Art

 For any questions regarding Art courses, please contact Mr. Blazer, SBTL for the arts at bblazer@philasd.org or stop in room 324.

1. Introduction to Art – (9th grade – 1/2 year rotation)

This course introduces students to the elements and principles of art through hands-on lessons, as well as the study of individual artists and arts of Western and non-Western cultures. Students will conduct research into current art trends. Students are required to demonstrate a working knowledge of the major points and ideologies through the creation of two-dimensional works using a variety of drawing media. All students will be expected to write about art and to demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles taught in the course.

2. Art 2 – (10th-12th)

In Art 2, fine art studio experiences are provided to students who are interested in developing their art skills and building portfolio work. Emphasis is placed on developing visual awareness, technical skills and creative solutions. A variety of drawing, painting, and printmaking media and techniques provide a foundation for continued art study. Projects exhibiting an understanding of the elements and principles of art are emphasized. The class also requires students to attend museums and galleries, to read and write about art, and to learn how to discuss their artwork and the artwork of their peers in a supportive classroom environment. Sketchbooks are utilized for notes, preliminary in-class drawings, and the completion of homework assignments. There are no prerequisites; Art 1 is not a requirement to take this course.

AP Art – (11th - 12th grades)

This course is for 11th and 12th grade students committed to developing their art. Students may take this course both years and complete two unique portfolios. Students taking AP Art must complete and submit a portfolio that fulfills the requirements of the College Board, which includes the Sustained Investigation and Quality works. This course pushes students to synthesize their materials, processes and ideas into a cohesive body of work. Students must be prepared to work on self-driven art at an advanced level and to have the work ethic to meet deadlines. To that end, students are encouraged to have a study skills period for independent studio work. There is a meeting in June to discuss the summer assignments.

Prerequisite: Art 2 with a minimum grade of a B or permission of the instructor.

Students without the prerequisite courses may complete an interest form and attach a link to an art portfolio that demonstrates advanced skills and concepts. Contact Ms. Keefe with questions.

3. IB Visual Arts Standard Level / Higher Level – (11th and 12th)

Students may choose to take IB Visual Arts for one or two years. The course offers students extensive involvement in the study of art history, theory and criticism and relates this to their own studio work. Students conduct research and develop art journals that record their research of historical and contemporary art forms. A multicultural and interdisciplinary approach to the study of art is emphasized and related production of art helps to highlight the role of visual arts to people from around the world. All IB Visual Arts students complete the Comparative Study, the Process Portfolio and the Exhibition of their work. Prerequisite: Acceptance into IB Diploma Program.

4. Graphic Design 1 – (10th-12th)

This is a course that combines fine art with graphic design. The students work individually and at times in teams to create graphic design and typographic images, advertising layouts, illustrations, packaging design, web design and sequential art. Students are responsible for presentations of images and products that take the needs of the client into consideration and have real-life applications. Drawing will be an active part of this class and skills in this area are encouraged. Student learning revolves around the Adobe Creative Suite – Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Additionally, students work with Sculptris and Blender, which are both free 3D modeling software platforms.

5. Graphic Design 2 – (11th -12th)

This course focuses on building upon students’ skills with digital media and applied design. Emphasis is placed on understanding past and contemporary styles, trends, and approaches to further personal creative development. Students learn to think critically and to develop a personal design approach and style. Students will choose one or two software platforms previously learned in Digital Design 1 and focus on mastery level understanding of design using the software.

Prerequisite: Graphic Design 1 with a minimum grade of B. 

6. Photographic Media – (10th -12th)

This course is an introduction to technical and aesthetic properties of digital photography and film with an emphasis on the use of a manual digital camera. Students learn to use the camera as a vehicle to develop a sense of composition, according to the elements and principles of design, and to illustrate complex ideas and meanings through visual art. Additionally, students learn to create efficient, digital workflow using basic image and film editing skills and software programs. Historical and contemporary still and moving images are presented in a cultural context for student learning. Hands-on projects are balanced with critiques, research papers, presentations, and reaction papers.

Students must own a MANUAL digital camera. Students will NOT be permitted to use a cell phone for projects.

7. Photographic Media 2 – (11th – 12th)

This course is designed to further develop students’ skills in digital photography and film with an emphasis on mastering the manual capabilities of a digital camera. Students build on previous themes and techniques in order to apply their skills to express one’s artistic voice. Hands-on projects are balanced with critiques, research papers, and presentations, reaction papers and self-evaluations. The ability to think critically and to work independently is required.

Students must own a MANUAL digital camera. Students will NOT be permitted to use a cell phone for projects.

Prerequisite: Digital Photography with a minimum grade of B. 

8. Sculpture 1 – (10th-12th)

In this art course students explore the essentials of design through creating three-dimensional works. Students will use a variety of materials that include, but are not limited to: clay, wire, cardboard, foam, found objects, wood and stone. Students will utilize the elements of design to construct additive sculptures, carve subtractive works, model figures and abstractions, and design utilitarian objects. Research and reaction papers will be assigned.

9. Sculpture 2 – (11th-12th)

This course is designed to further develop students’ skills in three-dimensional media and design concepts. Students further explore techniques with a variety of materials and learn to apply their skills to express one’s artistic voice. Research papers, gallery reports, critiques and self-evaluations are an integral part of the program, as well as the ability to think critically and to work independently.

Prerequisite: Sculpture 1 with a minimum grade of B.

10. Costume Design – (10th-12th)

Costume and Fashion Design is a year-long course in which students will focus on basic fashion design techniques prior to diving into costume design work for CHS’s yearly musical production.   Fashion design techniques will include inspiration board designing, fashion history, fashion illustration, and basic sewing skills.  In Costume Design, students research historical precedents in order to aid in appreciation, understanding, and inspiration. Students will work collaboratively with the director, instructor, and cast to create wearable garments for the production, some from scratch and some embellished.  The end of the year will focus on creating custom projects for the annual fashion show in which students can showcase their personal expressions and creativity.

11. Introduction to Drafting and Architecture

 Listed as “Des & Aesthetics of Hum Hab”)– (10th-12th – 1/2 year rotation)

In this half-year course, students explore the design, planning, and development of architectural drawings. Emphasis is placed on the production of construction documents and presentation media through traditional and computer-aided equipment. Students will be required to learn concepts, vocabulary, architecture/design history, and a range of rendering skills both two- and three-dimensional. This course is highly recommended for students preparing for future studies in architecture or theatrical production.

Performing Arts

MUSIC

1. Music Technology I Honors (10th-12th, ½ year course)

Music Technology provides students with a basic knowledge of music theory, notation and piano skills.  They will also gain a basic knowledge of acoustics.   Students will learn various technological applications in music.  The technology lab allows students to engage their creative side.  The software programs utilized in the course include Sibelius, Garage Band, Logic, Reason among others.  Students will learn basic recording and production skills through a variety of projects.  Musical experience is preferred, but not a prerequisite. Please see Mr. Blazer in room 324 for any questions. 

2. Music Technology II Honors (10th-12th, ½ year course)

A continuation of music technology I, this course more deeply investigates technological applications in music. Topics include but are not limited to music theory, musical synthesis, recording, composition, critical listening and music notation. Utilizing a variety of current software, the student will progress through a myriad of engaging projects and assignments. 

Prerequisite: Music Technology I.

3. Music Theory 1: Fundamentals of Musicianship

This course serves as an introduction to the study and development of practical skills in reading, writing, and sight-singing music, musical signs and terms, intervals, triads, major and minor scales, key signatures, meter and rhythm, and harmony. Students will develop the ability to identify musical pitches, both singularly and in combinations through melodic and harmonic dictation as a result of this course. This course does not require any prior musical knowledge or background.

4. AP Music Theory

This course serves as a component of any college curriculum introducing the first-year student to music theory, a subject that comprises the musical materials and procedures common throughout music history.  It emphasizes many aspects of music, such as harmony; more often, however, it integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition, and to some extent, history and style. Musicianship skills such as dictation, listening skills, and sight-singing are an important part of the theory course. B or better in this subject group and prerequisite courses fulfilled (ex. precalculus completed to take calculus).  Elective capacities will be determined based on student interest, teacher availability and the ability to fill required courses for graduation.  Priority will be given based on year-level when filling electives. 

5. IB Music Standard Level and Higher Level

Students may choose to IB Music at the Standard Level SL) for one year or at the Higher Level (HL) for two years. HL students take AP Music Theory in the first-year and the IB Music Higher Level 2 in the second-year. This course offers an opportunity to explore the diversity of music throughout the world. Students are encouraged to develop perceptual skills through a breadth of musical experiences. Learning to recognize, speculate, analyze, identify, discriminate and hypothesize in relation to music is a significant component in the curriculum. Opportunities are afforded students to creatively develop their knowledge, abilities, and understanding through various types of performances and/or composition and a musical investigation.

6. Introduction to Music (9th grade students only)

This class is part of a rotating schedule and limited to one report card period.  It includes the study of music, composers, performers and society, focusing on reading and critical listening skills. This course concentrates on the development of western classical music and also includes the artistic variety that developed through the 20th century.  A variety of projects and activities make this course an ideal interactive experience.

7. Piano 1 (10th-12th, ½ year course)

This course is a “hands on” class designed for students who have had little or no prior piano instruction and would like to learn how to play the piano. The course will include familiarization with the keyboard, music reading, basic theory, playing single note melodies as well as melodies accompanied by chords, and the basics of working as an accompanist. By the end of this course, students should be able to play well-known songs. Students’ progress will be measured and graded per student depending upon entering level. Please see Mr. Blazer in room 324 for any questions.

8. Guitar 1 (10th-12th, ½ year course)

This course is a “hands on” class designed for students who have had little or no prior Guitar instruction and would like to learn how to play the Guitar. The course will include familiarization with the fretboard, music reading, basic theory and playing single note melodies as well as chords. By the end of this course, students should be able to play well-known songs. Students’ progress will be measured and graded per student depending upon entering level.  Please see Mr. Blazer in room 324 for any questions.

Performing Ensembles

9. Instrumental (Includes Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concert Band and Jazz Band)

Audition required. These ensembles rehearse daily from 7:30-8:15 A.M. Candidates must possess advanced instrumental skills and display a level of proficiency commensurate with the major repertoire performed throughout the year. Participants receive one Carnegie unit for each year of successful completion. See Mr. Blazer in room 324 or email him at bblazer@philasd.org for approval.

10. Choir

Audition required. Choir offers an opportunity for those students who are vocally inclined to participate in an ensemble. Students will undergo a sequential learning process as they will refine vocal technique their time in the ensemble. The choir performs a variety of literature encompassing musical styles and genres including classical, jazz, world, folk and popular music. Rehearsals take place daily from 7:15-8:00 AM. Participants receive one Carnegie unit for each year of successful completion. See Mr. Blazer in room 324 or at bblazer@philasd.org for approval.

Theater Arts

11. Intro to Theater (9th Only)

12. Theater 1 (10th-12th)

Rising Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors  interested in Theater, even if they had the half-year elective in Freshman year. This is a completely different course.  This is a prerequisite for taking Theater II.  Theater 1 will offer students who are interested in exploring and supporting the Performing Arts at Central High School an introduction to the art of the theater. Students will review theater history and the roles of individuals in the theater: playwright, director, actor, set designer, prop director, lighting director, costume director, and makeup artist. This course will highlight the methods of engaging and researching a role. Students will learn various techniques for relaxation and concentration and character development and see the actor as a physical artist who creates realities within a given space. Students will be introduced to script analysis as the they perform monologue and take roles in short scenes and plays. Students will understand that the art of acting is a conversation between the mind (memorizing text), body (engaging physical space), soul (voice), and audience. The skills learned in this class will be useful even to the non-actor as students develop greater self-confidence.  Please see Mr. Burns in room 305 to pick up an application if you wish to select this class.

13. Theater 2 (11th and 12th)

Rising Juniors and Seniors only, who have successfully completed the full year Theater I class in either 10th or 11th grade.  Theater 2 is designed for the serious student who has an interest in pursuing theater and furthering their skills. Students will come to understand the contributions of Stanislavski and Strasberg and the concept of Method Acting. They will explore and understand other methods of engaging and developing characters by exploring the contributions of, Bertolt Brecht and his Brechtian method and the theories of Jerzy Grotowski and Viola Spolin. Students will work on auditioning skills and should participate in the production of a play during this course. Students will work independently to create self-conceived, self-generated projects, monologue as well as performing with other students in the troupe and know the roles of individuals in the theater: playwright, director, actor, set designer, prop director, lighting director, sound director, costume director, and makeup artist. This course is open to students who have successfully completed Theater 1. See Mr. Burns in room 305 if you have any further concerns or questions.

14. Theater 3 Honors (11 and 12th)

Rising Seniors only, who have successfully completed Theater I and Theater II.  Theater 3 Honors is designed for the serious student who has an interest in pursuing theater and furthering their skills. Students will come to understand the contributions of Stanislavski and Strasberg and the concept of Method Acting. They will explore and understand other methods of engaging and developing characters by exploring the contributions of Bertolt Brecht and his Brechtian method and the theories of Jerzy Grotowski and Viola Spolin. Students will work on auditioning skills and should participate in the production of a play during this course. Students will work independently to create self-conceived, self-generated projects, monologue as well as performing with other students in the troupe and know the roles of individuals in the theater: playwright, director, actor, set designer, prop director, lighting director, sound director, costume director, and makeup artist. This course is open to students who have successfully completed Theater 1. See Mr. Burns in room 305 if you have any further concerns or questions. Prerequisites: B or better in Theater 2.