The visual and performing arts courses are in alignment with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards and reflect the philosophy outlined in the standards:

“Experience with, and knowledge of, the arts is a vital part of a complete education. The arts are rich disciplines that include a vibrant history, an exemplary body of work to study, and compelling cultural traditions. An education in the arts is an essential part of the academic curriculum for the achievement of human, social, and economic growth. The education of our students in the disciplines of dance, music, theater, and visual art is critical to their personal success as we move into the twenty-first century.” 

(Taken from New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, the Vision for Visual & Performing Arts.)

Course Title:  Introduction to Drawing and Painting 

Course Length:  Half Year / Credits: 2.5

This semester course focuses on the elements of art and principles of design, skill development with media, and knowledge of historical and cultural art creation and criticism. This course offers the beginning student an opportunity to explore different approaches to drawing and painting in a variety of two-dimensional mediums that includes pencils - colored, charcoal and watercolor - both chalk and oil pastels, inks, paints, collage, and mixed media. Students are expected to maintain a sketchbook of formative assignments. This course is a prerequisite -evel course.

Course Title:  Intermediate Drawing and Painting 

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Drawing and Painting

This course affords the intermediate student the opportunity to explore different approaches to observational and reference drawing and painting in a variety of art mediums that includes pencils - colored pencil, charcoal and watercolor - both chalk and oil pastels, inks, paints, collage, and mixed media. Students will research historical and cultural art styles and techniques while focusing on the elements and principles of design for art criticism. Students are expected to maintain a sketchbook of formative assignments.

Course Title:  Advanced Drawing and Painting 

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5 

Prerequisites:  Intermediate Drawing and Painting with a final grade of 83 or higher and teacher recommendation                            

Advanced students will work with a wide variety of art media, including charcoal and chalk drawing and oil and chalk pastels on a wide range of topics and subjects. Students will work with print making, watercolor, acrylic paint, and collage. Students will research historical and contemporary art issues and techniques, including art criticism. A sketchbook of formative assignments and summative portfolio work will be maintained throughout the year.

Course Title:  Introduction to Sculpture and Ceramics 

Course Length:  Half Year / Credits: 2.5

This exploratory course in creative three-dimensional art is designed to serve as a foundation for specializing in further art courses. Applications will focus on sculpture utilizing ceramics, cardboard, plaster, wire, wood, and multimedia. This course is a prerequisite level course.

Course Title:  Intermediate Sculpture and Ceramics 

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Sculpture and Ceramics

Students engage in a more concentrated study of three-dimensional art forms. This is a studio course for the student interested in using 3-D media to develop creative thinking and self-expression. The course is a continuation of the techniques introduced in Introduction to Sculpture and Ceramics. Students will create pieces of original work to begin building their portfolio.

Course Title:  Advanced Sculpture and Ceramics 

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5 

Prerequisites:  Intermediate Sculpture and Ceramics with a final grade of 83 or higher and teacher recommendation

Students enrolled in advanced art courses are required to produce assignments that have artistic merit and can be included in their portfolio. Students will be required to create projects that display mastery of three-dimensional design.

Course Title:  Introduction to Digital Photography and Graphics 

Course Length:  Half Year / Credits: 2.5

This is an exploratory course in photography and graphics. Students will study the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design. Students will be able to use computer software as a tool to create graphic media. Through a series of programs, students will also learn how to manipulate photos to enhance quality. This course is a prerequisite level course.

Course Title:  Intermediate Digital Photography and Graphics 

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Digital Photography and Graphics

Students engage in a more concentrated study of graphics and photography. This is a studio course for the student interested in using graphics and photography to develop creative thinking and self-expression. The course is a continuation of the techniques introduced in Introduction to Digital Photography and Graphics. Students will utilize professional image editing software to create photographs and graphics suitable for publication in newspapers, magazines, and other visual communication media. Students will create pieces of original work to begin building their portfolio. Students must supply their own digital camera, SD cards, and batteries/charger.

Course Title:  Advanced Digital Photography and Graphics 

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisites:  Intermediate Digital Photography and Graphics with a final grade of 83 or higher and teacher recommendation

Students enrolled in advanced art courses are required to produce assignments that have artistic merit and can be included in their portfolio. Students will be required to create projects that display a mastery of graphic and photographic design. Students must supply their own digital camera, SD cards, and batteries/charger.

Course Title:  AP Studio Art  

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisite:  A grade of 83 or better in Advanced Drawing and Painting or Advanced Digital Photography and Graphics or Advanced Sculpture and Ceramics and portfolio submission, teacher recommendations, completion of grade 11

AP Studio Art is considered a culminating course for those students who have successfully completed an advanced level art course and plan to pursue further education in art after high school. The course is a more concentrated study and development of the basics learned in previous art courses. There is more independent work, development of creative expression, and a final portfolio. All students are expected to prepare a portfolio for submission to the College Board that conforms to College Board Standards. Submission of the portfolio is necessary for the course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts. Three College Board portfolio options exist for this course. Students will be scheduled in the class that corresponds with their desired portfolio type. Options include: AP Art 3D, AP Art 2D, and AP Drawing.

Course Title:  Theatre 1

Course Length:  Half Year / Credits: 2.5 

This elective introduces students to the basic elements of theatre. Students will explore the fundamental principles of acting, directing, playwriting, and production design. These project-based units are designed for actors and non-actors to discover the range of skills required to create meaning out of a script. Students work as an ensemble to create an environment that encourages students to make artistic choices with confidence. 

Course Title:  Theatre 2

Course Length:  Half Year / Credits: 2.5 

Prerequisite: Theatre 1

As students build on the skills from Theatre I, Theatre II explores more sophisticated materials and artistic strategies. By drawing from historical and global theatre traditions, students will enhance their knowledge of theatre by taking more ownership of the class’ production process. Theatre II students will also pursue dramatic literature as they investigate the life and work of a playwright to integrate into their final theatrical project.

Course Title: Theatre 3

Course Length:  Half Year / Credits: 2.5

Prerequisite: Theatre 1 and Theatre 2; grade 10-12

Theatre III emphasizes the creative decisions of a theatre artist by giving students control as playwrights and directors. These students have completed Theatre I (where they explored the fundamentals of acting and production) and Theatre II (where they investigated classical and contemporary theatre through collaborative productions). In Theatre III, a semester course, students will elevate that work to the realm of directing and play-writing. These students will investigate the practice of theatrical directors and playwrights to envision and produce quality theatrical work driven by their own artistic choices. 

Course Title:  Improv & Sketch Comedy                                                                                           

Course Length:  Half Year / Credits: 2.5

In this semester course, students will learn the basics of acting and comedy improv through the practice of games, exercises, and performances that will not only strengthen their acting techniques but also their abilities to think creatively, express their ideas to others freely, and react calmly in high-pressure situations. The course also examines how comedy can be used to bring awareness to serious societal issues. Students will write and perform their own autobiographical plays, parodies, and satirical skits (like those shown on Saturday Night Live), exploring how both comic and dramatic performances can be used for a variety of purposes. 

Course Title:  Music Theory 

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Music Theory is a course in music theory that includes diatonic harmony, basic chord analysis, and notation as well as ear training and sight singing. The student will learn to read, write, and analyze music of all time periods, including jazz and popular music genres. Previous vocal or instrumental experience is recommended.

Course Title:  AP Music Theory 

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisite:  Music Theory. 93 or better grade or teacher recommendation

AP Music Theory is a course that includes diatonic and chromatic harmony, composition, form and analysis, sight-singing and ear training, orchestration, jazz theory, modulation, secondary functions, and an introduction to electronic and twentieth-century music. Students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam. Participation in the AP exam is necessary for a course to be designated as an AP course on student transcripts.

Course Title: Music Appreciation  

Course Length:  Half Year / Credits: 2.5

This course is a general introduction designed to acquaint students with the elements of music and enhance listening skills, enjoyment, and understanding of music. This course has an emphasis on the elements of music, characteristic styles of major historical periods, and the lives and works of key composers and musicians within the Western and American musical traditions. Students will become familiar with the many styles and musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries, including jazz, pop, rock, electronic music, and musical theatre. 

Course Title:  Treble Choir

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Treble Choir is open to all female voice types in grades 9 - 12. Freshman girls should take this course, rather than Concert Choir, their first year. These students develop their music reading skills and vocal ensemble techniques. Treble Choir members perform at evening concerts, festivals, and community events. Students are encouraged to participate in All-County, Region, and All-State Choirs.

Course Title:  Concert Choir

Course Length:  Full / Credits: 5

Concert Choir is open to both male (grades 9 - 12) and female (grades 10 - 12) voice types. Students will have an opportunity to express themselves through the singing of choral music. Through the choral experience, the student will grow aesthetically, culturally, and vocally. Choir members perform at evening concerts, festivals, and community events. Students are encouraged to participate in All-County, Region, and All-State Choirs.

Course Title:  Honors Choir

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5                                                             

Prerequisite:  Auditions and/or recommendation by choral director

Honors Choir is a course designed for vocal music students in grades 10 - 12 with advanced vocal techniques who wish to broaden their musical knowledge as well as improve their performance level. Students study and perform music on an advanced level, with an emphasis on developing musical maturity appropriate to college-level music literature. The Honors Choir performs at evening concerts, festivals, community events, and graduation. Students are encouraged to participate in All-County, Region, and All-State Choirs. 

This course is eligible for Concurrent Enrollment.

Course Title:  Freshman Band

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5 

Prerequisite:  Previous experience on a band instrument is required unless previously approved by teacher

Freshman Band is a full-year course open to students who possess skills in woodwind, brass, or a percussion instrument. These students study and perform music with an emphasis on developing technical ability, characteristic tonality, overall musicality, and rehearsal technique. The Freshman Band performs at evening concerts and festivals. Students are encouraged to participate in All-County, Junior Region, and Senior Region Bands.

Course Title: Symphonic Band

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5 

Prerequisite:  Previous experience on a band instrument is required unless previously approved by teacher

Symphonic Band is a course open to students in grades 10, 11, 12 possessing skills on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Students in Symphonic Band study and perform music of an intermediate and advanced level with emphasis on developing technical ability, characteristic tonality, overall musicality, and rehearsal technique. The Symphonic Band performs at evening concerts and festivals. Students are encouraged to participate in All-County, Senior Region, and All-State Bands.

Course Title:  Honors Wind Ensemble

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5 

Prerequisite:  Audition and/or recommendation by band director 

Honors Wind Ensemble is a course designed for woodwind, brass, and percussion students with advanced technical abilities who wish to broaden their musical knowledge and improve their performance level. Membership in the Honors Wind Ensemble is based on auditions and/or by recommendation of the band director. Students study and perform music on an advanced level, with emphasis on developing musical maturity appropriate to college level music literature. Students may be selected to participate in the Honors Philharmonic upon recommendation from the teacher. The Honors Wind Ensemble performs at evening concerts, festivals, and graduation. Students are encouraged to participate in All-County, Senior Region, and All-State Bands. Group lessons are a required part of this course.

Course Title:  Freshman Chamber Orchestra

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5 

Prerequisite:  Previous experience on a string instrument is required unless previously approved by teacher

Freshman Chamber Orchestra is a course open to students who possess skills on a string instrument. These students study and perform orchestral music with emphasis on good technique, intonation, tone, articulation, and musicality. The Chamber Orchestra performs at festivals and concerts. Students are encouraged to participate in Junior Region, Senior Region, and All-State Orchestras.

Course Title:  Symphony Orchestra 

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5 

Prerequisite:  Previous experience on an orchestral string instrument and completion of Freshman Chamber Orchestra at the freshman level

Symphony Orchestra is a course open to students in grades 10, 11, 12 with previous experience on a string instrument. The objective of the Symphony Orchestra class is to help students develop a keener appreciation of music through performance. These students study and perform orchestral music from a variety of styles with an emphasis on good technique, intonation, tone, articulation, and musicality. The Symphony Orchestra performs at festivals and evening concerts. Students are encouraged to participate in Senior Region and All-State Orchestras.

Course Title:  Honors Philharmonic Orchestra

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisite:  Audition and/or recommendation by teacher and Freshman Chamber Orchestra

Honors Philharmonic Orchestra is a course designed for strings students with advanced technical abilities who wish to broaden their musical knowledge and improve their performance level. Membership in the Philharmonic Orchestra is based upon auditions. Students study and perform orchestral music on an advanced level from the baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary eras. The Philharmonic Orchestra performs at evening concerts, festivals, etc. Students are encouraged to participate in Senior Region and All-State Orchestras. Group lessons are a required part of this course. Winds, brass, and percussion players will be selected from members of the Honors Wind Ensemble to periodically rehearse and perform with the Philharmonic Orchestra.

Course Title:  Group Lessons 

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 0

Instrumental and vocal lessons for beginners through advanced students are available to any student in grades 9 through 12 currently involved in Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Freshman Band, Chamber Symphony, Orchestra, and Concert/Mixed Choirs. Lessons are scheduled on a rotating basis. The desire and willingness to maintain a regular practice schedule is required. Students are tested each marking period. Lessons are a requirement. 

Course Title:  Introduction to Audio Engineering

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5  

In this course, students will learn the basics and fundamentals of audio technology and apply these fundamental concepts of acoustics and digital audio to the recording process. The class will cover basic audio concepts and the functions of all audio gear, as well as the proper skills to recording podcasts, vocal performances, guitars, drums, strings full bands, and many more sources of sound. Students will use microphones and advanced recording equipment effectively in musical projects. Throughout this course, students will evaluate audio equipment and technologies to gain recording skills for diverse situations by participating in hands-on exercises, group discussion, individual and group projects, etc. 

Course Title: Audio Production 1

Half Year/Credits: 2.5

Prerequisite: Introduction to Audio Engineering

This half-year course is designed for intermediate audio engineering students who have taken the prerequisite Introduction to Audio Engineering course. Students will learn the process of producing sound and music for musical artists, movies, television shows, video and audio podcasts, and many other forms of AV content. Students will learn about how the advancement in modern technology has impacted audio recording and music production by spending class time utilizing the advanced recording equipment in the Isak Anderson Recording Studio and the production lab at the high school to create their own songs/soundscapes. Students will apply their knowledge learned in the prerequisite course to advance their ability to create both musical and non-musical soundtracks through the use of modern audio technology. A portfolio will be created by each student, which will hold a collection of the students’ work throughout the semester.

Audio Production 2

Half Year/Credits: 2.5

Prerequisite: Audio Production 1, a grade of 83 or higher in Audio Production 1

This half-year course will cover the material taught in Audio Production 1 in finer detail, utilizing new skills learned using DAW processing, effect processing and sound synthesis. Students will learn about different styles of song structure, design, chord progression, and rhythm that go into a music and soundscape production, and incorporate these styles into their own projects throughout the semester. Students will also learn sound design, and how it is incorporated into film. The components of a synthesizer will be introduced, and students will use synthesis processing to create their own sound design for projects throughout the semester. The class will collaborate with the music classes and clubs at school to add their own recordings and productions to their portfolio.

Course Title:  Basic Electronic Piano 1

Course Length:  Half Year / Credits: 2.5 

This music course is designed for beginning to elementary keyboard students. Each student will learn to play a repertoire of music commensurate with his/her ability and will focus on primary, subdominant, and dominant chords. Students will play repertoire from the Alfred’s Adult Piano Course Book I.

Course Title:  Basic Electronic Piano 2

Course Length:  Half Year / Credits: 2.5              

Prerequisite:  83 or better in Basic Electronic Piano or teacher recommendation

This course is a continuation of the Basic Electric Piano course with a greater focus on technique, scales, chord progressions, and note and rhythmic reading. Students will play a repertoire of music in the Alfred Adult Piano Course-Book II as well as pieces of their own choosing that meet the course standards. 

Course Title:  Beginning Guitar 

Course Length:  Half Year / Credits: 2.5

This is an elective course for beginning guitarists with little or no experience on the instrument. Students will learn open chords, power chords, movable chords, single note (melody) playing, accompaniment techniques, and a variety of playing techniques and styles, including both pick-style and finger-style approaches to the guitar. The course also includes music fundamentals, theory, song performances, listening, improvising, and learning to read standard music notation as well as tablature. This class will conclude with a final performance. Guitars are provided.