Fine Arts Courses

Fine Arts
1 Fine Arts Credit required

7011: Art Fundamentals
1 Credit

Students investigate the basic elements of design and principles of composition through a series of problem-solving processes. Students improve their technical skills, while exploring a variety of media. Equal emphasis is given to both process and product. Basic components of each unit are: Art History, Studio Production, Art Criticism and Aesthetics. Creativity strategies challenge students to produce two and three-dimensional images which reflect critical thinking skills. Prerequisites: None. Recommended to Freshmen and Sophomores. Open to Juniors and Seniors. Required for all studio courses and IB Art.
7013: Art for Everyone/Music for Everyone
1 Credit

This course is directed to students who are interested in learning more about how and why people participate in the visual and performing arts. A study of the basic elements is combined with units addressing the multi-cultural dimensions of the arts. Special attention is given to major contributions, both past and present, made by accomplished individuals in both areas. The variety of ways that music and art are used to celebrate life and to entertain is the focus of the course. No Prerequisites.
7031: IB Art Studio SL/HL
1 Credit

As a complement to and an extension of the current Studio courses, this course focuses on the development of the personal portfolio and/or research workbook. Emphasis is given to the elements of design and the principles of composition as well as a wide range of personal research and experimentation relevant to the student's aesthetic interests and technical skills. A variety of media will be used. Consistent and creative problem solving will be further enhanced by the development of critical thinking skills. The IB student who is studying art at the Standard Level may choose either of two options. Standard Level A requires a personal show of 12 to 25 artworks accompanied by the artist's statement of direction which will be reviewed by an IB examiner. Standard Level B requires 2 to 3 research workbooks with a focus on matters of substance, which will be assessed by the classroom instructor and the IB examiners. IB students, who wish to study art at the Higher Level, must enroll in this course for two years and meet the requirements of both Standard Levels. Prerequisites: A or B in Art Fundamentals and Departmental Approval.
7032: Advanced Portfolio Enhancement
1 Credit

This course is designed for Senior art students who have demonstrated proficiency in portfolio development through their active participation in previous studio classes, and who wish to improve the overall quality of the portfolios which they are preparing to submit for acceptance into selected art schools and universities. Having identified personal goals and strategies within contractual guidelines at the beginning of each quarter, students proceed to work independently to achieve the same. Investigative research, professional presentation formats, communication skills, and critical analyses are given special attention throughout the course. Prerequisites: Departmental Approval for Seniors who have maintained an A or B in three consecutive art studio courses.
7061: Honors Drawing and Painting
1 Credit

Students develop creative solutions for two-dimensional problems, which incorporate a variety of respective techniques and materials directly related to the comprehensive study of painting and drawing. Students are challenged to develop their aesthetic awareness through careful observation, extensive experimentation and creative presentation in a series of problem-solving processes. They work with a broad range of materials in an effort to enhance skill development. Specific emphasis is given to personal and group assessment of portfolio work in order to promote critical thinking. Students integrate artistic production with critical analyses as they relate the material to cultural, historical or social contexts. The intensive maintenance of Research Workbooks is a vital component of this course since it enhances portfolio development. Prerequisites: A or B in Art Fundamentals, another studio course and/or Departmental Approval.
7071: Honors Printmaking and Graphic Design
1 Credit

Students develop creative solutions for two and three-dimensional problems which incorporate a variety of respective techniques and materials directly related to the comprehensive study of printmaking and graphic design. Students are challenged to develop their aesthetic awareness through careful observation, extensive experimentation and creative presentation in a series of problem-solving processes. Specific emphasis is given to personal and group assessment of portfolio work in order to promote critical thinking. Students integrate artistic production with critical analyses as they relate the material to cultural, historical or social contexts. The intensive maintenance of Research Workbooks is a vital component of this course, since it enhances portfolio development. Prerequisites: A or B in Art Fundamentals, another studio course and/or Departmental Approval.
7081: Honors Ceramics and Sculpture
1 Credit

Students develop solutions for three-dimensional problems, which incorporate a variety of respective techniques and materials directly related to the comprehensive study of ceramics and sculpture. Students are challenged to develop their aesthetic awareness through careful observation, extensive experimentation and creative presentation in a series of problem-solving processes. They work with a broad range of materials in an effort to enhance skill development. Specific emphasis is given to personal and group assessment of portfolio work in order to promote critical thinking. Students integrate artistic production with critical analyses as they relate the material to cultural, historical or social contexts. The intensive maintenance of Research Workbooks is a vital component of this course since it enhances portfolio development. Prerequisites: Art Fundamentals, another studio course and/or Departmental Approval.
7113: Percussion Class
1 Credit

This class will include all percussionists enrolled in the music program. This course will require each student to follow an individual plan to develop skills in each of the three primary are of percussion study; snare drum, timpani, and keyboard instruments. Students will be selected for membership in the bands based on the level of achievement in the study of these instruments. Students will rehearse with the bands at specially scheduled rehearsals prior to concerts. Students will be required to attend rehearsals outside of school hours and will be required to fulfill the same performance expectations of the band to which they are assigned. Prerequisites: Departmental approval.
7114: IB Percussion
1 Credit

Students enrolled in any performance ensemble can take that course for IB credit by completing assignments and participating in extra class sessions held outside of school hours. Students must complete the assignments required for by the IB program for completion of the diploma. This class is open to IB diploma candidates and those interested in exploring topics in music beyond the content of the performance class. Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in a performance group to qualify for this credit.
7115: Pep Band
.25 Credit - Semester 2

The Pep Band is an ensemble comprised of student musicians that perform at Varsity Basketball games throughout the season. Membership in Pep Band is open to all students only through audition and/or departmental approval. The unique nature of this course requires that all rehearsals and performances be scheduled outside of school time, which includes two rehearsals before basketball season begins, and twelve games. This class MAY NOT be taken to fulfill the Fine Arts requirement for graduation. Prerequisites: Audition and/or departmental approval.
7116: Marching Band
.25 Credit - Semester 1

The Marching Band is an ensemble comprised of student musicians that perform at Varsity Football games throughout the season. Membership in the Marching Band is open to all students only through audition and/or departmental approval. The unique nature of this course requires that all rehearsals and performances be scheduled outside of school time, which includes rehearsals before the school year begins in August, after school rehearsals during the football season, and all scheduled games. This class MAY NOT be taken to fulfill the Fine Arts requirement for graduation. Prerequisites: Audition and/or departmental approval.
7121: Symphonic Band
1 Credit

This band course is for students who are continuing to develop their skills as musicians and performers. Challenging materials will require members to devote time to practice on a daily basis. Active participation in all rehearsals and concerts will be included as a significant part of the grade for the course. Students will need to have a minimum of two years experience to participate in this group and/or the approval of the director. Prerequisites: Audition and/or departmental approval.
7122: Honors Symphonic Band
1 Credit

In addition to activities in the symphonic band (7121), private instrumental instruction and/or a research project each quarter are required of each student to receive the honors credit. Prerequisites: Audition and music director placement.
7130: IB Wind Ensemble
1 Credit

Students enrolled in any performance ensemble can take that course for IB credit by completing assignments and participating in extra class sessions held outside of school hours. Students must complete the assignments required for by the IB program for completion of the diploma. This class is open to IB diploma candidates and those interested in exploring topics in music beyond the content of the performance class. Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in a performance group to qualify for this credit.
7131: Wind Ensemble
1 Credit

The Wind Ensemble is comprised of Good Counsel's most accomplished instrumental musicians. Consisting of wind and percussion instruments, the Wind Ensemble is open to students only through audition and/or the approval of the Director. Participants are expected to devote themselves to excellence in performance and a high degree of commitment to practice and personal musical growth. In addition to preparing for performing concerts, students will explore a broad collection of music related topics through quarterly projects, which support the development of general musicianship. Active participation in all scheduled events, including the annual trip, is considered an essential part of membership and the course content. Prerequisites: Audition and/or departmental approval.
7135: Jazz Ensemble
1 Credit

Students will rehearse and perform traditional jazz ensemble arrangements to develop skills unique to the jazz idiom. Improvisation and interpretation skills are studied. This class will meet as a regular part of the school daily schedule. Students will be required to actively participate in performances scheduled outside of the regular school time. Membership in a school band is a requirement for wind instrument players and percussion class for drummers. Keyboard, guitar and bass players will be required to see additional study with a teacher. Prerequisites: Audition and/or departmental approval.
7137: IB Jazz Ensemble
1 Credit

Students enrolled in any performance ensemble can take that course for IB credit by completing assignments and participating in extra class sessions held outside of school hours. Students must complete the assignments required for by the IB program for completion of the diploma. This class is open to IB diploma candidates and those interested in exploring topics in music beyond the content of the performance class. Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in a performance group to qualify for this credit.
7138: String Ensemble
1 Credit

The String Ensemble will consist of students with some previous experience playing an orchestral string instrument. Membership in this class is open by audition and/or the approval of the instructor. Active participation in rehearsals and performances outside of school time will be required. Prerequisites: Audition and/or departmental approval.
7410: IB Choral Music
1 Credit

Students enrolled in any performance ensemble can take that course for IB credit by completing assignments and participating in extra class sessions held outside of school hours. Students must complete the assignments required for by the IB program for completion of the diploma. This class is open to IB diploma candidates and those interested in exploring topics in music beyond the content of the performance class. Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in a performance group to qualify for this credit.
7411: Honors Choral Music
1 Credit

This class is designed to be the premier vocal ensemble of the school. Students will be expected to dedicate themselves to the highest level of musicianship and performing skills. Membership will be open to limited number of students based on audition and the approval of the director. The repertoire will include a variety of music styles from Jazz and Pop to Classical Chamber music. Prerequisites: Audition and/or departmental approval.
7412: Concert Choir
1 Credit

Students study and perform music from the mixed chorus repertoire. An extension of Men's and Women's Chorus, the course will be grounded in furthering the development of secure vocal technique and level of music literacy. Up to six rehearsals and/or performances may be scheduled each quarter outside of school time. Attendance is a component of the grade. Prerequisites: Audition and/or departmental approval.
7413: Women's Chorus
1 Credit

Students study and perform music from the women's chorus repertoire. The course will be grounded in the development of secure vocal technique and building a fundamental level of music literacy. Up to six rehearsals and/or performances may be scheduled each quarter outside of school time. Attendance is a component of the grade. Prerequisites: Audition and/or departmental approval.
7414: Men's Chorus
1 Credit

Students study and perform music from the men's chorus repertoire. The course will be grounded in the development of secure vocal technique and building a fundamental level of music literacy. The unique challenges faced by the adolescent male singer will be addressed. Up to six rehearsals and/or performances may be scheduled each quarter outside of school time. Attendance is a component of the grade. Prerequisites: Audition and/or departmental approval.
7415: Chamber Choir
1 Credit

This course is designed to reinforce skills learned in other vocal music classes. Students will study and perform repertoire intended for chamber ensembles. Students will be expected to dedicate themselves to the highest level of musicianship and performing skills. Membership will be open to a limited number of students based on audition and the approval of the director. Students are not required to be enrolled in other vocal ensembles to participate in this class. Prior choral experience is necessary. The unique nature of the course requires that all rehearsals and performances be scheduled outside of school time. The class meets after school. Students are required to attend all scheduled rehearsals and performances and will represent Good Counsel at festivals and competitions. Active participation in all scheduled events will be included as a significant part of the grade for the course. Prerequisites: Audition and/or departmental approval.