Fine Arts
- INTRODUCTION TO STUDIO ART
- DRAWING AND PAINTING STUDIO
- ADVANCED DRAWING AND PAINTING STUDIO
- SCULPTURE STUDIO
- ADVANCED SCULPTURE STUDIO
- AP STUDIO ART I
- AP STUDIO ART II
- AP STUDIO ART III
- DRAMA 1
- DRAMA 2
- THEATRICAL STUDIES
- INTRODUCTION TO BAND
- CONCERT BAND
- SYMPHONIC WINDS
- SYMPHONIC BAND
- JAZZ ENSEMBLE
- STRING ORCHESTRA
- CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
- MIXED CHORUS
- ENSEMBLE
- CONCERT CHOIR
- MUSIC APPRECIATION I
- MUSIC APPRECIATION II
- AP MUSIC THEORY
INTRODUCTION TO STUDIO ART
GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: None.
Introduction to Studio Art introduces students to many different artistic areas in order to discover interests and abilities for further study. Students will learn the primary skills of many visual art processes as well as design and creative strategies, while also having fun experimenting with new materials, exploring the meaning of art and artist’s work, and making personal connections to their lives through art. Students explore collaborative artmaking, personal expression, and the idea of building a “portfolio” of their work through a process of documentation and presentation. A variety of artistic media are used to develop artistic concepts, including clay, graphite & colored pencil, acrylic painting, pen & ink, and more. Some of the activities in the course include handmade sketchbooks, expressive self-portraits, hand-built ceramics & narrative artwork. This course enables the student to meet all the State Academic Standards for Visual Arts.
DRAWING AND PAINTING STUDIO
GRADES 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Introduction to Studio Art recommended, but not required.
Drawing & Painting Studio is a full year course designed to expand on the drawing and painting concepts introduced in Intro to Studio Art, as well as introduce some additional overlapping 2D art-making processes such as printmaking and Mixed media. Students are encouraged to work creatively and to become competent in the use of different materials and basic processes. Emphasis is placed on experiences that involve design principles, drawing techniques and painting skills that will lead to the development of abilities that are necessary for advanced art courses. There is no prerequisite for this course, however Intro to Art &/or a specific interest in learning how to draw & paint is highly recommended. This course enables the student to meet all the State Academic Standards for Visual Arts.
ADVANCED DRAWING AND PAINTING STUDIO
GRADES 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: You must have at least a 'B' average or higher in Drawing & Painting Studio OR teacher recommendation.
Advanced Drawing & Painting Studio is a studio course in which the student has more opportunity to develop a higher level of personal expression, visual aesthetic judgment, and technical skill in 2D media. Students will work to develop a unique artistic voice and style within their artwork. Studio activities are centered around themes & ideas, and students are expected to develop personal solutions using a wide variety of traditional drawing & painting media as well as new more contemporary media that can include anything from digital media to collage. Creative thought and individual artistic expression are developed through the use of sketchbooks, journals, gallery visits, and a variety of creative thinking strategies. Students study and critically respond to significant historical works of art, artists, and art periods in the process of refining their own artistic vision. Students begin to learn to prepare and present their work for group critiques, portfolios, and exhibitions. Advanced Drawing & Painting Studio provides students with the basics, insight, and some actual work that directly connects to the AP Studio Art Course, and more specifically to the 2D & Drawing portfolios. The skills, knowledge, and insight gained in this course will help prepare students for any career and life pursuit. This course enables the student to meet all the State Academic Standards for Visual Arts.
SCULPTURE STUDIO
GRADES 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Introduction to Studio Art recommended, but not required.
Sculpture Studio is a full year course designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore methods of artistic expression through studies in pottery and three-dimensional art making. First semester concentrates on pottery work with experiences on the pottery wheel, hand-built ceramic work, and glazing. Students will learn various forming methods such as coil, slab, and pinch. Emphasis will be placed on craftsmanship, proper technique, glazing, and decorating. Second semester is devoted to the creation of sculptures while exploring a variety of media including clay, plaster, metal, wood, glass, and plastic. Within each unit of study, various artists and artistic styles will be covered as well as different sculptural techniques and surface renderings. This course enables the student to meet all the State Academic Standards for Visual Arts.
ADVANCED SCULPTURE STUDIO
GRADES 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Intermediate Art OR you must have at least a 'B' average or higher in Sculpture Studio OR teacher recommendation.
Students will utilize their knowledge of art to identify problems and explore original solutions to produce finished works of art (drawing, painting, printmaking). Students will employ creativity, higher level thinking skills, and insightful responses to visual stimuli. Advanced Sculpture studio is designed for students interested in further pursuing areas of 3-D design in terms of skill proficiency as well as personal expression. This course will allow students to delve deeper into the properties and possibilities of clay and other sculptural materials including wire, plaster, wood, and fabric, among others. Students begin to explore aesthetic preferences in the growth of an artistic style. Studio activities center on development of technical skills in a wide variety of sculptural processes that include mishima, and traditional patina finishes, as well as new more contemporary media that can include installations, textiles, and mixed media. Students study and critically respond to significant historical works of art, artists, and art periods in the process of refining their own artistic vision. Students begin to learn to prepare and present their work for group critiques, portfolios, and exhibitions.
Advanced Sculpture studio provides students with the basics, insight, and some actual work that directly connects to the AP Studio Art course and more specifically to the 3D Portfolio. The skills, knowledge, and insight gained in this course will help prepare students for any career and life pursuit. This course enables the student to meet all the State Academic Standards for Visual Arts.
AP STUDIO ART I
GRADES 11, 12
WEIGHTED
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: You must have earned an ‘A’ in a previous full year of either Advanced Drawing & Painting Studio or Advanced Sculpture Studio OR teacher recommendation, along with 4-6 recent artworks submitted to the AP Studio Art teacher.
Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art is designed to meet the demands of the AP Studio Art Syllabus published by The College Board. Some work developed during the previous year may also bridge into the AP portfolio. Near the end of the course, students will be prepared with a completed portfolio of work that meets the criteria of AP Studio Art for the Drawing Portfolio and/or 2D Design Portfolio, and/or 3D Design Portfolio. In the DRAWING Portfolio, drawing (analog & digital), painting, printmaking, and mixed-media work are among the possibilities for submission. In the 2D Portfolio, Graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, fashion illustration, painting, and printmaking are among the possibilities for submission. Finally, in the Sculpture portfolio, figurative or non-figurative sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, glasswork, installation, performance, assemblage, and 3-D fabric/fiber arts are among the possibilities for submission. Students will work with a variety of media, as well as personally selected media while preparing to complete a sequential portfolio of artwork. Typically, the work developed for AP Studio Art portfolios will also double as college-entry portfolio application requirements. Students express their ideas and understanding of their artwork in a written commentary that accompanies their body of work. Scheduled critique sessions provide guidance and an opportunity to clarify and express ideas. Art journals or sketchbooks will be used on a regular basis for the development of a personal artistic vision. Students will be challenged to use independent thinking skills in the development of concepts in which they have a compelling interest. Students enrolled in this course are not required to take the AP exam, but it is recommended and encouraged. Transfer of passing scores on the AP Studio Art exam as college credit depends upon the institutions that students plan to attend. Students are advised to contact the specific colleges or universities in which they are interested in for their policies on accepting AP credit. This course enables the student to meet all the State Academic Standards for Visual Arts.
AP STUDIO ART II
GRADES 12
WEIGHTED
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: You must be currently enrolled in or previously completed AP Studio I, including a submitted portfolio OR previous AP teacher recommendation.
Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art II is designed to meet the demands of the student that wishes to submit a second portfolio to The College Board. Students will create an entirely new portfolio of work that meets the criteria of AP Studio Art for the Drawing Portfolio and/or 2D Design Portfolio, and/or 3D Design Portfolio. *Please refer to the course description for AP Studio Art 1 for specific details about the course. Students enrolled in this course are not required to take the AP exam, but it is recommended and encouraged. Transfer of passing scores on the AP Studio Art exam as college credit depends upon the institutions that students plan to attend. Students are advised to contact the specific colleges or universities in which they are interested in for their policies on accepting AP credit. This course enables the student to meet all the State Academic Standards for Visual Arts.
AP STUDIO ART III
GRADES 12
WEIGHTED
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: You must be currently enrolled in or previously completed AP Studio II, including a submitted portfolio OR previous AP teacher recommendation.
Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art III is designed to meet the demands of the student that wishes to submit a second portfolio to The College Board. Students will create an entirely new portfolio of work that meets the criteria of AP Studio Art for the Drawing Portfolio and/or 2D Design Portfolio, and/or 3D Design Portfolio. *Please refer to the course description for AP Studio Art 1 for specific details about the course. Students enrolled in this course are not required to take the AP exam, but it is recommended and encouraged. Transfer of passing scores on the AP Studio Art exam as college credit depends upon the institutions that students plan to attend. Students are advised to contact the specific colleges or universities in which they are interested in for their policies on accepting AP credit. This course enables the student to meet all the State Academic Standards for Visual Arts.
DRAMA 1
GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: None.
Students will study acting, dramatic production, and the history of drama. Students will read plays, act, direct and produce. Students will receive training in voice techniques, bodily action, and dramatic techniques.
REMARKS: This course is not a substitute for any of the English 1-4 courses required for graduation.
DRAMA 2
GRADES 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Drama 1.
Students will use knowledge and skills acquired from previous experience to refine their techniques through class projects and play production.
REMARKS: This course is not a substitute for any of the English 1-4 courses required for graduation.
THEATRICAL STUDIES
GRADES 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Drama 1 or instructor approval.
Students will explore areas of drama such as make-up design and application, movement, voice and diction, set design, and projection/light design. This course will provide students a well-rounded experience in both technical and performance arts as related to the Arts and Communication Academy career pathways.
INTRODUCTION TO BAND
GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Band director approval/recommendation; approval by director ensures that the group is properly balanced with instrumentation and that instrument resources are available. Musical experience is not required for participation in this group.
This class offers the band experience at the beginning level. The instruments taught are flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba and percussion. No experience is necessary – only the will and desire to play an instrument. Musical topics are introduced such as reading, music notation, analyzing and evaluating music, as well as composing and improvising simple melodies. Students will apply their musical knowledge and skills to traditional, classical, contemporary and popular band literature through performance. The course includes concerts, parades, clinics, field trips and pep band. Introduction to Band students would have the opportunity to participate in marching band halftime shows.
CONCERT BAND
GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Middle School band experience.
Students will apply their musical knowledge and skills to traditional, classical, contemporary and popular band literature through performance. The course includes concerts, contests, clinics, field trips, parades, and home football games.
SYMPHONIC WINDS
GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Audition and Middle School Band Director’s recommendation.
Students will apply intermediate and advanced musical knowledge and skills to advanced high school, college, and professional band literature through performance. The course includes concerts, clinics, field trips, parades, and home football games.
SYMPHONIC BAND
GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Audition and Middle School Band Director’s recommendation.
Students will apply advanced musical knowledge and skills to advanced high school, college and professional band literature through performance. The course includes concerts, clinics, field trips, parades, and home football games.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Experience on a jazz instrument and an audition.
Students will apply advanced musical skills and knowledge to develop improvisational abilities in order to perform sophisticated jazz literature including swing, bebop, Latin, funk, rock, and contemporary styles. The Jazz Ensemble performs at school functions, community functions, jazz festivals, contests, clinics, concerts, and field trips.
STRING ORCHESTRA
GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Middle School Orchestra Experience or Director’s recommendation.
Students will apply their musical knowledge and skills to traditional, classical, contemporary, and popular string literature through performance. The course includes performances at Open House, concerts at both West and Central campuses, contests, and field trips. The opportunity also exists to audition for the Symphony Orchestra which meets as a co-curricular ensemble one evening a week.
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
GRADES 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Audition.
Students will apply advanced musical knowledge and skills to advanced classical, contemporary, and popular string literature through performance. The course includes mandatory concerts at both West and Central Campuses, along with other various contests, field trips, and bi-annual tours. The opportunity also exits to audition for the Symphony Orchestra which meets as a co-curricular ensemble one evening per week.
MIXED CHORUS
GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: None.
Students will experience singing in a large choral group setting with a focus on mixed rather than single gender literature. Throughout this course, students will benefit from proper vocal training in a variety of musical styles including classical, gospel, jazz, pop, and ethnic music. Students will also be a part of at least two concerts per year, as well as field trips, and/or contests, and clinics.
ENSEMBLE
GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: None.
Students within this non-audition ensemble with a focus on single gender literature will demonstrate basic proper vocal production and knowledge of various genres including classical, gospel, jazz, pop, and Broadway musicals. Students will perform in at least two concerts a year and participate in field trips. Students will also participate in contests and/or clinics.
CONCERT CHOIR
GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Audition.
Students who have a musical background and are looking for a challenging choral experience will progress further in the study of advanced vocal production in this audition-only group. Throughout this course, students will perform more sophisticated repertoire ranging from Baroque up through the 21st Century, including non-classical music, as well as Broadway, and Jazz. Students will also experience clinics, concerts, and/or guest artists as part of the class.
MUSIC APPRECIATION I
GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
1 SEMESTER
.5 CREDIT
Prerequisites: None.
Students will examine, listen to, and evaluate music from the classical music traditions of the past, as well as of today’s society. The content of the specific musical style will be described and explained based on the standards of the genre. In addition to analysis, this class will use music as a tool for connection and application of other studies.
MUSIC APPRECIATION II
GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
1 SEMESTER
.5 CREDIT
Prerequisites: None.
Students will examine, listen to, and evaluate music from the jazz and popular music traditions of the past, as well as of today’s society. The content of the specific musical style will be described and explained based on the standards of the genre. In addition to analysis, this class will use music as a tool for connection and application of other studies.
AP MUSIC THEORY
GRADES 10, 11, 12
WEIGHTED
2 SEMESTERS
1 CREDIT
Prerequisites: Music teacher’s recommendation.
Students will apply their musical knowledge in advanced note reading and music theory. Their knowledge will be assessed through analysis and writing skills in a variety of styles. The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the A.P, Music Theory test; students are expected to sit for the test in May.