Last Updated: January 2023
“The arts communicate our hopes, dreams, fears, and wonder.
The arts measure our world in sound, light, color, and shape, as well as in motion and stillness, in passion and presence.”
The Visual Arts Programs provide our students with those opportunities and experiences calculated to awaken and further aesthetic sensibilities and abilities, and to promote an understanding of the vital part that a heightened aesthetic awareness can play in the living of a full, rich life. Furthermore, through guided-learning experiences and opportunities for individual creative effort, we seek to develop, in each student, literacy in the language of the arts, a sense of respect for our artistic heritage and enough skills to pursue their art beyond high school.
Parameters of Essential Instruction:
Students show understanding of concepts, skills, terminology, and processes in the art discipline.
Students create, perform and communicate/express through the art form.
Problem solving: students approach artistic problem solving using multiple solutions and the creative process.
Aesthetics and Criticism: Students describe analyze, interpret, and evaluate art (dance, music, theater, and visual art).
Students understand the relationship among the arts, history and world culture; and make connections among the arts and other disciplines, daily life, goal setting, and interpersonal interaction.
Students will utilize digital media and technologies to research, create, publish, collaborate, communicate and document their art works while demonstrating responsible, safe and legal practices.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
This introductory level art course offers an easygoing approach to the fundamentals of drawing and painting and may include printmaking, sgraffito, digital compositing and snowflakes. Together we will explore “tricks of the trade” and “secret techniques” to enhance your ability to produce original works of art from both observation and imagination. Talent is not a requirement! At the end of this course you should be able to produce and reflect on your art with more confidence and use materials and techniques more effectively. You will also have answers to the essential questions – “How do artists use the elements & principles of design to express themselves?” and, “What tools and techniques can be used to improve my art?”
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Strongly Recommended: Fundamentals of Art
The projects in this class are intended for the serious art student and we work with professional quality materials. An exploration of methods, materials, and techniques will be introduced to the students. There will be some teacher directed assignment criteria but also the expectation that students will have the desire to explore their own subject matter using the methods and techniques we experiment with in class. We will work from observation, memory, and imagination using a variety of art materials such as painting on canvas with acrylics and oil paints. Mixed media projects that involve a variety of techniques that culminate in a finished work. These projects will help create a strong portfolio for students who may be considering art school or a career in the visual arts.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
How can you make art from light sensitive papers and materials? Take this class because you want to learn how to create print without using a camera, making images with an old fashioned "pinhole" camera, developing film, and printing black & white photos. You will review how photography has emerged since its conception and examine the work of master photographers. You will learn how to operate 35mm cameras, develop film, use enlargers to create prints, mount your work for display, and how using the basic elements of composition improves the look of your photos
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Students will rely on the elements and principles of art in order to solve graphic design art problems using the computer as the primary tool. With an emphasis on digital illustration, photographic manipulation, and graphic design. students will also employ technology as a basis for reflection and critique of their work while developing a working knowledge of a variety of graphics applications. Students will discover answers to the essential questions - “How does digital media help me get my message out to the world?" and "How can I develop my own style through the computer as a tool?”
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Students in this class will learn the basics of the filmmaking process. The class will include story development, script writing, storyboarding, scheduling, casting, directing, camera and sound production, picture editing, sound editing, music, and finishing. The students will use high-end production and post-production equipment. Along the way, they will have the opportunity to create several short films and one master film. This class will give them the professional skills and experience to continue making films at a high level going forward in life.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisites: Filmmaking
Advanced Filmmaking will give students the opportunity to build on the skills they started to develop in Filmmaking. We will go past “process” and focus on intent and using the tools to tell more in depth and complicated stories. The students will use professional level equipment and software to push their storytelling skills to the highest level.
Grades 9,10,11,12
1 credit
How do I design new products & structures? This course is a “must” for future engineers & architects, or anyone interested in 3D design. You will learn to make basic technical drawings, starting first with pencil and paper then moving on to the computer and CAD. Learn the secrets of orthographic drawings and imitating three dimensions. We will study traditional products and architectural styles and learn how to create unique contemporary designs. Start working on your dream house today, or start planning that new invention. Your skills can help you build a better future.
Grades 9,10,11,12 - (Class is limited to 12 students)
1 credit
Yearbook is a course designed for students to help organize and produce the annual yearbook for the school. Students will learn skills in selling, managing finances, organizing information, creating advertisements, using technology, scheduling, teamwork, and problem-solving as they go through the year-long process of gathering information for the yearbook to its final distribution as a completed product.
This class will meet every day and is either a semester-long or full-year course.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 Credits
This class will utilize design applications that will assist students in designing work for use on laser printers, laser cutter, vinyl cutters (and Cricut machines), and 3D printers. Students will learn how to create a variety of vector-based images that are applicable to t-shirt design, decals and labeling for cars, decorations for wood projects and more.
Grades: 9. 10. 11. 12
.5 Credits
In this class students will use hand tools to twist, bend, spiral, flatten, crimp, wrap and solder semi-precious metal wire to create wearable art. Artists will turn small “found objects” into precious “gems” by incorporating them into earrings, necklaces, bracelets or broaches. Assembly techniques through soldering will be explored.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 Credits
Get ready to manipulate materials, create 3-Dimensional forms, and get your hands messy!
In this class students will explore the interactive nature of positive and negative space while using a variety of materials. Students can build up and carve away at plaster casts paying attention to texture and surface treatment. Have you ever altered a book in a way that it could be considered a work of art? How about altering a chair or found object?
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 Credits
On your mark…get set…Print!. In this class students will explore a variety of methods of transferring pigments from a plate or screen to papers or fabrics. We will explore linoleum printed cards or, perhaps, we’ll use styrofoam trays or maybe a potato or two! We may use a tray of slimy gelatin to make a monoprint or we may cut a stencil and use a squeegee to print through stretched silk to make a poster!
Grades 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
Strongly Recommended: Fundamentals of Art
In this advanced art class we will use a variety of techniques to create large-scale images designed to express personal ideas or support the spirit of MDIHS! Independence, motivation, cooperation and perseverance are necessary art-skills to be successful in this course. Students will be expected to utilize a variety of resources, techniques and images as they design and reflect upon their original compositions. Students will discover answers to questions like “Is tracing projected digital images onto 4’x8’ panels cheating?” and “How does a muralist decide what to paint and display for the public?”
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
Students in this “hands on” class will explore a variety of techniques in ceramic preparation, construction and decoration. Students will develop competence in a number of hand-building techniques and will have the opportunity to develop skills on the kick wheel and the electric wheel. Students will be required to reclaim and manipulate plastic clay, fire to bisque, glaze and display a variety of functional and artistic ceramic items. During this class we will explore the questions: “What is fine craftsmanship?” and “How do ceramists safely work with their materials?”
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
Prerequisites: Ceramics
Students will expand upon the foundations learned in Ceramics I to create more sophisticated functional and sculptural forms with clay. Creating complex vessels on the potter’s wheel will be practiced in depth with emphasis given to lids, spouts and handles. The loading and firing of the kiln will be introduced. The focus of this “hands on” studio course will be on artistic merit, sound craftsmanship and refined construction. A variety of teacher-assigned projects and self- directed endeavors will be required. During this class we will explore the questions: “What is fine craftsmanship?”, “How do ceramists safely work with their materials?” and “What is the relationship between form and function?”
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
Join in the fun and magic! In this hands-on class we will explore traditional Indonesian methods and materials to create custom fabric designs using hot wax and successive dying in vats of vibrant fiber reactive dyes. “Djaunting '' tools and customized “tjaps” will be used to transfer the hot wax onto the muslin; once cooled, the fabric is immersed in colored dye and the wax areas resist the dye. This process is repeated to create the multi-colored effects that create beautiful fabric designs. A variety of 12” X 12” samples will be created in order to become familiar with the process and the effects one can achieve through experimenting with the wax application and progressive color combinations achieved through the vat dyeing process. This exploration will lead to the students creating a more focused larger work in the form of a themed wall hanging or the creation of “ yardage” of an overall design that the student could use for a variety of purposes such as clothing construction, pillows or quilts.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
Something for Everyone ! You do not need to know how to paint in order to be successful in this class. This is a step by step skills building class that is designed to introduce student painters to specific methods and materials to help control the outcomes of this seemingly uncontrollable medium. Students will be guided step by step through a range of techniques to produce a variety of scripted compositions to learn different approaches to getting the pigment on the paper. You will build confidence in your abilities by becoming familiar with the methods and perhaps gain a new interest that is a spontaneous and accessible way to explore your creative side now and perhaps in your future. This course can be repeated, with instructor’s permission, as an open studio where student watercolor painters will have the time and space to explore their own individual compositions as opposed to following along with the scripted themes.
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: PORTFOLIO REVIEW and Permission from the instructor
Art Studio students will work in the studio and develop their portfolio (no credit).
Advanced Art Independent Study students will agree to contract terms (variable credit pass/fail).
The purpose of the MDIHS Music Program is to have all participating students learn to express themselves, their ideas, and emotions through music. We will endeavor to create a musical family that recognizes every individual as intrinsically artistic, stays open and respectful to all music and art, and makes music in and out of the classroom. We will work to develop a deep and personal relationship with our instruments, on our ensemble journey to become ferocious ambassadors of our craft.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
BRING THE NOISE! Come join our family! We will perform LIVE at music festivals, sporting events, community events, birthday parties, and more! We are the source for pep band, concert band, pit orchestra, ensembles, and anything else "instrumental music". If you’ve ever played an instrument in the history of your life or have just dreamed of playing one, come join the fun, practice hard, and improve your performance.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Strongly Recommended: A willingness to take musical risks
What untapped potential do I have to perform in a band?
How can I perform like a rock star?
How do we, as a group, improve during a band practice?
How do we maximize our time during rehearsals?
The Rock Band student will explore answers to these questions while improving their musicality, collaborating with other musicians and producing quality recordings. "Used-to-be" musicians, "Wanna-be" rock stars, "Shower singers" and "Closet performers" are encouraged to explore Rock, Blues, Jazz, Punk, Rave, Techno, Ambient, etc. genres. Rock band often performs at the Spring Carnival and several community events at the end of the course.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Strongly Recommended: An interest in singing better
Go from crooning in the shower to singing with POWER!!!
If singing is your refuge, if singing is your passion, if you've ever dabbled in singing, Chorus is the class for you. Don't think you can sing? You're wrong! The voice is the natural instrument that EVERYBODY possesses. Classical, Jazz, Pop, YOU name it!! Find your High School voice with our musical family! Discover answers to the Essential Question: Why does singing move me or an audience? How does my voice work? Who can sing higher ... me, or Bronwyn?
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisites: An ability to play a stringed instrumentOrchestra is a performing ensemble for all levels of string experience, from “is this a violin?” to "meet Mr. Stradivarius."
While having private lessons and owning your instrument is awesome, they are not required. We will see you playing on a finely tuned orchestral instrument in no time! Orchestra students will create beautiful music and change lives.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Want to compose your own music using hand-built synths? Create your own gnarly hip hop grooves using samples from the lunch room? Produce and promote your own album of electronic music? This course provides hands-on training in the use of Logic Pro, MIDI controllers, and other electronic musical instruments in our MIDI studios. In this course we will explore loop creation, sequencing, sampling, beat construction, field recording, sound manipulation, and more! This course culminates in the creation of an album of your work on the MDIHS Music label.
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Prerequisites: Strong background in music performance, private study, or Intro to Music Theory
AP Music Theory is a course that is designed to challenge students in the areas of music theory and analysis and to serve as a basis for those who need this class in preparation for a career within the music field, but also those who wish to enrich their lives through the analytical study of music. Students will be exposed to multiple style periods within this class. Students are recommended to take the AP exam in the spring.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
This quarter-long music appreciation class engages in micro units on everything music has to offer! It’s the sampler platter of MDIHS Music. Learn to play guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, horns, and/or sing! Learn the basics of music production, recording, and songwriting all while listening to and discussing hundreds of songs in every genre. Each class will be specifically catered to the unique group of students that enrolls. This is a great place to dive deeper into music through listening and experimenting with your friends!
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.5 credit
Strongly Recommended: A desire to play the guitar
“I wish I could play the guitar like Jimi Hendrix and B.B King combined!” you once thought.... Well, you can! The first step is guitar class at MDI. learn how to play chords. Wanna Rock? Try Flamenco? Explore Classical? Some Hip Hop? You bring it, we teach it. You are not required to own a guitar or have any prior guitar experience. All experience levels are encouraged to sign up- we’ll meet you wherever you are in your guitar journey!
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
.25 credit
Ever wonder if you are solo material? Are you SURE you are solo material and want to polish your performance? Do you get nervous when you sing a solo? This is the place for you! We use the All-State Audition material in this class: you'll learn an Italian Aria and an English Madrigal. You'll perform your socks off in this class, and when you're done, you'll have the opportunity to audition for All-State if you wish. Essential Questions: How can I be expressive as a soloist? What are my strengths as a soloist? How can I overcome performance anxiety? What shoes should I wear to an audition?