Departments & Faculty

The Marin Catholic curriculum is designed to provide a challenging, college prep experience for all of our students.

Visual & Performing Arts

  • Acting I (P)

    Acting 1 is an acting and theater course exploring acting and theater. This highly interactive and collaborative course encourages students to increase their ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally, and to express their own experience and the experience of others. Throughout the year, students will learn basic acting skills through participating in exercises such as vocal warm-ups, focus and drama games, improvisational activities, movement exercises, and scripted performances. 

  • Acting II (P)

    This class is designed to further develop the skills learned in Acting 1. In this course, students will continue their investigations into the methods of creating character, text analysis and performance techniques. Students will perform from more advanced material and devise their own scenes and/or movies. Through physical explorations, improvisations, monologues, scenes, and longer works, students continue an in-depth exploration of acting. (This course may be repeated for credit.) This course will satisfy the graduation requirement. Prerequisite: Acting I or consent of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. 

  • Honors Acting III

    This is an advanced level of Acting III. Requirements will be closer to the collegiate level and will have more intense scrutiny. 

  • Film and Television (P)

    The course ‘Film and Television’ will develop students’ knowledge and skills to critically analyze and create films. Students will observe, discuss, and analyze various aspects of movies and (tv) episodes, including genre, narrative, directing/cinematography styles, editing, and character portrayals. Students will gain in-depth understanding and participate in pre-production (screenwriting, location management, storyboarding, costume design), production (filming, directing, screen acting, lighting, onsite sound), and post-production (editing, sound effects, music, publicity) activities.

  • Introduction to Instrumental Music (P)

    Instrumental Music is a beginning music class designed to cover a variety of musical concepts in order to prepare students for upper level music courses. The course will guide students through a sequence of instruction that will allow them to understand the elements and principles of music with regards to performance, musicianship, historical context, and music theory. This class is open to students learning a variety of music instruments. No prior music experience is required.

    Prerequisite: Students must meet with the respective music teacher before the end of the current school year in order to choose a primary instrument to study.

  • Music Production I (P)

    Music technology is a course designed to prepare students for the 21st century world of technology and how it is interrelated to music. Students will learn how to use different types of electronic music computer software to write and record their own compositions. Students will also learn how to market their compositions through the use of online resources such as websites, blogs, and social media outlets. Students will also receive training in live sound techniques that will be directly applied at Music Department concerts and events. Another area of emphasis is recording arts. Students will work with music ensembles and learn how to record a performance with digital music software, mix, master, and promote the recording and ensemble online. This course is open to all students, no prior music experience is required.

    Prerequisite: Students must meet with the respective music teacher before the end of the current school year in order to establish a baseline music skill level. 

  • Contemporary Music Ensemble I (P): Instrumental

    This course will primarily focus on modern popular music, as well as original compositions written, arranged, recorded, and performed by student ensembles. Students will expand their knowledge in the following areas: classical and jazz theory, musicianship, arranging and composition techniques. Students will also learn and apply concepts of music technology in the areas of online marketing, live sound and recording techniques. This course is taught in conjunction with Contemporary I: Vocal.

    Prerequisite: Placement in this ensemble is by audition only.
     

  • Contemporary Music Ensemble I (P): Vocal

    Contemporary I: Vocal is a group of singers of all ability levels. This group is open to anyone with an interest in singing. The repertoire for this ensemble will include: popular, traditional, folk, sacred and world music. Students will learn beginning voice technique, music theory, musicianship, and ear training, as well as how to arrange and critique their own work. This course is taught in conjunction with Contemporary I: Instrumental.  

    Prerequisite: Students must meet with the respective music teacher before the end of the current school year in order to establish a baseline vocal skill level.

  • Music Production II (P)

    A continuation of Music Technology I with an increased emphasis on live performance. This course is designed to prepare students for the 21st century world of technology and how it is interrelated to music. Students will learn how to use different types of electronic music computer software to write and record their own compositions. Students will also learn how to market their compositions through the use of online resources such as websites, blogs, and social media outlets. Students will also receive training in live sound techniques that will be directly applied at Music Department concerts and events. Another area of emphasis is recording arts. Students will work with music ensembles and learn how to record a performance with digital music software, mix, master, and promote the recording and ensemble online.

    Prerequisite: Students must complete 1 year in Music Technology I in order to be eligible for this course. This course may be repeated for credit.
     

  • Contemporary Music Ensemble II (P): Instrumental

    A continuation of Contemporary Music Ensemble I with an increased emphasis on student composition, recording, and live performance. This course will primarily focus on modern popular music, as well as original compositions written, arranged, recorded, and performed by student ensembles. Students will expand their knowledge in the following areas: classical and jazz theory, musicianship, arranging and composition techniques. Students will also learn and apply concepts of music technology in the areas of online marketing, live sound and recording techniques. This course is taught in conjunction with Contemporary II: Vocal.  

    Prerequisite: Placement in this ensemble is by audition only. Students must complete at least 1 year in Contemporary Music I: Instrumental in order to be eligible for this ensemble. This course may be repeated for credit.

  • Contemporary Music Ensemble II (P): Vocal

    Contemporary II: Vocal is an advanced group of singers that will focus on improving vocal production techniques, soloing, ensemble sound, music communication and awareness, and music theory knowledge. Students will learn how to arrange and critique their own work. Choral repertoire will include all genres and music of any era and any language. This course is taught in conjunction with Contemporary II: Instrumental.  

    Prerequisite: Placement in this ensemble is by audition only. Students must complete at least 1 year in Contemporary Vocal I in order to be eligible for this ensemble. This course may be repeated for credit.

  • Music Department Internship

    Advanced level musicians may apply for an internship with a specific Music Department faculty member. This is an independent study course with a music teacher supervisor. This course must be taken in conjunction with a performing ensemble. Areas of emphasis can include: arranging, composition, recording, career development, along with various other department coordinating responsibilities.  

    Prerequisite: Student must be concurrently enrolled in a level II or higher music course and have consent of the internship teacher advisor.

  • Art I (P)

    This course introduces the beginning student to the elements of art, the fundamentals of drawing, and 9 master’s of modern art. Students are assessed through short writing assignments in class for the art history portion of the course. Projects make up the bulk of the Art I experience. No previous visual art experience is necessary. This course will satisfy the graduation requirement and is a prerequisite for other visual art courses (except for semester electives.)

  • Art II (P)

    This is the second course in the visual arts sequence. This course is designed for the students interested in further developing art and design skills. Whether the student will pursue an art career or continue as a hobby, they will feel confident in their abilities and understand how to truly express themselves artistically. Exploration of famous contemporary and historical artist’s work will be viewed. Classroom critiques of student work will help create a level of higher learning and confidence in abilities. Students will continue to use the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design as they apply them to drawing, painting, and printmaking. Included in the course are units in two-point perspective, drawing from observation and imagination, portrait and figure drawing, watercolor painting and printmaking. Homework is given to reinforce studio work and Art History material. This course will isolate more of the technical aspect of drawing but inclusive with the technical aspect will be the visual discovery as well. One museum visit is required each semester. This course will satisfy the graduation requirement.

  • Art III: Drawing & Painting (P)

    This is the third course in the visual arts sequence. This course explores and integrates the various areas of drawing and painting with the elements of art and the principles of design. Continued exploration of famous contemporary and historical artists will be viewed. Examples of professional artists’ style will be critiqued as well as the students, post each project. Students will confidently know their style and medium in which they create to the pinnacle of their abilities. Students will address mixed media, painting & drawing, design, and some computer graphics on the two-dimensional level. On the three dimensional level students will explore assemblage and converting a two dimensional painting to a three dimensional surface. Increased emphasis is placed on art criticism, journaling, sketchbooks and art history. Homework is given to reinforce studio work and Art History material. One museum visit is required each semester.This course will satisfy the graduation requirement. This course will satisfy the graduation requirement.

  • Art III: Intro to Portraiture (P)

    Intro to Portraiture Drawing and Painting is an intermediate painting course that will provide students with the oppor- tunity and ability to advance their knowledge and skills in the area of drawing and painting the human head and face. This course will introduce the student with advanced artistic techniques, materials, methods and processes. It will require students to create quality realistic duplication of portraits using the step-by-step techniques and demonstrations to execute at an advanced level. The students will develop a deeper understanding of feature relationship along with form and proportion.

  • Honors Art III (HP)

    Honors Drawing and Painting is an advanced course in both drawing and painting. This course will provide students with the opportunity and ability to advance and challenge their knowledge and skills in the area of drawing and painting. This course will introduce students with advanced artistic techniques, materials, methods and processes. It will require students to create artwork based on a different outlook for the final execution of the finished piece. Students will research various artists and learn about their own approach to art and style. The students will have to execute their own style to create a final piece.

  • AP Std Art: 2-D (HP)

    This course is designed for the advanced and self-motivated senior art student who plans to pursue the arts in college. Students will be required to work independently in the art studio on college level assignments and projects. Students will be expected to incorporate a higher level of understand- ing while working with the principles of design and the ele- ments of art in these projects. Research on contemporary and historical artists and art movements will be an integral part of the course. Students will be required to make month- ly museum/gallery visits and will be responsible for visits and interviews with university art professors and professional artists in the bay area. This course is not based on a written exam; instead, students will submit photographed portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. 

  • Ceramics I (P)

    This year long course offers an experience in working with clay as an artistic medium. Students will investigate various hand building techniques as well as working with the potter’s wheel. Students study the ceramic process as well as explore the historical and scientific aspects of clay. The emphasis will be on creating vessels in the first semester. The second semester will begin with an introduction to figurative sculpture. Students will incorporate Art history through an in depth study of the history of American ceramics, as well as contemporary art. Studio work is the emphasis of this class. One museum visit and report is required for each semester. There is a lab fee that covers unlimited clay and glaze for the entire year.This course will satisfy the graduation requirement.

  • Ceramics II (P)

    This course follows Ceramics I and is designed for the student who wants to develop hand building and wheel throwing techniques at an advanced level. More in depth projects and studio problems will challenge the student’s knowledge of various techniques. Studio work is essential to this class. One museum visit is required each semester. There is a lab fee that covers unlimited clay and glaze for the entire year.

  • AP Std Art: 3-D (HP)

    This course is designed for the advanced and self-motivated senior art student who plans to pursue the arts in college. Students will be required to work independently in the art studio on college level assignments and projects. Students will be expected to incorporate a higher level of understand- ing while working with the principles of design and the ele- ments of art in these projects. Research on contemporary and historical artists and art movements will be an integral part of the course. Students will be required to make month- ly museum/gallery visits and will be responsible for visits and interviews with university art professors and professional artists in the bay area. This course is not based on a written exam; instead, students will submit photographed portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. 

  • Photography I (P)

    Photography I is a year-long course introducing and integrating both traditional and digital photography. Students will learn the terminology and techniques of black and white photography, build a pinhole camera, work with both film and digital cameras, learn safe use and handling of photo chemistry, and how to make prints, mount and display finished work. Once there is a basic understanding of the composition techniques and aesthetics of photography as art, students will incorporate PhotoShop into their work. They will examine the history and development of photography including its historical impact on today’s world while developing a critical eye. Students will be introduced to careers in photography and recognize the cultural and historical significance of a cross section of photographers nationally and internationally. Students will be expected to create a body of work including a portfolio which will reflect their ability to see through the eye of a photographer. Digital or film camera required.

  • Photography II (P)

    Photography II is a year long course designed to develop more advanced studio techniques by building on the knowledge and skills introduced in Photo 1. Students will work with more technically-advanced photographic equipment including more in-depth work with lighting, digital processes, experimental photo techniques, and PhotoShop. Students will focus on developing a distinctive personal style and will pursue individual interests, learning to critique their work. By continued exploration of photographic styles, they will be able to link photography to diverse disciplines and professions. Students will create a portfolio/body of work that demonstrates their growth as a photographer. Digital or film camera required.

  • Honors Photo III (HP)

    Honors Photography is an advanced course for students
    serious about continuing their education in the visual arts
    beyond high school, and can be taken instead of Photography III, with a more rigorous curriculum meant to advance critical thinking skill and a deeper knowledge of photography. This course will require student driven, independent course work that integrates and scaffolds on prior knowledge of art/photo history, cultural awareness, and increased competence in both analog and digital photography, and developing imagery that incorporates complex understanding of the medium as a major communication method.

  • Contemporary Music Ensemble I (P)

    This is a intermediate-level course that introduces students to the foundational knowledge necessary for composition and recording in contemporary music. The class will focus on modern popular music, as well as original compositions written, arranged, recorded, and performed by student ensembles.
    The curriculum will cover basic concepts of music theory, musicianship, arranging and composition techniques, and the use of digital audio workstations (DAWs) for recording and mixing. Students will also learn and apply concepts of music technology in the areas of live sound, and recording techniques.
    Through this course, students will gain a basic understanding of the mechanics of music and how to apply that knowledge to their own work. They will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in composition and recording, and leave the course with the skills necessary to further explore contemporary music composition and recording.

  • Contemporary Music Ensemble II (P)

    This course is an advanced continuation of Contemporary Music I, with a strong emphasis on student composition, recording, and live performance. The class will primarily focus on modern popular music, as well as original compositions written, arranged, recorded, and performed by student ensembles.
    The curriculum will expand upon the foundational knowledge gained in Contemporary Music I, with a focus on classical and jazz theory, musicianship, arranging and composition techniques. Students will also learn and apply concepts of music technology in the areas of live sound, and recording techniques. The composition focus of the course will include instruction on advanced composition techniques and the use of digital audio workstations (DAWs) for recording and mixing.
    Through this course, students will have the opportunity to expand their musical horizons and gain hands-on experience in performance, composition, and recording. They will develop a deeper understanding of the mechanics of music and how to apply that knowledge to their own work. Ultimately, students will leave the course with advanced skills in composition and recording, and the skills necessary to succeed in the modern music industry.
675 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Kentfield CA 94904   Phone: 415-464-3898 | Email: admissions@marincatholic.org