Memorial High School Fine Arts

 

   

Introduction to Two Dimensional Art- Level II (Art I)
One Semester, Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None 

Introduction to two-dimensional art is designed with an emphasis in drawing and printmaking.  Our goal is to instill the beginning art student with an understanding and appreciation of the visual arts, both past and present.  This course will offer basic technical and philosophical elements and principles which are to be developed during the future as an art student.  Students learn various techniques through teacher technical demonstrations and presentations.  Students use and develop the elements of design: line, color, shape, form, texture, value and space.  Students will experience various media such as: pencil, pastels, linoleum block prints and pen and ink.  Art History covering Prehistoric, Egyptian and Greek are taught at this level.  Art criticism is also taught at this level, which allows the student to critically examine current works, current trends, and explore the role of the art critic in society.  Art criticism is also used as a method of identifying strengths and limitations in student art work so students can improve their creations as needed.  Students will be introduced to the aesthetics of art by reflecting on the nature of art and assessing their ideas and definitions of art and the art community.  Emphasis is placed on class projects with an examination at each quarter.  Materials: $40 art fee, which pays for all materials for this course.

 

 

Advanced Two Dimensional Art- Level II (Art II)
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Introduction to Two/Three Dimensional Art

Advanced two-dimensional art is designed with an emphasis on painting and printmaking.  This course consists of an understanding of color with concentration in watercolor, tempera, acrylic, oil paints and etching.  Students will also have free assignments to assist in the developing of their own artistic styles.  Art History consisting of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque Painting periods are taught at this level.  Art criticism is also used as a method of identifying strengths and limitations in student art work so students can improve their creations as needed.  Students will be introduced to the aesthetics of art by reflecting on the nature of art and assessing their ideas and definitions of art and art community.  Emphasis is placed on the class projects with an examination at each quarter. Students are required to purchase a stretched canvas as specified by the instructor late in the first quarter.  Materials:  $40 art fee.


Introduction To Three Dimensional Design- Level II
One Semester, Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Introduction to Two Dimensional Art

Introduction to three-dimensional art is designed with an emphasis in ceramics, sculpture and jewelry.  This course will offer basic technical skills in three-dimensional art and an understanding of form, texture and color.  Students will have free assignments to assist in the developing of their own artistic styles.  Art History consisting of Roman, Romanesque and Renaissance Sculpture are taught at this level.  Materials: $40 art fee; students are responsible for the cost of precious metals and material for sculpture.

 

 

 

Art History- Level III
Two Semesters, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: None

This course will introduce the student to the history of art from the prehistoric to the contemporary art of Western civilization. This course will emphasize the importance of architecture, drawing, painting and sculpture and its influences on mankind.  An understanding and awareness of outstanding works of art will be introduced through slide presentations, movies and museum visits.  This course will also provide information about why man creates visual images and how his/her experiences are expressed in these images.  Art Appreciation will help the student become visually literate, finding meaning in the efforts of past and present artists.  This course is available for college credit through the University of Evansville's Bridge Program.

   

Commercial Design- Level II
One Semester, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Introduction to Two Dimensional Art

This in-depth course utilizes student creativity in a commercial art atmosphere.  Students will create logos, layouts, and illustrations.  In addition, they will need to develop a complete understanding of lettering and composition.  Technique will involve computer work along with work by hand.  Students will also work with area businesses in commercial design projects.  Materials:  Art fee of $40.

 

 

 

Jewelry- Level II
One Semester, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Introduction to Three Dimensional Art with a 4 or above and teacher permission

This course is an in-depth study into the jewelry making process.  Students will study the process of soldering, lost wax, stone setting, and metal manipulation.  Students will study current trends as well as the evolution of jewelry and metal uses throughout history.  Students will learn to critique their own work examining the relationships between context, form, function, and meaning. Students will be introduced to the aesthetics of art by reflecting on the nature of art and assessing their ideas and definitions of art and the art community.  Materials:  Art fee of $40; students will be responsible for cost of precious metals.


Ceramics- Level II
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Introduction to Three Dimensional Art

This class is designed for advanced art students that wish to develop more technical skills in different aspects of ceramics including: clay construction, potter’s wheel and glaze applications.  Students will have the opportunity to work in low fire oxidation, Raku and reduction firings.  Art History consisting of an in-depth analysis of historical and contemporary ceramics from a variety of cultural groups identifying relationships between context, form, and function will be introduced in this course.  The students will be taught to critically examine their work in relationship to historical and contemporary ceramic works.  Students will be introduced to the aesthetics of art by reflecting on the nature of art and assessing their ideas and definitions of art and the art community.   Materials: Art Fee of $40.


Drawing- Level II
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Advanced Two Dimensional Art

This class is designed for advanced drawing students who wish to acquire more technical skill in drawing. Students will be exposed to techniques in pastels, colored pencils, charcoal, conte’ crayon and colored markers.  Students will be taught to critically examine their work in relationship to their peers and to compare their work to historical and contemporary drawings.  Students will be introduced to the aesthetics of art by reflecting on the nature of art and assessing their ideas and definitions of art and the art community.  Materials:  Art fee of $40.


Painting- Level II
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Advanced Two Dimensional Art

This course is a continuation of Introduction to Two Dimensional Art with a greater emphasis on painting.  Painting allows the students to explore their creativity through such medias as oil, acrylic, watercolor or tempera paints. Students will learn to build frames, stretch and gesso their own canvases and crate work using various techniques in painting.  The students will be taught to critically examine their work through group discussions, assessing their ideas and critiques.  Materials:  Art fee of $50.


Photography- Level II
One Semester, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: None

This course is an introduction to the field of photographic art.  Students will be responsible for creating works of art by use of a 35 mm camera.  Students will be responsible for the subject matter and full development of their work.  Students will be taught to critically examine their work as they progress through the semester. Students will learn to develop film and paper in the darkroom, mount their photographic images and critically assess their creations.  Students learn to become proficient through repetitive experimentation with their cameras and in darkroom analysis. Materials:  Art Fee of $40; 35mm camera, photographic paper, film and matting materials are to be purchased by the student.  PLEASE NOTE:  Due to limited enrollment in this course, first consideration will be given to students entering their senior year.


Photography II- Level III
One Semester, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Media Arts I with a 4.0 or better or Permission of Instructor

This class is for those students who excelled in Photography 1 and wish to learn advanced techniques and photo manipulation.  There will be greater emphasis on self-expression and experimentation, digital imagery, toning, liquid light and hand coloring. Materials: Art Fee of $40; 35mm camera, photographic paper, film and matting materials are to be purchased by the student.


Printmaking- Level II
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Introduction to Two Dimensional Art
 

This course is an in-depth study of the printing process.  Students will study the processes of intaglio, dry-point, linoleum block, and lithography.  Students will also study current trends as well as the evolution of printing as an art form. The students will be taught to critically examine their work in relationship to historical and contemporary prints. Students will be introduced to the aesthetics of art by reflecting on the nature of art and assessing their ideas and definitions of art and the art community.  Materials:  Art fee of $40.


Advanced Ceramics- Level III
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Ceramics

This course is designed for students that excelled in Ceramics and desire more technical skills. Advanced Ceramics allows much more artistic freedom and creativity.  Students will have the opportunity to work in low fire oxidation, Raku, and reduction firings and work with porcelain, stoneware, earthenware and demonstrate unique glazing techniques.  Students will be introduced to the aesthetics of art by reflecting on the nature of art and assessing their ideas and definitions of art and the art community. Materials: Art Fee of $40.


Advanced Painting- Level III
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Painting

This course is a continuation of Painting and gives students the opportunity to explore various techniques learned in Advanced Two-Dimensional Art and Painting.  Students enrolled in Advanced Painting will be exposed to various techniques in watercolor, acrylic and oil paints.  Students will learn to build frames, stretch and gesso their own canvases and create work using various techniques in painting.  The students will be taught to critically examine their work through group discussions, assessing their ideas and critiques.    Materials:  Art Fee of $40 and wood for stretched canvas.


Advanced Drawing- Level III
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Drawing

This class is intended for advanced drawing students that wish to acquire more technical skills and artistic expression. Students will be exposed to techniques learned in drawing including: pastels, colored pencils, charcoal, conte’ crayon and colored markers.  Students will critically examine their work in relationship to their peers and compare their work to historical and contemporary drawings.  Students will be introduced to the aesthetics of art by reflecting on the nature of art and assessing their ideas and definitions of art and the art community.  Materials:  Art Fee of $40.


Advanced Jewelry Making and Metals- Level III
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Jewelry

This course is for advanced jewelry and metal working students who want to acquire more knowledge and technical skills in metal casting and jewelry design.  Students will create metal work with an emphasis on skill and creativity. Materials:  Art Fee of $40; students will be responsible for cost of precious metals.


Studio Art- Level III
One Semester, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Minimum of four previous semesters of visual art

This course is especially important for students wishing to major in visual art, architecture, fashion design or graphic design and who will be applying for admittance or scholarships within an institution of higher learning.  The instructor of this course will teach students preparation skills for a fine arts portfolio for acceptance and/or scholarships in higher education.  This course will include slide photography, remounting and copying slides, resume work, design preparation, scholarship information, and portfolio enhancement of past and present visual artwork.  This course will offer students a comprehensive, competitive edge when applying for scholarships or admittance into academia.  Materials:  Art Fee $40; students are responsible for slide film and a small slide/digital portfolio.


VOCAL MUSIC

Beginning Chorus- Level II
Two Semesters, Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None

Beginning Chorus is designed to offer beginning students the opportunity to enjoy singing together while learning techniques of good vocal production and an awareness of the basic principles of musicianship and performance.  There are three major performances during the school year:  Fall Concert, Christmas Concert, and Spring Concert.  Selected students may be asked to participate in vocal contests and/or community performances.  Reasonable rehearsal time after school and/or evenings is necessary the week preceding performances.  Members of the chorus will need to rent a performance outfit from the vocal music department at a cost $30 per academic year.


Advanced Chorus (Concert Choir)- Level II
Two Semesters, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Audition and/or permission of director

Advanced Chorus is an advanced class designed to meet the needs of the more experienced and/or dedicated student.  The class includes sight singing, accountability tests, and performances such as solo/ensemble contest, organizational contest, music festivals, programs for civic groups, as well as three major performances.  Reasonable rehearsal time after school and/or evenings is necessary preceding major performances.  Members are required to rent a performance outfit from the vocal music department at a cost of $30 per academic year.  Auditions will be held before classes are assigned in the spring.


 

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC  

Beginning Concert Band
Intermediate Concert Band
Advanced Concert Band- Level II
Two Semesters, Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Permission of high school director

This course is primarily composed of three major performing ensembles, along with supplementary groups for those wishing to further their musical experience.  Marching season begins the school year with preliminary activities during the month of July, including band camp and pre-school rehearsals.  The group will have regularly scheduled evening rehearsals, which enable participation at all Memorial High School home football games along with marching competitions and parades.  Approximately half way through the semester, concert season begins. Performances of the concert band include Christmas and spring concerts, possible tours to surrounding areas, and competition in the Indiana State Music Association Concert Band Contest.

Students taking this course are provided with a balanced comprehensive study of music through performance. Ensemble and solo activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship including, but not limited to: (1) tone production, (2) technical skills, (3) intonation, (4) music reading skills, (5) listening skills, (6) analyzing music, and (7) the study of historically significant styles of literature.


Beginning Orchestra
Intermediate Orchestra
Advanced Orchestra- Level II
Two Semesters, Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Recommendation of director

String Orchestra is for the student who has experience in playing violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Students taking this course are provided with a balanced comprehensive study of music through string orchestra. Ensemble and solo activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship including, but not limited to: (1) tone production, (2) technical skills, (3) intonation, (4) music reading skills, (5) listening skills, (6) music analysis, and (7) the study of historically significant styles of literature. Time outside of the school day may be scheduled for dress rehearsals and performances. Members of the orchestra will need a performance outfit.


Applied Music Beginning Guitar- Level II
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Permission of teacher

Applied Music - Beginning Acoustic Guitar is for the student who is interested in learning the fundamentals of guitar playing as well as the fundamentals of music.  This course is reserved for students who have had little or no previous experience in playing guitar.  Skills taught in this course include reading tablature, reading musical notation, reading chord symbols, playing various accompanying styles, playing single melodic lines, and improvising and composing using basic harmonic patterns.  Students are expected to provide their own acoustic guitar, or guitars will be available through a lease program for a fee.


Applied Music Piano and Electric Keyboard- Level II
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Permission of teacher

Applied Music - Beginning Piano is for the student who is interested in learning keyboarding skills and music fundamentals.  This course is intended for students who have had little or no experience in playing piano.  Skills taught in this class include reading musical notation, keyboard technique, fundamentals of harmony, rhythm and form, musical styles from various cultures and periods.


GENERAL MUSIC

Music History and Appreciation- Level III
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: None

Music Appreciation is for the student interested in gaining an understanding and appreciation of the basic elements of music, the development of music through history, the music of other cultures, and the history of popular music. This course, along with Music Theory and Composition, are taught on alternating school years. Music History and Appreciation will be taught during the 2008--2009 school year.


Music Theory and Composition- Level III
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Teacher Recommendation

This course is for students interested in composing their own music and in gaining an understanding of the fundamentals of music theory.  Students taking this course will: (1) develop ear training and dictation skills, (2) compose works that illustrate mastered concepts, (3) understand harmonic structures and analysis, (4) understand modes and scales, (5) study a wide variety of musical styles, (6) study notation and sound sources as tools for musical composition, and (7) receive detailed instruction in the other basic elements of music. Performance of student compositions may be scheduled during class. This course is recommended for students interested in advanced music study or in pursuing a career in music. This course, along with Music History and Appreciation are taught on alternating school years. This course will not be taught during the 2008-2009 school year.


 

Dramatic Arts

Theater Arts 1- Level II
One Semester, Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: None

Theater Arts I is an introduction to the unique medium of theater arts.  Theater Arts I introduces the novice student to the world of theater, its history, purpose, technology, design crafts, language, business and art.  Students will be exposed to a variety of teaching methods which include but are not limited to classroom instruction, practicum, stage construction, observation and demonstration.  Students will be expected to learn various stagecrafts and then accurately perform the craft.  Students will have the opportunity to practice design and construction of sets and costumes and handle lighting equipment, stage management, and publicity matters.  This class involves set construction work; therefore, students will learn to use power tools, will work up to 20 feet above the stage floor, and will work with sharp and potentially injurious objects.  Students are required to display a great deal of personal responsibility for safety at all times.  This course includes a fee to purchase individual make-up kits.


Theater Arts 2- Level II
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Theater Arts 1 with a grade of 3 or above

Theater Arts II is a class for the student who is serious about developing and refining performance skills.  This class will utilize a theater workshop environment to explore the world of theater performance.  Students will be introduced to voice and articulation training as well as stage movement.  Theater Arts II students will receive training to properly analyze a play and will be expected to demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of a playwright’s meaning.  The student will interpret a play and express this interpretation in terms of the actor’s experience and imagination.  The student will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of rehearsal techniques and performance skills, which will be introduced in class.  The Theater Arts II student should have the ability to read a variety of performance literature independently to develop scenes for performance.

 

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