Fine Arts Department

 

• Animator
• Architect
• Art Supply Store Owner
• Art Therapist
• Art Historian
• Automobile Designer
• Craft Store Employee/Manager
• Editor (magazine)
• Fashion Designer
• Filmmaker
• Graphic Designer
• Interior Designer
• Industrial Designer
• Jewelry Designer
• Music Composer
• Music Performer
• Museum Curator/ Education Director
• Painter
• Photographer
• Poster Designer
• Potter
• Sculptor
• Set Designer
• Teacher (fine arts)

_________

 

 

Students enhance their skills and interests through a variety of media. This course, a precursor for AP Studio Art, helps students develop both breadth and concentration in their work and also portfolio work for submission to art schools.

 

 

 

The course presents the history of painting, sculpture, and architecture from prehistoric through contemporary times with a focus on both formal analysis and contextualism. The curriculum emphasizes art of the European or western tradition with special lectures and comparative projects on art of the Near East Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. Students explore ancient and classical art forms, early Christian and Byzantine styles, art from the Middle Ages to the Proto-Renaissance, and art styles of the 16th through the 21st centuries. Students use PowerPoint in this course.

AP Studio Art

 

 

AP Studio Art is for advanced and experienced art students who will prepare a college-level art portfolio to be submitted to the College Board for evaluation in May. Students participate in AP Studio instruction to deepen their understanding of the elements and principles of visual design and broaden their experience with two-dimensional or three-dimensional media. The AP Program offers three portfolios: Drawing, 2-D Design, and 3-D Design. The portfolios share a basic, three-section structure, which requires the student to show a fundamental competence and range of understanding in visual concerns (and methods). Each of the portfolios asks the student to demonstrate a depth of investigation and process of discovery through the concentration section (Section II). In the breadth section (Section III), the student is asked to demonstrate a serious grounding in visual principles and material techniques. The quality section (Section I) permits the student to select the works that best exhibit a synthesis of form, technique, and content. This class also allows advanced art students to develop portfolio work for submission to art schools.

 

 

 

Beginning Guitar is an entry-level course that provides students the opportunity to learn how to play the acoustic guitar. Emphasis is placed on chord progressions, differing strums and instrument position. Students enrolled in this course perform at the Holiday Gala Concert in December or the Spring Gala Concert in May, depending on the semester of enrollment

 

 

 

Beginning music is an introductory course in many areas of music. Students are introduced to reading music on the music staff and learning basic piano skills and recognition of the 10 most important composers in music history. The experiential part of the course gives the student the opportunity to learn to play ‘ukulele as well as a musical instrument of their own choosing.

 

 

 

Beginning Strings is an entry-level course that provides students the opportunity to learn how to play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Emphasis is placed on bow control, instrument position, and note reading. Students enrolled in this course perform at the Holiday Gala Concert in December or the Spring Gala Concert in May, depending on the semester of enrollment.

 

 

 

Beginning Percussion/Drumline is an entry-level course that provides students the opportunity to learn how to play percussion instruments. Emphasis is placed on reading rhythms securely. Students perform at varsity sports games throughout the school year, as well as at the Holiday Gala Concert in December or the Spring Gala Concert in May, depending on the semester of enrollment.

 

 

 

Beginning Voice is an entry-level course that provides students the opportunity to develop their vocal skills. Emphasis is placed on development of vocal skills and confidence to sing publicly. Students enrolled in this course perform at the Holiday Gala Concert in December or the Spring Gala Concert in May, depending on the semester of enrollment. Successful completion of this course qualifies the student for enrollment in Choir.

 

 

 

Beginning Winds and Brass is an entry-level course that provides students the opportunity to learn how to play the flute, clarinet, trumpet, horn, or trombone. Emphasis is placed on note reading, embouchure, and breath control technique. Students perform in concert.

 

 

 

Beginning Ceramics is for the novice artist with little or no experience in working with clay. Basic skills of “hand building” such as pinch, coil, sculpting, and slab construction are introduced and developed throughout the semester. Projects develop from conceptual ideas, descriptive words, exploration sketches and illustrations through the actual 3-dimensional form. Students learn surface design and glaze decoration techniques, and gain an understanding of the entire process of creating ceramic objects. Basic skills of working on the potter’s wheel also are taught and encouraged.

 

 

Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Beginning Ceramics 1A

 

This course continues to build on the skills acquired in Beginning Ceramics. Focus is applied on producing various specific shapes and forms in multiples on the potter’s wheel. Students research and discuss historical highlights of ceramics from different cultures and time periods.

 

 

 

Independent study that further refines the skills acquired in Ceramics 1A and 1B. Studio duties such as clay and glaze mixing and kiln loading are taught and supervised. Students contract a series of projects.

 

 

 

Independent study for the student who wants to further expand his/her skills in ceramic production, exploring larger-scale projects, assemblies and multiples. Studio duties such as clay and glaze mixing and kiln loading are taught and supervised. Students contract a series of projects. Students have the option of developing an AP Studio Art portfolio in 3-D Design.

 

 

 

Choir is open to all students after a simple voice-testing interview. Students are challenged to refine their vocal and ensemble techniques, sing in varying ensemble sizes, add choreography, and perform solos. Emphasis is on refining each individual voice and the technique of blending voices together. The choir performs at various events.

 

 

 

Concert Band is the continuation of Beginning Winds and Brass/Beginning Percussion and is open to all students who have studied a wind, brass, or percussion instrument for one semester or longer. Emphasis is placed on breath control, balance, ensemble responsibility, and performance practices. Students study edited music from concert band literature in preparation for a performance at the Holiday Gala Concert in December or the Spring Gala Concert in May, depending on the semester of enrollment.

 

 

 

Digital Cinema familiarizes students with the basic aspects of cinematic communication and project management as it relates to the production of a 30-second commercial about HPA. Students learn cinematic storytelling, cinematography, production design, sound design, digital editing, scene breakdowns, storyboarding shots, writing production plans, and advertising to certain demographics. Students use various applications including iMovie, Garage Band, iDVD, and Photoshop. Equipment provided: eMac, FireWire Drive, and a Cannon Elura 100.

 

 

 

Digital Documentary familiarizes students with the basic aspects of documentary video and project management. The course offers an introduction to researching a story, location photography, field audio recording, sound design, and digital editing. Project management includes research breakdown, storyboarding a concept, and creating production plans. Students use various applications, including iMovie, Garage Band, iDVD, and Photoshop. Equipment provided: eMac, FireWire Drive, HP Scanner, and a Cannon Elura 100.

 

 

 

This course offers an introduction to the dynamics of operating an online business, specifically a virtual bookstore. This is done in conjunction with a Webmaster. Students learn the basics of digital photography and Photoshop as they create web graphics for their online advertising and compile a digital archive of photography and articles for the year to be available online. Students also are part of the Legacy Program, an ongoing process aimed at compiling a digital archive of HPA’s past, and learn the basics of scanning, photography touch-up, and file organization. Students will fulfill all online orders, print photographs, and package clothing for shipping, and maintain inventory and accounting. Applications used: Dreamweaver, Photoshop, iWorks, Aperture. Equipment provided: eMac, Digital Still Camera, HP Scanner, and a Studio Lighting Package.

 

 

 

Humanities is a freshman course that employs a multidisciplinary approach to learning, using the performing and visual arts to enrich reading and writing experiences. In conjunction with the reading of literature, students practice theatre, music and art techniques, expand reading and vocabulary skills, increase computer expertise and study skills, and explore topics of moral, spiritual, and ethical groups.

 

 

Students study a series of design projects to heighten and develop an awareness of natural and built environments through the creative problem solving process. Concepts of functionality and structural soundness and practicality are emphasized. Historical perspectives and important buildings and their architects are researched and discussed.

 

 

 

Music Theory Honors is an entry-level course in music reading, writing, and ear-training. During the first semester, students learn how to read music, harmonize melodies, transcribe what they hear in their musical mind, and speak the international language that is music. The course progresses from entry level to the recognition of triads and seventh chords, and emphasizes learning the basics of composing simple songs with accompaniment. During the second semester, student delves more deeply into chordal progressions, ear training, and music composition. Emphasis is on music dictation. Students completing this course will be qualified to sit for the Music Theory Advanced Placement Exam.

 

 

 

Orchestra is a continuation of Beginning Strings, Beginning Winds and Brass, and Beginning Percussion and is open to all students who have studied a stringed, wind, or percussion instrument for one semester or longer. Emphasis is placed on balance, ensemble responsibility, and performance practices. Students study music from the orchestra literature in preparation for the Holiday Gala Concert in December or the Spring Gala Concert in May, depending on the semester of enrollment.

 

 

 

Yearbook is offered first to seniors, then select juniors. After a thorough 2-3 week training in digital photography and layout and design, Yearbook slowly transforms into a student-run class, with one chief student editor and two co-editors planning and implementing the yearbook. Yearbook is a “hands-on” class with student effort and vision being the two key ingredients for success. Meeting very specific deadlines, students produce a 200-page, full-color yearbook. Students become proficient in digital photography, Adobe Photoshop, and YB Pro (layout software program), upon completion of this course.

 

 

 

Theatre Production provides an overview of the aspects of production with the emphasis on process. Elements of the course might include improvisation, set design and construction, lighting design, costuming, script interpretation, and theatre maintenance. Production students are required to perform and be part of the tech crew for the production, and provide technical assistance, when needed, for the main Upper School production. Students in the 2A and 2B classes are expected to take a leadership role in this course, and are held to higher standards of assessment in all areas. 3A, 3B, and 4A students are expected to complete specific projects in a chosen theater discipline.

 

 

 

Students learn the basic elements of design and incorporate them into three-dimensional art works utilizing a variety of materials. Topics of study are sculptural and/or functional. Students solve problems with three-dimensional solutions.

 

 

 

Students explore varied uses of drawing, painting, photography, and printmaking materials. Students also learn the basic elements of design while developing the skills and techniques applicable to the medium. This course enhances creativity and insight.

 

 

 

In Web Design, students gain the skills necessary to create professional looking Web sites that adhere to the rules of design, usability, and accessibility. Designing Web sites is a constantly changing and evolving task involving a multitude of variables. In planning, designing, and creating Web sites, designers must choose the line of best fit, working to meet the needs of everyone as best they can. By beginning with basic questions of design and usability we create a strong foundation that students can work with and grow from. Students will create Web sites using html, web editors, css, php, and flash.