guitar that they master how to both read and play chord charts, tablature and written music. With these skills, they quickly discover they have achieved the ability to play a variety of popular and worship music.
Notes: Students need to bring their own guitar.
This second level course is for students who have completed Guitar I successfully or who have auditioned with sufficient guitar playing skill to warrant skipping Guitar I. Prerequisite skills include familiarity with a variety of open chords, note reading for melody playing, basic strumming and fingerpicking skills and a working knowledge of how to read tabs.
With this year-long course, basic guitar playing skills are expanded and further developed. Barre chords are mastered. Various playing styles, including Blues, Classical, Worship, Rock, Jazz, and Country, are introduced and mastered. Additional playing skills are brought into play, including finger picking, bends, hammer-ons, hammer-offs, slides, lead guitar lines, and licks, etc.
Advanced repertoire in each of these playing styles is also practiced and presented during the course of the year in semi-formal recitals presented in class.
This third level course is for students who have completed Guitar II successfully or who have auditioned with sufficient guitar playing skill to warrant skipping Guitar I and II.
The Worship Band course is designed to provide an opportunity for students with existing skills in vocal, guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and drum areas to grow musically and spiritually through rehearsal and participation in chapel worship leading. This course heavily emphasizes musical skill development as well as building a basic worship philosophy formulation through rehearsal, performance and group discussion.
Prerequisite: Audition and/or interview with the instructor prior to enrolling.
Song Writing is designed to provide an opportunity for students with the passion to create music to compose original songs. Students with existing advanced skills in the vocal, guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and drum set areas are encouraged to consider this class.
The primary focus of this class is for students to use their gifting in the art of singing to glorify God. This course offers students integrated instruction in all aspects of choral singing, including vocal technique, sight-singing, vowel placement, singing harmonies, and acapella singing. Students will prepare and present as soloists as well as members of the larger ensemble. We will be learning music that will offer students the opportunity to learn and sing a variety of styles and genres, including but not limited to, classical, sacred choral, spiritual, jazz, and pop. Students will be challenged to hone in on skills that may need extra practice and provide them with opportunities to grow as performers in these areas. In Valor Choir, students will learn to sing with others in a low-pressure, fun environment and will be given opportunities to showcase their work throughout the semester.
Piano Lab I is for students with little or no knowledge of music or how to play the piano. It is a lab class, with sixteen student keyboard stations connected to the teacher’s keyboard through headsets and microphones. The basic building blocks for reading music and playing the piano are taught in a fun, interactive environment where each student can learn and progress at their own pace. Group instruction is supplemented with individual instruction so each student’s needs are met. The goal is to develop pianists whose desire to continue to play is encouraged and ongoing, life-long musicians are produced.
A fundamental understanding of music theory is the gateway to future success for all musicians. This is true for every area of musical artistry, whether it be a vocal or instrumental performer, songwriter, band member, worship leader, musical theater performer, or studio recording artist. Get a competitive advantage by learning how to read music notation, understand rhythms, recognize key signatures, become familiar with various chord progressions, and even learn how to write music correctly. While this class is open to all Valor students without prerequisites, it is especially geared towards students who intend to make music an important part of their education, lifestyles, and careers.
The Worship Band II course is designed to build on Worship Band I and extend the opportunity for students with existing skills in vocal, guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and drum areas to grow musically and spiritually through rehearsal and participation in chapel worship leading. This course heavily emphasizes musical skill development as well as building a basic worship philosophy formulation through rehearsal, performance and group discussion.
Song Writing II is designed to provide an opportunity for students with the continued passion to create music and to compose original songs. Students with existing advanced skills in songwriting are encouraged to consider this class.
This year-long course will explore jazz improvisation and ensemble techniques including blues, swing, Latin and funk styles. Through ensemble rehearsal, individual practice, solo transcription and a variety of performance opportunities, students will gain understanding and appreciation for this great art form. The Jazz Band is open to students with an ability to read music and play their instrument at a basic level of competency. Audition and/or interview with the instructor is required prior to enrolling. Each student must also be studying with a private instructor on their individual instrument.
Prerequisite: Successful audition with instructor.
This piano lab course is available to any student who has successfully completed Piano I or who can successfully test into the class through a playing assessment. This course builds on the fundamentals learned in Piano I regarding music reading and technical playing. Students will progress in their musical understanding and playing proficiency in an environment where both group and private instruction are employed. This course is taught in Valor’s state-of-the-art piano lab which can accommodate up to sixteen students.
Prerequisite: MUS 181 or instructor approval.
Students in the Advanced Worship Band course will build on their experience by taking more leadership roles in working alongside the teacher and chaplain to design and lead worship sets for chapels. They will develop the ministry and musical skills expected to lead a worship program in both the church/chapel and praise concert settings as well as participate in extra worship opportunities such as Vespers and outside worship ministry opportunities.
Written projects in the areas of worship music history, performance critiques, and musical composition, etc. may be assigned to reinforce other areas of the curriculum. Skills in the criticism of musical performance will be developed.
Building on Song Writing I and II, Song Writing III is designed to provide students with continued instruction and support in the practice of creating music and composing original songs.
The AP Music Theory course at Valor Christian High School is designed to develop the student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music as outlined in the AP Music Theory Course Description and Requirements. Through reading, notating, composing, singing, and listening to music, students will develop musical skills that will lead to a thorough understanding of music composition and music theory. The main emphasis of study is placed on standard Western tonal repertoire, but music of other stylistic periods will be studied as well.
Song Writing IV continues to build on previous skills and understanding of the fundamentals of composing and writing original songs.
Prerequisite: Songwriting III. Audition and/or interview with the instructor is required prior to enrolling.
This course is designed to provide students with the basic audio engineering and computer recording background necessary to allow the student to begin using computers as a recording media for music and other audio material. The course is a mixture of classroom lecture and “hands-on” training, culminating in several actual recording projects.
This course is designed as a continuation of Studio Recording I. The students will develop more advanced audio engineering and computer recording skills such as material composition, plug‐in use, equalization, editing and mastering for music media applications. The course is a mixture of classroom lecture and “hands-on” practice, culminating in several actual recording projects.
This course is designed as a continuation of Studio Recording II. The students will continue to develop more advanced audio engineering and computer recording skills that were introduced in Studio Recording I and II. The course is a mixture of classroom lecture and “hands-on” practice, culminating in several actual recording projects.
This course is designed as a continuation of the Studio Recording III. The students will develop more advanced audio engineering and computer recording skills such as material composition, plug-in use, equalization, editing and mastering for music media applications. The course is a mixture of classroom lecture and “hands-on” practice, culminating in several actual recording projects.
Open to all students, this course is designed for all levels, including those who have enjoyed tech theatre at the production level, as well as those with little or no technical experience.
Meeting two times per week and open to all students, this course is designed for those with little or no acting experience, as well as those who enjoyed theatre at the middle school level. Participants will actively engage in movement and voice projection exercises, script reading, improvisation, and scene work. The course will also include the oral interpretation of literature, basic stage combat, pantomime, and character development. Finally, students will get a taste of technical theatre including set design, lights, sound, costuming, and props.
Notes: $75 fee per semester required.
This course will extend the objectives of Introduction to Theatre Arts. Including a more in-depth repertoire, the curriculum will wind through the history of theatre from ancient Greece to the modern stage as students explore acting techniques from those eras while reading plays and performing scene work, building masks and swinging slapsticks! Additionally, students will enjoy more hands-on theatre by getting an opportunity to learn how to design and build models of sets for the stage.
Building on the skills obtained in Introduction to Theatre Arts and Intermediate Theatre Arts, drama takes a different approach in this third and fourth-year course by including a more complex stage repertoire as students explore the challenges associated with characterization and movement at a higher level. Second semester consists of large process-project, such as an in-depth study of one period of theatre history, a play, a series of one-acts, children’s theatre, etc., that culminates in a public performance.
This course offers students introductory instruction in all aspects of American Musical Theatre. Students will be given specialized instruction in singing, dancing, and acting to become well equipped as performers. Students will prepare and present as soloists as well as members of small groups and larger ensembles. Since this is a workshop course, students will prepare material for class presentation and critique. There will also be a focus on the audition process and assembling repertoire appropriate for each individual voice and character type. Students will be challenged to hone in on skills that may need extra practice and provided with opportunities to grow as performers in these areas. The primary emphasis for this class is for students to use their gifting in the art of Musical Theatre to glorify God.
This course offers students advanced and integrated instruction in all aspects of American Musical Theatre. Students will be given specialized instruction in singing, dancing, and acting to become well equipped as performers. Students will prepare and present as soloists as well as members of small groups and larger ensembles. Since this is a workshop course, students will prepare material for class presentation and critique. There will also be a focus on the audition process and assembling repertoire appropriate for each individual voice and character type. Students will be challenged to hone in on skills that may need extra practice and provided with opportunities to grow as performers in these areas. The primary emphasis for this class is for students to use their gifting in the art of Musical Theatre to glorify God.
This course offers the student an opportunity to explore three-dimensional form, and to gain skills in the medium of clay. Techniques the student will learn include use of the potter’s wheel (throwing), and hand building techniques such as slab, coil work and modeling in clay. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of glazing and firing techniques. Students will participate in regular critiques of the work of peers and self in order to better understand art.
Notes: $100 per semester fee required.
This course offers the student an opportunity to build on the skills learned in Ceramics I. Techniques the student will continue to improve include use of the potter’s wheel (throwing), and hand building techniques such as slab, coil work and modeling in clay, in addition to glazing and firing techniques. Students will participate in regular critiques of the work of peers and self in order to better understand art.
This course offers the students an opportunity to explore three-dimensional form, and to gain skills in the medium of clay, building on the skills developed in Ceramic I and II. The students will continue to develop skills on the potter's wheel (throwing), and hand building techniques. The class will collaborate on an installation for the school grounds or buildings. Additionally, students will be participating in alternative firing, glaze formulation and using their skills to give back to the community. Quality artwork will be placed on display and entered in multiple art shows throughout the year. Students will participate in regular critiques of the work of peers and self in order to better understand art.
This course offers the students an opportunity to explore three-dimensional form, and to develop advanced skills in the medium of clay, building on Ceramics III. The students will continue to develop skills on the potter's wheel (throwing), and hand building techniques. The class will collaborate on an installation for the school grounds or buildings. Additionally, students will be participating in alternative firing, glaze formulation and using their skills to give back to the community. Quality artwork will be placed on display and entered into multiple art shows throughout the year. Students will participate in regular critiques of the work of peers and self in order to better understand art.
Prerequisite: Acceptance in The Valor Conservatory for the Visual Arts.
This class will focus on enhancing each student’s drawing skills and discovering the relationship between drawing and painting. There will be critiques of student work, as well as discussion of various artists and styles on a regular basis. Students will begin to understand how to paint on a variety of surfaces, explore new techniques and materials, and the class will focus heavily on strong conceptual planning. Materials will include but are not limited to acrylic, oil, pencil, pastel watercolor, and encaustic. Student paintings will range from naturalistic to complete abstraction.
Through the process of developing a personal logo and identity, students in Graphic Design I are introduced to the industry-standard software program Adobe Illustrator® and to the ideas of visual language and creative problem-solving in design. As students progress through the logo design process, they learn the software skills, visual language tools (use of line, shape, balance, etc), and creative problem solving necessary to succeed in graphic design.
Graphic Design II offers a more in-depth exploration of industry software and visual problem-solving methods. Building on the foundation started in Graphic Design I, students revisit and develop familiarity with Adobe® Illustrator™ and add other Adobe Suite programs including Photoshop™ and InDesign.™ The goals of Graphic Design II are to move from basic understanding of visual language elements and software to a fundamental command and to start to understand more complex design systems including typography, grids and designing for 3-dimensional executions.
Students in Graphic Design III are striving for software mastery and fluency in visual language problem-solving. Students will work on several real-world projects for clients, gaining a more thorough understanding of how designers work in the real world. Projects in Graphic Design III are designed to help students develop a more sophisticated understanding of design elements and principles, and graphic design in general.
Graphic Design IV is the pinnacle of the Design program at Valor, a culmination of the three years spent exploring visual problem-solving methods and becoming proficient in the use of industry standard software. You will be expected to demonstrate a mastery of the craft not only in the completion of high-quality work but more importantly by showing an understanding and appreciation for the process. A great emphasis will be placed on conceptual exploration as well as being able to fluently articulate the ‘Why’ behind your work. You will fully walk into your roles as leaders, building culture both in and outside of the classroom, gaining a true understanding of the kingdom application of your gift and how you can serve Valor’s vision.
Over the course of this year, students will create a dynamic, visually appealing yearbook for Valor Christian High School. Students develop and build on essential skills such as meeting deadlines, collaborative projects, and commitment to completing the project which requires time outside of the classroom and regular school day. Students will serve the student body by appropriately, and relevantly capturing the life and times of the school community. Students will learn basic layout/design, Adobe InDesign/Illustrator/Photoshop skills, journalism, and some photography basics.
This course offers students a comprehensive and practical understanding of photography technique, while furthering their ability to communicate visually. Students will become proficient in the use of the digital camera and in their understanding of the technical controls needed to successfully capture imagery as envisioned. They will learn to effectively edit, enhance, or manipulate their imagery in Adobe Photoshop for maximum effect. Over the course of the year students produce a 25 page portfolio of their top color and black-and-white imagery. The study of art history, contemporary, and commercial photography, and critique of student work will be included in instruction. An emphasis on effective composition and the ability to represent concepts visually in an engaging manner are key components of the class. A quality digital camera with both manual and automatic controls and a tripod will be required.
This course extends the objectives of the Photography I, and develops advanced skills in composition, thematic elements, ambient lighting controls, studio lighting, special effects, and location photography. Students will create and show works throughout the year, and participate in a three day location photography trip in the fall. A quality digital camera with both manual and automatic controls and a tripod will be required.
Building on the creative and technical foundation acquired in Photography I and II, students will work toward developing their own personal style and a body of work that reflects it. In addition to a regular portfolio, each student will create a theme based photo book that we will publish through Shutterfly. Photography III students also take part in creating, organizing and promoting a year-end show of their work, and participate in fall and spring photography trips.
Building on the creative and technical foundation acquired in Photography III, students will continue to work toward refining their own personal style and producing a body of work that reflects it. Students will continue to build a portfolio of their work and take part in creating, organizing and promoting a year-end show of their work. Finally, the students will have an opportunity to participate in trips where they will not only further refine their skills but may also learn from professionals in the field.
This course is designed to equip students with the basics of HTML, CSS. Additionally, students will learn basic layout/design using photoshop. Web Design is an introduction to the design and development of websites. Students learn how to critique website quality, learn how to efficiently build and maintain web pages, learn about the standards of front-end development, and will understand basic design principles as they apply to websites. The course progresses from hard-coding websites to building websites using the WordPress platform. Ultimately, students will design and develop websites for Valor initiatives, and/or local organizations.
Film Production I provides students with a basic understanding of the technology and techniques used behind video and filmmaking, as an information medium, and explores ways in which it is created to achieve its desired effect on an audience. Upon completion, students will be able to understand the basics of editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, as well as other production skills and techniques. The power of effective storytelling through video is examined in detail. Projects include camera exercises, music video, interview, and the movie scene.
The goal of the Valor Sports Network is twofold: to shine a light on our student-athletes through print, broadcast, and film, and to all students to gain practical experience while exercising the student’s creative mind. The first goal – to recognize others – is a direct reflection on the core principle of developing student leaders within our student body.
Valor News, Media, and Entertainment I is designed to introduce students to the art of communication media and storytelling through the eye of the film lens and creative journalism. The class helps students build a foundational understanding of media planning, filming and producing, giving them the opportunity to be challenged engaging with a Biblical Worldview in using the film and media to communicate rich, meaningful stories to their community.
Building on the fundamental production skills introduced in Film Production I, Film Production II places a greater emphasis on professional production techniques. We will also focus the student’s role on a production team as it relates to a professional narrative film production. Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to hone their screenwriting skills and try their hand at several production roles, as the class works collectively toward multiple short film productions including films for our celebrated Kalos Film Festival.
The goal of Valor Sports Network II is twofold: to shine a light on our student-athletes through print, broadcast, and film, and for all students to gain practical experience while exercising the student’s creative mind. In VSN II, students will gain experience in video production and broadcasting with the ultimate goal of choosing an area of influence that will allow them to enter the mastery class VSN III/IV.
Valor News, Media, and Entertainment II is designed to build upon Valor News, Media, and Entertainment I and instruct students in communication media and storytelling. Students continue to refine their skills in film and media production, giving them the opportunity to explore the use of media and be challenged to engage with a Biblical Worldview in using the film and media to communicate rich, meaningful stories to their community.
With a strong emphasis on story, this class will build upon the fundamental production skills taught in Film Production II, and seek to strengthen and apply them. Throughout the year the students will discover a deeper meaning of story telling through the eye of the camera lens. Through the process of film making the students will get a chance to experience a variety of production roles and learn the importance of collaboration in the production environment.
The goal of the Valor Sports Network is twofold: to shine a light on our student-athletes through print, broadcast, and film, and to all students to gain practical experience while exercising the student’s creative mind. In VSN III, students will gain leadership experience while further mastering their craft in video production and broadcasting.
Valor News, Media, and Entertainment III is designed to build upon skills established and reinforced in Valor News, Media, and Entertainment I and II. Students will engage in advanced opportunities to plan and produce film and media, continue to refine their own work in light of a Biblical Worldview, and reinforce their learning in the art of storytelling using lens and media to communicate meaningful stories to their community.
Prerequisite: Valor News Media Entertainment II or instructor permission.
The goal of the Valor Sports Network is twofold: to shine a light on our student-athletes through print, broadcast, and film, and to allow students to gain practical experience while exercising the student’s creative mind. In VSN IV, students will continue to build on leadership skills and\ experience while further mastering their craft in video production and broadcasting.
Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Visual Arts Conservatory.