Visual and Performing Arts

Level: Honors

This course focuses on various methods of working with clay, both hand- building and wheel-throwing techniques. Students will learn the fundamentals of using the potter’s wheel, learning to throw bowls and cylinders. Sculptural and surface design skills are emphasized as well as glazing and firing procedures. The cultural and historical importance of clay/ceramics in art will be explored.

Note: This course is only available to juniors and seniors. Priority is given to seniors.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Studio I is required.

Level: Honors
 

Level: AP

The AP Studio Art course is for students interested in a rigorous and focused study in art. Students will develop a quality portfolio that demonstrates a mastery of concept, composition and execution in 2D design. This course is based on a student creating a body of work (24 pieces) that demonstrates quality, concentration and breadth. This portfolio will be submitted to the College Board for college credit.

Note: This course is by recommendation of art teacher only.

This course taught at Central Catholic will engage students at the same level as an introductory college art history survey. Students will be introduced to major artistic developments in the visual arts from Pre-history through the Middle Ages. Paintings, sculptures, architecture and other media will be discussed in a variety of ways including their formal and stylistic characteristics, the cultural and social conditions in which they were produced, and the meanings that have been and can be interpreted from them. Working both chronologically and thematically, we will give special emphasis to: the articulation of world religions (both past and present), the changing function of the visual arts in diverse cultures, the shifting role of the artist in visual production and the tools and techniques involved in arts production. Strategies for analyzing and interpreting art, as a distinct component of visual culture will be discussed in this course. The course will consist of slide-based lectures, class discussions, and student presentations. These will be supplemented with readings in your textbook. Because this is an Advanced Placement Course, there will be emphasis on preparation for the AP exam. The course does not assume prior training or seek primarily to identify students who will major in art history in college. Students who have done well in other courses in the humanities, such as history and literature, are especially encouraged to enroll.

Note: This course is only available to seniors as part of the OC/CC Collaboration.

An advanced-level of Treble choir repertoire will be prepared with emphasis on development of vocal ability, performance practice, advanced vocabulary, and sight-singing skills. Students will develop listening skills, improvisation, performance evaluation, and the relationships between music and other arts and disciplines. Students are encouraged to continue to develop technique through private lessons with a vocal instructor. Evaluations include participation, written quizzes, and concert attendance as well as projects and presentations that may include a mini-recital during the second semester, consisting of one classical, one folk or one Broadway/pops selection.

Note: Students who are accepted into Chamber Singers are asked to purchase a dress which is their required uniform for singing events.  Those who show documentation of financial need will be given assistance in this purchase.

Prerequisites: Audition (Jan./Feb. for the following year) and written examination; and one (1) semester of Freshman Chorale or Concert Chorale is strongly recommended.

Concert Chorale is a performance ensemble, open to all upper-class students. Continued development in vocal technique and musicianship are emphasized. Two and three-part treble choir literature is learned with emphasis on sight-singing and understanding of notation, performance practice, and listening skills. Evaluations include participation, written quizzes and concert attendance.

Music Culture and Appreciation is a lecture/survey course in music; it fulfills the ½ credit minimum graduation requirement for music. Broad spectrums of musical genres are introduced; Critical listening skills are honed; Presentation skills are incorporated into the course.   The origins of music are explored and a deeper connection to our world and a greater appreciation for the music we hear. Evaluations are based upon participation, class work, projects, quizzes, tests and a cumulative final exam or project.

Entry exam will determine the student’s level of previous knowledge, based upon experience in private instruction or in Freshman choir. Each successive semester of Music Theory will be based upon the student’s level of achievement in the prior semester. This is a course for the musician who wants to acquire music reading/writing proficiency to prepare for collegiate level music studies.  Piano proficiency is required.  

Students who have already completed Music Theory I/II may choose to take Music Theory III/IV for one semester. This is a continuation of music theory and covers more in-depth music materials in preparation for AP Music Theory. Piano proficiency is required.  

AP Music Theory is a comprehensive and rigorous college-level music theory class for advanced musicians that encompasses both written and aural theory. Concepts covered include: rhythm, intervals, major and minor scales, key signatures, chord construction and function, sight singing, and dictation. Students in this course refine their listening skills and deepen their music reading and writing proficiency. Evaluations include daily practice assignments and unit quizzes.

Prerequisites: A placement exam taken in spring for the following year to demonstrate an existing mastery of music theory fundamentals and teacher recommendation.

Open to ALL grades with the prerequisite that you need to OWN or rent and have basic proficiency on your instrument.  This course is open to all instruments.  The nature of this course will adapt to the instrumentation presented.  For example, if 6 flute players, a violinist and a pianist sign up for the class, we may have a flute quartet, flute duo and a violin/piano combo.  The class will focus on different music genres and eras and detail the stylistic variances that each genre presents.  Repertoire covered will span from Medieval through Contemporary composers. Performance practice, demonstration of musical skills and rehearsal preparation are all essential components of this course.  The course goal is to create and make music collaboratively.