Art 1

Year, 5.0 credits

Grades 9-12

Art 1 is an entry-level course.  Art 1 lays the foundation for other art courses available at Columbia High School.  It is a creative class where students explore self-expression, while learning new art skills and techniques.  Art 1 includes an introduction to drawing, printmaking, painting, collage and sculpture.

 

Art 2

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisite: Art 1, Drawing or Design 

Grades 10-12

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  - HN

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisite: Art 2 

Grades 11-12

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 the requirements for admission to college art programs and provide students with the tools needed to build strong portfolios and develop a personal style.

It is recommended that Juniors take Art 3 in preparation for AP Studio Art as Seniors.

 

AP Studio Art & Design PROGRAM

In an AP Art and Design course, you’ll develop the skills that artists and designers use and create a portfolio of work you’ll submit for an AP score. We have two (2) AP Art & Design options at Columbia High School: “Studio Art - AP Drawing” and “Studio Art - 2D Art & Design.” You’ll create a portfolio of college-level work and submit it for evaluation (instead of taking a year-end paper-and-pencil AP Exam). A qualifying portfolio score can earn you college credit and/or advanced placement. Please review the CHS AP Studio Art & Design website to decide which of the two programs you are more interested in.

 

Studio Art – AP Drawing (Option 1 of the AP Studio Art & Design program)

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisites: Art 2, 3 and portfolio review

Grades 11-12

If you are in this class, you are a dedicated artist with at least 2-3 years of art or a strong body of past work, and you want to take your work to the next level. AP (Advanced Placement) Drawing is a program administered by the College Board to provide highly motivated high school students with an opportunity to earn college credit in art. Students will submit a portfolio to the College Board with work that focuses on the use of composition, material, and the elements and principles of art in traditional 2-dimensional mediums (Drawing, Painting, Printmaking). You will also consider how materials, processes, and ideas can be used to  curate a collection of work surrounding a central theme. AP Drawing is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit a portfolio in May. The portfolio includes five selected and completed works (demonstrating skills and synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas) and 15 sustained investigation images (demonstrating skills, practice, experimentation, and revision, as well as synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas) .  Please review the CHS AP Studio Art & Design website for important information. AP Art Application needed to be filed: https://forms.gle/V7yTFPXsaHFJTShN8

 

If you are interested in applying for AP Studio Art course, you must complete the pre-portfolio. You can find the Pre-Portfolio on the CHS AP Studio Art Website . On the website, click the pre-portfolio tab. There you will find a link to the application. All Applications MUST be submitted by April 1st. If you have any further questions, please reach out to the AP Art Teacher.

 

Studio Art – AP 2D Art & Design  (Option 2 of the AP Studio Art & Design program)

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisites: Art 2, 3 and portfolio review

Grades 11-12

If you are in this class, you are a dedicated artist with at least 2-3 years of art or a strong body of past work, and you want to take your work to the next level. AP (Advanced Placement) 2-D design is a program administered by the College Board to provide highly motivated high school students with an opportunity to earn college credit in art. Students will submit a portfolio to the College Board with work that focuses on the use of elements and principles of art in 2-dimensional mediums (Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, collage, photography, graphic design, and textiles). You will also consider how materials, processes, and ideas can be used to  curate a collection of work surrounding a central theme. AP 2-D design is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit a portfolio in May. The portfolio includes five selected and completed works (demonstrating skills and synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas) and 15 sustained investigation images (demonstrating skills, practice, experimentation, and revision, as well as synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas) .  Please review the CHS AP Studio Art & Design website for important information. AP Art Application needed to be filed: https://forms.gle/V7yTFPXsaHFJTShN8

 

If you are interested in applying for AP Studio Art course, you must complete the pre-portfolio. You can find the Pre-Portfolio on the CHS AP Studio Art Website . On the website, click the pre-portfolio tab. There you will find a link to the application. All Applications MUST be submitted by April 1st. If you have any further questions, please reach out to the AP Art Teacher.

 

Art History - AP

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisite: recommended that the student have taken prior art courses 

Grades 10-12

The Advanced Placement program in Art History introduces students to 30,000 years of history in art and architecture from around the world. This course is an introduction to subjects normally grouped under the heading humanities, and is often the high school student’s first exposure to discourse concerning religion, philosophy, cultural history and anthropology, all of which are examined through the visual/cultural evidence contained in art history. Issues regarding visual perception, the need for narrative, the nature of materials and technology, and the understanding of the human body are a major focus throughout the course. The evolving relationships between patrons, artists, and audience wind their way through each art historical period as well. Students learn to identify iconography, media, stylistic traits and the function of art in each society that they study. The nature of representation, idealization, realism, illusionism, modernism and postmodernism are defined through the study of specific artworks. Students are expected to take the AP Exam at the end of the year.

 

Animation 1 

Semester, 2.5 credits, Prerequisite: Art 1, Drawing or Design

Grades 10-12

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 assessments, and a final film with soundtrack.

 

Animation 2 

Semester, 2.5 credits, Prerequisite: Animation 1

Grades 10-12

This course consists of advanced animation production methods, such as digital animation, clay animation or other experimental methods. Animations may be either individual or group projects. Students who are enrolled in Animation 2 work independently under a contract system.

 

Drawing

Semester, 2.5 credits

Grades 9-12

Drawing is an extremely important skill and forms a foundation for all visual arts courses. This course is appropriate for students looking to improve their drawing abilities. It is taught at the introductory level and includes instruction on line drawing, shading, perspective and organization of the page. Students build confidence in technique, experience a variety of drawing media, and explore the expressive aspects of drawing. Black & white and color materials are used to explore a variety of subjects, including still life and the human figure. Whether working with pencil, pen and ink, or oil pastels, students learn the skills needed to make better drawings. Mediums: pencil drawing, pen & in, colored pencil, charcoal; focus on value, line, shape, form and texture.

 

Design

Semester, 2.5 credits

Grades 9-12

This course looks at what goes into making a good design. It teaches creative problem-solving and builds art skills using a variety of media: painting, drawing, collage and printmaking. Through projects and discussion, students gain an understanding of the impact of color and learn to use the principles of design to make informed artistic choices. Artworks assigned in this course allow students to gain an understanding of color, line, shape, texture, and value. Imagination and originality are skills that are encouraged and developed in this class. Design is a good course for those students who enjoy art but do not want to focus on realistic drawing. Artwork assigned in this course allows students to gain an understanding of color, line, shape, texture and value.

 

Ceramics I (formerly known as Crafts 1)

Semester, 2.5 credits

Grades 9-12

Ceramics I is a study of exploring clay as a medium that can be used to create works of Fine Art. Students will be working with clay in a hands-on manner and should prepare to get dirty.  Instruction will cover basic skills such as building with coils, slab building, and throwing on the Potter's wheel. Short lectures, PowerPoint Presentations, and hands-on demonstrations are also part of the curriculum. Students should be prepared to work in a self-directed open studio style format and be ready and willing to create three-dimensional works of art that include their own original art based ideas.

 

Ceramics 2 (formerly known as Crafts 2)

Semester, 2.5 credits, Prerequisite: Ceramics 1 (Crafts 1)

Grades 10-12

Ceramics II is a half-year course that focuses on getting dirty while using open studio time to further explore the skills required to successfully create work on the Potter's wheel. While handbuilding will always be available as an alternative option, an emphasis will be placed on students to work in a self-directed manner and to include their own art based ideas into their artwork. A core part of this curriculum will be to create multiples of a particular object. Problem solving and critical thinking skills will be a vital element for students to use as they work their way through upper level processes like pulling and attaching handles, throwing on the wheel, and trimming their wheel thrown pots. Projects such as creating a four piece dinner set will be the core of this class, and students should be prepared for the challenge of constantly creating.

 

Fibers  

Semester, 2.5 credits

Grades 9-12

This course is an exploration of textile art with an emphasis on surface and structure.  Topics may include weaving, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery.  Students will learn how to use fiber to create personal statements, become meaningfully involved in the studio culture, further integrate critical thinking and an intuitive understanding of fiber into the creative process, and extend their conceptual understandings, skills and interests in the form of two independent projects. This course also introduces students to weaving, stitching, and knitting. The studio is equipped with two floor looms and a variety of table looms. Students may take Fibers and Fiber Arts in any order.

 

Fiber Arts 

Semester, 2.5 credits

Grades 9-12

Fiber Arts is the study of exploring how to twist, weave, bind, or knot fibers to create a functional work of fine art.  Students will be weaving on a Navajo or school style loom and will be working with yarn in a hands-on manner.  Students should be prepared to utilize exceptional fine motor skills, patience, and their own independent art based ideas to create a successful wall hanging piece.  While students will have the opportunity to use a drop spindle or spinning wheel to create their own yarn, the majority of the course will focus on learning and elaborating on a basic tabby weave stitch.  Weaving shapes, adding fringe and finishing stitches such as a hemstitch are all additional skills that will be covered over the duration of this course.

 

Traditional Photography

Semester, 2.5 credits

Grades 10-12

This course is the “how to” of photography and teaches the skills necessary to produce traditional black and white photographs. Also included is 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 discussions, films, analysis of photographs and critiques will provide an intellectual and aesthetic foundation for the student’s own work.

 

Digital Photography

Semester, 2.5 credits, Prerequisite: Traditional Photography 

Grades 10-12

This course is the “why” of photography and will transition students into the learning of current digital technologies, with opportunities to utilize concepts and skills acquired in Traditional Photography in order to explore the psychology that applies to understanding and creating the art of photography. Students will learn digital camera operation and Adobe Photoshop.  In-class discussions, films and investigation into contemporary photography will be used as a basis for the student’s ability to further synthesize and understand how to utilize photography as a creative medium of communication and self-expression in the modern world.

 

Music Technology 1

Semester, 2.5 credits

Grades 9-12

This course is open to any student with the desire to learn about the ever changing world of Music Technology. Students will explore the latest computer software and hardware along with analog and digital recording. Students will leave this course with a basic understanding of sound systems, recording techniques and computer music. Students with any background in music, whether formal or informal, will benefit from this class.

 

Music Technology 2

Semester, 2.5 credits; Prerequisite: Music Technology 1

Grades 9-12

Music Technology 2 is a semester class that builds on the skills introduced in Music Technology 1. Students in grades 10-12 may take this course after completion of Music Technology as a prerequisite. Concepts and topics covered include expanding knowledge of DAWs including Logic Pro and Pro Tools, recording and microphone placement, live performance techniques, additive and subtractive synthesis and sound design, piano and music theory skills, songwriting, mixing, and mastering. All of these concepts will be presented and studied through classroom lecture and discussion followed by practical application using various digital and electronic methods. Students will be responsible for planning and producing various individual and collaborative projects to demonstrate their knowledge and mastery of the content.

 

Dance 1

Year, Credits 5.0

Grades 9-12

Dance I will be a survey of different forms of dance (Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-hop,etc.) as well as Somatic principles, choreography and historical perspectives. Students are expected to be prepared to physically dance each class. Students may go on field trips to take master classes and view live performances.  Students may choose to take this for any one of 3 purposes: as a stand-alone course to meet the arts graduation requirement, to assist in preparation for the audition for the Special Dance Company or as a prerequisite for continuing on to Dance 2 the following year.

 

Dance 2

Year, Credits 5.0, Prerequisite: Dance 1

Grades 10-12

Dance 2 will continue to explore different forms of dance (Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-hop,etc.) as well as Somatic principles, choreography and historical perspectives. Students are expected to be prepared to physically dance each class. Students may go on field trips to take master classes and view live performances.  Students may choose to take this for any one of 3 purposes: as a stand-alone course to meet the arts graduation requirement (Prerequisite Dance 1) to build upon knowledge learned in Dance 1, to assist in preparation for the audition for the Special Dance Company.

 

 

Dance Appreciation 

Semester, Credits 2.5

Grades 9-12

Students will develop an appreciation of dance as a form of communication and personal expression. During this course we will develop vocabulary for discussing, critiquing, and making real world connections. Students may go on fieldtrips to view live performances. Students will be engaged through an audience perspective through movement studies and viewing live and recorded performances.

 

Special Dance Company - HN

Year, Credits 5.0, Prerequisite: Audition required

Grades 10-12

Students must audition for this course; the course meets for a double period (back-to-back). The Special Dance Company of Columbia High School is composed of sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are chosen through a selective audition process. Company members study various styles of dance with an emphasis on modern dance technique, improvisation, choreography, dance history and somatics. The Special Dance Company takes field trips, master classes, performs at several venues throughout the year and our annual performance is held in May.

 

Filmmaking 1

Year, 5.0 credits

Grades 10-12

This course consists of two equally indispensable components, hands-on filmmaking, and cinema studies.  Students will create several short films exploring the narrative, experimental, and documentary formats.  Storyboards, characters, and scripts will be developed in class.  Projects are recorded with digital cameras and edited using iMovie software.  In addition to the course’s production component, short and feature-length films of academic significance will be viewed.  Through critical analysis, the students will develop their own aesthetic judgment, as well as form a point of reference for critique of student-made films.  Class discussions will focus on basic elements of film production, as well as the conceptual foundations of cinematic expression.

 

Filmmaking 2

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisite: Filmmaking 1

Grades 11-12

This course focuses on the extension and refinement of skills and techniques learned in Filmmaking 1. Production may consist of individual or group projects. Students who are enrolled in Filmmaking 2 work

independently under a contract system. Projects will be greater in length and complexity, on both a technical and thematic level. Students will continue their critical analysis of noteworthy cinematic classics.

 

Computer Graphics

Year, 5.0 credits

Grades 9-12

In this course students will learn graphic art/design principles and computer skills that are necessary in the 21^st Century. Students will be exposed to the Macintosh computer and software applications such as Adobe InDesign (page layout) and Photoshop (digital imaging), which are industry standard in the graphic arts field.  Topics covered are digital art/illustration, digital photographic imaging and print design. This course provides entry-level job skills for the graphic design industry. Computer Graphics is highly recommended for the college-bound student. To learn more visit: graphicsCHS.com.

 

Computer Graphics 2 - HN  

Semester, 2.5 credits, Prerequisite: Computer Graphics 1

Grades 10-12

Computer Graphics 2 (Honors) covers advanced techniques in both print design and web applications while focusing on critical thinking and personal style.  Students will learn higher-level graphic art and computer skills that will culminate in an on-line presence (portfolio).  There will be exposure and discussion pertaining to artists/influencers in the graphic art/media industries.  This course is highly recommended for students with entrepreneurial interests or the college-bound art student. To learn more visit: graphicsCHS.com.

 

Chorus

Year, 5.0 credits

Grades 9-12

All incoming freshmen interested in singing as a member of the CHS Choral Program must enroll in Chorus. Students will learn basic to intermediate singing techniques, choral rehearsal skills and musical skills including ear training, pitch reading, solfege, 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.

 

Symphonic Choir - HN

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisite: One year in Chorus and successful placement assessment

Grades 10-12

Symphonic Choir is a select, intermediate chamber ensemble available to soprano, alto, tenor and bass students after one year of participation in Chorus. Students are placed in this ensemble based on continued performance assessments as well as a formal audition. Students will learn intermediate to advanced singing techniques, choral rehearsal skills and musical skills including ear training, pitch reading, solfége, 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. This ensemble 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.

 

Excelsior Singers - HN (formerly known as Chamber Choir Mix HN)

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisite: One year in Chorus and successful placement assessment

Grades 10-12

The Chamber Choir (Excelsior Singers) is a select ensemble available to students after one year of participation in Chorus. Students are placed in this ensemble based on continued performance assessments, as well as a formal audition. Students will learn intermediate to advanced singing techniques, choral rehearsal skills and musical skills including ear training, pitch reading, solfege, rhythm reading, and expressive concepts. 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. This ensemble 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.

 

Canens Vocem - HN 

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisite: One year in Chorus and successful placement assessment

Grades 10-12

The Treble Chamber Choir (Canens Vocem) is a select ensemble available to soprano and alto students after one year of participation in Chorus. Students are placed in this ensemble based on continued performance assessments as well as a formal audition. Students will learn intermediate to advanced singing techniques, choral rehearsal skills and musical skills. Exceptionally high artistic performance expectations and standards for participation are required in this course. Students will sing advanced high school, Region & All-State level and collegiate treble pieces in foreign languages. Students will be assessed for daily participation, growth in individual vocal and musical skills, leadership contributions in a group setting, as well as written or sung performance assessments. This ensemble 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 

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisite: Experience playing a wind/percussion instrument recommended

Grade 9

Concert Band is designed to give students the skills necessary for performing high-level wind repertoire. All incoming freshman band students should enroll in Concert 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, and other small ensembles. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performance is required.

 

Symphonic Band

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisite: Experience playing a wind or percussion instrument required

Grades 10-12

Symphonic Band is for band students in grades 10-12. 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 - HN 

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisite: Successful placement assessment

Grades 10-12

This high-level performing ensemble is available to the top wind and percussion instrumentalists. 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 information is 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.

 

String Orchestra

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisite: Experience playing a string instrument recommended

Grades 9-12

String Orchestra is a continuation of the middle school Orchestra experience. 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.

 

Masterworks Chamber Orchestra - HN

Year, 5.0 credits

Grades 9-12

This high-level performing ensemble is available to the top string students through successful on-going performance assessments. The ensemble plays masterworks for the 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.

 

Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra - HN

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisite: Prior enrollment in Masterworks Chamber Orchestra HN and Successful placement assessment

Grades 10-12

The Virtuosi Chamber Ensemble is our premier strings group at Columbia High School. The Virtuosi Ensemble has been created to give students a real understanding of what it would be like to be a professional working musician.  Students who would like to be members of this group need to demonstrate that they have mastered all major scales 3 octaves, can play a major solo repertoire piece for their instrument, and have been enrolled in the Masterworks Chamber Orchestra. Repertoire in this class is small chamber ensemble based, and the group gives over 10 performances a year. All performances and rehearsals are mandatory. Students are eligible to play in the Pit Orchestra for the All-School Musical.

 

Introduction to Music Theory

Semester, 2.5 credits

Grades 9-12 

This course is designed to enhance music skills and basic music fundamentals. The essential aspects of melody, harmony, rhythm, and form are studied. Throughout the course of the year students will study basic notation, scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, cadences, non-chord tones, form, part-writing and analysis of a score. Aural dictation and ear training are also an integral part of the course and will be taught throughout the year. Individual creativity is nurtured through both rhythmic and melodic composition. This course is highly recommended for students in a musical ensemble, and is a prerequisite for AP Music Theory. Although there is no prerequisite, it is suggested that a student have some musical knowledge and/or participate in an ensemble.

 

Music Theory - AP

Year, 5.0 credits, Prerequisite: Students should be able to read and write musical notation, and it is strongly recommended that the student has acquired at least basic performance skills in voice or on an instrument. 

Grades 10-12 

AP Music Theory is a college-level music course designed to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, communicate and compose within the basic materials and processes of The Common Practice Era. The achievement of these goals will be approached through instruction in music history (context), vocabulary development, ear training (sight singing and dictation,) notational skills, part-writing, formal analysis, composition and exposure to a wide variety of music literature. The student’s ability to read and write musical notation is fundamental to success in this course. It should also be assumed that the student has acquired at least basic performance skills through formal study of voice or other musical instruments. Enrollment in a performance ensemble is not a requirement, although it is recommended. Students are expected to take the AP Exam at the end of the year.