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Fine Arts Department

ART I introduces the student to the basic elements and principles of design. The elements--line, texture, value, shape and color are explored in depth; the principles--contrast, balance, movement, rhythm, pattern and unity are used in each area of study. Drawing and color are stressed. Essential terms are explained and major movements studied in order to provide a working verbal and visual vocabulary. Art supply fee required. (Open to all levels) Prerequisite: none (1 credit)

ART II will introduce the student to a variety of media including work with materials such as pencil, pen and ink, clay, pastels, paints, and 3D materials. Projects will develop imagination and artistic skills by allowing students to explore various approaches to problem solving in art. Art supply fee required. Teacher approval required. Prerequisite: Art I (1 credit)

CAREER ARTS (H) is for advanced Art II students who wish to pursue careers in the visual arts. It will introduce students to a variety of media (watercolor, color pencil illustration, pastels, painting, sculpture, etc.) and emphasize creative processing. The students will be given various open-ended assignments that require expeimentation and creativity. Art supply fee required. Prerequisite: Art I. Committee approval required (1 credit)

ART III HONORS is directed toward individual study. Emphasis is placed on process-oriented projects where students have the opportunity to develop their own style within set criteria outlined by teacher. Teacher approval required. Prerequisite: Art II, Career Arts (1 credit)

ART IV HONORS emphasizes the development of individual styles through student-specific approved projects. Teacher approval required. Prerequisite: Art III (1 credit)
AP STUDIO ART is designed to help students develop their artistic talents through in-depth projects while having the opportunity to gain up to three college credits in visual arts. Projects, though very broad, will be assigned with the requirements for the portfolio in mind. Students will be working independently with weekly critique sessions conducted by the teacher. A portfolio consisting of 40 pieces of art work is required by the end of the school year for AP credit. Prerequisites: Art I, Art II, Art III. Teacher approval required (1 credit)

PHOTOGRAPHY I is a basic introduction to photography including techniques for a manual camera and creating good composition. The course also includes developing black and white negatives and prints. Special photographic techniques will also be taught including penhole camera photography, contact sheets, computer manipulation, handpainting photographs, double negative exposing, and digital photography will also be taught. Students must provide their own film. Camera is required. There is a fee to cover dark room expenses ($100). (Open to all levels) (½ credit)

THREE DIMENSIONAL DESIGN (SCULPTURE) - (semester course linked to Photography). This course is a study of artwork in Three Dimensional form. It will be a hands-on course that will teach how to create sculpture using three different methods: Additive (plaster casting and pottery), Subtractive (balsa wood, stone, and plaster carving), and Assemblage (sculpture using found objects). This will be taught as a beginners course. Emphasis will be placed on quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Prerequisite: None. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Fee $100 ($200 for full year of Photography/Sculpture) (1/2 credit)

FINE ARTS SURVEY is designed to introduce the non-arts student to the general principles and processes of the various arts with emphasis on music, drama, visual art, and dance. A variety of approaches will be used. (Open to all levels) Prerequisite: none (1 credit)

FILM STUDY will include the analysis of movies for narrative elements as well as technological elements that differentiate film from written or dramatic narrative. Students will write movie reviews and one analytical paper. Parents must sign approval sheet for movie selections. The course will focus on the study and production of film as an art form. Elements of film history, photography, composition, and film design will be studied. The final project will be the creation and production of a 15-30 minute short film. (Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors) Prerequisites: none (1 credit)

BEGINNING CHORUS is designed for students with no vocal training and will focus on developing the technical and artistic aspects of music, with performances as appropriate to abilities. Audition required. (Open to all levels) (1 credit)

CHORUS is designed for students with advanced levels of vocal training and will focus on developing the technical and artistic aspects of music, with performances as appropriate to abilities. Audition required. (Open to all levels) (1 credit)

ADVANCED BAND (BRASS) - focuses on developing strong skills in reading music and improving the technical skills of playing brass instruments. The activities are designed to enhance students' performances and broaden their musical understanding as it relates to the arts, history and culture. Special emphasis is placed on listening to professional performances and on comparative analysis of students' performances in relation to this professional standard. Participation is mandatory for select athletic events, pep rallies, various festivals, contests, parades, Christmas concert, winter concert, graduation, annual trips and tours. (Open to all levels.) Prerequisite: Previous band, orchestra or piano. Committee approval required. (1 credit)

ADVANCED BAND (PERCUSSION) - focuses on developing strong skills in reading music and improving the technical skills of playing percussion instruments. The activities are designed to enhance students' performances and broaden their musical understanding as it relates to the arts, history and culture. Special emphasis is placed on listening to professional performances and on comparative analysis of students' performances in relation to this professional standard. Participation is mandatory for select athletic events, pep rallies, various festivals, contests, parades, Christmas concert, winter concert, graduation, annual trips and tours. (Open to all levels.) Prerequisite: Previous band, orchestra or piano. Committee approval required. (1 credit)

ADVANCED BAND (WOODWIND) - focuses on developing strong skills in reading music and improving the technical skills of playing percussion instruments. The activities are designed to enhance students' performances and broaden their musical understanding as it relates to the arts, history and culture. Special emphasis is placed on listening to professional performances and on comparative analysis of students' performances in relation to this professional standard. Participation is mandatory for select athletic events, pep rallies, various festivals, contests, parades, Christmas concert, winter concert, graduation, annual trips and tours. (Open to all levels.) Prerequisite: Previous band, orchestra or piano. Committee approval required. (1 credit)

FILM STUDY - will include the analysis of movies for narrative elements as well as technological elements that differentiate film from written or dramatic narrative. Students will write analytical papers on films watched. Parents must sign approval sheet for movie selections. The course will focus on the study and production of film as an art form and film as literature. Elements of film history, photography, composition, and film design will be studied. The final project will be the creation and production of a 15-30 minute short film. (Open to all levels.) Prerequisite: None (1 credit)

PUBLIC SPEAKING is a basic speech course designed to assist students in acquiring more self-confidence and poise while developing formal oral communication skills. Students learn to research, plan, and organize speeches to inform and persuade. An introduction to debate, mock trial, and television is included. (Open to all levels) (1 credit)
COMMUNICATION SKILLS is designed to enhance interpersonal communication skills and fundamental listening skills. Also included will be an overview of problem-solving skills, conflict management, leadership skills, and group communication. (Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors) Prerequisite: none (1 credit)

DRAMA I is designed for the student interested in theater and offers both historical data and "hands-on" experience. The student will learn about the history of the theater and the people instrumental in its development. The fundamentals of set construction and the application of stage make-up class culminates in a one-act play (Open to all levels) (1 credit)

DRAMA II is a combination of acting and play production. Acting builds on the basics offered in Drama I. Students will study the process and art of acting. They will learn various acting techniques and study their practitioners. Students will perform on several occasions, culminating in a night of scenes for invited guests. Play production covers the practical applications of theater production. Students study stage make-up, set design and construction, lighting design, and costume design. They will be required to work on the STM production in some aspect whether it is backstage, on stage, or publicity. Prerequisite: Drama I (1 credit)

COMPETITIVE SPEECH/DRAMA is designed for members of the competitive speech squad whose primary interest is drama. This is a lab class that includes in-depth work on dramatic and humorous interpretation and duet acting. Tournament participation is required of all class members. This class is also responsible for helping host an inter-scholastic speech tournament at STM. Teacher approval is required. (Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors) (1 credit)

COMPETITIVE SPEECH/DEBATE is offered to members of the competitive speech team whose primary interest is in the forensic area. This is a lab class which includes in-depth work on debate, oratory, extemporaneous speaking, Lincoln-Douglas debate and Student Congress. This class is also responsible for helping host an interscholastic speech tournament held at STM. Tournament participation is required of all class members. Teacher approval is required. (Open to all levels) (1 credit)