Departments

The Fine Arts Department promotes the development of student talent, both individually and collectively, while striving to provide an education that promotes creative learning, critical thinking, and excellence in the arts. Each individual develops a sense of artistic integrity and self-confidence through participation within the various art disciplines. Through experiences in visual art, drama, and music, students are prepared for further study and for lifelong appreciation of the arts.

The Fine Arts Department offers a comprehensive array of classes to meet student needs and interests. Visual arts students have numerous opportunities to exhibit their work within the school, at various festivals, and in shows and competitions. Performing arts’ students also have numerous opportunities to perform in plays, musical productions, concerts, worship services, and school events. Students are also provided a growing program of music instruction, competitions, and events to further develop their talents and interests.

VISUAL ARTS ELECTIVES

Studio Art

½ credit, Grade 9,10,11,12

Prerequisite: none; may be taken up to 3 times

This course provides the student with a well-rounded introduction to art practice and aesthetics, theory and history. Students will experience the actual working situations of a visual artist, while learning the context of the art world. Aesthetics will be covered in relation to actual studio work in a variety of media. This course will be the basis for further independent study in art.

3-D Design

½ credit , Grade 10,11,12

Prerequisite: none, may be taken up to 2 times

3-D Design is a course that introduces students to the basic concepts of creating and building in three dimensions. Students will create small maquette sculptures in clay, large-scale works in paper mache, a variety of sketches and planning items in various materials, and assemblage. The intent is to create a comfortable working atmosphere for the new art student to experience what it is like to be a sculptor or other 3-D artist. Emphasis will be placed on the paper mache building lesson, with a variety of finishes: sgraffito, acrylic paint, bare paper watercolor surface with polymer sealer, and other color and grayscale finishes. An introduction to sketching will be an integral part of the course. Learning to render, mix colors for surfaces, and some of the basic technical aspects of the work will be an important aspect of the work. Art history and appreciation will be covered as it pertains to the 3-D art. A variety of artists in 3-D will be covered, and “mini reports” and presentations about these ground breaking artists will be a critical aspect of the course.

Photography

½ credit, Grade 10,11,12

This is a beginning course in photography and darkroom technique. The student will learn to use a 35mm SLR camera and to compose a ‘good’ photograph. The student will also learn how to work in a darkroom: enlarging and developing prints and negatives. Additionally, this course provides instruction in custom matting of artwork, the history of photography, as well as a few alternative processes: pinhole photography, photograms, and hand coloring. The student is expected to buy their own darkroom supplies or order them through the school, costing them approximately $50.00 for the semester

Advanced Photography

½ credit, Grade 10,11,12

Prerequisite: Photography

As a continuation of Photography, this course allows the students to dive further into their specific area of interest as a photographer. Photography II will focus on compiling a body of cohesive photographs, as well as refining camera and darkroom techniques. Working collectively, the class will also explore the work of several photographers of the past. The class will also experiment with alternative processes. The student is expected to buy their own supplies or order them through the school.

Portfolio Development (Honors)

1 credit, Grade 11,12

Prerequisite: In-depth advanced experience, evidenced by a portfolio.

Designed for the serious student of art, this course is for students who wish to apply to college as an art major, develop a portfolio, achieve a scholarship in visual art, or pursue a career in art-making. Emphasis is placed on creating a cohesive portfolio for college entrance in a School of Art or for a competitive placement in a wide variety of studio art settings. Students will work in many 2-D and 3-D forms. Twenty college-level artworks will be produced in this year-long course. Students will be evaluated by critiques, reviews and participation in campus and community exhibitions.

DRAMATIC ARTS ELECTIVES

Introduction to Drama

½ credit, Grade 9,10,11,12

This course is designed with the first-time drama student in mind. The student is introduced to basic acting techniques and theatre terminology through the study of mime, readers’ theatre, improvisation, character observation, duet acting, and monologues. Grading is based primarily on skill progression and quality of applied concepts; however, students will also be quizzed on information given during lecture/instruction and text material

Scene Study

½ credit, Grade 10,11,12

Prerequisite: Introduction to Drama; may be taken more than once.

This class is designed for the disciplined theatre student. Course work will focus on the analysis and performance of scenes and monologues. This process will often involve intensive work in groups of two or more as students explore the ideas and acting styles of various plays, playwrights, and periods of theatre.

Technical Drama

1 credit, Grade 9,10,11,12

This course provides detailed introduction to technical theatre and engenders an appreciation and understanding of the different areas of theatre production. Starting with a brief overview of theatre history and necessary background material, the course explores the basics of scenic, lighting, and sound design, stage management, costume and prop conceptualization through a combination of lectures and experiential learning. In class, students will learn the basics of set design, how to read and draft a basic ground plan and section, and how to create a model of a set design. Students will be assigned a production position, which will enable them to learn more about a specific area of expertise.

Film Study

½ credit, Grade 11,12

This course involves an extensive study of the history of film. Both the technological and sociological aspects of film are studied in a chronological pattern enabling the student to evaluate the development of film as an art form and as a representation of modern culture. Silent and Modern film eras are studied. Films are viewed and discussed in class.

Speech

½ credit, Grade 9,10,11,12

Speech introduces the student to the exacting discipline and fine art of the spoken word in its various forms of expression. It is, therefore, hoped that this course will foster confidence and pride in oral communication, which should prove helpful in other course work. Students are graded on basic skills such as projection, diction, phrasing, timing, and expression. Various literary genres are utilized such as poetry, drama, and stories to help students learn the art of speaking. Students will research, write, and present formal speeches.

VOCAL MUSIC ELECTIVES

Chorus

1 credit, Grade 9,10,11,12

This course is for the student who has an interest in choral singing. Students will be studying and performing a variety of music from different periods and styles. Students will also learn the skills necessary to read music notation and to understand and interpret a musical score. Students are required to attend all special rehearsals and performances in which the chorus participates

Advanced Chorus

1 credit, Grade 9,10,11,12

Prerequisite: By audition or teacher recommendation; may be taken more than once for credit.

Advanced chorus is an ensemble for singers with prior vocal experience. This class may be grouped by sex (SSA or TTB) or may be a mixed ensemble (SATB). Advanced vocal techniques and choral literature of all styles and periods will be studied and performed. Students will sing for Mass, school assemblies and concerts. Attendance at all special rehearsals and performances is required.

Ensemble

1 credit, Grade 9,10,11,12

Prerequisite: By audition; may be taken more than once for credit.

“The Chorale” is a specialized group of excellent singers who are capable of singing independent lines a cappella. Challenging repertoire is rehearsed and performed with an emphasis on blend, balance and appropriate performance practice. Performances include those of the Advanced Chorus plus community and civic groups.

Show Choir

1 credit, Grade 9,10,11,12

Prerequisite: By audition; may be taken more than once for credit.

This is a performance based course that covers many styles of music with emphasis in popular, jazz, and show tunes while dancing in the Broadway, jazz, and ballet style. Various ensemble opportunities in the Show choir style of live performance will exist. Student choreograph is encouraged.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC ELECTIVES

Advanced Band

1 credit, Grade 9,10,11,12

Prerequisites: Permission of Band Director; may be taken more than once for credit.

Evaluation is based on daily in-school rehearsal preparation, participation and etiquette; regular practice and consequent skill development; participation in all performances; playing tests; written tests and quizzes.

Advanced String Ensemble

1 credit, Grade 9,10,11,12

Prerequisites: Audition and permission of Band Director; may be taken more than once for credit.

Evaluation is based on regular attendance at one Thursday after-school weekly ensemble rehearsal and all performances; Continued evidence that the student is receiving professional individual instruction from a specialist teacher (outside the school; and daily individual practice during any consequently created free period.

Piano

½ credit, Grade 9,10,11,12

This is a beginning course in piano and general music. The class primarily focuses on piano/keyboard technique, music reading, and music theory. The student will also explore music history and composition.