Fine and Performing Arts

List of 26 items.

• Art Exploration

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 9, 10, 11, 12
  
  

  This introductory course is open to any student who has an interest and/or appreciation for art. Any student will discover her creative ability, learn to meet goals, and enjoy the process of making art. A student will learn about and implement the elements and principles of design, as well as study the artistic styles throughout history. Although this class is a building block for the serious student who wishes to take AP Studio Art, a student does not have to have artistic ability or experience to enroll in Art Exploration.

• Drawing and Painting

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 10, 11, 12
  
  

  The student will use and implement the Elements and Principles of Design, as well as Rules of Composition, as she is exposed to  different drawing and painting techniques and styles including: still life, landscape, abstract, and portraiture. A focus in color theory principles will be implemented using dry, wet, and mixed media.

• Graphic Imaging and Design I

  1 semester, 1/2  credit
  Open to 9,10,11,12
  
  

  This “STEM-compatible” art course explores the creation process and practical application of modern Digital Imaging through the use of technology. A student does not need to have artistic ability or computer skills to enroll in this course. Course topics include composition, ethics in digital imaging, digital photo retouching and photo manipulation, digital illustration, logo design/branding and publishing. Students in this course will learn to use Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, the industry-standard software for Graphic Design and Publishing. This is an art course designed for students interested in a overview of art and design in real world applications such as graphic design, visual communications, marketing and advertising, technology, and  digital photography. 

• Graphic Imaging and Design II

  1 semester, 1/2  credit
  Open to 10,11,12
  
  

  This course is a continuation of Graphic Imaging and Design 1. Students will grow in proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign), while deepening their understanding of digital design concepts. The course encourages

  students to explore personal artistic interests and the real-world applications of digital design. Project-based assignments will lead students to investigate digital art as related to the fields of graphic design, visual communication, marketing and advertising, technology, and digital photography.

• AP Studio Art: Drawing

  1 year, 1 credit
  Open to 11, 12
  Prerequisite: Portfolio review and department recommendation.
  
  

  This course is designed to mirror a college level freshman art and design class. Students will create a portfolio of work and written inquiry, focusing on investigation through practice and  experimentation and revision. Through this process students

  will grow into independent thinkers who will contribute to their culture through art making. Students who choose this portfolio will start with summer assignments and then work on projects in class including observational reviews or work. Students will be required to enter art work in selected art shows and competitions and participate in Evening of the Arts.

  
  The Drawing portfolio emphasizes use of composition, mark making quality, surface, and depth. Work can be representational or abstract. Students may use 15 drawing and painting mediums only. Portfolio requirements: 15 minimum works in a Sustained Investigation and written documentation of the investigation. 5 selected works and written statements that show quality of art, synthesis of ideas and use of materials. Photographs will be taken of all works and students will submit digital and physical works  and writings to the College Board for review in May during AP testing. The 2-D Portfolio cannot be repeated. Students will be responsible for some supplies.

• AP Studio Art: 2-D Design

  1 year, 1 credit
  Open to 11, 12
  Prerequisite: Portfolio review and department recommendation.
  
  

  This course is designed to mirror a college level freshman art and design class. Students will create a portfolio of work and written inquiry, focusing on investigation through practice and experimentation and revision. Through this process students

  will grow into independent thinkers who will contribute to their culture through art making. Students who choose this portfolio will start with summer assignments and then work on projects in class including observational reviews or work. Students will be required to enter art work in selected art shows and competitions and participate in Evening of the Arts.

  
  The 2-D portfolio emphasizes the elements and principles of design. Students may use photography, digital design, painting, drawing, or collage in their investigations of 2-D design. Portfolio requirements: 15 minimum works in a Sustained Investigation and written documentation of the investigation. 5 selected works and

  written statements that show quality of art, synthesis of ideas and use of materials. Photographs will be taken of all works and students will submit digital and physical works and writings to the College Board for review in May during AP testing. The 2-D Portfolio cannot be repeated. Students will be responsible for some supplies.

• AP Studio Art: 3-D Design

  1 year, 1 credit
  Open to 11, 12
  

  Prerequisite: Portfolio review and department recommendation.
  
  

  This course is designed to mirror a college level freshman art and design class. Students will create a portfolio of work and written inquiry, focusing on investigation through practice and experimentation and revision. Through this process students

  will grow into independent thinkers who will contribute to their culture through art making. Students who choose this portfolio will start with summer assignments and then work on projects in class including observational reviews or work. Students

  will be required to enter art work in selected art shows and competitions and participate in Evening of the Arts.

  
  The 3-D portfolio emphasizes sculptural 3-D design issues including integration of space, volume, and surface. Students may explore pottery, fashion, jewelry, mixed media, 3D printing and sculpture. Portfolio requirements: 15 minimum works in a

  Sustained Investigation and written documentation of the investigation. 5 Selected Works and written statements that show quality of art, synthesis of ideas and use of materials. Photographs will be taken of all works and students will submit digital

  students will submit digital 16 works and writings to the College Board for review in May during AP testing.

• Pottery I

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 10, 11, 12
  
  

  This course covers the basic principles and elements of design and the tactile qualities of clay. Students explore the methods of pinch, coil, slab, and combination of forming their ceramic structures as well as glaze application.

• Pottery II

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 10, 11, 12
  

  Prerequisite: A or B average in Pottery I
  
  

  All aspects of wheel throwing will be emphasized in this course. Time permitting, three-dimensional clay sculpture will also be covered.

• Experience Music and Art

  1 semester, 1/2 credit

  Open to 11, 12
  
  

  This course examines the historical development of music from the late nineteenth century to the present. No formal musical training is necessary to enroll in the course. We will think about how to analyze musical sound and understand “what we hear.” More crucially, we will focus on the cultural, social, and economic dimensions (the “context”) of genres ranging from Tin Pan Alley to blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, country, folk, soul, rock, hip-hop, and classical. The goal is for students to develop a clear, compelling, and precise evidence-based musical language while

  exploring the relationship between music and its broader cultural significance.

• Introduction to Acting

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 9, 10 
  Marian and Brother Rice Students
  
  

  This course is designed to offer an introduction to various aspects of acting. It will include basic acting principles, basic vocal production, pantomime, improvisation, character and play analysis. Students will perform creatively from monologues, scene studies, and one-act plays.

• Actors Workshop/Improvisation

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 10, 11, 12 
  Marian and Brother Rice Students
  
  

  This is an intermediate level acting class for students to improve their acting, communication, and public speaking skills. The focus is to prepare an ensemble performance and learn how to produce a children’s play or a variety of short scenes and to perform our production at feeder schools, nursing home, or at any outside

  venue. 

  
  Improvisation is an excellent tool for becoming a better actor. This course will also focus on the basics of improvisation and help  students work on their acting skills. Learn techniques to think quickly on your feet, be more spontaneous, more focused, and more creative.

• Technical Theatre/Film and Video

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 9, 10, 11, 12 
  Marian and Brother Rice Students
  
  

  This course will give students an understanding of the “behind the scenes” workings of a production. Learn the fundamentals of stage construction including basic drafting and construction tools and materials, scenic effects and two- and three-dimensional

  scenery, scene painting, props, set and lighting design. This course

  will also analyze film with respect to theatrical dimensions of character development, sets, lighting, sound, acting and directing techniques. The students will create video projects implementing what they have learned, along with creating public service announcement videos, music videos and stop motion videos.

• Directing/Improvisation/Repertory Theatre

  1 semester, 1/2 credit,

  Open to 11, 12 
  Marian and Brother Rice Students
  
  

  This course is acting and directing one act plays to showcase to the public at the end of the semester. This class is devoted to the preparation and performance of a variety of plays where students take full responsibility for scheduling, rehearsing, costuming, lighting, sets, props, sound, publicity and make-up. This class will also teach students the basic techniques of directing a production. Students will learn how to analyze a script, block movement, prepare a director’s book/prompt book, production preparation, audition, and casting. This class will also use improvisation and theatre games as part of acting techniques to teach concepts.

• Women's Ensemble

  1 semester, 1/2 credit 

  Open to 9, 10, 11, 12
  
  

  Women’s Ensemble is for any student who wants to explore their voice within a quality choral ensemble. This class is designed to be a small class, providing each student with some individual, as well as ensemble instruction. Basic vocal techniques, sight reading, fundamental music theory and performance procedures are studied. Students will sing primarily two-part and three-part arrangements as well as perform with the Marian Rice Concert Choir on occasion. Students also receive instruction for solos, vocal competitions, and piano. This group performs at one annual concert. 

• Concert Choir I

  2 semesters, 1 credit
  Open to 9, 10, 11, 12
  Marian and Brother Rice students
  
  Concert Choir is a mixed choral ensemble. A variety of musical styles and periods will be rehearsed, discussed and performed, and students will also work on vocal technique, basic theory, singing in various languages and performing several a cappella pieces to practice proper intonation. Dress rehearsals, all performances, and concert dress are required.

• Concert Choir 2

  2 semesters, 1 credit
  Open to 10, 11, 12
  Marian and Brother Rice students
  
  Concert Choir is a mixed choral ensemble. A variety of musical styles and periods will be rehearsed, discussed and performed, and students will also work on vocal technique, basic theory, singing in various languages and performing several a cappella pieces to practice proper intonation. Dress rehearsals, all performances, and concert dress are required.
  

• Concert Choir 3

  2 semesters, 1 credit
  Open to 11, 12
  Marian and Brother Rice students
  

   

  Concert Choir is a mixed choral ensemble. A variety of musical styles and periods will be rehearsed, discussed and performed, and students will also work on vocal technique, basic theory, singing in various languages and performing several a cappella pieces to practice proper intonation. Dress rehearsals, all performances, and concert dress are required.

• Concert Choir 4

  2 semesters, 1 credit
  Open to 12
  Marian and Brother Rice students
  

  
  Concert Choir is a mixed choral ensemble. A variety of musical styles and periods will be rehearsed, discussed and performed, and students will also work on vocal technique, basic theory, singing in various languages and performing several a cappella pieces to practice proper intonation. Dress rehearsals, all performances, and concert dress are required.

• Music Technology in the 21st Century

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 9, 10, 11 and 12
  
  

  This is a course in the creation and analysis of music through the application of technology. Learn how to compose, sample and analyze music through self-directed projects. Share music through podcasts, homemade music videos, playlists and more. No prior musical training is required.

• Concert Band

  2 semesters, 1 credit, No audition necessary.

  Open to 9, 10, 11, 12

  Prerequisite:  Must commit to a full year. Approval of Band Instructor
  
  

  The concert band classes are open to students who currently play, or desire to learn to play, a woodwind, brass or percussion  instrument. In this class, the students will receive guidance in  techniques for producing proper tone, pitch, rhythm, posture, dynamics, and performance at different levels. Band is also a class designed to help build self-esteem (playing solos, achievement), cooperation (playing in an ensemble), and life skills (practice, study, commitment) through the discipline required to learn to play an instrument. We will also provide service to the school community and strive to foster school pride. This class is taught at Brother Rice.

• Jazz Band

  2 semesters, 1/2 credit, No audition necessary.
  Open to 9, 10, 11, 12
  Prerequisite:  Must commit to a full year. Approval of Band Instructor
  
  

  Performing ensemble organized to study and perform the various styles of jazz music; including, but not limited to, big band dance music, pop and rock, ballads, and blues. This class is taught at Brother Rice. This class meets daily, before school.

• Drumline

  2 semesters, 1/2 credit, No audition necessary.
  Open to 9, 10, 11, 12
  Prerequisite:  Must commit to a full year. Approval of Band Instructor
  
  

  This class is an ensemble open to students interested in performing in a drumline, regardless of musical experience. NO musical experience is required. Beginners are taught alongside those with prior musical knowledge, which creates an atmosphere

  of camaraderie as the more experienced students mentor the beginners. Students will spend class time developing the proper playing technique and music reading skills necessary to perform on a variety of percussion instruments. Drum line is also a class designed to help build self-esteem (playing solos, achievement),

  cooperation (playing in an ensemble), and life skills (practice, study, commitment) through the discipline required to learn to play an instrument. We will also provide service to the school community and strive to foster school pride. This class is taught at Brother Rice.

• Orchestra

  1/2 credit, No audition necessary.
  Open to 9, 10, 11, 12
  Full year commitment for special events
  
  

  The orchestra class is open to students who currently play, or desire to learn to play, a string instrument. In this class, the  students will receive guidance in techniques for producing proper tone, pitch, rhythm, posture, dynamics, and performance at different levels. Orchestra is also a class designed to help build self-esteem (playing solos, achievement), cooperation (playing in an ensemble), and life skills (practice, study, commitment) through the discipline required to learn to play an instrument. Students also provide service to the community by playing at mass and other school events. This class is taught at Brother Rice.

• Guitar I

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 9,10,11,12, no audition necessary
  
  

  Guitar 1 is the first semester of a year-long, performance based class. The course offers instruction in the fundamentals of guitar, regardless of previous experience. Students will receive guidance in reading music, tablature, playing traditional and power chords, strumming, picking and many styles of literature, including rock.

  The class will perform together as an ensemble at one concert each semester.

• Guitar II

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 9,10,11,12, Approval of Band Instructor 
  
  

  Guitar 2 is the second semester of a year-long, performance based class. The course offers instruction in the fundamentals of guitar, regardless of previous experience. Students will receive guidance in reading music, tablature, playing traditional and power chords, strumming, picking and many styles of literature, including rock. The class will perform together as an ensemble at one concert each semester.