Fine Arts

Open to: All grades

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval? Yes for 9th grade

Course and Grade Prerequisites: Application required for incoming 9th grade students

This class introduces you to the foundational elements of Art (space, color, line, shape, form, texture, value)  and the application of them using a variety of mediums including colored pencil, ink, linoleum block printing, charcoal, acrylic paint, digital exploration, mixed media and more. This course is designed for the beginning art student and accommodates levels of varying art experience.  This course fulfills the requirement for a Fine Arts credit. Prerequisite: None

Open to: 9th Grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval?  Yes

Course and Grade Prerequisites: Application which may include a porfolio requirement.

Freshman students may apply for this course with interest in pursuing the four-year visual art program.  Admission to Art I Advanced is determined  through a work sample submission process via email. Students explore the foundations of art, as listed above in the Art I: Intro to Visual Art course, but with more in-depth studies, at a faster pace, and with greater emphasis on rendering, perspective, color theory, composition, and the career field of visual art. Upon the successful completion of this course, students will have priority placement into Art II as sophomores, as determined by instructors. This course fulfills the requirement for a Fine Arts credit. Prerequisite: Application process and approval by Instructor(s).

Open to: 10th, 11th or 12th Grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval? Yes 

Course and Grade Prerequisites: Application required; completion of Art I or Art I Advanced and teacher recommendation.

This course further develops your fine art skills in physical, digital, and graphic design mediums to create successful and compelling works of art. You will work with watercolor and acrylic paint, chalk and oil pastels, mixed media, and digital art software including Procreate and the Adobe Creative Suite to learn and apply the principles of design.  You will gain real world experience with the graphic design process and tools relevant to today’s industry trends. This course supports continuing art students to develop their creative self-expression and those who wish to pursue a digital art or graphic design career.  Prerequisite: Successful completion of  Art I: Intro to Visual Art and approval by Instructor(s).

Open to: 11th or 12th Grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval? Yes 

Course and Grade Prerequisites: Completion of Art II and teacher recommendation.

This is an option for committed art students only.  In addition to advanced instruction in techniques in mixed media and an introduction to sculpture and ceramics, students will study historical movements and themes as they relate to visual arts. Students are encouraged to develop thoughtful personal approaches to the units of study and are expected to share their abilities with the larger Jesuit community through required out-of-class projects. The successful completion of this course fulfills the Fine Arts prerequisite for priority placement into Art IV as seniors, as determined by instructors. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art II: Digital Art & Design  and approval by Instructor(s).

Open to:  12th Grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval? Yes 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art III: Sculpture & Mixed Media and approval by Instructor(s).

Art IV: AP 2-D Art and Design

AP Art students will deepen their investigation at an advancing level equivalent to a first-year college course in 2-D Art and Design by creating a portfolio that is based on three components: documentation of process, final works and written articulation of the process and work.  

Students will choose a subject and delve deep into exploratory and traditional studio practice in their chosen visual interest.  Students create a portfolio with five final, highly-developed works, supported by 15 pieces of work that document their studies through in-depth and thorough process in the form of a rich and exploratory art journal.  Students will also communicate to the viewer through written and reflective Artist Statements.  Students have the option of submitting their portfolios to the College Board.

Media options include drawing, painting, fashion design, digital art and design, photography, printmaking, mixed media and more.

Open to: 10th-12th grades

Course Length: Two semesters

Teacher approval? None 

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: None

Guitar I is designed for students who have either never studied guitar before, or for the student who has self-taught themselves guitar, but cannot read music. Guitar I students will learn to read and perform music for chords as well as melodies in both standard notation and Tabulature.  There will be one required public performance which is held in the spring. Students are required to provide their own guitar as well as purchase two (2) textbooks, The H.O.T. Guitar book 1 and SmartMusic.  Students are asked to not purchase any materials until they’ve been contacted by Mr. Hoffman. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement, or may be taken as an elective.

Open to: All grades

Course Length: Two semesters.

Teacher approval? None

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: None

The Beginning Band consists of freshman students who are new to instrumental music study. Beginning Band students will perform music at the easy to medium level, which includes compositions from the wind band repertoire, and will continue to develop fundamental music elements to help strengthen their musical abilities in a performance setting. The Beginning Band students may combine with the Concert Band and Symphonic Band to make up the Pep Band. Pep Band plays at all home football games, selected basketball games, and selected playoff games. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement, or may be taken as an elective.

Open to: All grades

Course Length: Two semesters

Teacher approval? Yes 

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and/or application required

Please Note: *Students must be enrolled in a Band course to be eligible for honor bands. The Concert Band consists of freshman students who wish to continue their instrumental music performing experience from middle school and students of any grade level who are new to instrumental music study. Concert Band students will perform music at the easy to medium level, which includes compositions from the wind band repertoire, and will continue to develop fundamental music elements to help strengthen their musical abilities in a performance setting. The Concert Band may combine with the Symphonic Band to make up the Pep Band. Pep Band plays at all home football games, selected basketball games, and selected playoff games. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement, or may be taken as an elective.

Open to: All grades

Course Length: Two semesters

Teacher approval? Yes 

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: Completion of Concert Band, or Audition

Please Note: *Students must be enrolled in a Band course to be eligible for honor bands. The Symphonic Band consists of students in grades 9-12 who wish to continue their instrumental music performing experience at a higher level. Symphonic Band students will perform music at the medium to advanced level, which includes compositions from the wind band repertoire, and will continue to develop fundamental music elements to help strengthen their musical abilities in a performance setting. Students will partake in advanced rehearsal and performance techniques with an emphasis on Musicality. The Symphonic Band will perform in various festivals and competitions throughout the state. The Symphonic Band will combine with the Concert Band to make up the Pep Band. Pep Band is required to play at all home football games, selected basketball games, and selected playoff games. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement, or may be taken as an elective.

Open to: All grades

Course Length: Two semesters

Teacher approval? None 

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: None

Please Note: *Students must be enrolled in an Orchestra course to be eligible for honor orchestras. The String Ensemble consists of students who wish to begin or continue their instrumental music performing experience from middle school and students of any grade level who are new to instrumental music study. String Ensemble students will perform music at levels appropriate to their experience, which includes compositions from the Orchestral repertoire, and will continue to develop fundamental music elements to help strengthen their musical abilities in a performance setting. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement, or may be taken as an elective.

Open to: All grades

Course Length: Two semesters

Teacher approval? Yes 

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: Completion of Concert Band, or Audition

Please Note: *Students must be enrolled in a Band course to be eligible for honor bands. The Jazz Studies program consists of students in grades 9-12 who wish to continue their instrumental music performing experience and explore the idiom of Jazz. Jazz Studies students will perform music at the medium to advanced level, which includes music from Dixieland to Fusion and beyond, continue to develop fundamental music elements to help strengthen their musical abilities in a performance setting. Students will partake in advanced rehearsal and performance techniques with an emphasis on Musicality and Improvisation. Jazz Studies will perform in various festivals and competitions throughout the state. Jazz Studies may combine with the Concert and Symphonic Bands to make up the Pep Band. Pep Band plays at all home football games, selected basketball games, and selected playoff games. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement, or may be taken as an elective.

Note--Jazz Studies may be offered during 0 Period.

Open to: All grades

Course Length: Two semesters

Teacher approval? None 

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: None

This entry-level ensemble is designed for any student who wants to develop better singing abilities, both alone and in a choir. An audition as well as prior choir experience is NOT required. Music fundamentals, including vocal tone production, harmony, ukulele accompaniment,and sight-reading are explored. The choir performs both sacred and secular music in various styles. Attendance is required at four yearly concert performances. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement, or may be taken as an elective.

Open to: 10th, 11th and 12th Grade

Course Length: Two semesters

Teacher approval? Yes 

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: Application/Audition Required

Cantoria Choir continues the development of musical skills begun in Choir Studio I. Emphasis is on more advanced vocal technique, three- and four-part sight-reading, and preparation of more demanding choral and solo literature. Cantoria Choir performs both sacred and secular music in various styles and welcomes treble voices. Attendance is mandatory at all performances. Students may enroll in this course for a second or third year. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement, or may be taken as an elective.

Open to: 10th, 11th and 12th Grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval? Yes 

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: Application/Audition Required 

Chamber Choir is offered for advanced singers with a solid knowledge of music theory and good sight-reading skills. Emphasis is on preparation of challenging choral, ensemble, and solo literature. This group participates in several festivals throughout the year, and has some evening and weekend commitments. Attendance is required at all performances. Students may enroll in this course for a second or third year. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement, or may be taken as an elective.

Open to: 10th, 11th and 12th Grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval? No 

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: No Application/Audition Required. Fulfills Fine Arts requirement.

In this entry-level music course, students will learn some of the basics of music vocabulary, literacy, and then dive into understanding and implementing chord theory of modern rock and pop music. Students will use the recording software Soundtrap to learn basic audio engineering, including but not limited to looping beats, bass lines, vocal processing, recording guitar and/or piano, and harmonization. This class will culminate with songwriting exploration.

Open to: 9th Grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval? No 

Course and Grade Prerequisites: No Application or Audition Required. Fulfills Fine Arts requirement.

This course offers a collaborative experience for students interested in both drama and music.  Students will spend one semester in Drama, learning the fundamentals of acting and character development, and one semester in Vocal Music, learning about both music literacy and vocal development as young singers. As an exciting synthesis of the skills they learn in both disciplines, students will combine to form one large class to produce a musical theatre mini-production to be featured onstage in the final choir concert. 

Open to: 9th Grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval? Yes 

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: Application/Audition Required 

This introductory course will expose students to the process of creating elements of theatre through the study of drama.  Students explore storytelling through non-verbal communication, body language and pantomime; voice and verbal expression; improvisation, basic script work and a brief foray into musical theatre.  This highly participatory class will give students an opportunity to master some building blocks of acting and staging, basic theatre history, theatre appreciation and constructive performance evaluation. This course fulfills the 9th grade Fine Arts requirement.

Open to: 10th, 11th and 12th Grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval? None 

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: None

With a focus on the art of acting for the stage, this course explores the creative process of drama and the performance skills of theatre in a unique, active format. Students develop and draw upon inner and outer resources to create and perform scenes based on both scripted and improvised material. Drama and Theatre provides a fun and meaningful experience for actors and non-actors alike. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement, or may be taken as an elective.

Open to: 10th, 11th and 12th Grade

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval? None 

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: None

Creative Writing focuses on the dynamic craft of dramatic storytelling, from its ancient roots in oral tradition to today’s cinema as literature. Through a cross-curricular approach, Creative Writing explores a wide range of genres and styles, from playwriting to poetry to screenwriting to filmmaking. In addition to supporting the annual Playwriting Festival, course participants will be heavily involved in the publication of CANTOS, Jesuit’s Literary Arts Magazine, as they explore the craft of storytelling. Students should expect a significant amount of reading, as well as viewing of required films. Moreover, students must be willing to devote considerable time and energy to creative writing. This course fulfills an elective graduation requirement.

Open to: All grades

Course Length: Two Semesters

Teacher approval? Yes 

Couse and Grade Prerequisites: Application required

Work behind the scenes supporting productions by Jesuit’s Award Winning Drama Program, as well as a variety of events across campus and beyond.  Students learn the basics of lighting, sound, and set design and construction while working in a hands-on environment.  Significant outside of school time, working on construction and running crews, is part of the requirement for this course. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement, or may be taken as an elective.