Course Catalog
Visual and Performing Arts
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Graduation Requirement of 2 credits/1 UP |
Visual Arts
Semester Classes (1 credit):
Art 1 Fundamentals
Course Number: 2601
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 semester /.5 UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Art 1 Fundamentals is a semester-long introduction to the Art program. Student learning will be centered around the elements of art and the principles of design through the exploration of two-dimensional design media, techniques, and processes. Art 1 Fundamentals is the first prerequisite for the Visual Arts Strand in the Creative and Performing Arts Pathway.
Ceramics
Course Number: 2612
Prerequisites: Art 1 Fundamentals
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 semester /.5 UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Ceramics 1 is an introductory clay class that focuses on pinch,coil, and slab hand building techniques as well as some wheel throwing. Work will include both decorative/sculptural pieces as well as functional pieces. Students will explore traditional and contemporary art work from various cultures and artists.
Advanced Ceramics
Course Number: 2614
Prerequisites: Completion of Art 1 Fundamentals and Ceramics
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 semester /.5 UP
Grades 10, 11, 12
Advanced Ceramics is an intermediate to advanced level course that will allow students to dive deeper into clay as a medium. The work will be to create three-dimensional, concept driven bodies of work throughout the semester. Students will continue to study the work of traditional and contemporary artists to inspire their own work. Advance Ceramics lends itself to the artist's wants and needs as students explore ways to have functional art and decorative sculpture work share a space.
Digital Art
Course Number: 2611
Prerequisites: Art 1 Fundamentals
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 semester /.5 UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Digital Art will introduce students to modern careers in art and design. We will use new media to exercise our Graphic Design skills to create original posters, books, zines, and promotional videos. Topics for discussion will include 2D composition, color theory, and intentional impact of artwork. Prompts will be given in the form of commissions to give students a glimpse into career-based arts practices. Students will be given the task of understanding a client's needs and creating artwork that serves those parameters. Students will receive regular feedback and thorough encouragement to continue to refine a piece to its fullest potential before moving on to the next assignment. An emphasis will be placed on responsible use of technology and fair presentation of ideas on social platforms.
Digital Photography 1 (Capstone Class)
Course Number: 2609
Prerequisites: Art 1 Fundamentals
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 semester /.5 UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Digital Photography 1 is an Introduction to Photography. Through both taking and editing their own photographs, students will explore the Elements of Art and Principles of Design as they relate to photography. Students will learn about composition, lighting, and the history of photography while being introduced to different photographers and types of photography.
Drawing
Course Number: 2613
Prerequisites: Art 1 Fundamentals
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 semester /.5 UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Using inventive and descriptive mark-making, students will develop drawing methods to represent both the real and the imagined, as well as generate two-dimensional surface design. This course will support the evolution and development of the art student through artistic practice in a range of drawing media, including iPad digital illustration. Great Art-historical, contemporary and local will be viewed to inform and inspire. Drawing subjects will include still life, the human figure, portraiture, landscape studies and interiors.
Painting
Course Number: 2615
Prerequisites: Art 1 Fundamentals
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 semester /.5 UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
In Painting, students will engage with technical, practical, and conceptual-based problems involved with the practice of painting. It will offer studio opportunities to explore the most fundamental requirement for painting perception. Students will learn to see, analyze, interpret, paint and draw by using the basic components: the composition, space, texture, lights/shadows, and the perception of the “whole”. Students will explore methods of painting from direct observation of people, landscape, and still life as well as abstraction. Students will also enhance their paintings by learning to manipulate a variety of techniques and to manage color across its attributes: hue, tint, shade, brightness, saturation, and intensity. Students also learn how to critically analyze a work of art, in order to achieve creative results. As a class, we will explore opportunities to go off campus to visit local galleries and museums.
Introduction to Visual and Performing Arts
Course Number: 2616
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 semester /.5 UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This is a semester introductory class for EL Level 1 and 2 students who have some conversational English, or other students in special programming. Students will have one quarter of music instruction and one quarter of art instruction. In music, students will use various instruments, including drums, piano, ukulele, voice, guitar, etc. to attain basic expressive and scientific background knowledge. Students will also explore various techniques of archiving musical experiences through written notation of different types, as well as recording. In the visual arts, vocabulary would be a focus as well as use of the tools necessary in different media. There will also be an introduction to different art materials that students tend to be unfamiliar with. Choice and personal culture reflection will also be a part of this experience.
Year Classes (2 credits):
Advanced Art
Course Number: 2607
Prerequisites: Completion of Art 1 AND 2 other Art electives
Credit: 2 Fine Arts Credits, full year
Grades 11 and 12
In Advanced Art, students will continue to build upon previous art knowledge on a more advanced and independent level, focusing sustained attention on developing artistic mastery in a variety of media, using both traditional and experimental methods. Advanced Art is an individualized program that supports guided and independent studio immersion for sustained artistic development. This course emphasizes the exploration of ideas and possibilities that relate to individual interests and reflect and support personal growth and actualization. Guidance and instruction in preparation to build a compelling art portfolio for entrance into college or art school will be given with individual goals in mind.
Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art
Course Number: 2605
Prerequisites: Advanced Art or Teacher Permission
Credit: 2 Fine Arts Credits, full year
Grades 11 and 12
A.P. Studio Art is an intensive program for students who would like to pursue a career in Art. Students will be required to complete 15 quality pieces of Artwork that will be assessed by the National Advanced Placement Art College Board in New Jersey. Extra blocks may be scheduled for this class during the first semester to allow for the completion of portfolio pieces.
Performing Arts
Year Classes (2 credits):
Concert Band or Honors Concert Band (Capstone Class)
Course Number: 2651 or 2651H
Prerequisites: Open to experienced and beginner woodwind, brass, and percussion players.
Credit: 2 Fine Arts Credits, full year / 1 UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
The concert band performs at two evening concerts (December and May), the All-City concert, assemblies, and at the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day parades. Other concerts may be scheduled throughout the year, depending upon availability. Band students will be expected to practice their instruments outside of band rehearsals as needed to be prepared for class. Class enrollment in good standing qualifies a student to audition for the District II and All-State Honors band.
Orchestra or Honors Orchestra (Capstone Class)
Course Number: 2650 or 2650H
Prerequisites: Previous orchestra experience or teacher approval
Credit: 2 Fine Arts Credit, full year / 1UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course provides symphonic ensemble and performance opportunities for orchestra musicians: strings, woodwinds, brass, and timpani-percussion players. Repertory spans five centuries. Orchestra members are required to perform at the Winter (December) Concerts, Portland Music Festival (February or March), and Spring (May) concerts. Class enrollment in good standing qualifies a student to audition for the District II Honors Festival and the Allstate Honors Orchestra. Membership in this ensemble requires after-school and weekend practices and performances. Students are invited and encouraged to participate in chamber music ensembles. The Orchestra performs community outreach concerts, including Citizenship Ceremonies at U.S. District Court, School Board/City Council Induction Ceremonies at City Hall, the City of Portland’s Annual Art Show, high school open houses, National Honor Society convocations, and other events. The Orchestra periodically hosts visiting professional string quartets, solo performers and clinicians from area colleges and universities.
Semester Classes (1 credit):
Fall Chorus
Course Number: 2660F
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1st semester, 1 UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Chorus is for students who are interested in developing their voices and music reading skills. This ensemble will rehearse choral music from a wide range of genres including standard choral repertoire, popular and show tunes, and world music. Students will perform in one major concert during the first semester (the December winter concert) and may also sing at various school and community events, up to three per semester.
Spring Chorus
Course Number: 2660S
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 2nd semester, 1 UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Chorus is for students who are interested in developing their voices and music reading skills. This ensemble will rehearse choral music from a wide range of genres including standard choral repertoire, popular and show tunes, and world music. Students will perform in two major concerts for the second semester (the Spring Concert in May and All-City in March) and may also sing at various school and community events, up to three per semester.
Guitar and Piano Fundamentals
Course Number: 2656
Prerequisites: None, Beginners Welcome
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 semester / .5 UP
Grades 9,10,11, 12
Guitar and Piano Fundamentals is designed for the beginning music student who may or may not have ever played an instrument before. If students have some prior experience, especially if they are self-taught, this course will provide a wide range of music resources to further develop skills and provide a foundation for future learning. Students will learn guitar chords, piano keys, basic music reading, and tablature, and will use a variety of online resources. Students will perform in small groups or as individuals as part of class assessments. Instruments will be provided for classroom use. Students will be required to spend time practicing both guitar and piano, but may choose a primary instrument for their focus of practice and performance.
Intermediate Guitar/Piano (Capstone Class)
Course Number: 2659
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 semester / .5 UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Intermediate Guitar/Piano is designed for the music student who is dedicated to improving their skills on an instrument. Instruction will be given on both instruments, and students will be required to spend time practicing both guitar and piano, but may choose a primary instrument for their focus of practice and performance. Students will be expected to choose and rehearse their own music, in addition to working on ensembles with other musicians in the class. Students will perform in small groups or as individuals as part of class assessments. Instruments will be provided for classroom use.
Drama Workshop (Capstone Class)
Course Number: 2160
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit, 1 semester / .5 UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course focuses on theater skills through script work and selected improvisational theater activities. Students will develop body movement, voice, and character using a variety of scripts. Students will practice acting, set and costume design, blocking, and lighting through production of a one-act play with an emphasis on process rather than product. Opportunities will be available to develop a variety of theater skills that can be useful on stage or in other classes.
Musical Theater Workshop
Course Number: 2161
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 1 Fine Arts Credit / .5UP
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course focuses on the production of a Broadway musical. Students will audition for and take part in a complete stage production. Classes will focus on preparation through acting, singing, and movement rehearsals. All students will be expected to take a role in the production that occurs outside of the normal school day. At least two performances will be required near the end of the semester. Limited opportunities will be available in stage and house management, lighting, sound, and stage crew.
Quarter Classes (.5 credits)
Music Appreciation
Course Number: 2669Q
Prerequisites: None
Credit: .5 credit, 1 quarter /.25 UP
Grades 10,11,12
Students will explore a wide variety of music through listening to recordings, supplemented with video and Internet resources. The course will focus primarily on Western art music, but will also include jazz and world music. The course will be organized around themes in music, such as nature, literature, history, celebrations, death, etc. Students will develop listening skills and build a basic music vocabulary. No previous music experience is required.
Steel Pan Drums
Course Number: 2653Q
Prerequisites: None, Beginners Welcome
Credit: .5 credit, 1 quarter /.25 UP (2nd and 4th quarters only)
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Steel pan is open to experienced and beginner musicians, with a focus on Caribbean music and other traditional steel pan music and drumset. The steel pan ensemble will perform at school and community events up to three times per quarter, with attendance required for at least two events.
Ukulele
Course Number: 2652Q
Prerequisites: None, Beginners Welcome
Credit: .5 credit, 1 quarter /.25 UP
Grades 9,10,11,12 (limited to 12 students)
Ukulele class is designed for the beginning music student who may or may not have played ukulele or guitar before. This course will provide a wide range of music resources to further develop skills on ukulele and provide a foundation for future learning. Students will learn chords and melodies on ukulele, basic notation and tablature, and the care and maintenance of their instruments. Students will perform at least once per quarter in small groups or as a full ensemble during the school day, and may choose to perform at other school or community events.
Courses for which Visual & Performing Arts/Fine Arts credit is granted:
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.5 credit (Quarter Class) |
1 credit (Semester Class) |
2 credits (Year Class) |
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Music Appreciation |
Art 1 Fundamentals |
Advanced Art |
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Steel Pan Drums |
Ceramics (Clay) |
Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art |
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Ukulele |
Advanced Ceramics |
Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory (AP4ME) |
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Digital Art |
Orchestra |
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Digital Photography |
Band |
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Drawing |
Chorus (Fall and Spring) |
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Painting |
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Intro. to Visual and Performing Arts |
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Chorus (Fall or Spring) |
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Guitar and Piano Fundamentals |
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Intermediate Guitar/Piano |
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Drama Workshop |
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Musical Theater Workshop |
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