In the visual arts area, a wide range of coursework is designed to develop an understanding of art, art production, cultural diversity, art history and creative problem solving. The Elements and Principles of Art and Design are emphasized in the curriculum for all art courses. Students interested in careers including architecture, fine and commercial art, photography, and crafts will find it useful to take as many art courses as possible. Individuals critique their own work and work of peers to establish confidence and understand assessment. Art courses may be used for personal satisfaction as well as for acceptance to art schools or colleges.

077_DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
5 points
Students investigate the tools, software and functions inherent in editing photographic imagery. Modification and enhancement of digital and conventional photographic images, application of basic elements and principles of art and design, and creative visual problem solving are utilized in the production and critique of student work. Ownership of a basic digital camera is recommended. A limited number of loaner cameras are available from the department.

019_PHOTOGRAPHY 1
5 points
Students explore black and white photography using a manual 35mm SLR camera. They learn chemistry, darkroom procedures, methods, and techniques necessary for proper film and paper development. Through a variety of assignments students incorporate the elements and principles of art and design, aesthetics, history, and philosophy of photography. Ownership of a 35mm SLR camera is recommended. A limited number of loaner cameras are available from the department.

020_PHOTOGRAPHY 2
5 points
Students refine and master photography techniques including color, black and white, and digital imagery. Students may create “C” prints from color negatives. While mastering manual camera functions, electronic imaging, computer manipulation, digital cameras, and scanners, students produce a series of advanced photographic images.

0340_ SCULTPURE 1
2.5 points
This course explores three dimensional form and anatomy in sculpture while working with various media that may include clay, plasticene, plaster, soft stone, papier-mâché, found objects, and wood. Casting and armature support techniques are explored in the production of various three-dimensional forms.

0388_ SCULPTURE 2
2.5 points
Students refine and master advanced sculpting techniques in the study of three-dimensional methods and materials. While using a variety of media, techniques, and tools, students produce a number of sculptural projects while developing individual preferences and style.

044_COMPUTER GRAPHIC ART AND DESIGN
5 points
Students develop and enhance graphic design skills while creating original works of art using a variety of techniques, tools, media, and processes. Scanners, printers, external devices, digital cameras, and other storage devices are used in the creation of traditional and electronic portfolio development. Class sessions include group critiques.

0720_DRAWING WITH ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
2.5 points
Students produce art using basic and intermediate Adobe Illustrator techniques. Editing, saving images, merging features, scanning, and other methods are used to produce finished products. Techniques for creating dramatic backgrounds, distortions, and edit features are included in the preparation for printable images. Critiques and portfolio development are emphasized.

0740_WORKING WITH ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
2.5 points
Students use basic and intermediate Photoshop techniques to scan and enhance images. Photo composites are created utilizing special effects filters, layers, import and export features, color, contrast, and distortions to create digital images. Images are prepared for print, critique, portfolio, and exhibit through a variety of different formats.

Fine Arts courses give the opportunity to every student to express him or herself creatively. Students work in all media and styles and are taught to see and feel more than the common images available to everyone. They learn to see and emote in terms of contrast, brightness, line, space, color, volume and so on.

015     _DRAWING AND PAINTING 1
5 points
This course explores basic aspects of drawing and painting including fundamentals of composition, color, and two-dimensional design using a variety of media, methods, and techniques. Class assignments incorporate art history with projects designed to foster conceptual as well as technical understanding.  

025_DRAWING AND PAINTING 2
5 points
This course is designed to help students develop an ability to interpret and represent still life, nature, and portraiture through an indepth study of the elements and principles of art and design. Various media including pencil, chalk, and watercolor are used to produce a variety of projects. Critiques, student work, and portfolio development are emphasized.

035_DRAWING AND PAINTING 3
5 points
This course explores complex drawing and painting problems. Students select and work toward an area of portfolio concentration using a variety of media. Students paint on a variety of prepared surfaces, stretched canvas, masonite, and illustration board. The accent is on creative application of fundamentals and techniques helping students develop their own styles in portfolio development. Students develop an objective view of their work through self-evaluation, critique, and continued study of art history.

0850_COLOR AND DESIGN
2.5 points
Students study two-dimensional design and composition with a focus on visual elements and principles of art and design. A study of color and color relationships is applied with projects such as optical design, collage, and printmaking. Craftsmanship, creativity, and critique of student work are stressed. Students pursuing careers in fashion may also find this course helpful in the development of a portfolio.

040_STUDIO ART
5 points
This course is designed for the advanced student wishing to engage in higher levels of study in 2-D, 3-D, drawing, ceramics, photography, computer graphics, crafts, sculpture, jewelry, and metalsmithing. The goals and levels of achievement are demonstrated through the student’s portfolio at the midterm and conclusion of each marking period. It is recognized that students need to work outside the classroom and beyond the scheduled class periods.

046_ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDIO ART
5 points
This course is designed for the highly motivated student committed to serious study in art. This course reflects three major concerns in art education: quality, concentration, and breadth. Students develop an individual portfolio in 2-D design, 3-D, or drawing as prescribed by the College Board. Current trends in art history are discussed to support students in their concentration themes as they demonstrate growth over time. It is recognized that students need to work outside the classroom and beyond the scheduled class periods in preparation for the AP exam. Class sessions include individual and group critiques.

048_ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART HISTORY
5 points
This course is designed to offer the same instruction as provided in an introductory college survey of art history. It covers the history of art in Western and non-European cultures from prehistoric to present times, giving students an understanding of art forms in their historical and cultural contexts. Artists, schools, movements, period and style, non-Western traditions, patronage function and ethnicity are among the topics included in discussion, reading and research. Unit tests prepare students for the AP exam.

024_ CERAMICS 1
5 points
This course explores basic clay building techniques including pinch, coil, slab, sculpture, and wheel throwing. Elements and principles of art and design are stressed in the construction of both functional and nonfunctional pieces. Surface decoration, underglazing, and glazing techniques are included in the production of ceramic art.

031_ CERAMICS 2
5 points
This course is designed to help students refine and master basic clay building skills and explore new possibilities with advanced functional, non-functional, wheel thrown, and sculptural clay forms. Emphasis is placed upon the mastery of techniques through individual direction in this art form, enabling the student to create a more advanced art piece.

0730_POTTER’S WHEEL 1
2.5 points
This course explores the basic techniques including throwing, centering, opening,raising walls, trimming, and finishing. Students create cups, bowls, vases, and plates using stamps, decorative techniques, and assorted glazing methods. Students may elect to repeat this course for a second semester to refine skills previously learned in the creation of larger, more challenging forms, both functional and sculptural.

0731_POTTER’S WHEEL 2
2.5 points
This course is for experienced students who have mastered basic wheel techniques and wish to create larger and more challenging forms, both functional and sculptural.

026_CRAFTS 1
5 points
This course explores the basic design concepts and functional considerations of fine craft production. Students refer to historical and contemporary examples of craft art from various cultures. Craftsmanship, design, creative expression, and cultural purpose are stressed in the production of a variety of craft projects.

0261_CRAFTS 2 (SHS)
5 Points
Students explore additional mediums and create new projects not introduced in Crafts 1. Students may enroll in Crafts 1 and Crafts 2 in any order. Crafts 2 is a continuation of the study of the Crafts Movement. Students refer to historical and contemporary examples of craft from various cultures. Craftsmanship, design, creative expression, and cultural purpose are stressed in the production of craft projects.

023_JEWELRY AND METALSMITHNG 1
5 points
Students study basic design concepts and functions of fine metalworking using a variety of metals, alternative materials, tools, and techniques. Craftsmanship, design, creative expression, and cultural purpose are stressed in the production of a variety of jewelry and metalsmithing projects.

037_JEWELRY AND METALSMITHING 2
5 points
Students refine and master fine metalworking skills using a variety of techniques such as casting, enameling, cloisonné, and stone setting. Historical and cultural influences are researched as students produce a variety of jewelry and sculptural pieces.

The Theatre Arts program is designed for both the student who is interested in developing their artistic range for purposes of personal expression and the student who intends to pursue a career in theatre. In conjunction with Drama Club activities, students are able to explore all fields of theatre work.

036_DRAMATIC ARTS
5 Points
This course is an introduction to the study of theatre. Students read and perform scenes and monologues, develop memorization and improvisation skills, and write personalresponses to their peer actors. Students may also create their own scripts and plays.

033_ACTING WORKSHOP
5 Points
Prerequisite: Dramatic Arts or extensive stage experience
This course explores various internal and external crafts of acting so that students learn to express individual creativity, become aware of the discipline and rigors that acting demands, and apply these skills for  themselves. Through classroom exercises, students explore and participate in the following areas: relaxation, concentration, awareness, vocal expression, interrelationship, and a beginning approach to character.

029_TECHNICAL THEATRE
5 Points
Technical Theatre provides an introduction to the backstage technical work of the theatre. Students participate in a hands-on study of set, costume, property, sound, and lighting design. Students may work in conjunction with the fall and spring play productions.

0291_TECHNICAL THEATRE SET DESIGN (SHS)
2.5 Points
Technical Theatre Set Design teaches students how to prepare and present scenery designs for the theatre. Students read works of dramatic literature and analyze their scenic needs. Course work includes learning to draw floor plans and front elevations, and how to build set models. Design elements and lighting are discussed.

0292_TECHNICAL THEATRE COSTUME DESIGN (SHS)
2.5 Points
Technical Theatre Costume Design teaches students how to research and design stage costumes. Course work includes reading dramatic literature, developing costume plots, character analysis, and design rendering. Design elements including the use of color, texture, and line are discussed. History of fashion is reviewed for use in period productions.

The music program offers a wide variety of individual and group listening, creating,and performing opportunities on a totally elective basis. Music provides students with opportunities to participate in a number of performances as a member of a variety of dynamic and active groups. A broad range of courses provides instruction in instrumental and choral settings, theory, music history, appreciation, music business, and contemporary elements of music. These courses will enable students to experience group interaction and to develop a sense of dedication and commitment through music.

Choral

721_CONCERT CHOIR
5 points
This course explores opportunities in ensemble singing of a varied repertoire of traditional, contemporary, sacred, and secular music. The study of proper vocal technique, diction, tone production, fundamentals of music theory, and performance etiquette is developed through the daily study and performance of a varied repertoire. This is a performance-based class with participation, performance, and attendance in class, at rehearsals, and at concerts as integral parts of the student’s grade.

743_ADVANCED CHOIR: CHAMBER SINGERS MADRIGAL SINGERS (SHS)
5 points
Prerequisite: Vocal audition and director approval
This course involves advanced studies in choral literature. This is a performance-based class with participation, performance, and attendance in class, at rehearsals, and at concerts as integral parts of the student’s grade.

7470_VOICE CLASS
2.5 points
This class is intended to help develop untrained voices in the basic fundamentals of singing. Techniques in breathing, tone development, and style are stressed. Students are encouraged to perform in solo and in ensemble situations.

Instrumental

722_BAND
5 points
Band is a performance-based class dedicated to advanced instrumental music. Participation in marching band in the fall is required. Each student participates at band performances in school and the community. All band students must read music and have played in a middle school band for at least one year.

751_JAZZ ENSEMBLE
5 points
Prerequisite: By audition
Jazz Ensemble is an advanced class utilizing music theory and history. A varied repertoire of jazz music is studied and rehearsed, exploring the melody, harmony, rhythm, and style unique to jazz music. Improvisation is taught and performed on a daily basis. Jazz is a performance-based class with required participation in class and at concerts.

712_ORCHESTRA
5 points
Membership in the orchestra is open to all students interested in continuing to play a string instrument. Auditions are held for instrumentalists on wind, brass, and percussion to complete the orchestra. This is a performance-based class with participation, performance, and attendance in class, at rehearsals, and at concerts as integral parts of the student’s grade. 

Non-Performance

717_PRACTICAL THEORY FOR THE YOUNG MUSICIAN
2.5 points
Prerequisite: Prior experience in music
This course provides a sequential learning experience in the fundamentals of music. Students learn basics of counting rhythms, constructing scales, and analyzing music. This course implements musical vocabulary and application on instruments. Students should have prior musical experience on an instrument or in voice, or be recommended by the music teacher.

752_ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY
5 points
Prerequisite: Practical Theory for the Young Musician, or instructor’s approval
This course is designed as an introductory college course in music theory and is intendedfor the serious music student. It develops a student’s ability to compose, analyze, and sight-sing. It addresses advanced aural and compositional skills using both listening and written exercises. Students must read music and demonstrate proficiency on an instrument or voice. This course prepares students to take the AP Music Theory Exam.

7740_INTRODUCTION TO THE MUSIC BUSINESS (SHS)
2.5 points
This course explores the job opportunities available to students with an interest in and love of music. Designed for both music and non-music students interested in working in the music/entertainment industry, students are given an opportunity to learn and understand the requirements and training needed to pursue a music-oriented career. Class sessions include guest lecturers, field trips, researchbased and practical projects, and written tests.

7760_HISTORY OF MUSIC (SHS)
2.5 points
This course explores the history of popular music. Students learn the evolution of music and its relevance to historical events and present day culture. Significant bands, composers, and artists are covered with emphasis on discussion, listening, and reading. Topics include classical, spirituals, jazz, rockn-roll, pop, and the fusion of these ideas. This course is open to all students and recommended for those with a musical background and an interest in history.

7750_SONGS OF THE STAGE (SHS)
2.5 points
This course explores the music of both traditional and contemporary Broadway shows and operas through listening and performance. Daily class activities include but are not limited to listening to, analyzing, and critiquing live and recorded performances. Included in the course are the study of audition preparation, song development, and the evolution of the American Musical.