Fine Arts Courses

  • ART I
    This course is designed for the beginning art students to explore various mediums and methods in art.  Students are guided through individual projects in the following units: drawing, perspective, portraiture, watercolor painting, ceramics, social art, comic strips, calligraphy and design.  Basic Art History is looked at. An artist paper and presentation is required. A material fee will be charged for this class.

    ADVANCED ART 2  
    This course is designed for students that have a basic understanding of art theory and art history.  The course explores advanced "2-D" techniques in drawing, painting, pastels, and illustration. This course allows time for portfolio production for students interested in a college art major.  There will be materials fee for this course.

    ADVANCED ART 3
    This course is designed for students that have a basic understanding of art theory and art history. The course explores advanced 3-D techniques, working with ceramics, wood, wire, stone, plaster and alternative materials.  This course allows time for portfolio production for students interested in a college art major. There will be a materials fee for this course.

    ADVANCED ART 4
    This course is designed for serious art students who may want a career in art.  Students will create a digital college portfolio. Students must have passed all previous art courses.  This course allows students to explore advance techniques in 2D and 3D artwork. Students are expected to work independently to expand their creative visual expression.  There will be a materials fee for this course.

    BAND 
    High School Band is open to all students who have successfully completed the requirements of 8th Grade Band or have special permission from the instructor.  All students participate in Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and Pep Band. Also available are Jazz Ensemble, Musical Pit Band, and small ensembles. Required performances include: marching performances (home football games, parades, and marching competitions); selected home basketball games; select community and school performances; Holiday, Winter, and Spring Concerts; conference band festivals; IHSA Music Organization Contest; IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest; and Commencement (graduation).

    CHORUS
    Choir is open to all students who have successfully completed the requirements of 8th Grade Choir or have special permission from the instructor. Students will learn rudiments of vocal technique, performance skills, music theory fundamentals, and sight singing. Students are required to attend all concerts including Fall, Holiday, Winter, and Spring concerts. In addition to the class, students are required to participate in the following community events and programs: IHSA Music Organizational Contest; Veteran’s Day; Madrigal dinner (on select years); various choral festivals; and Commencement (graduation). Students who go above and beyond may be selected for Madrigals/A Cappella groups, Musical, Variety Show, IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest, or may audition and participate in the ILMEA and/or TRAC honor choir festival.

    MUSIC THEORY
    Students will learn how to read, write, analyze, and perform music in preparation for music theory courses after high school. Music theory is a class designed for the advanced musician to more thoroughly understand the components of music and music composition. This class will enable the student to successfully complete basic college theory classes. Students will also be able to compose music and understand the guidelines used in music composed by others. It is preferred that students can already read music and have been a member of one of our music ensembles before taking this course, but it is not required.

    PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
    Instrumental Ensemble courses are intended to develop students’ technique for percussion instruments in small ensemble groups. Instrumental Ensemble courses cover one or more instrumental ensemble or band literature styles.