Fine Arts

2023-2024 Course Offerings (2.5 credits to graduate)

Visual Arts

Intro to Fine Arts        (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.

Photo Storytelling (Summer School Only)

Photo Storytelling is an online course that teaches the fundamentals of creating and assembling beautiful, storytelling images. Storytelling photography could be anything ranging from photos of food at a restaurant to a multimedia documentary that follows a person through their life. This class will explain how to accomplish either by emphasizing photography basics, like camera techniques and photo editing, and by teaching photojournalistic skills like pitching and planning photo stories, captioning photos and sharing photos with others. 

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.

Advanced Photography                                            Elective--One Semester

Prerequisite: 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.

Graphic Design              Elective--One Semester

 This one-semester course will cover the fundamentals of graphic design, including history of design, design composition, the principles of design, semiotics, design process, professional applications, printing, digital editing and layout using the adobe creative cloud. Primarily this course is an exploration of student creativity and development of an understanding of design concepts; technical skills will be addressed thoroughly, but will rely largely on independent research and experimentation. Students will develop an electronic and printed portfolio of designed materials such as logos, posters, collages, photo manipulations, flags, and advertisements.


Advanced Graphic Design              Elective--One Semester

Prerequisite: Graphic Design

Honors credit. This one-semester course will expand upon the fundamentals of graphic design, including history of design, design composition, the principles of design, semiotics, design process, professional applications, printing, digital editing and layout using the adobe creative cloud. Primarily this course is an exploration of student creativity and development of an understanding of design concepts; technical skills will be addressed thoroughly, but will rely largely on independent research and experimentation. As an advanced course we will place an increased emphasis on working for clients and publishing our work for display/use on campus and in the community.


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.

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.

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.

Advanced Mixed Media   Elective-One Semester

Prerequisite:   Mixed Media

Honors credit. 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.  

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.

Advanced Painting                 Elective-One Semester

Prerequisite:  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.

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.

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

Prerequisites:  Ceramics

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.

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.

Industrial Arts Elective-One Semester (10TH-12TH GRADES ONLY)

Industrial Arts engages students with the hands-on study of craft in the Sculpture Studio and Innovation Commons. This course examines the process in which traditional craftsmanship is transferred to the digital world. Students will have the opportunity to choose from a number of projects ranging from axes to speaker cabinets to 3D steel sculptures in order to gain a deeper understanding of how technology can be used to give shape to the world around them.  Students may take more than one semester, as the materials and projects change from semester to semester.

While technology is integrated throughout the course, the end goal is to encourage students to be innovative and recognize their innate creative ability. Growing this awareness allows students to grow and cultivate deeper empathy and appreciation for themselves and the world around them.

Advanced Industrial Arts Elective-One Semester (10th-12th GRADES ONLY)

Advanced Industrial Arts continues the process of engaging with the hands-on study of craft in the Sculpture Studio and Innovation Commons. This course examines the unique relation between traditional and digital fabrication. Students will have the opportunity to design and build objects using various raw materials (wood, steel, and plastics) and material processes (milling, welding, and printing).  This class requires 3D Studio as a prerequisite. Students may take more than one semester, as the materials and projects change from semester to semester.

While technology is integrated throughout the course, the end goal is to encourage students to be innovative and recognize their innate creative ability. Growing this awareness allows students to grow and cultivate deeper empathy and appreciation for themselves and the world around them.

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 of the 21st century. Students will study contemporary films (c. 2010-present), directors and critics with an emphasis on evaluating film as an artform. In addition, this course investigates contemporary themes most relevant to young adults such as those related to family, friendship, maturation, education, social life, 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, practice screenplay writing, create art inspired by cinema, and interact with Brophy alumni working in the film industry.

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

Classic Cinema is a half-credit art elective that emphasizes the early history of film development through the latter half of the 20th century. Students will watch ten or more movies (from 1920s to the 1970s) to explore how film as an artform reveals wider truths about storytelling and humanity. Movies may include features, documentaries, and international films, such as work by Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, and Orson Welles. The course will cover the technical and artistic innovations of the time, as well as the cultural and historical context in which the films were made. Through weekly group discussions, student presentations, and reflection assignments, students will gain a deeper understanding of the significance and lasting impact of classic cinema in the larger world of art. No prerequisites. 

Concepts in Art Elective-Spring Semester only (11th-12th GRADES ONLY)


POV: It’s December 2019. A banana taped to a wall was just bought for $120,000 at Art Basel in Miami. You have no idea what’s going on. You have not taken Brophy's “Concepts in Art” class. 


This course exposes students to the history, context, and theory of how to analyze large conceptual understanding of art. We will spend time with a multitude of different disciplines including but not limited to; musical arts, visual arts, performing arts, literature, and cinema. This class is rooted in discussion, open-mindedness, civil discourse, and respect of opinion.

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 Digital Photography, Advanced Photography, Portfolio Review, Teacher Recommendation and AP Application. This class will not be offered asynchronously for the 2023-24 school year.

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, 15 works organized around a compelling mark making visual concentration.

The 2-D Design Portfolio consists of 5 actual works, 15 works organized around a compelling mark making visual concentration.

Video Production                                           Elective-One Semester

The overall objective of this class is to help students explore what it means to create quality communication with a concern for the common good, or “communication with a conscience”, and to help students develop the knowledge, skills, attitude, and commitment necessary to influence the society in which they live. Students will have an understanding of the basic methods for creating a video, utilizing cameras, storyboards, and audio/video scripts. They will know how to use appropriate terminology when discussing their video or that of others. They will be able to navigate editing software and how to perform various editing functions and apply basic elements of shot composition, lighting, sound, and editing to each production.

Advanced Video Production                                                Elective-One Semester

Prerequisites:  Video Production, 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.

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.


Performing and Musical Arts


Intro to Theatre Elective-One Semester


For students who have little to no acting or theatre background but who are interested or curious to learn, this course will introduce students to the fundamentals. Activities will involve an introduction to  the concepts of pantomime, voice production, improvisation, and blocking. Once mastered, students will focus on character development, script analysis, voice and diction, dialects, audition techniques, stage movement, and monologue work.


Students are expected to perform for the class, and see one production outside of the classroom to critique. 



Intro to Theatre Production Design Elective-One Semester


For students who are interested in learning about all the behind-the-scenes "magic" that goes into theatre, this is an introductory course on the fundamentals of theatre production design. Areas of focus will be set, lighting, sound, and costume design. Students will also understand how to read a play as a designer, build models, and present a design concept. 


Each semester, students will spend class time designing and building a Brophy Theatre Department production. Students are expected to participate in performances and productions outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.


Introduction to Salsa Dance & Culture: Elective-One Semester

We will learn the basics of salsa as a solo dance and as a partner dance, predominantly the On-2 style. We will learn dance etiquette, along with dance technique and body awareness. We will also dive into the historical background of Afro-Cuban Salsa, its roots in the deities of the Yoruba religion, and how these traces of the Yoruban Gods remain alive today on the dance floor.  (This class can count as EITHER a Fine Arts class or a PE class)




Band Foundations (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 the 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 want to learn a secondary instrument while still playing their primary instrument in another band class. Band Foundations will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and developing individual responsibility related to being a valuable contributing member of a 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:


Students are expected to participate in performances and productions outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.



Honors Chamber Winds                       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.


This course will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and fulfilling individual responsibility related to being a valuable contributing member of a 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 acquire and/or develop:

Students are expected to participate in performances and productions outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.



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.


This course will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and fulfilling individual responsibility as it relates to being a valuable contributing member of a 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 acquire and/or develop:

Students are expected to participate in performances and productions outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.



Orchestra            Elective-Full Year


Prerequisites: Prior study of an orchestra instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass) is beneficial but not required for this novice/intermediate-level orchestra class. Students with no musical instrument experience can join this class.


This course will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and fulfilling individual responsibility as it relates to being a valuable contributing member of a 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 acquire and/or develop:

Students are expected to participate in performances and productions outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.

 Solo and small ensemble performances will be encouraged. More advanced students should request an audition for Honors Orchestra.



Honors Orchestra            Elective-Full Year


Prerequisites: One to two years of prior study of an orchestra instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass) and/or a placement audition is required for this proficient-level orchestra class.


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.

This course will provide sequential instruction in music reading, instrumental technique, and fulfilling individual responsibility as it relates to being a valuable contributing member of a 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 acquire and/or develop:

Students are expected to participate in performances and productions outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester. Solo and small ensemble performances will be encouraged. 



Musician's Exchange (listed in MyBrophy as Popular Music Groups)                     Elective-One Semester


Prerequisites: No required previous music classes, but a small audition may be expected (to demonstrate knowledge of instrument). Students should have familiarity with an instrument (self-taught or otherwise) and be open to performing in front of an audience.

 

This course is for students who have taught themselves an instrument and want to start performing with other student musicians. Many students have picked up guitar, drums or vocals (or any other instrument) without having taken a class. In Popular Music Groups, students will be given freedom and direction to choose music to rehearse and perform with musically inclined peers. No band experience is required. Instead, students should join the class if they’re motivated to practice and perform music with classmates and to receive direction on how to improve at their craft.

 

Students can expect to learn:



Freshman Choir            Elective--One semester

Semester-long course. This is a choir for all first year students who are interested in singing. There is no prerequisite. First year students will learn to sing in a group setting. This learning will include vocal technique, sight reading and musical literacy, and musicality/interpretation. Students are expected to participate in performances outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.

Concert Choir            Elective--Full Year.

Year-long course. This is a choir made up of Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. These students will learn to sing in a group setting. This learning will include vocal technique, sight reading and musical literacy, and musicality/interpretation. Though there is no prerequisite, students who have been in choir before will be “Honor Singers”, who will be given more advanced theory/sight-singing exercises, and granted leadership opportunities within the ensemble, along with an honor credit. Students are expected to participate in performances outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of the semester.

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

Year-long course. This is an auditioned choir made up of Juniors and Seniors (and occasionally Sophomores). Prerequisite: Must have taken a year of Freshman Choir, Sophomore Choir, or Concert Choir. Students must have an advanced level of vocal technique and sight reading because of the difficulty level of the repertoire in this ensemble. Our group learning will  include vocal technique, advanced sight reading, and musicality/interpretation. Students are expected to participate in performances outside of the regular hours of the school day in order to meet the requirements for this course. A calendar of required performances and productions will be available at the beginning of 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.

Advanced Guitar Elective-One Semester

This course is designed for students who either have taken Beginning Guitar or who have had much experience with music reading and technique.  Students will build on prior knowledge and skills to improve their performance.

Beginning Piano: Elective-One Semester

Semester-long course. Students will learn the basics of music reading, piano technique, and basic repertoire. This course also seeks to give students a space to develop musical curiosity, musical enjoyment, and creativity. There is no prerequisite for this course.