Fine Arts

Students are taught perspective and the basics of composition, then encouraged to develop their own personal styles. With guidance, beginners gain self-confidence while serious artists work to build portfolios.

Music is now an integrated aspect of the humanities. Students are exposed to a wide range of music and encouraged to broaden their perspectives. They listen and work with elements of music in order to understand how these elements are shared by music throughout the world. Offerings in the arts are both curricular and extracurricular. Extracurricular options include drama, dance, Chorus, Chamber Choir, Chapel Choir, Handbell Ensemble, Instrumental Ensemble as well as private vocal and instrumental instruction.

Applied Music

This is a course designed for students who have a strong desire and ability to pursue music at the post secondary level. The course is designed to allow 6th form students a consistent monitered daily opportunity to work on mastering their chosen instrument. It is understood that a student accepted into Applied Music intends to major or minor in music at the college level. The student must meet rigorous guidelines in order to qualify for acceptance into this course. Their growth over the course of the year is measured through private lessons and numerous public performances for which they receive constructive criticism as well as grades. Previous students who have taken this course have used their fall semester to prepare for college auditions or in the production of a supplemental CD for college applications. The second semester culminates in a public recital or a private juried performance before a panel of qualified adjudicators.

Music Theory (Advanced Placement)

In this advanced course on the elements of musical structure, students are taught pitch, duration, intervals, and dynamics. An in-depth study of four-part harmony, form, and analysis is also included in the course. More challenging aspects of the course require students to master melodic and harmonic dictation as well as the ability to sing a melody at sight.

Introduction to Art

In this course in creative problem-solving, students explore light, composition and perspective. Students are taught basic design and drawing principles with an emphasis on learning the key elements of balance, line, texture and contrast. As students progress, they complete projects in various media including sculpture, painting and printmaking, while fully using their visual awareness.

Studio Art II

Building upon the idea of art as a problem-solving discipline, students develop increasingly sophisticated critical thinking skills as they study and create art. Students are taught to examine their surroundings more closely, to analyze artwork more insightfully and to identify personal preferences in art. Innovation and new answers are rewarded as students pursue a more concentrated study of art including ceramics, illustration and industrial design. The class also explores new visual concepts and more mature presentations.

Studio Art III

Tailored to the individual, particularly one intending to pursue art at the college level, Studio Art III refines skills and theories learned in previous courses. Students continue to use divergent thinking as they prepare personal portfolios, present their work and study aesthetic theory and art history. Through the continuing development of technique and perspective, as well as patience and discipline, students learn to translate their environment through art.