Fine and Performing Arts

Explore a variety of visual art media, while building foundational art skills. You’ll discover art elements, principles, and styles through projects that promote problem solving, risk taking, teamwork, and creativity. Express yourself through drawing, painting, and mixed media projects. Rubrics are introduced and critiques are conducted. (Grade 9) (Course # 8161)

What is art and why do we create it? Expand your voice, style, and growth as an artist through the exploration and investigation of various media, such as printmaking, painting, and three-dimensional materials. Gain an understanding of the versatility of materials and enhance your technical proficiency and visual expression. Become a better visual communicator and critical thinker through theme-based projects, in-class critiques, and written reflections.  (Grade 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 8261)

Experience drawing through a formal approach of “learning to see.” Develop your perceptual abilities by drawing from life and drawing from memory. Learn to express contours, space, relationships, light and shadow, and proportions. You will explore a variety of media and be responsible for sketchbook assignments. (Grade 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 8271)

Gain confidence and technical skills in acrylic painting through still life, landscape, and observational studies. This course emphasizes formal elements of art, particularly the use of line, value, and color to create the illusion of space and light. Traditional and experimental techniques, including monochromatic painting, under-painting, glazing, and color theory are covered. You’ll complete a variety of representational and expressive paintings based on rubrics and grounded in art historical styles. Finish this course with a painting portfolio. (Grade 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 8861)

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors explore color theory and design concepts while considering the complexities of color. Participate in color-related experiments and group critiques while learning about color schemes, relations, and interactions. Become skilled in color matching and mixing through problem-based projects in painting and drawing media. Fashion/jewelry design will be addressed as one of six major projects based on rubrics. (Grade 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 8361)

Attain the visual language of commercial graphic design by solving a series of problems. Develop visual literacy by learning about typography, color theory, layout design, package design, illustration, and advertising. Design a logo, business card, greeting card, and point-of-sale unit. Experiment with traditional manual rendering techniques, including calligraphy and illustration, and get an introduction to Adobe Photoshop CS6 software. Group discussions and critiques allow you to share and “sell” ideas and learn creative problem-solving. This class meets in the state-of-the-art Mac Lab. Enrollment is limited to 16 students. (Grade 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 8361)

Develop a digital portfolio of design, technology, and art-related projects using Adobe Photoshop. Master tools and palettes for drawing and painting, manipulating layers, and creating borders; learn to use masks and filters; and integrate text and graphics for print production. Experiment with 3-D printing in conjunction with original designs, such as jewelry and architecture, in Google SketchUp. You will also hear more about overprinting, scanning, and photo retouching. Projects involve creative problem-solving, personal expression, exploration of art-related themes, and written reflections. Limit: 16 students per section. This course fulfills the graduation requirements for fine and performing arts. (Grade 10, 11, or 12) (Course #7801)

Expand your artistic voice by becoming proficient in multiple camera functions and post-editing techniques. Use Adobe Photoshop CS6 to process digital images and professional artist-quality prints. Sharpen your skills through technical and theme-based projects. Acquire an eye for subjects and composition. Projects are based on rubrics. Regular in-class critiques are implemented. This class meets in the state-of-the-art Mac Lab. Limit: 6 students. (Grade 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 6711)

Continue your studies of the art of digital photography. Theme-based projects highlight individual growth through a deeper examination of composition and aesthetic sensibilities. Use Adobe Photoshop CS6 to post-edit your photos and take a closer look at alternative processes with the digital and technological equipment. Meet in the state-of-the-art Mac Lab. Limit: 16 students. (Grade 11 or 12) (Course # 6721)

Take a step closer to college-level art studies in Studio Art I – Honors. Focus on the creation and development of a portfolio; gain increased proficiency with various drawing, painting, collage, and printmaking media; and get an introduction to oil painting. Draw and paint from close observation of still life, nature, and the human form. Study several topics and themes, including the influence of contemporary artists and art theory on “making art.” Participate in group critiques and weekly creative sketchbook assignments. Students must have proficient drawing and painting skills prior to entering this course. The ability to work independently without constant supervision is essential for success in Studio Art I — Honors. Limited enrollment. (Grade 11 or 12) (Course # 8362)

Enjoy an intensive version of Studio Art II in this course for serious, advanced art students who intend to pursue fine arts at the college level. Create a portfolio that fulfills the requirements of the AP Studio Art Exam. Sharpen your 2-D media skills, gain an understanding of formal and conceptual relationships, and further define your identity as an artist. Experience examples of conceptual and technical problems proposed by the AP Studio Art exam. This exam requires the completion of 20 art pieces, 15 of which must be based on a chosen concentration (theme). Participate in formal and informal group critiques and complete written reflections about your work. Students must commit to independent study, experimentation, and innovation without constant supervision. (Grade 12) (Course # 8474)

Experience a rigorous, introductory college-level course in art history from the early civilization to the postmodern era. Advance your understanding and knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse historical and cultural contexts. Critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from a variety of cultures. Understand works in context with an eye toward patronage, gender, and the function and effects of art. Textbooks include the current edition of Gardner’s Art Through the Ages and Barron’s AP Art History. Prepare for daily class discussions; periodic quizzes, tests, and essays; one museum trip per quarter; and a spring field trip to a major museum. Limited enrollment. Priority is given to seniors. (Grade 11 or 12) (Course # 8464)

Take a closer look at what makes music, music. Just as you need certain ingredients to make your favorite food, so you need certain ingredients to create a piece of music. Discover the musical ingredients of rhythm, melody, harmony, tone color, texture, and form. Experience musical concepts through listening exercises and hands-on musical composition. (Grade 9) (Course # 8101)

Be part of this performance course that provides woodwind, brass, percussion, and string students the opportunity to rehearse, study, and perform a variety of classic and contemporary orchestral literature. Students who wish to enroll in this course must have basic performance skills on their instrument and must participate in all Academy Orchestra performances. (Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 8911)

See musicals from a new and exciting perspective. In this survey course, you will review and analyze musicals from the classical (“West Side Story”) to the contemporary (“Hamilton”) to gain a better understanding of what goes into creating a Broadway musical. This is a non-performance course, where we will consider the composers, lyricist, choreographers, authors, and everyone responsible for the final production and how their contributions add to our enjoyment of the show. (Grade 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 8811)

Gain a greater understanding and enjoyment of the performing arts as you develop your public speaking skills. This course is for the beginning actor and will allow you to engage in theater improv games to gain more confidence and self-awareness. We will study elements of classical theater in a fun and exploratory environment. Learn to create believable characters, even if you are a beginner or non-theater student, and gain confidence when standing up in front of a group. (Grade 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 8821)

Continue to develop the skills you acquired in Theater Arts I. You will learn how to develop believable characters while working on acting exercises and duet scenes from contemporary dramatic literature. Gain an introduction to acting in period plays, and learn to deliver monologues for audition purposes. (Grade 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 8831)

Study the building blocks of music. Use written and aural skills to analyze key signatures, modes, melodies, intervals, and chord progressions using traditional four-part writing practices. Explore musicianship skills such as dictation, sight-singing, keyboard skills, and the use of form. Expand your skills to include more complex music and the creation of student compositions. (Grade 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 8881)

View historical moments through a musical lens, and identify the social, psychological, and political impact music can have. Discover how people throughout history have used music to bring awareness to important social justice issues. Explore how music has been used to alleviate human suffering, bring about positive social change, and unite people. (Grade 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 8841)

Take a self-paced course designed for students from beginners to advanced pianists. Expand your repertoire and develop your keyboarding skills. In class, you will have individual practice time, one-on-one instruction, and group breakout sessions to learn new techniques. You will be evaluated on personal improvement and achievement. (Grade 10, 11 or 12) (Course #8851)

Explore and analyze theater arts topics to meet individual student-defined course description, goals, and objectives. You must be able to meet with your instructor at least three days within an eight-day cycle. Independent Study must be approved. (Grade 12) (Course # 8891)

Learn to play a musical instrument, or improve your existing skills. You will take small group lessons on a pull-out basis. Enjoy instruction on the following instruments: woodwinds (clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone), brass (trumpet, trombone, French horn), strings (violin, viola, cello, string bass), and percussion. Academy Orchestra members who are not studying privately are encouraged to register for this class. Participation in the Academy Orchestra is required for all students enrolled in lessons. No instruments are provided by the Academy. Students must rent their own instruments. (Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12) (Course # 8901)

Earn college credits from the Fairleigh Dickinson University Middle College Program as you study the humanities. Develop a cultural awareness as you study art, music, theater, dance, architecture, and literature from several historical periods. Prerequisite: In general, one year of fine and performing arts at the college preparatory level. Note: This course fulfills the one-year humanities graduation requirement. This course is equivalent to a freshman level college course. Separate online registration in September is required through FDU. (Grade 11 or 12) (Course # 8452)