Fine Arts

Grade 9 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

This course is an introduction to the three major areas of the fine arts: music, art, and theatre. Included with music reading, studio art, and basic theatre training will be theory, history, and techniques in each field.

Grade 9 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1-2

Choir members will learn basic vocal techniques and sing a variety of music suited to the ability of the group. Students develop vocal technique and sight-singing skills and are required to perform at Christmas and Spring concerts and school liturgies. This class meets for half of the block period. Concert Choir I may not be taken concurrently with PE I. If taking Choir I, students must take PE I in the summer or during her sophomore year.

Grades 10-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1-2

This course requires completion of Concert Choir I. Students will continue to develop skills in vocal technique, sight-singing, basic music theory, musical phrasing, dynamics and other choral elements. Required performances include Christmas and spring concerts as well as various community performances. This course usually meets for half of the block period and occasionally for the entire period.

Grades 10-12   Level 4.3  ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

Students will learn basic techniques of handbell ringing and will reinforce rhythm and music reading skills as they apply to handbell ringing. Required performances include Fall and Christmas or spring concerts. School liturgies and community performances are other performance possibilities. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.

Grades 11-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1-2

This course requires completion of Concert Choir I and II. Students will develop intermediate skills in vocal technique, sight-singing, basic music theory, musical phrasing, dynamics and other choral elements. Required performances include Christmas and spring concerts as well as various community performances. This course usually meets for half of the block period and occasionally for the entire period.

Grade 12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1-2

This course requires completion of Concert Choir I, II and III. Students will develop more advanced skills in vocal technique, sight-singing and music theory. Students in this level assume leadership within the choir, serving as section leaders, soloists and song leaders. Required performances include Christmas and spring concerts as well as various community performances. This course usually meets for half of the block period, and occasionally for the entire period.

Grades 10-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1

Students with a basic knowledge of music will explore melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition. Musicianship skills such as dictation, listening skills and sight-singing are an important part of this course. Students develop skills in both the aural and written aspects of music theory. They master these tasks individually and interactively:

1. Fundamental terminology and notational skills

2. Compositional skills

3. Score analysis

4. Aural skills

A student’s ability to read and write musical notation is fundamental for success in this course. Students should also have basic performance skills in voice or an instrument. This course is required as preparation for AP Music Theory.

Prerequisites: Departmental signature

Grades 9-12 Level 4.3 ½ credit Sem 1-2

*MU221 - 1st year; MU222 - 2nd year; MU223 - 3rd year; MU224 - 4th year Meets: Tuesdays & Thursdays 7:00-7:55 a.m. Full Year Course

This course is designed for students who perform woodwind, brass, percussion, or string instruments. Students will develop intermediate to advanced skills in instrumental technique, ensemble technique, and musicianship through their learning of symphonic orchestra literature. Required performances include Open House, Winter Concert, and Spring Fine Arts Festival.

Prerequisite for Symphonic Orchestra I (MU221): Permission of the director based on audition demonstrating that the student has sufficient proficiency in music reading and on her instrument for this intermediate/ advanced ensemble.

Auditions for students new to the Orchestra program take place at the time of registration. Any student who needs to increase her skill level before taking this class may choose to re-audition prior to the fall semester if she feels her skill level has improved.

Prerequisite for Symphonic Orchestra II, III, IV (MU222-MU224): Student must successfully complete all requirements of current level of Symphonic Orchestra in order to enroll in the next level.

Grades 10-12 Level 4.3 ½ credit Sem 1 or 2

In this class students gain new skills on piano. Students will learn
basic techniques of playing piano and will reinforce rhythm and
music reading skills as they prepare performances for the class.
No previous experience is required. Students are responsible
for having access to a piano or keyboard outside of class in order
to practice. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.

Prerequisite: Students must have access to a piano/keyboard outside of class.

Grades 10-12   Level 4.3  ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2
Not offered in 2021-2022 but in alternating years (2022-2023).

Students with previous experience in handbell ringing or significant music training will study and perform repertoire involving rhythms and techniques which are more complex than those studied in MU202. Required performances include Christmas or Spring concerts. School liturgies and community performances are other performance possibilities. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.

Grades 11-12 Level 4.8 ½ Credit Sem 2

This course integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition and, to some extent, history and style. Musicianship skills such as dictation and other listening skills, sight-singing and keyboard harmony are considered an important part of this course. A student’s ability to read and write musical notation is fundamental. Students should also have basic performance skills in voice and on an instrument. Students will be required to read, notate, compose, perform and listen to music.

Prerequisites: Music Theory and departmental signature

Grade 12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

Students with previous training in a performance area may elect to independently pursue further studies in one of the offered fields, fulfilling course guidelines.

Prerequisites: Music Theory or equivalent and departmental signature

Grade 9 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

This course is an introduction to the three major areas of the fine arts: music, art, and theatre. Included with music reading, studio art, and basic theatre training will be theory, history, and techniques in each field.

Grades 10-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

This activity-oriented course is designed to introduce students to the art of performing while building upon the student’s creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. Students will investigate the basic principles of acting and improvisation, participating in developing characters in scene work as well as improvised performances. Course will culminate with a showcase at the end of the semester.

Grades 10-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 2

This class (formerly Children’s Theatre) will examine the wealth of children’s literature and its adaptability to live performances, emphasizing prepared scripts and culminating in live performances for area grade schools. Throughout the semester the students will be fully involved in the rehearsal and performance process. Enrollment is limited to 20 students.

Grades 10-12    Level 4.3    ½ credit    Sem 1 or 2

This course stresses building of poise and confidence and the basic skills necessary for both formal and casual speaking. It is designed to give both theoretical and practical knowledge about writing, delivering and critiquing speeches. Enrollment is limited to 20 students. (Note: This course will not fulfill the Fine Arts requirement.)

Grade 9 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

This course is an introduction to the three major areas of the fine arts: music, art, and theatre. Included with music reading, studio art, and basic theatre training will be theory, history, and techniques in each field.

Grades 10-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

Drawing is the foundation course for all artistic disciplines. This course is designed for students who are interested in improving their drawing skills. Projects that focus on the recognition of spatial relationships, perspective and value are part of the course curriculum. Various drawing techniques such as linear perspective, crosshatching and modeling are introduced. Students begin by working in a variety of black and white media and move into the use of color media in the second quarter. Weekly sketchbook assignments are a course requirement. This course is a prerequisite for Painting and Independent Study in Art. Students who may be interested in studying art or design at the college level should take Drawing I in their sophomore year in order to take full advantage of the visual arts curriculum.

Prerequisite: Fine Arts

Grades 10-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

Design is fundamental. Because everything around us is designed, design decisions impact nearly every part of our lives. This foundation course focuses on an understanding of the elements and principles of design. Problem solving skills, along with a variety of media (pencil, marker, paint, and cut paper) and techniques (form construction and printmaking) will be utilized in the execution of class assignments. Various aspects of design and their impact on daily life and culture will be discussed. Weekly sketchbook assignments are a course requirement Students who are considering the study of engineering, marketing, or architecture should consider taking Design I

Prerequisite: Fine Arts

Grades 10-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

This course introduces students to the art medium of clay. A variety of handbuilding methods will be explored as students work through the process of ceramic production. Additionally, students will research the pottery of various cultures and current trends in the ceramic arts. Weekly sketchbook assignments are a course requirement

Prerequisite: Fine Arts

Grades 10-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1

In Painting, students will utilize both acrylic paint and watercolor, exploring the unique characteristics of each medium. The color wheel, color schemes and color theory will also be introduced. Various painting techniques will be utilized in the execution of class projects. Weekly sketchbook assignments are a course requirement.

Prerequisite: Fine Arts and Drawing I

Grade 11-12 Level 4.3 ½ Credit Sem 1

This is a junior or senior level course for students with a strong interest in the Visual Arts. Students will work independently in any or all of the areas of drawing, painting, ceramics, and design. Students will be given a variety of project ideas for consideration, or they may choose to develop projects of their own. Course objectives include continued development of artistic skills, experimentation with a variety of media, and application of creative expression in the execution of projects. This course is also designed to help students prepare a portfolio for college acceptance and scholarship consideration.

Students taking this course are not required to take AP Studio Art; however, it is a prerequisite if a student is planning to take AP Studio Art.

Prerequisite: Drawing I and either Design I, Ceramics I, or Painting I and departmental signature

Grade 11-12 Level 4.8 ½ Credit Sem 2

This is a junior or senior level course for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art and who wish to complete and submit a portfolio for AP credit in Studio Art. The program demands a significant commitment from students including the completion of artwork during the summer between the junior and senior year. Additionally, students will be required to take Independent Study in Art in the first semester prior to taking AP Studio Art. Weekly sketchbook assignments are a course requirement.

Students choose from one of the three portfolio offerings: Drawing, 2-D Design or 3-D Design. Each portfolio requires submissions in three distinct areas; concentration, quality and breadth. The submitted portfolios are reviewed by college, university, and secondary school art instructors using rigorous standards. This College Board program provides the only national standard for performance in the visual arts that allows students to earn college credit and/or advance placement while still in high school.

Prerequisite: Independent Study in Art in semester 1 and departmental signature

Grades 11-12 Level 4.8 ½ Credit Sem 2

Students continue to explore and develop a variety of handbuilding techniques. Combining other media with ceramic pieces and increased experimentation with surface treatments will be part of the course curriculum.

Students will continue to research examples of historic, cultural and contemporary ceramic pieces. Weekly sketchbook assignments are a course requirement.

Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Grades 11-12 Level 4.8 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

UM-St. Louis COURSE: Art 1150 Design I (3 credits) This course is a continuation of Design I. Students will further develop their visual literacy using a variety of materials in both two and three-dimensional applications. Some elements of Graphic Design will be introduced using the Adobe CS3 Suite of applications that include Photoshop®, InDesign® and Illustrator®. Students also design and construct a 3-D architectural model. Group critiques follow the completion of each project assignment. Weekly sketchbook assignments are a course requirement.

Prerequisite: Design I

Grades 11-12 Level 4.8 ½ Credit Sem 1 or 2

UM-St. Louis COURSE: ART ST 1140 Drawing I (3 credits) The Drawing II course is a continuation of Drawing I in which students continue to practice and improve drawing skills. Greater emphasis will be placed on drawing from direct observation. Effective compositional arrangement and personal expression will also be incorporated into the drawing experience. A variety of both black and white and color media will be used in the execution of projects. Group critiques follow the completion of each project assignment. Weekly sketchbook assignments are a course requirement.

Students interested in developing a portfolio are encouraged to take this class.

Prerequisite: Drawing I