Arts & Communications

Course Number: 21136

Grade Level: 9-12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

This is a very hands-on class that involves filming in the television production studio and working on your own on the computer. We will explore the history of visual/special effects and where we are headed in the future.  We will discuss, breakdown and utilize the vast amount of techniques used in special and visual effects design. Digital animation techniques will be used extensively in this class through student preference and Adobe After Effects.  Students will use the following equipment on the production of their special effects: blue screen, green screen, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, digital video cameras, and Adobe Premiere Pro video editing technology.  We will be watching many films that address how special and visual effects are evolving in Hollywood and the outlook for the future.

Course Number: 21123

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

“We make Movies Every DAY!” Every student has a passion in life. Have you ever wanted to use your passions in the production of an original short film? All students in Movie Studio and Television Production will be involved working behind-the-scenes of movie and television productions running cameras, directing, acting and much more. Students will be working together to write original movie scripts and all of the productions will be created using professional JVC and Sony HD cameras and Adobe editing equipment. Your sparks or passions may be in clothing design, woodworking, sports, acting, filming, graphic design, video editing or photography. Now, imagine using your talents to assist in the production of a short film or television show. We look forward to seeing your talent in our next films!

Course Number: 21111

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Video Production I and Video Production II 

Advanced movie production students will work together on the creation of their own original longer format films. Students will write, direct, film, video edit and produce their own digital long format movies. Students in this class will work as the actors in the films and work as a team behind the scenes operating cameras, recording sound, and setting up lights. Advanced film, lighting and sound techniques and best practices will also be implemented to give each student a true Hollywood movie experience. Students with musical backgrounds will also compose and record original soundtrack music for films using digital and real instruments in our recording studio. This class also allows the student actor to learn the development of basic skills and techniques of acting including increased sensory awareness, greater self-confidence, stage movement, character and script analysis, and improvisation.

Course Number: 21136

Grade Level: 9-12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

This is a very hands-on class that involves filming in the television production studio and working on your own on the computer. We will explore the history of visual/special effects and where we are headed in the future.  We will discuss, breakdown and utilize the vast amount of techniques used in special and visual effects design. Digital animation techniques will be used extensively in this class through student preference and Adobe After Effects.  Students will use the following equipment on the production of their special effects: blue screen, green screen, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, digital video cameras, and Adobe Premiere Pro video editing technology.  We will be watching many films that address how special and visual effects are evolving in Hollywood and the outlook for the future.

Course Number: 21123

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

“We make Movies Every DAY!” Every student has a passion in life. Have you ever wanted to use your passions in the production of an original short film? All students in Movie Studio and Television Production will be involved working behind-the-scenes of movie and television productions running cameras, directing, acting and much more. Students will be working together to write original movie scripts and all of the productions will be created using professional JVC and Sony HD cameras and Adobe editing equipment. Your sparks or passions may be in clothing design, woodworking, sports, acting, filming, graphic design, video editing or photography. Now, imagine using your talents to assist in the production of a short film or television show. We look forward to seeing your talent in our next films!

Course Number: 21111

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Video Production I and Video Production II 

Advanced movie production students will work together on the creation of their own original longer format films. Students will write, direct, film, video edit and produce their own digital long format movies. Students in this class will work as the actors in the films and work as a team behind the scenes operating cameras, recording sound, and setting up lights. Advanced film, lighting and sound techniques and best practices will also be implemented to give each student a true Hollywood movie experience. Students with musical backgrounds will also compose and record original soundtrack music for films using digital and real instruments in our recording studio. This class also allows the student actor to learn the development of basic skills and techniques of acting including increased sensory awareness, greater self-confidence, stage movement, character and script analysis, and improvisation.

Course Numbers: 20701, 20702, 20703

Grade Level:  9 | Length: 3 Trimesters | Prerequisite: None

This group is generally a composite of 9th grade students who show an interest in instrumental technique, musicianship, and dedication. The band will perform high quality band music in both the large and small group setting. If a student is returning to band after missing a year or two (grades 10-12) and has previously performed in band, they should register for this class. Reevaluation will take place after the first trimester is complete.

Course Numbers: 20736, 20737, 20738

Grade Level:  10, 11, 12 | Length: 3 Trimesters | Prerequisite: None

The concert ensembles are a composite of students who will show a high degree of sophistication in instrumental technique, musicianship, and dedication. The band will perform high quality band music in both the large and small group setting.

Course Numbers: 20713, 20714, 20715

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 3 Trimesters | Prerequisite: None

Admission to Chanté (Soprano/Alto choir) is open to any students Grades 9-12 without an audition. The focus of this course will be on developing basic vocal techniques, music theory, sight-reading and proper vocal technique. Emphasis will be on preparing students to enter Cantabile, or Concert Choir. Auditions are held during the third trimester of each school year to assure balance and maintain a high standard of excellence. If a student is new to the choir program, they are required to be in this ensemble for their first year.

Course Numbers: 20716, 20717, 20718

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 3 Trimesters | Prerequisite: None

Admission to Con Brio (Tenor/Bass choir) is open to any students Grades 9-12 without an audition. The focus of this course will be on developing basic vocal techniques, music theory, sight-reading and proper vocal technique. Emphasis will be on preparing students to enter Concert Choir. Auditions are held during the third trimester of each school year to assure balance and maintain a high standard of excellence. If a student is new to the choir program, they are required to be in this ensemble for their first year.

Course Number: 21120

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

This class meets the requirements for an art credit. In this class, we work as a LIVE broadcasting team to broadcast (via YouTube) sports and events to the Farmington community. Students will work as the LIVE Broadcasting Team TSEN (Tiger Sports & Entertainment Network). TSEN is a class that will get you out of the classroom and into the field.   You will learn how to film highlights for many sports, video editing, sports anchoring, sports interviews, sports reporting, multi-camera LIVE production set up and engineering, instant replay, proper camera positioning for multiple sports and events, microphone placements to capture natural sounds of the LIVE event, play-by-play sports announcing and color commentary of many different sports. Students will use the latest in HD cameras and our HD Tricaster web-streaming technology to broadcast our productions. Student groups will produce a weekly Sports Magazine television show. Students will learn editing techniques in Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects.

Through our partnership with the Farmington Athletic Department and the Farmington Activities, students will film and livestream music and sporting events when these events occur, which are typically during the evening hours. Students will film, edit and produce professional “Network Style” features including the creation of halftime sports content.   If you’re interested in sports, music and live streaming, this class is definitely for you!

Course Number: 21107

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

Podcasting is becoming the hottest new trend in Media and you can be your own Podcast producer and host. Utilizing Farmington’s radio station 192.1 TIGER RADIO, students will work as disc jockeys with all of our state-of-the-art audio recording equipment, audio mixing software and learn how to operate the “ON-AIR” sound boards, studio microphones, and playback computer systems. Students will write, record, compose and edit audio in Adobe Audition. Students will learn new technological skills in a very hands-on environment. Students will also be able to produce their own musical compositions in the recording studio with the opportunity to utilize several microphones and real studio instruments.

Course Number: 20208

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

This art course uses technology to create artistic imagery. Photo manipulation and design projects are taught using Adobe Photoshop. Using Photoshop, students will demonstrate learning through projects that focus on knowledge and use of basic tools. Student work will be assessed through a variety of projects that focus on the Principles of Design.

Course Recommendation: This course is recommended for students who enjoy working with the creative aspects of computers and want to learn about design careers.

Course Number: 20218

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Graphic Design I

This art course is the advanced study of visual communication utilizing computer software. The primary units of study include designing logos, posters, magazine covers and company advertisements. Students will study in a collaborative design team environment to produce client work.

Course Recommendation: This course is recommended for students who thrive on collaboration and creative thinking in a computer-based design class.

Course Number: 20305

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None 

Web Design is an introduction into the development and creation of websites. You will learn technical skills including basic coding with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Allow your creative ideas to translate onto the innerwebs with this fast paced, challenging course!

Course Number: 20211

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

Materials Fee: $10.00

This introductory course is designed for anyone who wants to move beyond snapshots and start making intentional, compelling photographs. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a camera (a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a smartphone). Students will learn the fundamentals of photography as an art, including exposure settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), composition techniques, lighting basics, and how to effectively use both natural and artificial light. Through hands-on exercises and constructive feedback sessions, students will develop confidence in manual and semi-manual shooting modes while exploring their own creative style. By the end of the course, students will be able to control their camera settings with purpose, analyze and compose stronger images, and build a small portfolio of work that reflects their growing artistic vision.

Course Number: 21101

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

This class will provide basic information for planning various types of dwellings. It will present basic instruction in preparing architectural working drawings using computer aided drafting methods. Students will create plot plans, floor plans, elevations, and 3 dimensional drawings to help develop the necessary technical skills to communicate architectural ideas in an understandable, efficient, and accurate manner. Students will create a unique home design and draw an entire set of architectural drawings using the industry standard drafting program Autodesk Revit.

 Course Numbers: 20647, 20648

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 | Length: 2 Trimesters | Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra with A- average

AP Computer Science Principles is a 2-trimester, rigorous, entry-level course that introduces high school students to the foundations of modern computing. This course covers a broad range of topics such as programming, algorithms, the internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impact of computing. Students will explore how the internet functions and its role in society, as well as how computers use and store massive amounts of data, the role of privacy in data, as well as app development. This course seeks to provide basic knowledge and skills to meaningfully participate in our digital society. Students will be required to take the AP final exam in the spring to be eligible for college credit.

Course Number: 20940

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None 

Learn how to code!! This course will provide an introduction to C++ programming in a hands-on lab environment and is intended for students with little or no prior knowledge of programming. Students will learn the basics of computer programming while developing skills in language syntax, functions, program structure, and debugging. Introduction to Programming will use Particle Photon 2 microcontrollers and basic electric circuits to bring your programs to life!

Course Numbers: 20947, 20948

Grade Level: 11, 12 | Length: 2 Trimesters CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT COURSE | Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to Program and Algebra II with grade of A-/A

An engineering focused course, U of M Engineering - Introduction to Computing Systems connects the real-world to computers by using microcontrollers (small edge-computing devices). These intelligent and connected devices can physically respond to the world around them through sensors and actuators (light, motion, vision, and much, much more!). Students will leave this course as capable intermediate C/C++ programmers and be able to apply these concepts to solve complex problems. The Internet of Things (IoT) and Physical Computing are leveraged to develop and implement programmed physical devices which can communicate with cell phones, move objects, listen for sounds, blink lights, and much more! This course is part of the University of MN “College in the Schools” program. Students will need to complete both trimesters and pass all exams in order to receive University credit (4 credits). This course is not eligible to be taken Pass/No Credit

Course Numbers: 20926, 20927

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 2 Trimesters | Prerequisite: None 

3D print your own designs!! Students will design products that solve real-world problems and 3D print their solutions to put them to the test. This course will teach you basic design skills as they relate to product design and development in the field of Engineering and Engineering Technologies. Use the latest in 3D modeling software (Autodesk Inventor) to develop your ideas while following a design and problem-solving process. Take an idea from concept, to sketch, to finished model in a hands-on learning environment.

Course Number: 21102

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

Bring your design ideas to life through 3D modeling and 3D printing!! This is an introductory mechanical drafting course designed to give students an understanding of the basic concepts and principles utilized in the construction of technical drawings. Students will become familiar with both AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor, a 3D design and modeling software. Students will learn basics of geometric construction and 3D modeling including the 3D printing and prototyping process. This course is an excellent opportunity for the beginner or advanced computer operator to explore drafting techniques while working with high quality-drafting programs (AutoCAD and Inventor). Students will have the opportunity to create 3D models of common products such as skateboards, bicycles, tools, engines, wheels, and other mechanical objects.

Course Number: 21103

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: 3D Printing and Design

Advanced CADD is a course designed to give the student a hands-on, in-depth understanding, and knowledge of the basic concepts and principles utilized in the construction of technical drawings. This course will use advanced application of many techniques explored in CADD I. Students will understand section drawings, auxiliary drawings, and pattern development. Students will create working drawings and exploded isometric drawings of machine parts. Students will explore the drawing of cams, gears, and fastening devices. Working drawings will be generated and rendered utilizing Autodesk Inventor, a 3D design and modeling software.

Course Numbers: 20710, 20711, 20712

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12 | Length: 3 Trimesters | Prerequisite: None

Jazz Band is a performing group for all band students interested in developing a background in playing jazz. Students registering for Jazz Band are REQUIRED to register for VARSITY BAND (9th grade) or CONCERT BAND (10-12) and register for the full school year. All types of modern, pop, jazz, and related forms of jazz music will be studied. Performance outside of class will be a major portion of the class work along with required listening and the study of jazz history and theory. Auditions will be held in the fall to determine placement and the number of groups. THIS COURSE WILL BE OFFERED DURING ZERO HOUR (7:00am – 8:00am).

Students participating in Jazz Band or selected for the Wind Ensemble, are strongly encouraged to take lessons privately.

Course Number: 20728

Grade Level:  11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Must have at least 2 years of band or choir or instructor permission

Music Theory is designed to enhance music skills and basic music fundamental for both instrumental and vocalists. The essential aspects of melody, harmony, rhythm, and form are studied. Throughout the course of the trimester students will study basic notation, scales, key signature, intervals, chords, cadences, non-chord tones, and form. Aural dictation and ear training are also an integral part of the course. This course is strongly recommended for students interested in pursuing music at the post-secondary level.

Course Number: 20755

Grade Level:  11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Music Theory or instructor permission

Music Theory II is designed to enhance music skills and basic music fundamentals for both instrumentals and vocalists. The essential aspects of melody, harmony, rhythm, and form are studied. Throughout the course of the trimester students will study intermediate to advanced forms of notation, scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, cadences, non-chord tones, and form. Aural dictation and ear training are also an integral part of the course. This course is strongly recommended for students interested in pursuing music at the post-secondary level.

Course Number: 20748

Grade Level:  10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

Learn how to put together a modern musical ensemble and perform music in your favorite style: rock, R&B, country, pop, ska - the sky is the limit! This course teaches the basics of performance and songwriting, incorporating both acoustic and electronic elements. Students will learn the fundamentals of pitch, rhythm, and notation, but an ability to read conventional music notation is NOT required. Through this class, students will find it easy to learn, play, record, create, and share music. This is an introductory level course, so no formal music experience is needed, though the ability to perform on guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, or vocals is very helpful.

Course Number: 20752

Grade Level:  10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Rock Band I or at least one year experience on an instrument (in or out of school)

This course is a continuation of Rock Band I. Students practice a higher complexity of performance and songwriting, incorporating both acoustic and electronic elements. Multiple genres, time periods, and styles will be explored. Through this class, students will find it easy to learn, play, record, create, and share music. There is an emphasis on creative collaboration and frequent in-class performance opportunities.

Course Number: 21041

Grade Level:  10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

This course will look to closely examine one of the most successful Broadway musicals of all time. We will look at the background of the music, closely examine the lyrics, meanwhile looking at the historical events linked to the American Revolution, and the formations of American Government.

*This course counts as credit towards FHS graduation, but future college athletes will not be able to use this course to fulfill NCAA eligibility requirements. For more information, please see page 12 of this guidebook or contact your student’s school counselor.

Course Number: 20754

Grade Level:  10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

This course, students will explore, learn, prepare and present a variety of songs from musical theater and pop culture. They will learn about the history of shows and genres of music, while also learning singing and dance techniques specific to that style. Styles and genres we will explore include: classical musical theater, contemporary musical theater, pop acapella, and pop music. Throughout the course, students will present their music (singing and dancing) to the class, with the possibility of performances outside the class as well. Get your dancing shoes ready for an action-packed class filled with movement and singing!

Course Number: 20753

Grade Level:  10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: None

Learn how to sing jazz as a soloist and ensemble member! This course teaches the elements of vocal jazz style and performance. Students will learn and perform ensemble pieces as well as solos. All types of modern, pop, jazz, and related forms of jazz will be studied. Performance outside of class will be a major portion of the classwork along with the study of jazz theory and technique. Students registering for Vocal Jazz are REQUIRED to register for Con Brio (Tenor/Bass singers) or Chanté (Soprano/Alto singers) for the full school year.

Course Number: 20756

Grade Level:  10, 11, 12 | Length: 1 Trimester | Prerequisite: Vocal Jazz I

This course explores advanced techniques in vocal jazz style and contemporary singing. Students will learn and perform ensemble pieces as well as solos. All types of modern, pop, jazz, and related forms of jazz will be studied. Students will also work collaboratively to arrange music to perform. Performance outside of class will be a major portion of the classwork along with the study of jazz theory and technique. Students registering for Vocal Jazz II are REQUIRED to register for Con Brio (Tenor/Bass singers) or Chanté (Soprano/Alto singers) for the full school year.