Visual and Performing Arts

Visual and performing arts classes include band, choir, strings, and art.

Choir

Encore Choir (By Audition Only)

This class is a performing choir, advanced vocal techniques and additional performances are required. Students are expected to attend all evening performances.

Vista Voices Choir

A choir open to any boy and girl in the seventh or eighth grade who has had no experience or limited experience in choir. 

Band

Concert Band is a year-long class/performing ensemble for 7th and 8th grade students who enjoy music. Emphasis will be placed on excellent musicianship skills, good posture, tone, music reading skills, and proper instrument care. Several performances, both on and off campus, are scheduled throughout the school year.

Cadet Band

Students who play or wish to play: a woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. All levels of experience are welcome. This course is a prerequisite for Symphonic Band. (Limited supply of school instruments may result in students having to purchase or rent outside instruments).

Symphonic Band (By Audition Only)

One year or one semester in Cadet Band is a prerequisite with very few exceptions, specifically granted by the instructor. All 7th graders should enroll in Cadet Band first. This is an ensemble geared toward future participation in a high school band program.  Guitar and piano are not offered as part of this class. 

Orchestra

This class is a full-year elective open to 7th and 8th grade students with at least one-year experience playing violin, viola, cello, or brass that have a commitment to expand their musical experiences. Emphasis will be placed on technical proficiency and expression through more advanced literature of all eras and genres.  

Art and Advanced Art

The Visual Art classes at VVMS allows students to receive a well-rounded education. Art is a universal language that encourages individual creativity and freedom of expression. At Vista Verde our students  create 2-D/3-D artwork with multi-media techniques by sketching, perspective drawing, painting, printing, fiber artistry, collage, ceramics & sculpture as well as rich art history/vocabulary. Art is connected to every content area and gives students an opportunity to view the world in a diverse and unique way. Students will be able to showcase artwork in a variety of opportunities including the Paradise Valley Schools Art Show in March.

Art (Introduction to Art Foundations)

This is a semester course that will introduce students to a media based program, laying the basic foundations for art appreciation, art criticism, art production, and art aesthetics. Students will explore the elements of art and principles of design while pursuing their own individual creativity. Students will learn how to communicate their original ideas visually through the use of pencil, colored pencil, marker, paint, chalk/oil pastel, and collage techniques.

Advanced Art (Art Foundations/Advanced Art) - (Prerequisite Art)

This is a semester course that will further develop advanced skills in a media based visual arts curriculum, while continuing to lay foundations for art appreciation, art criticism, art production, and art aesthetics. Students will continue to explore the elements of art and principles of design while pursuing their own individual creativity.