Art I (1/2 or 1 credit): An elective course in the program of San Marcos Academy, the course is a combination of both fine arts and craft and is designed to meet the needs and interest of each individual student. Students are introduced to famous artists and the techniques for which they are most noted and take on individual creative projects that demonstrate the use of the techniques learned. Students may do projects in pottery, sculpture, printing, drawing, painting, weaving, composition and graphic design. All tools and equipment are provided by the school. A fee is charged each semester to cover materials. An extra fee will be charged for extensive projects requiring more expensive materials.

Art II (1/2 or 1 credit) Art II students undertake more advanced projects that show a more in-depth understanding of the elements of design and use of color learned in Art I. (Prerequisite Art I)

Art III, IV (1/2 or 1 credit) These classes are available to qualified students with departmental approval. (Prerequisite Art II or III)

Chapel Choir (1/2 or 1 Credit): The Chapel Choir ensemble supports Chapel Services, performs a holiday season concert and an end of year concert each academic year. The Choir will perform both sacred and secular choral music appropriate to the voicing of the choir.

Concert Band (1/2 or 1 Credit): Concert Band enrolls only instrumentalists with some playing experience. Members of the Concert Band will be auditioned before final admission. The Band will play music appropriate to the performance level and instrumentation available. In addition to class time, the ensemble will also rehearse after school. Students are responsible for their own instruments and instrument maintenance. However, the SMA faculty can assist with instrument rental when necessary.

Preparatory Band (1/2 or 1 Credit): Preparatory Band is for students not ready to enter the Concert Band. This group is open to high school and middle school students wanting to learn a band instrument. In addition to class time, the Preparatory Band will also rehearse after school. Care and rental conditions of instruments are the same as the concert band.

Private Lesson Opportunities: SMA develops a roster of regular and adjunct faculty who are available to teach lessons on piano, voice, guitar and most musical wind or percussion instruments. Students may enroll for a 30-minute or 60 minute lesson per week for 17 weeks of each semester. Students are expected to practice no less than two hours per week per half hour of private lesson instruction.

Applied Music - Piano (1/2 or 1 Credit): Students may enroll for piano at all grade levels. Acoustic pianos and the Roland piano lab are used in both individual and group instruction of all students. Instruction and practice take place within the class periods, and practice rooms are available after school hours, as well. Several field trips to concerts are required. Additional fees may be charged for music field trips, sheet music, Piano Guild and festivals and auditions.

Applied Music - Honors Study in Piano (1/2 or 1 Credit): Students who are approved by the department and administration, may enroll for piano for honors credit. The requirements are based on those outlined for National Membership in the National Fraternity of Student Musicians sponsored by the National Guild of Piano Teachers, and by the Whitlock Theory Test sponsored by the Music Teachers National Association. There will be opportunities for performances and field trips each semester. New students must audition to establish eligibility for the honors program.

Applied Music - Voice, Guitar: Students of all grade levels may enroll for individual lessons in voice or guitar. Voice or Guitar may be taken for credit or without credit. All Applied Music study taken through the Academy will be assessed at the end of each semester of study by means of a performance jury and a short written examination.

Applied Music - Band and Orchestral Instruments: Students of all grade levels may enroll for individual lessons on most band and orchestral instruments. All Applied Music study taken through the Academy will be assessed at the end of each semester by means of a performance jury and a short written examination.
(1) Applied Music fees are as follows: $250.00 for seventeen 30-minute lessons; $500.00 for seventeen 60-minute lessons.
(2) A performance ensemble is a group activity in which every individual makes a unique contribution. Every Band or Choir member is expected to attend all rehearsals and performances of their ensemble.
(3) Unexecused absence from a rehearsal or performance can lead to a failing grade or dismissal from the ensemble.

Applied Music fees are as follows: $250.00 for seventeen 30-minute lessons; $500.00 for seventeen 60-minute lessons.

A performance ensemble is a group activity in which every individual makes a unique contribution. Every Band or Choir member is expected to attend all rehearsals and performances of their ensemble.

Unexecused absence from a rehearsal or performance can lead to a failing grade or dismissal from the ensemble.

Photo journalism (1/2 credit): This course will offer instruction and practical experience in basic digital photography. Classroom instruction will also cover the history of photography, composition, experimental techniques, and ethics. Students must provide their own digital camera.

Theatre Arts (1/2 or 1 Credit): To enroll in this class, students need to have a sincere desire to participate in the production of plays and programs as actors and/or production crew members. Preferably they should have had either a previous speech course or some previous experience with play production. Subject matter covered will include: acting, set design, costuming, theatre history and a study of selected plays. School plays will be cast and produced through this class. Normally the drama program presents at least two plays each year. All students may audition for roles in these productions.