Fine & Performing Arts
Fine & Performing Arts
College Music Theory
1.0 Credit/3.0 Marist Credits- Full Year
The Music Theory course is designed to acquaint the students with the mechanics of musical composition. It includes the development of individual skills in the rudiments of music reading, terminology, ear training, sight singing and harmony. Students taking courses for College Credit must be a junior or senior and must meet college prerequisites to enroll for college credit.
Treble Choir
0.5-1.0 Credit- Full Year, Every Day, or Part Time
Treble Choir is open to any student with the treble vocal range who is interested in a beginner/intermediate level high school choral experience. No prior choir experience is necessary. The group structure provides an opportunity for involvement in a musical activity which is geared to performance. An after school rehearsal is required and concert participation is mandatory. This ensemble sings a variety of music from Contemporary Pop, Broadway, and Classical.
Mixed Chorus
0.5-1.0 Credit- Full Year, Every Day, or Part Time
Mixed Chorus is open to any student who is interested in a beginner/intermediate level high school choral experience. The group structure provides an opportunity for involvement in a musical activity which is geared to performance. Several evening rehearsals are required and concert participation is mandatory. This ensemble sings a variety of music from Contemporary Pop, Broadway, and Classical.
Concert Band
1.0 Credit- Full Year
Concert band is open to any student with past band instrument experience. The concert band is designed to acquaint students with band literature appropriate to the students level and prepare the necessary skill for performance. Evening rehearsals are mandatory as is participation in all performances.
Orchestra
1.0 Credit- Full Year
Orchestra is open to any student with prior string instrument experience (including Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass). The orchestra is designed to acquaint students with level appropriate orchestra literature.It will also prepare the student with the necessary skills for performance of music from different time periods and genres.
**Additional rehearsals may be required and participation in all performances is mandatory.
Jazz Band
0.5 Credit- Full Year, Part Time
Students involved in the jazz band must be enrolled in the concert band and must be approved by the director. This course is for the advanced player who wishes to perform in all styles of jazz. Jazz techniques such as improvisation and soloing will be explored. Taken only with approval from the Director.
Introduction to Piano
0.5 Credit- One Semester
If you have ever wondered how to play the piano but never had the time, equipment or proper instructor then this course is for you. Students enrolled in this course will:
- Be taught piano skills (how to play the piano) to the beginning piano student.
- Be taught basic music theory to further enhance piano skills, including note reading, chord interpretation, and improvisation.
Students in grades 9-12 may take this course.
**These Courses Meet the 1 Credit Art/Music Graduation Requirement**
Studio Art
1.0 Credit- Full Year
Studio in Art is a foundation course in the visual arts, open to all grades, and is a requirement for entrance into other art electives.This course is designed to give students a broad overview of the visual arts. Topics include the elements of art, analyzing art, basic drawing, sculpture, ceramics, color theory, and drawing and painting. Students will use a sketchbook in class to generate ideas for projects as well as drawing brief sketch assignments that support current class projects. This course can be used to satisfy the one-credit graduation requirement in art or music.
Creative Crafts
1.0 Credit- Full Year
Creative Crafts is a year-long course that focuses on the creative arts. The Principles of Design, along with the Formal Art Elements, will guide students as they create a variety of functional and decorative projects. Core concepts such as color theory, three-dimensional constructions and basic design layout will be presented. Possible art materials and craft techniques to explore include: clay, fiber, textile, paper, wire and mixed media. This course can be used to satisfy the one-credit graduation requirement for art or music.
Decorative and Fiber Arts
0.5 Credit- One Semester
Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
In this hands-on semester course, students will create a variety of functional and decorative objects. Projects will vary in form and style, while exploring historical references, both old and new. Possible materials to explore may include clay, wood, glass mosaic, mixed media, fiber and textile.
Drawing and Painting I
1.0 Credit- Full Year
- Prerequisite: Studio Art
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
Drawing and Painting I took off where Studio Art concluded. Skills learned in Studio Art such as line drawing, perspective, value, design and color theory will be used as building blocks for higher-level study. In addition to improving artistic skills, students will fine tune critique skills through the discussion of class artwork, as well as the work of historical and contemporary artists. Writing about artwork will also be explored as we learn to analyze artwork both contextually and formally. Careers related to visual art will also be addressed.
Drawing and Painting II
1.0 Credit- Full Year
- Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting I
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
Drawing and Painting II uses art-making skills acquired in previous courses to explore topics in greater depth and focus. Students will be pushed to produce a strong body of work which will be used as a starting point for a portfolio. In addition to improving art-making skills, students will hone critique skills through the discussion and viewing of class artwork, as well as the work of master and contemporary artists. Among others, the course will focus on the human form, portraiture, technical aspects of drawing, stretching canvases and concept development.
Sculpture I/Sculpture II
1.0 Credit- Full Year
- Prerequisite: Studio Art
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
Three-dimensional design and visual problem solving are the focus of this course. Students use a variety of materials such as wire, clay, ply-board, stone and plaster to create both functional and traditional work. The human figure, hand-built pottery and non-objective sculptures are possible content areas. Both traditional and fundamental approaches will be engaged, as well as modern and experimental techniques.
AP Studio Art
1.0 Credit- Full Year
- Prerequisites: Studio Art, Drawing & Painting I, Drawing & Paint II suggested. Teacher permission is required and may include a portfolio review.
- Students in grades 11-12 may take this course
AP Studio Art gives students the opportunity to truly focus on their craft while at the same time prepare a comprehensive portfolio for college admission. Working at a college-level, students will explore a variety of subject matter, as well as, various drawing and painting materials. In addition, students will learn how to properly photograph and present their artwork. This course serves as the culmination in a student’s visual arts training at CCHS. Students are responsible for any fees associated with the College Board AP Exam.
Environmental Art
0.5 Credit- One Semester
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
Environmental Art is a course designed to focus on the relationship between the art student and the natural environment. Art projects may utilize reclaimed, discarded or repurposed materials in combination with traditional art materials. Students will learn that environmental art communicates ideas about the natural and manmade world.This course will enable students to engage in the natural world, not only as a subject of art, but also a place of art.
Jewelry/Jewelry 2
0.5 Credit- One Semester
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
This basic level course teaches student entry-level jewelry design. Projects that may be covered in this course: metal piercing, sawing, cold connections, epoxy enameling, surface embellishment and wire wrapping. Students will also create drawings for their designs looking at historical and cultural jewelry design through the ages, as well as investigate marketing strategies for their creations.
Cultural Arts
0.5 Credit- One Semester
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
Cultural Arts explores the relationship between culture and art. The aesthetic and artistic traditions in a society which are passed down through generations will be explored. Each five week block will focus on the art and design of a specific culture. Projects may include paper sculpture, fiber arts, printmaking, calligraphy and mixed media.
Animation and Character Development
0.5 Credit- One Semester
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
This course provides foundation skills in Animation. The student is introduced to Adobe Animate on the Macintosh computer. Students will explore basic animation concepts, focus on emphasis and movement, storyboards for production along with an emphasis on character development. Foundation design skills used in Studio Art will be used as building blocks as students begin to learn about animation.
Graphic Design
0.5 Credit- One Semester
- Prerequisite: Studio Art
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
This course provides general knowledge and foundation skills in Graphic Arts. The student is introduced to Photoshop on the Macintosh computer. Students will explore computer design, illustration, digital manipulation and creative problem solving. Basic design skills used in Studio Art will be used as building blocks as students begin to expand their digital portfolio.
Digital Photography
0.5 Credit- One Semester
- Prerequisite: Studio Art or Creative Craft
This semester-long course explores the art of photography using a DSLR camera. Coursework introduces students to the essentials of digital photography, from mastering manual settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, to editing photos using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Key genres, including portrait, landscape, nature, and action photography, will be explored, while students learn to compose powerful shots using the rule of thirds and the elements and principles of design. The course also emphasizes the history of photography, influential photographers, and how to thoughtfully critique digital images. Whether you are exploring photography as a hobby or considering a career in the visual arts, this course offers the perfect starting point for creating compelling digital media.
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College Music Theory
1.0 Credit/3.0 Marist Credits- Full Year
The Music Theory course is designed to acquaint the students with the mechanics of musical composition. It includes the development of individual skills in the rudiments of music reading, terminology, ear training, sight singing and harmony. Students taking courses for College Credit must be a junior or senior and must meet college prerequisites to enroll for college credit.
Treble Choir
0.5-1.0 Credit- Full Year, Every Day, or Part Time
Treble Choir is open to any student with the treble vocal range who is interested in a beginner/intermediate level high school choral experience. No prior choir experience is necessary. The group structure provides an opportunity for involvement in a musical activity which is geared to performance. An after school rehearsal is required and concert participation is mandatory. This ensemble sings a variety of music from Contemporary Pop, Broadway, and Classical.
Mixed Chorus
0.5-1.0 Credit- Full Year, Every Day, or Part Time
Mixed Chorus is open to any student who is interested in a beginner/intermediate level high school choral experience. The group structure provides an opportunity for involvement in a musical activity which is geared to performance. Several evening rehearsals are required and concert participation is mandatory. This ensemble sings a variety of music from Contemporary Pop, Broadway, and Classical.
Concert Band
1.0 Credit- Full Year
Concert band is open to any student with past band instrument experience. The concert band is designed to acquaint students with band literature appropriate to the students level and prepare the necessary skill for performance. Evening rehearsals are mandatory as is participation in all performances.
Orchestra
1.0 Credit- Full Year
Orchestra is open to any student with prior string instrument experience (including Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass). The orchestra is designed to acquaint students with level appropriate orchestra literature.It will also prepare the student with the necessary skills for performance of music from different time periods and genres.
**Additional rehearsals may be required and participation in all performances is mandatory.
Jazz Band
0.5 Credit- Full Year, Part Time
Students involved in the jazz band must be enrolled in the concert band and must be approved by the director. This course is for the advanced player who wishes to perform in all styles of jazz. Jazz techniques such as improvisation and soloing will be explored. Taken only with approval from the Director.
Introduction to Piano
0.5 Credit- One Semester
If you have ever wondered how to play the piano but never had the time, equipment or proper instructor then this course is for you. Students enrolled in this course will:
- Be taught piano skills (how to play the piano) to the beginning piano student.
- Be taught basic music theory to further enhance piano skills, including note reading, chord interpretation, and improvisation.
Students in grades 9-12 may take this course.
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**These Courses Meet the 1 Credit Art/Music Graduation Requirement**
Studio Art
1.0 Credit- Full Year
Studio in Art is a foundation course in the visual arts, open to all grades, and is a requirement for entrance into other art electives.This course is designed to give students a broad overview of the visual arts. Topics include the elements of art, analyzing art, basic drawing, sculpture, ceramics, color theory, and drawing and painting. Students will use a sketchbook in class to generate ideas for projects as well as drawing brief sketch assignments that support current class projects. This course can be used to satisfy the one-credit graduation requirement in art or music.
Creative Crafts
1.0 Credit- Full Year
Creative Crafts is a year-long course that focuses on the creative arts. The Principles of Design, along with the Formal Art Elements, will guide students as they create a variety of functional and decorative projects. Core concepts such as color theory, three-dimensional constructions and basic design layout will be presented. Possible art materials and craft techniques to explore include: clay, fiber, textile, paper, wire and mixed media. This course can be used to satisfy the one-credit graduation requirement for art or music.
-
Decorative and Fiber Arts
0.5 Credit- One Semester
Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
In this hands-on semester course, students will create a variety of functional and decorative objects. Projects will vary in form and style, while exploring historical references, both old and new. Possible materials to explore may include clay, wood, glass mosaic, mixed media, fiber and textile.
Drawing and Painting I
1.0 Credit- Full Year
- Prerequisite: Studio Art
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
Drawing and Painting I took off where Studio Art concluded. Skills learned in Studio Art such as line drawing, perspective, value, design and color theory will be used as building blocks for higher-level study. In addition to improving artistic skills, students will fine tune critique skills through the discussion of class artwork, as well as the work of historical and contemporary artists. Writing about artwork will also be explored as we learn to analyze artwork both contextually and formally. Careers related to visual art will also be addressed.
Drawing and Painting II
1.0 Credit- Full Year
- Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting I
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
Drawing and Painting II uses art-making skills acquired in previous courses to explore topics in greater depth and focus. Students will be pushed to produce a strong body of work which will be used as a starting point for a portfolio. In addition to improving art-making skills, students will hone critique skills through the discussion and viewing of class artwork, as well as the work of master and contemporary artists. Among others, the course will focus on the human form, portraiture, technical aspects of drawing, stretching canvases and concept development.
Sculpture I/Sculpture II
1.0 Credit- Full Year
- Prerequisite: Studio Art
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
Three-dimensional design and visual problem solving are the focus of this course. Students use a variety of materials such as wire, clay, ply-board, stone and plaster to create both functional and traditional work. The human figure, hand-built pottery and non-objective sculptures are possible content areas. Both traditional and fundamental approaches will be engaged, as well as modern and experimental techniques.
AP Studio Art
1.0 Credit- Full Year
- Prerequisites: Studio Art, Drawing & Painting I, Drawing & Paint II suggested. Teacher permission is required and may include a portfolio review.
- Students in grades 11-12 may take this course
AP Studio Art gives students the opportunity to truly focus on their craft while at the same time prepare a comprehensive portfolio for college admission. Working at a college-level, students will explore a variety of subject matter, as well as, various drawing and painting materials. In addition, students will learn how to properly photograph and present their artwork. This course serves as the culmination in a student’s visual arts training at CCHS. Students are responsible for any fees associated with the College Board AP Exam.
Environmental Art
0.5 Credit- One Semester
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
Environmental Art is a course designed to focus on the relationship between the art student and the natural environment. Art projects may utilize reclaimed, discarded or repurposed materials in combination with traditional art materials. Students will learn that environmental art communicates ideas about the natural and manmade world.This course will enable students to engage in the natural world, not only as a subject of art, but also a place of art.
Jewelry/Jewelry 2
0.5 Credit- One Semester
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
This basic level course teaches student entry-level jewelry design. Projects that may be covered in this course: metal piercing, sawing, cold connections, epoxy enameling, surface embellishment and wire wrapping. Students will also create drawings for their designs looking at historical and cultural jewelry design through the ages, as well as investigate marketing strategies for their creations.
Cultural Arts
0.5 Credit- One Semester
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
Cultural Arts explores the relationship between culture and art. The aesthetic and artistic traditions in a society which are passed down through generations will be explored. Each five week block will focus on the art and design of a specific culture. Projects may include paper sculpture, fiber arts, printmaking, calligraphy and mixed media.
Animation and Character Development
0.5 Credit- One Semester
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
This course provides foundation skills in Animation. The student is introduced to Adobe Animate on the Macintosh computer. Students will explore basic animation concepts, focus on emphasis and movement, storyboards for production along with an emphasis on character development. Foundation design skills used in Studio Art will be used as building blocks as students begin to learn about animation.
Graphic Design
0.5 Credit- One Semester
- Prerequisite: Studio Art
- Students in grades 10-12 may take this course
This course provides general knowledge and foundation skills in Graphic Arts. The student is introduced to Photoshop on the Macintosh computer. Students will explore computer design, illustration, digital manipulation and creative problem solving. Basic design skills used in Studio Art will be used as building blocks as students begin to expand their digital portfolio.
Digital Photography
0.5 Credit- One Semester
- Prerequisite: Studio Art or Creative Craft
This semester-long course explores the art of photography using a DSLR camera. Coursework introduces students to the essentials of digital photography, from mastering manual settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, to editing photos using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Key genres, including portrait, landscape, nature, and action photography, will be explored, while students learn to compose powerful shots using the rule of thirds and the elements and principles of design. The course also emphasizes the history of photography, influential photographers, and how to thoughtfully critique digital images. Whether you are exploring photography as a hobby or considering a career in the visual arts, this course offers the perfect starting point for creating compelling digital media.