Introduction to Art, a yearlong course, is offered to grades 9 - 12 and is the prerequisite to all other studio art courses. It satisfies the Fine Art requirement for graduation. Introduction to Art stimulates the student to see the environment in a new way through the use of varied experiences in art criticism and written analysis, aesthetics, art history, and art production. Art production is experienced through most of the traditional fine arts media, as well as some of the more contemporary media, including the computer. Emphasis is placed on drawing from direct observation and creative problem solving. Students keep a portfolio of their work. (Prerequisite: None)
Art History I, a semester course is designed for students with good reading skills that may not be comfortable in studio courses and satisfies half of the required Fine Art credit for graduation. This survey course covers the development of the visual arts from the Pre-historic era to the Renaissance. Comparisons of social, cultural, and industrial concepts within any given period and their influences on the arts are studied. The artistic influences from one period to another are creatively examined. Students develop their ability to examine and analyze art intelligently. They also become acquainted with the major forms of expression and gain an understanding of art from other times and cultures. Information is taken from a classroom text, outside research materials, videos and CD- ROMS, and slide identification. This course requires a strong commitment to academic work by the student. (Prerequisite: None)
Art History II, a semester course is designed for students with good reading skills that may not be comfortable in studio courses and satisfies half of the required Fine Art credit for graduation. This survey course covers the development of the visual arts from Renaissance up to and including present times. Comparisons of social, cultural, and industrial concepts within any given period and their influences on the arts are studied. The artistic influences from one period to another are creatively examined. Students develop their ability to examine and analyze art intelligently. They also become acquainted with the major forms of expression and gain an understanding of art from other times and cultures. Information is taken from a classroom text,' outside research materials, videos and CD- ROMS, and slide identification. This course requires a strong commitment to academic work by the student. (Student is not required to have completed Art History I before taking Art History II) (Prerequisite: None)
Ceramics, a semester course, gives students an understanding of three-dimensional art that deals with the clay medium. Students design and build pottery using traditional hand building methods such as slab, coil, and pinch pot. They also use the pottery wheel to create original ceramic pieces. Students are expected to use their knowledge of the elements and principles of design to solve three-dimensional problems in clay, as well as develop the terminology related to the ceramic medium. Course assignments are presented through slides, lectures, handouts and demonstrations. Oral and/or written analysis is used throughout the course. Students participate in a final critique or project analysis of work. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Art; Sophomore Standing)
Drawing, a semester course, allows students to learn to create the illusion of three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional surface by using blending, stippling, hatching, and crosshatching techniques, Subject matter includes still life, human figure, portrait, landscape, and imaginative subject matter. Pencil, charcoal, pastel, conte crayon and pen and ink are the major media explored; however, other less-traditional media, including the computer, are introduced. Students are expected to express their knowledge of the elements and principles of design in their work and through oral and/or written analysis. Emphasis is on drawing from direct observation and on the creation of original images. Sketchbook assignments to be completed as homework are required. Students keep a portfolio of their work. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Art; Sophomore Standing)
Digital Art, an introductory semester course, allows students to learn the computer as a creative tool for both the visual and graphic artist. This course is dedicated exclusively to the exploration of this electronic medium as a fine art form and promotes technology not as an end in itself, but rather as a potentially powerful tool for solving creative problems. Original images are digitized, scanned, enhanced and altered, using primarily Adobe PhotoShop and Adobe Illustrator, the two fundamental programs used in the Commercial and Fine Art field. Page layout, typography design and animation are introduced through applicable software. Experiences in art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and written and/or oral analysis are used throughout the course. Practical and ethical issues regarding digital imaging are explored. Students keep a portfolio of their work. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Art; Sophomore Standing)
Painting, a semester course, provides students with a variety of experiences to improve their knowledge and application of color theory through art production and analysis. Subject matter includes still life, human figure, portrait, landscape, and imaginative subject matter. A variety of media are used which may include tempera, watercolor, acrylic, and oil pastel. Emphasis is placed on rendering from observation and the creation of original images. Students keep a portfolio of their work (Prerequisite: Introduction to Art, Drawing; Sophomore Standing)
Sculpture, a semester course, is designed to give students the opportunity to develop skills and solve problems related to the three-dimensional aspect of sculptural art. Students learn to work with negative I positive space while designing and building three-dimensional forms with a variety of media. Students utilize the elements of art and the principles of design, as well as develop terminology related to Sculpture. Course assignments are presented through slides, lectures, handouts and demonstrations. Oral and/or written analysis is used throughout the course. Students are required to participate in a final critique or project analysis of their work. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Art, Drawing; Sophomore Standing)
Photography I, a semester course, covers the use of a Single- Lens-Reflex camera that uses 35-mm film. The functions and uses of ISO settings, the focus ring, aperture settings, and shutter speed settings are taught. Skills taught include artistic composition, the developing of black and white film, and using an enlarger to make photographs. Assignments include creative use of camera controls, contrasting light situations, portraits and individual selection of subject matter. An introduction to the digital camera is presented. Lectures, worksheets, tests and written research projects are given throughout the semester. Criticism and analysis of final work is incorporated throughout the semester and students keep a portfolio to review at the end of the course. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Art and Instructor Approval; Sophomore Standing)
Photography II, a semester course is an advanced version of Photography I. Ways to improve composition, creativity, technical control of the negative and print, and presentation are taught. Students learn new ways to manipulate the negative and print, studio lighting, flash photography, and the use of a digital camera to enhance and manipulate photographs on the computer. A variety of options for subject matter are given. Photographic motivations (aesthetic, documentary, analytical and commercial) are explored plus written research on photographic areas and photographers will be required. Criticism and analysis are incorporated throughout the course. A portfolio of photographs is required at the end of the semester. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Art, Photography I; Instructor Approval)
Graphic Design, a semester course, is an introductory study of the principles and practices of graphic design, layout and typography as it applies to advertising and marketing. This course stresses a visual approach to problem solving in design, image making techniques, vocabulary, materials and production processes standard to the professional art industry. Discussion and instruction includes the purpose and effects of advertising, targeting the audience, readability, impact, and fads. Graphic Design projects include the original design and production of some of the following: a product package; an illustration; an advertising layout for a magazine; a direct mailing and/or newspaper; a book and/or CD cover; an advertising billboard or poster; a T-shirt; a corporate or personal logo. The computer is the primary media used, however, some traditional media are utilized when necessary. Basic knowledge of Adobe PhotoShop and Adobe Illustrator (learned from the Digital Art class) is expected. Written and/or oral analysis is used throughout the course. Students keep a portfolio of their work. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Art, Digital Art; Sophomore Standing)
Commercial Illustration, a semester course, concentrates on illustration techniques adaptable to commercial philosophy. Students review and critique the work of contemporary and master artists, and create full color illustrations in various styles and media, including the computer, photography, paint and ink. They also become familiar with different types of illustrations: advertising, corporate, humorous, fashion, and technical. Composition is stressed and color theory, as applied to commercial philosophy, is integrated throughout the course. Minimal lettering is expected. Oral and/or written analysis is used throughout the course. Students keep a portfolio of their work. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Art, Drawing, Digital Art)
Advanced Drawing and Painting, a semester course, is designed to provide the student with an in-depth study of drawing and painting. Students deal with life drawing and painting in various media. Students also deal with conceptual ideas in art and learn to advance their own problem solving abilities. Students are involved in self-critiques, as well as class critiques. Students keep a portfolio of their work. This class is an in-depth studio art experience. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Art, Drawing, Painting)
Introduction to Theatre, is a semester long course offered to grades 9-12 and the prerequisite to all other theatre courses. This course will satisfy one-half of the fine art graduation requirements. This course will introduce the students to the creative process as it applies to theatre. This course will involve students being introduced to the performing and technical aspects of theatre. This course will utilize several performance-based projects and some line memorizations will be required. Students will be expected to attend and critique one live theatrical performance. (Prerequisite: None)
Introduction to Acting, is a semester long course offered to students in grades 9-12 who have successfully completed Introduction to Theatre. This course will satisfy one-half of the fine art graduation requirements. Students will become aware of the creative process as it applies to acting. They will be required to prepare various memorized performances. Units of study may include performance styles, ensemble work, and individual performances. (Prerequisite: Intro to Theatre)
Introduction to Technical Theatre, is a semester long course offered to students in grades 9-12 who have successfully completed Introduction to Theatre. Students will explore the basic elements of technical theatre. Units of study will include: theatrical safety, technical terminology, basic scene painting, elements of lighting and sound, basic stage make-up application, and elements of costuming. Students will be expected to complete numerous projects in the subject areas. (Prerequisite: Intro to Theatre)
Film Studies and Application, is a yearlong course offered as an elective to students in grades 11-12. This course will explore the many styles and genres of film. The class will explore film from its creation to modern day cinema. Students will apply techniques explored through films discussed in class. (Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing)
Theatre for Youth, is a semester long course offered to students in grades 10-12 who have successfully completed Introduction to Acting and have been accepted through an audition. This class will examine the wealth of youth literature and its adaptability to live performances. Emphasis will be on improvised and prepared scripts. This course will focus on creating, developing, and performance of a theatre for Youth production. (Prerequisite: Intro to Theatre and Intro to Acting and Instructor Approval)
Advanced Acting, is a yearlong course offered to students in grades 10-12 who have successfully completed Introduction to Acting. This course will allow students to delve more deeply into acting techniques. Emphasis will be on performance techniques, advanced exploration of character, theatrical movement and styles, and advanced ensemble work. (Prerequisite: Intro to Theatre, Intro to Acting and Instructor Approval)
Technical Theatre I is a year long advanced course offered to students in grades 10-12 who have successfully completed Introduction to Technical Theatre. This course is designed for those students interested in a more in depth study of technical theatre. This is a course in set construction, scenic painting, introduction to design, properties management, and costuming. Instructional units will be followed by demonstrations and application. (Prerequisite: Intro to Theatre, Intro to Technical Theatre)
Technical Theatre II, is a year long advanced course offered to students in grades 11-12 who have successfully completed Technical Theatre I. This course is offered to students interested in pursing advanced technical Theatre. Students will explore and apply stage lighting and sound, advanced scenic design, and practical applications of technical theatre. (Prerequisite: Intro to Theatre, Intro to Technical Theatre, Technical Theatre I)
Music in Our Lives is a single semester non performing class. This course views music from a social context as a natural and essential ingredient in the student's own life and also as related to human life in all cultures and historical times. Many types of music will be studied, from ancient to modern, serious to popular. Students will be encouraged to understand the uses of music as a human expression and as a social marker of a certain time and culture, and to respond intelligently to a wide range of styles. Career opportunities in music will also be explored. (Prerequisite: None)
Women's Choir is a yearlong course open to girls interested in vocal and choral music. The study of terms, vocal techniques, music theory and history, sight singing and performance skills will be emphasized through a variety of choral literature. Required concert participation is included in the student's grade.
Men's Choir is a yearlong course open to boys interested in vocal and choral music. The study of terms, vocal techniques, music theory and history, sight singing and performance skills will be emphasized through a variety of choral literature. Required concert participation is included in student's grade. (Prerequisite: Instructor's Approval)
Concert Choir is a yearlong course open to students interested in vocal and choral music who have shown the skills and abilities necessary to succeed in a moderately advanced performance group. Students will be accepted into the group through audition based upon available openings per voice section to maintain proper balance. The study of terms, vocal techniques, music theory and history, sight singing and performance skills will be emphasized through a variety of choral literature. Required concert participation is included in the student's grade. (Prerequisite: Instructor's Approval)
Chamber Choir is a yearlong course that will generally be considered an advanced performing group of students who show the vocal skills and maturity of attitude necessary to succeed in a demanding course. The advanced study of terms, vocal techniques, music theory and history, sight singing and performance skills will be emphasized through a variety of choral literature, with an emphasis on chamber choir literature, madrigals, and jazz/show choir music. Auditions will be held the previous spring based upon available openings per voice section to maintain proper balance. Required concert participation is included in the student's grade. (Prerequisite: Instructor's Approval)
High School Beginning Band is a single semester non- performance based course, designed to meet the needs of those students that would like the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument that did not start in Middle School. Those students who would like to learn a secondary instrument to meet the instrumentation needs of High School Bands or for personal development should consider this class as well. Instrumentation is limited to wind and percussion instruments only. Upon completion of this course, the student will be expected to enroll in a Band class. Students will need to supply their own instrument, except for large instruments provided by the school. (Prerequisite: Instructor approval)
Symphonic Band is a yearlong course, designed to further refine the skills that students learn in High School Beginning Band or Middle School Band. Members are chosen from the general school population by audition and consent of the Band Director, the spring prior to any given school year. Membership in Marching Band is required of all Symphonic Band members, unless exempted by director.
Symphonic Wind Ensemble is a yearlong performance based course, to further refine the skills that students learn in Symphonic Band or Middle School Band. Students involved will be more experienced instrumentalists. Members are chosen from the general school population by audition and consent of the Band Director, the spring prior to any given school year. Membership in Marching Band is required of all Symphonic Wind Ensemble members, unless exempted by director.
Jazz Band is a yearlong performance based course designed to be a highly select performing group. Membership is by audition only. It is suggested that the student also be enrolled in Symphonic Band or Symphonic Wind Ensemble. The traditional Jazz Band instrumentation will be used. A variety of Jazz Styles will be studied and performed. Emphasis will be on listening to the art of jazz improvisation. Extensive performances are required. Attendance at performances will be required as part of the student's grade. (Prerequisite: Audition and Instructor Approval)
Jazz Improvisation Lab is a single semester non-performance based course. The class is open to students who are proficient on a traditional band or orchestra instrument or voice (upon recommendation of the band, choir or orchestra director). Emphasis will be placed on the development of improvisational techniques. Extensive study of chords, scales and theory used in the development of improvisation will be done. Performance practices of various jazz artists that have been influential in the development of jazz as an art form will be studied. Literature studied will include combo-based jazz standards and "Jamey Aebersold" materials. Extensive listening of various jazz artists is essential in this development. (Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in band, choir or orchestra and Instructor Approval)
This is a performing orchestra for 9th graders. Training is provided in the technical skills and music reading skills needed to perform standard string orchestra literature. Students will perform music from a broad range of styles. Attendance at scheduled performances and after school rehearsals is mandatory and part of the required class work. Training is provided to prepare the students to perform the more demanding literature performed by the Advanced Orchestra and/or Symphonic Orchestra. Students are encouraged to participate in appropriate enrichment opportunities, such as private lessons, Metro 8 Orchestra, All State Orchestra, Solo and Ensemble Festival, and various community orchestras. Students must provide their own instruments. (Prerequisite: Eighth Grade Concert Orchestra or evidence of equivalent training satisfactory to the instructor.)
Symphonic Orchestra is a yearlong course for grades 10-12. Further training is provided both in technical skills and in music reading. Advanced string orchestra literature is performed. Students will perform music from a broad range of styles. Attendance at scheduled performances and after school rehearsals is part of the required class work and is mandatory. Training is provided which will enable the student to continue music training and or performance beyond the high school level. Students must provide their own instruments. Cellos and Basses are available for use at school.
Music Theory is a single semester course designed for the serious music student who desires advanced music study. This course will eliminate the mystery of the composition of music and convince students that music is a highly organized form of communication. Theory includes note reading, scale construction, interval study, basic chord structure, ear training, melodic and rhythmic development, extended harmonic structure and simple four-part writing. (Prerequisite: Instructor's Approval)
Class Guitar I is a semester long course in basic music fundamentals which will be taught using the guitar. This course is not designed for students with guitar experience. Instruments will be provided for students who cannot supply their own. The fundamentals of acoustic guitar playing will be taught, including tuning, playing technique, basic music notation, and sight reading. The student will learn to play melody lines as well as basic chords in several keys. Only acoustic guitars will be used. Opportunities will be given to play both alone and in ensembles.
Students continue to receive instruction in music reading skills, right and left hand techniques and ensemble performance. Students will learn advanced techniques in guitar performance. Music in a variety of different styles will be rehearsed. The course will prepare students to perform the guitar as a melodic and accompanying instrument beyond high school. Guitars are available for use at school. (Prerequisite: Instructor Approval)