The arts at Utterback are synonymous with excellence. The expert arts specialists bring students with varied experience, from beginning to advanced, to high levels of achievement. The many performance and showcase opportunities increase motivation to exceed expectations in all arts disciplines. Arts teachers work closely with academic staff to infuse arts in all subjects and presentations. Evening concerts and shows at Utterback are played to a full house, as many community members come to enjoy the high caliber performances in the 400 seat theater. Field trips to see professional artists, as well as guest artists at school are a part of all the arts programs and serve to broaden the students’ experiences. Many 21st Century skills, such as collaboration, self direction, critical thinking and creativity are best learned in arts programs.
Band
There are four bands at Utterback: Cadet Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band. In each band, students improve their skills in reading music, dynamics of music, music vocabulary and music history. Bands have at least three concerts each school year and also will attend an adjudicated festival. Jazz band also performs for special functions throughout Tucson.
Chorus
Students in Chorus get voice training and learn to read and write music. Choral music history and styles are also a part of the curriculum. Members of this class will have opportunities to sing in small groups, as soloists, and with the large group during performances.
Dance
All styles of dance are taught at Utterback with an emphasis on contemporary dance and choreography. Dancers study performance, technique, dancers’ health and injury prevention, the influences of culture on dance, dance history, and costuming and stage setting. Advanced classes have a minimum of two concerts per year and beginning classes will have studio performances during the school day.
Drama
In each of the four levels of drama students learn theater games, acting skills, and to work as an ensemble. Students write and perform their own skits and plays. Drama classes present at least two performances during the year.
Mariachi
Students who are proficient in music literacy, bow techniques, tone production and intonation are eligible for Mariachi. Traditional Mexican music and the repertoire of the culture are the focus of this class. Students perform at least twice in the year and every other year can attend the National Mariachi Conference held in Tucson.
Musical Theater
Musical Theater combines acting, singing and dancing. Students learn improvisation, vocabulary and history of the theater and stagecraft techniques. All participants will have the opportunity to perform during the school year.
Media Arts
Elements of technical theater, film, audio and video production are taught through the Media Arts, Digital Art and Computer Skills classes. Students learn and apply skills in graphic arts, and photography (both digital and film). Opportunities to create digital portfolios, websites and other presentations are a part of each of these courses.
Orchestra
The orchestras at Utterback are for students with all levels of experience: Cadet Orchestra focuses on the fundamentals of each of the string instruments while the most advanced class, Lab Orchestra refines and expands the skills of students who demonstrate fluency on their instrument. All orchestras perform in two concerts, participate in one festival and attend several concerts.
Visual Arts
The elements of art and the principles of design are the basis for all art projects in the visual art classes.
An understanding of these fundamentals allows students to create works of art through many medium such as drawing, painting, weaving, clay, jewelry/metal craft, murals, puppets and much more. The GASP (Great Art by Students and Professionals) students work with professional art in a gallery setting as they are the curators of the Utterback GASP Gallery.
Physical Education
While not one of the arts disciplines, PE is an elective choice for all students. Personal fitness is emphasized along with skill building in individual and team sports. Students receive health lessons weekly to ensure their understanding of the many factors involved in wellness.
