Department of Fine Arts
College Prep Art I A (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
College Prep Art I B (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Art I is primarily devoted to deliberate and systematic presentations of various art processes, procedures, theories, and historical developments. Students will have experiences in producing two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks through drawing, design, painting and sculpture in a variety of media. The course emphasizes the study of the elements of art and the principles of design, color theory, vocabulary, art criticism, art history, and responsibility in the art room. Art I is a prerequisite for Art II
Text book: The Visual Experience 3rd Ed. Davis Publications Materials Fee required
College Prep Art II A (Grades 10, 11, 12)
College Prep Art II B (Grades 10, 11, 12)
Art II builds on the student's technical skills and foundation of knowledge developed in Art I. The study of the elements of art and principles of design, color theory, vocabulary, and art history continues in Art II in a less teacher-directed situation. Various art processes, procedures, and theories are presented in a problem-solving manner which allows for independent choices and personal solutions to problems. The approach to art experiences is less experimental and based more on informed choices. Student research of art and artists is a major source for gaining knowledge and understanding of past and present art forms. A greater fluency in the use of the elements of art and principles of design, color, theory, and vocabulary is stressed in Art II. Art II is a prerequisite for Honors Art III, Photography, Pottery and Graphic Design.
Text Book: The Visual Experience, 3rd Edition Materials Fee required
Honors Art III A (Grades 11, 12)
Honors Art III B (Grades 11, 12)
This course continues the study of art begun in Art I and Art II. Students will delve deeper into various media and subject matter to produce artwork both at school and as homework. The focus continues to be on using the ability to notice and to work from real life subjects as well as from imagination. Students are expected to complete a portfolio of work.
Prerequisite: Art II and/or permission from the teacher. Materials Fee required
Honors Art IV A (Grades 11, 12)
Honors Art IV B (Grades 11, 12)
This course will be an independent study with focus on preparation of portfolio for college. Students must be highly engaged, skilled artists with a sincere interest in continuing their art education. Limit 10
Prerequisite: H Art III and/or permission from the teacher. Materials Fee required
Advanced Placement Art History A (Grade 11, 12)
Advanced Placement Art History B (Grade 11, 12)
The AP Art History course will engage students at the same level as an introductory college art history survey. This course involves critical thinking and will develop an understanding and knowledge of diverse historical and cultural contexts of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other media. In the course, students examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from the past and the present from a variety of cultures. Art history emphasizes understanding works of art within their historical context by examining issues such as politics, religion, patronage, gender, function, and ethnicity. The course teaches students to understand works of art through both contextual and visual analysis. Text: Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, 13th Ed. (2 Volume Set Paperback Preferred) Students are required to take the AP exam in May. AP Exam Fee required.
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, assessment.
Advanced Placement Studio Art A (Grade 11, 12)
Advanced Placement Studio Art B (Grade 11, 12)
Students should be highly motivated, independent, and competent artists with a firm grasp on a variety of skills required to create finished works of art. Students will investigate three aspects for portfolio: Quality, Breadth and Concentration. Second semester will focus on an area of concentration to create a body of work that is an investigation of a theme or concept. A total of 24 finished works will be photographed and submitted digitally for the Breadth and Concentration sections of the portfolio. The Quality section includes 5 works no larger than 18x24”. These may include, but are not limited to works from the Breadth and Concentration sections. Students are expected to critique their work and that of their peers, complete sketchbook assignments, visit art exhibits outside of class and participate in one on one consultation with the instructor each quarter. Since the work load is that of a college class, it will be necessary for students enrolled in AP Studio Art to work outside of class both in school and at home. Time will be arranged to make the art studio available for extended time after school at least once per week. Material Fees required Prerequisites: Honors Art III or IV and teacher recommendation.
College Prep Photography and Digital Imagery A (Grades 11, 12)
College Prep Photography and Digital Imagery B (Grades 11, 12)
This course is designed to inspire students interested in nontraditional art media and graphic design. Coverage of darkroom technique, digital photography, design using the computer and animation will be introduced as units. Instruction in computer software will be included in the course. Students are required to become fluent in various art technologies to work independently and enable the creative process to be the focus of the course. Students enrolling in this class must have completed Art I or be recommended by the teacher. (Limit 15) Text: Focus on Photography by Hermon Laymen
Prerequisites: Art I and II or permission of the teacher. Materials Fee required
College Prep Graphic Design A (Grade 11, 12)
College Prep Graphic Design B (Grade 11, 12)
This course will enable students to build on their foundation of artistic skills and expression to enhance visual communication. Students will explore drawing techniques and tools used in computer art and digital graphics as well as traditional techniques. The historical, social, and cultural uses of art as it relates to graphic art will be explored. Through discussion and writing, students will make critical judgments about works of graphic art. Students will also learn about careers in graphic arts and digital design. Materials Fee required
College Prep Pottery I A (Grade 11, 12)
College Prep Pottery I B (Grade 11, 12)
Pottery is taught as a studio course with focus on the hands on experience of working with clay and glazes. Students will create works using hand building and wheel throwing techniques including vessels and sculpture. Oral and written analysis and evaluation of work will be used during critique. Research into the history and current trends in pottery and clay sculpture will give students opportunity to increase awareness of the diversity of works produced in clay. Materials Fee required
College Prep Pottery II A (Grade 11, 12)
College Prep Pottery II B Grade 11, 12)
This is for the student wishing to continue to work in clay both on the wheel and sculpturally. (Limit 5)
Prerequisites: Pottery I and teacher recommendation. Materials Fee required
College Prep Painting A (Grade 11, 12)
College Prep Painting B Grade 11, 12)
This introductory course focuses on the exploration of a variety of painting methods, techniques, mediums, and color theory with a focus on growth and development of individual concepts, experimentation and exploration of assigned problems. A study in a variety of styles and themes ranging from realism to abstract, with an emphasis on composition and the Elements of Art: line, shape, form, color, value, space and texture and the Principles of Design: unity, variety, emphasis, rhythm, movement, balance, pattern and proportion. Students will participate in individual analysis and peer critique.
Text: Color for Painters – A Guide To Traditions and Practice by Al Gury. Limit 15
Prerequisite: Art II and/or permission from the teacher. Materials fee required
College Prep Chorus I, II, III, A (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
College Prep Chorus I, II, III, B (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
This is a performance-oriented class open to all singers. Ability in music reading is desirable but not required. Required performances include monthly Masses, school concerts, and musicals that may require time out-of-class for rehearsals. All singers are welcome, but auditions are required for all new students.
Honors Chorus I, II, III, IV A (Grades 10, 11, 12)
Honors Chorus I, II, III, IV B (Grades 10, 11, 12)
This is a performance-oriented class. Students are expected to perform solos and take on more musical responsibilities than COLLEGE PREP Chorus.
Prerequisites: COLLEGE PREP Chorus and/or permission from the teacher.
Orchestra/Band I, II, III, IV A (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Orchestra/Band I, II, III, IV B (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)
This is a performance-oriented class open to all students who already read and play an instrument (in some cases students may be asked to supplement this class with private instrumental instruction outside of school). Required performances include Masses and end-of-semester concerts that may require time out-of-class for rehearsals. Student must own or rent their instrument and all appropriate materials and accessories. All instrumentalists are welcome, but auditions are required for new students.
Honors Orchestra/Band I, II, III IV A (Grades 10, 11, 12)
Honors Orchestra/Band I, II, III IV B (Grades 10, 11, 12)
This is a performance-oriented class. Students are expected to perform solos, concertos, and take on more musical responsibilities than COLLEGE PREP Orchestra. All Honors Orchestra/Band students are required to play in the spring musical.
Prerequisites: College Prep Orchestra and permission from the teacher.
Percussion Ensemble I, II, III, IV A (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Percussion Ensemble I, II, III, IV B (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
This is a performance-oriented class open to all students who already read and play a percussion instrument (in some cases students may be asked to supplement this class with private instrumental instruction outside of school). Required performances include end-of-semester concerts that may require time out-of-class for rehearsals.
Honors Percussion Ensemble I, II, III, IV A (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Honors Percussion Ensemble I, II, III, IV B (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
This is a performance-oriented class open to all students who already read and play a percussion instrument (in some cases students may be asked to supplement this class with private instrumental instruction outside of school). Required performances include end-of-semester concerts that may require time out-of-class for rehearsals. Audition or permission from the instructor is required.
Beginning Classical Guitar A (Grades 9)
Beginning Classical Guitar B (Grades 9)
This beginner class introduces music reading skills and develops a foundation of proper classical guitar technique. Each semester culminates with a brief school performance. Students are responsible for furnishing their own supplies which include nylon-string guitar, footstool and music stand.
Intermediate Classical Guitar I, II, III A (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Intermediate Classical Guitar I, II, III B Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
This is a performance-oriented class open only to students who have taken Guitar I or have permission from the teacher. Focus is on the continuing development of technique through study of solos and development of reading through ensemble music. Several school performances are required throughout the semester. Prerequisites: Guitar I and/or permission from the teacher.
Honors Classical Guitar I, II, III, IV A (Grades 10, 11, 12)
Honors Classical Guitar I, II, III, IV B (Grades 10, 11, 12)
This is a performance-oriented course, which focuses on learning advanced solo repertoire. Students receive a private lesson once per week. The rest of the time is devoted to independent study and ongoing performance practice. Some school-related performances are required and non-related school performance may be required. Prerequisites: Permission from the teacher is required.
Honors Classical Guitar Ensemble I, II, III, IV A (Grades 11, 12)
Honors Classical Guitar Ensemble I, II, III, IV B (Grades 11, 12)
This is a performance-oriented course focusing on reading and ensemble skills. Class time will be spent rehearsing a set program for school concerts and services. All school-related performances are required and one non-related school performance per semester is required.
Prerequisites: Permission from the teacher is required.
Honors Music Technology and Composition A (Grade 12)
Honors Music Technology and Composition B (Grade 12)
This is an upper level class open to students who already read music, have taken AP Music Theory, or have permission by the instructor. Students will be assigned compositional projects, using notational, and recording/MIDI software Finale and Sonar 8.5. The goal of the course is to create music for dance, film, and/or audio CD’s. Prerequisites: AP Music Theory and teacher recommendation.
Advanced Placement Music Theory A (Grade 11, 12)
Advanced Placement Music Theory B (Grade 11, 12)
This course studies the language of music through analysis and writing. There is also a strong aural emphasis on rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation as well as sight singing. Elements of theory include intervals, major/minor scales, keys, triads, seventh chords, 4-voice part writing, and harmonic functions. An overview of musical forms, styles, and structures are also presented. Students will be expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam to qualify for Advanced Placement credit.
AP Exam Fee Required. Prerequisites: A mandatory informational meeting (time to be determined), a demonstrated high level of music reading proficiency, and permission from the teacher.