Fine Arts

2019-2020 Course Offerings (2.5 credits to graduate)

Visual Arts

Humanities (Summer School only)

This one-semester course will introduce students to viewing and responding to the world around them through the lens of fine arts. Jesuit education historically has encouraged appreciation for and cultivation of the fine arts, both for their own sake and as a manifestation of the creativity present in the world that ultimately comes from God. In this course students will be exposed to: the use of art as a means of universal communication today and throughout history; new forms of expression through art; and varied viewpoints and voices in art.

Mobile Media (Summer School Only)

In Mobile Media the student will learn how harness the power of photography & video on their phone or mobile device. Through the creation of specific videos and photo projects students will learn the importance of composition, exposure, pacing, lighting, & editing in order to craft content that conveys a compelling and meaningful story or message.

2D Art Digital Photography Elective--One Semester

Students will learn the fundamentals of digital photography, including history, photographic composition, camera operation, techniques, professional applications, printing, and digital editing and manipulation using Adobe Photoshop and similar programs. Students will develop an electronic and printed portfolio of color and black and white photographs. A digital camera with at least four megapixels and an at least 256 megabyte memory card is required for the course.

2D Art –Advanced Photography Elective--One Semester

Prerequisite: 2D Art Digital Photography

Honors Credit. Students will build on their Digital Photography experience and continue developing their photography skills and knowledge through black and white, color, film, digital and multimedia projects along with hands on lab work and photo critiques. Students will add to a portfolio of their own work, which will contain photographs, reflection and research. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.

2D Art-Graphic Design Elective--One Semester

The Graphic Design course introduces the use of image manipulation as a means of creating, organizing and communicating ideas and information, generated through word and imagery. It will introduce students to Macromedia Fireworks, Macromedia Freehand, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and other image manipulation and page payout program. Students will study design and layout principles for presentation (video, computer, and exhibition), printed materials, and illustration.

2D Art—Beginning Drawing and Composition Elective--One Semester

Students develop their drawing skills while they begin to learn the vocabulary associated with the study of the arts. Students emulate the great masters' styles, learn depth, shading, texture, and composition as they form a beginning portfolio of their skills and designs. The course is open to any student regardless of talent. Students are encouraged and graded based on improvement of innate talent. Drawing tools and paper are required for the course.

2D Art-Advanced Drawing Elective-One Semester

Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing and Composition

Honors Credit. In this class students will create works in a variety of media based upon their drawings. Drawing skills will be improved while students explore pen and ink, pastel, charcoal wash, colored and watercolor pencil. Artwork produced in Advanced Drawing may be included in AP portfolios. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.

Studio Art-Mixed Media Elective-One Semester

This course will cover techniques and applications from Modern Art movements such as Impressionism, Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, Minimalism, Pop Art, Action Painting and Street Art. Students will use combinations of traditional and non-traditional 2D and 3D art media and techniques such as painting, canvas, collage, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and photography as they learn to design, compose and exhibit their own creative, expressive work.

Studio Art-Advanced Mixed Media Elective-One Semester

Prerequisite: Studio Art-Mixed Media

Assigned projects address fundamental technical and conceptual problems suggested by historical and recent artistic practice that were discovered in Mixed Media. After guided assignments, emphasis is on self-directed projects and a group show will be issued at the end of the semester showcasing the students' work.

2D Art-Painting Elective-One Semester

Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing and Composition

Students will learn to paint by trying new materials, tools, subjects and approaches. Students will see and record a variety of subject matter while exploring several techniques. Students will learn to design and compose their work while communicating feelings, thoughts, beliefs and convictions through painting. Paintings produced in Painting I may be included in the AP Portfolios.

2D Art Advanced Painting Elective-One Semester

Prerequisite: 2-D Art Painting

Honors Credit. Advanced Painting is a class for the student desiring an in-depth exploration of oil paint medium and techniques. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.

2D Art Printmaking Elective-One Semester

Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing and Composition

Students will be introduced to a variety of printmaking techniques. Drawing techniques will be adapted to produce works using mono-printing, woodblock prints, gelatin prints, linoleum cuts, and other printing media.

3D Art- Ceramics Elective-One Semester (10TH-12TH GRADES ONLY)

This course functions at an introductory level of the art of ceramics, teaching the fundamental techniques of hand building and wheel throwing. Students must understand and demonstrate their understanding of clay and glaze properties and the firing process in creation of completed works. Emphasis will be placed on works of quality as well as works of expression. Students will be expected to publicly exhibit their work.

3D Art- Advanced Ceramics Elective-One Semester (10TH-12TH GRADES ONLY)

Prerequisites: 3D Art Ceramics and a portfolio review by the instructor.

Honors Credit. Students will extend their learning experience in ceramics by learning advanced techniques that include mold-making, advanced wheel-throwing, large-form abstract and representational sculptural pieces, new firing procedures, and advanced glazing methods. Emphasis will be placed on work of the highest quality, and the course will culminate with a public presentation. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.

3D Art-Sculpture Elective-One Semester (10TH-12TH GRADES ONLY)

Students will create three dimensional works of art using direct carving and building processes in a variety of materials. Clay, wood, plaster and metal are among the materials to be introduced.

3D Art-Advanced Sculpture Elective-One Semester (10TH-12TH GRADES ONLY)

Prerequisite: 3D Art-Sculpture

Students will further hone their understanding and technique of sculpture, building on their abilities learned in the eD Art-Sculpture studio.

Contemporary Cinema Elective-One Semester (10TH-12TH GRADES ONLY)

Contemporary Cinema is a half-credit art elective that explores the human condition, human expression, and human achievement in contemporary cinematic arts. Students will study contemporary films, directors and critics with an emphasis on evaluating film as an art form. In addition, this course investigates contemporary themes most relevant to young adults such as those related to family, friendship, maturation, education, technology, and art itself. The course seeks to understand how art influences and represents the world in which students live. Students discuss films weekly, reflect through writing, make presentations to their classmates, and create art inspired by cinema.

AP Studio Art Elective-Full Year

Requirements:

The AP Studio Art Drawing/Design section requires two upper level Fine Arts classes, Portfolio Review, Teacher Recommendation, AP Application.

The AP Studio Art Photography section requires IFA (Replaced by Humanities in 2014/15), Digital Photography, Advanced Photography, Portfolio Review, Teacher Recommendation and AP Application.

In AP Studio Art classes, students develop one of two portfolio types to submit for evaluation by an AP committee at the end of the school year. These classes are designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. Students will need to work outside the classroom as well as in it. It is recommended that AP students have previous training in art and be seriously interested in the study of art.

The Drawing Portfolio consists of 5 actual works, 12 works organized around a compelling mark making visual concentration, and 12 works demonstrating a breadth of mark making concepts, media, and approaches.

The 2-D Design Portfolio consists of 5 actual works, 12 works organized around a compelling design visual concentration, and 12 works demonstrating a breadth of design concepts, media, and approaches.

2D Art-Advanced Video Production Elective-One Semester

Prerequisites: Mobile Media or Digital Photo

Honors credit. Advance principles and techniques of video production will be utilized/explored. Advanced video aesthetics and narrative design, working with performers, and directing various formats will be the core of study. Advanced camera operation/videography, editing and digital video effects are also explored. The majority of projects will take place in the field (i.e. 30 second commercial spot, documentaries, live stand-up, film shorts, etc.). As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.

2D Art-Digital Storytelling Elective-One Semester

Prerequisites: Adv. Video Production

Honors Credit. Brophy’s Digital Storytelling class enables students to discover and develop stories through the use of digital media. Students will be presented with an overview of storytelling composition and presentation. This includes elements of a visual story, the power of a story, and the variety of ways one can present a story to an audience. Students will understand the importance of voice, place, and culture when telling a story. They will be able to apply this knowledge through the creation of specific videos incorporating artistic composition and editing. Advanced principles and techniques of composition, camera operation, editing style and structure, and digital content will also be explored. (i.e. the use of advanced photo/video software and equipment to create unique and original content) Projects will range from documentary and archival video to digital animation and kinetic typography. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.

Photojournalism Elective-Full Year

Prerequisite: Students should have successfully completed Journalism and have a positive recommendation from the instructor.

Honors Credit. This course explores the visual and ethical dynamics of print, online and multimedia journalism/photojournalism. These students form the leadership of Brophy’s Roundup publication. Students will work as editors in assigning articles and photographs, design newspaper and online spreads using computer pagination, and produce multimedia projects using still photographs, video and audio files. Students will edit work from Journalism I and fellow Photojournalism students, as well as be responsible for creating their own work. As an advanced, honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive.

Musical Arts

Band course normal progression:

Concert Band (Beginning Band) Elective-Full Year

Prerequisites: Prior study of a band instrument (woodwind, brass, percussion) is beneficial, but not required for this novice/intermediate-level band class. Students with no musical instrument experience can join this class.

This course is designed for freshmen instrumental students (woodwind, brass and percussion) from novice through intermediate level, who wish to either begin or continue fundamental instruction on a band instrument. This course is also appropriate for advanced high school students who wish to learn a secondary instrument, while still playing their primary instrument in another band class. Concert Band will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and developing individual responsibility as it relates to being a valuable contributing member of musical performing group. Elements of music theory will also be included.

Through active participation in class and regular practice at home students will acquire and/or develop: correct embouchure and characteristic tone; proper fundamental playing technique; ability to discern and adjust intonation; awareness of ensemble balance and blend; and an understanding and appreciation of music from the perspective of the performing artist. Required public performances will include quarterly band concerts, Brophy community and civic events, and selected Brophy athletic events, as well as Fall, Winter, and Spring adjudicated band festivals/contests.

Students will receive a SmartMusic subscription to support their study/practicing outside of class. Students will supply their own instrument/accessories, and will purchase required uniform components (students experiencing financial need can receive assistance from Brophy for these items).

Symphonic Band (Intermediate Band) Elective-Full Year

Prerequisites: One to two years of prior study of a band instrument (woodwind, brass, percussion), Concert Band and/or a placement audition is required for this proficient-level band class.

This course is designed for instrumental students at a proficient level who wish to pursue advancing instruction on a band instrument. Symphonic Band can also serve as a refresher course for high school students who wish to rejoin band after one or more semesters of non-enrollment. Symphonic Band will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and fulfilling individual responsibility as it relates to being a valuable contributing member of musical performing group. Elements of music theory and music history will also be included.

Through active participation in class and regular practice at home students will further develop: characteristic tone; proper technique; ability to discern and adjust intonation; facility in maintaining balance and blend; and will also deepen their understanding and appreciation of music from the perspective of the performing artist. Required public performances will include quarterly band concerts, Brophy community and civic events, and selected Brophy athletic events, as well as Fall, Winter, and Spring adjudicated band festivals/contests.

Honors Wind Ensemble Elective-Full Year

Prerequisites: Two to four years of prior study of a band instrument (woodwind, brass, percussion), Concert Band, Symphonic Band and/or a placement audition is required for this advanced-level band class.

Students who choose to pursue the honors credit option in Wind Ensemble will fulfill all the requirements for the regular class as described above, and will also fulfill additional required rehearsals, performances, and assessments.

Students should initially enroll in the regular class. During the first two weeks of class, students will have the opportunity to review the additional requirements for honors credit, and then decide if they wish to opt for honors placement.

Honors Jazz Band Elective-Full Year

Prerequisites: One to two years of prior study of a jazz band instrument (Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drumset) and/or a placement audition is required for this proficient-level band class.

Students who choose to pursue the honors credit option in Jazz Band will fulfill all the requirements for the regular class as described above, and will also fulfill additional required rehearsals, performances, and assessments. Students should initially enroll in the regular class. During the first two weeks of class, students will have the opportunity to review the additional requirements for honors credit, and then decide if they wish to opt for honors placement.

Orchestra Elective-Full Year

Prerequisites: audition process

This course provides an opportunity for string players to perform with a new musical organization on campus. A wide range of musical forms and styles will be studied and performed throughout the year. Solo and small ensemble performance will be encouraged. More advanced students will be required to audition for Regional and All State events.

Honor Orchestra Elective-Full Year

Prerequisites: audition and teacher recommendation

This course is for advanced students, includes more formal auditions at the regional and state levels, and builds on the foundation of the regular class.

Freshman Choir Elective--Full Year

This freshman class teaches musicianship through ensemble singing. The course will emphasize fundamentals of good musicianship, performance etiquette, music reading and music history. Choral music in a variety of styles and genres will be studied. Students will perform in at least one concert per semester and are encouraged to sing for liturgies and other campus events. Advanced students have the opportunity to participate in state music festivals. Participation in this ensemble will satisfy 1.0 credit of Fine Arts.

Honor Choir Elective--Full Year; one semester with instructor approval

This choir class is available to any Sophomore, Junior or Senior and receives honors credit. The ensemble presents a wide variety of styles and genres within the body of choral repertoire. The course will emphasize fundamentals of good musicianship, performance etiquette, music reading and vocal technique. Students will perform in at least one concert per semester. In addition there will also be off campus appearances and participation at choral festivals. As an honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive. Students not meeting effort and performance expectations may be asked to leave the class at the semester. Participation in this ensemble will satisfy the requirement of Humanities/Intro to Fine Arts, though see the top of this page for policies on sequence of courses should a student decide to leave choir and move into 2D or 3D art.

Honor Chorale Elective--By Audition only. Full Year; one semester with instructor approval.

This chorale class is available to any Sophomore, Junior or Senior by audition only, and receives honors credit. The expectations are similar to the Concert Choir but students will be called to the highest level of performance. The class will work with more sophisticated pieces of music, and there will be more focus on true musical discipline. As an honors-level course, class expectations will be commensurate with the honors credit students receive. Students not meeting effort and performance expectations may be asked to leave the class at the semester.

Beginning Guitar Elective-One Semester

This is a one-semester course designed for beginners only; no previous guitar playing experience is required. The emphasis of the class is on proper playing technique and music reading. Students will be exposed to a variety of music styles, including rock, jazz, blues, folk and classical. Each student must have their own guitar for this class.

Piano and Keyboard Elective-One Semester

This class will teach beginning piano and keyboard skills along with the basic musical elements of note names, rhythmic notation, harmonic function and composition. Once the student has completed the initial requirements and proficiencies, he/she will transition to the electronic keyboard where introductory recording software will be taught and practiced.

AP Music Theory Elective--One Year

The ultimate goal of an AP Music Theory course is to develop a student's ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. The achievement of these goals may best be approached by initially addressing fundamental aural, analytical, and compositional skills using both listening and written exercises. Building on this foundation, the course should progress to include more creative tasks, such as the harmonization of a melody by selecting appropriate chords, composing a musical bass line to provide two-voice counterpoint, or the realization of figured-bass notation.