Fine Arts Department Courses

This entry-level art course introduces students to design, drawing, painting, color theory, and sculpture. Objectives include: studying art movements throughout history; understanding and using a range of art materials, methods, and techniques; developing critical thinking and problem solving capabilities paired with creativity and originality; explore methods to visually convey thoughts, feelings, and ideas; and evaluating the impact of art on society and cultures. The Elements of Art and Principles of Design are investigated for the development of design skills, the appreciation of and production of art. Realism, abstract, and non-representational approaches will be explored. Foundations of Art is a prerequisite for all other Visual Arts courses.

This second level course focuses on broadening skills through an invesitgation of drawing concepts and expanding the artistic approach while mastering traditional and contemporary mark-making techniques. Students will explore techniques using various pencils, colored pencils, pen and ink, collage, mixed media and acrylic paint. Realism and abstract art approaches may be explored. Topics include still life, perspective, portraits, and symbolism. Assigned visual problems are designed to encourage a creative response with an emphasis placed on building depth between concepts and skills. Students must submit a digital portfolio with artist statement and complete an art exhibition review, to receive Honors credit. 

This advanced course focuses on two dimensional design concepts involving compositions based on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Students will develop skills using multiple printmaking techniques, painting including watercolor and acrylics, mixed media collage, altering paper. In addition to the art making, students explore approaches used by other artists and how they convey meaning in their work.  Due to the advanced nature of the course, students are encouraged to submit their work for exhibit. Students must submit a digital portfolio with artist statement and complete an art exhibition review, to receive Honors credit.

This advanced course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of three-dimensional design and application of the elements and principles of design to create a strong three-dimensional artwork. Students will develops skills through projects using paper, plaster, fibers, cardboard, found objects and other three-dimensional materials. Three-dimensional methods such as relief, modeling, carving, installations and assemblage may be explored. Care and use of tools and materials and the studio will be stressed. Due to the advanced nature of the course, students are encouraged to submit their work for exhibit. Students must submit a digital portfolio with artist statement and complete an art exhibition review, to receive Honors credit.

Studio Concentration courses provide individualized and concentrated study reflecting the student’s specific levels of ability and creative interests. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual thinking and problem-solving, superior craftsmanship, originality, and self-reflection. Students will be encouraged to develop an individual creative approach to visual problems. The courses will assist the serious art student to develop a body of work to assemble a portfolio of quality work that can be used for: college interviews, scholarships, admissions process or future career placement in the arts, and/or to beginning developing a portfolio for AP Art and Design. Students must have passed the course in the media in which they wish to concentrate.

Studio Concentration courses provide individualized and concentrated study reflecting the student’s specific levels of ability and creative interests. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual thinking and problem-solving, superior craftsmanship, originality, and self-reflection. Students will be encouraged to develop an individual creative approach to visual problems. The courses will assist the serious art student to develop a body of work to assemble a portfolio of quality work that can be used for: college interviews, scholarships, admissions process or future career placement in the arts, and/or to beginning developing a portfolio for AP Art and Design. Students must have passed the course in the media in which they wish to concentrate.

SCH : DRAWING

Drawing concentration focuses on creating a body of work expressing the artist's voice and personal style through advanced drawing skills, mark-making techniques, and skills with a variety of media applications.

SCH : 2D

2D Design concentration focuses on creating a body of work expressing the artist's voice and personal style through compositional structures and strategies, advanced approaches to the elements, principles, and 2D design concepts, and artmaking techniques using a variety of media and applications.

SCH : 3D

3D Design concentration focuses on creating a body of work expressing the artist's voice and personal style through a range of 3D design applications, advanced approaches to the 3D design concepts, and sculpture techniques using a variety of media and applications.

The AP Art and Design program consists of three different courses and AP Portfolio Exams—AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Drawing—corresponding to college and university foundations courses. Students create a portfolio of work to demonstrate inquiry through art and design and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course. Portfolios include works of art and design, process documentation, and written information about the work presented. In May, students submit portfolios for evaluation based on specific criteria, which include skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, guided by student formed questions. Students may submit any or all of the AP Portfolio Exams.

AP Art and Design skill categories delineate overarching understandings central to the study and practice of art and design. Each of the three skill categories consists of skills that encompass foundational to advanced learning over the span of the course. Students will develop, practice, and apply these skills in a variety of contexts. 

All three AP Art and Design Portfolio Exams contain three sections. 

• The Selected Works section requires students to submit digital images of five works that each demonstrate skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas. 

• The Sustained Investigation section requires students to conduct a sustained investigation based on an inquiry of the student’s choosing. This sections requires 15 digital images of works of art and process documentation. The work in this section should reflect ongoing practice, experimentation, and revision. 

• The Written Evidence is included for both SW & SI sections and requires students to articulate information about their work and provide written explanations for their art making decision process.

These are intense, fast-paced courses that require time and dedication; research, planning and art making must be completed outside of class time and school.

AP DRAWING

Requires 5 digital images for Selected Works and 15 for the Sustained Investigation as explained above. This portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the use of mark-making, line, surface, space, light and shade, and composition. An emphasis is placed on student driven exploration into what kind of marks can be used for drawings, the arrangement of marks, the materials and processes used to make marks, and relationships between marks and ideas. Students may work with any materials, processes, and ideas as long as the work is the student’s original creation. Possibilities include: drawing (analog and digital), painting, printmaking, mixed media, and still images from videos.

AP 2D ART AND DESIGN

Requires 5 digital images for Selected Works and 15 for the Sustained Investigation as explained above. This portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the application of two-dimensional (2-D) elements and principles of art and design, including point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time; unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, figure/ground relationship, connection, juxtaposition, hierarchy. An emphasis is placed on how materials, processes, and ideas can be used to make work that exists on a flat surface. Students may work with any materials, processes, and ideas as long as the work is the student’s original creation. Possibilities include: graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, fashion illustration, painting, printmaking, and still images from videos.

AP 3D ART AND DESIGN

Requires 10 digital images of five works for Selected Works and 15 for the Sustained Investigation as explained above. This portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the application of three-dimensional (3-D) elements and principles of art and design, including point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, volume, mass, occupied/unoccupied space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time; unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, connection, juxtaposition, hierarchy. An emphasis is placed on how materials, processes, and ideas can be used to make work that involves space and form. Students may work with any materials, processes, and ideas as long as the work is the student’s original creation. Possibilities include: figurative or non figurative sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, glasswork, installation, performance, assemblage, and 3-D fabric/fiber arts.

In this course, students will learn to explore, understand, and appreciate all types of musical genres and styles. This course will introduce students to the elements, instrumentation, and historical periods of music . Students will learn the significance of surroundings and time periods and how they both influenced the music of the day. Students will listen to and evaluate several types of music, and will be assessed through projects, presentations, and exams on the knowledge and understanding of music.

PHS Singers is an introductory choir designed specifically for 9th-grade students. This course focuses on developing basic vocal techniques, sight-reading skills, and music theory, while fostering a strong sense of ensemble and musicality. Students will explore a variety of musical styles and genres, including classical, contemporary, and choral arrangements. The class provides a supportive environment where students learn to improve their vocal skills, work together as a choir, and gain confidence in their musical abilities. Participation in performances and school events is encouraged as part of the learning experience.

PHS Bella Voce Singers is an advanced choral ensemble for students in grades 10-12, focusing on more sophisticated vocal techniques and a diverse range of repertoire. This course emphasizes the development of harmony, expressive singing, and the interpretation of more challenging musical works. Students will engage in both individual and group practice, strengthening their ability to perform as a unified choir. The Bella Voce Singers perform at various school events and competitions, and are expected to exhibit a higher level of commitment and musicianship. Students will also explore different musical styles, including classical, jazz, and contemporary choral music.

PHS Chamber Singers is an elite, auditioned ensemble for highly skilled singers, including students who have previously participated in All-State Chorus or have been selected through an audition process. This course is designed for students seeking a challenging, high-level choral experience. The Chamber Singers perform advanced repertoire across various genres, including classical, contemporary, and a cappella music, and often participate in competitions and festivals. The class places a strong emphasis on vocal precision, musical interpretation, and ensemble cohesion. Members of the Chamber Singers are expected to demonstrate exceptional vocal technique, commitment to rehearsals, and the ability to perform complex works with artistic expression.

Students will study the work of the actor and use their gained knowledge to develop as performers. Students will focus on performance that focuses on a wide range of subjects such as: Theater, Dance, and Drama. This class is focused on building the groundwork knowledge for the future actor/actress. This class will work along with Musical Drama 2,3, and 4 to participate in a culminating showcase performance at the end of the year.

This course will focus on the fundamentals of playing wind instruments, with an emphasis on tone, intonation, phrasing, articulation, precision, and style. Scales and scale based etudes, including the SCBDA All-State Solo, will be required repertiore. Students and parents should be aware of all band rules and policies as stated in the band handbook. 

Required activities for this class are: 

•Participation in all concert events to include but not limited to: Veterans Day Concert, Winter Concert, SCBDA Concert Performance Assessment, and any additional school concerts at the discretion of the director. 

•Students must have band instruments in playing condition and all required accessories. 

•Students will be required to transport instruments from home to school for weekly practice and assignments.

This course will focus on the extended application of playing wind instruments, with an emphasis on tone, intonation, phrasing, articulation, precision, and style. Scales and scale based etudes, including the SCBDA All-State Solo, will be required repertoire. This ensemble is the premiere band ensemble at Pendleton High School and students are expected to practice daily and are strongly encouraged to take private lessons on their instruments. Students not meeting these expectations may be reassigned to concert band regardless of age. Students and parents should be aware of all band rules and policies as stated in the band handbook. 

Required activities for this class are: 

•Participation in all concert events to include but not limited to: Veterans Day Concert, Winter Concert, SCBDA Concert Performance Assessment, and any additional school concerts at the discretion of the director

•Students must have band instruments in playing condition and all required accessories

•Students will be required to transport instruments from home to school for weekly practice and assignments 

*Students taking this course for honors credit must be in grades 11 or 12 and meet the following additional requirements: Audition for All-County, Audition for Region 1 Honor Band, Participate in the Solo and Ensemble Festival.