Fine Arts & CTE

FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT

Our world is designed and staged. The purpose of Fine Arts is to teach students to become aware of their role in that world, and harvest a culture of curiosity by exposing them to a variety of international artistic perspectives. Learning through discovery, students ingest, unpack and respond to the process of art making. We aim to develop empowered creators that contribute to community and culture.

Fine Arts Transfer Goals:

Find at least one arts discipline in which they develop sufficient competence to continue active involvement in creating, performing, and responding to art as an adult.
Critically interpret, evaluate and respond to art created by self and other artists.
Empathize and understand the human condition as well as the responsibility of citizenship through the arts.
Develop and communicate ideas, observations, experiences, and stories through engaging and purposeful art making individually and with others.
Apply discipline and perseverance towards developing artistic foundations to accomplish future goals.
Relate and connect diverse artistic ideas and works across time, place and cultures.
Demonstrate professionalism through exhibiting attentiveness, growing from feedback, continuing to make a good impression, evaluating, engaging in ethical behaviors and adhering to industry standards.
CTE ONLY: Compete in the marketplace through their training, experience, client relationships, and certification (as appropriate)

FINE ARTS COURSES

9TH, 10TH, 11TH and 12TH GRADE COURSE OPTIONS

VISUAL ARTS:

Drawing & Painting I

During this secondary level course students will build on the skills acquired in Art I through more intensive projects in both wet and dry media. The class will examine historic and cultural traditions of these art forms and investigate various materials and techniques. Projects will include figure drawing, self-portraits and still life then progress to both realistic and abstract painting. An emphasis will be placed on student observation, color theory and color mixing as well as an expanded arts vocabulary through regular class critique. A sketchbook is required for developing ideas and composition.

Honors Drawing & Painting II

This course will require a higher level of exploration as students begin to develop work for a cohesive 2-dimensional portfolio. Participants will investigate various processes and work on both independent and collaborative projects. The class will also examine contemporary drawing and painting along with new techniques used by modern-day artists. A consistent system for class critique will allow students to evaluate their own work and the work of others. A sketchbook, participation in related field trips and the All-City High School Art Competition will be required.

Film & Animation

This course will introduce students to primary aspects of film and animation from concept to design and development to post-production. Students will learn about the history of this art form, explore various styles and genres and discuss its impact on world culture. Basic storyboarding, editing and digital processes will also be covered using standard computer software. An overview of film vocabulary and the principles of art will help students to critique their work.

Photography

Through this beginning level course, students will explore both scientific and photographic art processes. The course will examine the historical, social and cultural aspects of photography as an art form and introduce varied styles and techniques. Basic darkroom methods and digital processes will also be covered along with the appropriate terminology for this medium. A general orientation about the principles of art will be used to critique student work.

Sculpture I

This intermediate course, will require a higher level of creativity and problem-solving as students learn new processes of both traditional and contemporary sculpture. Students will explore a variety of materials leading to both individual and group projects. Course includes a historical survey of sculpture with an emphasis on monumental works and conceptual installations. A sketchbook is required.

Honors Sculpture II

This course will require a higher level of exploration as students begin to develop work for a cohesive 3-dimensional portfolio. Participants will investigate various processes and work on both independent and collaborative projects. The class will also investigate and discuss contemporary sculpture and processes used by modern-day artists. A sketchbook and participation in the All-City High School Art Competition is required.

PERFORMING ARTS:

Beginning Band

This is an entry level course designed for students desirous on learning to perform on wind or percussion instruments; including, but not limited to: flute, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, oboe, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, batter and mallet percussion. Notation, rhythm, pitch, time signature, meter will be stressed. Individual and group training will be incorporated into this class. 90% classroom/rehearsal-10% performance. No previous experience or teacher recommendation is required for BEGINNING BAND.

Marching Band I

Marching Band is designed for students who are prepared to perform independently in an ensemble setting that balances advanced and intermediate level music with moderate to vigorous physical activity to carry out drill and/or parade formations. Course will prepare students to perform for parades, football games, and other athletic/ outdoor venues.

Beginning Choir

This course is the entry-level course for male and female students desirous on learning proper vocal techniques. Basic music training will also be given in rhythm, pitch, sight-singing, solfege. No previous experience required.

Intermediate Choir

This course is designed for the male and/or female vocal students who wish to continue performing vocal music in a mixed choral setting but requires more vocal experience. Performance opportunities will become available based on proficiency. Must have successfully completed BEGINNING MIX CHORUS and/or have Teacher Recommendation.

Electronic Music

This is the entry-level course for electronic (multi-media music). Students taking this course should have basic computer skills. Introduction of music and music-related software will be introduced. Must have dedicated computer lab for this course. Class size is dependent on capacity of lab and stations available.

Dance I

Dance I is an introductory course to the study of dance. Student learning includes opportunities to develop kinesthetic awareness, proper body alignment, strength, flexibility, general dance principles and dance history/ connections. This course focuses on the development of a basic understanding of dance as an art and of dance vocabulary and is appropriate for students with little to no formal dance training.

Honors Dance II

Dance II follows Dance I and emphasizes students’ acquisition of beginning to intermediate movement skills and refined motor control through the study of dance technique(s) such as ballet, jazz or modern. Student learning includes opportunities to develop kinesthetic awareness, proper body alignment, strength, flexibility, dance principles and dance history/connections.This course should be taken by student who have built at least a basic understanding of beginning dance vocabulary. As an honors credit, this course increases the number of related assignments and responsibilities. Students are expected to dedicate additional time outside of the classroom to their study of dance.

ADVANCED LEVEL or AUDITION ONLY PERFORMANCE ARTS COURSES

BAND

Honors Marching Band II

Marching Band II (H) is an organization designed to teach team work, self-discipline, and develop higher level thinking skills necessary to express one’s self through music. In the fall the organization will perform as the Marching Band II (H) and will perform at all varsity football games as well as various marching parades. Students receive PE waiver by participating in the Marching band II (H). After the conclusion of the marching season the band will become the Pep Band and will be required to perform at the home games for the basketball team and continue to participate in parades. The Band will perform at minimum three concerts during the year, as well as participate in clinics and contests adjudicated by the best music educators in the country. Opportunities for solo performances will come from the Chicago Public Schools Solo and Ensemble Contest.

Honors Marching Band III

Honors Marching Band IV

Marching Band IV is an organization designed to teach team work, self-discipline, and develop higher level thinking skills necessary to express one’s self through music. This course will meet daily for the entire school year. Students will be required to attend all football games, parades and the required rehearsals before school and evenings. A required, two week on-site marching band camps will be held in August, prior to the start of the school year. Students will have to attend a one weeklong workshop for conducting skills. Students receive a PE waiver when enrolling in Marching band IV

CHOIR

Honors Advanced Choir I

In addition to the requirements for ADVANCED MIX CHORUS I, HONORS students are encouraged to actively audition for and perform in all-city and state district choruses. Students must successfully participate in school/ community events and city and state solo and ensemble contests/festivals. Private lessons are encouraged but not required. Additional performance requirements can be added on the basis of teacher discretion.

Honors Advanced Choir II

In addition to the requirements for ADVANCED MIX CHORUS II, HONORS students are encouraged to actively audition for and perform in all-city and state district choruses. Students must successfully participate in school/ community events and city and state solo and ensemble contests/festivals. Private lessons are encouraged but not required. Additional performance requirements can be added on the basis of teacher discretion.

Honors Advanced Choir III

This course is designed for the 3rd year advanced male and female vocalists who have experience in vocal performance on music specifically written for the mixed chorus. Students must successfully participate in solo, ensemble and large group performances at the school/community and city and state levels; and must participate in all performances. Must have successfully completed ADVANCED MIXED CHORUS II with Teacher Recommendation.

11TH and 12TH GRADE ONLY COURSE OPTIONS

DP SL Dance I and II; two year course

The course focuses on the composition, performance and analysis of dance, or “expressive movement,” which is practiced amongst peoples of various backgrounds, and for a variety of purposes, throughout the planet. Students create, participate in, and reflect upon dance forms and styles from a range of cultures and traditions, both familiar and unfamiliar. External assessment consists of a) the submission (on DVD) of dance works composed by the student, and b) a formal written report which analyses the similarities and differences between two dance styles drawn from different dance cultures and/or traditions. Internal assessment consists of the submission (on DVD) of the student’s performance of various styles of dances, presented at an open showing.

DP HL/SL Visual Arts I and II; two year course

Theory and practice in visual arts are dynamic and ever changing, and connect many areas of study and human experience through individual and collaborative production and interpretation. This course enables students to engage in both practical exploration and artistic production, and in independent contextual, visual and critical investigation. The course is designed to enable students to study visual arts in higher education and also welcomes those students who seek life enrichment through visual arts. Students at HL have the opportunity to develop ideas and skills, and to produce a larger body of work, or work of greater depth. Students are assessed both externally and internally.

CTE COURSES OFFERED - 11th & 12th Grades Only

CTE Broadcast Technology I and II (double period in senior year); two year course

This course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for television, video, film, and/or radio production. Camera operation, use of graphics and other visuals, lighting, audio techniques, editing, production principles, and career opportunities are typical topics covered within this course.

This course is for students who have completed Broadcast Technology I. In addition to expanding on the activities explored in the first course, students work in a team-based environment to create a variety of video and audio related broadcasts. Instruction includes single and multi camera operations, linear and nonlinear video editing, production and post-production processes, animation graphics, sound mixing, multi-track production, audio editing, and special effects. Students learn how to use digital editing equipment and software to electronically cut and paste video and sound segments together, as well as how to regulate and monitor signal strength, volume, sound quality, brightness, and clarity of outgoing signals. This course also provides students with an understanding of the FCC and other governmental agencies regulations related to radio and television broadcasting.

CTE Digital Media I and CTE Digital Media II (double period in senior year) (two year program)

This is the first course in a three-year sequence of Digital Media classes. In this course you will identify the basic principles of graphic design. You will acquire an understanding of high-resolution images and be able to differentiate between a raster and a vector image. Additionally, you will explore appropriate uses of typography (font), additive and subtractive color. Finally, you will embark upon career eN/Exploration for the graphics industry.

This is the second course in a three-year sequence of Digital Media classes. During the second year you will become proficient in Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator. Applying basic principles of design, you will create live traced images; images for heat press (t-shirts) and build basic animations. You will apply filters, color correction, masking, clipping mask, and blending modes.

Note: AP Studio Art offered when possible due to student interest