Fine Arts Department
Welcome to HPA's Visual Arts homepage. Most of the classes that are offered in Visual Arts are held in the Clark Art Center, which was donated by Henry Clark in memory of Mrs. Gerry Clark. The Art Center features two ceramics rooms (one for glazing and the other for working with the clay), a photo processing center, a dark room, a lecture room, an office, lots of storage space, and the main classroom complete with fireplace. Outside the building is a large blue rock sculpture by Jerry Vasconcellos of Honolulu. Its name is "Ho'oulu" and its meaning is "to inspire".
Possible careers in the field of Arts and Humanities:
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)
_________
Advanced Art 1A, 1B
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Two-Dimensional Art or Three-Dimensional Art
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.
Advanced Ceramics 2A
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Ceramics 1B
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.
Advanced Ceramics 2B
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Ceramics 2A
Independent study for the student who wants to further expand his/her skills in ceramic production, exploring large-scale projects and assemblies. Studio duties such as clay and glaze mixing, and kiln loading are taught and supervised.
AP Art History
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and junior or senior classification
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
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Advanced 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.
Band
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Band 1A or one semester of private study on a woodwind or brass instrument
Concert Band is the continuation of Band 1A 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 concert performance at the Holiday Gala Concert in December or the Spring Gala Concert in May, depending on the semester of enrollment.
Beginning Ceramics 1A
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
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. Students learn surface design and glaze decoration techniques, and gain an understanding of the entire process of creating ceramic objects. Basic technique of working on the potter’s wheel is also covered.
Beginning Music
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Beginning music is an introductory course in many areas of music. Students will be introduced to reading music on the music staff as well as learning basic piano skills and recognition of the ten most important composers in music history. The experiential part of the course will give the student the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument of their own choosing as well as developing their vocal skills through vocal exercises.
Beginning Strings
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Strings 1A 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 Voice
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Voice 1A 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
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Band 1A 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.
Choir
Term: 1 or 2 Semesters
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation
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.
Digital Archiving, Marketing, and E-Commerce
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation
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.
Digital Cinema
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Humanities and video class at the Middle School level
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
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Digital Cinema
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.
Drumline 1A – Beginning Percussion
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Drumline 1A 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.
Drumline 1B
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Drumline 1A
Drumline 1B is the continuation of Drumline 1A and is open to all students who have studied a percussion instrument for one semester or longer and are able to read rhythms fluently. Students write their own cadences to perform at varsity sports games on and off campus, and also are responsible to tutor Drumline 1A students. Students in this course also perform at the Holiday Gala Concert in December or the Spring Gala Concert in May, depending on the semester of enrollment.
Humanities
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: None
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.
Intermediate Ceramics 1B
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.
Introduction to Architecture and Environmental Design
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Two Dimensional Art 1A
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 will be researched and discussed.
Honors Music Theory
Term: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: none
Honors Music Theory 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
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Strings 1A
String Orchestra is a continuation of Strings 1A and is open to all students who have studied a stringed instrument for one semester or longer. Emphasis is placed on bow control, balance, ensemble responsibility, and performance practices. Students study music from the string orchestra literature in preparation for the Holiday Gala Concert in December or the Spring Gala Concert in May, depending on the semester of enrollment.
Theatre Production 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
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, as well as be 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.
Three-dimensional Art 1A, 1B
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
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.
Two-dimensional Art 1A, 1B
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
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.
Yearbook
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
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-editor’s 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.