FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT

ART

Basic Art is an introductory full-year course open to all students in grades 9-12. This course fulfills the New York State requirement in fine arts. If a student is interested in art, it is advisable that he takes the Basic Art course as early as possible as it is the prerequisite for all subsequent elective studio courses (described below). It includes an overview and orientation to basic skill and various media. Drawing, painting, graphics, design, printmaking, and a three-dimensional unit are sampled and exercised. (1 credit)

Studio Art in Drawing/Design is an advanced full-year course. A variety of drawing and graphic materials, methods, and techniques are studied to develop further basic art skills for interest or the development of a portfolio. Traditional and contemporary modes of drawing are introduced.
Prerequisites: Basic Art and recommendation of the teacher.

Studio Art in Painting is an advanced full-year course that covers all essential elements of acrylic painting for interest or the development of a portfolio. These include color theory, an investigation of the conceptual and mechanical bases of painted imagery and many of the methods and techniques of acrylic painting. As a final project students may choose to paint a mural in the school.
Prerequisites: Basic Art and recommendation of the teacher.

Studio Art in 3-Dimensional Design is a full-year course open to all approved students. It includes studies of:
Ceramics - concentrating on traditional hand-building techniques, students will create both functional and sculptural ceramic pieces.
Sculpture - utilizing materials such as wire, plaster and wood, students will explore the aesthetics of sculpture and element of 3-dimensional design.
Prerequisite: Basic Art and recommendation of the teacher.

Advanced 3-Dimensional Design is a full-year course open to those students who have completed Studio Art in 3-Dimensional Design. Coursework will be self-directed, with students and teacher determining a course of work for the year.
Prerequisite: Basic Art and recommendation of 3-Dimensional Design teacher.

Text and Image is a full-year advanced interdisciplinary course open to 11th and 12th grades that will focuses on combining the written word with the visual. Students will utilize skills gained in Basic Art and other studio courses as well as knowledge of form and content learned from their English studies to explore the following mediums: visual journals, magazines, sequential art and artists’ books. The student will create conceptually sound works merging previously learned and new skills with creative ideas.

Advanced Art and Portfolio Preparationis a full-year course for students who have completed the basic and studio electives. The course offers advanced studies in all the Studio Art areas and is highly recommended for students interested in pursuing a career in the arts. A slide portfolio for college applications is developed for students approved by the instructor.
Prerequisite: Basic Art, recommendation of student’s Basic Art teacher and permission of instructor.

MUSIC

Classroom Music

Introduction to Keyboard, Guitar, and Music Theory This class is intended for the student with no musical experience in grades 9 and 10 only. An introduction to basic keyboard, guitar playing techniques, and music reading will be taught in this class. Students will be able to read music and performer at a basic level after completing this course. (1 credit)

Arranging, Composing, and Technology This class is intended for students that have previous performing or theory experience. Students will learn how to arrange previously composed music, their own compositions and use technology to do this. Students will be prepared for AP Music Theory, or composition and orchestration skills.

Prerequisite: Any High School Performing Ensemble, Introduction to Keyboard, Guitar, Music Theory, or instructor approval. (1/2 credit)

Voice Class This class is intended for students with some vocal experience. Further development of vocal techniques and methods will be explored in this course. Classical and music theatre solo literature will be studied throughout the year. Students completing this course will be able to apply appropriate strategies for dealing with performance stress and anxiety as well as a historical background on the literature they will be performing. Students will have a performance requirement for this course.
Prerequisite: Instructor approval. (1/2 credit)

AP Music Theory This course is intended to further develop the musical skills of students past the beginner level to an advanced level of musical understanding. Through a study of form, harmonic progression, and other theoretical aspects of music, students gain an understanding of the complexity of music and its aesthetic value in society. The level of musical study is that of first semester college theory. Students need instructor approval to enroll in this class.
Prerequisite: Symphonic Band (2 years), High School Chorus (2 years), or High School General Music Courses. (1 credit)

Performing Ensembles

Percussion EnsembleThis course meets every other day for a full year and is open to percussion players in grades 9-12. A wide arrangement of musical styles and genres for percussion ensembles will be explored in this course. Percussion lessons taken either at McQuaid Jesuit or privately (that complete course requirements) are required for this course. Students will perform frequently throughout the year in school and community settings.
Prerequisite: 1 year of a McQuaid instrumental ensemble (Concert or Symphonic Band). (1/2 credit)

Chamber Orchestra This course meets every other day for a full year and is open to musicians in grades 7 through 12 playing string instruments only. Students playing guitar or piano maybe interested in taking another music course. This course will cover a wide arrangement of musical styles and genres that will be challenging to the level of the students. Instrumental lessons taken either at McQuaid Jesuit or privately are required for this course. Students will perform frequently throughout the year in school and community settings. (1/2 credit)

Symphonic Band This course meets every other day for a full year and is open to musicians in grades 9 through 12 playing woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments only. Students playing guitar or piano maybe interested in taking Arranging, Composing, Technology or High School Chorus. Students enrolling in this class need approval from the instructor prior to registration. The course will cover a wide arrangement of musical styles and genres that will be challenging to the level of the students. Instrumental lessons taken either at McQuaid Jesuit or privately are required for this course. Students will perform frequently throughout the year in school and community settings. (1/2 credit)

High School Chorus This course invites students in grades 9-12 who enjoy singing. This course will cover a wide array of genres and musical styles. Smaller ensembles with special interests may develop out of the larger ensemble. Piano players are welcome in this course. Group voice lessons will be given once per cycle on a rotating schedule as part of the course. Students will perform frequently throughout the year in school and community settings. (1/2 credit)

Music Course Notes

All classroom music classes - 15 students maximum per class. This is due to limited computer and musical equipment availability.

DRAMA

Drama is a ½-credit course for grades 9 to 12. Designed for any students who are interested in Drama and dramatic production, this course looks at the history of the theatre, its drama and methods of presentation. Students will study various production elements including, producing, directing, acting, as well as technical elements. Projects include acting and directing scenes, designing a set for a scene, and presenting research on a topic related to modern theatre.

Theatre TechThis course will explore principles of technical theatre and the stage space as it developed from the Greek thru the modern period. The technical contributions and innovations thru history will be covered in this course. Guest speakers and field trips will be added to this class. This class will meet every other day for a full year (½ fine arts credit). (No prerequisite)
This class will be team taught by Mrs. Stoffel and Mr. Karnisky