Graduation requirement: 1 Fine Arts credit
6090 Art 1 ½ credit
Art 1 is a beginner art elective that introduces students to art at the high school level. Students are required to take this elective before any other visual art elective. Emphasis will be on basic art elements and design principles, utilizing essential vocabulary, and exploring art history from various perspectives. This course will explore a wide variety of mediums such as graphite, pen/ink, colored pencils, paint, basic origami and cut paper. Nearly all work is done during class time in the studio with an occasional need for work outside of class.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6091 Cartooning ½ credit
Students will learn the basics of character design, comic strip layout, and inking. The culminating project is a class comic book in which all students contribute a page.
Prerequisite: None Suggest grade levels: 9-12
6100 Drawing 1 ½ credit
This introduction to drawing will teach students how to use a broad variety of drawing tools and techniques to capture the world around them and express ideas. Students will build skills in: observational/realistic drawing, gesture drawing, grid drawing, abstract drawing, and more. Students will create drawings in black and white and in color, concentrating on use of graphite and the gray scale to develop a use of value. Students will have opportunities to use drawing pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, markers, crayons, pen and/or ink, and pastels, among other drawing tools. Nearly all work is done during class time in the studio with an occasional need for work outside of class.
Prerequisite: Art 1 Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6110 Drawing 2 ½ credit
This intermediate level drawing course builds upon the skills learned in Drawing 1 (observational/realistic drawing, gesture drawing, grid drawing, abstract drawing, etc.) as students practice and fine tune these abilities. An introduction to figure drawing will also be covered. This is the class for students who wish to further improve their drawing skills and techniques. Students will design their own self-directed projects towards the end of the course with teacher guidance. Students will further explore drawing with graphite and graphite sticks, crayons, charcoal, colored pencils, pastels, markers, ink, and more. Emphasis will be on making complete, well crafted, detailed drawings in black and white and in color with a strong use of value. Most work is done during class time in the studio with some need for work outside of class. At times, students may need to bring work between school and home using art portfolios or carrying tubes.
Prerequisite: Drawing 1 Suggested grade levels: 10-12
6120 Painting 1 ½ credit
Painting 1 is for any student who wants to learn the basics of how to paint. Students will complete practice work to learn techniques and create finished paintings worthy of displaying! Students will learn about color theory (how do you make a natural looking green paint color?), how to paint on paper and canvas, about different brush types, watercolor painting techniques, acrylic painting processes, and how to correctly take care of all painting tools and supplies. As an introduction to painting at the high school level, this class emphasizes the process of painting correctly, but there’s also time for experimenting and having fun with this colorful, hands-on medium. Students will be introduced to a variety of painting styles and subjects to get the most out of this course. Nearly all work is done during class time in the studio with an occasional need for work outside of class.
Prerequisite: Art 1 (Drawing 1 is helpful, not required) Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6130 Painting 2 ½ credit
Painting 2 builds on the skills learned in Painting 1, with more time for creating well-developed finished paintings in watercolor and acrylic paints, plus other paint additives and techniques. Sometimes, students will need to work outside of class time and/or carry work between home and school in a portfolio.
Prerequisite: Painting 1 (Drawing 1 is helpful, but not required) Suggested grade levels: 10-12
6140 Ceramics 1 ½ credit
Ceramics 1 students will learn the fundamental hand-building techniques of ceramics, including coiling, slab building, pinching, and using molds. Students will complete teacher-directed projects throughout the course and end with at least one project of their own design. Students will make functional ceramic art (such as mugs and plant holders) as well as decorative ceramic art (such as a wall tile or ornament.) There are many steps to this fun, hands-on, rewarding medium, and students will learn about them all, from wedging and building to glazing and firing to recycling clay. At the end of the course, students will try out the potter's wheel! Most work will be done during class times with an occasional need to work outside of class.
Prerequisite: Art 1 Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6150 Ceramics 2 ½ credit
Ceramics 2 students will build upon the skills and techniques from Ceramics 1, making more involved and refined ceramic projects. Assignments will utilize multiple construction methods in one piece and students will further explore the relationship between functional ceramic arts and fine ceramic arts. New equipment and tools will be offered, such as the slab roller and the potter's wheel, as well as more glazing and decorating methods, such as special effects glazes, layering glazes, and slip trailing. More projects will be student-designed with teacher guidance. Students will complete most of the work during class time, but some regular work will need to happen outside of class.
Prerequisite: Clay 1 Suggested grade levels: 10-12
6180 Photography 1 ½ credit
Photo 1 focuses on two ways to take photos: using a “point-and-shoot” camera and using a smartphone creatively to make better images.
Students will learn ways to compose interesting and eye-catching photos with these types of cameras. This course will introduce students to how a digital camera works. Students will take many photographs both during school and outside of class time/at home as you learn about F/stops, shutter speeds, lighting, depth of field, white balance, exposure triangle,rules of thirds, and the various types of digital files and RAW files. Students will take a field trip to do an assigned photo shoot. Important note: Students must have their own DSLR camera. No iPhones/cell phones can be used as a camera.
Prerequisites: None
Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6190 Photography 2 ½ credit
This course further develops the skills learned in Photography 1. Students will learn how to use a Digital Single-Lens Reflex camera, or DSLR. For this reason, Photo 2 students MUST provide their own DSLR camera for the duration of the class. These DSLRs are often borrowed from a family member for class use and do not need to be new. They must, however, be equipped with at least one general and removable lens, such as an 18-55mm lens, have a working battery charger if applicable, and accept memory cards. This course is for interested, dedicated students who want to become a more skilled photographer. You will take many photos, both in and out of school, continue to learn more about making and choosing your best photos, and more about the history of photography. Students will also learn how to print and prepare photos for display.
Prerequisites: Photography 1 and consistent access to a DSLR. Suggested grade levels: 10-12
6210 DIY Art and Beyond ½ credit
DIY stands for “do it yourself.” DIY is a current trend in the worlds of art, home decor, building, gardening, crafts, accessories, bath and beauty products, and more. You can see and hear “DIY” on all the popular home remodeling tv series, in magazines, on many blogs, on Etsy, on Pinterest, and even on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. While all art is truly DIY, we’re talking about a wider variety of artistic projects that are usually something the average person might not attempt themselves (instead they would pay for a professional to do it or buy the item pre-made at the store.) In this art class, students can skip the store and learn how to create both art and fine craft projects that are expressive, decorative, and functional! Possibilities are endless, but could include: tie-dyeing, a variety of paintings and collages, wood burning, decorative signs, coaster-making, jewelry, bookends, creative plant pots, macrame, or monogram art. The last project will be an independent project that each student designs and showcases themselves. Nearly all work is done during class time in the studio with an occasional need for work outside of class.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6220 2D Design ½ credit
This course explores the basic foundations of design (physical and digital) through a series of visual projects that introduce students to The Principles of Design (balance, rhythm, pattern, emphasis, contrast, unity, and movement). Students interested in graphic design, advertising, fashion, photography, body art, and film should consider taking this course.
Prerequisite: Art 1 and either Drawing 1 or Painting 1. Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6231 Sculpture 1 ½ credit
Introduction to Sculpture is an investigation of three-dimensional art, in a variety of mediums, broken down into the categories of additive and subtractive art. Materials used include cardboard, wood, plaster, clay, paper mache, wire, and found objects.
Prerequisite: Art 1 Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6233 Sculpture 2 ½ credit
Sculpture II is a self-designed workshop in the further study of three-dimensional art. Students will build upon their understanding of additive and subtractive sculpture to create larger pieces that combine mediums. Installation art will also be covered in the curriculum.
Prerequisite: Sculpture 1 Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6563 Advanced Art Techniques ½ credit
If you love art, this is the class for you! Advanced Art Techniques is a studio art, upper-level course for motivated students who have a real interest in art. Anyone who thinks they might study art after high school should take this course. Students will create a variety of artistic projects during the first part of Studio Art, while planning ahead for the second half, where students will design their own projects based on their interests in theme and material. Building a portfolio is a major part of this course, which can be used when applying to college or other post-secondary programs. Students in this class will work outside of class regularly. Note: This class is strongly recommended for juniors interested in art so the portfolio can be used for the start of senior year when applying for college.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1 plus one other art course and junior or senior standing. Suggested Grade levels: 11-12
6270 Metals 1 ½ credit
This is an introductory course for students to work in the shop using metalworking tools and machinery. This course focuses on teaching welding and cutting techniques, fabrication methods as well as helping students learn about safety and career opportunities. Students will learn how to implement the design process, learn various manual techniques and machine techniques to shape and cut metals, learn multiple welding techniques as well as employ creativity and craftsmanship. Students will learn the process of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG), and Plasma Arc Cutting.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6271 Metals 2 ½ credit
This course focuses on building on the skills you learned in Metals 1 and incorporate those skills into a project of your choosing. Students will continue to develop the design process, and learn the finer details of assembling and building metal projects, all while having a deeper focus on creativity and craftsmanship. You can make back racks, sheet metal projects, grind rails, artistic metal sculptures, and so much more.
Prerequisite: Metals 1 Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6280 Scale Modeling ½ credit
Scale Modeling is a class that is intended to expose students to blueprint instructions, assembly processes, painting techniques, and technical modifications for the assembly and detailing of a model kit for a car, truck, plane, tank, etc.. of their choosing. The Model kits that are available are typically 1:24 scale and are molded in plastic.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6290 Woods 1 ½ credit
This is an introductory course for students to work in the shop using the woodworking tools and machinery. Students will utilize the design process for woodworking, learn various manual and mechanical techniques to shape and cut materials as well as employ creativity and craftsmanship. Come learn how to use tools and equipment safely and make unique projects.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6293 Woods 2
This course focuses on teaching woods identification, cutting and joinery techniques, detailed carpentry skills, as well as helping students learn about safety and career opportunities. Students will work on the design process, apply various manual techniques to cut materials and fabricate projects as well as employ creativity and craftsmanship. Make a piece of furniture, table, wall art and more. This is your opportunity to build something of your choosing and take your woodworking skills to the next level.
Prerequisite: Woods 1 Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6291 Auto CAD ½ credit
AutoCAD stands for Computer-Aided Design. This software is used for designing and drafting. It allows a user to conceptualize ideas, product designs and drawings to the required level of technical accuracy, perform rapid design calculations and simulations in the field of manufacturing industries. Students will have the opportunity to design their own keychain tag using the CAD software and then loading that design into the CNC Plasma Cutter to have that machine
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6292 Architectural Design ½ credit
Through a combination of lecture, hands-on exercises, and drawing problems, this course introduces the student to Residential Architectural Drafting using Chief Architect. The fundamentals of residential architecture include layout and design, common building materials, mechanical systems, architectural styles, cost analysis, and energy efficiency. Students will use Chief Architect to draft out floor plans for varying designs of homes, as well as create their own house plans for a Dream Home Concept for a final project. The students will also use Google Sheets to track material and financials for the project, as well as research and locate all materials and furnishings for the Dream Home. Lastly, they will incorporate a Green Home Design aspect to their Dream Home. Students will present their final design and all aspects of that design to the class at the end of the quarter.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 11-12
6310 Music Theory and Composition ½ credit
Would you like to understand music more? Would you like to be able to compose your own music? This class gives the student an understanding of the fundamentals of music (melody, harmony, rhythm, color and form). This is a class that also gives students time at the end of each period to practice their instruments or learn another instrument.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6320 Chorus 1 credit
This course is designed to foster creativity in music making and to teach basic choral and vocal skills necessary for performing in a high school choral ensemble. The repertoire performed is of a variety in style and level of difficulty, challenging both vocally and musically. Students are offered voice lessons during flex time for the purpose of vocal training and the teaching of basic sight singing skills. Students in this ensemble should show a good practice ethic and will work toward increasing musical literacy. Attendance at all concerts and rehearsals is required. The Chorus performs three to five times per year as follows: Winter Concert, Music in our Schools Concert (March), Spring Concert and Fall and Spring Festivals.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6330 Chamber Singers 1 credit
The Chamber Singers are an honors level auditioned ensemble of singers selected from the High School Chorus. The ensemble of up to 24 singers study and perform a wide variety of more advanced choral works. The ensemble will work on sight singing skills, musical literacy, and vocal technique. Chamber Singers will have a very rigorous performance schedule.
Prerequisite:
1. A vocal audition for the director in the spring of the previous year.
2. A minimum of two years choral experience in either school or community ensembles.
3.Students must have adequate sight-reading skills, plus ability to maintain intonation and part independence.
4. Selection based on voice needs of the group so as to maintain balance between parts.
5. Ability of the student to meet the performance schedule.
Co-Requisite: Students are required to participate in Chorus, either scheduled or learning the music through lessons during flex-time. Suggested grade levels: 10-12
6340 Intro to Piano and Music Theory 1 ½ credit
Students will learn basic music theory through the study of piano. Each class will introduce piano and basic music theory skills. Students will learn correct playing techniques; be able to read music in both treble and bass clef; be able to read and notate simple rhythms. All students must have access to a piano or keyboard in order to complete homework assignments.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6341 Intro to Piano and Music Theory 2 ½ credit
Continue your study of piano and music theory. This class will continue with more advanced music theory concepts and piano music.
Prerequisite: Intro to piano and music theory or prior permission of instructor
Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6350 Concert Band 1 credit
Those students who have instrumental experience on a concert band instrument perform music of virtually all eras. Students perform for three formal concerts, sporting events and local celebrations, including Memorial Day and Graduation. Students are expected to practice their instruments, take lessons and complete at least one band project. Traditionally, the band travels to performances throughout New England.
Prerequisite: One calendar year playing a wind, brass or percussion instrument
Suggested grade levels:9-12
6360 Drama ½ credit
Would you like to become a better actor? Would you like to become a more powerful speaker and work on theater skills? Then this class is for you, it is a semester long class that will challenge your acting and directing skills. A the end of the semester students will be required to direct a portion of a play of their choosing.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6370 Music Technology and Creation ½ credit
Using GarageBand, Logic Pro X, as well as other music software programs and digital audio workstations, students will learn about recording techniques and music production, music composition and form, MIDI (Music Instrument Digital Interface) technology, keyboard and synthesizer technology, and the basics of recorded sound. Students will be responsible for several small projects and an end-of-quarter/semester final project to present. This class also has a component for music composition.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6390 Advanced Studies in Music ½ credit
Students who plan further study in music in their post-secondary education and/or students with a strong interest in music should enroll. Students will develop their understanding of topics such as notation, intervals, chord theory, harmony and ear training. Students will also learn and apply skills in areas such as music history, composition, formal analysis, and arranging. Students may elect to fulfill the requirements for AP Music Theory as a part of this course’s Honors Challenge. May be taken multiple times.
Prerequisite: Prior permission from Instructor required Suggested grade levels: 10-12
6400 Guitar ½ credit
For those looking to pick up an instrument for the first time or brush up on their guitar skills, this class will cover proper playing technique, basic chords and melodies, and how to read music notation and guitar tab. Playing quizzes and projects will be built around a variety of playing levels so everyone can get something out of the assignments. Regardless of your experience, my hope is that you will leave the class with more knowledge and appreciation of the guitar.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6410 Jazz Band ½ credit
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the theory and characteristic style of jazz in a performance setting, this is the class to take. You will learn the techniques and styles unique to jazz music through the exploration of traditional and non-traditional jazz charts. In addition to in-class playing sessions, we will discuss the roots of jazz music, relevant composers and musicians, and how to improvise over chord changes. This is a higher level performance class, so students need to already be comfortable playing an instrument and reading music.
Prerequisite: Membership in Concert Band Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6420 Evolution of Popular Music in America ½ credit
This course is a history of pop music in America, starting with the Civil War era and continuing until the present. The survey of the more recent popular styles will result from student presentations. The trends in American popular music will be studied in relation to other cultural and historical events, but the focus will be on the music.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12
6470 Ukulele ½ credit
This course will serve as an introduction to ukulele and music. Students will learn proper paying technique, strumming, chords, and basic music reading. An instrument will be provided, or students may bring in their own. This is a beginner class.
Prerequisite: None Suggested grade levels: 9-12