This course is an introductory course designed to help students understand the fundamentals of art. Students will learn design basics and how to use various media. The work of various artists will be introduced and students will complete projects based on their study. The course will include work in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and printmaking.

This course is a one-semester course that introduces the student to work in clay. Sculptural and functional work will be covered. The work of various artists who work in three-dimensional media will be introduced. Techniques and materials will be explained. Students will be encouraged to design and create selected pieces and will be given an opportunity to work on their own designs and come to understand the potential for personal expression in this medium.

This course has a $20 materials fee.

This course is an introductory course designed to help students understand the fundamentals of drawing. Students will learn basics of spatial organization and how to use various materials. The work of different artists will be introduced, and students will complete projects based on their study. The course will introduce different ways of seeing, and will examine various treatments of still life, landscape, and figure-drawing.

This course is designed to help the student create a portfolio of work. The student will build on the concepts introduced in Art I or Drawing to continue to refine his vision and technical skill. Student work is expected to be of very high quality. Specific projects and assignments will be planned for the individual according to his stage of artistic development. He will work in various media and begin to collect pieces for Advanced Placement consideration.

Prerequisite: One-semester in a previous fine arts course and approval of instructor.

This course has a $20 materials fee

This course is designed to help the student create a portfolio of work that will meet the requirements of the College Board Advanced Placement. The student will build on the work begun in Advanced Art to create a college level, high-quality portfolio of work.

The student must complete 24 art pieces in the categories of drawing or 2D or 3D design to be presented to the College Board. The work is submitted digitally. The student must prepare the work to fit the requirements of breadth and concentration, prepare the portfolio and complete the written requirements. Specific projects and assignments will be planned for the individual student according to his stage of artistic development.

Prerequisite: One-semester in a previous fine arts course and approval of instructor.

This course has a $20 materials fee and $94 AP Art Portfolio Fee.

An introduction to digital photography. Students will learn the basics of using a digital camera and how to apply the principles of art and design to photographic work. Students will create concentrations, collages, and explore various subject matter. Students must have a camera for this class, preferably a digital SLR camera.

This full-year course is open to students in grades 7, 8 and 9. This course is open to any student who wishes to learn how to play wind or percussion instruments without any prior experience. It is also for students who have only one or two previous years of band experience. Participation, improvement, and individual practice throughout the year determine grades. The students will also have a few chances to perform in various concerts held during the year.

Prerequisite: Students will be required to purchase books and will be responsible for providing their own instrument.

There is a $25 materials fee for this course.

This full-year course is open to students in grades 9-12.

The Symphonic Band also acts as the Marching Band during the fall. Students are required to participate in a pre-season band camp and all home football games. Following the football season, the Symphonic Band plays concert music for the rest of the year.

They will learn some basic theory, history, and performance practices of music. Students will be expected to maintain a high level of musicianship on their instruments through the study of etudes, music, and scales. The students will participate in two concerts held during the year and graduation. Instruments need to be furnished by the student. Marching shoes, tuxedo shirts and a few other accessories must be purchased by the students.

Prerequisite: New students will need to audition for placement in the symphonic band. Current students continue with approval of the director.

There is a $40 materials fee for this course.

This full-year course is open to students’ grades 8-12 that have at least two years of experience on a string orchestra instrument (Violin, viola, cello or string bass). Beginners with no previous experience will not be allowed to enroll.

The String Orchestra will perform at two concerts per school year and have various other performing opportunities as chosen by the director. Please contact Ms. Gaunt for details or to arrange an audition.

Prerequisite: New students will need to audition for placement in the string orchestra. Current students continue with approval of the director.

There is a $25 materials fee for this course.

This course is open to all students (9-12) with acceptance into this course based on an audition process. The ensemble is made up of trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and rhythm section (guitar, piano, bass and a drum set). The band’s focus is rehearsing and performing various styles of jazz, swing, funk, rock, etc.

This course meets at 7:00 a.m. three mornings per week.

Prerequisite: Audition and approval of the director.

There is a $25 materials fee for this course.

Cub Choir is open to all students who are interested in singing, grades 7-9. Participants will learn what it means to be a good choral musician. They will develop sound vocal technique, rehearsal etiquette, and sight-singing skills. They will explore basic music theory. Students will sing repertoire from many eras and genres. Further, they will develop musical vocabularies that will allow them to discuss music in any setting.

There is a $25 materials fee for this course.

This course is open to students in grades 8-12. The course will allow students the opportunity to perform a vast repertoire of music, including sacred, classical, jazz, barbershop, and contemporary styles. Sight reading and rhythm skills will be incorporated into rehearsals as well as the importance of developing sound vocal technique.

Students are expected to increase their learning through participation in performances such as the Fine Arts Festivals, designated school social events, school liturgies, and a variety of opportunities in the local community.

Prerequisites: By audition only

There is a $25 materials fee for this course.

10th, 11th and 12th grades only

The one-semester (0.5 credit) course will focus on various music styles including Jazz, country, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and hip hop. A large portion of the course will be dedicated to the history of rock and roll in America, as well as extensive study of the MTV (Music Television) era of the 1980’s.

The class will provide students with the opportunity to learn and develop understanding in: audio recording, live sound production, audio editing, sound design, and musical creation.

Students will engage in activities, such as recording school music concerts, setting up and running our sound system for various functions, recording and producing their own student-driven music, and collaborating on large-scale media installations across departments.

This course will combine elements of acoustics, electrical engineering, music theory, and music composition into a set of practical skills applicable in studio, live-sound, and production situations.

11th and 12th grades only

The Honors Music Theory course will help students develop their ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. Students will achieve this goal by developing skills such as aural, sight-singing, written, composition, and analytical skills. These skills will be established through a variety of exercises including listening, performance, written, creative, and analytical exercises. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of music theory through performance, assessment, and composition.

Prerequisite: Instructor permission is required to enroll.

The jazz improvisation course will provide the students with the opportunity to learn and develop the fundamentals of jazz improvisation while playing their own instrument. While in a combo setting, the student musicians will focus on elements of melody creation, harmonizing, song writing, chord-scale theory, reading and writing music, and leading a band.

The Ukulele course will provide students with the opportunity to explore instrumental and vocal music while learning to play the ukulele, and accompany themselves and others, on a variety of musical genres.

Students will gain access to making music on the ukulele while focusing on strumming, rhythms, harmonies, reading music, singing, improvising, and beginning songwriting.