FINE ARTS CURRICULUM
FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT
MUSIC (Seven Course Offerings)
MUSIC THEORY Course # 745 Credit: 0.5
This prerequisite course for our ensemble offerings (Handbells, Choir, Piano, and Music Technology) introduces students to fundamental music theory concepts, including notation, rhythm, scales, intervals, chords, and basic harmonic progressions. Students will develop skills in reading and writing music, understanding structural elements, and using Finale for detailed music notation and BandLab Education for collaborative projects and digital audio workstation (DAW) skills. This course provides a solid foundation in both traditional and contemporary music contexts.
HANDBELLS Course #746 Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Completion of Music Theory course
This elective is open to all students who have completed Music Theory. The course focuses on beginning handbell techniques and practical music applications. Students will explore a repertoire that includes Church music, Broadway, Disney, and Classical pieces. Class size is limited to 14 students, providing a great musical experience with hands-on learning.
CHORUS Course #747 Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Completion of Music Theory course
This elective welcomes students of all musical backgrounds, with no audition required. The course covers a broad repertoire of choral music, performed at the Christmas Concert, Spring Concert, School Masses, and Graduation. Students will develop their vocal skills through techniques and participate in the group learning and performance process. This course meets daily.
AFTER SCHOOL CHORUS Course # 748 Credit: 0.5
This elective is for advanced and experienced singers and requires an audition.
Students will study and perform a diverse repertoire of choral music for the Christmas Concert, Spring Concert, School Masses, and Graduation. Vocal techniques will be emphasized, and students will collaborate in learning and performing music. This course meets after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:40 to 4:00 pm. Regular attendance is required to receive credit.
MUSICS TECHNOLOGY LAB Course #751 Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Completion of Music Theory course
In this state-of-the-art lab, students will explore basic musical skills and concepts using computers, keyboards, electronics, and mixing software. Through various software programs, students will work on rhythm, melody, and harmony, culminating in original compositions. No prior experience is required, but a genuine interest in music is essential.
PIANO Course # 741 Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Completion of Music Theory course
This elective is open to all students. No previous piano experience is required, but a commitment to daily practice is necessary. Students will learn to read sheet music, perform repertoire, and participate in the Christmas and Spring concerts. The class provides one-on-one instruction and individual practice time during sessions, with weekly in-class performance opportunities.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC Course # 753 Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Completion of Music Theory course
This elective is open to students of all backgrounds and particularly welcomes those who own an instrument. Students may bring their instruments to school for practice and performance. The class has previously included instruments such as guitar, ukulele, violin, xylophone, djembe drum, percussion, and lyre. Depending on the instruments chosen, students will form unique ensembles and perform at school music events and concerts. Students without their own instruments are welcome and will be assigned a school instrument.
STUDIO ART (Six Course Offerings)
ART I Course #755 Credit: 0.5
In this introductory studio art course, students will learn to create and critique art in a variety of media including, drawing, painting, collage and sculpture. Students will develop an understanding of the elements of art (color, line, shape, etc.) and the principles of design (balance, unity, proportion, etc.) and other basic art vocabulary in order to communicate ideas. Significant artists will also be discussed. This class is designed to teach beginners and expose students to different styles of art. No skill or previous experience is required, just the willingness to get creative! There is a $10.00 art packet fee. The supplies can also be purchased independently. The sketchbook and supplies purchased can be reused for any other art classes taken.
ART II Course # 765 Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: 85% in Art I or a portfolio approval by the Art teacher.
This class will continue to build upon skills learned in Art I and concentrate on the elements of art and principles of design through previous and additional media including Prismacolors, watercolor, soft pastels, oil pastels, different sculptural elements, and larger scale paintings. Significant artists will also be continued to be discussed. A sketchbook is required. Projects will be increasingly independent.
STUDIO ART Course # 767 Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: 85% average in Art I or portfolio approval by the Art teacher.
This class will concentrate on a combination of hands-on projects relating to fashion, textile design, and fiber arts. Students will learn the elements of a basic fashion design sketch and pattern making for textiles. The class will also explore other artwork created solely with types of fibers and work on projects such as weaving, felting, and sewing. The history of fashion, textile design, and fiber artists will be discussed. A sketchbook is required.
PRINTMAKING & PAINTING Course # 773 Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: 85% average in Art I or portfolio approval by the Art teacher.
This class will focus on a mix of printmaking and painting techniques. Printmaking is creating art by printing an inked image onto paper. Relief printing (using different techniques and plates, such as Styrofoam, linoleum, and wood) and monotypes will be explored, as well as the incorporation of painting techniques. A sketchbook is required.
PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITALARTS Course # 769 Credit: 0.5
NO PREREQUISITE
This is an introductory course to both photography and digital drawing. Students will learn about the basic form and content of photographic compositions and use their own photographs for the basics of their digital art compositions. The elements and principles of design will be explored in how they relate to photography and digital design. Artwork by photographers and digital artists will be examined. Students are welcome to bring in their own camera or use an iPhone to take photographs and a free software program can be downloaded on a Mac, PC, iPad or Tablet for the digital drawing projects. A class digital camera will be shared among students.
YEARBOOK Course # 756 Credit: 0.5
During the duration of this course the SVF yearbook for the academic year will be created, giving students experience in print media publishing. Students will compose, construct, and edit all elements; computerized text layout, graphic art, and digital photography. Deadlines are crucial in creating a yearbook. In order to meet our deadlines, it may become necessary for students to work after school, on articles or layouts. The class will not meet regularly during the 2nd semester but students are expected to finish work until the final deadline in March. This class is open to all grade levels. Sign up and help get coverage in the yearbook for your grade!
