Art & Design

ART

FOUNDATION ART I | Credit: .5

Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: None One semester course

Foundation Art 1 is a 1 semester course that introduces students to a variety of fine art-making processes and materials. Students develop technical, conceptual and creative problem-solving skills. The course explores drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media and clay. This course teaches an understanding of the elements of art and principles of design and color as well as teaching students to become familiar with art styles, history, criticism.

DRAWING | Credit: .5

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Foundation Art I

In this course, students will expand on drawing techniques acquired in FAI and FAII and will focus on pure drawing methods in all forms of media. Classic drawing techniques and methods of the Masters will be explored, with an emphasis on drawing from life. The first steps in drawing techniques will be on training the human eye to truly 'see' the subject being drawn . Emphasis will be on obtaining realism of the human form, gesture and action drawings, landscapes, technical and perspective drawings, still life and contour drawing, and line techniques. Students will work in pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, conte, oil sticks and pastels. Students will also maintain a sketchbook along with weekly drawing exercises.

PAINTING AND PRINTMAKING | Credit: .5

Grades 11-12 Prerequisite: Approval by the Art Department

This one semester course will enable students to pursue painting and printing techniques and styles in an in-depth manner and will include working from observation and imagination. Understand techniques in both disciplines plus emphasis on color theory will be the core to this course. Students will be painting with acrylics, oil and water color. They will be doing hand printing and also using the printing press. We will also explore mono printing, dry point etching, embossing and collograph.

Students will be encouraged to experiment creatively throughout the course. In addition to developing their technical skills, students will be challenged to think critically and creatively about their own work and the work of their peers. They will be expected to participate actively in class critiques and discussions.

ADVANCED ART | Credit: .5

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Foundation Art I

In Advanced Art, students raise established basic art skills to a higher level through creative thinking and problem solving. An in-depth study of techniques and concepts is made in drawing and painting. In addition, students are exposed to 3-D design. There is an emphasis on technique, craftsmanship, and presentation of work in learning the process of making art. Through the process, a creative personal style emerges.

There is further study of art styles, history, and criticism as a source of inspiration, and to develop artistic judgment.

Advanced Art students are invited to attend professional level workshops in addition to experiencing enrichment activities mentioned in the introduction to art courses. An introduction to art career opportunities is also presented.

SCULPTURE/3D DESIGN I | Credit: .5

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Foundation Art I

In this course, students design, imagine, solve, experience, and produce through their hands. Students first learn how to create sculptural objects based on the basic art concepts learned in Foundation I and II. Then students additionally learn three-dimensional concepts and the techniques to control materials such as paper, wire, straws, thread, plaster, wood, and other materials in the 3D form.

This course teaches students to make different materials suit various needs in a variety of projects. For inspiration, students study sculptors from ancient to modern times.

CERAMICS I | Credit: .5

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Foundation Art I

In this course students learn to appreciate the process of building, coloring, and firing clay based on concepts learned in Foundation Art I and II. Students learn hand-building techniques using the methods of coil/additive, molds, slab, and pinching in creating practical and sculptural pieces. A focus is made on the technical processes of glazing and firing clay.

CERAMICS II | Credit: .5

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Ceramics II allows time for the dedicated ceramist to further develop and refine the skills begun in Ceramics I. Students continue to utilize slab, coil, and reductive process while also incorporating new techniques such as slip molds, stackable structures, and larger mosaics. Alternative styles of coloring ceramics are also explored such as oxide stains and slip glazes.

The creative process is emphasized and stretched as the student risks failure to find success. Students are invited to explore the unlimited possibilities of ceramics.

DESIGN COMPUTER GRAPHICS | Credit: .5

Grade 10-12 Prerequisite: 1 Credit of Visual Art

This course focuses on the role of design in visual communication and the use of the computer as a design tool. We begin with a comprehensive study of design elements and principles as a basic means of organizing two-dimensional space. We also look at how the world of advertising uses the elements and principles to communicate and persuade its audience. Using Adobe Creative Suite we learn the basics of both vector and raster based images. We spend most of our time with Illustrator and Photoshop. One project will use InDesign a page layout program.

In addition, the class often works with local businesses and organizations, to produce promotional materials to support the mission of the business or organization.

INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPY | Credit: .5

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: 1 Full Credit Visual Art

Introduction to Photography students learn how cameras capture light, how to compose a compelling photograph that communicates effectively, how to use any digital camera, and how it use Photoshop, iPhoto and internet based photo storage websites. Students start with a brief lesson on the history and evolution of Photography and how the technology has changed and shaped the society in which we live. They will explore analogue (use of a darkroom) photographythrough a “pinhole” camera project. The majority of the course will focus on digital cameras, photographic conceptssuch as composition, story telling and image perception. As a final project, students will create a body of photographsthat illustrate their photographic skills and knowledge. The “body of work” will have a theme that visually investigatesan idea, event, place or thing that they find meaningful. Although not required, it would be helpful to have use of a digital camera or smartphone. Students who do not have access to a camera may borrow one from the school.

PORTFOLIO | Credit: .5

Grades 11-12 Prerequisite: 2 Credits of Visual Art, or approval by the Art Department

Portfolio is a course for Architecture, Fine Art and Photography students that are interested in creating a significant body of artwork. Students will choose their own ideas, define the parameters, necessary medium and techniques to effectively communicate what it is that they are expressing. Emphasis will be put on evolution and development of ideas and creative problem solving within their own defined parameters.

The course is designed to start in the spring semester of your junior year and continue through the fall semester of your senior year so that portfolios are ready for college applications. Summer work will be expected. Art teacher permission is required.

MUSIC

BAND | Credit: 1

Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: None

The band offers the student an opportunity to study instrumental music through participation in a performing group. The band performs at a variety of events including concerts, festivals, parades and football halftime shows. Each band member is expected to practice on a regular basis in addition to attending rehearsals, sectionals and performances. Private study is encouraged whenever possible. The goal of the band program is to provide each student with the best possible experience with music through the pursuit of group excellence.

CHORUS | Credit: 1

Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: None

This course provides students with the opportunity to study vocal music through participation in a performing ensemble. The chorus performs repertoire in a variety of language and styles. Students will work on developing skills for proper vocal technique and sight-reading and will also learn the fundamentals of music theory. Attendance at all scheduled concerts and rehearsals is expected and concert dress is required for all scheduled performances. The goal of the choral program is to provide each student with the best possible musical experience.

ORCHESTRA | Credit: 1

Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: None

Orchestra provides the student musician the opportunity to study and perform a wide variety of music from the standard orchestral repertoire, as well as arrangements of compositions taken from folk music, jazz, Broadway and popular idioms. Emphasis will be placed on learning bowing, phrasing and listening skills. More advanced wind and brass players have the opportunity to develop their solo and small ensemble skills by joining with the strings to perform full orchestra compositions.

MUSIC THEORY I, II | Credit: 1

Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: Music Theory I - None

Music Theory II – Music Theory I or Pre-approval Music Theory teaches music literacy through the study of pitch, rhythm, intervals, harmony, ear training and composition. Students will also work in the technology lab and will have exposure to the music notation software, Sibelius.

Intro to Piano | Credit: 1

Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: None

Intro to Piano is a semester-long music course open to any students interested in learning to play the piano. Students will learn basic piano skills through teacher-guided lessons and daily individual practice. They will learn to read pitches and rhythms, to write and play major scales, and to write and play chord progressions. Students will study melodic and harmonic structure and will begin to learn music arranging and composition.

THEATRE

ACTING AND DIRECTING | Credit: 1

Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: None, College Prep

In this course, students will become acquainted with basic theater arts and stagecraft. The class gives students a thorough background in acting and performance, from improvisation to stand-up comedy and from scene work to complete plays. Participants will also hone their directing and technical skills, from lights to set design and costumes to props. The history of theatre and varied approaches to movement, voice and technique are covered through text analysis, peer and teacher critiques, and the creation of original theatrical works.

ADVANCED DRAMA | Credit: 1/2

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Acting and Directing or Permission of Instructor, College Prep

This is an advanced course in Theatre Arts. The expectation is that students taking the course are familiar with and experienced in various aspects of the theatre, from acting expertise to production excellence. Students are required to produce one play per semester. Plays will range in style from the tragic to the comic and from the classical to the modern.

DESIGN

• ACM SIGGRAPH The Association for Computing Machinery's Special Interest Group on Graphics and Interactive Techniques, dedicated to the generation and dissemination of information on computer graphics and interactive techniques. Sponsors the annual SIGGRAPH conference.

• AIC (International Colour Association) The AIC was founded in 1967 by eight national color associations and includes the Inter-Society of Color.

• American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Founded in 1914, AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design. AIGA now represents more than 20,000 design professionals, educators and students through national activities and local programs developed by 65 chapters and 200 student groups.

• Entertainment Software Association Association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of companies that publish computer and video games. Maintains a list of U.S. Colleges and Universities Offering Video Game Courses & Degrees. Links to publications such as 'Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry,' 'Video Games in the 21st Century,' and more.

• Graphic Artists Guild The Guild is an advocacy group committed to improving conditions for all graphic artists (including, but not limited to: animators, cartoonists, designers, illustrators, and digital artists) and raising standards for the entire industry.

• IGDA (International Game Developers Association) The International Game Developers Association is the largest non-profit membership organization serving individuals who create video games.

• Inter-Society Color Council Founded in 1931 the ISCC is the principal professional society in the field of color in the United States, encompassing the arts, sciences and industry.

• SEGD (Society for Environmental Graphic Design) SEGD is the global community for people who work at the intersection of communication design and the built environment.

• SIAD (Society of Illustrators, Artists, and Designers) SIAD is a not-for-profit international professional organization that exists to: promote excellence in the art and technique of all visual media, act as a leading force in the advancement of professional media studies, to encourage continual professional development (CPD) through a program of educational courses in all visual media.

• SIGCHI SIGCHI is the premier international society for professionals, academics and students who are interested in human-technology & human-computer interaction (HCI).

ARTS

• Association of Performing Arts Professionals

• AES (Audio Engineering Society) Promotes research and commercial interests of designers, manufacturers, buyers, and users of professional and semiprofessional audio equipment.

• AMP (Association of Music Producers) Educates its members as well as the production, advertising, and media communities on all facets of music production from creation to final use.

• SPARS (Society of Professional Audio Recording Studios) Unites the manufacturers of audio recording equipment and services with users.

• MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) Cultivates growth and development for music teaching professionals.

• NAfME (National Association for Music Education) Connection between Music Educators National Conference and the industry.

• AMTA (American Music Therapy Association) Organization for the progressive development of the therapeutic use of music in rehabilitation, special education, and community settings.

• Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)

• Fashion Group International

• American Photographic Artists (APA) Headquartered in Los Angeles with chapters across the country, APA is dedicated to promoting photographers and protecting their rights.