Fine Arts: Art and Music
Art
The Art Department offers a wide variety of courses for students with all levels of ability. Students who want to explore art for personal enrichment or pursue art on the post-secondary level and beyond are encouraged to participate.
Drawing I 5005
Drawing is an introductory, hands-on course that is designed for students who think they might enjoy art but are skeptical about their abilities. This class will focus on how students can begin to create realistic artwork by focusing on contour drawing & shading and experimenting with new materials.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
CERAMICS I 5015
Students will learn, through practice, the three hand building techniques of pottery making. Students will also learn the use of the potter’s wheel. In addition, students will use several glazing techniques, as well as surface decoration, in the creation of practical pottery and sculptured forms.
This is a highly desired class, and one must understand that priority will be given to 12th and 11th graders who wish to take it.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
PORTRAITURE AND CARTOONING 5043
This course is designed for students interested in learning to draw the human face realistically and abstractly. The areas of facial anatomy, proportion, features, expression and color theory will be explored. The study of color theory will also be introduced via hands-on computer techniques. Even though this course description may sound highly technical, the course itself is fun and enjoyable, and it is not limited to talented artists.
Students will work on developing cartooning and animation skills during the second half of the semester. This semester course is an elective and does not serve as a prerequisite to second level art courses.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
PAINTING I 5235
Painting I is an introductory, hands-on course that is designed to help students explore various painting mediums and processes. This course introduces the student to painting realistically as well as in an expressionist style, while using color theory for maximum effect. Mediums explored are watercolor & acrylics.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
PAINTING II 5335
This class is built on the strong foundational skills introduced in Painting 1. Painting II will give students an opportunity to add to their understanding of paint application, color, brushstroke, and composition while starting to develop a personal painting style and point of view.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: PAINTING I
PERSPECTIVE DRAWING 5303 Not Running
Students do not have to know how to draw in order to make their drawings appear realistic. Course work begins with simple exercises and graduates to three-point perspective skyscrapers. Along the way students create room interiors and building exteriors in one, two and three point perspective. This semester course is an elective and does not serve as a prerequisite to second level art courses.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
PHOTOGRAPHY 5325
This course provides an introduction to the use of the adjustable camera and computer imaging techniques. Areas explored are exposure speeds, lighting, lenses, composition, film processing, printing and enlarging black and white photographs. Special effects, portraits, posing and illustrative photography will be taught as well as digital imaging techniques with the Windows computer. Assignments stressing creativity are assigned throughout the course.
This is a highly desired class, and one must understand that priority will be given to 12th and 11th graders who wish to take it.
COURSE NOTE: All students must supply a manually adjustable 35 mm camera.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
COLOR, COMPOSITION AND CALLIGRAPHY 5883
This entry-level class introduces the student to the basics of color and composition as well as skills associated with “beautiful writing” (known as calligraphy). Students will have the opportunity to learn color and paint/ink application techniques as well as some basic layout skills and related art history concepts.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
CERAMICS II 5125
This course is open to those who have mastered the techniques learned in Ceramics I. Advanced glazing techniques and surface decorations are emphasized, and skills and expertise on the potter’s wheel will be stressed. An historical overview of ceramics is also included in this class.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:10-12
PREREQUISITE: 5015 - CERAMICS I
GRAPHIC DESIGN 5305 Not running
This elective is a must for the student working to develop a marketable skill in the art field. This class features a hands-on approach to the world of advertising and commercial design. Project units include illustration, business cards and stationery, trademarks, and lettering. Students will also be exposed to layout design and drawing techniques using computers and software programs found in the professional graphic arts studio. Ceramics, photography, portraiture and cartooning and perspective drawing are not considered prerequisites for this course.
COURSE NOTE: 10th grade transfer student only: portfolio acceptance by any commercial art instructor is required. This course meets the computer requirement.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:10-12
PREREQUISITE: 5005 - ART VARIATIONS/ or 5235 - ANYONE CAN DRAW.../ or 5325 PHOTOGRAPHY (but only with the Photography teacher's recommendation as well)
PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO 5355
This course is designed to offer the student an opportunity to explore advanced photographic concepts and methods. Students work on assigned and independent projects. Some areas investigated include color slide photography, lab and in-camera special effects, advanced lighting techniques, digital imaging, and illustrative photography. Emphasis is placed on production of exhibit quality work. Special effect techniques will be explored in both film and digital computer media.
COURSE NOTE: All students must supply a manually adjustable 35 mm camera.
CREDIT: 5 TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: 5325 - PHOTOGRAPHY
DESIGN/MIXED MEDIA 5405 Not Running
This is a studio course which explores two and three dimensional design concepts, including drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking. Computer technology is utilized in Art History/Appreciation as well as project planning stages. This course expands upon the sills introduced in Art Variations or Anyone Can Draw, Paint & Sculpt.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:10-12
PREREQUISITE: 5005 - ART VARIATIONS/ or 5235 - ANYONE CAN DRAW.../ or 5325 PHOTOGRAPHY (but only with the Photography teacher's recommendation as well)
CERAMICS STUDIO 5135
In this course, advanced techniques of wheel-throwing skills will be explored. Concentration in one hand building technique will be encouraged in order to promote expertise. Students will explore advanced glazes, surface decorations, slip-casting molds and creating plaster molds.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:11-12
PREREQUISITE: 5125 - CERAMICS II
PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO II 5363
Photo Studio II is designed to challenge the serious student interested in more self-directed projects and visual problem solving. Refining of skills in both traditional and digital imaging is emphasized. Those who plan a college major in this field will be assisted in the critique and building of a portfolio for the college interview and application process.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: 5355 - PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
Music
The Music Department offers a wide variety of courses for students with all levels of ability. Students who want to explore music for personal enrichment or pursue art on the post-secondary level and beyond are encouraged to participate.
CONCERT BAND 5525
This is a course designed for those students who wish to participate in a large instrumental ensemble. Instructional emphasis is placed on instrumental music fundamentals: i.e., scales, intonation, phrasing, tone production, improvisation, etc. Student members also receive one group lesson a week on their instrument as part of a rotating schedule. Students are responsible for all Concert Band activities throughout the year. Participation in all scheduled rehearsals and performances is mandatory, including scheduled after school and evening rehearsals. Freshman and sophomore concert band members are required to participate in the marching band.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
HONORS WIND ENSEMBLE 5535
Honors credit is offered for advanced students who fulfill audition requirements based on New Jersey Regional standards, including scales, sight-reading and selected solos. Honor students must fulfill all responsibilities of band class. Auditions are held in March.
PREREQUISITES: Eighth Grade participation in CJMEA Regional Orchestra/Band (for 9th grade entry). Teacher recommendation and successful completion of an audition.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
PERCUSSION/HONORS PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE 5545
This course is designed for all types of percussion with an emphasis on percussion ensemble literature as opposed to concert band/wind ensemble literature. By focusing on percussion literature, percussion students are given more opportunities to play complex rhythms/melodies as well as the wide array of tuned percussion instruments. ALL STUDENTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MARCHING BAND.
PREREQUISITES: Teacher recommendation and previous participation in high school/middle school performance groups.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 9-12
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
ORCHESTRA 5585
Orchestral instruction is offered to interested string players as an entry-level course. Primary emphasis is placed on expanding student playing skills on string instruments. Students will also learn how to read and interpret sheet music and gain background on musical literature. Performance requirements include appearances at the Winter and Spring Concerts and Graduation. Freshman and sophomore orchestra students are required to take the class in order to participate in the school orchestra. Attendance at individual lessons and group rehearsals is mandatory.
PREREQUISITES: Previous participation in orchestra/teacher recommendation
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
CONCERT CHOIR 5655
The Concert Choir is designed for those students who enjoy singing in a large vocal ensemble. No previous singing experience is necessary. The student will learn proper rehearsal skills, singing techniques, music notation and interpretation. Students will be introduced to various styles of good choral literature. Participation in all scheduled rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
MUSIC THEORY I 5675
This introductory course covers musical basics: i.e., notation, scales, intervals, harmony and their usage in music. The class will explore the various periods of musical development and their relationship to today’s musical trends. Emphasis is placed on individual musical development through sight singing, ear training, and appropriate developmental exercises.
To be successful in this class, it is strongly suggested that the student has some familiarity with reading and/or playing music. In other words, if you are already in Band or Orchestra, or if you can read music on your own, you will adjust better to the requirements of this class.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
CO-REQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take 5873 - MUSIC THEORY II
MUSIC THEORY II 5873
This course is an in-depth study of music theory, designed to build on the concepts introduced and mastered in Music Theory I, and leading into AP Music Theory. Students who have musical training and have a solid foundation in the basics of Music Theory I will have the opportunity to test into this course.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Music Theory I (with a grade average of B or better), or successful completion of the Music Theory Final Exam.
MUSIC PRODUCTION 5893
This course will look at the development of popular music beginning with its roots in the 19th Century, exploring jazz, blues, rhythm and blues and the current popular styles of today. Areas of study will also include rock and roll, Motown, the British invasion, dance music, and heavy metal, as well as other important influences on popular music.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA 5575
Honors credit is offered for advanced students who fulfill audition requirements based on New Jersey Regional standards including scales, sight-reading, and selected solos. Honor students must fulfill all responsibilities of orchestra class. Auditions are in March.
PREREQUISITES: Eighth Grade participation in CJMEA Regional Orchestra/Band (for 9th grade entry). Teacher recommendation and successful completion of an audition.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE:10-12
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA 5595
This orchestra group will offer opportunities for those string students who have successfully completed the required course work in the entry-level Orchestra, yet need additional reinforcement in playing and reading skills before they can qualify to become a member of the Honors level Chamber Orchestra. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
COURSE NOTE: Teacher recommendation required.
CREDIT: 5 TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:10-12
PREREQUISITE: 5585 - ORCHESTRA
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Admin Approval Only
HONORS CHOIR 5625
The Honors Choir is an advanced select choir that performs the highest quality of classical and popular music. In addition to performing concerts for the Winter and Spring, as well as the Graduation Ceremony, the Honors Choir will perform for various school and community functions. Students will be encouraged to audition for Regional and All-State Chorus. Auditions held in May will be based on New Jersey All-State Chorus Standards that include scales, sight singing and a selected solo. Participation in rehearsals and performance in concerts is mandatory.
COURSE NOTE: Teacher Recommendation required. 9th grade Concert Choir students must be INVITED at the end of the school year to audition for Honors Choir.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE:10-12
PREREQUISITE: 2 years Concert Choir or 1 year Concert Choir and 1 year Vocal Techniques and successful completion of an audition.
VOCAL TECHNIQUES 5665
This course is geared to the more advanced choral student interested in improving his/her individual vocal/musical skills. Students in this class automatically become members of the Concert Choir. In addition to mastering the repertoire of the Concert Choir, class members receive in-depth instruction in appropriate vocal techniques, including ear training and sight-reading. Where applicable, students will perform as soloists and participate in ensemble groups throughout the year. In addition to performing at the Winter, Spring and Graduation Ceremony, Vocal Tech students will perform for various school and community functions. Participation in all scheduled rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
COURSE NOTE: Previous participation in Concert Choir is required.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: 5655 - CONCERT CHOIR
ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY 5775
Students will be required to read, notate, and compose music. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to listen to musical works attentively and analytically. Course work will include inside and outside classroom assignments. The course is designed like a first year college level theory course. Advanced Placement credit will be given upon successful completion of the AP examination. Emphasis in the course will be on common-practice period tonality, tonal relationships and modulation. Attention will be given to the acquisition of correct notational skills. In addition, the student will gain exposure to familiarity with a wide range and variety of musical literature.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Music Theory or Instructor approval.
