VISUAL ARTS
BASIC FOUNDATIONS IN ART
Basic Foundations in Art is open to all students. The course includes experiences in the use of both two and three-dimensional materials and concentrates on elements of Art and principals of design as they relate to painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and other media. Students are expected to do outside projects as assigned by the instructor. Basic Foundations in Art is a required course for all Visual Arts
electives.
STUDIO DRAWING
Students will be taught to draw accurately, expressively and creatively. Materials such as pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, markers, pastel, and conte crayon will be explored. Students will demonstrate proficiency in a variety of drawing approaches including contour, gesture, and sketch rendering. Prerequisite: Passing Grade of a C or better in Basic Foundations in Art is required.
STUDIO PAINTING
Students will be exposed to painting as a means of expression and a refinement of the visual sense. Each student will demonstrate technical proficiency in a variety of media, including acrylic, watercolor and mixed media. Students will learn all technical aspects of painting including how to mix and prepare paint, choose brushes and stretch canvases. Prerequisite: Passing Grade of a C or better in Basic Foundations in Art is required.
JEWELRY MAKING/METALSMITHING
Jewelry Making concentrates on the manipulation of various materials such as metal, paper and clay to create pieces of jewelry. Basic metal fabrication techniques will be employed, including cold connections and soldering. Solder-less wire jewelry and a variety of non-metal construction procedures will be explored. Prerequisite: Passing Grade of a C or better in Basic Foundations in Art is required.
ADVANCED JEWELRY/METALSMITHING
Advanced Jewelry concentrates on more difficult processes involved in jewelry making. Bezel stone setting, fusing, die forming and many more techniques are explored in the construction of these pieces. Advanced Jewelry may be elected three times for credit. Prerequisite: Passing Grade of a C or better in Basic Foundations in Art is required. Passing grade of C in Jewelry I. School to Career requirement option.
CERAMICS I
Students will be introduced to the use of clay as an art medium. Basic construction techniques such as hand building, wheel throwing, and slab construction will be practiced. Students will also learn finishing techniques for decorating and glazing their work. The course will conclude with a sculptural project using alternative materials such as plaster, wire, wood and paper. Prerequisite: Passing Grade of a C or better in Basic Foundations in Art is required.
CERAMICS II
Ceramics II is open to all students who have successfully completed Ceramics I. Students will be given a variety of assignments meant to sharpen their skills and explore further this three-dimensional art form. Students will build upon the basic skills of forming, refining, sculpting and finishing their pottery. Advanced wheel throwing, and glazing techniques will be introduced. A journal/sketchbook, which is used for preliminary sketches, planning and reflection will be required of all Ceramics II students. Prerequisite: Passing Grade of a C or better in Basic Foundations in Art is required.
INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL MEDIA
This exciting course will begin building a foundation in the visual communication and storytelling skills needed for a career in the growing fields of photography, photo editing and retouching, and graphic, web, video, and motion design. Students will practice using the elements of art and principles of design through photography, digital image editing and compositing, music video and commercial production, animation, and graphic design. Students will be able to use these abilities to complete projects for their other core academic courses and for personal projects. We will also review academic word processing and presentation skills.
PHOTOGRAPHY I
Students in Photography I will explore the history of photography, the effect of light on various photosensitive materials, pinhole photography and photographic composition. Students will learn basic camera operation using manual SLR cameras. Basic black and white darkroom procedures and techniques will be explored. Prerequisite: Passing Grade of a C or better in Basic Foundations in Art is required.
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PHOTOGRAPHY II
Photography II students are schooled in advanced camera operation such as depth of field, panning and studio lighting. Coursework also includes darkroom skills such as dodging and burning, negative sandwiching and 8 X 10 enlargements. Hand coloring and photo manipulation is used in furthering a students’ capacity to use photography as a creative means of expression. Prerequisite: Passing grade of a C in Photo
I. Passing Grade of a C or better in Basic Foundations in Art is required.
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY
Advanced Photography focuses on the special techniques in black and white, color, and digital imaging used today in photography. Students will intensify their studies and develop techniques in areas such as day and night, portrait, landscape, action and electronic photography. Advanced Photography may be elected four times for credit. Prerequisite: Passing grade of a C in Photo I, II.
AP ART HISTORY
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Art History is open to Juniors or Seniors. This course offers a chronological survey of Global Art from the dawn of civilization to the present time. This course teaches students to understand works of art within their historical context by examining issues such as politics, religion, patronage, gender, function, and ethnicity. In addition, this course teaches students visual analysis of works of art, through writing and visual presentations.
AP STUDIO ART
This course is designed for students who have a serious interest in art and wish to attend art school or study art in college or university. Student workload is reflective of this college level/advanced placement course. Juniors receive honors credit while seniors will be required to submit a portfolio (exam) to the College Board and AP credit is awarded based upon their portfolio/exam score. A sketchbook will be used for outside assignments as well as self-directed investigation. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Basic Foundations in Art, two studio classes, Portfolio with 5 images and recommendation of teacher. `
PRINTMAKING
In this introductory course, students will explore the art of printmaking and the production of a series of identical images. Various techniques such as wood block, relief, mono-print, and silk screen will be explored. Specific design problems will enable the student to develop a vehicle for self-expression while learning new methods. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Basic Foundations in Art.
DIGITAL DESIGN WORKSHOP I
This course explores the digital arts. Students will learn to create images that will be altered and manipulated in the digital darkroom, primarily Adobe Photoshop Elements. Use of the digital camera, settings, composition, and editing will be learned. The focus of the course is exploring and working towards proficiency with Photoshop as a tool to edit photographs and create images. From pixel resolution, saving and storing images to using layers and filters, the software will be explored in depth. Focus is on creativity and personal expression through digital imaging.
DIGITAL DESIGN WORKSHOP II
Students will continue to develop their graphic skills in the digital space as they incorporate branding, ad campaigns, and marketing goals into their practical, hands-on projects. Students will dive deeper into Adobe’s Photoshop and Illustrator, covering more advanced topics than in the prerequisite course. Prerequisite: Digital Design Workshop I
SCULPTURE & 3-D DESIGN
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Explore 3-D design through the Elements of Art: Shape, Form and Space and the Principles of Design: Balance, Rhythm, Movement, and Proportion. Use additive and subtractive processes to work with a variety of sculptural media: plaster, clay, wire, wood, stone, paper mache, and found objects. Learn construction methods, armature, and techniques for creating a 3 Dimensional work of art. Observe the work of sculptors throughout history, and discover sculpture as a unique form of public and personal art. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Basic Foundations in Art.
A CLASSICAL PERSPECTIVE – STUDIO
This companion class to a Classical Perspective - Literature will continue to answer the underlying questions of the human experience: What do we know? How do we know what we know? How do we express this knowledge? This studio class will allow a hands on, project-based approach for students to continue to explore and express their findings. Students will create original works in the disciplines of fine and performing arts. This course along with Classical Capstone Seminar fulfills the school’s public speaking requirement.
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FASHION I
In this course students will use the sewing machine to create garments influenced by today’s fashion styles and trends. Emphasis will be on general construction techniques in the assembling of clothing products. Students will learn basic sewing skills including the correct use of the sewing machine, commercial sewing patterns, fabric selection, proper construction procedures and the use of specialty tools and equipment. Students will be required to purchase materials on their own based on their projects. School to Career requirement option.
FASHION II
The content of this course builds on the skills acquired in Fashion I. Greater depth in the study of design principles and sewing techniques is provided. In this course, students interested in a career within the fashion industry can explore the complete field of clothing and textiles. The emphasis will be on more advanced clothing construction techniques. The most up-to-date sewing techniques will be stressed to achieve a professional looking garment. Students may take this class more than once upon approval. Prerequisite: Fashion I; any grade of D or below will require approval by the instructor. Students will be required to purchase materials on their own based on their projects. School to Career requirement option.
MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS
MUSIC EXPLORATION
This is an introductory survey course for those students who aren’t quite sure of where their musical interests lie and who would like to explore a variety of options. The course features short exploratory units on: keyboard, guitar, music software, (GarageBand) singing, and rhythmic composition using a variety of percussion instruments. By taking this course, students will be exposed to a wide variety of options for expressing themselves musically, and will develop a basic understanding of musical notation and theory.
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MIXED CHORUS
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Mixed Chorus is a Soprano, Alto, Baritone (SAB) ensemble, which gives the student an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of participating in a vocal ensemble. This course emphasizes basic vocal technique, ear training and music reading skills. Required after school rehearsals are held periodically and all chorus students are expected to participate in all public and community outreach performances. Mixed Chorus is a full-year class and may be elected four times for credit if a grade of C or better is earned each time.
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BEGINNING BAND
This course will be for students who do NOT already play a concert band instrument and would like to start at the high school level. It is also available to students who play an instrument but would like to explore a different band instrument. Students will learn from a method/lesson book in a mixed ensemble setting to build skills and have performance opportunities throughout the school year. Students who advance quickly in their studies may be invited to perform with the Jazz Band or Marching Band.
BAND SEMESTER
The band program is open to all students who have previously studied a musical instrument. The program consists of two performing units: Marching and Concert Band. It is expected that students electing band will participate in both performing groups. The band program requires after-school rehearsal time and full participation at football games, parades, and other civic and school events. All band students are encouraged to study privately when possible. Emphasis will be placed on individual skill development to foster musical independence and leadership. The band performs classical, jazz, rock, pop and holiday music, as well as scores from Broadway shows. Band may be elected four times for credit.
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JAZZ BAND HONORS
Jazz Band is open to all band students through audition. Only the most proficient musicians are allowed in the Jazz Band and it is an honor to be invited to participate. The Jazz Band repertoire will include music in various jazz styles including blues, swing, Latin and jazz/rock “fusion” styles emphasizing improvisation techniques and advanced technical skills. It is expected that students electing jazz band will participate in marching band which requires some after-school rehearsal time and full participation at football games, parades, and other civic and school events. School to Career requirement option.
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WORLD DRUMMING
World drumming is the exploration of percussion instruments and traditions from a variety of cultures from around the world. This is a course where students use hands-on participation to communicate through percussion instruments, perform in “drum circles,” create their own non-traditional instruments and provide accompaniment for other performance arts. A majority of activities will focus on the African Djembe drum and its various applications, but the course will also cover hand percussion, barred instruments such as the xylophone and marimba, concert percussion, and drum set. No drumming experience is necessary to take the course, only a willingness to experience new things.
GUITAR WORKSHOP
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In Guitar Workshop, players from beginning to advanced will develop guitar skills in a variety of styles and techniques. Students will use those skills in various ensemble and solo performance situations. Topics covered include tuning, proper technique, identifying notes on the fingerboard, guitar notation methods including standard staff notation, chord diagrams and tablature, chord and scale vocabulary, soloing, accompanying and much more! Students are encouraged to bring their own electric or acoustic guitar but some instruments are available. Guitar Workshop may be elected four times for credit.
HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL
This course focuses on the social development of Rock & Roll in America. Students will study the chronological history of rock while listening to and viewing Rock & Roll recordings and films. Class assignments are organized around lectures, small group discussions, and in-class activities. The course begins with an overview of ancestors and influences: rhythm and blues, jazz, country & western, moving into the social trends of the 1960s, including the influence of The Beatles and the British Invasion, the Acid Rock explosion and social upheaval of the late 1960s, and the changes in Rock & Roll music during the seventies, eighties, and nineties.
KEYBOARD WORKSHOP
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In Keyboard Workshop, students will develop keyboard skills in a variety of styles and techniques. Students will use `those skills in various ensemble, solo and accompaniment performance situations. Topics include Proper technique, notes on the keyboard, grand staff notation including treble and bass clefs, basic music notation & symbols, chord and scale vocabulary, improvisation and much more! Keyboard Lab may be elected eight times for credit.
INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC SOFTWARE
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In this course, students will learn the basics of various music software programs including GarageBand and Audacity. They will utilize these programs to create numerous musical arrangements of both pre-recorded audio loops and MIDI recordings. Students will be expected to complete projects that range from a musical collage of pre-recorded music to their own version of a popular folk song. Students will also complete a final project, which will test the skills they acquired during the course. Prior musical knowledge is helpful, but not required. School to Career requirement option.
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THEATER
FOUNDATIONS OF THEATER
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In this survey course, students will learn about the history of theatre, from Ancient Greece to contemporary theatre and overview the process of bringing a script to the stage. Students will read and analyze a variety of theatrical works, and will take on roles as theatrical artists in the production process and perform. No prior experience required. Foundations of Theater is a required course for all theater elections.
ACTING I
Students will learn the foundational skills required to act and perform in front of an audience. This course will include improvisational acting skills, script analysis, vocal techniques, and collaboration as an ensemble. Students will perform a finished piece. No prior experience is required. Opportunities for studying guest artists and speakers will be presented (live or video). Prerequisite: Foundations of Theater is a required course with a grade of C or better. Fulfills the Public Speaking requirement.
ACTING II
Students who have taken Acting I are eligible for this course. They will study a variety of acting techniques (Stanislavsky, Meisner, Adler, Hagen, etc.), and will perform for their peers and outside audiences. Students will learn how to analyze a script from an actor’s perspective for beats, objectives, and playable tactics. Students will perform a finished piece. Opportunities for studying guest artists and speakers will be presented (live or video), as well as visits with professional theatre artists in the Greater Boston Area. Prerequisites: Foundations of Theater is a required course with a grade of C or better and Acting I
MOVEMENT FOR THEATER
Movement for Theater is a course designed to familiarize students with various theatrical dance styles. A history of Broadway theater movement will be studied and students will experience the execution and design of choreography. No prior experience is required. Skills will be taught from warm-ups to mini-combinations. Opportunities for studying guest artists will be presented, (live or video clip) Students will perform a finished piece. Prerequisites: Foundations of Theater is a required course with a grade of C or better and Acting I
VOICE IN ACTING
This class is an exploration of the student’s voice. The main focus of the class is the learning of voice work as a preparation for performance (musical, theatrical, or class presentation) – a series of exercises designed to liberate the speaking voice from habitual psychophysical tension and develop vocal range, stamina, clarity, power and sensitivity to impulse. Work will include discovery of sound in the body, awareness and opening of the channel (jaw, tongue, and soft palate), exploration of resonance, vocal freedom and range, isolating and strengthening resonating chambers and articulation exercises. Group and individual exercises designed to stimulate and develop the imagination, physical and sensory awareness, creativity and capacity for ensemble work will be practiced as a basis for vocal presence. Text work will include a monologue from a published play, poetry or a published musical theatre solo. Students will perform a finished piece. Prerequisites:
Foundations of Theater is a required course with a grade of C or better and Acting I
THEATRICAL DESIGN
Theatrical Design will explore the process of creating a show from inception to actualization: including set design &construction, lighting design, and sound. Students will learn how to read and analyze a play for specific design elements. Students will collaborate with other classes to implement design. Students will collaborate with actors from other classes and/or after school productions. No prior theatre knowledge is needed to register for this course. Students will be introduced to professional resources in the theatrical field. Prerequisites: Foundations ofTheater is a required course with a grade of C or better. (Available to Grade 9 students in their second semester)
DIRECTING/PLAYWRITING I
This course is for students who are interested in how to write a play as well as exploring the basics of directing a play. Students will develop their craft through a series of hands-on exercises and will be able to workshop their ideas and writing samples in class. Students will be expected to take the lead on developing and directing their written piece(s) Students will create and screen a finished piece at end of year Arts festival. Prerequisites: Foundations of Theater is a required course with a grade of C or better.
IMPROVISATION
This course will delve deeply into the art of improvisation as well as other acting techniques. Students will begin with simple improvisation exercises that develop imaginary object use, free association and spontaneity skills, free form improvisation, movement improvisation, and structured improvisation. In addition, students will also work within structured scenes and explore different acting methodologies. The ensemble approach is strongly emphasized and the structure will force students to invest in each other's success. Thematic work around performance genres, stereotyping character, metaphor and abstraction will be ongoing. Students will create, perform and screen a finished piece at end of year arts festival.
FILM
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INTRODUCTION TO FILMAKING
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With this course, students will learn the basic language of film and video in order to effectively communicate ideas and emotions visually. These skills will be applicable not only to traditional filmmaking but also music videos, broadcasting, vlogging, and web content. Students will analyze a wide range of existing media in addition to creating their own videos. Major units include framing, focus, basic lighting, and editing. Introduction to Filmmaking is a prerequisite course for any upper level Film classes.
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ADVANCED FILMAKING
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Students who passed Introduction to Filmmaking will be able to use this course to deepen their technical knowledge of the filmmaking craft while engaging in more complex storytelling. They will learn how to use a variety of digital equipment by gaining a fundamental understanding of how those tools work. They will begin to explore specific roles within the filmmaking process by working in crews. Areas of focus include advanced lighting, sound, and editing.
Students must pass Introduction to Filmmaking with a C or better to enroll.
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STAGE TECH
Students will apply their visual storytelling skills to live plays as they become part of the technical crew for HHS theatre productions. They will broaden their understanding of lighting and sound as dramatic tools both on the stage and the screen. Students will study professional theatre equipment and examples of professional theatre performances in addition to doing their own hands-on work.Students must pass Introduction to Filmmaking with a C or better to enroll.
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HISTORY OF FILM
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Students will watch and analyze a wide variety of films from throughout the 20th Century, ranging from early silent film to the modern blockbuster. By examining these films in their social and historical contexts, students will be able to deepen their understanding of film as both a technical craft and an artistic medium. From Godzilla to Sunset Boulevard to the comedy of Buster Keaton, films will feature voices from across the spectrums of race, nationality, and gender.
Students must pass Introduction to Filmmaking with a C or better to enroll.
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AP FILMMAKING
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Once students have completed all other classes in the Film Pathway, they will be able to complete their course of studies in this intensive and self-guided class. They will focus their practice on the crew roles and aspects of filmmaking that interest them most. Students will strive to tell stories that are increasingly personal and thoroughly realized. By the end of the course, students will have a strong portfolio of work that can be shared with potential employers, colleges, and film festivals.
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