FINE Arts

Visual Arts and Music

OVERVIEW

Students who enroll in the Visual and Performing Arts courses will independently use their learning to:

• Engage in creative artistic expression and understand the significance of the arts in society

• Generate and/or execute artistic ideas for a variety of purposes and contexts

• Analyze and interpret artistic ideas for a variety of purposes and contexts

• Apply knowledge of the arts to deepen understanding of the human experience

Visual Arts

The North Attleboro High School Visual Art Department will inspire creativity through the exploration of art’s immense historical and cultural significance. It is the mission of the North Attleboro High School Visual Art Department to provide an opportunity for students to actively engage in the visual arts by creating a space to explore the following ideas:

• Creativity

• Personal and artistic growth

• Appreciation and understanding of art and its role in society

• Problem solving

• Making a positive contribution to the school culture

Through respectful, expressive, and collaborative learning, students will understand the impact of art in a number of disciplines. We will encourage imaginative methods of communication and problem solving, and together with students, identify connections between art and the world.

Tier 1:

FOUNDATION ART

Grades 9-12, 2.5 Credits, 860

Foundation Art is the introductory course in the Visual Art Department and is the required starting point for students as they move through visual art courses. Through this course, students will explore a variety of media including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture, fiber arts, and clay. Students will build skills and engage with the artmaking process. Idea development is an important component to this course as students will learn to visually communicate original ideas and meaning.

Upon completion of this course, students may elect to take Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking.

Required Material: Sketchbook

Tier 2:

PRINTMAKING

Grades 10-12, 2.5 Credits, 861

In this course, students will learn the varied methods and techniques of printmaking by exploring the production of multiple images from a single design. Emphasis is on design, technique and the creative use of materials related to printing processes. Students will develop a portfolio of prints and art works based on their original ideas. Silkscreening, analog/alternative photography, bookmaking, and digital/traditional printmaking methods will all be explored.

Upon completion of this course, students may elect to take Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Art Studio.

Required Material: Sketchbook

Guideline for Election: Foundation Art, Art & Design 1, or Studio Art 1

SCULPTURE

Grades 9-12, 2.5 Credit, 866

This course introduces students to the fundamental skills, techniques, and production of three-dimensional art forms. Using problem solving, students will create both functional and sculptural works in a variety of media. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of three-dimensional art forms through study of sculptural art history and apply this understanding to their own work. Students will be assessed through classwork, projects, sketchbooks, and studio practice.

Required Material: Sketchbook

Guideline for Election: Foundation Art, Art & Design 1, or Studio Art 1

PAINTING

Grades 10-12 (20 max), 2.5 Credits, 868

In this course, students will dive deep into the medium of painting and explore the characteristics and techniques of watercolor, gouache, and acrylic paint. Students will deepen their understanding of color theory and explore the connections between painting and other media such as drawing, collage, and fiber arts. Students will utilize their painting knowledge to make informed artistic decisions and communicate meaning in their paintings.

Upon completion of this course, students may elect to take Drawing, Sculpture, Printmaking, Art Studio.

Required Material: Sketchbook

Guideline for Election: Foundation Art, Art & Design 1, or Studio Art 1

DRAWING

Grades 10-12, 2.5 Credits, 869

In this course, students will engage with the medium of drawing as they render the world around them. Students will explore a variety of drawing materials and learn about the unique characteristics of these materials. Developing observation skills is a key focus of this course as students will learn to create the illusion of form and space in still life, portraiture, and environments. Students will utilize their drawing knowledge to make informed artistic decisions and communicate meaning in their drawings.

Following completion of this course, students may elect to take Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Art Studio.

Required Material: Sketchbook

Guideline for Election: Foundation Art, Art & Design 1, or Studio Art 1

Tier 3:

ART STUDIO

Grades 10-12, 2.5 or 5 Credits, Semester – Level 1-874 (2.5 credits), Full Year – Level 1-875 (5 credits)

Students will have the whole Art World in their hands. Students will build a portfolio of meaningful artwork using any medium of art they feel best suits their concept. Technique and concepts are of paramount importance in this class, so bring your skills and your creativity. A variety of mediums will be explored including; collage, graphic design, photography, sculpture, drawing and painting. Students will also research artists and art movements to help them deepen their understanding of art. Projects are designed to explore the many ways artists develop and refine ideas and concepts. Students will also study the importance of art in contemporary and historical times. Students will be assessed through projects, presentations, creativity, and exhibition.

Required Material: Sketchbook and 3-ring binder

Guideline for selection: Recommendation of teacher

MUSIC

The Music Department offers courses designed for both beginner and advanced musicians. A student should read each course description to determine the appropriate level for his/her current musical background. If a student has any further questions about which classes to take, he/she should see a teacher from the department.

FULL-YEAR COURSES

CONCERT CHOIR

Grades 9 – 12, 5 Credits, Level 1 – 896

Concert Choir is a co-curricular full-year performing ensemble that sings at concerts, competitions, and community events throughout the school year. No prior singing experience is necessary. Students will study music of a variety of styles and time periods in preparation for their concert performances. The course includes the development of singing skills, music literacy, and singing with others. There are extracurricular concerts and rehearsals that students are expected to attend. This course may be repeated for credit.

CONCERT BAND

Grades 9 – 12, 5 Credits, Level 1 – 891

The high school Concert Band is a co-curricular full-year course open to students who have previously, or are currently, studying a band instrument (e.g., Woodwind, Brass, or Percussion). With permission of the instructor, select string instrumentalists (guitar, violin, cello, bass, etc.) are welcome. Students will study music of a variety of styles and time periods in preparation for concert performance. The course includes the development of listening skills, tone production, elements of meter and rhythm and performing as part of a large instrumental ensemble. The Concert Band will perform in school concerts, extra-curricular music festivals and competitions, and community events throughout the year. Additional Concert Band rehearsals may be added on select weeknights depending on the program. Students are expected to attend all concerts and performances as part of the grading requirements. Students are required to attend a limited number of rehearsals and specific performances after school. A calendar for the year is provided to each student at the beginning of the course. It is encouraged that students enroll in private instrumental lessons, audition for the Southeast District Festival, and perform at the scheduled chamber ensemble concerts as noted in the syllabus. This course may be repeated for credit.

Guideline for election: Prior instrumental background or permission of instructor.

CONCERT BAND/CONCERT CHOIR

Grades 9 – 12, 5 Credits, Level 1 – 893

Concert Choir allows students to take part in both ensembles throughout the school year. The two ensembles meet during the same period of the day, and students go to each class on an alternating schedule as determined by the instructor(s). Students are expected to keep up with all expectations of both ensembles including individual practice, extra rehearsals, and concerts. There are extracurricular concerts and rehearsals that students are expected to attend.

Guideline for election: Prior instrumental background or permission of both instructors.

MUSIC THEORY (ADVANCED PLACEMENT)

Grades 11–12, 5 Credits, AP – 892

This course covers the foundations of musical theory and is designed for the serious music student. Students will learn about the elements that make up melody, harmony, rhythm, and form. A variety of styles and periods will be discussed. Students are required to take the AP Music exam in May.

Guideline for election: 85 or better in Music Theory I or recommendation of teacher.

SEMESTER COURSES

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Grades 9–12, 2.5 Credits, 885

The purpose of this course is to explore technology resources used to create, evaluate, arrange, and perform music. Students will learn about sound production, recording, broadcasting, composing and arranging, live audio reinforcement, editing, mixing and mastering, as well as foundational music theory and piano skills. Topics will also include the legalities of digital music and copyright as well as the effects of sound on the anatomy of the ear. Instruction will be a combination of hands-on exploration and creating as well as guided individual and group projects.

WORLD MUSIC DRUMMING I

Grades 9-12, 2.5 Credits, 886

Students will perform on various hand drum instruments of varying style and ethnic backgrounds. Rhythmic content will progress from the easy to medium level. Topics will include music reading skills, technique, and general musicality. Students will perform as a group and individually during class time. No musical background is required for this course.

WORLD MUSIC DRUMMING II

Grades 10-12, 2.5 Credits, 887

This class is open to students who have previously taken World Music Drumming I. Students will perform on various hand drum instruments of varying style and ethnic backgrounds as well as keyboard percussion instruments. Rhythmic content will progress from the intermediate to advanced level. Topics will include music reading skills, technique, and general musicality. Students will perform as a group and individually during class time.

Guideline for election: Successful completion of World Music Drumming I

MUSIC THEORY I

Grades 9-12, 2.5 Credits, Level 1 – 888

Music Theory I will explore methods of composing music through the use of basic music notation and vocabulary. The course will begin with identifying notes, intervals, key signatures, scales, chords, keys and rhythms, then move on to basic chord progressions and songwriting. Previous experience in a music class is recommended, but not required.

MUSIC COMPOSITION

Grades 9–12, 2.5 Credits, 889

This elective course is an extension of Music Theory and Music Technology and expands upon the techniques of writing and harmonizing melodies in a variety of musical forms. Students will compose using professional digital software allowing full exploration of sound and texture. Students will produce their compositions using a variety of recording techniques.

Guideline for election: Successful completion of Music Technology or Music Theory or Permission of Instructor

PIANO I

Grades 9 – 12, 2.5 Credits, 898

Piano class is designed for the beginner to intermediate student. Students work individually at their own pace with teacher supervision and instruction. Keyboards with headphones are provided. Topics covered include music reading skills, correct fingering and technique, and general musicality.

Enrollment in this course is open to any student.

PIANO II

Grades 9–12, 2.5 Credits 2nd Semester, 899

Piano II is open to any student successfully completing Piano I. The class allows students to work on music that challenges the student in technique and musicality.

Guideline for election: Piano I or permission of instructor.