Fine Arts

Prerequisite: Audition 

This course is designed for the advanced high school musician. All students must pass a required audition. Course work includes preparation of advanced concert literature for performances, as well as music fundamentals, music appreciation, and music theory as they pertain to band literature. Students have the opportunity to perform solo and/or small ensemble pieces at the IHSA State Solo/Ensemble contest, as well as to participate in Pep Band and marching activities. Band members must agree to accept the responsibility of extra rehearsals and performances outside of school time. This course is repeatable for credit. 

Prerequisite:  Participation in Marching Band 

Percussion class is an extension of the regular band class designed to give percussionists individualized and group instruction on various percussion instruments.  This course is designed to ensure all students receive a well-rounded percussion education.  All students enrolled in the Percussion will participate in marching band as a part of the curriculum.  During the spring semester, all students participate in a concert band according to their proficiency, as determined by audition and instructor placement.  Students will also participate in IHSA solo and ensemble contests, concerts, and sight reading contests.  Extra rehearsals and performances are mandatory as part of the student’s grade. 

Prerequisite: Audition 

This course helps students perform a variety of contemporary styles, such as traditional jazz, jazz improvisation, and rock.  It also cultivates students’ technique on instruments appropriate to the style(s) performed—brass, woodwind, string, percussion instruments, and/or electronic. This ensemble emphasizes instrumental music but may also include vocal music. Advanced coursework includes opportunities for growth through rehearsal and performance, improvisation, or creating and performing their own compositions.  

General Music is a comprehensive program that offers students opportunities to create, perform, listen to and analyze music. The class surveys music from diverse cultures around the world. It is an active study of how music says who we are as human beings and how we express ourselves through music. A background in music is not required to take this course. 

The Show Choir provides choral students with an opportunity to sing a variety of show choir music, traditional choir music, as well as learn choreography. The ensemble also performs new as well as standard repertoire for choral ensembles. Students do not need to audition for the group and there is no fee, however this group is on a first come first serve basis. This group will perform in several concerts throughout the year and may perform at our competition.

This course is for students interested in learning how to sing and perform in a choral program. Singing techniques and musicianship will be addressed through a variety of vocal literature including but not limited to traditional, multicultural, and modern choral music. Students will learn basic music theory and sight-reading skills. This choir will perform at three concerts as well as participate in other performing opportunities. 

This is an introductory college music theory course that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, musical materials, and procedures. Musicianship skills, including dictation and other listening skills, sight singing, and harmony, are considered an important part of the course. Through the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of tonal music that are heard or presented in a score. Development of aural skills is a primary objective. Performance is also part of the curriculum through the practice of sight singing. Students understand basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are also emphasized. 

This class is for students interested in writing music notation and songwriting. This class is also a primer for students who wish to take AP Music Theory in the future. Students will learn chords, scales, and other techniques to write melodies and harmonies. Students will also learn to write music notation to fi t song lyrics. 

Prerequisite: Credit for Art I or Art II

Drawing and Painting is an advanced art course for students who are interested in continuing their art experience. It emphasizes the relationships of art elements and principles in the 2-dimensional area of drawing and painting. Assignments include experiences with such media as ink, pastel, pencil, oil, tempera paint, and watercolor. Students study art history and explore artists and their styles as sources of inspiration for personal works. All students are expected to supply basic art materials: sketchbook, pencils, pink erasers, and hand-held pencil sharpeners. There may also be a nominal supply fee. 

Develop your skills in a two-dimensional medium such as graphic design, photography, collage, printmaking, and others as you learn the principles of 2-D design. You’ll create and submit artwork to College Board that reflects your own ideas and skills. 

This course focuses on creating three-dimensional works out of clay and ceramic material. Particular attention is paid to the characteristics of the raw materials, their transformation under heat, and the various methods used to create and finish objects.