Fine Arts Department

Fine Arts Department

Mission

To provide an exceptional learning experience that engages, empowers, and encourages students to reach their highest potential in the area of fine arts and to instill in our students a life-long passion for the performing and visual arts that result in personal and professional artistic pursuits beyond high school.

Fine Arts Curriculum

ART

Visual Art Courses: St. Henry District High School takes immense pride in the Visual Art Department hoping to foster a creative, comfortable, and beneficial experience for each individual student. Our goal is to not only help students grow through their visual communication and use of media, but also as responsible and educated young adults entering a creative and competitive art scene.

 

 

ART I

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

This course is for the student who has an interest in the visual arts, yet minimal art experience or little or no formal art training.  The student will explore many processes, concepts, and artistic principles. Students will then be able to move on to specific interest areas in the art curriculum. Techniques introduced in Art I include but are not limited to, a variety of traditional drawing techniques, painting, printmaking, digital art, and ceramics.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL  9 – 12
  • PREREQUISITES  NONE
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION?  NO
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION?  NO

ART II

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

Focusing on enhancing and strengthening the student’s drawing and rendering skills, Art II will introduce new, formal drawing concepts, as well as introducing the students to acrylic painting.  Students will further develop their drawing and painting skills while exploring a wide variety of mediums. Students will explore composition and expression while experimenting with media. Realism will be stressed until personal imagery can be developed.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL  10 – 12
  • PREREQUISITES  ART I
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION?  YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION?  NO

ART II - Digital Art & Design

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course emphasizes the application of the elements of art and the principles of design and provides a study of how those concepts are involved in communicating a visual message via the use of technology. Students will study these visual communications by producing various artworks involving visual art (aesthetics of drawing), graphic design, commercial art (advertising and marketing), and the history of art. Students will explore how the use of technology can enhance the visual experience. This is equivalent to an Art II course.

 

  • CREDIT 1  
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL  10 - 12
  • PREREQUISITES  ART I
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION?  YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION?  NO

ART III

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this class, students will further explore the media, techniques, and aesthetic concepts they were introduced to in Art I and Art II, as well as being introduced to 2-Dimensional techniques such as screen-printing and photography and 3-dimensional techniques including paper sculpture, paper mache, clay, and plaster. This class will include a variety of projects that will increase the students’ understanding of intermediate artistic concepts, and will have the students incorporating and combining different media.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 11-12
  • PREREQUISITES ART I, ART II
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO

ART IV (PORTFOLIO PREP)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will be a culminating art experience for the self-motivated student. Students will develop a polished body of work suitable for portfolio presentation for college entry. A variety of mediums will be used in order to reemphasize the traditional foundations through the elements and principles of art. Students will also be engaged in the critique process, study of art history, as well as developing pertinent critical thinking and creativity building skills.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 11, 12
  • PREREQUISITES ART I, ART II
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO

ART IV (AP STUDIO ART)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This Advanced Placement program in studio art enables highly motivated students to perform at the college level while still in high school. The AP Studio Art Portfolio is a performance based exam rather than a written one. Each portfolio requires submissions in three different sections (quality, concentration, and breadth), and students select at the beginning of the class whether to concentrate on Drawing (which encompasses all flat mediums such as painting, drawing, printmaking, etc.), 2-Dimensional Design, or 3-Dimensional Design. The sections are designed to assess different aspects of student performance. THIS CLASS HAS A DEMANDING ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 12
  • PREREQUISITES ART I, ART II
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO

HISTORY OF ART 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is a survey of primarily the Western Art tradition from the ethnocentric through the Post-Modern. The student will increase their visual literacy and appreciation. Students will learn to identify artwork by period, style, and historical importance, as well as learning to critique and appreciate art.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 11 – 12
  • PREREQUISITES ART I
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

This course will be broken into 2 semesters.  First semester will cover the topic of PHOTOGRAPHY which will include the use of Digital camera controls to create aesthetically pleasing artistic pieces. Assignments will include studies involving depth of field, action motion, lighting, alternative camera angles, portraits, still lifes, and composition based on the principles and elements of design. Second semester will cover the topic of FILM which will include exposing students to materials, process, and artistic techniques involved in creating video productions. Students will also learn the history of film and photography including film and photography appreciation as an art form. Students will use image/film editing software as a component of both semesters. Students will receive basic instruction, demonstration, and see samples of the desired outcomes.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL  10 - 12
  • PREREQUISITES  ART I OR DRAMA I
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION?  YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION?  NO
DRAMA

Drama Courses: The philosophy of the drama department is to allow students the opportunity to create new characters and to express those characters in class or onstage in a compelling manner that shares a story and a message with their audience. For Drama 1 class, the focus is on a main overview of the many facets drama offers. The advanced Drama classes (Drama 2 and Drama 3) offer students the opportunity to further explore acting, directing, and aspects of technical theater. It also allows students to explore the avenue of playwriting.

 

DRAMA I

"Uh Oh! Here Comes Christmas"

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Drama class is open to all students who are interested in the performing and dramatic arts. Students will study the development of drama from its origins in Greece, through the middle ages, and up to the time of Shakespeare where students are required to read one Shakespearean play. Students will also study pantomime, oral interpretation, storytelling, performing a monologue, developing a character, acting, directing, technical theater, and musical theater. Students will be expected to perform various skills in front of their classmates. Drama students are also required to audition for one of the SHDHS plays; however, they do not have to participate in the play itself.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 10 - 12
  • PREREQUISITES NONE
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? NO
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO

DRAMA II

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Drama II will continue to cover the history of theatre with an emphasis on the history of American Theatre with the movements of Realism and Anti-realism. There will be a concentration on acting through the study of Constantine Stanislavski's internal and external aspects of acting. There will be a more specific study of various acting skills that will allow students to create distinguishable characters during their performances of monologues. There will be an emphasis on the seven steps to performing a monologue and students will be required to create, prepare, and perform one monologue each quarter. Drama II will also have a more concentrated focus on the audition process. Students in Drama II are required to audition for both plays and must participate in some way and attend BOTH shows. (Participation includes acting, student directing, heading a crew, running the light board, etc.)

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 11 - 12
  • PREREQUISITES DRAMA I
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO

DRAMA III

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Drama III will continue the study of acting. It will look at the importance of working with a partner and how to perform while taking your partner's needs into consideration. Students will perform a number of duo scenes. Drama III will also study the areas of technical theater and directing. The students will concentrate on all the technical aspects needed to produce a play. Students will study the different styles of directing, the terminology of directors and look in-depth at the importance of blocking. Students will be expected to direct various duo scenes each semester. Students in Drama III are required to audition for both plays and must participate in some way and attend BOTH shows. (Participation includes acting, student directing, heading a crew, running the light board, etc.)

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 12
  • PREREQUISITES DRAMA I AND DRAMA II
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
MUSIC

Band Courses: Both the advanced band (Crusader Band) and the beginning band (Cadet Band) are academic classes with specific goals and expectations.  The curriculum taught in the classes includes instrument technique, music reading skills, music theory, and performance.  In addition to the required curriculum, character and teamwork, as well as responsibility and work ethics, are important elements of the classes.  The SHDHS Band Program presents a concert each quarter.  Students are also prepared and encouraged to participate in the KMEA Solo and Ensemble Contest in April.

Choir Courses: The choirs consist of dedicated, talented, and passionate students and allows them to explore their love for music and song. Students who participate in the choirs focus on creating music for ministry, performance, and competition. Our goal is that every student who has a passion and desire to share their musical talent has the means to participate, learn lifelong music skills, and be prepared for any choir beyond high school.

 

BEGINNING BAND (Cadet Band)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This performance-based instrumental music group is for students interested in learning to play a band instrument and perform in public. No previous musical experience is necessary. Students are required to provide their own instrument (rent or purchase), method book(s) and notebook. Beginning band students usually select from the following instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, percussion. Beginning band students are required to perform at 3-5 after school concerts. Special after school and flextime rehearsals may be necessary. Grades are based on in class performance, concert performance and application of musical knowledge.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 9 - 11 (A student may earn up to four credits in band.)
  • PREREQUISITES NONE
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? NO
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO

ADVANCED BAND (Crusader Band)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This performance-based instrumental music group is for students committed to continued musical growth and public performance. Students are required to provide their own instrument (rent or purchase), method book(s) and notebook. Usual advanced band instrumentation is flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, percussion and bass guitar. Advanced band students are required to perform at 3-5 after school concerts. Advanced band also performs at 10-12 after school athletic events plus in school assemblies and pep rallies. Special after school and flextime rehearsals may be necessary. Grades are based on in class performance, concert performance and application of musical knowledge.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 9 - 12 (A student may earn up to four credits in band.)
  • PREREQUISITES Beginning Band or prior lessons/experience
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO

CHORUS (BEGINNING VOICE) 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Chorus is open to any student who enjoys singing and will work toward improving their vocal skills individually and within a group. Special attention is given to rudiments of correct singing and choral blend, sight-reading skills and simple elements of music theory. Students will participate in two annual choral concerts as well as all-school liturgies throughout the year.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 9 - 12 (A student may earn up to four credits in chorus)
  • PREREQUISITES AUDITION REQUIRED
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO

CONCERT CHOIR

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Chamber Choir is an auditioned, select choir that is geared toward those students with singing and choral experience and advanced vocal skills. Special attention is given to rudiments of correct singing and choral blend, sight-reading skills and simple elements of music theory. An important focus of this choir is ministry; Chamber Choir often visits local churches and establishments for liturgies and concerts outside of school hours. Students will also participate in three annual choral concerts as well as all-school liturgies and other school functions throughout the year.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 10 - 12, 9 (If previous experience is sufficient) (A student may earn up to four credits in choir)
  • PREREQUISITES Chorus or previous experience and audition
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES (Choir director and one other teacher)
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
ART I

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

This course is for the student who has an interest in the visual arts, yet minimal art experience or little or no formal art training.  The student will explore many processes, concepts, and artistic principles. Students will then be able to move on to specific interest areas in the art curriculum. Techniques introduced in Art I include but are not limited to, a variety of traditional drawing techniques, painting, printmaking, digital art, and ceramics.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL  9 – 12
  • PREREQUISITES  NONE
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION?  NO
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION?  NO
ART II

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

Focusing on enhancing and strengthening the student’s drawing and rendering skills, Art II will introduce new, formal drawing concepts, as well as introducing the students to acrylic painting.  Students will further develop their drawing and painting skills while exploring a wide variety of mediums. Students will explore composition and expression while experimenting with media. Realism will be stressed until personal imagery can be developed.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL  10 – 12
  • PREREQUISITES  ART I
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION?  YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION?  NO
ART II Digital Art & Design

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course emphasizes the application of the elements of art and the principles of design and provides a study of how those concepts are involved in communicating a visual message via the use of technology. Students will study these visual communications by producing various artworks involving visual art (aesthetics of drawing), graphic design, commercial art (advertising and marketing), and the history of art. Students will explore how the use of technology can enhance the visual experience. This is equivalent to an Art II course.

 

  • CREDIT 1  
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL  10 – 12
  • PREREQUISITES  ART I
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION?  YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION?  NO
ART III

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this class, students will further explore the media, techniques, and aesthetic concepts they were introduced to in Art I and Art II, as well as being introduced to 2-Dimensional techniques such as screen-printing and photography and 3-dimensional techniques including paper sculpture, paper mache, clay, and plaster. This class will include a variety of projects that will increase the students’ understanding of intermediate artistic concepts, and will have the students incorporating and combining different media.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 11-12
  • PREREQUISITES ART I, ART II
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
ART IV (PORTFOLIO PREP)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will be a culminating art experience for the self-motivated student. Students will develop a polished body of work suitable for portfolio presentation for college entry. A variety of mediums will be used in order to reemphasize the traditional foundations through the elements and principles of art. Students will also be engaged in the critique process, study of art history, as well as developing pertinent critical thinking and creativity building skills.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 11, 12
  • PREREQUISITES ART I, ART II
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
ART IV (AP STUDIO ART)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This Advanced Placement program in studio art enables highly motivated students to perform at the college level while still in high school. The AP Studio Art Portfolio is a performance based exam rather than a written one. Each portfolio requires submissions in three different sections (quality, concentration, and breadth), and students select at the beginning of the class whether to concentrate on Drawing (which encompasses all flat mediums such as painting, drawing, printmaking, etc.), 2-Dimensional Design, or 3-Dimensional Design. The sections are designed to assess different aspects of student performance. THIS CLASS HAS A DEMANDING ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 12
  • PREREQUISITES ART I, ART II
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
DRAMA I

COURSE DESCRIPTIONDrama class is open to all students who are interested in the performing and dramatic arts. Students will study the development of drama from its origins in Greece, through the middle ages, and up to the time of Shakespeare where students are required to read one Shakespearean play. Students will also study pantomime, oral interpretation, storytelling, performing a monologue, developing a character, acting, directing, technical theater, and musical theater. Students will be expected to perform various skills in front of their classmates. Drama students are also required to audition for one of the SHDHS plays; however, they do not have to participate in the play itself.  

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 10 – 12
  • PREREQUISITES NONE
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? NO
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
DRAMA II

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Drama II will continue to cover the history of theatre with an emphasis on the history of American Theatre with the movements of Realism and Anti-realism. There will be a concentration on acting through the study of Constantine Stanislavski’s internal and external aspects of acting. There will be a more specific study of various acting skills that will allow students to create distinguishable characters during their performances of monologues. There will be an emphasis on the seven steps to performing a monologue and students will be required to create, prepare, and perform one monologue each quarter. Drama II will also have a more concentrated focus on the audition process. Students in Drama II are required to audition for both plays and must participate in some way and attend BOTH shows. (Participation includes acting, student directing, heading a crew, running the light board, etc.)

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 11 – 12
  • PREREQUISITES DRAMA I
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
DRAMA III

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Drama III will continue the study of acting. It will look at the importance of working with a partner and how to perform while taking your partner’s needs into consideration. Students will perform a number of duo scenes. Drama III will also study the areas of technical theater and directing. The students will concentrate on all the technical aspects needed to produce a play. Students will study the different styles of directing, the terminology of directors and look in-depth at the importance of blocking. Students will be expected to direct various duo scenes each semester. Students in Drama III are required to audition for both plays and must participate in some way and attend BOTH shows. (Participation includes acting, student directing, heading a crew, running the light board, etc.)

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 12
  • PREREQUISITES DRAMA I AND DRAMA II
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
BEGINNING BAND (Cadet Band)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This performance-based instrumental music group is for students interested in learning to play a band instrument and perform in public. No previous musical experience is necessary. Students are required to provide their own instrument (rent or purchase), method book(s) and notebook. Beginning band students usually select from the following instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, percussion. Beginning band students are required to perform at 3-5 after school concerts. Special after school and flextime rehearsals may be necessary. Grades are based on in class performance, concert performance, and application of musical knowledge.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 9 – 11 (A student may earn up to four credits in band.)
  • PREREQUISITES NONE
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? NO
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
ADVANCED BAND (Crusader Band)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This performance-based instrumental music group is for students committed to continued musical growth and public performance. Students are required to provide their own instrument (rent or purchase), method book(s) and notebook. Usual advanced band instrumentation is flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, percussion and bass guitar. Advanced band students are required to perform at 3-5 after school concerts. Advanced band also performs at 10-12 after school athletic events plus in school assemblies and pep rallies. Special after school and flextime rehearsals may be necessary. Grades are based on in class performance, concert performance and application of musical knowledge.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 9 – 12 (A student may earn up to four credits in band.)
  • PREREQUISITES Beginning Band or prior lessons/experience
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
CHORUS (BEGINNING VOICE)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Chorus is open to any student who enjoys singing and will work toward improving their vocal skills individually and within a group. Special attention is given to rudiments of correct singing and choral blend, sight-reading skills and simple elements of music theory. Students will participate in two annual choral concerts as well as all-school liturgies throughout the year.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 9 – 12 (A student may earn up to four credits in chorus)
  • PREREQUISITES AUDITION REQUIRED
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
CHAMBER CHOIR

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Chamber Choir is an auditioned, select choir that is geared toward those students with singing and choral experience and advanced vocal skills. Special attention is given to rudiments of correct singing and choral blend, sight-reading skills and simple elements of music theory. An important focus of this choir is ministry; Chamber Choir often visits local churches and establishments for liturgies and concerts outside of school hours. Students will also participate in three annual choral concerts as well as all-school liturgies and other school functions throughout the year.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 10 – 12, 9 (If previous experience is sufficient) (A student may earn up to four credits in choir)
  • PREREQUISITES Chorus or previous experience and audition
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES (Choir director and one other teacher)
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
HISTORY OF ART

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is a survey of primarily the Western Art tradition from the ethnocentric through the Post-Modern. The student will increase their visual literacy and appreciation. Students will learn to identify artwork by period, style, and historical importance, as well as learning to critique and appreciate art.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL 11 – 12
  • PREREQUISITES ART I
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION? YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION? NO
PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

This course will be broken into 2 semesters.  The first semester will cover the topic of PHOTOGRAPHY which will include the use of Digital camera controls to create aesthetically pleasing artistic pieces. Assignments will include studies involving depth of field, action motion, lighting, alternative camera angles, portraits, still lifes, and composition based on the principles and elements of design. The second semester will cover the topic of FILM which will include exposing students to materials, process, and artistic techniques involved in creating video productions. Students will also learn the history of film and photography including film and photography appreciation as an art form. Students will use image/film editing software as a component of both semesters. Students will receive basic instruction, demonstration, and see samples of the desired outcomes.

 

  • CREDIT 1
  • SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL  10 – 12
  • PREREQUISITES  ART I OR DRAMA I
  • NEED TEACHER RECOMMENDATION?  YES
  • REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION?  NO
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