The arts are essential to the development of the whole person. Through the arts, students not only develop their cognitive abilities, social skills and self-esteem, but also develop the motivation to learn and create. In addition, it is through the discipline of the arts that students become more effective communicators, increase their awareness and understanding of themselves, and develop skills which support the learning of other subjects. Self-expression and creativity come in many forms, but need guidance, structure, and form. Therefore, this department offers a variety of courses which strive to enliven the artist, musician, actor, and designer in each student. 

DRAMA

The department offers classes that meet the CSU/UC curriculum requirements. There is also an advanced acting class as well as a fall drama production that ranges from classical to modern play selections. Students participate not only on stage as actors, but backstage as well in set design and construction, lighting, costume design and fabrication, props, makeup, and other technical aspects of theatre production.

MUSIC

Instrumental Music

At SJND, music is a vital part of the student’s life. The department offers courses in instrumental music ranging from beginning to advanced levels. Students participate in SJND music festivals in the Fall and Spring, travel and perform at neighboring schools, colleges, honors festivals, theme parks, and venues in the community. Students learn the skills necessary to become master musicians as well as leaders.

Choral Music

The choral classes also range in level from beginning to advanced levels. Singers are instructed in the basics of good singing posture and a good sound. They sing repertoire that includes harmony and part-singing. They study musical terminology, symbols and notation, theory, history, reading rhythms and melodies, and composition. Emphasis is on singing as a group, and performances are a major part of these courses. Vocal music students participate in the various festivals and venues as do the instrumental students.

VISUAL ART

The visual art program philosophy promotes both technical and creative development. Fine arts media covered in the program include the following: drawing, painting, printmaking, and ceramic sculpture. Digital media covered in the program include the following: vector and bitmap illustration, film and digital photography, 2D and 3D animation, and digital movie editing. Throughout the year, students have opportunities to display their work in several venues both on and off campus. SJND also offers AP Art Studio for students who strive toward mastery in a particular visual art discipline.