Virtual TourThe Fine Arts faculty believes that every student is unique. Here there is no competition. Everyone likes different colors, lines, forms, images, sounds, music. The focus is on student confidence in their beliefs and an ability to express them. The knowledge of art and music is important aspect of a well-rounded education. One day, the student might be in a position to affect the art and music of the future. Art and music present us with an alternative mechanism for self-expression. Artistic and musical talents need nurturing and the courses offered are an attempt to help with the development of the whole person by emphasizing art and music appreciation, as well as student artistic and musical expression.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Art History - 10th year (½ credit)
This course takes the student through a chronological overview of the development of art and considers the impact of political, religious, social, and scientific influences on artistic trends. Through analyzing the structural components of art, the student learns to interpret major works in painting, sculpture, and architecture while reinforcing his or her knowledge with periodic studio experiences. The periods of art studied include: Ancient Egypt, Classical Greece and Rome, Early Christian, and the Renaissance.
Introductory Art Studio - 11th year, Elective (½ credit)
This elective course is meant to give students the opportunity to explore and develop their creative and artistic abilities in a studio atmosphere. Each quarter will allow students to focus on a different medium from among the following: drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital collage using Adobe Photoshop.
Art Studio - 12th year, Elective
Extensive study of the use of line, form, color, and texture is the foundation of this course as students learn the artistic process of progressing from a sketch to a finished work of art. A variety of media is used in exploring the fundamentals of linear perspective, portraiture, figure/anatomy, landscape, and still life rendering in both traditional and modern techniques.
Digital Photography - 12th year, Semester Elective
This one semester photography course will survey the basics of Adobe Photoshop and explore basic photographic techniques. Students will become familiar with the program and its application in terms of both digital photography and graphic design. All students in this course will be required to have a digital camera.
Film Study - 12th year, Semester Elective
Classic and modern films are viewed both inside and outside the classroom as students learn to evaluate film as an art form. Cinematic vocabulary and components will be used to build the ability to interpret and analyze major works. The grammar and syntax of film are analyzed to determine their effectiveness in conveying theme and characterization. Major works considered include films directed by Sergi Eisenstein, John Ford, Charlie Chaplin, and Alfred Hitchcock.
Music Appreciation - 9th year (½ Credit)
This course is an historical overview of the evolution of western music and is organized in major periods: Middle Ages, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century / Contemporary. Students will learn the elements of many musical styles and about the historical figures from whom these styles originate. Music theory concepts are introduced along the way as a means of deepening students’ musical understanding. Students will learn to study music actively, rather than passively, thus enhancing their individual experiences of it.
Intro to the Materials of Music - 11th year, Elective (½ Credit)
This elective course is designed to give students the tools to understand music on a deeper level by learning what it is made of. Topics include reading notation, melody and harmony, listening exercises, musical form, and analysis of all styles including jazz and popular music.
Music Theory - 12th year, Elective
This course is a continuation of rudimentary music theory skills from the intermediate level to the advanced level. Topics covered include voice leading in two parts and four part “chorale style,” traditional counterpoint in two and three parts, sight-singing and ear training, dictation, rhythm training, chord functions, composition of music, Roman and Arabic numeral analysis of harmony, formal and structural analysis, musical arranging, and transcription. The main goal of this course is to help students find ways to put their theoretical knowledge of music into action. Depending on year and enrollment, this course can also serve as preparation for the AP Music Theory Exam.
Rock and Pop Anatomy - 12th year,
Semester Elective (½ Credit)
This course will cover the rudiments of musical materials used in Rock and Pop music composition in an effort to stimulate active (rather than passive) listening. The course will make examples of current radio trends and styles as well as historical examples (Rock and Pop music icons through the decades). Students will participate in choosing the music that will be analyzed by the class. The course will examine the use of Pop and Rock music across genres (including use in Musical Theatre, Film Scores, and Classical Concert Music). Students will learn about the recording process, record producing, arranging, and everything that goes into the making of the music they already love to listen to.