Develop your unique voice! The goal of this course is to help students build their communication skills in both public speaking and small-group settings. We will cover speech writing and delivery, the oral interpretation of literature,  empathetic solutions-based rhetorical models, interviewing, and more. Students will use this class to manage public speaking fears, practice civil discourse, and make their voices heard. Additionally, students who are interested will be equipped to compete in extracurricular speech tournaments in the future.

Rhythms grab and motivate us, weaving through our minds and bodies. DrumLine is a semester course that will learn to read rhythms, rudiments and cadences, march in pep assemblies, perform in the community and at volleyball and basketball games. DrumLine also meets before school on Friday mornings during the semester that we do not have class. We will take time to learn the history of world drums, and explore rhythms from multiple cultures and regions. We also love to make noise and rock the house!

Have you played an instrument for at least 4 or more years? Are you devoted to and passionate about improving that skill? If so, we would love to have you join our orchestra. This group will explore music from a variety of musical periods and styles. Goals include mastering musical techniques and improving sight-reading skills. Performances will include masses, fall and spring concerts, and assemblies. Beginning and intermediate students must take both semesters, but advanced students may join 2nd semester. Students must audition for Mrs. Mulkey to determine if they are beginning, intermediate or advanced.

This class will introduce students to all aspects of backstage work for the stage. Students will be introduced to the design process through carpentry, scenic painting, makeup, costumes, lights, and sound. We will use these skills collaboratively to work on the set design and other elements for our school musical and play. Whether or not you continue with theater after our class, you will develop skills to serve you in life and a variety of creative fields.

Juniors and seniors who have participated in Petit Choeur 1-2 semesters should be ready for the next step! Grand Choeur is an advanced group that leads all masses, and performs in concerts and assemblies while having a blast performing powerful music. Goals include developing healthy vocal habits and technique, improving sight-reading skills, and developing a mastery of musical styles. Performances will include fall, winter, and spring concerts, as well as Masses, tour, and large group festivals.

Do you love to sing? Are you hoping to find a close community of friends? Well this is the place for you. Come join a family bonded with music and learn the fundamentals of singing. We introduce music theory, ear training, and vocal technique, while singing a variety of different songs. Students will perform in the fall concert, as well as a few community events, and lead Masses.

This is a semester course (which can be taken more than once) that engages students in engineering and design activities to enhance knowledge and creative problem-solving skills. This inquiry-based, hands-on curriculum offers an interdisciplinary approach to engineering and design thinking. We will look at real world community issues centered around social justice and civic engagement. Project research will be student driven and could be  centered on any of a number of subjects including but not limited to: robotics, STEAM careers, or theater production.  This course is well suited for students who are working on their senior service project.

Dimensions in Visual Art is for students who want to become more creative in their thinking. Both traditional and digital mediums will be used for class projects. A variety of art mediums will be introduced, including the use of 2D and 3D materials. You will be guided in expression, creativity, and refining problem-solving skills. Historical discovery, self-reflection, visual vocabulary and individual style will be covered. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, students will be limited to taking DIVA one semester.

This introduction to ceramics will familiarize students with fundamental methods of forming clay. The basic techniques for handbuilding (pinch pot, slab construction, and coil construction) will be demonstrated. Craftsmanship, creativity, and an appreciation for the elements that are inherent to well made functional and non-functional pottery are emphasized. Students will learn how to finish their pieces with various types of glaze and firing techniques.

As a continuation of Ceramics I, students will create and problem solve as they design sculptural clay pieces. Students are encouraged to create connections between projects by technique or theme. Students are required to try the pottery wheel during this semester as they continue to grow their confidence in working in clay. A deeper look into both Contemporary and Historical Artists working in 3D will be included in this course.

Students are introduced to the fine craft of photography. Pictorial design skills as well as controlled focus and image editing will be explored. Technical aspects of the camera with both film and digital format are taught through traditional methods such as black-and-white film developing, print processing, and photo imaging software. Photographers, the history of photography, and different types of photographic image making will be introduced.

A continued exploration of photography built on the skills acquired in Photography I. Students will learn to apply advanced imaging techniques and skills through current technologies in camera operation, digital software, and archival printing for creative production and expression. Through various approaches, students will continue developing the fundamental tools, practice, and visual language of the medium. Historical and contemporary photographers and critique strategies will be explored.

This artmaking course offers a personalized approach to continuing to find artists who inspire; artwork that challenges; and different ways to explore passions and express responses. Students will  choose to work in the category of 2D, 3D or Drawing for the semester, which emulates the structure and pacing of AP Art.  Students who are looking for a third semester in Ceramics or Photography class may choose this option as a way to gain a deeper understanding of a particular medium, while building a portfolio of Art. Group critiques with peers will be an important component to this course. This course is a prerequisite to AP Studio Art.

The Advanced Placement Studio Art opportunity is intended for the highly motivated student who wishes to pursue serious study in the Visual Arts. All work is towards the fulfillment of rigorous portfolio requirements set by the College Board. Students will be expected to produce a minimum of 30 works of art in a variety of media, techniques, and subject matter. Each portfolio requires submissions in three distinct sections: Quality, Concentration, and Breadth. Advanced Placement Studio Art at Sion is offered in all three Portfolios: 2D , DRAWING, and 3D.

Students will continue developing skills in leadership and communication in this course, which will be co-sat with the introductory Communication Arts course. Students in Advanced Communication Arts will help teach and model communication and public speaking concepts as well as judge in-class performances. Additionally, advanced students will work independently to prepare events for competition.
Note: Advanced students will be required to compete with a prepared individual event in one weekend tournament as part of receiving credit for the course. Tournament dates to be announced.

Students will continue developing skills in leadership and debate in this course, which will be co-sat with the introductory debate course. Students in Advanced Debate will help teach and model debate concepts as well as judge in-class debates. Additionally, advanced students will work independently to write cases and evidence briefs in preparation for tournaments.
Note: Advanced students will be required to compete in at least TWO weekend debate tournaments as part of receiving credit for the course. Additionally, they are expected to attend weekly practices regularly (once a week during non-tournament weeks and twice a week during tournament weeks). Multiple practice times, both before and after school, will be available to meet students’ scheduling needs.  Tournament dates to be announced.