Curriculum
High School Art
Huntington High School strives to provide an expansive array of Art course offerings. High School students have the opportunity to take advanced studies in the fine arts of drawing and painting, ceramics and sculpture, and fashion design, as well as technology based programs such as computer graphics, advertising and design, media arts, video, photography and animation.
Our faculty members are all professional artists with specific areas of specialization. Skills learned in the visual arts courses are applicable to hundreds of careers in our highly visual world. High School seniors may also participate in career internships in all areas of the visual arts.
Huntington students’ art work is frequently displayed and honored in many local exhibits and competitions. To fulfill the graduation requirement of one credit of Art or Music, students may take Creative Crafts, Art History AP, Studio in Art or Media Arts.
STUDIO IN ART (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 Recommended for: Students interested in fine arts. This course satisfies the one credit of Art or Music required for graduation. Prerequisite: None. Studio in Art is a course in the fundamentals of the fine arts which will allow you to experience a whole world of creative self expression. A student taking Studio in Art will learn about and experiment with the basic design elements such as line, shape, color, texture, and value. Students develop or sharpen their art skills while handling such media as watercolor and acrylic paint, pencil, India ink, block print ink, charcoal, pastel, and ceramics.
PRE-AP STUDIO ART: DRAWING PORTFOLIO Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting No AP weighting for this course. (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 10-11-12 This course is offered to 10th & 11th graders who are interested in taking the Advanced Placement Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio Course/Exam OR 12th graders who are interested in creating a drawing and painting portfolio for college admittance. In this course, students will create a portfolio of 12 pieces of art that explores various drawing and painting techniques and methods that will be used for the Breadth and Quality sections of the AP Studio Art Exam. In the Breadth section, students are asked to demonstrate a serious grounding in visual principles and material techniques. The Quality section permits students to select the works that best exhibit a synthesis of form, technique, and content. The course emphasizes the individual studio experience and the application of both concept and technique to empower artistic direction. With successful completion of this course, students will gain admittance into the AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio course.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDIO ART: Drawing Portfolio Prerequisites: Successful completion of Pre-AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio, a portfolio of 12 pieces of art and department approval. AP weighted course. (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 12. Grade 11 students must have department approval. The AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio course is designed for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in experiencing a college-level Drawing/Painting course. The course demands time, diligence, and focus. For the AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio Exam, students submit a portfolio that is comprised of three sections: (1) Quality, (2) Concentration, and (3) Breadth. The AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio course focuses on the completion of the Concentration section of the AP Studio Art Exam. In the Concentration section of the exam, students must demonstrate a depth of investigation and process of discovery through a body of 12 pieces of art that share a single theme. In early May, students will submit a portfolio of 24 slides and 5 actual art pieces for evaluation to the College Board.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDIO ART: 2-D Design Portfolio Prerequisites: Advanced Computer Graphics or Advanced Photography, a portfolio of 12 pieces of art and department approval. AP weighted course. (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly The AP Studio Art: Design Portfolio course is designed for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in experiencing a college-level 2-D design/Graphics or Photography course. The course demands time, diligence, and focus. For the AP Studio Art: 2-D Design Portfolio Exam, students submit a portfolio that is comprised of three sections: (1) Quality, (2) Concentration, and (3) Breadth. AP Studio Art: 2-D Design Portfolio course focuses on the completion of the Concentration section of the AP Studio Art Exam. In the Concentration section of the exam, students must demonstrate a depth of investigation and process of discovery through a body of 12 pieces of art that share a single theme. In early May, students will submit a portfolio of 24 slides and 5 actual art pieces for evaluation to the College Board.
Guidelines for Placement in AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio & 2-D Design Portfolio AP Studio Art is a two-year course for highly dedicated art students. Students interested in taking the AP Studio Art I/II sequence must begin by taking Studio in Art followed by Drawing and Painting I and, if possible, Drawing and Painting II. Although some students may be able to enroll in the class during their sophomore year, it is highly recommended to take AP Studio Art I/II during a student’s junior and senior years. Any student who does not meet these requirements can gain admittance into the class only by approval of the Director of Fine and Performing Arts.
Sample Fine Arts Sequence: 9th grade: Studio in Art or Drawing and Painting I 10th grade: Drawing and Painting I or Drawing and Painting II 11th grade: AP Studio Art: Drawing 12th grade: AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
ADVERTISING DESIGN I (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 10-11-12 Recommended for: Art students interested in commercial art careers. Prerequisite: Computer Graphics Basics or Media Arts. This class is designed to introduce you to the dynamic world of advertising focusing on computer software currently being used in the industry. You will learn to create effective attention-getting advertisements and original computer art. The class will concentrate on printed work including magazine ads, posters, product design, and logo design. We will explore TV, radio and outdoor ads as well. Creative illustration will be done using hand rendering, scanned images, drawing software, and the technology resources in our new graphics computer lab.
ADVANCED COMPUTER GRAPHICS (1 Year – 1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to Grades 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Computer Graphics and/or Advertising Design One. An advanced level computer based art course exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of contemporary graphic design, advertising, imaging and illustration. The emphasis will be on rendering, design and composition. Student projects will be self-proposed and guided. Students will be shown experimental techniques in outputting their artwork, including canvas and clothing. There will be a focus on current artists using digital technology to create their art. Student work will be compiled into a portfolio for their own use. Students will be exposed to a variety of careers that center on computer–generated art.
ART HISTORY A.P. (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 11-12 Recommended for: Students interested in a career in the Visual Arts. One credit of Art or Music is necessary for graduation. Students meeting this requirement may use this course for a Regents Diploma. Prerequisite: None This course is recommended for students with strong academic skills and an interest in the artists and movements that shaped (and were shaped by) world events. The course introduces students to the study of aesthetics, art history and culture. Students will examine the development of art from pre-history to the present, through the contextual analysis of art’s interdependence with global history, culture and religion. The study of Art History helps students develop an appreciation for different people and their cultures. Students come to realize that making art is a common human experience for people of all races and ethnicities. All participants are required to take the Art History A.P. Exam in May.
ART INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (1 Year -1 Credit 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 11-12 Recommended for: Students interested in a career in the Visual Arts. Prerequisites: 1. A letter of recommendation from the sponsoring art teacher. 2. Completion of all related courses in chosen discipline, with a GPA of 85 or better. 3. Approval of Director of Fine and Performing Arts. Internships provide an opportunity for advaned study in a specific field and/or experience teaching art. Interns are required to keep a log of all activities and present a project or report at the end of the course. Internships must be scheduled during a specific period with the sponsor teacher.
CERAMICS AND SCULPTURE I (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 Recommended for: Students interested in a studio elective. This course is applicable for Advanced Placement application. Prerequisite: None for grades 10-12. Ninth grade students must have taken Studio in Art in grade 8, or be simultaneously registered for an Art or Music course that fulfills this graduation requirement. This course is designed for students who want to learn to create three dimensional work that is both beautiful and lasting. You will get a basic introduction to hand-building clay techniques as well as the use of the potter’s wheel. Glazing and other fine finishing techniques will help embellish your work. In this course you’ll learn various sculpting techniques using wood, wax, stone, plaster, clay, metal and mixed media.
CERAMICS AND SCULPTURE II (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 10-11-12 Recommended for: Students interested in an advanced studio elective as well as for Advanced Placement application. Prerequisite: Ceramics and Sculpture I Emphasis on individual growth and development of learned techniques as it applies to modeling, carving, wheel work, glazing, casting and construction methods.
CERAMICS AND SCULPTURE III (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 11-12 Recommended for: Students interested in specializing in an advanced studio elective as well as for Advanced Placement application. Prerequisite: Ceramics and Sculpture I and II. In this course, you’ll be working on major pieces of art while developing your own individual style in your favorite 3-dimensional medium. You’ll learn advance working techniques geared to your individual level of skill and take pride in the work you create.
CREATIVE CRAFTS (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 Recommended for: Students interested in developing their creative potential through crafts.This course satisfies the one credit of Art or Music required for graduation. Prerequisite: None
Creative Crafts will give you a wide exposure to many different crafts through handson experience as well as lectures and demonstrations. You will learn how to draw and use tools and materials suitable to different crafts. Ceramics, textile art, jewelry, basketry, glasswork and wood work are some of the exciting projects you will work on. You’ll develop an appreciation of hand-crafted work while expressing yourself creatively as well as experience a great sense of pride and accomplishment.
COMPUTER GRAPHICS (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 Prerequisite: None for grades 10-12. Ninth grade students must have taken Studio in Art in grade 8, or be simultaneously registered for an Art or Music course that fulfills this graduation requirement. This course is an introduction to the creative use of computer graphics through various design software. The elements and principles of design are examined through graphics programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. The impact of digital technology on art is explored.
MEDIA ARTS (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 Recommended for: Students interested in a course of study in the digital arts such as computergraphics,photography, cartooning and animation. This course satisfies the one credit of Art or Music required for graduation. Prerequisite: None Media Arts is an exciting course that combines computer graphics, animation and Internet media. You will have an opportunity to work directly with computer art presentation software, desktop publishing,animation, the Internet and software to design Websites. Art projects will be developed using the technology resources available in our graphics computer lab.
DRAWING AND PAINTING I (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 Recommended for: Students with an interest in digital media and fine arts. Prerequisite: Studio in Art This course is for those art students who want to develop their techniques and skills in seeing and drawing accurately in all two dimensional media such as charcoal, pastel, pen and ink, pencil and paint. You will study life drawing with an emphasis on understanding the human structure.
DRAWING AND PAINTING II (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 10-11-12 Recommended for: Students with an interest in digital media and fine arts. Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting I This course is a continued study of many techniques and a variety of subject matter and media. Emphasis will be placed on creativity and individual growth as well as on figure drawing with a freer approach to interpretation and composition.
INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 Prerequisite: None Photography is an exciting course where students learn all about black and white photography. If you choose this course, get ready to learn a skill which will last you the rest of your life and bring you enormous pleasure and self satisfaction. You will learn how to shoot and create well-balanced, well-composed photographs. You will learn about photographic equipment, develop your own black and white negatives and prints, and analyze your own work as well as the work of others. During the second semester, more time is spent in the darkroom. As your skills develop you will have the opportunity to make larger prints, to use contrast filters, and to refine your printing techniques. You will learn about portraiture, photojournalism, and produce portfolio-level matted prints.
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 10-11-12 At this level, it is suggested that students have their own manual 35mm single lens reflex camera. Prerequisite: Introduction to Photography. In this course you will expand knowledge gained from Introduction to Photography. The emphasis will be on producing prints of exhibition quality, based upon self-motivated film assignments and student-centered creative interpretation. There will be an in-depth study of significant photographers and a research paper. During the 2nd semester you will continue to establish your unique personal style. An introduction to digitized images using Adobe PhotoShop will enable you to use computer-generated images creatively.
CREATIVE VIDEO I (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 Recommended for: Interested students. Prerequisite: None for grades 10-12. Ninth grade students must have taken Studio in Art in grade 8, or be simultaneously registered for an Art or Music course that fulfills this graduation requirement. In Creative Video you will learn all aspects of creating movies. Students will be using school camcorders to capture their vision on video. Students will be working in our state-of-the-art Mac Lab using Final Cut Studio Pro to edit their very own Music Videos, Commercials and Documentaries. Working individually and in groups, the class will go through all the steps of movie making from original concept to final video productions. Welcome to our very own mini Hollywood studio located on the lower level of Huntington High School.
CREATIVE VIDEO II (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 10-11-12 Prerequisite: Creative Video I Build on what you have learned in Creative Video I by expanding your skills and techniques. Explore the video art forms of animation, documentaries, music videos, community service promotionals, etc.
ADVANCED ViDEO (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Prerequisites: Creative Video I, II Advanced Video is a more in-depth examination of the video making process. The class is geared towards students who are serious about honing their artistic vision through the moving image media. Students will continue to develop their skills in video art-making, and find venues for their projects through festivals, on-line exhibition, and site specific installation. In addition, they will choose a videographer/ filmmaker to study and create a presentation using their videomaking skills. Finally, this class will give students access to basic filmmaking materials and techniques. Through an exploration of film, students will understand the various differences and similarities between the moving image.
(1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 10-11-12 In this course, students will learn the history of comic strip production and animated cartoons through hands-on projects. We will explore various disciplines including cell animation, claymation, pixation, Anime (Japanamation) and digital animation.
INTRODUCTORY PRINTMAKING (1/2 Year -1/2 Credit) alternating days Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 Prerequisite: Studio in Art or Media Arts This course is an introduction to the basic methods of traditional printmaking practices. In understanding the fundamentals of printmaking students can explore projects that include, creating and printing your own tee-shirt designs, logo design, textile design or print edition. Bookmaking and mixed media will also be explored in this course. Printmaking allows artists to produce more than one copy of their artwork. Lessons will explore printmaking applications in the 21st century. Students will learn the steps involved in creating prints using block printing, monoprint, rubbings, decal, dry point, silk screening, stencil and photocopy transfer.
PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 11-12 Prerequisite: Intention for post-graduate study in Art and department permission. This is an exciting course that allows all art majors to develop a professional portfolio of their art work. Quality rather than quantity is stressed, for this course can assist you in gaining acceptance into an art college. Visits from various colleges as well as professionals in diverse art careers will be arranged. This course is strongly recommended for advanced video and computer graphics students to develop advanced drawing skills.
SENIOR SEMINAR IN CONTEMPORARY ART (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to grade 12 Recommended for: Students pursuing a college major in art. Prerequisite: Two art courses For seniors serious about art. A semiindependent study class. This class meets two days per week - one day for group instruction and one day for small advisory group sessions. Students create their own curriculum from their own areas of interest in what’s happening in the art world today. Students choose a topic from visual culture each semester. They do both written and studio work independently in school or out during the other days each week. Research can include internships, interviews, museum visits, reading, etc. Studio work can be done in any media.
STUDIO IN FASHION DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION I (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Prerequisite: None for grades 10-12. Ninth grade students must have taken Studio in Art in grade 8, or be simultaneously registered for an Art or Music course that fulfills this graduation requirement. This is an introductory level course. The course will introduce students to the world of fashion by examining its history from ancient times to current Haute Couture. Students will learn about apparel and textile design. This course gives student’s the opportunity to design and create a bag, and work from a pattern to create a simple dress or top. All fashion students will present their design in the school’s Annual Fashion Show in May.
STUDIO IN FASHION DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION II (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Prerequisite: Studio in Fashion Design & Illustration II This course will expand and develop the knowledge and skills gained from Studio in Fashion Design & Illustration I. The emphasis will be on producing portfolio quality art in personal style. Students will continue to develop their skill in drawing the figure and creating original designs for apparel and textiles. Students apply their sketching, designing, patternmaking and sewing skills to create an original design and sample garment. There will be an indepth study of a contemporary designer and a presentation of their fashion in the spring.
STUDIO IN FASHION DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION III (1 Year-1Credit) 5 per. weekly Prequisite: Studio in Fashion Design & Illustration II This course will expand and develop the knowledge and skills gained from Studio in Fashion Design & Illustration II. Each student will use these skills to design, sew and develop a marketing plan for their own mini fashion line. There will be a final presentation of their line in the Spring and an accompanying portfolio of sketches representing their works.
High School Music
The courses and performing groups of the Music Department are designed to meet the needs, interests and talents of all senior high school students. The courses present the students with opportunities to study music from a technical aspect, to learn to understand and appreciate music through listening, and to develop self-expression through participation in the various instrumental and choral performing groups.
Students who plan to specialize in music or music education as a career are urged to begin theory studies as early as possible during their high school years. It is also recommended that students specializing in music should engage in maximum participation in one or more of the music performing organizations.
Students may fulfill the one credit graduation requirement in music or art by taking a performing course or Comprehensive Foundations A and B.
BAND Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Prerequisite: Satisfactory progress in Middle School or by audition. The Band program is a comprehensive program, which includes marching and concert band training and performances. Students may elect to be in the Competitive Marching Band or the Noncompetitive Marching Band. All Band students are required to march in 4 to 5 parades and play in the pep band for football games. These are the performance requirements for the Non-Competitive Marching program. Non- Competitive Band students who are new to the program are required to attend several evening training sessions in June 2005, in order to learn marching basics for parade performances.
Students who wish to participate in the Competitive Marching Band will prepare a field show, which is performed at a variety of competitions on Long Island and in the northeast region throughout the fall. Competitive Marching Band members are required to attend two evening rehearsals per week as well as Saturday and Sunday practices or performances during the first quarter. Competitive Marching Band students receive a weighted grade for this additional work.
All Band students audition for seating in two concert bands which become the main program activity after the fall marching season. The Junior Band which consists of members in 9th and 10th grade will perform levels IV-V music. The Senior Band which consists of members in 11th and 12th grade will perform levels V-VI music. The Concert Bands will perform at several school concerts and special functions throughout the year.
The Blue Devil Marching Band has earned national acclaim as one of the finest competitive bands on Long Island. In 2004, the Band won first place in the New York State Field Band Conference Competition, Division LS3 and 2nd place in the New York City Columbus Day Parade. In 2002, the Band won first place in the USSBA Mid- Altantic Marching Band Championship. The Blue Devil Band has also performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Fiesta Bowl Parade, the Miss America Parade, and at Yankee Stadium. In 1997, they performed in the Disney Hercules Parade in New York City and in 1998, participated in a Disney commercial for the opening of the Animal Kingdom. REQUIREMENTS: All members of the Band course are required to participate in either Competitive or Non-Competitive Marching Band and perform in the performances listed above. You may not participate in concert band only. All students have a community service marching commitment. Exact 2007 rehearsal dates for all new band members as well as summer Band Camp dates and times for Competitive program will be mailed to all grade 8 - 11 band students when available.
Students who do not participate in the Summer Band Camp are not eligible for the Competitive Band. Percussion and Color Guard members of the competitive program rehearse one additional evening per week in the fall. For questions about rehearsal and performance requirements, please contact Mr. Giachetti or Mr. Stellato at 673-2053. AUGUST 2007 MARCHING BAND SCHEDULE FULL BAND REHEARSALS: August 6-7 9am-9pm August 13-14 9am-9pm August 20-24 9am-9pm August 25 9am-6pm August 26 9am-4pm August 29 5pm-9pm
CONCERT CHOIR (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 Prerequisite: An interest in singing and a simple voice test. This course is offered to any student who can match pitches and who will attend rehearsals and concerts. The full high school choir performs at approximately four concerts a year. Study of correct breathing and voice production are also presented. Extra rehearsals are held occasionally throughout the year. (4 to 5 per year). Attendance at extra rehearsals and concerts is mandatory. Students are expected to attend group voice lessons every other week.
CHAMBER CHOIR (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 10-11-12 Prerequisite: Membership by audition only. This is a small select choir comprised of students who have been outstanding members of Concert Choir. The Chamber Choir presents concerts in the community as well as joining with the Concert Choir in their concerts. Attendance at all extra rehearsals and concerts is mandatory. Members are expected to attend voice lessons every other week.
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 Prerequisites: Satisfactory progress in high school string orchestra or NYSSMA 5A+ rating in grade 8. The course includes the study and performances of great masterpieces of orchestral compositions, developing playing skills, and understanding compositional ideas. There are at least three evening concerts per year, each performance preceded by an evening dress rehearsal. Students are required to be at all concerts and dress rehearsals. Students may also audition for Chamber Orchestra, an advanced string ensemble.The Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra consistently receive level 5 and 6 Gold and Silver ratings at NYSSMA Major Organization Festivals. In past years, the Orchestra has won first place awards in Williamsburg and Pennsylvania in competition with orchestras from all over the east coast. NOTE: Advanced Orchestra students maybe selected to participate in the Honors Orchestra. As a member of Honors Orchestra, students are required to participate in Chamber Orchestra and an Honor String Quartet. These activities require the preparation of a significant amount of additional music as well as participation in numerous community service performances. Participation in Honors Orchestra is by invitation only. Honors Orchestra students receive a weighted grade for this additional commitment.
STRING ORCHESTRA (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 9 and 10 This course is for all 9th grade string students with the exception of students that received a NYSSMA Level 5A+ rating or higher in grade 8. These advanced students will be auditioned for Symphony Orchestra during the spring of 8th grade. This orchestra experience includes the study of NYSSMA Level 3-5 string literature. In addition, the String Orchestra studies several symphonic orchestra pieces and performs with the Symphony Orchestra. Tenth graders who have not mastered the skills needed for full Symphony Orchestra participation may be placed in the String Orchestra at the discretion of the director. String Orchestra performs at least three evening concerts per year, each preceded by an evening dress rehearsal. Students are required to be at all concerts and dress rehearsals.
COMPREHENSIVE FOUNDATIONS “A:” MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE (1 year-1/2 credit) Alt. Day Course This course is a survey course of music history from ancient to modern times. The focus is on the relationship between music and society. Many composers and musical styles are discussed, from Beethoven to the Beatles. The course is open to all students. The only prerequisite is an interest in music beyond pop culture. Note: Comprehensive Foundations “A” and “B” may be used as part of a sequence in music.
COMPREHENSIVE FOUNDATIONS “B:” MUSIC AND TECHNOLOGY (1/2 Year -1/2 Credit) alternating days Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 This course explores the use of technology in music performance and composition. The course covers the design and use of sound systems, computer music basics, digital audio recording, music notation programs, music on the Internet and video scoring. The course also includes study of the fundamentals of acoustics and the development of music technology in the past century. Individual recording projects are a major part of the course. There is no prerequisite, and students do not need to have had formal music training.
THEORY I (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 9-10-11-12 Recommended for: Students who have an interest in music and who can read music. Required for: Regents Music Sequence Prerequisites: Some music background and the ability to read music. This course presents a study of basic theory: fundamentals, chords, 4-part composition, dictation, rhythmic training and some conducting. It is the first course of a major sequence.
THEORY II (ADVANCED PLACEMENT THEORY) (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grades 10-11-12 Recommended for: The music major - 2nd course music major sequence. Prerequisite: Music Theory 1, or approval of instructor. This course presents advanced concepts of music theory and a major concentration of the development of the ear. It is designed to enable the student to understand music theory in depth. It prepares the student for college study of music or for serious music understanding or research. Students will be required to take the Advanced Placement Music Theory Exam at the completion of the course. This is a full year, college level course which receives a weighted grade.
SPECIAL AND HONORS ENSEMBLES: Membership in all Honors Ensembles is by audition, with priority given to students who are enrolled in one of the High School Major Performance Courses (Band, Orchestra, Choir, or Chamber Choir).
JAZZ CHOIR (No Credit) 2 hrs. weekly The Jazz Choir provides a choral experience for experienced singers wanting to perform Jazz standards and contemporary arrangements in a small ensemble. Solo opportunities are available. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays, time TBA.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE (Honors) (No Credit) 2 hrs. weekly Rehearsals are held one evening per week. All styles of jazz are studied - swing, rock and contemporary. Development of improvisation skills is a priority. Several performances within and outside the district are planned each year. This is a highly selective ensemble. In 2002, the Jazz Ensemble won "1st Place" and "Most Outstanding Jazz Ensemble" awards at the Hershey Park Music Festival Competition in Pennsylvania.
WIND ENSEMBLE (Honors) (No Credit) 3 hours weekly Offered to: Grades 9-12 This is an advanced level concert band which performs level VI music. Rehearsals are held one evening per week. Attendance is absolutely mandatory. This honors ensemble is by audition only. The Wind Ensemble will perform at several school concerts and special functions throughout the year.
HONORS ORCHESTRA: CHAMBER ENSEMBLE (No Credit) 1 1/2 hrs. weekly Along with the High School Orchestra, there is also a CHAMBER ENSEMBLE, a highly advanced and select group. Membership is by audition or through teacher’s invitation. Rehearsals are held usually on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. The repertoire is mostly on the college level. Occasionally there are pieces with some wind parts, too. Several performances in and out of school are planned throughout the year.
WINTER PERCUSSION (No Credit) 2 hrs. weekly This program is designed to teach students the advanced techniques of concert and marching percussion per-formance. Rehearsals are held one evening per week and are open to all students in grades 7-12. Competitive Marching students are required to participate. Non-Band students who successfully complete the program may audition for the Competitive Band program.
HIGHSTEPPER DANCE TEAM (No Credit) 4-6 hrs. weekly The Highsteppers are a competitive dance team, competing in dance, kickline and pom routines as part of the Scholastic Kickline Association. The team also performs at home football and basketball games. Auditions for Highsteppers take place in the Spring. Members may also participate in the Band’s Color Guard, as there are no scheduling conflicts.
COLOR GUARD/WINTER GUARD (No Credit) The Color Guard is an auxiliary unit of the Marching Band, open to both male and female students. The Color Guard performs precision movements with flags, sabers, and wooden rifles, creating a vitally important visual show for the Band’s field and parade competitions. The Color Guard begins training during the summer and performs throughout the fall season. They also perform in several spring parades and rehearse "Winter Guard'' techniques during the winter months. Students who have an interest in music or dance are encouraged to audition. Students who are registered for Band may also audition for Color Guard. Auditions take place during the winter months of the previous year. New students may join at this time.
TRI-M MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY (No Credit) monthly meetings This is a service organization. Students must be in 10th, 11th or 12th grades and be an outstanding member of a school music ensemble. This includes membership in one of the extra non-credit music groups. Students must attend meetings and perform at least ten hours of service to the Music Department each year. Applications are available from Ms. Lisa Leonardi.
Middle School Art
The major goal of the Art Department is to encourage individual and critical investigation of media and appropriate processes leading to refinement of skills and creative problem solving of the highest quality.
Our Art 7 and 8 courses are designed to provide all students, including the serious-minded young artist, with opportunities to explore individual interests in a non-competitive studio setting.
Art 7 (20 Weeks) This one semester course is required of all seventh grade students. Students explore a variety of media and develop basic skills and techniques that relate to two and three-dimensional forms of artistic expression. Units of study in the course include drawing, painting, sculpture, construction, printmaking, ceramics, crafts, and computer graphics. The emphasis of this course and all of our art courses is on a hands-on experience.
Art 8 (10 Weeks) This one-quarter course builds and refines skills and techniques learned in our Art 7 course preparing students for their high school art experience. The course is required of all eighth grade students who do not take Studio Art in eighth grade.
Studio Art (40 Weeks) This full year course is designed for the serious-minded art student. The course embodies a variety of two and three-dimensional projects that are designed to refine the student’s skill, technique and knowledge as they relate to the principles and practices of design, drawing, lettering, painting, drafting, printmaking, sculpture, and computer graphics. The selection process for this accelerated program will include teacher recommendation, grade point qualification in Art 7, student portfolio, essay, and interview. Parents of students qualifying by grade point average will receive application information by mail. The grade earned in Studio Art will be entered on the student’s high school transcript and computed in the high school Grade Point Average. Students who do not wish to have the grade entered in this way must drop the course before the midpoint of the course.
Middle School Music
Music is an important element of a Finley student’s experience. Music is required of every student. At the Middle School, we have courses designed for the serious music student who wishes to continue with his/her performing group experience and courses for students who do not wish to perform in chorus, band or orchestral groups. Our music classes meet on alternate days opposite the youngster’s physical education classes.
PERFORMING MUSIC ENSEMBLES: Band 7 and 8, Orchestra 7 and 8, and Chorus 7 and 8 (40 Weeks – Alternate Days) The Finley Band, Orchestra and Choral programs provide opportunities for our performing musicians to develop more advanced skills while performing more challenging music. Complex rhythms, sight-reading, tone quality, balance and interpretation are some of the many musical components that are stressed. Participation in a large performance ensemble also helps to develop self-discipline, teamwork and esprit de corps. Our band, orchestra, and choral students perform at our annual Winter and Spring Concerts and at other special events during the year. In addition to the class period, students are required to attend a weekly lesson period, which rotates throughout the school day as well as all evening dress rehearsals and concerts. Students who wish to participate in band or orchestra as well as chorus should register for the instrumental class. They will be invited to attend choral rehearsals during lunch periods and will be permitted to sing in the concerts.
HONOR ENSEMBLES: Members of the band, orchestra nad chorus may audition for participation in Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra Chamber Ensemble and Show Choir. These honor groups rehearse before school, twice a week and perform for community and special school events. Please note: Prerequisite for Band, Orchestra, and Chorus: At least one year of successful participation in a band, orchestra or choral program, or special permission of the director.
NON-PERFORMING COURSE: General Music (40 Weeks-Alternate Days) This course is required of all students who do not participate in band, orchestra or chorus. Students will learn about a variety of musical styles, including the study of American pop music. Students may also elect to take beginning lessons on a band or orchestra instrument as part of the General Music Program. General Music can be taken in grade 7 or 8, but not both.
NON-PERFORMING COURSE: General Music (40 Weeks – Alternate Days) This course is required of all students who do not participate in band, orchestra or chorus. Students will learn about a variety of musical styles, including the study of American pop music. Students may also elect to take beginning lessons on a band or orchestra instrument as part of the General Music Program. General Music can be taken in grade 7 or 8, but not in both.