Fine & Performing Arts

Semester — ½ credit
Grade 9-12

This course is an introduction to the understanding and making of a work of art. Students are encouraged to perceive carefully the world of art and nature. Since the best way to learn about art is to look at it and to make it, this course has two parts: Studio Art and Art History. In Studio Art, a variety of media and methods are introduced to show the student the wide range of possibilities available for visual communication. In Art History, students will study with the help of the well-illustrated text Discovering Art History and accompanying slides. Presentation of films and additional slides from the Fine Arts collection, along with corresponding lectures, help students develop an understanding of subject matter, media, and periods of art history.

Semester — ½ credit
Grade 9-12

This course focuses on the strength of two-dimensional art. Time will be spent on the fundamentals of drawing using various media and a mixture of subjects. Anatomy, still life, and landscape are covered with exploration into watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting. A variety of styles, techniques, and composition contents will be introduced.

Semester -- ½ credit
Grade 10-12

This course develops a basic understanding of the organization of architectural spaces. Through a series of focused projects students will learn to read blueprints and to build architectural models using the required materials, tools, and skills. Both the creative elements and technical aspects of house design will be covered.

Semester — ½ credit
Grade 10-12

In this course, the students will learn the creative elements and technical aspects of basic stained glass construction using the required materials, tools, and skills. Through a series of focused projects students will gain an understanding of the aesthetics of stained glass work, as well as producing a variety of stained glass pieces.

Year – 1 credit
Grade 10-12

This is a course for students of proven interest and at least moderate ability that stresses the creative process. After reaching a level of proficiency at rendering the natural form, experimentation leads to deeper study into the fields of two-dimensional design, printing, three-dimensional design, sculpture, painting, water colors, oils painting, color, architectural design, collage, assemblage, and stained glass. Slide presentations and films in significant art subjects are intermittently shown to enhance thought and nurture an atmosphere of creativity through established theory.

Year — 1 credit
Grade 9-12

Students enrolled in this course have participated in band throughout middle school, and have a technical command that includes knowledge of all notes within the range of their instrument. Students rehearse and perform music of high school-level that is written for standard concert band instrumentation. Students who play flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone horn, tuba or percussion should sign up for this section. Students are required to participate in all major school performances, and may be asked to audition for All-State and other regional festivals.

Year — 1 credit
Grade 9-12;  Prerequisite: Audition may be required.

Students rehearse and perform music of high school-level that is geared toward standard jazz band instrumentation that includes, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass and drums. Students are required to participate in all major school performances. There may be an additional fee for use of school owned instruments.

Year — 1 credit
Grade 9-12
Prerequisite: Department Approval

This course is designed for the advanced musician. Enrollment is determined by the director and may consist of an audition. Students will explore musical concepts that deal with improvisation, transcription and ensemble techniques that are needed within the context of small group playing. Students are required to participate in all major performances of the year and may be asked to perform at various performances outside of school.

Year — 1 credit
Grade 9-12

For experienced players of violin, viola, cello and bass. This course explores music for strings from trios and quartets to arrangements of orchestral pieces--jazz, pop and classical. Students will have an opportunity to advance individual skills and techniques.  Students are required to participate in all major performances of the year and may be asked to play at liturgies. Students are encouraged to audition for All State and other regional music festivals.

Year — 1 credit
Grade 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition may be required.

The Cheverus Choir emphasizes vocal techniques and the exploration and interpretation of various periods and styles of choral literature.  This course is designed for the experienced singer who can match pitch and hold their own harmony part as required. Enrollment is determined by the director and may consist of an audition. Students in this group are especially encouraged to study privately outside of Cheverus.  Students are required to participate in all major school performances and may be asked to perform at various performances outside of school.  Auditions for All-State and District ensembles is strongly encouraged.

Semester — ½ credit
Grade 9-12

This course is designed for beginning piano students or students who have very little piano experience. Using electronic pianos in a lab setting, students will learn the basics of music notation, rhythm, melody and harmony. Students progress through instruction utilizing beginning piano books and supplementary materials. Access to a piano/keyboard outside the class is helpful but not necessary.

Semester — ½ credit
Grade 9-12
Prerequisite: Piano Lab

This course is designed for students that wish to further their piano skills. Using electronic pianos in a lab setting, students will learn the basics of music notation, rhythm, melody and harmony. Students progress through instruction utilizing beginning piano books and supplementary materials. Access to a piano/keyboard outside the class is helpful but not necessary.

Semester — ½ credit
Grade 9-12
(Seniors: First Semester only)

Students will be given a background in acoustical concepts related to audio recording and will learn the application of a digital audio workstation through major production projects. The class will prepare students for post-secondary study in communications, production, and audio engineering at colleges, universities, and technical schools.  Students will learn basic digital editing and recording using a variety of concepts and software including MIDI, Audacity and Mixcraft.

Semester -- 1/2 credit
Grade 9-12

This course offers beginning instruction in playing the guitar and developing skills for a lifetime of learning and enjoyment.  This course will include working effectively alone and with others.  Chord study, tuning, strumming, styles of playing, and other skills will be taught.   It is expected that by the end of the semester, all students will have achieved a basic level of music literacy by reading, playing, and singing music. There will be opportunities for students to go beyond the basic level and explore and expand their own learning. Each student will be required to articulate their musical achievements and level of accomplishments in both a written and a performance based exam.  Students may provide their own acoustic (non-electric) guitar.