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Visual and Performing Arts Department

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

Students are required to earn one full credit in art, music and/or theater to graduate. Any art, music and/or theater courses may be taken to meet this requirement.

MUSIC

TIGER BAND Full year - 1 credit, Grade 9

The Tiger band is a group that focuses on the fundamentals of ensemble performance in a High School Band and the technical and musical development of its members. Students also receive small group instrumental instruction on a rotational basis. Most of the repertoire for this ensemble is similar in difficulty to levels I and II in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) manual. Repertoire is chosen from a variety of styles, including classical, jazz, popular, folk, and concert band music from contemporary composers. Attendance at scheduled performances is required. Prerequisite: Audition/interview process and teacher recommendation

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC TECHNOLOGY  Half year – ½credit,Grades 9-12

This course is taught in a digital mac lab, equipped with computers and digital keyboards. The course will explore various programs and applications for composing and ‘mixing’ music. Some of the topics that may be covered include Basics of a Sound System, Audio Effects, Garageband, Logic Pro, music notation, MIDI Sequencing, Audio Sequencing, Composing, Arranging, Podcasting, Remixing, Film Scoring, and/or Live Performance. Upon successful completion, students will receive a half Fine Arts credit toward graduation. Preference is given to junior and seniors.

INTERMEDIATE MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (Pending budget and BOE approval) Half year – ½credit,Grades 9-12

Students in this course will use Logic Pro, a professional digital audio workstation, to create music. This is a course that is designed for learners to explore their musical creativity, collaborating with other students, through the medium of technology. This is an interdisciplinary course, drawing on composition, music theory, audio engineering, and technology. The knowledge and skills learned in this course will transcend any single technology, allowing students to develop creative capacity across platforms. Students will create music while exploring their own interests, as well as develop an understanding of how musical elements are deployed in diverse musical styles. Expanding their musical imagination, students will acquire college and career-ready skills, in addition to developing an understanding of the workflows applicable to music and technology-based industries. Prerequisite: Introduction to Music Technology. Students should have a strong interest in creating original electronic music. It is highly recommended that students have an interest in performing music on voice or an instrument (including MIDI keyboard).

SYMPHONIC BAND Full year – 1 credit, Grades 9-12

Students in Symphonic Band perform in the marching band during the fall football season and in the Memorial Day Parade in May. The remainder of the year is devoted to concert repertoire. Students also receive small group instrumental instruction on a rotational basis. Most of the repertoire for this ensemble is similar in difficulty to the music from Levels IV, V, and VI in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) manual. Selected advanced wind and percussion players also perform with the Symphony Orchestra. Attendance at scheduled performances is required. Prerequisite: Audition/interview process and teacher recommendation

STRING ORCHESTRA Full year –1 credit, Grade 9

The String Orchestra is a group that focuses on the fundamentals of ensemble performance in a High School Orchestra and the technical and musical development if its members. Students also receive small group instrumental instruction on a rotational basis. Most of the repertoire for this ensemble is similar in difficulty to levels I and II in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) manual. Repertoire is chosen from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and/or Contemporary periods, as well as some selections from popular music. Attendance at scheduled performances is required. Prerequisite: Audition/interview process and teacher recommendation

MIXED CHORUS Full year – 1 credit, Grades 9-12

Members of the Mixed Chorus will focus on the development and enhancement of vocal tone quality, music reading skills, ensemble singing, and performance experience. The course will introduce students to a wide variety of music and performance styles, and include listening experiences which reflect the role of music as an expression of culture and history. Participation in scheduled performances is required. There is no audition or prerequisite requirement for participation in Mixed Chorus.

CLASS PIANO Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

In this introductory course in piano, students receive classroom instruction in basic piano keyboard skills, music reading, and beginning harmony. In addition to classroom instruction, students receive individual guidance on solo repertoire selection to ensure each student is working at the appropriate level. Preference is given to juniors and seniors.

CLASS GUITAR Half year – ½ credit , Grades 9-12

In this introductory course in guitar, classroom instruction is focused on the basic elements of acoustic guitar playing. Emphasis is on playing and reading notes/chords, and developing coordination and musicianship. Preference is given to juniors and seniors.

THEATER

 

INTRODUCTION TO THEATER Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

In this course students examine the world of theater. Through scene study, playwriting, and theater games, students will be introduced to acting and directing. Students will also learn about light, sound, set and costume designing. Students can anticipate reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities, as well as a great deal of group work. The final exam is the performance of an original one-act play. Preference given to juniors and seniors.

INTERMEDIATE THEATER Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

This course is designed to further develop the skills introduced in the Introduction to Theater course. Students will explore various genres of theater and a variety of dramatic texts. Students can expect to engage in more frequent performance projects at a higher caliber than in the Introduction to Theater course. Preference given to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: Introduction to Theater 

VISUAL ARTS

STUDIO IN ART Full year – 1 credit, Grades 9-12

This foundation course offers knowledge, skills and techniques essential to creating a work of art. Emphasis is placed on the elements and principles of design as they apply to two and three dimensional art works. The history of art and the cultural heritage from which it is derived is related to art projects. Through individual expression and the use of cultural resources such as museums, libraries and visiting artists, students increase their knowledge of how to judge, understand and appreciate art. It is strongly recommended that students who plan to pursue post high school study of the visual arts enroll in this class early in their high school career.

STUDIO IN DIGITAL ART Full year – 1 credit, Grades 9-12

This course is a foundation art course designed to serve a wide range of students with a variety of interests and abilities. Successful completion of this course will satisfy the NYS graduation requirement of a unit of credit in Fine Arts. This course acts as an introduction to the elements of art and principles of design through the use of art technology. Computer graphics, digital photography, and video art projects will be completed in this course. The computer programs that students will primarily use are Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and iMovie. The focus of the course will be to provide exposure to many aspects of media and current technological tools. There will be an integration of traditional media and a variety of digital techniques. Students will investigate artists whose work are relevant and will be exposed to a variety of art careers and artistic movements.

INTRODUCTION TO DRAWING Half year – ½credit,Grades 9-12

This course develops a foundation in a variety of drawing experiences. Techniques in pencil, pastels, charcoal, crayon, ink and felt tip pens are explored. The work of past and contemporary artists is an integral part of the curriculum through visual materials and discussion. The focus of the course is drawing from observation. Subject matter includes still life, figures, and landscape.

INTERMEDIATE DRAWING Halfyear – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

This course is a continuation of the techniques covered in Introduction to Drawing. More advanced techniques in a variety of media are covered and figure drawing is emphasized. Prerequisite: Introduction to Drawing 

INTRODUCTION TO PAINTING Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

This course develops a foundation in a variety of painting experiences. Techniques in watercolor, acrylics and mixed media are explored. Studying the work of past and contemporary artists is an integral part of the curriculum. Projects include drawing, still life, and landscapes.

INTERMEDIATE PAINTING Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

Builds upon skills learned in Introduction to Painting. Students are encouraged to explore topics that inspire them; therefore, some self direction is necessary. A sketchbook for both class work and out of class research is required. A variety of painting techniques will be utilized, which may include water color, oil, and acrylic paintings and mixed media. Studying the work of past and contemporary artists is an integral part of the curriculum. Prerequisite: Introduction to Painting

INTRODUCTION TO SCULPTURE Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

This is an introduction to the basic materials and techniques utilized by the sculptor. Traditional methods in clay, wood, metal, and other materials are explored with an emphasis on individual experimentation and expression. Emphasis is also placed on the development of each student’s unique style and an appreciation of historical and modern sculpture.

INTERMEDIATE SCULPTURE Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

This course continues the study of the basic materials and techniques utilized by the sculptor. Projects are designed to meet the special interests of each student and emphasis is placed on the diversity of media available to sculptors. Students have the opportunity to investigate a variety of materials. Inspiration is drawn from historical as well as contemporary artists and their work. Craftsmanship in the production of individual pieces is a prime focus in this course. Projects are required in several techniques. Prerequisite: Introduction to Sculpture

INTRODUCTION TO CERAMICS Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

This course is an introduction to the basic techniques of ceramics. Pottery examples from various cultures as well as contemporary society are used for aesthetic judgment and appreciation. Hand-building methods are taught in this semester course. Many forms of decoration are covered including glazing and staining.

INTERMEDIATE CERAMICS Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

This course develops skills used on the potter’s wheel. At the end of the course the student should be able to control the wheel to make small containers of various shapes as well as lids. Examples from various cultures and periods of history are used as a basis for aesthetic judgment and appreciation. Emphasis is placed on craftsmanship and design. Prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics

INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

In this course students learn the fundamental techniques of fine art photography. Both the aesthetic and technical aspects of the photographic image are covered. Students become proficient in the use of the single lens reflex camera, 34 mm film processing and the basics of black and white darkroom printing. A limited number of school cameras are available for students to use. Students are required to sign a contract and are financially responsible for the equipment they borrow. Preference given to juniors and seniors.

INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHY Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

In this course the techniques learned in Introduction to Photography are reinforced and expanded. The primary focus of this course is an exploration of both film and digital photography and ho to incorporate the elements of art and principles of design into photographic projects, as well as many technical and experimental aspects of taking film and digital photos. A limited number of school cameras are available for students to use. Students are required to sign a contract and are financially responsible for the equipment they borrow. Preference will be given to juniors and seniorsPrerequisite: Introduction to Photography

INTRODUCTION TO JEWELRY DESIGN Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

In this course students will create their own unique jewelry. Students will learn about and use professional tools and techniques in order to express themselves in metals, plastics, and found objects. They will explore the history of jewelry and its uses in cultures around the world.

INTERMEDIATE JEWELRY DESIGN Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

This course will expand upon the knowledge and experience of tools, techniques and materials covered in Introduction to Jewelry Design. Advanced procedures and materials such as stone setting, casting and enameling will be introduced in order to give the student a broader base for self-expression in the realm of jewelry design and fabrication. Prerequisite: Introduction to Jewelry Design

INTRODUCTION TO FASHION DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

This course will introduce students to the basics of fashion design and illustration with an emphasis on personal creativity. Some of the topics covered are: drawing the fashion figure, understanding, drawing and incorporating design lines and principles, recognizing and drawing basic structures, history of fashion, fashion designers, and fabric and color.

INTERMEDIATE FASHION DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

This course will expand upon the knowledge and experience of techniques and materials covered in Introduction to Fashion Design & Illustration. More advanced techniques in various media will be explored, such as developing watercolor painting skills with respect to fashion renderings, and utilizing professional grade inks to further enhance fashion illustration. The new materials will be introduced in order to give students a broader base for self-expression in the realm of fashion design and the opportunity to build upon techniques as they become more comfortable. Students will also learn about past and present fashion designers, mood boards, display, fabrics, and the commercial world within the garment industry. Prerequisite: Introduction to Fashion Design & Illustration

ART SURVEY/SAIL ART Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

This course focuses on skill development in a variety of media and techniques. Students are encouraged to explore the visual arts through ceramics, painting, collages and other media, in a studio atmosphere. Administrative approval is required