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Fine& PerformingArts
TheCheverusFineandPerform ingArtsDepartmentpreparesstudentstobesuccessfulinadiverseandever-chang ingsoc iety throughexperiencesinthefineandperform ingarts .Theobjectivesof thedepartmentareto:1)encouragepartic ipationinand apprec iationof mus icandart,2)fostercreativityanddeve loptechnicalskillsinperform ingmus icandcreatingvisualart,3) preparestudentsforcareersorprofess ionalschoo linginthosefie ldsthatrequirestrongpresentationalskills ,creativeproblem so lving ,effectiveco llaboration,andanunderstandingof humanexperiences .
Visual Arts
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Introduction to Art
Semester,½credit
Thisclassisan introduction course, providing studentswith astrongfoundation in thebasicsof art. Thecoursecombineshands-on techniques, enriched with art history, art theory, and critique. Guided exerciseswill develop abaseunderstanding of studio processesand practiceof art. Studentswill develop understandingand application of observational drawing, color mixing, painting, elementsof art, principlesof design, and three-dimensional design.
2D Art
Semester,½credit
In thiscoursestudentsbuild upon their previous two-dimensional skillsand knowledgefrom Introduction to Art: composition design, color theory, and basic drawingand paintingapplications. Studentsare introduced to moreadvanced 2D techniquesand design concepts, such ascollage, print-making, illustration, and graphicdesign. Studentsexploreavariety of mediaand haveopportunitiesto experiment with mixed media applicationsaswell. Lastly, past and contemporary artists and art movementsserveasinspiration to students throughout thecourse.
3D Art
Semester,½credit
Thiscoursebuildsupon foundational skillslearned in Introduction to Art and focuseson thecreation of three-dimensional art. Studentslearn design techniquesto plan and executeartwork in avariety of media: clay, paper mache, metal, and mixed media. Studentsexperiment with form and develop problem-solvingskillsto produceartworksthat are both sculptural and functional. Art theory and history areincorporated into thecourseto enrich concept development and approach. .
Drawing I
Semester,½credit Prerequis ite:IntroductiontoArtorperm iss ionof theinstructor
Thiscoursefocuseson thestrength of two-dimensional art. Timewill bespent on the fundamentalsof drawingusingvariousmedia includinggraphite, pen and ink, colored pencil, pastel, and charcoal. Studentswill explorecreative and self-directed themeswhilegainingskillsin observational drawing, anatomy and portraiture, design, and landscapedrawing. Coursematerial is regularly enriched with art history and group critiques.
Painting I
Semester,½credit Prerequis ite:IntroductiontoArtor perm iss ionof theinstructor
Paintingstudentsexperienceaseriesof exercises designed to develop fundamental skillsand knowledgewhilepaintingwith acrylicand watercolor paint. Through frequent instruction studentsdelveinto amultitudeof interrelated activitiesexploringessential methodsand skills. In a stimulatingatmospherestudentsareencouraged to immerseand exploretheir artistic expression, uncover their talents, and develop theuniquestyle of thewholeperson. A well-informed approach to themedium isenhanced by thestudy of works throughout significant artistic movementsin history.
Studio Art
1credit Prerequis ite:IntroductiontoArtor Drawing / Painting
Thisisacoursefor studentsof proven interest and stressesthecreativeprocess. After reachingalevel of proficiency at renderingthenatural form, experimentation leadsto deeper study into thefields of two-dimensional design, printing, three-dimensional design, sculpture, painting,
watercolors, color, collage, and stained glass. Artist demonstrationsand worksareintermittently shown to enhancethought and nurturean atmosphereof creativity through established theory. Portfolio development and themewill influencethecourseof study for each student.
Stained GlassWorkshop
Semester,½credit
In thiscourse, studentslearn thecreativeelements and technical aspectsof basicstained glass construction usingtherequired materials, tools, and skills. Through aseriesof focused projects, studentswill gain an understandingof thehistory and aestheticsof stained glasswork, aswell as produceavariety of stained glasspiecesand functional art. Thereisan additional art lab feeof $50 for tools/safety equipment.
Digital Media Production
1credit
ThiscoursecombinesDigital Photography and Yearbook into ayear-longfineartselectivecourse. Thegoal of thiscourseisto create, contributeto, and producethefinished yearbook for theschool year. Studentswill learn howto successfully operateadigital cameraaswell asphotography techniques, composition, and photo editing. The coursewill also cover therelationship between digital photography and mediaproduction. This courserequiresthat studentsattend avariety of school events, such assportingeventsand student activities. Piano Lab
Semester,½credit (Seniors:FirstSemesteronly)
Thiscourseisdesigned for beginningpiano studentsor studentswho havevery littlepiano experience. Usingelectronicpianosin alab setting, studentswill learn thebasicsof music notation, rhythm, melody, and harmony. Students progressthrough instruction utilizingbeginning piano booksand supplementary materials. Access to apiano/keyboard outsideof theclassroom is required. Studentswill berequired to purchasea lowcost electronickeyboard to haveat home. Seniorsmay only register for thisclassduringthe first semester of their senior year.
Advanced Piano Lab
Thiscourseisdesigned for studentswho wish to further their piano skills. Studentsshould have already taken onesemester of piano lab in order to sign up for thiscourse. Usingelectronicpianos in alab setting, studentswill learn moreadvanced conceptsof musicnotation, rhythm, melody, and harmony. Studentsprogressthrough instruction utilizingpiano booksand supplementary materials. Accessto apiano/keyboard outsidethe classisrequired. Studentswill berequired to purchasealowcost electronic keyboard to haveat home. Seniorsmay only register for thisclass duringthefirst semester of their senior year.
CheverusChoir
1credit
TheCheverusChoir emphasizesvocal techniques and theexploration and interpretation of various periodsand stylesof choral literature. Thiscourse isdesigned for theexperienced singer who can match pitch and hold their own harmony part. Enrollment isdetermined by thedirector and may consist of an audition. Studentsareencouraged to study privately outsideof Cheverus. Students must participatein all major school performances and may beasked to perform at various performancesoutsideof school. Auditionsfor
All-Stateand District ensemblesarestrongly encouraged. Thiscourseiseligiblefor honors credit.
Music Technology and Production
Semester½credit(Seniors:FirstSemesteronly)
Studentsaregiven abackground in acoustical conceptsrelated to audio recordingand will learn theapplication of adigital audio workstation through major production projects. Theclass preparesstudentsfor postsecondary study in communications, production, and audio engineeringat colleges, universities, and technical schools. Studentslearn basicdigital editingand recordingusingavariety of conceptsand software includingMIDI, Audacity, and Mixcraft.
Concert Band
1credit
Studentsenrolled in thiscoursehaveparticipated in band throughout middleschool and havea technical command that includesknowledgeof all noteswithin therangeof their instrument. Studentsrehearseand perform musicof high school-level that iswritten for standard concert band instrumentation. Studentswho play flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritonehorn, tuba, or percussion should sign up for thissection. Studentsarerequired to participatein all major school performances, and may beasked to audition for All-Stateand other regional festivals. Thiscourseiseligiblefor honorscredit.

Jazz Band
1credit Prerequis ite:Auditionmayberequired
Studentsrehearseand perform high school level musicgeared toward standard jazz band instrumentation, includingtrumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, and drums. Studentsarerequired to participatein all major school performances. Theremay bean additional feefor useof school owned instruments. This courseiseligiblefor honorscredit. Jazz Combo
1credit
Thiscourseisdesigned for theadvanced musician. Enrollment isdetermined by the director and may consist of an audition. Students exploremusical conceptsthat deal with improvisation, transcription, and ensemble techniquesthat areneeded within thecontext of small group playing. Studentsarerequired to participatein all major school performancesand may beasked to perform at variousperformances outsideof school. Thiscourseiseligiblefor honorscredit.
String Ensemble
1credit
Thiscourseisdesigned for experienced playersof violin, viola, cello, and bass. Studentsexplore musicfor stringsfrom triosand quartetsto arrangementsof orchestral pieces--jazz, pop, and classical. Studentshavean opportunity to advance individual skillsand techniques. Studentsare required to participatein all major school performancesand may beasked to play at liturgies. Studentsareencouraged to audition for All-Stateand other regional music festivals. This

AP Music Theory
1Credit
Thiscourseisarigorousstudy of musictheory for studentsinterested in pursuingmusicbeyond high school. Studentsconsideringthisclass should haveastrongbackground in music, includingtheability to read both bassand treble clefsfluently. Thecoursefocuseson skills required to besuccessful asafirst-year music student at acollege, university, or conservatory. Coursecontent includesharmony and harmonic analysis, melodicand rhythmicstructure, part-writing, formal analysis, scorereading, and a musichistory overview. Personal musical skillsare developed daily through ear-training, dictation, and sight-singing. Although keyboard skillsare not required, they arebeneficial and should be developed duringtheclass.

HonorsCredit in Music Performance Availablefor studentsenrolled in Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Stringswhen astudent completes5 or moreof thefollowing: 1. Takeprivatelessons with adegreed/qualified teacher or artist on aweekly or bi-weekly basis. 2. Audition for oneMMEA District 2 Music Festival Concert Band, Chorus, Jazz Band, Orchestra, or Jazz Choir. 3. Audition for MMEA All-StateConcert Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, or Jazz Choir. 4. Attend an instructor-approved concert and prepareatyped summary/evaluation of the concert. Thestudent must also turn in aprogram and fill out acritiquesheet for each concert. (Limited to oneper semester.) 5. Conduct research and prepareatyped, written report (5-10 pages) on oneof thefollowingtopics: theinstrument beingstudied, theorchestra, a composer whosemusicisbeingperformed during thesemester credit isdesired, or atopicagreed upon by theinstructor. 6. With instructor approval, work with and assist another student playingthesameinstrument. This will bescheduled between theinstructor and studentsinvolved. Student musiciansat area middleschoolsmay beincluded with instructor permission. 7. Rehearseand perform with a church or community or other outside organization (PYWE, PYSO, MYO, Westcustago, etc.) on aregular basis(weekly/bi-weekly) throughout thesemester.