Fine Arts

GRADES COURSES OFFERED CREDITS
9,10,11,12 Mixed Chorus

1

10,11,12 Concert Choir

1

9,10,11,12 Instrumental Music

1

9,10,11,12 Art Orientation I & II

1/2 each

10,11,12 Art Foundation

1

11,12 Art Studio Basics

1

10,11,12 History and Analysis of Theatre* (Semester 1)

1/2

10,11,12 Introduction to Play Production*  (Semester 2)

1/2

NOTE 1:  Tryouts for placement may be necessary for music courses.

NOTE 2:  More than 10 unexcused absences (to include truancy and out-of-school
             suspension) in one semester in any art course results in no credit for the course.

*  Subject to Staff Availability

MIXED CHORUS                                                  

1 credit (1 year)
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite:  None
Emphasis in this choir is placed upon the development of general musicianship including fundamental vocal techniques, sight-reading and part singing.  The group rehearses daily and performs at all major choral concerts.

CONCERT CHOIR                                                  

1 credit (1 year)
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite:  See Note 1 under Fine Arts.
This choral music program is a full year course.  This group is performance oriented, making many public appearances throughout the year, participating in contest, etc.  Must have proper classical vocal techniques, a strong sense of responsibility, and an appreciation of good music.  The class rehearses daily.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC                                        

1 credit (1 year)
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of the 8th grade band program or its equivalent
The instrumental music program is a full year course that consists of marching band, symphonic band, concert band, and pep band.  This is an award winning musical program that has a strong emphasis on the students’ musical development through the performance of major musical literature from all styles and historical periods.

ART ORIENTATION I                                        

1/2 credit (1 semester)
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite:  None (may not be repeated for credit)
This is the entry level of visual art.  While Orientation is a yearlong class, Orientation I may be taken in the Fall for half a credit to fulfill the Fine Arts requirement for graduation.  This semester's focus is on the sensory elements, formal principles, expressive elements, craftsmanship, and the creative process.  (See
Note 2 under Fine Arts)

ART ORIENTATION II                                        

1/2 credit (1 semester)
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite:  Art Orientation I (may not be repeated for credit)
This is a multimedia course in art with short introductory experiences in as many materials and techniques as time will allow.  Areas explored are two dimensional art, including drawing, painting, architecture, calligraphy, and commercial art, and three dimensional art of ceramics and sculpture.  The evaluation has a strong emphasis on the work ethic.

ART FOUNDATION                                             

1 credit (1 year)
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite:  Art Orientation I & II (may not be repeated for credit)
This course is an in-depth study of two and three dimensional art.  The units of study include painting, drawing, commercial art, ceramics, and sculpture.  A much stronger evaluation of the artistic qualities in the work is to be expected.  Art history and appreciation are incorporated in the introduction of each unit.
(see Note 2 under Fine Arts)

ART STUDIO                                                       

1 credit (1 year )
Grades: 11,12
Prerequisite: C or better in Art Orientation I, Art Orientation II, and Art Foundation (may not be repeated for credit)
This course is a structured studio study of the major areas of art.  These areas are taught nine weeks each in the following sequence:  drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture. The evaluation will be based on the production of high quality art work, and the individual performance of skills and craftsmanship, with written tests at nine week intervals.
(see
Note 2 under Fine Arts)

HISTORY AND ANALYSIS OF THEATRE  (1st semester only) *

1/2 credit (1 semester)
Grades: 10, 11,12
Prerequisite:  None
This is a course for upper level students who are interested in theatre but are wanting a non-performance outlet for their interests.  This literature-based course includes the study of historical trends in theatre and how they affect society; the analysis of dramatic structure, theme, and symbolism in dramatic literature; the completion of technology-based theatre projects; and the application of play analysis knowledge through the writing of original plays.  The course includes intensive reading of plays that range from Greek to Modern drama.

INTRODUCTION TO PLAY PRODUCTION  (2nd semester only) *

1/2 credit (1 semester)
Grades: 10,11,12
Prerequisite:  None
This is an advanced course designed for students 10-12 who are seriously interested in exploring and strengthening their knowledge base in all aspects of theatre production.  The course includes the study of basic principles in set construction, lighting design, costuming, acting, directing, and stage managing; the refinement of directing and acting skills; the construction and creation of basic play scenery and working lighting designs for MHS theatre productions. It is a course heavy on project performances and memorization. Also, anyone interested in directing MHS One-Acts should take this course.


* Subject to Staff Availability.


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