In this photography course students will experiment with analog film photography and Photoshop. Students will create a portfolio over the course of the semester focusing on a theme of the student's choice. Students will add to their digital portfolio created in Photography 2. Students will organize and contribute to a group photography exhibition. In addition, students will continue to explore and research photographers and their contributions to today's society. Evaluation will be through group and individual critiques.

This course is a continuing and deepening of the students understanding of the concepts and techniques introduced in Photography 1. This course focuses on photography as art as a creative means of personal self-expression. Evaluation will be through group and individual critiques. Students will complete five digital projects and three print projects over the course of the semester. Students will be primarily using Adobe Lightroom software. Students will compile and arrange a digital portfolio by the end of the semester.

This course is an introduction to digital photography as a means of personal self-expression. Creativity, composition, technical skills, and presentation are emphasized. Photographic history will also be explored. Students will complete four print projects over the course of the semester utilizing Adobe Lightroom software. Evaluation will be through project-based critiques and assessments.

In this course, students use technique and knowledge developed in Intro to Percussion and apply it to the study and performance of advanced percussion ensemble and world music repertoire. Continued emphasis is placed on technical and musical advancement. UC/CSU approved course. Placement based on audition.

In this course students use skills developed in previous Percussion Ensemble courses, applying them to the study and performance of college level percussion repertoire. Placement based on audition.

Intro to Percussion Ensemble is a performance-based ensemble for students who have previous musical experience (on any instrument) or who are currently learning to play percussion instruments or piano. Students will develop skills on a variety of percussion instruments and apply these skills to the performance of symphonic percussion repertoire and world music drumming. Students will perform in both small and large ensembles. This course will also incorporate essential knowledge of the elements of music including sound, instrumentation, rhythm, notation, melody, harmony, form, texture, performance, and style.

Symphonic Band is a performance-based ensemble for individuals who have previous experience playing woodwind, brass or percussion instruments (percussion by audition only or Introduction to Percussion as prerequisite). Symphonic Band is the fundamental instrumental ensemble within the department and is designed to build knowledge of performance technique and theory. Students must provide their own instrument with the exception of the following school-owned instruments, which may be available for students to use during the year (Piccolo, Oboe, English Horn, Bassoon, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba). Symphonic Band includes a unit in Pep which includes 4 evening local football games and 2-3 on campus basketball games.

Ultimate is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, gaining appeal because of its combination of explosive athleticism with limited contact and an emphasis on individual responsibility. The defining quality of ultimate is called “The Spirit of the Game,” which asks each player, coach, and spectator to take an active role in creating a positive sport environment. For example, players are required to call their own fouls and to work out disputed calls with one another on the field. Bellarmine’s club takes this further, asking student leaders of the club to take a role planning club activities and practices, as well as mentoring new players and teams at other schools. We are pleased to see a significant percentage of our team’s alumni playing college ultimate for programs such as USC, UC Davis, Cal Poly, Santa Clara, and Gonzaga, among others.

In a sport that has both men’s and coed divisions, Bellarmine’s team is co-fielded with Notre Dame High School (San Jose), and bears the name of a neutral mascot, the Frisbeasts. The team practices two afternoons per week beginning in August and plays a competitive season that runs February through May. In addition to playing competitively, the team prides itself on supporting developing ultimate programs in our region,

Coming off an undefeated league regular season and a sixth-place finish in the state in 2018, the 2019 team featured a younger roster anchored by seniors Aidan and Declan Bernal and played its way to a finish in the middle of our league. The 2020 team will feature strong sophomore and junior classes as well as a group of seniors –Andres Ibarra, Jadon Gaertner, Austin Cottarel, Marcus Ma, and Luke Wilhelm – who have grown with the team and will provide leadership in a season that we enter with high expectations.

Bellarmine Rugby in the modern era began in 1980. It morphed into College Park Rugby for a number of years and returned to campus in 2007. We currently field a varsity and a junior varsity team and play under the auspices of Rugby NorCal and USA Rugby. The season, during which we compete against other single school and club teams from northern California, lasts from January through early May.

Rugby is a fast-growing sport in northern California and the bay area. We compete in 15’s (15 players on a side) during the academic year and in sevens or Olympic Rugby (7 players to a side) during the summer. Sevens returned to the Olympics in 2016, after a hiatus that began in 1924. The U.S. won the gold medal in Rugby (15’s) in 1920 and 1924.

Rugby is the consummate team sport, providing constant opportunities for BCP players to grow as “men for others”, on and off the pitch. “With you” is an oft heard refrain during games, as players communicate that they are in support of their teammates. Communication, support of others and decision making are fundamentals of rugby that are developed in practice and during games, and serve players off the field and in life. Some would argue that rugby, besides being the most fun game on the planet, may be the most Ignatian in its nature as well.

Most BCP rugby players go on to play in college and many continue to play at the club level post college. Former players have made their marks on teams at Boston College, Providence College, Georgetown, Loyola of Chicago, Seattle University, Nevada Reno, Cal Poly SLO, Colorado State, CSU Chico, CSU San Jose, Creighton, Santa Clara, University of Ariona, USC, UCLA, USD, USF, Gonzaga, LMU and other schools. 

The BCP coaches have over 200 years of rugby experience in the bay area, as players, coaches and referees.  Our goal is to provide a positive experience to our players, to develop and to form them as physically fit, competent, communicative and compassionate, as well as responsible, citizens and leaders.

For more info contact Terry Ryan or Norm Boccone.

Roller hockey has been a club sport at Bellarmine for more than 15 years. Although there are many commonalities to the version played on ice, there are some key differences unique to roller hockey that make it more than just “hockey on wheels”. Roller hockey games are played with 4 skaters and a goalie. There are no offsides or icing calls and contact with opposing players is limited to when you are competing for the puck. As a result, there is more space on the rink, no advantage for larger skaters, and overall, less stoppage time which translates to a quick, high intensity game, coupled with creativity and skill.

BCP Roller Hockey competes in the high school hockey league hosted by The Plex, a sports and entertainment venue that boasts two pro-level indoor hockey rinks. The league is broken into three seasons, Fall/Winter/Spring, each consisting of ten regular season games and a single elimination playoff that all teams qualify for. Students have the option to join the club for any or all seasons to accommodate other school and personal commitments. The number of divisions depends on how many schools register a team each season, but there is typically a Varsity and JV division, both of which BCP participates in. This allows players of all skill levels to have fun, develop their skills, and be competitive.

While there are no cuts and a lighter atmosphere as a club sport, there is still an element of seriousness to how the team approaches games and engages in practices. This discipline translates to many years of success in the high school hockey league, including the three championships BCP Roller Hockey won during the 2021-2022 season.

To learn more, contact the club sport moderators who will connect you with the BCP Roller Hockey coaches. Not sure if roller hockey is for you, stop by one of our practices and try it out!