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Home > Academics > Upper School > Curriculum

Fine Arts

 

 

Required Courses

Elective Courses

Required Courses

HATA I: History and the Arts (1-1/4 units of credit)
History and the Arts I is a study of world cultures from prehistory through the medieval era. This interdisciplinary course is taught by members of the History and the Fine Arts department and examines the music, drama and visual arts of past cultures, in addition to political, economic, religious and social history.

HATA II: History and the Arts (1-1/4 units of credit)
History and the Arts II continues the study of world cultures from the 15th century to the present day. It is an interdisciplinary course taught by members of the History and Fine Arts departments and examines the music, drama and visual arts of past cultures in addition to political, economic, religious and social history.

 

 

Elective Courses

Advanced Strings Program (Full year, 1/2 unit of credit)
Students will focus on polishing their instrumental skills. Basic skills of bowing and intonation will be reinforced while newer techniques concerning articulation, staccato, martele, and cantabile playing will be emphasized. Introduction to new and more complex repertoire will challenge students' musical literacy. Solo and ensemble practice strategies will be introduced. Performance for various school functions, as dictated by the schedule, will be expected. This course will meet on the Ensemble/Chamber Choir format with Collegium Concordiae.

Collegium Concordiae (Full year, 1/2 unit of credit)
Students of exceptional level will play a wide range of works in various styles. They will learn several techniques such as staccato, vibrato, shifting, harmonics and glissando. Introduction to new and more complex repertoire will challenge students' musical literacy. Solo and ensemble practice strategies will be introduced. Emphasis will be on learning how to express one's individual feelings through the music. Students will learn how to communicate their ideas to one another and lead an ensemble in a unified musical statement. Performances for various school functions, as dictated by the schedule, will be expected. This course will meet on the Ensemble/Chamber Choir format with Advanced Strings Program.

Theatre I: Introduction to Theatre (1/2 unit of credit)
This one semester course introduces the art of theater through historical, performance, and critical perspectives with an emphasis on developing basic acting skills. Performance opportunities include both solo and pair scene work from contemporary dramatic literature. Field trips for research and attendance at a theatre production will be included.

Theatre II: Seminar in Theatre Arts (1/2 unit of credit)
This one semester course provides an advanced study of acting and dramatic literature with an individualized focus on students' areas of strength and interests. Special topics may include directing, playwriting, or acting theories. Performance opportunities include both audition monologues (contemporary and classical) and scene study from classical literature. Possible field trips for performances, touring theatre facilities, and meeting with theatre professionals will provide a real-world aspect.
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Theater I or equivalent experience and permission of the instructor.

Two-Dimensional Studio Art I (1/2 unit of credit)
This one semester course provides opportunities to develop students' knowledge and skills in a variety of two-dimensional media, including drawing, printmaking, painting, and some photography. Students are encouraged to learn from and enjoy the process of art making (the research, idea generation, study, discipline and play), as well as the completed creative products. Students are prompted to discover the "artists within themselves " and the form, content, and subject matter appropriate for their own sensibilities. Finally, the course hopes to heighten student's awareness of aesthetics through the study of art history and exposure to contemporary art and artists.

Three-Dimensional Studio Art I (1/2 unit of credit)
This one semester course provides opportunities to develop students' knowledge and skills in a variety of three-dimensional media, including: ceramics, sculpture, installation and bookmaking. Students will be encouraged to learn from and enjoy the process of art making (the research, idea generation, study, discipline and play), as well as the completed creative products. Research and art history will be incorporated into the curriculum and oral and/or written critiques will accompany most units. Emphasis will be on furthering student skills in critical analysis and the development of an "arts vocabulary." Exposure to local artists and artwork will take students out of the classroom and into the local museums and galleries.

Studio Art II (Full year, 1 unit of credit)
In this course students will continue to develop their artistic abilities through teacher-guided as well as independent study projects. Projects in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and mixed-media will be presented, as well as opportunities for exploration of an individually developed area of interest. This concentration will prepare the student for the development of a coherent body of work. Research and art history and written or oral critiques will be incorporated into most units. Critical analysis will be improved and the development of the "arts vocabulary" will continue. Exposure to local artists and artwork will take students out of the classroom and into the area's museums and galleries. Prerequisite: Candidates for this course must have satisfactorily completed the Studio Art I sequence and have the permission of the instructor.

Advanced Portfolio Design/AP (Full year, 1 unit of credit)
Advanced Portfolio Design is intended for the committed art student who intends to work independently in studio art or photography, but would like to benefit from the intensity and energy of other advanced art students. The course provides preparation for SCHOLASTIC standards and competition. It is an alternative to the Independent Study that allows for independent study but also common periods where students can dialogue about their work, participate in collaborations, and share in group critiques. There will be opportunities in class for thematic discussions. Students will prepare a portfolio of work and a solo exhibition during the course. The portfolio may be used for application to college art programs and/or submitted to the Advanced Placement Program for possible AP credit, and the solo exhibition provides valuable professional experience.

Art History or AP Art History (Full year, 1 unit of credit)
The history of western art--pre-historic to present--will be studied not only to expose students to exemplary paintings, sculpture and architecture, but to allow them to gain critical analysis skills and to learn how to interpret important developments in thought (technical, social, religious, and political). This course WILL NOT be taught during the 2004-2005 school year.

Photography I (1/2 unit of credit)
In this introductory course students will gain practical skills and understanding of the basics of photography. This semester long course will address the history of photography beginning with the camera obscura. Students will learn the foundations of camera work and how to manipulate a variety of tools and techniques to create black and white photographs in the school's darkroom.

Video & Digital Imaging (1/2 unit of credit)
In this one semester course students will gain practical skills in using a video camera to make a variety of video productions such as documentaries, autobiographies, installations and animations. In addition to camera work, students will practice the various steps in making a video: pre-production planning, video editing, sound editing and special effects. The scope of this course will also include digital imaging and the computer-manipulation of still images as well as the editing of moving pictures.
Prerequisite:
Photography I or equivalent experience and permission of the instructor. This course will be offered during the 2004-2005 school year.

Vocal Ensemble (Full year, 1/2 unit of credit)
Ensemble is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 and is the choral group that performs throughout the year. Ensemble will be scheduled during a regular class period along with chamber choir. Students in the Ensemble may audition for the Chamber Choir. It will meet twice a week, and chamber choir will meet twice.

Chamber Choir (Full year, 1/2 unit of credit)
This select group of singers will form the core of the Vocal Ensemble. Students will receive individual vocal coaching and an opportunity to develop talents of those especially gifted in this area. A challenging repertoire and sight reading skills will enhance the experience. Chamber singers will be given every opportunity to perform in the school and community. Admission requires an audition, is based on the number of places available, and is at the discretion of the conductor. Co-requisite: Vocal Ensemble.

Music History: 20th Century Jazz and Blues (1/2 unit of credit)
This one semester course will be a hands-on study of the music and lives of the composers/performers who have made outstanding contributions to American Blues and Jazz. There will be creative opportunities offered for composition and performance including instruction in blues harmonica. This course will be offered during the 2004-2005 school year.

Ethnic Percussion Ensemble (1/2 unit of credit)
This semester course is designed to introduce the student to the art of drumming and percussion performance. The class will include instruction in different methods and playing styles of percussion instruments. Instruments will include snare drum, congas, bongos, bass drum, Latin percussion and others. The course will offer exposure to the experience of cross- cultural music such as Reggae, African, Cuban, Latin American and others. This course will be offered during the 2004-2005 school year.

Music, Myth, and Legend (1/2 unit of credit)
This semester course will explore the significant body of classical and contemporary music inspired by centuries of cultural myths and legends worldwide. The format will combine music and literature and will culminate in a creative project combining creative writing, music, drama, and filmmaking. The class will write an original myth or legend, and create a film score to accompany a video performance of the work. This course WILL NOT be offered during the 2004-2005 school year.

Art/Music Independent Study- (1/2 unit of credit per semester)
This program is designed to meet the needs of highly motivated student who wish to pursue an interest in Art or Music beyond the courses offered. Examples include: Film Making, Advanced Art Portfolio, and Advanced Music Performance.

 

 

 

 

 

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