Fine Arts

Drawing is an introduction to the conceptual and technical skills of drawing and hand rendering, suitable for artists at every level of experience. Students will learn to use many different media, including graphite, colored pencils, ink, charcoal, and digital media to depict many different kinds of subjects. Projects will begin with a brief study of technique, and we will look at examples of the kinds of work we will create. All finished pieces should be considered as potential portfolio pieces for college admissions and competitions. 

The painting course deals with the media of watercolor and acrylics. Using watercolor the student will experiment with the techniques of wash, wet-into-wet, drybrush and opaque watercolor. In acrylic painting, particular attention is given to the study of color and its properties as well as to a variety of painting techniques. This course may be taken for college credit through the College Advantage Program.

This course is an introduction to the techniques, technology, and craft of digital art. This course will introduce the techniques, technology, and craft of creating many kinds of digital art. The student will begin with learning 3D modeling and 3D printing techniques, as well as the inner workings of a 3D printer and how to properly maintain one. Students will go on to explore the basics of 3D animation and virtual reality, as well as the applications of digital drawing and painting to apply to their digital creations.  The student will incorporate aesthetic insight, conceptual skill, and professional techniques to produce a portfolio of finished works applicable to architecture and engineering, animation, video game design, and visual effects.

This course provides an opportunity for the talented student to work intensively on a self-led visual inquiry culminating in a portfolio for submission to The College Board for college credit. The student will be guided in the preparation of an extensive amount of college level work. Enrollment in this course is especially helpful to the student who anticipates attending Art school or majoring in Art. 

AP Art History is an introductory college-level art history course. Students cultivate their understanding of art history through analyzing works of art and placing them in historical context as they explore concepts like culture and cultural interactions, theories and interpretations of art, the impact of materials, processes, and techniques on art and art making, and understanding purpose and audience in art historical analysis.

Music In Our Lives is a comprehensive, project-intensive music course that offers students the opportunity to create, perform, listen to and analyze music. Students will explore the various ways that music affects our lives through social, cultural and historical contexts.

Students will explore the traditional styles of music through the ages to give them the basic skills necessary for the appreciation of all types of music. Basic theory of note reading, scales and key signatures will prepare them for the AP Music Theory course an examination that they can choose to take in their Senior Year.

The focus of this course is instruction in note reading, sight singing, various vocal styles and a proper and healthy singing technique. Performance opportunities, both solo and group, are available to all interested students. This course is the prerequisite to Glee Club, and students enrolled in this course will be eligible to join the Glee Club in January.

An Advanced Music Theory course, AP Music Theory, will include an in-depth exploration of the five musical elements: melody, harmony, rhythm, texture and style. Application of theory through analysis, composition and aural skills will be a main component of the course.

Students who wish to follow a concentration in Instrumental Music are advised to register for Orchestra freshwoman year and to take both the History of Music Styles and Theory in Junior Year and AP Music Theory in Senior Year. Students who wish to follow a concentration in Vocal Performance must register for Vocal Techniques in freshwoman Year, register for the Glee Club sophomore year as well as the History of Music Styles and Theory in Junior Year and take AP Music Theory in Senior Year.

This performing ensemble focuses on the study of musical styles and forms, correct instrumental techniques, and the interpretation of music notation, leading to the investigation and performance of a variety of works from the orchestral literature. Rehearsals are scheduled during the day and after school. Attendance at all rehearsals as well as both the Christmas and Spring Concert is required for credit. (This is a music performance course.)

This performing ensemble focuses on the study of correct singing technique, music notation, sight-singing and diction, leading to the investigation and performance of a variety of works from the choral literature. Rehearsals are scheduled during the day and after school. Attendance at all rehearsals and the Christmas and Spring Concert is a requirement for credit. (This is a music performance course.)