Foundations in Art

Full Year Course Number: 5011

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

This course will introduce students to a variety of basic art knowledge and skills. The units are based on different processes and concepts that are aligned with the upper level art classes we offer so students can further develop skills in that area if they choose. The first semester starts with an introduction unit familiarizing students with the art room, norms, terminology, and standards. The following units focus on two-dimensional art: drawing, painting, and graphic design/photography. The second semester focuses on three-dimensional art: ceramics, sculpture, and mixed-media. Each unit covers basic knowledge and terminology, related art history or culture, skills and techniques, planning and goal setting, student artwork, and a form of critique or reflection. The last unit of the year takes a look at possible art careers and pathways. Throughout the course students will compile their work into a slideshow so they exit with a personal portfolio of their work. Students will learn the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, basic art concepts and techniques, how to analyze artwork, and how to express themselves through visual art.

Painting

Half Year Course Number: 5017

Grades: 10, 11, 12

This course will enhance student knowledge and skills in painting with in depth exploration of materials, tools, and proper techniques associated with acrylic and watercolor paints. The units will cover a variety of subjects and styles from Western Art to the Modern Art timeline. Students will learn how the the Elements of Art and Principles of Design work with various techniques to create a mixture of styles. Each unit will cover examples from art history, planning and goal setting, creation of an original work of art, and will conclude with a critique or reflection. There will be opportunity for student choice and personalization. Students will further develop their creative thinking skills, ability to analyze artwork, understanding the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, and self-expression through visual art.

Prerequisite: Foundations in Art

Ceramics

Half Year Course Number: 5019

Grades: 10, 11, 12

This course covers the tools, techniques, and processes associated with basic hand building and finishing of clay pieces. Units are set up to cover the basic hand-building techniques and will cover related art history, planning, goal setting, creation of an original work of art, and will end with a critique and reflection. Assignments will cover a variety of functional and non-functional work with opportunity for personalization. Students will further develop their creative thinking skills, ability to analyze artwork, understanding of the Elements and Principles and self-expression through visual art.

Prerequisite: Foundations in Art

Mixed Media

Half Year Course Number: 5012

Grades: 10, 11, 12

This course introduces students to both traditional and nontraditional materials and processes. Students will explore 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional mixed-media techniques used in fine art. Each unit will cover related art history, planning and goal-setting, creation of an original work of art, and will finally conclude with a critique and reflection. Students will further develop their creative thinking skills, as well as their ability to visually communicate to the viewer and analyze artwork. Throughout the course, they will deepen their understanding of the Elements and Principles while fostering self-expression through multiple art skills and techniques.

Prerequisite: Foundations in Art

Studio

Half Year or Full Year Course Number: 5060

Grades: 11, 12

This course is designed for students who have taken multiple upper level art courses and are looking to further develop their skills in one or more area with the encouragement and support to work on individual projects. Students will be self-directed and will create their own curriculum based on their own interests and inspiration, upholding unit guidelines containing associated research, exploration and experimentation, planning, creation of original artwork, and a critique or reflection. This course offers opportunity for student personalization and self expression.

Prerequisite: 2 upper level art classes & teacher approval

Gifted and Talented Art

Half or Full Year Course Number: 5054

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

GT Art is offered to further support and challenge gifted art students through creative thinking, media exploration, and self-expression. This course is designed to allow student personalization with guidelines and encouragement for self-direction. Exploration of art history, cultures, and artists, personal planning and goals, media exploration, creation of original artwork, critique and reflection are all aspects of this course. Students are to maintain an art journal and compile a personal portfolio.

IB Art 1 (SL & HL)

Full Year Course Numbers: 1027 & 1128

Grade: 11

Foundations in Art- (strongly encouraged)

IB Art 2 (SL & HL)

Full Year Course Numbers: 1008 & 1235

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: IB Art 1

In this course students will explore the visual arts through a variety of processes and studio work. Students will experiment with tools, techniques, and processes associated with two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and lens based artworks that demonstrate confidence and expertise in the various media. Students will deepen their understanding of art concepts, history and cultures, extend their knowledge of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, as well as develop their art criticism and analysis ability. Personal interest, inspiration, and aesthetic preferences will determine each student's individual course of study. Students will develop their own perspectives and approaches to art through individual investigation, both visual and written. An ongoing workbook and documentation of experiments and studies will be refined in a process portfolio, along with a final exhibition show, and an extensive comparative study are all essential aspects of this course.

Concert Band

Full Year Course Number: 5023

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Through rehearsal and performance, students will gain insight into a wide variety of literature of various styles, genres and periods. Students will acquire the skills necessary for well rounded musicianship, including but not restricted to, music literacy and instrumental technique. The Concert Band performs in school concerts and functions, as well at various community events. Attendance at performances is mandatory.

Enrollment in Concert Band enables a student to audition for honors festivals such as District 2 Honors Instrumental Festival and Maine All State Band. This is a full year course.

Materials: Instrument and supplies, including oils, reeds, cleaning materials. Black semiformal clothes (GNG dress-code applies) for concerts and access to GNG polos/jackets for parades & events.

Prerequisites: Know how to play a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument, or Lab Band as a prerequisite. Students who have successfully completed Lab Band and are motivated to pursue challenging band music may, by permission of the band director, enroll in Concert Band.

Basic Guitar

Half Year Course Number: 5025

Grades: 9, 10, 11,12

This is an introductory guitar course. No prior musical experience is necessary, as we will be learning how to read music while learning to play acoustic guitar. Although the school does own some guitars, students may bring their own guitar for use in class. Class size is limited to the number of instruments available.

Text & Materials: Alfred's Basic Guitar Method. Students may bring their own guitars and store them in room 120 during the day.

Foundations in Music

Half Year Course Number: 5037

Grades: 9, 10, 11,12

Have you ever wondered how music is made? Are you curious about music's origins? This is a half-year course which will introduce students to the fundamentals of music such as pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony and form. We will be very hands-on through reading, writing, creating and playing music. We will also be exploring topics in musicology such as music from other countries and the works of famous composers. There are no prerequisites for this course. This is the class you need to take before taking Music Theory, Music History or History of Rock.

Music Theory

Half Year Course Number: 5024

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Foundations AND/OR permission of the instructor. This course is designed to give an in-depth study of music through its notation. Music Theory will take students further into the study of intervals, scales, and chords; ear training, major and minor tonalities; melody, harmony, form, and meter. Students will study the structure of music through the work of famous composers, as well as through composing and arranging pieces of their own. This course is recommended for advanced performers and those interested in pursuing music as a major or minor in college. A strong foundation in theory is required to pass entrance exams required by most college music departments.

Concert Chorus

Full Year Course Number: 5022

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Concert Chorus is a non-auditioned group open to anyone who is interested in singing; no former musical experience is required. This class focuses on building healthy vocal technique while singing many different kinds of music. We will work on learning to read music, critical thinking skills, music sight reading, group interaction, and performance skills. Our work culminates in performances at the Winter and Spring concerts; attendance at these concerts is mandatory. Students in Concert Chorus are eligible to audition for district and state music festivals.

Piano 1

Full year Course Number: 5038

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Basic Piano is open to any student interested in learning to play piano, and requires no previous musical experience. This beginner-level course will focus on learning to play and read basic piano music, and will cover the fundamentals of music history and theory. Class size is limited to the number of instruments available. Students must provide their own headphones (standard iPod/mp3 headphones).

IB Music

Full Year Course Number: 1034

Grades: 11, 12

Instructor permission Required.

Before Junior Year: One year in a performing ensemble OR Lab Band 1st semester/Concert Band 2nd semester and audition for two honors festivals or participate in at least one honors festival.