Visual & Performing Arts
Orchestra
Class Description:
Orchestra (Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced) is a sequential set of courses for students who are interested in learning and playing music from instruments within the strings family. Students will have their choice of Violin, Viola, Cello, or Double Bass. In the class we will learn how to read music, work on ear training, bowing, and how to play music from various eras and styles. As a performing arts course performances outside of class are a requirement.
Class Credit:
Orchestra courses meet the California State Requirements for Performing Arts and College Elective Credit. These classes are CSU and UC approved as well.
Instructor: Ms. Wendy Charines wendy.charines@sweetwaterschools.org
Mariachi
Mariachi (Beginning, Tierra/Intermediate, and Miztli/Advanced) is a sequential set of courses for students interested in learning and performing traditional Mexican music while celebrating culture, tradition, and musical excellence. Students will have the opportunity to learn instruments such as violin, trumpet, guitarrón, vihuela, and guitar. In this class, students will develop skills in reading music, ear training, rhythm, vocal techniques, and ensemble performance.
Throughout the year, students build musicianship, teamwork, and stage presence as they prepare for performances. From school events to community celebrations, Mariachi students proudly share their music and represent their heritage with passion and dedication. As a performing arts course, performances outside of class are an expectation.
Choir
Choir (Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced) is a sequential set of courses for students interested in developing their singing voice and performing a wide variety of vocal music. Students learn proper vocal techniques including breath support, tone production, diction, and sight-reading, while building confidence as individual singers and as part of an ensemble.
In perfect harmony, this choir program brings together singers of all levels to create a unified and expressive sound. Choir is about blending all types of voices, high, low, strong, and soft, into one cohesive ensemble. Through teamwork, consistent practice, and active listening, students learn to support one another and contribute to the overall success of the group rather than stand alone.
Students will explore music from different cultures, languages, and time periods while strengthening ear training and ensemble skills. Choir fosters a strong sense of community where every voice matters, showing that when individuals work together, they can create something truly meaningful and beautiful.
As a performing arts course, students are expected to participate in concerts and performances both on and off campus.
Instructor: Ms. Wendy Charines wendy.charines@sweetwaterschools.org
Baile Folklorico
Class Description:
Baile Folklorico is a class designed to introduce students to the rich and diverse world of Mexican folk dance. Students will learn steps, movement patterns, choreography, and overall stylistic nuances unique to various regions of Mexico. Historical and cultural influences having helped shape Mexican folk dance will be explored.
Class Credit: Baile Folklorico meets the California State Requirements for Performing Arts and College Elective Credit. These classes are CSU and UC approved as well.
Instructor Profile: Mr. Lalo M. Hirsch is the instructor & founder of SYH Folklorico, Est. 2002. He first started dancing with Baile Folklorico Escanes, a local group in Chula Vista, CA. He continued dancing in the advanced group at Hilltop High School, where he graduated in 1992. Mr. Hirsch pursued his folklorico studies in Jalisco, Mexico under renown dance instructor Ramon Morones. He can be contacted via e-mail at Lalo.Hirsch@sweetwaterschools.org
Instructor: Mr. Hirsch can also be contacted at SYHS (619) 710-2300.
Class Syllabus
Beginning Art
Class Description:
Beginning Art has been developed to accommodate all students who have expressed an interest in art. Students will work in a variety of media, giving them the opportunity to grasp a basic understanding of the art world and art making process. Students will explore projects that are designed to develop artistic ability, provide art awareness, understand aesthetics and instill appreciation for both art history and art making. Students will be taught basic artistic principles involving the Elements and Principles of art and they will learn how to apply these principles through the development of two and/or three-dimensional projects.
Class Credit: Beginning Art meets the California State Requirement for Art and Elective Credit. These classes are CSU and UC approved as well.
Instructor:
Stephanie Alexa Yaussy
stephanie.yaussy@sweetwaterschools.org
Advanced Art
Class Description:
Advanced Art has been developed to accommodate all students who have expressed a desire to further their understanding of the art world and the art making process. Students will work in a variety of media while creating projects that are designed to develop artistic ability, provide art awareness, understand aesthetics and instill appreciation for both art history and art making. Students will further explore the Elements and Principles of art while being challenged to develop their own personal style.
Class Credit: Advanced Art meets the California State Requirement for Art and Elective Credit. These classes are CSU and UC approved as well.
Instructor: Stephanie Alexa Yaussy stephanie.yaussy@sweetwaterschools.org
AP Art
Class Description:
Advanced Placement Art Classes are accelerated programs designed for students who have an interest and skill in art, and who are capable of doing college level passing work. Students must complete Beginning Art, Advanced Art and obtain teacher permission before enrolling in AP Art. Developing time-management skills is essential for students to maintain a passing grade. Through direct teacher instruction, emphasis will be placed on the production of a volume of quality pieces of artwork. Students will address all three sections of the portfolio: Breadth, Concentration and Quality.
Breadth: 12 works of art, these are all in class assignments
Concentration: 12 works of art based on a theme chosen by the artist, most of these will need to be completed at home.
Quality: Your 5 best pieces of art will be matted and mailed in at the time of the AP Exam. These 5 pieces come from the above two sections.
Class Credit: An AP Exam grade of “3” or higher will earn the student college credit.
Digital Photography
Class Description:
A beginning course that teaches students how to use digital cameras & digital darkroom skills. Designed to educate students on how to use industry standard digital editing software, hardware and digital camera equipment. Instruction in design, rules of composition, history of photography, master photographers and careers in photography are covered. The CA Visual Art Standards create the framework for students learning skills related to digital camera uses.
Class Credit: Digital Photography meets the California State Requirements for Performing Arts and College Elective Credit. These classes are CSU and UC approved as well.
Instructor Profile: Mr. Solomon’s love for photography began in 1995 in the darkrooms of Bonita Vista High School. From portraits of friends and family to local bands the art of photography has opened the door to a world of discovery. San Ysidro Photography began in 2016 providing digital art opportunities in not only photography but graphic design, video and career development. GO COUGARS!
“When I have a camera in my hand, I know no fear.”
Education- Azusa Pacific University, San Diego, CA Credential Program, 2014
International Center of Photography, New York, NY Certification in Documentary and Photojournalism, 2010
Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA Bachelor of Arts in Art Education and Studio Practices, concentration Museum & Gallery Studies, 2007