Fine Arts Department

The evolution from jazz to hip hop marks a significant trajectory in American music history, epitomizing cultural shifts, social movements, and technological advancements. Jazz, originating in African American communities, fused African and European musical traditions, embracing improvisation and individual expression through figures like Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis. R&B and soul emerged alongside jazz, incorporating blues and gospel influences, with artists such as Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin shaping these genres. Funk and disco further evolved in the late 20th century, paving the way for hip hop, which began as a cultural movement in the Bronx, New York City, in the 1970s, encompassing music, dance, graffiti art, and fashion, led by pioneers like DJ Kool Herc. Hip
hop's growth into a global phenomenon, featuring subgenres like gangsta rap and conscious rap, solidifies its place as a continuum of African American cultural expression, constantly reshaping American music and society.

 

Prerequisite: None. A semester class open to all high school students.

This course offers the student the opportunity to gain knowledge and an understanding of the nature and history of film. The student will analyze artistic components of film such as framing, editing, sound production, lighting, technique, directing, acting, and genre. The student will be expected to review and critique a variety of films throughout the semester through written essays and presentations. The course is a college-level film analysis course, therefore the films watched will cover a wide range of ratings (G-R) and genres.

 

Prerequisite: Only open to juniors and seniors; class may only be taken once.

This course is designed for students who intend to study music at the college level or have an interest in the theory of music. The course will offer the student the opportunity to study the basic principles of music theory and composition and learn about the compositional techniques and style of the Baroque, Classical and Romantic masters. The ultimate goal of this course is for the student to learn to apply the fundamental techniques and principles of music composition as a creative form of self-expression. Students are expected to take the AP Music Theory exam in the spring.

 

Prerequisite: Application required (pick up from AP music theory instructor). Only open to
juniors and seniors and is a year long elective course.

This course is designed for the entry level artist. The goals of this course are to expose students to the variety of Visual Arts courses and practices available at St. Pius, including drawing and painting, sculpture, and graphic design. Students will learn about methods and materials for each subject as the course progresses. The emphasis for all media is on the elements and principles of design, art history and criticism, and the exploring of contemporary issues around the visual arts world.

 

Prerequisite: None; a year-long elective course open to all high school students.

This course offers students the opportunity for advanced investigation of drawing and painting techniques, formal composition, and problem-solving experiences. Emphasis in drawing will be placed on still life drawing, with in-depth study of line, value, texture, shape, linear perspective, and space. Emphasis in painting will be placed on the exploration of color theory, various painting techniques and materials. The drawing and painting projects completed in this class are designed to prepare students for continued study of the visual arts at the college level.

 

Prerequisite: Only open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors; freshman by instructor approval based
upon portfolio.

The purpose of the AP Drawing class is to create a body of work that would allow the student to gain college credit. It is now a requirement to submit a portfolio. For the portfolio students will be graded in three categories; quality of work, concentration and development of an idea and breadth which will entail the knowledge of art elements and 2D principles such as balance, contrast, unity, variety, emphasis, and proportion. Students will create their own course of study i.e., technical problems, ideas, and concepts with the instructor's guidance. The instructor will be working
with each student individually to help them develop techniques that will coincide with their artist ideas and concepts. Originality and message or personal statement whether it be a portrait, landscape, animals, or other images, are important. The major goals of the class will be to combine original ideas and art technique to create meaningful work. Grades will be given on class work and participation. Students will submit a portfolio to the college board to receive college credit.

 

Prerequisite: 2 semesters of art with an A average and instructor’s approval. (See AP Drawing instructor for a signature)

The class will be offered in even years 2024-2025, 2026-2027. AP Art Studio is a course that is designed to challenge high school students with collegiate level investigations into studio practice in the 2D Design category. All work is completed and submitted to AP Studio Portfolio evaluations in May, and college credit may be awarded according to score and participation of colleges individually. What students can expect is a rigorous and rewarding year, investigating the visual language of art and design in a variety of media (drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, & digital). The Final portfolio constitutes twenty-five percent of the student’s grade, and students who are considering the course need to be committed to visual research and production for the long haul. The reward will be a portfolio of collegiate level quality work, a deepening of the students' understanding of art in our lives, and an appreciation for developing creative ideas with depth and purpose. Students must pay the AP exam fee for portfolio submission.

 

Prerequisite: 2 semesters of art with an A average and instructor’s approval. (See AP Drawing
instructor for a signature)

This course is designed for students with previous choral experience. This course requires a formal audition and is limited to students exhibiting advanced singing skills. This ensemble will perform music of higher difficulty. The course will place an emphasis on further development of sight-singing, vocal techniques, and performance. This ensemble performs frequently throughout the year for school and community events. The student will be required to participate in all school-sponsored performances, workshops and clinics, and all special events. Students are responsible for purchasing the required ensemble attire. Students who choose to participate in district or state choral events (Solo and Ensemble, Honor Choir, NMMEA All State) are responsible for all associated costs.

 

Prerequisite: Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors only, by instructor approval.

This course is designed for students interested in learning the basic fundamentals and techniques of piano playing. Students will learn about the music staff, pitch and rhythm, and proper hand position. Students are not expected to have any background in piano or music. This class is designed as an entry level class to the music department. The student will be required to purchase the piano workbook (approximately $25.00).

 

Prerequisite: None; a semester-long elective course open to all high school students.

This is a course open to any student that has earned a B or better in Piano I. This course is designed for students interested in learning more advanced fundamentals and techniques of piano playing. More advanced students who participate in the course may continue to further their knowledge and refine their skills. The student will be required to purchase the piano workbook (approximately $25.00).

 

Prerequisite: This is a course open to any student that has earned a B or better in Piano I. This course
may be repeated.

This is the top wind and percussion ensemble of the school. The highest level of performance is expected. It is strongly suggested that the student take private lessons outside of school concurrent with this course. Students are required to attend all performances, workshops and clinics, competitions, and festivals as well as on-campus or off-campus school events scheduled for Symphonic Band. Students are responsible for purchasing the required ensemble attire. Students who choose to participate in district or state band events (Solo and Ensemble, Honor
Band, NMMEA All State) are responsible for all associated costs.

 

Prerequisite: Beginning Band with a B or better or by audition. This is a year-long elective
course and may be repeated. This course is open to all high school students.

The course is an introduction to acting and the theater. The student will learn the elements of stage acting, both individually and in small groups as well as understanding the basics of the theater space. Emphasis will be placed on dramatic elements, vocal work, improvisation, physical movement. Students will study dramatic literature, monologues and scene work. This class is designed as a foundational course for further study in theater.

 

Prerequisite: None; a semester-long elective course open to all high school students.

This course is for further study into advanced acting and theater. Students who have demonstrated proficiency and growth over the course of Drama I will continue their studies with deeper acting techniques and complex vocal work. In addition to building on the tools introduced earlier, students will also read and work with challenging college level plays and scripts. Students will focus on collaborating with and directing their peers for various staged projects in the class.

 

Prerequisite: Drama I with a grade of B or higher and teacher approval.

The Studio Art class is geared toward the student who has an interest in art and would like to learn more about and explore basic art techniques and mediums. The class will focus heavily on drawing and design techniques in the first semester and then will shift to watercolor painting techniques and finally three dimensional projects in the fourth quarter. Basic drawing and shading techniques will be studied with various media such as pencil, pen and ink and charcoal. Students will learn how to shade with these mediums and make objects appear dimensional thus creating the illusion of space. Compositional values will also be studied such as balance (symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial) as well as focal points of interest culminating in various content oriented finished works.

This course is designed for students with little or no choral experience who wish to learn the basics. An emphasis is placed upon the development of sight-singing, vocal techniques, performing and general musical knowledge. This ensemble will perform music on all concerts and in conjunction with the Bel Canto Concert Choir. The student will be required to participate in all school-sponsored performances, workshops and clinics, and all special events.

The Beginning Band is designed to provide students with an introductory experience on band instruments. Curriculum for this course is an extension of the skills and concepts introduced in General Music classes. Beginning Band is open to all eighth grade students. Prior instrumental music experience is not required.

The course is an introduction to acting and the theater. The student will learn the elements of stage acting, both individually and in small groups as well as understanding the basics of the theater space. Emphasis will be placed on dramatic elements, vocal work, improvisation, physical movement. Students will study dramatic literature, monologues and scene work. This class is designed as a foundational course for further study in theater.

Dance I offers students the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of dance. This course is an introductory class that will include technique and basic skills in styles such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap. Kinesiology labs investigate the body as it moves and ties into injury prevention. Required attire will include ballet and jazz shoes, and clothing that allows free movement. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.