Fine and Performing Arts
Art I
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 9, 10
Art I will introduce and explore the Elements and Principles of Design.
Students will use a variety of media, such as: drawing, ceramics, painting, ink, and 3D modeling. Students will begin to develop the ability to identify qualities that separate good designs from designs that do not use the elements and principles of design correctly. Art 1 students will be exposed to a few of the most popular artists from history, and will learn basic vocabulary and terms used to describe tools, media, methods, and artwork.
Art II
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: 80% or higher in Art I
Students will build on previous knowledge and apply the basic principles of art in exploring some of the most famous art styles and artists from Prehistory up to the modern era.
Students will learn basic vocabulary and terms to describe tools, media, methods, styles, and artwork. Students will learn to identify major artists and their artistic styles, and learn the methodology from creating similarly styled works of art.
Art III
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: 90% or better in Art II
Students will evaluate and produce artwork based on contemporary styles and artists.
Students will learn basic vocabulary and terms to describe tools, media, methods, styles, and artwork. Students will build on previous knowledge and use primarily the same media as used in previous years, although assignments will be more complex and more design oriented. This class is designed for serious art students. Students will begin to build a body of work for portfolios.
Advanced Art IV
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 12
Prerequisite: 90% or higher in Art III
This course is designed for the serious art student. Grades will be based on a portfolio of work that the student will produce. Students should approach each assignment with new depth as they develop their own style.
Band
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Participation in Middle School Band, or with instructor permission. Students need basic skills on a band instrument and music reading ability.
High school band includes concert band, marching band, and pep band. This group will perform 2 concerts a year, at all home football and boys’ basketball games, plus various other contests and competitions. We will study a variety of musical styles with an emphasis on note reading skills, developing independence on each instrument, and creating a quality ensemble sound.
Students interested in marching band color guard may sign up for the fall semester of band but will need another class for the spring semester.
Concert Choir
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Concert choir is the performing organization in the choral music department which rehearses during the school day. They present 2 concerts during the school year, as well as participate in IHSA solo/ensemble and organizational contests. Other possible opportunities may be presented during the school year as well. Performances are a part of a student’s overall grade, so a commitment to evening performances is required. There are no prerequisite courses for participating in this ensemble.
Madrigal / Swing Choir
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: All students enrolling in this class must have at least average music reading skills and must be able to match music pitches vocally. It is recommended that a student wishing to take this class have one year of school choir experience. Exceptions to the above can be approved by the instructor.
This course may be audited with parental consent. The decision to audit must be made by the fifth day of school.
This class meets from 7:10 a.m.- 7:50 a.m. 3 day a week, with the students being responsible for their transportation to school. Emphasis during the first semester will be on madrigal music of various styles from the 14th to the 20th century, in several languages, and culminating with the annual madrigal dinner-concert in December. Only those students who have learned their parts and have developed a good madrigal singing style will be allowed to perform at this annual production.
Second semester students will study a variety of popular styles of music, including jazz, a cappella pop, 20th century, contemporary, swing, musicals, and show choir music. Students will also incorporate movement and choreography into their studies while learning proper breathing techniques and proper vocal production with these added elements of performance. This class will perform at concerts and community events to promote the choral music program throughout the semester.