Visual Arts, Music & Theatre

Visual Arts

The Visual Art courses are designed to provide students with opportunities to develop their:

• visual awareness and literacy in an increasing visual world,
• skills in art processes and techniques,
• understanding of a number of art movements and theories,
• potential to respond critically to visual and aesthetic phenomena,
• understanding of art heritage, and
• work place skills in the art and design fields.

GRAPHIC ART AND DESIGN 110

Prerequisite: Visual Arts 10

Students examine the changing face of graphic and computer art as well as the history of print media.  Explorations include the study of typography and calligraphy and the application of text to all forms of media.  Students apply the elements/principles of design to group and individual art projects such as signage, billboards and production of school play posters.  Black & white darkroom techniques are introduced.  This course fulfils the computer credit.  A lab fee of $25 applies.

VISUAL ARTS 110

Prerequisite: Visual Arts 10

This course offers students a deeper understanding of the elements and principles of drawing, painting, and sculpture. Emphasis is on studio work.  Group discussions and written work with an art historical focus are regular features. Students will need to purchase an acrylic painting kit, the cost of which will be kept to $25.00.

VISUAL ARTS 120

Prerequisite: Visual Arts 110 or Graphic Art and Design 110

This course is divided into four units.  Within this structure, students choose activities from both assigned and independent projects.  Group discussions and written work focusing on contemporary art are a required part of this course.  Students learn curation skills by participating in a senior show at the end of the semester.  As well as being a course of general interest, Visual Arts 120 offers those seriously interested in continuing their education in Art the opportunity to prepare works that may be included in a portfolio.  Students will need to purchase an art kit, the cost of which will be kept to $25.00.

AP STUDIO ART 120

This course offers serious students of art the opportunity to develop a strong portfolio and participation in the College Board Advanced Placement Program.  Emphasis is placed on production of quality art works.  Ongoing student critiques form an important part of this course.  The course is year long.  Students work independently first semester and complete portfolios for submission to the College Board in Visual Arts 120, second semester.  Portfolios are read in early June.

Music

MUSIC 111/112

Prerequisite:  Music 10 (90 hours)

Emphasis will be placed on both the practical aspect of music – performing in solos and ensembles and theory, ear training, sight singing and music history. Students should be able to “solo” on an instrument or voice.  The aim of this course is the continuing development of well-rounded, knowledgeable, competent musicians at the high school level. Attainment of Level I or II credit will be decided at the end of the course by the instructor based on theory and performance levels.

Texts:     Essentials of Music (theory) Book II & Standard of Excellence (history) Book II

MUSIC 122

Prerequisite:  Music 111/112 or approval of Music Teacher

Music 122 is designed for the advanced and/or serious student of music.  Included are the following topics: Technical/performance skills, theory and composition, Canadian music history, Canadian music industry careers and music criticism.  The course assumes an interest in improving upon and expanding areas of musical knowledge and expertise.

Texts:     The Music of Canada – McGee & Essentials of Music Theory

Theatre

APPLIED THEATRE TECHNOLOGY 120

This course is designed to supplement Theatre Arts 120.  Students will be exposed to the “technical” aspects of stage productions including lighting, sound, electricity, set design and construction, safety issues, use of scaffolding, fall arrest and equipment maintenance.  Grading will be based on short tests, class participation, attendance, and the completion of thirty hours of volunteer service to school production work.  A final project is required of all students.

THEATRE ARTS 120

Prerequisite: English Language Arts 10, students taking this course must be either in grade eleven or grade twelve.  It is expected that students applying for this course have an interest in theatre. Students are expected to be able to work independently and to be involved in related projects that require work after school and in the evening.

This course covers a study of the history of theatre, set design, lighting, costuming, improvisation, and acting.  Time is divided between the classroom and the stage.  The course culminates with the staging of a production.