| | | Fine Arts DepartmentThe Fine Arts at Cretin-Derham Hall currently includes choral music, instrumental music, media arts,
the visual arts and theater. The fine arts stimulate and satisfy the human need for active participation in
the creative process: active participation is the study and creating of works of art; the creative process
develops the techniques and skills required to produce this art. Both of these elements nurture students’
senses, emotion, and intellect. The Fine arts program provides a basis for life-long enrichment and personal growth. Courses
Media Communication Arts
CREATIVE COMMUNICATION I: Tri I – 30021T1 or Tri II – 30022T2
FIND YOUR OWN VOICE
Most of Life doesn’t have one right answer; ?nd ways to solve those problems creatively. Find ways to think criti-
cally about everything. Then express your own opinions and passions with power through vehicles like sounds,
language, movement, drama or visuals instead of papers, collages and powerpoints. Find ways to use creativity
in other classes, in relationships, in jobs, in sports and arts, in changing the world and your own future. Find
who you are, how to be alive, and what you have to say. Explore creativity; develop Imagination; be Original.
Professional creators will help you study Fun. Do what you can’t do anywhere else.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
CREATIVE COMMUNICATION II: - Advanced Tri III – 30033T3
POLISH AND PUBLISH
Got something Hot? Use re*re*re*re*re*Vision to make it more Cool. Creative mentors help you take your writ-
ing, music and songs, visual arts, inventions and designs, movies and plays, movement and games to a more
professional level and then to the public. Learn how to make a submissions package with cover letter and pro-
mos. Learn how to ?nd the audience that is wanting to ?nd you. Maximum independence is encouraged and
nurtured. Helping you develop a creative vehicle to express your passion is our passion. Share your Voice.
Prerequisite: Creative Communication I or instructor’s permission
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Music
BEGINNING BAND Year long – 31127T1
Beginning Band is offered as a class or on an independent study basis and is open to students who have little
or no experience with music or playing a band instrument. Beginning Band instruments are limited to Clarinet,
Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone or Tuba. Students who do not have an instrument may rent from the school. The
focus of Beginning Band is to prepare for membership in Concert Band or Wind Ensemble and students will re-
main in this class until they are ready to advance. Music fundamentals, note reading, rhythm, vocabulary, scales
instrumental techniques are stressed. Daily practice will be required.
Interview with instructor required
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
CONCERT BAND Year long – 31025T1
Concert Band is primarily a 9th Grade/10th Grade course and is open to students who have studied music previ-
ously and currently play a band instrument. The focus of Concert Band is to expand musical knowledge and
improve musical skills, notation, theory, vocabulary, musical interpretation and style, history and performance
skills are stressed. Performance requirements include all formal concerts (3-4), all parades (2-3), the Homecom-
ing Field Show, Large Group Contest, JROTC events and half of all other outside performances (including but not
limited to pep band). Members are also required to take in-school lessons on their instrument (4 lessons per tri-
mester) or opt for private study with an outside specialist. All members also participate in marching band, which
starts in mid-August in order to prepare for the fall marching and pep band season. This is a college prep course;
students in at least their second year of Band may contract for Honors level credit.
Grades 9, 10
WIND ENSEMBLE Year long – 31027T1
Wind Ensemble is primarily an 11th/12th grade course with younger members admitted through audition only.
Students are exposed to a more advanced study of performance, theory/notation, musical interpretation and
styles and music history. Performance requirements include all formal concerts (3-4), all parades (2-3), the
Homecoming Field Show, Large Group Contest, JROTC events and half of all other outside performances (includ-
ing but not limited to pep band). Members are required to take in-school lessons on their instrument (4 lessons
per trimester) or individuals may opt for private study with an outside specialist. All members also participate in
marching band, which starts in mid-August in order to prepare for the fall marching and pep band season. Stu-
dents may contract for honors level credit.
Grades 11, 12 (Open to Grades 9, 10 by audition)
CHORAL ARTS ENSEMBLE Year long – 31032T1
Choral Arts Ensemble is a new performance-based choir open to both men and women. Students will learn to
use their own individual vocal abilities to work together toward common performance goals. The choir will per-
form challenging and enjoyable chorale repertoire from a variety of cultures, time periods, and styles; as well as
periodic performance of single-gender music. This is a semi-select choir for which an informal placement inter-
view is required. While valuable, no particular singing experience is necessary because the group will study vocal
skills and music reading and students will have individual vocal instruction. Students will participate in concerts,
large-group contest, and other performances. They will also be encouraged to participate in solo/ensemble con-
test and audition for festivals and All-State Choir. Students may contract for honors level credit.
Grades 9,10,11, 12
POP SINGERS Year long – 31033T1
This new choir will be the most performance based of the choirs at CDH. Repertoire for the ensemble will rep-
resent music from popular, jazz, and musical theater genres. Most of the class will focus on preparing music for
speci?c performances and some pieces will include choreography. Students will learn how to sing popular styles
with tone and expression appropriate for those styles in a vocally healthy manner. Facial expression, gesture,
choreography, and stage presence will also be covered. Note - This select mixed choir will meet on Tuesday and
Thursday mornings at 7:15 all year for 1 credit.
Prerequisites: Current membership in Select Treble Choir or Choral Arts Ensemble or previous
CDH choral experience. By audition only or permission of the instructor.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
SELECT TREBLE CHOIR Year long – 31029T1
This is a semi-select women’s chorus for which an informal placement interview required. This choir will be a
performance-oriented choir with students participating in concerts, Large-Group Contest, and other performanc-
es. Challenging repertoire in three and four parts from many time periods, cultures, and styles will be included.
Music reading skills and vocal techniques will be integrated into the coursework, and students will have indi-
vidual vocal instruction as well. Students will be encouraged to participate in solo/ensemble contest as well as
audition for festivals and All-State Choir if interested. Students may contract for honors level credit.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
BEGINNING GUITAR Tri I – 30821T1 or Tri II - 30822T2 or Tri III - 30823T3
A course for students who have little to no experience with the guitar. The focus will be on folk music and other
styles of music which have easy chord progressions and melodies. We will learn about the instruments, learn
basic music reading skills and play both individual notes and chords. Some guitars are available for use.
Grades 10, 11, 12
MUSIC THEORY I Tri I – 31741T1
This course will cover the basic elements of music composition and theory. Some music background is highly
encouraged.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
MUSIC THEORY II Tri II – 31742T2
This is a continuing course from Trimester I Music Theory. Further study of harmony, ear training and sight read-
ing will be included in this course. Students who complete both trimesters will have an opportunity to have their
compositions presented in a performance at the end of the course. Interview with Instructor upon completion of
Trimester I Music Theory required.
Prerequisite: Music Theory I & Interview with instructor required
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
MUSIC APPRECIATION Tri III – 31743T3
This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of music, composers, forms and musical styles through his-
torical periods and major works will be studied. Learn to discriminate and form intelligent opinions about the
music you explore both in class and outside of class.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
SONGWRITING Tri I – 30721T1 or Tri II – 30722T2 or Tri III – 30723T3
Anyone can write songs and guess what? Students don’t have to know a thing about music. Songwriting in-
volves loving music, being curious about how it works and a willingness to take a few minor risks. Students will
write lyrics and explore melodies and harmonies. Students will work alone and in teams to produce songs for
both performance and recording. Some examples of styles covered are: blues, ballads, rap, love songs, R&B, and
rock. Students interested in advance work in Songwriting should register for Creative Communications II. There
is a $20.00 materials fee for this class.
Grades 10, 11, 12
VIDEO PRODUCTION I Tri I – 39431T1 or Tri II – 39432T2 or Tri III – 39433T3
Students will learn how to operate a variety of audio/video equipment as well as a digital, video editing software
program. Participants will learn effective interview and video camera techniques, learn to “talk the language of
video”, script write, edit and learn how to incorporate narration and music in video. The class works on a num-
ber of creative projects. This course will help you learn a lifelong, technical skill that can assist you with presenta-
tions for other coursework or as a stand-alone art form. Final projects will be a video that students can express
their interests and passions about, with teacher approval. There is a $30.00 materials fee for this class.
Grades 9, 10, 11
VIDEO PRODUCTION II Tri I – 39441T1 or Tri II – 39442T2 or Tri III – 39443T3
Students will learn more about the speci?c roles involved in video making, including advanced camera tech-
niques, scriptwriting and audio for video. The class works on real CDH school projects such as: school events
and community issue topics. Students will get a taste of the real world of deadlines. Using the skills learned in
Video Production I, students will create a public service announcement and create a short commercial. For the
?nal, students will create an independent project of their own choosing, with teacher approval. There is a $30.00
materials fee for this class.
Prerequisite: Video Production I with a grade of “B” or higher
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Theater
ACTING I Tri I – 30051T1 or Tri II – 30052T2 or Tri III – 30053T3
Acting I is an orientation course which will provide a wide range of theater experiences for students. In working
with the academic and experiential forms of theater study, students will be both participants and observers in
theater processes. Areas covered will include: improvisation, stage movement and production, styles of theater,
pantomime, voice, characterization and creating a role.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
ACTING II - Advanced Tri I – 30061T1 or Tri II – 30072T2
Acting II offers further development in the theater arts. The acting student is offered a variety of learning activi-
ties, which focus more intently on a thorough examination of theater literature, style, and methodology. Areas
covered will include: camera acting, theater history, professional theater options, method acting, and play evalu-
ation.
Prerequisite: Acting I with a grade of “B” or higher
Grades 10, 11, 12
IMPROVISATION FOR THE THEATER - Advanced Tri III – 30013T3
Improvisation is actors creating relationships, con?icts, dialogue and plot off the top of their heads. The class
will provide the skills, control, con?dence, mental agility, trust, and spontaneity that allow students to improvise.
Students will study comedy writing through satire and parody. At the end of the trimester, the class will create
and perform in their own Improv Show!
Prerequisite: Acting I with a grade of “B” or higher
Grades 10, 11, 12
MUSICAL THEATER - Advanced Tri II – 30074T2
Everyone loves musicals! This course will explore the hard work it takes to reach that contagious fun! Students
will study stock characters and the evolution and validity of musical theater. Beginning with selecting the best
audition pieces, this class continues with daily singing and simple group choreography. The ?nal product will be
a class performance featuring choreographed song-and-dance numbers, as well as ballads from a wide genre of
musicals.
Prerequisite: Acting I and Vocal work: May include CDH Chorus or a willingness to begin ex-
tra vocal training outside of class
Grades 10, 11, 12
PHYSICAL ACTING Tri III – 30072T3
This course will place an emphasis on the actor’s body – its potential, possibility, function, and versatility. Stu-
dents will learn to utilize their bodies to heighten character development, as well as explore a variety of acting
styles based in the body. Different approaches used will include: yoga, presentational performance (French res-
toration), pantomime, kabuki, modern dance, Noh, storytelling, commedia dell arte, Grotowski, Suzuki. Major
emphases will be placed on mask improvisation and the creation of physically present, whole characters.
Grades 11, 12
READER’S THEATER Tri II – 30042T2
Reader’s theater is a study of the voice. Students learn to revive and to enliven literature through communication
skills. The class will encompass the study of poetry, prose, drama (including characters and accents) and prin-
ciples of analysis for vocal interpretation and performance. This class can be taken as an English elective.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
STAGECRAFTS Tri III – 30063T3
Stagecrafts explores the technical aspects of the theater. Areas covered will include: make up and costume
design, set construction and design, lighting, sound, painting techniques, and production advertising. Many ele-
ments learned in class will be directly applied to the current CDH production.
Grades 10, 11, 12
SHAKESPEARE LIVE! A JOURNEY FROM THE PAGE TO THE STAGE Tri I – 30081T1
All the world’s a stage and all the men and women in it merely players...
Shakespeare Live! is an exploration of the imagery, language and characters of the Bard. Actors will learn the ba-
sics of text analysis and verse scansion while working on Shakespearean monologues and scenes. This course will
also provide a foundation in the physical, vocal and emotional acting skills needed to bring Shakespeare’s text to
life. Care to tame a shrew, put your fate in a witch’s hands or proclaim your love from a balcony?
Prerequisite: Acting I with a grade of “B” or higher or the completion of “Shakespeare” (Eng-
lish elective) with a grade of “B” or higher
Grades 10, 11, 12
Studio Arts
Note: All studio art courses require a fee of $30.00 to cover the cost of materials.
CERAMICS I Tri I – 34521T1 or Tri II – 34522T2 or Tri III – 34523T3
Clay is a new medium for most students. This introductory course teaches a number of different hand building
methods as well as how to use the potters wheel. Besides work in clay, students will study the work of contem-
porary potters as well as learning speci?c information about clay and ceramics equipment. Students are encour-
aged to make unique pieces.
Grades 10, 11, 12
CERAMICS II – Advanced Tri I – 34531T1 or Tri II – 34532T2 or Tri III - 34533T3
Students will work on speci?c assignments to increase their throwing skills and work toward becoming artist pot-
ters. Students will be required to know and add to their knowledge of materials and processes. You also share a
great responsibility for studio maintenance, including mixing of glazes and loading and unloading the kilns.
Prerequisite: Ceramics I
Grades 10, 11, 12
CERAMICS III - Honors Tri II – 34542T2 or Tri III- 34543T3
Students who are very serious about working in clay and have been successful in the beginning levels are wel-
come to work at a more advanced level in the level three class. Students will work on more challenging forms as
well as being responsible for more technical information and knowing more about contemporary ceramics.
Prerequisite: Ceramics II and a grade of “B” or higher
Grades 11, 12
DRAWING I Tri I – 32521T1 or Tri III – 32523T3
This beginning drawing course is for students who want to learn how to draw or who wish to polish up the skills
they already have. Class exercises will include perspective, ?gure, portrait and still life drawing, using pencils,
pastels and markers. Self-expression will be encouraged.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
DRAWING II - Advanced Tri II – 32542T2
Students who enjoy drawing and have taken Drawing I may be interested in this advanced course. A full range
of drawing styles will be explored and pen and ink illustration and other media will be learned.
Prerequisite: Drawing I with a grade of “B” or higher
Grades 10, 11, 12
DRAWING III - Honors Tri III - 32551T3
This course is designed for the serious drawing student who wishes to continue to explore and develop illustra-
tion techniques in a variety of media. Students will work more independently and concentrate on developing
their own style. This course may be taken more than once.
Prerequisite: Drawing II and instructor’s permission
Grades 11, 12
JEWELRY I Tri III – 36413T3
This class will concentrate on beaded jewelry projects and creative knotting (Macramé). Students will learn
jewelry design involving the bead loom and freeform beading techniques. Projects will include making bracelets,
chokers, anklets and belts.
Grades 10, 11, 12
PAINTING I Tri II – 33642T2
Like to paint and want to learn more about it? Or, maybe you’ve never painted and you’d like to give it a try?
This course introduces students to the basic concepts, materials and tools of painting. You will learn traditional
and experimental watercolor and acrylic techniques. Drawing I is strongly recommended but not required.
Grades 10, 11, 12
PAINTING II - Advanced Tri II – 33742T2
This advanced level course is for students who enjoy painting and want to further develop their painting skills
as well as expand their imagination and creativity. A variety of painting styles will be explored using both water-
color and acrylic paints. This course may be taken more than once.
Prerequisite: Painting I with a grade of “B” or higher
Grades 10, 11, 12
PAINTING - II - Honors Tri II – 33852T2
This class is designed for serious painters who wish to learn the tools and techniques of painting with oils. Stu-
dents will also continue to develop their skills in watercolor and acrylics.
Prerequisite: Painting I with a grade of “B” or higher
Grades 10, 11, 12
THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY Tri I – 37321T1 or Tri II – 37322T2 or Tri III – 37323T3
Formerly Photography I, this class will acquaint students with the art of 35mm, black and white photography
and digital photography. Students will learn camera operation, ?lm processing, printing and the basics of Adobe
Photoshop. The aesthetics and history of photography will also be introduced. Use of a personal digital camera,
5 mega pixel or greater will be encouraged. Students must have time outside of class to take pictures.
Grades 11, 12
PHOTOGRAPHY – Advanced Tri I – 37331T1 or Tri II – 37332T2 or Tri III -37333T3
Experienced students will be introduced to a variety of photographic processes. These processes could include:
pin-hole photography, hand-coloring, multiple exposures, panoramas, night photography, studio lighting and
digital photography.
Prerequisite: Photography I with a final grade of “B”
Grades 11, 12
PHOTOGRAPHY - Honors Tri III – 37343T3
This course is designed for the committed, serious photographers for further exploration of advanced techniques
and personal statements as artist-photographers.
Prerequisite: Photography II and instructor’s permission
Grade 12
PRINTMAKING Tri I – 36621T1
Printmaking is the art of making multiple copies of the same image. Students will work in color and black and
white to learn several different printmaking techniques including relief printing and silk-screen. Drawing and
design will be taught as the plans for each print evolve.
Grades 10, 11, 12
SCULPTURE I Tri II -35522T2
A basic introduction to the techniques of making sculpture. Students will explore different 3-dimensional materi-
als, processes and concepts.
Grades 10, 11, 12
THEMES 3 - Click, Sculpt and Draw Tri II – 36642T2
When do you get to experience drawing, sculpting and digital photography in the same course? Challenge your
artistic self and explore a variety of themes through different mediums. Emphasis will be placed on creativity, ef-
fort and imaginative thinking.
Grades 10, 11, 12 | |
