Warren Hills Regional School District

Warren Hills Regional High School

Course of Study 2008-2009

Department of Fine Arts

Students may elect courses from the fine arts department to fulfill graduation requirements in visual art, graphic art and the performing arts (music and theater). Courses which are under-subscribed may not run.

Course Descriptions

701 Foundations of Art (5 credits grades 9-12)

This course is planned to give training in the basic principles of art. This year of basic work may enable each individual to discover for himself/herself what areas of expression interest him/her most. The student in this course will work in the following areas:

Drawing & Composition–emphasis on basic freehand perspective, light and shade, proportions, artistic arrangement, and basic elements of portrait and figure drawing. Elementary training in various techniques and media such as pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, scratch board. Color & Painting–problems involving color mixing, painting techniques, and knowledge and care of materials and equipment. Art in Advertising–introduction to fundamental printmaking concepts, basic lettering strokes, materials, tools, and techniques involved.

723 Intermediate Art (5 credits grades 10-12)

Prerequisite: 701 Foundations of Art

This course provides an in-depth study of the basic principles of art. Units of learning will include drawing, painting and printmaking, as well as elements of commercial art. The drawing unit involves more advanced study in free-hand perspective and creative composition with various drawing media. The painting unit involves more advanced study in the exploration and experimental use of media and color. Emphasis will be in basic techniques and methods of watercolor, oils, and acrylics. The printmaking unit explores the various media used in etching, linoleum prints, silk screening and lithography. Commercial art design is explored through critical thinking and problem solving.

725 Advanced Art (5 credits grades 11-12)

Prerequisite: 723 Intermediate Art

This art course is designed for serious art students who are interested in art as a vocation/avocation. The fall semester will be spent in developing a portfolio while the spring semester will emphasize the development of self-expression resulting in a group exhibit.

726 Graphic Art & Design (5 credits grades 9-12)

This course is an entry level course that explores the fundamentals of desktop publishing, graphic design, and layout. The course introduces the various applications of current computer software, basic software tools, file formats, and color settings.

730 Graphic Art & Design II (5 credits grades 10-12)

Prerequisite: 725 Graphic Art & Design I

This course comprises a specialized program for students who have successfully completed the basic graphic arts curriculum. Emphasis will be placed on the application of acquired skills though interdisciplinary engagement. The students in the program will create graphic products to assist and support our journalism, music, theater, business and athletic departments.

727 Mixed Media (5 credits grades 9-12)

The principles of art are emphasized and applied to the projects completed in this course. The course will have a more "hands-on" approach to a variety of materials and will introduce basic techniques and vocabulary. All projects will be approached in both a two-dimensional and three-dimensional fashion. Seniors in need of Fine Arts graduation credits will be given first priority to this class.

703 Ceramics (2.5 credits grades 11-12)

This course provides advanced work in clay construction and design for the serious art student. This course also presents the hand building techniques with emphasis on professional results and basic decorative methods.

705 Advanced Ceramics (2.5 credits grades 11-12)

Prerequisite: 703 Ceramics

This course will emphasize the development of creativity, self expression and professionalism with clay. It will seek a higher level of understanding for the hand building techniques and the potter’s wheel. Advanced techniques and materials such as slab molds, engobes, self glazing clays and metallic lusters will be introduced.

735 Chorus (5 credits grades 9-12)

Chorus is a regularly scheduled middle school and high school class open to all vocalists. The Chorus studies various representative styles of vocal music and performs in two evening concerts during the school year. Other performances may be scheduled for school assemblies and local community groups.

736 Advanced Concert Choir (5 credits grades 9-12)

Prerequisite: Students will be identified through audition or previous experience for participation in the Advanced Concert Choir class. The class will offer advanced a'cappella ensemble singing, sight reading, and individual vocal instruction on solo repertoire. The course will address advanced music applications such as competitive ensemble singing, and audition preparation. Identification will take place in January of the previous school year, and will consist of vocal audition and director recommendation. Students accepted into the "Select Choir" or previous "Advanced choir ensembles" may automatically become eligible to elect the class.

737 Music Theory and Technology I (5 credits grades 9-12)

Prerequisite: Student must be able to read music in standard notation

Instruction is provided in basic technical and theoretical aspects of music and music composition. Guest lectures and field experiences are included to help the student explore jobs related to the music field. This course is essential for those who plan careers in music and of great interest to anyone who wishes to better understand vocal and instrumental music. The ability to play the piano is not required, but may be of value.

741 Theater Arts (5 credits grades 9-12)

Theater Arts is a beginning theater course. No previous experience is needed for this course. The course is designed to stimulate students’ creative abilities and imaginations. The course will concentrate on exploring the student's inner resources; emphasizing believable actions, observation, strengthening sense recall, imagination, and emotional response. Character and vocal development, as well as basic stage movement are also incorporated into this program.

742 Advanced Theater Arts (5 credits grades 10-12)

Prerequisite: 741 Theater Arts 85 or better by the end of the second marking period.

The Advanced Theater Arts course is a specialized program for the serious theater arts student. This course will focus on the student's ability to perform monologues and scenes. This course will also explore the use of imagination in character development and the communication of emotion in stage characterization. Students will be responsible for and required to read approximately seven full length scripts. This will provide each student with knowledge of a variety of different playwright's styles.

743 Technical Theater (5 credits grades 9-12)

The focus of this course will be aimed at the behind the scenes work necessary for the production of a play. Students will develop an understanding of how artistic collaboration is necessary for the success of any production. Students will examine the roles of the director, set designer, costume designer, props department, lighting technician, and stage manager. The students will gain a practical knowledge of set design, costume design, and stage make-up.

749 Concert Band (5 credits grades 9-12)

Concert Band is a regularly scheduled high school class open to all players of band instruments. The concert band presents three evening concerts per school year. Members of the concert band form the nucleus of the Blue Streak Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble. Students participating in Marching Band are encouraged to attend Band Camp August 18-22, 2008.

750 Applied Music (5 credits grades 9-12)

This course offers students a survey in the fundamentals of music. Class activities are designed to meet the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in the Fine Arts. The intention of the course is to serve that population of students who want to learn about music, but do not wish to perform in the band or chorus program. It may also accommodate students who are not ready for an in-depth music theory class. The class will incorporate music history, basic composition skills, and classroom music performance activities. The class may utilize materials such as tone bells, keyboards, guitars, and recorders, as well as library research resources.