Fine Arts Course Descriptions

Fine Arts

** ART COURSES **

2-D and 3-D Design

Grade:  9-12

1 Sem.  Credit: .5   

Prereq:  None

This course enables the students to develop a means of relating the basic two-dimensional and three-dimensional elements of line, shape, space, texture and color to one another and as a whole. A series of exercises will be provided to explore the elements, principles and categories of design. Some mediums covered may include:  wood, metals, plaster, clay, printmaking, batik, and textiles.  The student will gain an understanding of mass, volume, space, and balance by working in three dimensions and creating the illusion of depth by working in two dimensions.  Upon completion of this course, the student will have a working knowledge of many different art forms.

Introduction to Ceramics

Grade:  9-12

1 Sem.  Credit: .5

Prereq:  None

This elective course introduces essential technical skills necessary for building an expressive foundation in clay.  You will investigate ceramic hand construction techniques such as pinch, coil and slab as well as clay surfacing techniques such as incising, piercing, sprigging, slip decoration and glaze application.  While you pursue technical facility with these hand-built ceramic techniques, you will also explore personal and societal views on containers, their function, and construction. Your cooperative, productive studio work ethic is essential for success. You will reflect and analyze your own and the work of others. Emphasis will be on process, exploration, investigation, discussion and critique.

Introduction to Drawing

Grade:  9-12

1 Sem.  Credit: .5

Prereq:  None

Drawing is the fundamental foundation for every art course offered.  The student will be led through a series of drawing techniques designed to improve his/her ability, beginning with the very basic to more advanced skills.  If one is to be successful, then one must practice.  The student will complete drawing assignments out of class.  Students will work with a variety of mediums including:  pencil, colored pencil, pastels, conte sticks, charcoal, marker, india ink, colored ink, etc.  A sketch book is required.

Introduction to Painting

Grade:  9-12

1 Sem.  Credit: .5

Prereq:  None

This course will focus on different painting styles and techniques throughout art history.  Styles will range from impressionism to optical illusion to contemporary trends.  Students will learn elements of color theory.  Acrylic paint, tempera paint, and water colors will be used.

Advanced Ceramics

Grade:  10-12

1 Sem. Credit: .5

Prereq:  Introduction to Ceramics with an “A” 

This course continues essential technical skills necessary for building an expressive foundation in clay. Ceramics II will investigate hand construction techniques as well as clay surfacing techniques. While students pursue technical facility with these hand-built ceramic techniques, students will also explore personal and societal views of containers, their function, and construction. A cooperative, productive studio work ethic is essential for success. Students will reflect and analyze their own work and the work of others. Emphasis will be on process, exploration, investigation and discussion.

Advanced Drawing

Grade: 10-12

1 Sem. Credit: .5

Prereq: Introduction to Drawing with a “B” or higher

Advanced Drawing will expand upon the drawing and design elements explored in Drawing I. Detailed application of the skills learned in Drawing I will be necessary for the student to succeed in making original works of art. This course is designed for students who want to explore a deeper ability in drawing the human figure as well as master more realistic works of art. As well as realistic forms, cartooning and comic design will be incorporated. Students will work with a variety of mediums.

Advanced Painting

Grade: 10-12

1 Sem.  Credit: .5

Prereq: Introduction to Painting with a “B” or higher

This course will focus on different painting styles and techniques throughout art history.  Styles will range from impressionism to optical illusion to contemporary trends.  Students will learn elements of color theory.  Acrylic paint, tempera paint, and water colors will be used.

Independent Art Studio - (May be taken one or both semesters of senior year.)

Grade:  12 Only

Credit: .5  per semester

Prereq (at least 3 of the following classes with an "A"):  Intro to Ceramics, Intro to Drawing, Intro to Painting, Advanced Drawing, and Advanced Painting. Completed application and teacher approval is also required.

The student who wishes to advance/excel in any given art course for credit in continuing his/her development of skills must submit an application for review, be in his/her senior year, and have successfully passed all previous art classes with at least a “B” or higher.  The student will have some choice in advanced projects and become independent from the rest of the class.  The student will begin to develop a portfolio of his or her art work.

**MUSIC AND THEATER COURSES**

Concert Band

Grade:  9-12

2 Sem.  Credit: 1

Prereq: Teacher approval

This is a more advanced instrumental course for dedicated high school musicians, focusing on the performance of diverse and higher level ensemble repertoire. Students will refine their technical skills, deepen musical expression, and collaborate on a range of pieces from classical to contemporary genres. The ensemble is a platform for students to showcase their talent, engage in competitive and non-competitive festivals, and represent their school at various events.  Participation in regular and additional performances is mandatory, fostering a high standard of musical excellence.

Instrumental Music 

Grade: 10-12

2 Sem. Credit: 1

Prereq: Teacher Recommendation

This course is designed for students who want to strengthen their understanding of music fundamentals while exploring a range of instruments. It offers personalized instruction, allowing students to focus on the specific skills they wish to develop at their own pace. This course helps students develop techniques for playing brass, woodwind, guitar, piano and percussion instruments and their ability to perform a variety of concert band literature styles.

Choir

Grade:  9-12

2 Sem.  Credit: 1

Prereq:  None

Course goals are: (1) To practice the art of choral singing through rehearsals and performances both on-campus and off-campus. (2) To experience robust and healthy vocal pedagogy that engages the students’ mind and body. (3) To expand students’ understanding of poetry, cultures, history, and other curricular studies by performing and learning about a variety of choral music. (4) To develop personal traits of leadership, poise and dependability as well as develop high morale and maintain school spirit. (5) To demonstrate an increased level of mastery of music literacy skills. Attending and participating in performances are mandatory components of the class. Students are encouraged to participate in numerous honors festivals, contests, and solo and ensemble.

History of Jazz, Rock, Country, and other American Music

Grade: 10-12

1 Sem. Credit: .5      

Prereq: Prior or concurrent enrollment in U.S. History; or counselor approval

This class emphasizes the underlying themes of American music and its development, including folk songs, blues, jazz, country, rock, and pop music. The musical impact on American culture will be discussed as will basic music theory concepts. Likewise, the course will reflect on the impact American history had on the music of various genres. Prior knowledge of music is beneficial but not necessary.

Theater 

Grade: 9-12

1 Sem. Credit: .5

Prereq: None 

This class will include an introduction to theater covering basic stage and acting vocabulary, acting skills, basic stage and tech equipment setup and maintenance, writing sound and light cues, and basic stage makeup techniques. Students will also become stronger team players through improvisation and theater games as well as learn how to audition effectively for plays and musicals. Students will be expected to memorize monologues and dialogues for classroom presentations, evaluate performances, analyze scripts for set requirements, and design makeup and costumes for selected plays. This course is structured to accommodate students with varying degrees of production experience.The course will involve both practical, hands-on projects and design work. Students will be required to use their knowledge in some capacity in the theater department’s fall/spring production either as  cast or a crew member. This course can be taken 1st or 2nd semester or full-year.