visual and performing arts

Fine Arts Full-Year Courses

Explorations in Art       Grades 9-12

In this course students will be introduced to drawing, painting, three-dimensional and two-dimensional design. Students will learn the elements of art and principles of design and demonstrate the concepts learned to solve two-dimensional and three-dimensional  spatial problems. This course will serve as a precursor to further explorations of the arts. Students will also be exposed to art history and its significance to the art making process. An introduction to career opportunities related to the two-dimensional and three dimensional arts such as: graphic, architectural, environmental; industrial and interior design and visual arts will be explored. Upon completion students will be able to: understand the elements of art and principles of design, produce quality work which demonstrates the concepts learned, handle a variety of materials successfully, recognize periods, artists and styles relevant to art history, and view art as a context within which they can study relationships between the past, themselves, their environments and make real life connections.  

Prerequisite: None.

Ceramics I         Grades 9-12

This course is for students who love to work with clay. Students will explore all aspects of ceramics from basic hand-building techniques to becoming proficient at the potter’s wheel. This is a full year course and no previous experience in clay is necessary. Students will use ceramics to create decorative and functional artwork. They will discover the history of clay from various cultures and art practices. They will also learn about modern ceramic uses in industrial design careers and the use of mold making. Students will apply various glazing, cold patina, and painting methods on the clay’s  surface. They will assist in the kiln firing process and repurposing clay. 

Prerequisite: None. 

Ceramics II   Grades 10-12

Ceramics II is for students who enjoyed Ceramics I and want to continue to master their skills with clay. Students will continue to create hand-built forms and will become more comfortable using a potter’s wheel. This is a half-year course and previous experience with clay is necessary. Students will create larger work that is stable, highly decorative and functional. They will continue to explore through the application of cold patinas, paints, and glazes onto the surface of clay to create various results and outcomes.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ceramics I. 

Honors Studio Art     Grades 10-12 

This course is designed to provide an intense study for those who may be considering art as a career. Students interested in majoring in graphic design, architecture, interior design, fashion animation, art education, photography, industrial design, fine art, etc. need this class to prepare their portfolio for college entrance. Students who are serious and want to advance their skills are welcome. There are assigned projects which are more involved and on a larger scale. Time is provided for the student to propose independent projects. The students must have self-discipline to experiment, research, and work in a wider variety of media. What the students will learn in this class will help them with self evaluation. They will express their creativity while developing their own recognizable style. Students will appreciate and understand the works of modern masters and how they use the principles of elements in art. Students, who wish, will be able to have their portfolios reviewed by college admission advisors from major art schools. The final exam will be the art lab portfolio to be exhibited in the high school’s annual art show.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Explorations in Art and teacher approval.

Note: Students are permitted to take this course for high school credit only. If students would like to receive Bergen Community College credit, they are responsible for the tuition as required. For this Bergen Community College course the cost of tuition is approximately $224.25 for the course plus the registration fee. Tuition subject to change.

AP Drawing         Grades 11-12  

In this course you’ll experiment with a variety of materials and processes as you develop your drawing skills. At the end of the course you’ll submit a portfolio that demonstrates the different drawing abilities taught in the course, which include mark-making, line, surface, space, light and shade, and composition. The portfolio is graded by the teacher and also by the Advanced Placement Review Board. Areas judged as final portfolio are as follows: Section 1 Sustained Investigation -15 images and response to prompts (works demonstrate sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision.) Students will choose an area of concentration or interest. This section includes writing prompts that explain the inquiry that guided their work and a description of evidence of practice, experimentation and revision. Section 2 Selected Works- 5 physical works or high quality printed reproductions of physical works and response to prompts. Works each demonstrate synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas using art and design skills. Students enrolled in the AP Drawing course are expected to make a commitment to submitting their portfolio to the College Board in May. 

Prerequisite: Two years of art classes, a portfolio submission and departmental approval.

AP 2-D Art and Design   Grades 11-12 

In AP 2-D Art and Design you’ll develop skills using materials and processes such as graphic design, photography, collage, printmaking, fashion illustration, and others. As the course concludes you’ll submit a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to practice, experiment, and revise your own work while communicating your ideas about art and design. The portfolio is graded by the teacher and also by the Advanced Placement Review Board. Areas judged as final portfolio are as follows: Section 1 Sustained Investigation -15 images and response to prompts (works demonstrate sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision.) Students will choose an area of concentration or interest. This section includes writing prompts that explain the inquiry that guided their work and a description of evidence of practice, experimentation and revision. Section 2 Selected Works- 5 physical works or high quality printed reproductions of physical works and response to prompts. Works each demonstrate synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas using art and design skills. Students enrolled in the AP 2-D Art and Design course are expected to make a commitment to submitting their portfolio to the College Board in May. 

Prerequisite: Two years of art classes, a portfolio submission and departmental approval.

AP 3-D Art and Design   Grades 11-12 

In AP 3-D Art and Design you’ll learn how to create art in different disciplines such as sculpture, architectural rendering, ceramics, and others. At the end of the course you’ll submit a portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge of art skills using three-dimensional materials. The portfolio is graded by the teacher and also by the Advanced Placement Review Board. Areas judged as final portfolio are as follows: Section 1 Sustained Investigation -15 images and response to prompts (works demonstrate sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision.) Students will choose an area of concentration or interest. This section includes writing prompts that explain the inquiry that guided their work and a description of evidence of practice, experimentation and revision. Section 2 Selected Works- 5 physical works or high quality printed reproductions of physical works and response to prompts. Works each demonstrate synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas using art and design skills. Students enrolled in the AP 3-D Art and Design course are expected to make a commitment to submitting their portfolio to the College Board in May. 

Prerequisite: Two years of art classes, a portfolio submission and departmental approval.

Fine Arts Half-Year Courses 

Introduction to Drawing and Painting   Grades 10-12

This class is for students desiring to work on more serious and in-depth drawings and paintings. Students will create an individual style of painting using various paints and mediums.Materials that will be explored throughout the year include tempera, acrylic, watercolor and oil painting in a variety of sizes and themes. The students will appreciate the art and influences of different cultures and historical periods and dive deeper into color theory- color schemes and color mixing and art history.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Explorations in Art.

Introduction to Drawing, Composition and Design     Grades 10-12

This course encourages students to gain further experience in developing their drawing skills. Students will advance their understanding of drawing techniques introduced in Explorations in Art with emphasis on observational drawings, linear perspective and drawing as a form of expression using a variety of drawing materials. These drawing materials include, but are not limited to, charcoal, graphite, colored pencil, and pastel. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Exploration in Art.

Introduction to Two Dimensional Design   Grades 10-12

This course is for students who are interested in working with a variety of materials and  techniques. All of the works of art will be flat and can include but not be limited to the following types of artmaking such as- digital drawing, painting, drawings, hand drawn graphic design work, printmaking and mixed media. Mixed Media is a piece of artwork created with a variety of mediums such as markers, colored pencils, paint and or ink. Students will apply line, shape, form, value, texture, space and color to develop and create artwork that communicates ideas, meanings and or purpose.  An introduction to career opportunities related to the two-dimensional arts such as: graphic design, architectural, environmental; industrial and interior design and visual arts will be explored.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Exploration in Art.

Introduction to Three Dimensional Design   Grades 10-12

In this course students will improve and progress their knowledge and skills in three-dimensional construction introduced in Explorations in Art. Students will understand and develop structural and spatial exploration with paper, clay, wire, found objects and other materials related to three-dimensional materials. An introduction to career opportunities related to the three-dimensional arts such as: architectural, environmental, industrial and interior design will be explored.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Explorations in Art. 

Music and Performing Arts Full-Year Courses

String Orchestra         Grades 9-10

The High School String Orchestra is available to students who have achieved an acceptable level of performance in orchestra instruments. Students looking to begin the study of a string instrument can do so at the discretion of the teacher. Students can be in both Orchestra and Band which take place during zero period. The music repertoire is diverse. Students learn to build on their skills. Practice at home is encouraged. Performances include concerts, workshops, and special programs when they are available. This group will perform in the NMHS Winter and Spring Concerts. 

Prerequisite: None. 

Honors String Orchestra   Grades 11-12

The High School String Orchestra is available to students who have achieved an acceptable level of performance in orchestra instruments. Students looking to begin the study of a string instrument can do so at the discretion of the teacher. Students can be in both Orchestra and Band which take place during zero period. The music repertoire is diverse. Students learn to build on their skills. Practice at home is encouraged. Performances include concerts, workshops, and special programs when they are available. This group will perform in the NMHS Winter and Spring Concerts. Honors Orchestra Students will have more rigorous requirements in class and are expected to perform materials at the higher level.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of String Orchestra. 

Concert Band         Grades 9-10

The Concert Band is an advanced ensemble composed of experienced student wind players and percussionists. The full-year course is based on the wind ensemble concept and the literature written for this medium. The daily objective of the course is to foster and promote musical growth through the playing of an instrument by the student. As a member of the band program, group effort and cooperation is necessary to a successful program. Band is a skilled effort in which each student is expected to show technical and musical growth throughout this course. Instruction concentrates on advanced technical and expressive skills in soloistic, chamber and full ensemble settings. This group will perform in the NMHS Winter and Spring Concerts, as well as the New Milford Tree Lighting, NMHS Graduation, and other school/district-related functions. The course goals of Concert Band are: to heighten each student's aesthetic awareness through the musical arts; to further develop the fundamental musical and technical skills involved in playing a musical instrument; to reinforce and develop the fundamentals of music theory and listening skills; and to provide students with an ensemble performance experience.

Prerequisite: None. 

Honors Concert Band   Grades 11-12

The Concert Band is an advanced ensemble composed of experienced student wind players and percussionists. The full-year course is based on the wind ensemble concept and the literature written for this medium. The daily objective of the course is to foster and promote musical growth through the playing of an instrument by the student. As a member of the band program, group effort and cooperation is necessary to a successful program. Band is a skilled effort in which each student is expected to show technical and musical growth throughout this course. Instruction concentrates on advanced technical and expressive skills in soloistic, chamber and full ensemble settings. This group will perform in the NMHS Winter and Spring Concerts, as well as the New Milford Tree Lighting, NMHS Graduation, and other school/district-related functions. The course goals of Concert Band are: to heighten each student's aesthetic awareness through the musical arts; to further develop the fundamental musical and technical skills involved in playing a musical instrument; to reinforce and develop the fundamentals of music theory and listening skills; and to provide students with an ensemble performance experience. Honors Students will be required to reach higher level benchmarks and perform more challenging repertoire.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concert Band. 

Music and Performing Arts Half-Year Courses

Chorus         Grades 9-12

The Chorus class is for students who enjoy singing and who wish to perform choral compositions of the highest caliber possible. The repertoire ranges from Medieval to pop. This course meets each school day during half of the lunch period. Which half is dependent upon the student’s vocal section. Vocal training, diction, balance and tone quality are stressed. Performances include concerts, workshops, festivals and special programs as available. This group will perform in the NMHS Winter and Spring Concerts.

Prerequisite: None. 

Honors Chorus   Grades 11-12

The Honors Chorus class is for students who enjoy singing and who wish to perform choral compositions of the highest caliber possible. The repertoire ranges from Medieval to pop. This course meets each school day during half of the lunch period. Which half is dependent upon the student’s vocal section. Vocal training, diction, balance and tone quality are stressed. Performances include concerts, workshops, festivals and special programs as available. This group will perform in the NMHS Winter and Spring Concerts. Honors Chorus students will be required to reach higher level benchmarks.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chorus. 

Rock of Ages         Grades 9-12

This course fulfills the performing art requirement for the non-performer, and will give the student the opportunity to study popular culture through the prism of Rock and Roll music. A study of the origins of Rock music over the decades beginning in the 50s through today, with a focus on how it has defined and changed popular culture. Students will participate in individual, class and group activities that increase awareness and appreciation for the history that has shaped the music of today and beyond. This will include research, film study, active listening and presentation.  

Prerequisite: None. 

Introduction to Music Theory       Grades 9-12

Music Theory is a half year course designed to cover the basic fundamentals of music theory. Students will learn about the rudiments of music, including pitch, duration, scales, keys, intervals, meter, rhythm and other related areas. No musical experience is required, as this course covers music theory (written & aural) from the “ground-up”. This course is intended for students interested in learning about the inner workings of music theory, and provides the fundamentals needed for students who may be interested in taking higher level Music Theory in later years.

Prerequisite: None. 

Musical Theatre       Grades 9-12 

This music elective course provides an additional Performing Arts elective for those interested in Musical Theater. Students will explore the history of the musical theater through acting, singing, dancing, stage direction and behind-the-stage study. This class will explore the many aspects of musical theater. Students will research the history of musical theater, landmark musical productions, performances, characters and respected innovations throughout the history of musical theater. After being exposed to the areas of musical theater, the students will choose an area to pursue in greater depth culminating in a final project. 

Prerequisite: None.

Dance I           Grades 9-12

This course introduces the fundamental principles of dance including placement, alignment, and the elements of dance with emphasis on strength, coordination, endurance, flexibility, focus, and musicality. This class is designed for students with little to no technical dance experience. All styles are included. 

Prerequisite: None. 

Piano Lab I         Grades 9-12

Piano Lab provides opportunities for students to start or to continue learning how to play the piano. Students will receive training in piano technique, music reading, basic music theory, history and repertoire of the piano, and apply their growing knowledge and skills to playing pieces and songs ranging from classical to popular within their level of performance. Students without previous piano performance ability will start at a basic level and progress. Those students who already have piano performance ability will progress from their level of playing.

Prerequisite: None.

Piano Lab II         Grades 9-12

Piano Lab provides opportunities for students to start or to continue learning how to play the piano. Students will receive training in piano technique, music reading, basic music theory, history and repertoire of the piano, and apply their growing knowledge and skills to playing pieces and songs ranging from classical to popular within their level of performance. Students without previous piano performance ability will start at a basic level and progress. Those students who already have piano performance ability will progress from their level of playing. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Piano Lab I.