The Arts

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
A 5 credit, 80-minute art survey course that is geared toward students of all skill levels. Students create both 2 and 3 Dimensional projects, explore practices in drawing, painting, sculpture and design, while being given a high degree of choice over self-expression with enough structure to help beginners grow creative confidence. The course also explores artists and art styles from the Renaissance to Modern Day. This course is a prerequisite for Art 2, Art 3 and AP Art.
 

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

A 5 credit, 80-minute art course that is geared toward students who wish to expand more on their drawing, painting and design skills learned in Art 1. The course focuses on media exploration and project creation with a high degree of creative expression. Materials overviewed include pencil, marker, colored pencil, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, gouache, acrylic paint and oil paint. Art 1 is a prerequisite. Students skipping the prerequisite for Art 2 should request a portfolio review from Mrs. Brydges to determine eligibility.
 

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

A 5 credit, 80-minute art course that is geared toward serious art students, as well as those looking to build an art portfolio. This course allows students the ability to explore themes and ideas of their choosing while further exploring media and techniques learned in Art 1 and 2. Art 3 also prepares students to take AP Art. Art 1 and Art 2 are prerequisites. Students skipping the prerequisites for Art 3 should request a portfolio review from Mrs. Brydges to determine eligibility.

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semesters

A 5 credit, 80-minute art course that is geared toward serious art students looking to explore projects and ideas in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, animation, graphic design, architecture, interior design, fashion design, film or other 2D art forms. Students who wish to take this course will have the opportunity to build an extensive art portfolio and take the AP exam for a chance at college credit. Art 1 and one additional 2D art course (either Art 2, Art 3 or Graphic Design) are prerequisites. Students skipping the prerequisites for AP Art should request a portfolio review from Mrs. Brydges to determine eligibility.
 

5 credits    80 minutes, 1 semester
AP Drawing is a college-level, portfolio preparation course that focuses on 2D materials with an emphasis on mark-making. Students will refine and apply drawing skills to the ideas they develop throughout the course. Materials and processes explored in the AP Drawing portfolio may include drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, photography, and mixed media. Prerequisites: Art 1 and Art 2. 
 

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester

An art course geared toward all skill level students who enjoy cartoons, animation and comics that wish to explore basics in art making and character development. Students will investigate ideas around character design, world building and story illustration while learning techniques in pencil, colored pencil, marker and watercolor. A high degree of creative thinking and problem-solving is emphasized throughout the course. No prerequisite. *This course does not count as a prerequisite toward Art 2, Art 3 or AP Art.

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester

Multicultural Art Studies focuses on the richness and diversity of art across cultures and time through connecting art history with art practice. Lessons will begin with the introduction of a culture, an investigation of that culture’s creative practices and a discussion of the cultural impact and importance of those practices. Students will be required to actively compare the perspective of each of the cultures studied with that of the Catholic perspective. Each lesson will end with a hands-on studio experience where students create work inspired by that culture. Students interested in the fields of History, Cultural Studies, Anthropology, Visual Arts, Art History and Education would benefit from this course.

2.5 Credits, 40 Minutes, 1 Semester

Students will have the opportunity to explore the world of art through the study of three- dimensional art including ceramics. The course will include an introduction to theory, history and art with projects emphasizing 3-D construction and ceramics. This course is ideal for students who are interested in learning about the visual arts and investigating careers such as fine arts, art education, architecture, engineering, and fiber design.  Limited openings available for grades 10, 11 and 12.

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
Ceramics is a 3-D art form using clay. The contents of this course include: basic hand building techniques (pinch, oil, drape, slab and press), color slips, glazing and decorating techniques.

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course is a continuation of Ceramics. The techniques learned in Ceramics will be applied to make large functional pieces and sculptural forms. The course will involve basic techniques for wheel throwing ceramic pieces, advanced glazing and decorating techniques, glaze preparation, stacking and firing kilns and preparing for art shows. Prerequisite: 85 average in Ceramics.

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This basic course involves exploring the fundamentals and principles of 3-D forms using space, balance, unity and structure. Formation and structure of positive and negative space is investigated. Use of tools and media are introduced. Clay and sculpture will be introduced. Prerequisite: Art 1 or Fundamentals of 3-D, Emphasis in Ceramics and Sculpture.

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This introductory-level course will cover fundamental concepts of computer graphic arts. Students will be introduced to layout design, personal style, elements and principles of design, digital photography (Photoshop, special effects) digital art, advertising, logos and games. Projects will allow students to combine their art skills with computer graphic skills. 

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
The Film Production course is a hands-on approach to filmmaking and the business of film. Students in this course will experience all five stages of Film Production: Development, Pre-production, Production, Post-production, and Distribution. Each student will operate as a member of a production team in several different capacities. Some of the production roles each student will play include: Producer, Cinematographer, Writer, and Editor. Students will build a production portfolio of filmmaking exercises, a short film, a documentary, and a music video. The business of filmmaking includes lessons in scheduling, financing, budgeting, marketing, merchandising and legal issues. It is not necessary for students to have any experience, but students must be willing to collaborate and work in teams. 

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
Students who have completed Film Production may elect to take the course again at a more advanced level. In Advanced Film Production, students are given the time and guidance to develop the skill set they began to form in the initial course. More advanced producing, directing, lighting and editing techniques are developed through new creative projects. Prerequisite: Film Production.

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester
This is a course in which students will study the craft of acting, learning stage direction, movement, character analysis and vocal projection. Scenes and monologues will be performed in class. All aspects of stage production including lighting, set design, costuming and makeup will be investigated. Students will develop the skills for critiquing drama.

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester
This is a continuation of the Acting 1 course with an emphasis on character analysis and character development. Students will investigate the history of drama and explore dramaturgy. Scene study will be emphasized and performed in class. All aspects of acting methods and theories will be explored. Students in Acting 2 may participate in the Winter/Spring performances.

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course is designed for students who wish to develop their musicianship in the area of music theory. Aspects of music such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and elementary composition will be explored. Ear training and rhythmic dictation will be explored throughout the course. Students interested in studying music in college should consider taking this course. It is strongly recommended that students preparing for college auditions take this course. Students enrolling in this course must have completed a semester of one of the studies courses, or be in one of the performance ensembles. Any student who does not meet the criteria must speak with the teacher before enrolling.

2.5 or 5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 or 2 Semesters
Formally known as Concert Choir,  this is a course designed for performers of all levels and abilities.  Students will be put through the process of learning various production numbers from Broadway, jazz and pop repertoire. Activities include exercises designed to develop students’ basic musicianship, vocal technique and production, performance skills, song interpretation, ensemble rehearsals, and staged performances. Show Choir is an excellent course for any student that wishes to take part in the musicals and/or plays that Notre Dame Performing Arts Department puts on three times a year. Participation in the musical and/or plays is based upon student audition.  Students who wish to audition for the Madrigal singers, should take this course.  The Show Choir will perform at the Christmas and Spring concerts.    

5 Credits 40 Minutes, 2 Semesters
Madrigal is an auditioned choir in which a varied, difficult repertoire is studied. An extensive performance schedule involves appearances at area corporate and community functions. Interested students should list this as their elective and Concert Choir as their alternative elective.

This class is an exploration into vocal technique, anatomy, and application to performance. This course is both a practice and performance-based class, where students will be taught "best practice” technique and exercises to achieve a healthy, full bodied vocal sound. There will be both class-based learning, small group learning, and individual sessions. There will be an emphasis on guest performers and lecturers who will share their experience as it pertains to the voice on a professional level. The class will also feature an adjudication process (college preparation) and an end of the year recital. Admission is done by audition.
 

2.5 or 5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 or 2 Semesters
The Concert Band is a performing ensemble. Students with at least one year of training on a wind instrument (brass or woodwinds), piano, or percussion are eligible. The band will be divided into sectionals working out parts and fingerings with both the Director and Assistant Band Director on a daily basis. The band will be brought together for rehearsals under the supervision of both directors. The Concert Band will perform at concerts, on the Florida trip, and at our annual sending school tours. Corequisite: students must be a current member of the Concert Band, which meets after school and twice a week during Activity period.

2.5 Credits 2 Semesters
Jazz Band is an auditioned instrumental ensemble which allows the musician to develop his/her performance skills in the areas of Jazz, Jazz Rock and Afro-Latino Rhythmic Styles. The Jazz Band will perform in concerts, on band trips, our annual sending school tours and selected festivals.  Audition materials will be handed out within the first 2 weeks of the new school year. Jazz Band members must also be members of the Concert Band. Jazz Band meets weekly on Monday evenings.

2.5 or 5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 or 2 Semesters
Instrumental Studies is designed to teach both a beginner student a new instrument, as well as supplement further study for a student who already plays an instrument. Students will be introduced to basic musicianship concepts and theory to supplement their performance skills. It is strongly recommended that students who are preparing for college auditions take this course. The instruments that are available for enrollment in the course are Woodwinds (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon), Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Baritone, Tuba), Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass), and Mallet Percussion instruments.

2.5 or 5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 or 22 Semesters
This course is designed for beginning and experienced percussion students interested in developing their skills on various percussion instruments, including the Bells, Bongos, Drum Kit, Marimbas, Snare, and Timpani. Additionally, students will learn stick/mallet technique, as well as rhythmic rudiments to refine their skills as percussionists. It is strongly recommended that students preparing for college auditions take this course.

2.5 or 5 Credits 40 Minutes,1 or 2 Semesters
This course is designed for beginning and experienced piano students interested in developing their skills on the piano/keyboard. Students will also be introduced to basic musicianship, which includes reading notation, time and key signatures, musical scales, and dynamics. An introduction to developing the skill of sight-reading and ear-training will be explored. It is strongly recommended that students preparing for college auditions take this course.

2.5 or 5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 or 2 Semester
This course is designed to allow the musician to develop his or her performance skills. Students with at least one year of training on string instruments (violin, cello, etc.) are eligible for this ensemble. The String Ensemble will perform at concerts and other recitals. A varied repertoire of Broadway, classical, and pop is studied and performed.  The String Ensemble will perform at concerts, on the Florida trip, and at our annual sending school tours. Corequisite: students must be a current member of the String Ensemble co-curricular group, which meets after school and once a week during Activity Period. 

Chamber Orchestra is an auditioned performance ensemble that allows the student musician to develop his/her skills in the area of orchestral music. The Chamber Orchestra will perform in concerts, on band trips, annual sending school tours, and selected festivals. Auditions will be held at the beginning of each school year in September. Audition materials will be handed out within the first 2 weeks of the new school year. Corequisite: Chamber Orchestra members must be members of either the Concert Band or String Ensemble, which meets once a week after school.
 

5 Credits 40 Minutes, 2 Semesters
This course is intended for students wishing to understand the process of digital recording and today’s music recording business. This “hands- on” class will allow the student to focus on digital music production and work with digital music software. All students will be introduced to the workings of today’s music recording business, what roles producers, engineers, and artists play, and how movement from an analog to a digital environment has changed the face of recording music. Real time and looped-based digital recording software will be explored by all students using Mac computers and software. Pro Tools and Logic Pro will be the software primarily used for this course. No prior experience is required for taking this course, but a music background is encouraged. This course is highly recommended for any student who is considering any type of music major or minor on the college level. 

1.0 Credit Period 9, 1 Semester
This course is designed for the beginning dance student. A variety of dance styles such as Tap and Jazz will be studied. The Dance Class will perform in the annual Dance Show in January as part of the course. This class meets after school on Mondays.
 

2.0 Credits Period 9, 1 Semester
This course is designed for the student who has dance experience and can perform at a higher level. An audition for the class will be held by the teacher. Enrollment in the course will be determined by the audition results. The Intermediate Class will perform in the annual Dance Show in January as part of the course. This class meets at 4:45 p.m. on Mondays.

3.0 Credits Period 9, 1 Semester
This course is designed for the student with advanced training and experience in dance. A variety of difficult styles and repertoire will be studied. Enrollment for this course is by audition and the judgment of the teacher. The Dance Performance Class will perform in the annual Dance Show in January as part of the course. This class meets at 6 p.m. on Mondays.