Fine Arts Classes
ART I #011
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00
(Art supplies are included in lab fee.)
Prerequisites: NONE
This course provides a strong foundation program in art, assuming students have little or no background. Drawing, composition and color theory are emphasized. Painting, ink, graphite and colored pencil drawing, graphic design and an introduction to computer graphics are some of the media with which the students work. Students may take this class P/F.
ART II #012
LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00
(Art supplies are included in lab fee.)
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of 76% in Art I #011 and signature of Art II #012 teacher.
This course is a continuation of Art I #011 with further work in drawing, painting, color pencil, craypas and other 2D projects. Art II is a more creative, in depth study of color theory and perspective. Projects will emphasize an exploration of different techniques and mediums. Students may take this class P/F.
ART III #013
LEVEL: 11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00
(Art supplies are included in lab fee.)
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of 76% in Art II #012 and signature of Art III #013 teacher
This course is for students to further develop the skills learned in Art I #011 and Art II #012. This course allows students to work at an advanced level using various materials including acrylic and oil paint, sketching and computer graphics. With help from the teacher, students will develop their personal skills as an artist. Students have the opportunity to use Adobe Photoshop and other software. Students may take this class P/F.
ART IV #014
LEVEL: 12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00
(Art supplies are included in lab fee.)
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of 76% in Art III #013 and signature of Art IV #014 teacher.
This course is for students who want to further develop a high level of artistic sophistication. The students can work independently on projects. With help of the teacher, students will develop their personal skills as an artist. Students have the opportunity to use Adobe PhotoShop and other software. Students may take this class P/F.
AP STUDIO ART #015
LEVEL: 12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00
(Art supplies are included in lab fee.)
Prerequisites: Two years of art (at least one at Carmel); minimum grade of 86%; signature of Studio Art #015 teacher.
This course is for highly motivated and talented seniors who create various art works independently within a class structure and who participate in ongoing individual and group critiques. Students must be prepared to commit a significant amount of time to complete the portfolio required for their Advanced Placement Board evaluation; students begin working on projects during the summer. Students will select some projects independently while other projects will be selected by the teacher. Students will use our digital camera to photograph their work for their portfolio. They complete a portfolio in Drawing. Students work on concentration, breadth and quality. There is an Advanced Placement evaluation fee determined annually by the College Board of about $90.00.
BEGINNING CERAMICS/SCULPTURE #016
LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00 (Art supplies are included in lab fee.)
Prerequisites: Art I #011 with a minimum grade of 76% or better.
In Ceramics, students will develop an understanding of clay construction. Students will focus on hand building. Raku firing will also be explored. Surface decoration including glaze and texture will be used. If students prefer working in another medium they may work with materials such as metals, wood and Styrofoam.
In Sculpture, students will learn basic sculpture techniques. They will work with modeling and carving using materials including clay, wire, wood, glass fusing, Styrofoam and metals.
Projects in ceramics and sculpture will expand the skills learned in Art I.
Students may take this class P/F.
ADVANCED CERAMICS/SCULPTURE #017
LEVEL: 11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $145.00 (Art supplies are included in lab fee.)
Prerequisites: Beginning Ceramics/Sculpture #016 with a minimum grade of 76% or better.
This course is for students who want to further develop their skills and techniques in ceramics and/or sculpture. Students may work with a variety of mediums including clay, metals, wood, glass fusing and Styrofoam. Students will continue to work with hand building and wheel throwing techniques. They will participate in the raku workshop. Sculpture skills will include modeling, carving and fabricating. Students may individualize their project choices. This class may be repeated for credit.
Students may take this class P/F.
HONORS CREDIT IN ART
In order to be eligible for Honors Credit in Art II, Art III and Art IV, Beginning Ceramics/Sculpture and Advanced Ceramics/Sculpture students must have received a final grade of 93% or higher in the previous art class and have the instructor’s approval. Students also will be expected to complete extra projects as assigned by the teacher.
HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL #020
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: .5 SEMESTER COURSE
Prerequisites: NONE.
This course is a survey course giving the student a view into the world of Rock and Roll including the roots, the genre, different styles of Rock, important creative centers of rock like Motown to the two waves of the British invasion. The goal is be to peak student’s interest into the appreciation of the influence and energy rock placed on American Pop culture and the world. The students will have time to explore their own experience of the rock and roll world and make connections to their own heritage in the past. The students will be able to identify influential events in the American experience through the rock styles. Students will also have a deeper understanding of how music can help them express their philosophy and desires in life while connecting to teenagers of the past.
BEGINNING GUITAR #022
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: .5 SEMESTER COURSE
Prerequisites: Each student must own or rent a guitar. It can be either an acoustic guitar or a classical guitar with nylon strings. Even though classical is a part of the instrument’s core repertoire, it is used to play all kinds of music (classical, flamenco, popular, jazz, etc.). If purchasing a guitar, an inexpensive option is the Yamaha C40.
This course is open to all students interested in learning to play guitar. The course provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through playing a guitar. Emphasis will be placed on playing position, tone production, fundamental technique, simultaneous playing and singing, reading music, and composing songs/lyrics. Both individual playing and group/ensemble playing will be explored. Knowledge and skills will include experiences in singing, creating, playing and listening. This course can be taken on a P/F basis.
GUITAR II #065
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: .5 SEMESTER COURSE
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of 76% in Beginning Guitar #022 or signature of Guitar instructor.
This course is a one semester beginning guitar class level II. This course will reinforce and expand on the skills and techniques taught in beginning guitar Level I class. The class is open to Advanced beginners and premature intermediate players. The course will build student skills as well as develop the student’s desire for life-long learning. Knowledge and skills will include experience in singing, creating, playing and listening. This course can be taken on a P/F basis.
CONCERT CHOIR #024
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
UNIFORM FEE: $40.00
Prerequisites: NONE. This is a non-audition group. Any student with a desire to sing may enroll for this course as well as any student wanting to play piano and possibly accompany the choir.
This course is open to all students (male and female) who are with or without prior high school choral experience. The basic concepts of sight-reading, interval drill, breathing, style, and performance are taught throughout the year. A complete repertoire of choral music, ranging from classical to contemporary, is studied. Participation in the two final choral rehearsals before the Christmas and Spring Concerts (outside of school time) and in all choral performances (Fall Concert, Christmas Concert, and Spring Concert) is required to earn credit in this course. This course can be taken on a P/F basis.
TREBLE CHOIR #025
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
UNIFORM FEE: $40.00
Prerequisites: Completion of one year of high school chorus or by audition. Students interested in playing piano are also encouraged to enroll and possibly accompany the choir.
This course is open to all treble voice students (female) who have at least one year of high school choral experience or the equivalent. The course will be a continuation of the concepts of sight-reading, interval drill, breathing, style, and performance that are taught in Concert Choir #024.
A complete repertoire of choral music, ranging from classical to contemporary, is studied.
Participation in the two final choral rehearsals before the Christmas and Spring Concerts (outside of school time) and in all choral performances (Fall Concert, Christmas Concert, and Spring Concert) is required to earn credit in this course. This course can be taken on a P/F basis.
ADVANCED CHOIR #027
LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
UNIFORM FEE: $40.00
Prerequisites: Completion of one year of high school chorus and by audition. Teacher signature required.
Students interested in playing piano are also encouraged to enroll and possibly accompany the choir.
This course is a continuation of the concepts covered in the Concert Choir #024 and Treble Choir #025 class. Participation in two final choral rehearsals before the Christmas and Spring Concerts (outside of school time) and in all choral performances Cabaret Concerts, Christmas Concert, and Spring Concert) is required to earn credit in this course. This course can be taken on a P/F basis. This course is also available for honors credit.
CO-CHOIR #028
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12 PERIOD M
(MON., WED., and FRI.)
CREDIT: .5 ONE YEAR
CLASS FEE: $100.00
UNIFORM FEE: $40.00
Prerequisite: Members are selected by audition in the fall. There is no sign-up for this course prior to auditions. Instrumental students interested in playing piano, guitar (both rhythm and bass), and drums should see instructor.
This group (equal number of men and women, approximately 32 total) performs at all concerts plus tours off campus during the Christmas season and in late winter at area junior highs. The basic performance techniques learned are applied in the choreographed music (Broadway to Pop). Attendance at the Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning rehearsals (and one Saturday rehearsal per semester) and all performances are required to earn credit. Ensembles chosen from this group include: Men’s Quintet, Women’s Quintet and Parkway Singers. This course can be taken on a P/F basis.
PARKWAY SINGERS #030
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12 PERIOD M
(TUE. AND FRI.)
CREDIT: .5 ONE YEAR
CLASS FEE: $100.00
UNIFORM FEE: $40.00 (If student is also in Co-Choir, no additional uniform fee for Parkway Singers is required.)
Prerequisite: This group is selected by audition in the fall during auditions for Co-choir. There is no sign-up for this course prior to auditions. Instrumental students interested in playing piano, guitar (both rhythm and bass), and drums should see instructor.
In this course, students will develop vocal jazz techniques and sing three and four part vocal jazz music selections; be able to sing a cappella vocal jazz selections; and perform vocal jazz selections accompanied by a rhythm section. This course can be taken on a P/F basis. This course is also available for honors credit.
CONCERT BAND #054
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
UNIFORM FEE: $40.00
Prerequisite: This is a non-audition group.
This band is made up of grades 9-12 with various levels of experience. The main focus of the band is the development of musicianship skills through popular music. Students will also develop good technique in intonation, finger dexterity, sight-reading and musical interpretation.
This band will perform at various school-related events. Members of this band join with Wind Ensemble during the fall sports season to create Marching Band. Members attend Marching Band Camp, which begins in the first week of August, and runs for approximately 7 or 8 consecutive weekdays. This course may be taken as a grade or P/F basis. Percussion members must attend summer Drumline Camp which is offered in the summer school program. The camp runs for the two weeks before the 4th of July.
WIND ENSEMBLE #055
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
UNIFORM FEE: $80.00
Prerequisite: Membership is by audition only. Students must have good musician skills; display proficiency in scales; sight-reading, and intonation; and have at least four years of experience in a previous band or the equivalent in private lessons.
This band is an upper-level ensemble whose members display a high level of understanding on a given instrument. This band is the main instrumental performance group at Carmel Catholic High School and will perform at various school-related events. Members of this band join with Concert Band during the fall sports season to create Marching Band. Members must attend Marching Band Camp, which begins in the first week of August and runs for approximately 7 or 8 consecutive weekdays.
This course may be taken as a regular grade, honors grade or on a P /F basis. Percussion members must attend summer Drumline Camp which is offered in the summer school program. The camp runs for the two weeks before 4th of July.
JAZZ BAND #056
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12 PERIOD M
(MON. WED. AND FRI.)
CREDIT: .5 ONE YEAR
CLASS FEE: $100.00
UNIFORM FEE: $40.00
Prerequisite: Membership is by audition only in August, on the afternoon of freshman orientation. Wind and percussion players must be members of Wind Ensemble #055 or Concert Band #054. String and piano players must be members of at least one other performing ensemble.
Students must demonstrate good musicianship skills; be proficient in scales, sight-reading, intonation, and improvisation; and must have at least three years of prior band experience or the equivalent in private lessons. This band is designed to develop the student’s understanding of jazz styles and technique. The ensemble performs at various school-related events and some jazz festivals throughout the region. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.
STRING ENSEMBLE #057
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
PERIOD M
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
UNIFORM FEE: $40.00
Prerequisite: This group is a non-audition group. Students must provide their own instruments.
This group is designed to further develop technique and musical interpretation in string genre. This group performs three concerts a year and at some liturgies. Students in this course will contract to be graded either with letter grades or on a P/F basis.
JAZZ COMBO #058
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12 PERIOD M
(TUES. AND THURS.)
CREDIT: .5 ONE YEAR
CLASS FEE: $100.00
UNIFORM FEE: $40.00
Prerequisite: Membership is by audition only in August on the afternoon of freshman orientation. Wind and percussion players must be members of Wind Ensemble #055 or Concert Band #054. String and piano players must be members of one other performing music group at Carmel Catholic High School.
This course is designed to develop the student's understanding of Jazz Be-Bop style and technique. Students will learn how to decipher lead sheets by using a melodic line and chord symbols only. The ensemble will perform at various school-related events and some jazz festivals throughout the region. This course is also available for honors credit.
MUSIC AND WORLD CULTURES #059
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
HONORS
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $45.00
This course will be offered every other year. This course is available for 2011-2012 but not 2012-2013.
Prerequisite: NONE
This course is the first of a two-year sequence. The course is divided into two semesters.
The first semester deals with music on a global view. The class explores the different cultures and how music is used to express their beliefs. This course concentrates on how cultures from the world define musical styles and genres. This class also views music through the lens of all the core subjects: Math, Science, Psychology, Sociology, Literature, Composition, Language, History, Political Science and Religion.
The second semester introduces students to the rudimentary elements of music: acoustics, four properties of sound, time and rhythmic development, scale structures, key signatures and musical notation. This semester promotes a student’s skill level in deciphering and performing music.
MUSIC AND WORLD CULTURES #060
LEVEL: 9- 10-11-12 HONORS
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
LAB FEE: $23.00
This course will be offered every other year. This course is available for 2011-2012 but not 2012-2013.
Prerequisite: Teacher signature required.
This course is the same as Music and World Cultures #059 but for students who can only fit in one semester of Music and World Cultures.
AP MUSIC THEORY #061
LEVEL:
11-12
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
LAB FEE: $45.00
This course will be offered every other year. This course is NOT available for 2011-2012 but will be available 2012-2013.
AP Music Theory starts at the tonality structure and moves through four-part writing with figured bass. This course will also explore melodic development, harmonizing melodies, and musical analysis during the 18th century. In the spring term, AP Music Theory discusses chromatics from altered tones and chords to modulations. The AP class also covers the Advanced Placement curriculum in preparation for the AP music test in May. This course promotes the mastery of skills necessary to succeed in music outside of high school. Students are required to take the music theory advanced placement test.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE #062
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12 PERIOD H
(TUES. AND THURS.)
CREDIT: .5 ONE YEAR
CLASS FEE: $100.00
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in either Wind Ensemble #055 or Concert Band #054
This ensemble develops the student’s understanding of the percussion world whether it is traditional or non-traditional (Blue Man or Stomp). Students are required to be a member of Concert Band or Wind Ensemble. This group performs at various school events and Solo and Ensemble contests. Students may take this class on a P/F basis.
HONORS CREDIT IN MUSIC: PERFORMANCE GROUPS
Students will have the opportunity to work for honors credit in the following performance programs: Advanced Choir #027, Parkway Singers #030, Wind Ensemble #055 and Jazz Combo #058. Please read the section below for more information on requirements.
REQUIREMENTS FOR HONORS CREDIT
Advanced students in Advanced Choir, Jazz Combo, Parkway Singers, and Wind Ensemble may, with the instructor’s approval, elect the honors level of that ensemble. These students will, as part of the requirements, remain as members of their curricular ensemble and fulfill all obligations of that ensemble.
In addition, they would be required to perform the following activities:
- Study with a qualified private teacher outside of school at least once per week for at least eight weeks each academic quarter. Verify to the regular classroom instructor weekly 30-minute lessons with a quarterly verification from the private instructor proving that practice has been done.
- Perform a major work or solo on the student’s primary instrument at the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest in March, for the Northwestern Illinois Solo & Ensemble Contest, an evaluated Tri-M recital, or schedule a private performance in front of at least two of the music faculty. Vocalists must be prepared to perform at least two songs, one in a foreign language. Perform a major solo work for the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest in March.
- Develop and keep a portfolio, documenting all activities done in their honors program through the semester.
The portfolio must consist of the following:
Each honors music student will turn in a BINDER for each semester that includes the following items:
- Table of Contents
- Detailed (1 page minimum) summary of Honors Project
- Documentation (tickets, programs, and director/instructor signatures) and thorough reviews of three performances outside of Carmel Catholic High School
- Detailed summary of any other performances that the student has done in connection with the class
These items will all be neatly typed and placed in the binder. Points will be deducted for any item missing from the binder.
Binders are due five school days before the first day of finals each semester. Late binders will receive grade reduction.
- Attendance at three performances outside of Carmel Catholic High School.
- Music students applying for honors credit in more than one music course do not need to duplicate the above requirements
And also choose two of the following projects:
- Prepare a written report of 1,000 words or more on a major composer or work. The research paper should cover the composer and his works, historical perspective, as well as the repertoire being performed.
- Students must use proper format as well as a minimum of five sources with a maximum of two Internet sites. (More information about this requirement is available from each instructor.)
- Audition for the IMEA District Choirs and Instrumental groups and/or selection to participate at the State level.
- Participate in community or Parish/Church music groups (Signatures required)
- Accompany a choir at concerts or accompany at least 3 solo and ensemble events.
- Participate by playing or singing with the Liturgical Choir for at least 75% of the Masses and Liturgies. (Signatures required)
- Other projects as approved by the Fine Arts Faculty.
Clarification of Requirements
- Students who choose to audition for the IMEA District Festival must audition with the required material for State and District Audition. This audition will be held in October at a local high school.
- Private lessons once a week for thirty minutes.
- The number of lessons per quarter will be one less than the number of weeks in the quarter. For example, if we have ten weeks in one quarter the students must take nine lessons during that quarter. Students will be responsible for turning in the completed lesson form signed by the private teacher.
- Solo performance. Your private instructor or a member of the Fine Arts faculty must approve all solo literature for the Illinois High School Association State Solo and Ensemble contest. Instrumentalists will perform a major solo work with piano accompaniment. Vocalists must prepare at least two songs, one in a foreign language. Students will be given a set of guidelines before the event. Students must show the director the solo selected to check for level of difficulty and appropriateness at least four weeks before the performance. The importance of this experience is that the student receives an outside critique of his/her playing/singing ability and can be better prepared for college auditions, which will be very similar to this experience.
DRAMA/THEATRICAL TECHNIQUES #070
LEVEL: 9-10-11-12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
Prerequisite: NONE
Beginning acting is an Arts Participation course designed to teach the basic skills, concepts and methods of modern acting techniques while using various theatre games, exercises and warm ups. The class will provide the students the opportunity to actively participate and strengthen those skills of concentration, focus, and creativity. Students will develop self confidence which is critical to performance and other life skills. Students will work on the elements of acting, how to create and analyze characters through monologues, scenes, pantomime and improvisation exercises. Study includes movement and voice techniques.
ADVANCED DRAMA/THEATRICAL TECHNIQUES #071
LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: 1 ONE YEAR
Prerequisite: Students must have taken Drama #070.
Students taking this class will have some basic knowledge of acting techniques from class or past performances. In this class, the students will develop the psychological and physiological part of acting.
We will study the history and movement of theatre as well as musical theatre and basic dance. Students will learn about all areas of production: costuming, set design, construction, hair, make-up and directing a show. They will develop a higher skill level for theatre appreciation through active participation and performance. They are required to participate in at least one school production as a cast or crew member.
THEATER TECH #072
LEVEL: 10-11-12
CREDIT: .5 ONE SEMESTER
Prerequisite: NONE
This class is designed for the student who wants to learn “behind the scenes” work for theatre production. It is one semester and will include teaching basic skills of set design, painting, set construction and use of power tools. It will include lectures on technique, safety, use and care of all lighting and sound equipment. It will cover maintenance and safety of rigging, battens and curtains. There will be some lecture and brief coverage of the business side of production, props and costume design.
