FINE ARTS Art 1: Introduction to Art Making (½ Credit)
AP Art: 2D Design Art (1 Credit)
This is a semester course. This hands-on art class touches on drawing, painting, sculpture, art history, and personal expression through art. Enjoy creating your own art projects as we explore artists, styles, and materials. No experience necessary!
This Advanced Placement class meets for a full year, and students must be willing to schedule extra time to complete assignments. This is a college-level course that assumes a high degree of proficiency and commitment on the part of the student. Students are required to take the AP Studio Art test (which is not a written test, but rather a portfolio submission based on stringent requirements). The course will focus on creating a personal voice for each student by exploring the two areas required by the College Board: quality, and a 15 piece developed exploration of a personal theme. Prerequisites: Art 2 and 3, departmental approval.
Art History (½ Credit) Why is that big blue square called art? This is a semester course. For students interested in understanding contemporary art history, this class will study various artists and movements to understand the concepts behind the creation of modern art. Student presentations and simple art making are included to foster understanding of artists’ concepts. Inexperienced artists welcome!
Art 2: Drawing and Color (1 Credit) This is a full year studio art course offered to advanced freshman artists. Learn to draw anything you see! Incoming students who are advanced or very interested in art may test into Drawing and Color thereby bypassing Intro to Art Making. Students interested in any career in the visual arts (graphic design, game design, web design, architecture or industrial design to name just a few!) would do best to apply as a freshman and follow the four year sequence to AP Art. There is an emphasis on drawing techniques featuring demonstration, observation, and practice using charcoal and watercolor. Critiques, drawing, painting, and art history are part of the curriculum. This course is a prerequisite course leading to a four-year sequence in Art and culminating in AP Art. This allows the student to focus on creating a scholarship level college portfolio. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1. A drawing test and departmental approval are required for those students wishing to skip Art 1.
Art 3: Concept, Composition, and 2D design (1 Credit) Learn to think your way through a visual problem and improve your skills. This one-year studio course is based on the art skills and knowledge developed in the preceding years. This course enables the student to explore his own development and style through the fine arts. The course is structured to encourage creative exploration and critical thinking: a resource valuable in college and beyond. A portfolio suited to each individual’s style will be developed. A variety of materials will be provided. An art history component is included. Regular homework, tests, and critiques are used for assessment. Any student who might need to build a college portfolio should take this course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 2 or departmental approval.
Foundations of Instrumental Music (1 Credit) This course is meant for students who do not play an instrument and want to learn. Using traditional band methods, the yearlong course provides initial training on all band instruments (woodwinds, brass and percussion). If they do not own an instrument, students will be expected to rent one. As the year progresses, rhythm section instrument opportunities may become available. Course enrollment is limited. Independent practice time will be required. Eventual participation in the Blue Night band is strongly encouraged. Prerequisite: interview with the instructor.
Instrumental Music I (1 Credit) This course is meant for experienced students who already play an instrument. Students will deepen their ties to the Xavier music community and strengthen instrumental performance skills through exploration of various musical genres. Outstanding students will be eligible to audition for the Blue Night Band. Independent practice time will be required. Prerequisite: an audition with the instructor.
Instrumental Music II: Contemporary Songs and Songwriting (1 Credit) In this full year course, learn to play in a group, increase skills, beginning improvisation and even touch upon composition. Students will learn new music and play as a group in class. Class will develop ensemble skills via performance opportunities. Advanced Students may be allowed to audition for the Blue Night Band. Independent practice time will be required. Students will use a simple recording app to compose. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Instrumental I or audition; approval of the band director.
17
