Fine Arts

Thank you to the Connelly Foundation for a $75,000 grant to expand our program! This will allow us to have one of the best fine arts programs in the area.

The Fine Arts Department strives to enable students to realize that all talents and abilities are God-given gifts to be developed and shared with all God’s people. Diversity, confidence and individuality are readily fostered in the Fine Arts curriculum. Students enhance their own creativity and communication skills while learning the importance of critical assessment and commitment in learning environments conducive to the study of Art and Music.

Involvement in the Fine Arts reinforces the understanding that success breeds success in every walk of life. Successful, well-trained artists and musicians approach life with knowledge of "what it takes to get there," and the wisdom of what the arts bring to life.

The study of Art is a means of expression for students desiring to explore their creative outlets. A wide variety of experiences is provided with emphasis on drawing, color, design, painting and calligraphy. An understanding of the basics through progressive lessons prepares the student to meet new challenges on her or his own.

For students taking an art class beyond the required Related Arts class, a nominal fee is charged to cover the cost of certain materials

750 Related Arts Track 2-1 semester Grade 9-.50 credit

This course conveys to the student an understanding of the visual arts, music, dance and theatre from an historical perspective. Through a variety of experiences the student will achieve an awareness and an appreciation of the arts and the similarities that they share throughout the ages of humanity.

711 Art 1/Foundation Honors-2 semesters –1 credit

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of art, design, composition and perspective. The students will analyze the uses of the Elements of Art in their own work as well as others’, produce art pieces, observe demonstrations, and participate in group critiques. A wide variety of media will be utilized including pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, watercolor and printmaking to explore creativity.

Prerequisite: Presentation of a portfolio of three (3) original works to the Art teacher.

712 Art 2/Basic Design Honors-2 semesters –1 credit

The students develop technique through practical applications, lectures, demonstrations and group critiques. Figure drawing and portraiture are also introduced. Media used will include those used in Art 1/Foundation, and additional media such as acrylic paint, ceramics and colored pencil.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Art 1/Foundation and approval of the prior Art teacher.

713 Art 3/Studio-Portfolio Honors-2 semesters –1 credit

The students are provided with the opportunity to work on larger long-term projects. The course also encourages experimenting with different media and provides the opportunity to work in three-dimensional media such as clay, plaster and wood. Students work on projects that introduce them to different artists and their styles of creating.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Art 2/Basic Design and approval of the prior Art teacher.

714 Art 4/Independent Study Honors- 2 semesters –1 credit

The students are provided with an opportunity to develop a personal imagery and technical proficiency through a wide range of media and techniques. The course is structured around the development of a portfolio for college or school review.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Art 3/Studio-Portfolio and approval of the prior Art teacher.

715 Introduction to Clay - 1 semester - 0.5 credits

This is a semester course that introduces the students to hand building techniques of slab, coil, pinch and mold pressing, plus related glazing and firing techniques. there is an emphasis on developing each students potential for personal expression and artistic invention.

716 Introduction to Sculpture - 1 semester - 0.5 credits

This is a semester course that introduces the students to the technical and intellectual aspects of sculpture. Students will create work that reflects their artistic interests using a multitude of materials, such as clay, paper, plastic, wood and plaster. The departments aim is to provide a sound, balanced exposure to both the formal and creative aspects of three dimensional art.

Music

Music lessons are available on the following Band instruments:

• Flute
• Trumpet
• Baritone
• Clarinet
• French
• Horn
• Trombone
• Saxophone
• Mellophone
• Tuba
• Percussion

721 Introduction to Band Honors- 2 semesters –1 credit

This course is designed for a beginning-level student’s development as an individual musician and as a member of a performing ensemble. Students learn basic technique and theory through individual and group instruction. The class meets daily for one class period and rehearses one afternoon per week after school beginning in January.

Applying for this course requires:

• A weekly lesson on a band instrument
• Band membership and attendance at rehearsal one afternoon per week after school beginning in January
• Participation in all band activities

722 Advanced Band 1 Honors –2 semesters –1 credit

This course emphasizes an in-depth development of the intermediate band student’s individual technical skills and ensemble playing. Band literature, sight reading and tuning procedures are reinforced. Theory is integrated within the context of the study of band literature. The class meets daily for one class period and rehearses one afternoon per week after school.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Introduction to Band or demonstration of an Intermediate Level of proficiency on a band instrument, chairperson and Band Director approval.

723 Advanced Band 2 Honors –2 semesters –1 credit (Grades 10, 11, 12)

724 Advanced Band 3 Honors –2 semesters –1 credit(Grades 11, 12)

725 Advanced Band 4 Honors –2 semesters –1 credit(Grade 12)

Advanced Band 2, 3 and 4 are designed for the advanced level band student who desires ongoing development in individual technical skills and ensemble playing. The classes meet daily for one (1) class period and rehearse one afternoon per week after school.

Applying for these courses (722, 723, 724, and 725) requires:

• A weekly lesson on a band instrument.
• A band membership and attendance at rehearsal one after-noon per week after school.
• Summer Band Camp during the last two weeks of August
• Participation in all Band activities.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of the level prior to the desired class and chairperson and Band Director approval.

726 Band Performance Honors –2 semesters -.50 credit

This course is designed for the student wishing to strengthen individual skills on a band instrument and continue band membership due to rostering constraints. The class rehearses one day a week after school. Rostering for this course requires:

• A weekly lesson on a band instrument.
• Band membership and attendance at rehearsal one after-noon per week after school.
• Summer Band Camp during the last two weeks of August.
• Participation in all Band activities.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Advanced Band 2 and chairperson and Band Director approval.

727 Piano Accompaniment Technique Honors –2 sem. –1 credit

This course is a workshop/practice course designed for the student interested in developing proficiency as a piano accompanist. Making the transition from a solo performer to an accompanist is taught and developed. Theory is integrated through the study of band or choral literature. The class meets daily for one class period and rehearses one afternoon per week after school.

Prerequisites: An advanced level of proficiency is required in addition, to a student audition and approval from the chairperson and the Director.

Vocal Music

728 Vocal Music 1 Honors –2 semesters –1 credit

This course is for the development of group singing abilities. Basic techniques of voice production, intonation, breathing, phrasing, sight-singing and theory are taught, reinforced and integrated in the study of Choral literature. The class meets daily for one class period and rehearses one afternoon per week after school.

Prerequisite: Ability to sing on pitch and the approval of the chairperson and the Director.

729 Vocal Music 2 Honors –2 semesters –1 credit

730 Vocal Music 3 Honors –2 semesters –1 credit

731 Vocal Music 4 Honors –2 semesters –1 credit

These courses are designed for intermediate and advanced level students wishing to deepen the application of group vocal technique and choral signing. The classes meet daily for one class period and rehearse one afternoon per week after school.

Rostering for these courses (728, 729, 730, and 731) requires:

• Small/large group instruction and voice coaching.
• Chorus membership and attendance at rehearsal after school one afternoon per week.
• Participation in all Chorus activities.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of the level prior to the class desired and chairperson and Director approval.

732 Music Theory Honors – 2 semesters – 1 credit

This course will accept students with little or no previous music study. A student’s progress is accomplished by working independently with individual instructions. The course explores all aspects of the language of music: melody, rhythm, ear training, notation, key relationships, modes, harmony, meter and the art of composition. There is no prerequisite for this course.

735 AP Music Theory Honors - 2 semesters - 1 credit

This College course is designed to prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement Examination in Music Theory. Only students who desire to study music at the college level and who are entering either their junior or senior year a KKCHS are eleigble to elect this course. The study of harmony, composition and species counterpoint make up a major proportion of the content. Sight singing and ear training are also stressed throughout the year.

Prerequisite: Students must have completed a basic study of music theory either by successfully completing Honors Music Theory #732 or through private study. Approval of their teacher and the Music Director is required.

Non-Credit Music Activities

A $50 fee is required of students involved in Non-Credit Music Activities who are not rostered for Applied Music Courses. Music Majors pay $100 per year.

Chorus

The Chorus is open to all students. Membership does not require being rostered for vocal music classes. No audition is required but students are expected to be able to sing on pitch. Rehearsal is one afternoon per week after school.

Jazz Band

The Jazz Band is open to all students. Membership does not require being rostered for instrumental music courses. Admission is by audition. Rehearsal is one afternoon per week after school.

Theater

733 Theater Production Grades 11/12 - 1 semester - 0.5 credit

This course will explore the world of theater by studying its history and the methods of producing a live stage play or musical. It is intended to develop a thorough inderstanding of each of the non-performance areas of theater production, as well as to offer an opportunity to explore possible career choices in the non-performance area of the theater. There are no prerequisites for this one semester elective track 2 course.

734 Acting Grades 11/12 - 1 semester - 0.5 credit

This course is designed to introduce to the student the art of theater from the actor’s prospective. Through various activities including theater games and acting exercises in both mime and dialogue, the course will develop in the student a discerning and critical but appreciative attitude toward the theater and the performing arts. There are no prerequisites for this one semester elective track 2 course.

Service Activities

Music Ministry

Music Ministry is open to all students, faculty and staff interested in being ministers of music. Congregational participation at school liturgies is encouraged and supported through cantoring, leading song, choral singing and instrumental ensembles.

Special Ensemble

The Special Ensemble is open to band students by invitation of the music chairperson. Members are given the opportunity for exposure to small ensemble-style playing. This group adds a dignified quality to assemblies, convocations and liturgies.