Fine Arts Classes

ART I #011

LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00 (Required pre-packaged Art I kit included)
Prerequisites: NONE

This course provides a strong foundation program in art, assuming students have little or no background. Drawing, composition and color theory are emphasized. Painting, ink, graphite and colored pencil drawing, graphic design and an introduction to computer graphics are some of the media with which the students work. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.

ART II #012

LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00 (Required pre-packaged Art II kit included)
Prerequisites: Minimum of "C" average in Art I #011 and signature of Art II #012 teacher.

This course is a continuation of Art I #011 with further work in drawing, painting, color pencil, craypas and other 2D projects. Art II is a more creative, in depth study of color theory and perspective. Projects will emphasize an exploration of different techniques and mediums. Students in this course will contract to be graded wither with letter grades or on a P/F basis.

ART III #013

LEVEL: 11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00 (Required pre-packaged Art III kit included)
Prerequisites: Minimum of "C" average in Art II #012 and signature of Art III #013 teacher.

This course is for students to further develop the skills learned in Art I #011 and Art II #012. This course allows students to work on an advanced level using various materials including acrylic and oil paint, ceramics, sculpture, sketching and computer graphics. Seniors enrolled in this course are required to participate in the Senior Art Show in May. We have Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and other software. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.

ART IV #014

LEVEL: 12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00 (Required pre-packaged Art IV kit included)
Prerequisites: Minimum of "C" average in Art III #013 and signature of Art IV #014 teacher.

This course is for students who want to further develop a high level of sophistication on specific projects. The students can work independently on projects. Seniors enrolled in this course are required to participate in the Senior Art Show in May. We have Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Illustrator and other software. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.

AP STUDIO ART #015

LEVEL: ADVANCED PLACEMENT 12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00 (Required pre-packaged A.P. Art kit included)
Prerequisites: Two years of art (at least one at Carmel); "A" or "B+" average; signature of Studio Art #015 teacher

This course is for highly motivated and talented seniors who create various art works independently within a class structure and who participate in ongoing individual and group critiques. Students must be prepared to commit a significant amount of time to complete the portfolio required for their Advanced Placement Board evaluation; students begin working on projects during the summer. Students will use a digital camera to photograph their work for their portfolio. They complete a portfolio in Drawing. Students work on concentration, breadth and quality. There is an Advanced Placement evaluation fee determined annually by the College Board of about $90.00.

BEGINNING CERAMICS/SCULPTURE #016

LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00
Prerequisites: Art I #011 with a “C” average or better

In Ceramics, students will develop an understanding of clay construction. Students will focus on hand building and wheel throwing. Raku firing will also be explored. Surface decoration including glaze and texture will be used. If students prefer working in another medium they can work with materials such as metals, wood and Styrofoam. In Sculpture, students will learn basic sculpture techniques. They will work with modeling and carving using materials including clay, wire, wood, glass fusing, Styrofoam, metals and stone. Projects in ceramics and sculpture will expand the skills learned in Art I.

ADVANCED CERAMICS/SCULPTURE #017

LEVEL: 11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00
Prerequisites: Beginning Ceramics/Sculpture #116 with a “C” average or better

This course is for students who want to further develop their skills and techniques in ceramics and/or sculpture. Students may work with a variety of mediums including clay, metals, wood, glass fusing and Styrofoam. Students will continue to work with hand building and wheel throwing techniques. They will participate in the raku workshop. Sculpture skills will include modeling, carving and fabricating. Students may individualize their project choices. This class may be repeated for credit.

PERFORMING ARTS APPRECIATION #021

LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: .5 SEMESTER COURSE
Prerequisite: Students do not need any music background.

This will be a survey course giving the student a view into the world of the performing arts including dance, vocal, instrumental, music story telling and film. The goal will be to peak a new interest into the appreciation of the human condition and the gifts of the beautiful expressions which our human society can produce. The students will have a better understanding of what groups go through in preparing a performance or a presentation such as school liturgies, retreats or graduation. Students will also have a deeper understanding of the human need to express ourselves and what it takes to organize a group expression in real time. Group expression is something we all do at some point in the course of our lives.

BEGINNING GUITAR #022

LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: .5 SEMESTER COURSE
Prerequisites: Each student will need to own or rent a classical “nylon string guitar”. Even though classical is a part of the instrument’s core repertoire, it is used to play all kinds of music (classical, flamenco, jazz, etc.). An inexpensive option is the Yamaha C40 if purchasing a guitar for the class.

This course is open to all students interested in learning to play guitar. The course provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through playing a guitar. Emphasis will be placed on playing position, tone production, fundamental technique, simultaneous playing and singing, reading music, and composing songs/lyrics. Both individual playing and group/ensemble playing will be explored. Knowledge and skills will include experiences in singing, creating, playing and listening.

CONCERT CHOIR #024

LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
UNIFORM FEE: $30.00
Prerequisites: NONE: this is a nonaudition group. Any student with a desire to sing may enroll for this course as well as any student wanting to play piano.

This course is open to all students (male and female) who are with or without prior high school choral experience. The basic concepts of sight-reading, interval drill, breathing, style, and performance are taught throughout the year. A complete repertoire of choral music, ranging from classical to contemporary, is studied. Participation in the two final choral rehearsals before the Christmas and spring concerts (outside of school time) and in all choral performances (Fall Concert, Christmas Concert, and Spring Concert) is required to earn credit in this course. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.

TREBLE CHOIR #025

LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
UNIFORM FEE: $30.00
Prerequisites: Completion of one year of high school chorus or by audition. Students interested in playing piano are also encouraged to enroll.

This course is open to all treble voice students (female) who have at least one year of high school choral experience or the equivalent. The course will be a continuation of the concepts of sight-reading, interval drill, breathing, style, and performance that are taught in Concert Choir #024. A complete repertoire of choral music, ranging from classical to contemporary, is studied. Participation in the two final choral rehearsals before the Christmas and Spring Concerts (outside of school time) and in all choral performances (Fall Concert, Christmas Concert, and Spring Concert) is required to earn credit in this course. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.

ADVANCED CHOIR #027

LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
UNIFORM FEE: $30.00
Prerequisite: Completion of one year of high school chorus, and by audition. Teacher signature required. Students interested in playing piano are also encouraged to enroll.

This course is a continuation of the concepts covered in the Concert Choir #024 and Treble Choir #025 class. Participation in two final choral rehearsals before the Christmas and Spring Concerts (outside of school time) and in all choral performances (2 Cabaret Concerts, Christmas Concert, and Spring Concert) is required to earn credit in this course. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis. This course is also available for honors credit.

CO-CHOIR #028

LEVEL: 9-10-11-12 PERIOD Z (MON. AND WED.)
CREDIT: .5 ONE YEAR
CLASS FEE: $150.00
UNIFORM FEE: $30.00
Prerequisite: Members are selected by audition in the fall. There is no sign-up for this course prior to auditions. Instrumental students interested in playing piano, guitar (both rhythm and bass), and drums should see Mr. Parry.

This group (equal number of men and women, approximately 32 total) performs at all concerts plus tours off campus during the Christmas season and in late winter at area junior highs. The basic performance techniques learned are applied in the choreographed music (Broadway to Pop). Attendance at the Monday and Wednesday morning rehearsals (and one Saturday rehearsal per semester) and all performances are required to earn credit. Ensembles chosen from this group include: Men’s Quintet, Women’s Quintet and Parkway Singers. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.

CARMELAIRES #029

LEVEL: 9-10-11-12 ONE YEAR
CREDIT: .5 PERIOD H (TUE. AND THURS.)
CLASS FEE: $150.00
UNIFORM FEE: $30.00
Prerequisite: Members are selected by audition in the fall. There is no sign-up for this course prior to auditions.

This group (approximately 21 treble voices) performs at all concerts. Performances may also include offcampus tours during the Christmas season. The basic performance techniques learned are applied in the choreographed music (Broadway to Pop). Attendance at the Tuesday and Thursday afternoon rehearsals and all performances is required to earn credit. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.

PARKWAY SINGERS #030

LEVEL: 9-10-11-12 PERIOD Z (TUE. AND FRI.)
CREDIT: .5 ONE YEAR
CLASS FEE: $150.00
UNIFORM FEE: $30.00
Prerequisite: Must be a member of Co-choir which is selected by audition in the fall. There is no signup for this course prior to auditions. Instrumental students interested in playing piano, guitar (both rhythm and bass), and drums should see Mr. Parry.

This course will be for members of Co-choir who have been chosen by audition to participate in Parkway Singers. It will be available to freshmen through senior students who are members of Co-choir. Students will continue to develop the concepts of voice technique taught in choir and Co-choir as well as be able to perform three and four-part vocal jazz music selections; be able to sing a cappella vocal jazz selections; and be able to perform vocal jazz selections accompanied by a rhythm section. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis. This course is also available for honors credit.

CONCERT BAND #054

LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
UNIFORM FEE: $30.00
Prerequisite: This is a non-audition group. All members must have at least two years of prior band experience or the equivalent in private lessons.

This band is a community band made up of grades 9-12. The main focus of the band is the development of musicianship skills through popular music. Students will also develop good technique in intonation, finger dexterity, sightreading and musical interpretation. This band will perform at various school-related events. Members of this band join with Wind Ensemble during the fall sports season to create Marching Band. Members attend Marching Band Camp, which begins in August, and runs for approximately 7 or 8 consecutive weekdays before school starts. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with a letter grade or on a P/F basis. Percussion members must attend Drumline Camp June 2009.

WIND ENSEMBLE #055

LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
UNIFORM FEE: $60.00
Prerequisite: Membership is by audition only. Students must have good musician skills; display proficiency in scales; sight-reading, and intonation; and have at least four years of experience in a previous band or the equivalent in private lessons.

This band is an upper-level ensemble whose members display a high level of understanding on a given instrument. This band is the main instrumental performance group at Carmel High School and will perform at various school-related events. Members of this band join with Concert Band during the fall sports season to create Marching Band. Members must attend Marching Band Camp, which begins in August, and runs for approximately 7 or 8 consecutive weekdays before school starts. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis. This course is also available for honors credit. Percussion members must attend Drumline Camp June 2009.

JAZZ BAND #056

LEVEL: 9-10-11-12 PERIOD Z (MON. WED. AND FRI.)
CREDIT: .5 ONE YEAR
CLASS FEE: $150.00
UNIFORM FEE: $30.00
Prerequisite: Membership is by audition only in August, on the afternoon of freshman orientation. Wind and percussion players must be members of Wind Ensemble #055 or Concert Band #054. String and piano players must be members of at least one other performing ensemble.

Students must demonstrate good musicianship skills; be proficient in scales, sight-reading, intonation, and improvisation; and must have at least three years of prior band experience or the equivalent in private lessons. This band is designed to develop the student’s understanding of jazz styles and technique. The ensemble performs at various school-related events and some jazz festivals throughout the region. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.

STRING ENSEMBLE #057

LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
UNIFORM FEE: $30.00
Prerequisite: This group is a nonaudition group. Students must provide their own instruments.

This group is designed to further develop technique and musical interpretation in string genre. This group performs three concerts a year and at some liturgies. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.

JAZZ COMBO #058

LEVEL: 9-10-11-12 PERIOD Z (TUES. AND THURS.)
CREDIT: .5 ONE YEAR
CLASS FEE: $150.00
UNIFORM FEE: $30.00
Prerequisite: Membership is by audition only in August on the afternoon of freshman orientation. Wind and percussion players must be members of Wind Ensemble #055 or Concert Band #054. String and piano players must be members of one other performing music group at Carmel Catholic High School.

This course is designed to develop the student's understanding of Jazz Be-Bop style and technique. Students will learn how to decipher lead sheets by using a melodic line and chord symbols only. The ensemble will perform at various school-related events and some jazz festivals throughout the region. This course is also available for honors credit.

MUSIC AND WORLD CULTURES #059

LEVEL: HONORS 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $45.00
Prerequisite: Teacher signature required.

This course is the first of a two-year sequence. The course is divided into two semesters. The first semester deals with music and the cultures that created that music. It involves music history, world cultural relationships, and introduction of musical fields, musical form and styles. This semester also develops general understanding of what it takes to be a good performer. The second semester introduces students to the rudimentary elements of music: acoustics, four properties of sound, time and rhythmic development, scale structures, key signatures and musical notation.

MUSIC AND WORLD CULTURES #060

LEVEL: HONORS 10-11-12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
LAB FEE: $23.00
Prerequisite: Teacher signature required.

This course is the same as Music and World Cultures #059 but for students who can only fit in one semester of Music and World Cultures.

AP MUSIC THEORY #061

LEVEL: ADVANCED PLACEMENT 11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $45.00
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music and World Cultures #059 and signature of AP Music Theory #061 teacher

AP Music Theory starts at the tonality structure and moves through fourpart writing with figured bass. This course will also explore melodic development, harmonizing melodies, and musical analysis during the 18th century. In the spring term, AP Music Theory discusses chromaticism from altered tones and chords to modulations. The AP class also covers the Advanced Placement curriculum in preparation for the AP music test in May. It is the expectation of this course that the music theory advanced placement test be taken.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE #062

LEVEL: 9-10-11-12 PERIOD H (TUES. AND THURS.)
CREDIT: .5 ONE YEAR
CLASS FEE: $150.00
UNIFORM FEE: $30.00
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in either Wind Ensemble #055 or Concert Band #054

This ensemble develops the student’s understanding of the percussion world whether it is traditional or non-traditional (Blue Man or Stomp). This class requires that students be a member of Concert Band or Wind Ensemble. This group performs at various school events and Solo and Ensemble. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.

HONORS CREDIT IN MUSIC: PERFORMANCE GROUPS

Students will have the opportunity to work for honors credit in the following performance programs: Advanced Choir #027, Parkway Singers #030, Wind Ensemble #055 and Jazz Combo #058. Please read the section below for more information on requirements.

REQUIREMENTS FOR HONORS CREDIT

Advanced students in Advanced Choir, Jazz Combo, Parkway Singers, and Wind Ensemble may, with the instructor’s approval, elect the honors level of that ensemble. These students will, as part of the requirements, remain as members of their curricular ensemble and fulfill all obligations of that ensemble.

In addition, they would be required to perform the following activities:

Study with a qualified private teacher outside of school at least once per week for at least eight weeks each academic quarter. Verify to the regular classroom instructor weekly 30-minute lessons with a quarterly verification from the private instructor proving that practice has been done.

Perform a major work or solo on the student’s primary instrument at the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest in March, for the Northwestern Illinois Solo & Ensemble Contest, an evaluated Tri-M recital, or schedule a private performance in front of at least 2 of the music faculty. Vocalists must be prepared to perform at least two songs, one in a foreign language. Perform a major solo work for the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest in March.

Develop and keep a portfolio, documenting all activities done in their honors program through the semester. The portfolio must consist of the following:

Each honors music student will turn in a BINDER for each semester that includes the following items:

Table of Contents

Detailed (1 page minimum) summary of Honors Project

Documentation (tickets, programs, and director/instructor signatures) and thorough reviews of 3 outside of Carmel Catholic High School performances

Detailed summary of any other performances that the student has done in connection with the class. These items will all be neatly typed and placed in the binder. Points will be deducted for any item missing from the binder. Binders are due five school days before the first day of finals each semester. Late binders will receive grade reduction.

Attendance at 3 outside of Carmel Catholic High School performances.

Music students applying for honors credit in more than one music course do not need to duplicate the above requirements

And also choose 2 of the following projects:

Prepare a written report of 1000 words or more on a major composer or work. The research paper should cover the composer and his works, historical perspective, as well as the repertoire being performed. Students must use proper format as well as a minimum of five sources with a maximum of two Internet sites. (More information about this requirement is available from each instructor.)

Audition for the IMEA District Choirs and Instrumental groups and/or selection to participate at the State level.

Participate in community or Parish/Church music groups (Signatures required)

Accompany a choir at concerts or accompany at least 3 solo and ensemble events.

Participate by playing or singing with the Liturgical Choir for at least 75% of the Masses and Liturgies. (Signatures required)

Other projects as approved by the Fine Arts Faculty.

Clarification of Requirements

Students who choose to audition for the IMEA District Festival must audition with the required material for State and District Audition. This audition will be held in October at a local high school.

Private lessons once a week for thirty minutes. The number of lessons per quarter will be one less than the number of weeks in the quarter. For example, if we have ten weeks in one quarter the students must take nine lessons during that quarter. Students will be responsible for turning in the completed lesson form signed by the private teacher.

Solo performance. Your private instructor or a member of the Fine Arts Faculty must approve all solo literature for the Illinois High School Association State Solo and Ensemble contest. Instrumentalists will perform a major solo work with piano accompaniment. Vocalists must prepare at least two songs, one in a foreign language. Students will be given a set of guidelines before the event. Students must show the director the solo selected to check for level of difficulty and appropriateness at least four weeks before the performance. The importance of this experience is that the student receives an outside critique of his/her playing/singing ability and can be better prepared for college auditions, which will be very similar to this experience.

DRAMA/THEATRICAL TECHNIQUES #070

LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisite: NONE

Coursework includes learning basic dramatic techniques through imaging, verbal expression, body movement, sensory recall and vocal dynamics. We will work on elements of acting by creative improvisation exercises, monologues, scene work and formal theater pieces. Study includes exercises in characterization, character analysis, improvisation and pantomime in different genres. Students will develop their physical acting skills through class participation and performance. Students must participate in Drama Club and be involved in at least one production throughout the school year. Students have the option to contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.

ADVANCED DRAMA/ THEATRICAL TECHNIQUES #071

LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisite: Students must have taken Drama #070 or have outside performance experience. See instructor first.

Students taking this class will have some basic knowledge of acting techniques from class or past performances. In this class, the students will develop the psychological and physiological part of acting. We will study the history and movement of theatre as well as musical theatre and basic dance. Students will learn about all areas of production: costuming, set design, construction, hair, make-up and directing a show. They will develop a higher skill level for theatre appreciation through active participation and performance. They are required to belong to the Drama Club and participate in at least one school production as a cast or crew member. Students have the option to contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.

THEATER TECH #072

LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: .5 SEMESTER
Prerequisite: NONE

This class is designed for the student who wants to learn “behind the scenes” work for theatre production. It is one semester and will include teaching basic skills of set design, painting, set construction and use of power tools. It will include lectures on technique, use and care of all lighting and sound equipment. It will cover maintenance and safety of rigging, battens and curtains. There will be some lecture and brief coverage of the business side of production, props and costume design.