Fine Arts
ADVANCED PLACEMENT: STUDIO ART (AP ART)
7066 Juniors and Seniors 1 credit
The AP Program in Studio Art is a full year, independent study course and is intended for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of art. AP work involves significantly more commitment and accomplishment than regular art courses. The AP Program is not for the casually interested. The goal is to create a portfolio which will be sent to Princeton , NJ and judged with portfolios from around the world. An overall score from between 1 and 5 will be awarded. A high score is considered to be very prestigious. Many colleges accept this work as college credit and sometimes base scholarships on it. There is a non- refundable fee of about $75.00 per student, which is required by the Advanced Placement Program. Prerequisite: Studio Art, Drawing, Design. Art History and Advanced Drawing and Painting are helpful. Note: This is no longer mandatory for Sequential Art Seniors. Acceptance into this full credit course is at the discretion of the art advisor.
ART CLASS ASSISTANT
7069 Juniors and Seniors .5 credit
This is the perfect class for those who are interested in teaching as a career. The student attends the Studio Art class that fits into his/ her schedule, in the role of the teacher’s assistant. Responsibilities may include helping individual students, assisting with lessons, evaluating work, etc. The Art Class Assistant will be expected to teach several lessons. At the end of the semester, the student should have a more realistic idea of what it takes to be a teacher. Prerequisite: At least a 92 average in Studio Art.
ART HISTORY
7440 Juniors and Seniors. .5 credit
In this course students will learn about the progress of art from the earliest cave paintings to the modern age. By observing various works of art students will learn the essential points of each artistic age and movement. Classes will consist of lectures, discussions and analysis of various works of art. Grades will be determined through class exams, research papers and projects. Visits to some of the city’s finest museums will also be conducted. This course mat be used to satisfy the state requirement for graduation and is mandatory for Sequential Art Students in Junior year. Mandatory for Sequential Art Students in their Junior year
COLLEGE ART / IB ART (semester 1 of a 3 semester course)
7033/7700 Juniors and Seniors .5 credit
College Art is also the first semester of IB Art, which is a three-semester course. DUring this semester the focus is placed on developing individual styles while developing the techniques needed to research and plan students' own works of art. Studying Modern artists is also part of the curriculum. See IB Art under the "International Baccalaureate Program" for full description. There will be a supply fee of about $30.00. Eligible students may elect to receive college credit (extra fee involved). Prerequisite: Studio Art, Drawing and/or Design. Art History is helpful but not mandatory.
IB ART (SL) (semester 2 and 3 of a 3 semester course)
7700 Juniors and Seniors .5 credit
IB Art will be orffered as a Standard Level course. There are two options: SLA and SLB. Recommended teaching times for both levels is 150 hours. Therefor it may be necessary to spend time outside of the school day to complete assignments, either before or after school, or on the weekend. An "Investigation Workbook" (IW) is a critical aspect of IB Art. Each student starts with a bound book with blank pages and begins to explore areas of his or her choice in written and sketch form. Research on those topics, including international perspectives, will be recorded on those pages as well.
SLA - In the Spring of Senior year, an IB Examiner will come to St. Edmund to view an exhibit of the students' work and to interview him or her about the work on exhibit and the IW.
66% - devoted to Studio Work (practical exploration and artistic production)
34% - Investigation Workbook (Independent critical research and analysis, visual and written with an emphasis on multiculturalism)
SLB - This option should be particularly attractive to students who are in art but whose strengths do not lie in practical studio work. Students following this option should devote most of their time to the Investigation workbooks. A final visit is not required but is an option for the SLB student. The emphasis for the examiner, however, will be the Investigation Workbook.
66% - Investigation Workbook (Independent critical research and analysis, visual and written with an emphasis on multiculturalism)
34% - devoted to Studio Work (practical exploration and artistic production)
Prerequisites: to be determined.
DESIGN
7020 Sequential Sophmores, Juniors and Seniors .5 credit
Design is for serious students who would benefit from studying some of the more technical and disciplined aspects of art. Creating greeting cards, making envelopes, constructing boxes and sculptures out of cardboard, using color, line, shape, space, and other creative techniques are among the many ways we learn to put the elements and principles of design to good use. Excellent ruler skills are a must. A good command of basic math and geometry is essential. Prerequisite: Studio Art, Drawing. Approval by art advisor is necessary. Mandatory for Sequential Art Students in their Sophomore year.
DRAWING
7030 Sequential Sophmores, Juniors and Seniors .5 credit
This is for students who already enjoy the discipline of drawing but want to improve their skills. Different drawing techniques and materials are explored. Improvement in drawing requires discipline and patience. Only those students who are so inclined should apply. Approval of the art advisor is necessary. Prerequisite: Studio Art. Mandatory for Sequential Art Students in their Sophomore year.
DESKTOP PUBLISHING AND DESIGN
6150 .5 credit
See Business/ Computer Science Department for full description. This course can partially satisfy the requirements for Senior Sequential students.
INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE
7080 .5 credit
In this course students will explore the many aspects of architecture. In particular students will look at the diverse architectural styles of New York City and gain an understanding of the role an architect plays in society. This course will also include an introduction to mechanical drawing and methods of presentation. Prerequisite: Studio Art 7010. Strong measuring and spatial skills are required.
STUDIO ART
7010 .5 credit
This is an introductory course for Freshmen who have not yet taken High School art. Studio art gives the student the opportunity to experience important aspects of art such as drawing, design and art appreciation. A wide variety of hands-on activities are used. Upon completion, the fine arts requirement in art will be satisfied.
WOOD WORKSHOP
7025 Seniors Only .5 credit
Building with wood is the main focus of this class. Simple constructions will be created using basic tools as well as some power equipment. Excellent ruler skills are essential! Class size is limited. Approval by art advisor is a must. Prerequisite: Studio Art. Preference will be given to Sequential students and those who have taken Design.
INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC
7011 .5 credit
A basic course in the fundamentals of music including music theory, ear training and basic musicianship. The course will include specific periods of music as well as prominent composers and their works.
INTRODUCTION TO BAND (Brass & Woodwind)
7071 All Year Levels 1 credit
This is an introductory course, giving students with little or no experience the opportunity to become educated performers. Through daily practice, theory, ear training, and history, students will learn how to create sounds and music on the following instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, tuba and electric bass. Note: there will only be 2 slots available for the electric bass and students must supply the instrument. As a group students will experience a team effort that requires cooperation and dedication. As a culmination of the course, students will be required to participate in our Spring Concert.
INTRODUCTION TO BAND (Percussion)
7072 Freshmen/Sophomores 1 credit
This is an introductory course, giving students with little or no experience the opportunity to become educated performers. Through daily practice, theory, ear training, and history, students will learn the proper hand technique, body position, and coordination to execute rhythms on the snare drum, bass drum, cymbals and glockenspiel. The fourth quarter students will be introduced to playing the drumset. As a group students will experience a team effort that requires cooperation and dedication. As a culmination of the course, students will be required to participate in our Spring Concert. Enrollment is limited to twelve students. Prerequisite for sophomores is approval by band instructor.
CONCERT BAND
7073 - All Year Levels 1 credit
This is a performance based course, where students continue to develop their musical talents. Through daily rehearsal (full band and sections) students will study and prepare approximately 15-25 pieces representing classical, jazz, holiday, and popular genres. The music will be used for concerts, assemblies, and special events. All performances are mandatory. You will receive a schedule of all commitments. Prerequisite: Intro to Band or approval of band instructor.
CHAMBER MUSIC
7074 - Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors .5 credit
This is a performance based course for the serious musician. Students will develop a vast repertoire of classical, jazz, and popular music in a small ensemble setting. All works studied will be used for concerts in our local community as well as within the school. The ensemble will meet twice per week before school as well as once during the school day or after school as necessary per quarter. Co-requisite: Member of the concert band and approval of band director.
ESSENTIALS OF MUSICIANSHIP
7057 1 credit
This is a one year course that will explore the academics of music through theory and ear training. Students will understand how scales and chords are formed, the relationship between major and minor scales, the composition of melody, use of harmony, counterpoint, the structure of music (form), develop sight singing and reading skills using dictation and the Solfege system. Prerequisite: one year of piano or permission from the instructor
CHORUS 1
7060 .5 credit
Offered to students in lieu of Introduction of Music. The course will be a year course. Enrollment is limited to 35 students. Students will be responsible for various musical performances throughout the year.
CHORUS 2
7160 - Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors .5 credit
A course in basic singing. A Christmas performance is part of this course. Musical selections from Broadway shows as well as choral compositions will be studied. This class will meet after school and attendance is strictly enforced.
BEGINNER PIANO
7065 .5 credit
A basic course in piano which will emphasize correct playing techniques as well as fundamental music theory. Note-reading skills will be stressed. Students will have individual keyboards to use during the class. Enrollment is limited.
INTERMEDIATE PIANO
7165 .5 credit
A continuation of Beginner Piano. Students will study various compositions by famous composers, some of which may include Shubert and Beethoven. Students will progress at their own pace. Prerequisite: Beginner Piano