Fine and Performing Arts
Philosophy
Arts instruction in the Ramsey Public School comprises courses in music, visual arts and theater. In each content area, instruction is strongly rooted in the creation, production, and performance of the art form as well as developing students ability to respond to, and critique, art. Through frequent active participation in the arts, students learn about the elements, principles, and performance practices of the various art forms. A strong emphasis is placed on teaching processes and skills associated with each of the arts rather than on rote-teaching, through which students gain the confidence to become independent artists, musicians, and actors who can solve authentic and meaningful artistic problems.
While students who wish to pursue a career in the arts will be well-prepared to do so, it is the goal that all graduates will have the tools and conceptual understandings to lead meaningful and enriching lives in connection with the arts.
Music
Course Descriptions
Prerequisite: None - 1 year 5 credits Grades 9 – 12
This group strives for vocal excellence and music-reading competence while performing a wide variety of music from multiple genres and a variety of courses. The Chorus schedule includes concerts, competitions, festivals and performance opportunities at outside venues, which have included Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall in recent years. Students have the ability to audition for and/or join other extra-curricular ensembles such as “The Ramsey Blues” and “The Ram Jams.” Students are eligible to audition for All-County, Region I, and All-State choruses. Students are reminded that in preparing for some programs, attendance at after school and night rehearsals is required.
Fundamentals of Music
Prerequisite: None - 1 year 5 credits Grades 9 – 12
This course is designed for the music student who is considering music as a vocation or serious avocation. The focus will be on developing a basic knowledge of musical fundamentals as well as music reading skills. During the class, students will be expected to recognize and utilize basic music symbols and sounds, hear and perform intervallic, melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic dictation, demonstrate an understanding of basic musical forms, conducting patterns, conductor’s scores; and identify music from various historical periods. The application of computer technology to the study of music theory will be explored. (Offered 2023-2024 and 2025-2026).
Advanced Placement Music Theory
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Music or permission of the instructor - 1 year 5 credits Grades 10 – 12
This course is designed to be next in sequence following Fundaments of Music. It is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in theory, musical materials, and procedures. The content is primarily determined by the syllabus of the College Entrance Examination Board and includes a rigorous study of musical notation, four-part writing in the style of Bach and extensive ear training. It provides a foundation for students who intend to pursue a college major in music and will assist them in preparation for standard auditions and entrance exams. (Offered 2024-2025 and 2026-2027.)
Prerequisite: None - 1 year 7 credits Grades 9 – 12
The Band program in the high school includes experiences with marching band, concert band, small ensembles, and jazz ensemble. While there is no audition for participation in most of the groups, any student entering the high school without previous instruction in instrumental music must consult with the instructor before electing this course. Additionally, the jazz ensemble participation is determined by blind audition and consultation with the director of the ensemble. Participation in Bergen County, North Jersey and All State Band is encouraged. Students enrolled in band are scheduled for band, instrumental lessons and a performance schedule including: parades, concerts, competitions, festivals and band trips. It should be noted that extra evening and weekend rehearsals are needed during peak performance periods. Attendance at Band Camp Week, scheduled for a week in August, is also expected.
Prerequisite: None - 1/2 semester 1.25 credits Grades 9 – 12
Band Front, the visual auxiliary to the marching band, meets during the fall season. Students develop performance skills involving marching, dance and equipment technique. It is open to all students, including incoming freshmen. Attendance at Band Camp Week, usually scheduled in the next-to-last week in August, is expected as it is during this time that the group prepares with the band for a rather busy fall rehearsal and performance schedule. It should be noted that extra rehearsals and performances are scheduled at times, including evening and weekends.
Prerequisite: None - 1 year 5 credits Grades 9 – 12
Digital Music Technology will address questions such as “what is music production?” and “how can we use technology as a musical tool?” Through the use of programs such as Garageband, Audacity, and Apple Logic, students will learn basic midi, sequencing, recording and mixing skills through which they will gain understanding of the elements of music. Projects may include work with original student compositions, covers of popular songs, recording live performances, as well as producing original podcasts and movie scoring. Work in the class will be strongly project-based performance assessments, both individually and in groups.
Theater
Philosophy
The Theater Program at Ramsey High School is designed to present students with numerous opportunities in speech, performance, and production, while increasing awareness and appreciation of the dramatic arts. With frequent active participation, students gain confidence and self-esteem through varied public speaking and stage performance activities, and develop abilities in speech and body movement in order to communicate effectively in everyday situations. All aspects of performance are covered, including acting styles, directing, and all areas of stage design. Students are encouraged to become active listeners and educated audience members, to grow in personal communication and performance skills, and to collaborate in all areas of theater production.
Course Descriptions
Introduction to Speech and Drama
Prerequisite: None - 1 semester 2.5 credits Grades 9 – 12
Introduction to Speech and Drama is a practical performance course in which students take part in many varied activities in order to practice and improve communication skills. Through the use of short speeches to demonstrate, entertain and inform, students learn the basic principles of vocal variety, interpretation, eye contact, pacing, and many more. In addition, students will explore and expand their understanding of theatre basics. They will be able to identify parts of the stage, various technical aspects that contribute to an overall strong performance, and be introduced to pieces of theatre history. Through the use of scene work, theatre exercises and games, students will also define simple acting terminology, such as blocking and stage directions, in addition to exploring various types and styles of performance. The students will eventually see the connection between communication skills and performance.
Acting
Prerequisite: Introduction to Speech and Drama - 1 semester 2.5 credits Grades 9 - 12
Acting is a class that offers an outlet for creative and imaginative students that enjoy or want to “try their hand” at performance. The course builds upon the foundations of theatre studied in Introduction to Speech and Drama, and incorporates character study through the use of monologues, scene work, pantomime, physical movement, and one act plays. The class utilizes theatre games and various activities to improve volume, enunciation, pace and all speech fundamentals, while practicing different performance techniques. Every student in the class is actively involved throughout the course, working on the stage in pairs or small groups, constantly presenting and performing. The course culminates in the Evening of One Act Plays, a performance for family and friends.
Drama Workshop
Prerequisite: Acting - 1 year 5 credits Grades 10 - 12
The Drama Workshop class is designed to enable theatre students to utilize information from their Introduction to Speech and Acting classes, putting their studies into practice. This is a performance based class, meaning the students select, produce and perform their own plays. Within the class, students direct, cast the show, rehearse, build and paint scenery, plan costumes and properties, and create publicity for the shows that are then performed for the public. In addition, the students study other forms of theatre, through the reading and analysis of specific plays to watching live performances. The class is also the support system for the theatre program at the high school, and often takes part in every aspect of performance for any play or musical at RHS. When available, the opportunity for competition also becomes a class project for those interested. Enrollment in this class requires participation in evening performances.
Visual Arts
Philosophy
The main goal of the Ramsey Art Department is to develop educated and cultured individuals who understand, through visual and tactile experiences, that the world functions on the aesthetic as well as the technological level. The main strategy of the art staff is to encourage and promote an environment for creative thinking, creative expression and problem solving. Exploration and experimentation of personal visual expression is made manifest through a variety of art media.
Course Descriptions
Prerequisite: None - 1 semester 2.5 credits Grades 9 – 12
Experiences in Art is a materials-based course centered around the Elements of Art. There is a strong emphasis on the manipulation of a wide variety of art materials to demonstrate knowledge of the Elements, rather than on observational studies. Students will become familiar with art vocabulary and will be able to apply this vocabulary to their own work, famous works and in several in-class critiques. This course serves as a prerequisite for Interior Design, Fashion Design and Computer Graphics. Note -- students who have already taken Visual Arts I are discouraged from taking Experiences in Art.
Prerequisite: None - 1 year 5 credits Grades 9 – 12
This is a studio course designed to enable students to explore and sample a wide variety of materials and methods available to artists and craftspeople. With emphasis placed on applying the elements of art, students will work in the areas of drawing, painting, three-dimensional artwork, and printmaking and will study the works of famous artists who excelled in these media.
Visual Arts II* *Honors Option Available
Prerequisite: Visual Arts I or Experiences in Art - 1 year 5 credits Grades 10 – 12
This course seeks to further develop each student’s personal expression through art. The students will work with a variety of media including watercolor, pastel, pen and ink, collage, and acrylic painting. Students research important Art Movements and consider their characteristics while developing their own work. The appreciation of art elements and principles are discussed in relation to all artworks. Emphasis is placed on brainstorming, concept development, art history, and presentation.
Visual Arts III Honors
Prerequisite: Visual Arts II - 1 year 5 credits Grades 11 – 12
This course is a study of drawing in pastel and painting in acrylics, watercolor and oil, as well as some experience in fabric painting. The exploration in these media is an extension of the skills mastered in Visual Arts II. Each art student is helped to develop a portfolio with examples of finished work in a variety of media suitable for presentation at job interviews or in the application process to art schools or colleges. Students are required to draw in a sketchbook on a weekly basis.
Introduction to Computer Graphics
Prerequisite: Visual Arts I or Experiences in Art
1/2 year 2.5 credits Grades 10 – 12
This course will explore how art can be created through digital media. Students will learn to use the basic tools of both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator and apply them to a variety of artistic projects. Drawing upon students’ knowledge of the elements of art and principles of design, students will be able to create original digital artworks as well using digital tools to enhance traditionally created art. Tasks in this class will be strongly project-based and will emphasize the creative process, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Applied Computer Graphics
Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Graphics
1/2 year 2.5 credits Grades 10 – 12
Students in Applied Computer Graphics will build upon the skills learned in Introduction to Computer Graphics and apply them to more advanced and in-depth projects. Students will complete projects with real-world applications and have the chance to pursue topics of individual interest related to computer graphics and digital art-making.
Prerequisite: None - 1 year 5 credits Grades 9- 12
Students will study major twentieth century sculptors and work in a variety of sculptural materials including foam, stone, plaster, wire, wood, and clay. Students in this class will be working with clay in a variety of methods such as hand building (pinch slab and coil), wheel throwing, and molding. Painting on clay, surface decoration and glazing are introduced and explored.
Advanced Ceramics and Sculpture: Functional Forms* *Honors Option Available
Prerequisite: Ceramics and Sculpture - 1/2 year 2.5 credits Grades 10 – 12
The objective of this course is to extend and refine the skills learned in the basic Ceramics and Sculpture course, through which students will complete several rigorous, long-term projects. In this course students will explore a variety of ceramic techniques including handbuilding, the pottery wheel, glazing, and more. Students will build upon prior ceramics and sculpture knowledge while making original functional vessels that can be used outside of the classroom.The projects in this course become more concept-based and require greater creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, and independence from the students. A variety of media are used.
Advanced Ceramics and Sculpture: Studio Sculpture* *Honors Option Available
Prerequisite: Ceramics and Sculpture - 1/2 year 2.5 credits Grades 10 – 12
The objective of this course is to extend and refine the skills learned in the basic Ceramics and Sculpture course. Students who enroll in this class are expected to possess a high proficiency in basic hand-building techniques and will be required to complete rigorous, long-term projects. In this course, students will learn how to use equipment for processing and finishing clay which are used in professional studios while creating original works of art by hand and on the pottery wheel. The projects in this course become more concept-based and require greater creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, and independence from the students. A variety of media are used.
Jewelry Making
Prerequisite: None - 1 semester 2.5 credits Grades 10 – 12
This course introduces a variety of methods and materials involved in jewelry making with an emphasis on understanding and using metals. Basic construction, forming of metal, and basic stone setting and enameling will be taught. Construction in fimo (polymer clay) will also be explored. Career opportunities will be discussed.
Fashion Design
Prerequisite: Visual Arts I, Drawing or Experiences in Art or permission of the instructor 1 semester 2.5 credits Grades 10 – 12
This is an art-based course which explores the why of clothes, fashion trends and classics, with color and fabric applications. Fashion concepts are explored from both a historical context and the examination of current designer apparel. Activities and topics covered will include: shading, classic drapery folds and drawing from croquis figures and manikins. Final projects encourage original designs for real life application. (Offered in 2024-2025 and 2026-2027.)
Interior Design
Prerequisite: Visual Arts I, Drawing, or Experiences in Art, or permission of the instructor 1 semester 2.5 credits Grades 10 – 12
This course incorporates the study of furniture styles, floor plans, space, window treatments, budgeting, wall and floor coverings, fabrics, color and accessories. Students will be able to design a room for a specific client, draw it to scale and choose all the interior components. Field trips are scheduled in order to expose students to new concepts in design. (Offered 2023-2024 & 2025-2026).
AP 2D Art & Design
Prerequisite: Visual Arts II and Senior Status - 1 year 5 credits Grade 12
The AP 2D Art and Design course framework presents an inquiry-based approach to learning about and making art and design. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, and ideas. The framework focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design foundations courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to articulate information about their work. AP Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection. In May, students are expected to submit portfolios to AP for evaluation.
Students enrolling in AP 2D Art & Design may select it as their Profile Project Pathway. Students selecting this Profile Pathway will complete all required Profile Project Components and are encouraged to use the “sustained investigation” required of AP 2D Art & Design as the basis of their Profile Project.
A SPECIAL NOTE to students considering art as a major in college: Students planning on majoring in fine arts or commercial art-related careers are encouraged to take the following courses over four years. These courses will enable students to develop a strong portfolio, which is essential for admission to art school and college. Additionally, during the senior year and upon completion of Visual Arts III, a year in independent study is advisable. This will better prepare the student for college/art school by providing guided structure for continued technical advancement.
1st year Visual Arts I
2nd year Visual Arts II
3rd year Visual Arts III
4th year or sooner - One or more of the following courses:
Introduction to Commercial Art Ceramics and Sculpture Jewelry Making
Computer Graphics Independent Study/Portfolio