Fine & Performing Arts (HS)

Fine Arts Course Offerings

Crafts 2
(Year, 5.0 Credits)

This course is designed for the student who wants to use the pottery wheel and learn more about fiber arts.  Students will learn how to create pottery forms using the pottery wheel. Students will learn how to wedge, center, raise and shape clay into simple bowls, and vessel forms. Students with throwing experience will fine tune their skills by learning more efficient ways of centering, raising and shaping techniques that will help control forms and increase production. Trimming attaching handles, embellishing forms, design and composition will also be presented. As an introduction to ancient dying techniques for fabric students will explore Shibori in an exploration of fiber arts.

Drawing
(Semester, 2.5 Credits)

Some people love to draw, while others find it makes them very uncomfortable.

This course is designed for students of all abilities who would like to improve in drawing. Students build confidence in technique, experience a variety of drawing media, and explore the expressive aspects of drawing.  Instruction leads students through contour drawing, and progresses to the use of shading for more realistic drawings.  Whether working with pencil, pen and ink, or oil pastels, students learn the skills needed to make better drawings.

Design
(Semester, 2.5 Credits)

Design is an excellent introductory class for students of all grades and ability levels. The course includes a broad foundation of skill building and an opportunity to explore the use of a variety of materials and supplies, such as tempera paints, watercolors, colored pencils, craypas and markers. The elements and principles of what constitutes good design will be discussed and incorporated into many different projects. Projects may include stamp, letter, and poster design. Design is a good course for those who enjoy art activities which do not emphasize realistic drawing.

Art 1
(Year, 5.0 Credits)

The Art Department recommends Art 1 as an entry-level course. It can help you do well in the other art courses you take at Columbia High School. Art 1 includes an introduction to drawing, printmaking, painting, collage, and sculpture.

Art 2
(Year, 5.0 Credits, Honors)
*Prerequisite: Art 1, Drawing, Design or instructor approval

Art 2 builds on concepts introduced in Art 1 and is appropriate for students with a serious interest in visual art. This course covers a wide range of skills at an intermediate level, including drawing, painting, collage, realism and abstraction. In Art 2, students can improve foundation techniques, such as drawing from direct observation, while developing a broader range of skills through exploration of new areas, including acrylic painting and diverse collage methods. Many students use their Art 2 work in portfolios for college admission.

Art 3
(Year, 5.0 Credits)
*Prerequisite: Art 2

Art 3 is an advanced level studio course. Independent critical thinking is emphasized as students explore realism, abstraction, drawing, acrylic painting and large scale sculpture.  Art 3 students are expected to consistently strive to produce ambitious works with refined technique and a strong conceptual foundation.  Assignments in this class are closely aligned with requirements for admission to college art programs and provide students with the tools needed to build strong portfolios.

Photography 1
(Semester, 2.5 Credits)
*Grades 10 - 12

This course is the “how to” in photography, and provides the skills necessary to produce black and white photographs, including classroom instruction in the history and impact photography has had on the world, operation of film cameras, creating successful compositions, processing film, and procedures for making black and white photographic prints in the darkroom. In-class lectures, discussions, films, analysis of photographs, and critiques will provide an intellectual and aesthetic foundation for the student’s own work.

Photography 2
(Semester, 2.5 Credits)
*Prerequisite: B grade in Photography 1 and teacher recommendation.

This course is the “why” of photography, and will provide the student with expanded opportunities to pursue concepts and skills acquired in Photography I to explore the psychology that applies to understanding and creating the art of photography. The student’s knowledge of camera operation, composition, and darkroom skills, as well as in class lectures, discussions, films, and investigation into contemporary photography, will be used as a basis for the student’s ability to further investigate and understand how to utilize photography as a creative medium of communication and self-expression.

Animation
(Semester, 2.5 Credits)
*Prerequisite: B grade in Photography 1 and teacher recommendation.

This course consists of the production of short student-animated films as well as an informal look at the history of the animated image. The latter helps the student to understand animation methods through the viewing of films and also provides a point of reference. Production includes group work, animation tests, and a final film with sound track.

Film
(Year, 5.0 Credits)

This course is two-fold, consisting of the production of student films as well as viewing of short and feature films for critical analysis and study. The latter is essential for the development of the student’s own aesthetic judgment as well as giving the class a point of reference in discussion and critique of student-made films. Students work in groups exchanging various production crew roles each quarter. Projects are recorded with digital cameras and edited using Final Cut Express software. Film viewing, discussions and lectures will focus on basic elements of film production.

Computer Graphics
(Year, 5.0 Credits)

In this course students will learn graphic art/design principles and computer skills that are a must in the 21st Century. Students will be exposed to the Macintosh computer and software applications such as Adobe Indesign and Photoshop, which are industry standard in the graphic arts field. Hardware used also includes Epson scanners and Canon digital cameras. Topics covered are digital illustration, digital photographic imaging, print design and packaging, and web animation techniques. Provides college preparation in computer knowledge as well as entry-level job skills for the graphic design industry. A must for the college bound art student.

Performance Arts Course Offerings

Chamber Orchestra
(Year, 5.0 Credits)
*Prerequisite: Successful placement assessment

This high-level performing ensemble is available to the top string students through successful on-going performance assessments. The ensemble plays masterworks for Chamber Orchestra. Selected wind players from the Wind Ensemble are added as required by the instrumentation needs. Students are eligible to participate in other school ensembles such as the Pit Orchestra for the All-School Musical. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performances is required.

Orchestra
(Year, 5.0 Credits)
*Prerequisite: Ability to play a string instrument

Orchestra is a continuation of the middle school orchestra experience. The class meets daily as a string orchestra, with wind players from the band added to perform a full orchestra for certain pieces. Emphasis is placed on individual skill development and ensemble skills. Members are eligible to participate in other ensembles such as the Pit Orchestra for the School Musical. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performances is required.

21st Century Music
(Semester, 2.5 Credits)

This course is a basic introduction to music theory, history, and performance of Western music. The emphasis will be on the development of musical skills, such as note reading and scales, and analyzing musical forms and styles.

Concert Chorale
(Year, 5.0 Credits)
*Prerequisite: Ability to play a string instrument

Concert Chorale is open to all students, grades 9-12. All incoming freshmen interested in singing as a member of the CHS Choral Program must enroll in Concert Chorale. Students will learn basic to intermediate singing techniques, choral rehearsal skills, and musical skills including ear training, pitch reading, solfeggio, rhythm reading and expressive concepts. There will be very high expectations and standards for participation and performance. Students will sing choral music from a variety of cultures and musical styles and in a number of foreign languages. Students will be assessed based upon daily participation, growth in individual vocal and musical skills, leadership contributions in a group setting, and some written tests or sung performance assessments. Attendance at all concert performances and extra rehearsals is mandatory.

Chamber Choirs
(Year, 5.0 Credits)
*Prerequisite: One year in Concert Chorale and successful placement assessment

The Chamber Choirs (Excelsior Singers and Women’s Ensemble) are select ensembles available to students after one year of participation in Concert Chorale. Students are placed in this ensemble based on continued performance assessments. Students will learn intermediate to advanced singing techniques, choral rehearsal skills, and musical skills including ear training, pitch reading, solfeggio, rhythm reading, and expressive concepts. There will be exceptionally high, artistic performance expectations and standards for participation in this course. Students will sing advanced high school, Region & All-State level, and collegiate choral repertoire from a variety of cultures and musical styles and periods, including a number of pieces in foreign languages. Students will be assessed based upon daily participation, growth in individual vocal and musical skills, leadership contributions in a group setting, and some written tests or sung performance assessments. Students will be expected to supplement their musical learning outside of the classroom. They may participate in the All-School Musical, sing in a co-curricular choral ensemble, sing in an outside ensemble, study music in a private studio, or audition for the NJSMA Region Choirs or NJMEA All-State Choirs. These choirs may be involved in outside performances, festivals or trips as determined appropriate by the department. Attendance at all concert performances and extra rehearsals is mandatory.

Concert Band (Freshman Band)
(Year, 5.0 Credits)
*Prerequisite: Ability to play a wind or percussion instrument

Concert Band is designed to give students the skills necessary for performing high-level wind repertoire. This is the continuation of the middle school band: students study music for performance and spend time on the fundamentals necessary to perform and understand music. Development of individual performance skills is emphasized along with ensemble skills. Students are also eligible to participate in other activities such as Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, and other small ensembles. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performance is required.

Symphonic Band
(Year, 5.0 Credits)
*Prerequisite: Ability to play a wind or percussion instrument

The level of music is much higher than that of Concert Band and individual skills are greatly increased. Students participating in Symphonic Band are also eligible to participate in the same activities listed under Concert Band. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performance is required.

Wind Ensemble
(Year, 5.0 Credits)
*Prerequisite: Successful placement assessment

This high-level performing ensemble is available to the top wind and percussion instrumentalists. This ensemble studies and performs the best in traditional and new works for wind band. Members from the Wind Ensemble also perform with the Chamber Orchestra as needed. Instrumentation in the Wind Ensemble is fixed, and only those positions vacated by a graduating student or by a student not returning to the group will be filled. Placement Assessment information, including available positions, are available in January of each year. Wind Ensemble students are also eligible to participate in other instrumental activities such as Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, and other small ensembles. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performances is required.

Course descriptions can be found in the course offerings guide (click here).