Fine Arts

The Music Department at Oakland Catholic strives to provide a broad range of musical experiences, aimed at training young musicians to be capable of speaking the language of music, both here at Oakland Catholic, and in future musical endeavors. In choral classes, vocal technique, musicianship and artistic interpretation are stressed, with strong emphasis on the melding of individual contributions into a polished finished performance. In instrumental classes, private individual lessons are encouraged, with a professional teacher of each student's particular instrument, so that technique, musicianship and interpretation may be equally developed.

The Visual Arts Department seeks to instill aesthetic awareness in each student that is involved in the program. The understanding, appreciation, and production of art are developed through practical application and active participation. The core of the program is dedicated to unlocking the imagination, encouraging creativity, and developing critical thinking in each student. As such, the Visual Arts Department hopes to develop the whole person, providing the student with opportunities to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Visual Arts Program develops in the following manner: each studio is one semester in length and carries the weight of 1/2 credit. The graduation requirement is to complete Studio I which is designed to begin building a foundation through the study of basic art theory and technique. Classes beyond Studio I are electives.

Art

Studio I - 0.5 Credits

Level: CP

This studio course is designed to build a foundation in the visual arts through the study of basic art theory and technique. There is a strong emphasis on developing drawing skills and exploring the elements and principles of art. It is a projects-based course that centers on exploring art as a visual language. Art history and visual culture are integrated throughout the semester. Upon successful completion of this required course, students will be prepared for Studio II, Ceramics, or Painting courses.

Honors Studio II-V - 0.5 Credits

Level: Honors

This mixed media course allows students to continue to develop drawing, painting and design skills through a variety of studio experiences. Students will be challenged to continue refining their skills in fine art media and creative problem solving, as well as expand knowledge of the elements and principles of art. (5 of 6 cycle days)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Studio I.

Honors Pottery - 0.5 Credits

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. (5 of 6 cycle days)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Studio I is required. (This course is only available to juniors and seniors.)

Honors Painting - 0.5 Credits

Level: Honors

This course is designed to build upon the skills, techniques, and ideas developed within the Studio I course. This course focuses on painting techniques and media. Color theory will be studied and applied. Students will develop technical skills in watercolor, oil painting, and acrylic painting. This is a studio-based (project oriented) course. (5 of 6 cycle days)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Studio I.

AP Studio Art 2-D

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.

Prerequisite: This course is by invitation of art teacher only.

AP Art History

Level: AP

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.

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

Music

Chamber Singers

Level: Honors

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. (6 of 6 cycle days)

Prerequisites: Audition (April/May for the following year) and written examination; One (1) semester of Freshman Choir or Concert Choir recommended.

Concert Chorale - 0.5 Credits

Level: CP

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. (5 of 6 cycle days)

Freshman Chorale - 0.5 Credits

Level: CP

Freshman Chorale is a training ensemble, in which fundamental musicianship and vocal technique are stressed. One, 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 tests covering; rhythm, notation, musical terminology, key signature and time signature recognition, and sight singing, concert attendance is also required. Performance attendance is required during the semester. Skills are developed for Chamber Singers audition/examination. Pianists are most welcomed in this class.

Marching / Concert Band

Level: CP or Honors

Capable ninth graders and all upper class Oakland Catholic instrumental music students are encouraged to take Marching/Concert Band at Central Catholic High School, where full band, honor-level literature is offered. Participation is based on Director recommendation (jwilson@centralcatholichs.com), after demonstrating musical competence and knowledge in an audition. The class emphasizes musicianship and performance. Students are encouraged to improve technique through private lessons with a teacher of their own instrument. The student will participate in all marching and concert band functions, including football game appearances, parades, concerts, assemblies, etc. Evaluation is based upon attendance, aptitude and performances. (6 of 6 cycle days, Period 9 only)

Prerequisite: Director recommendation, based upon audition.

Music Culture and Appreciation - 0.5 Credits

Music Theory I - 0.5 Credits

Theater Arts - 0.5 Credits

Level: CP

The spectrum of theater arts is presented in the following sections: Voice and Stage Presence; Evaluation; Scene work; Acting; Characterization; Publicity; Production (Lighting, Scenery, Costume, Props); Theater history; Games and Improvisation; Planning for the future. Theory combined with hands-on practice is the style of every unit. Students will learn the basics of theater history, play production, performing and careers in theater.