Fine Arts Department

This course offers the student the opportunity to gain knowledge and an understanding of the nature of film. The student will analyze artistic components of film such as framing, editing, sound production, lighting, technique, directing, acting and genre. The student will be expected to review and critique a variety of films throughout the semester through written essays and presentations.

Prerequisite: None; a semester-long elective course open to juniors and seniors only. Class may only be taken once.

This course is designed for students who intend to study music at the college level or have an interest in the theory of music. The course will offer the student the opportunity to study the basic principles of music theory and composition and learn about the compositional techniques and style of the Baroque, Classical and Romantic masters. The ultimate goal of this course is for the student to learn to apply the fundamental techniques and principles of music composition as a creative form of self-expression. Students are expected to take the AP Music Theory exam in the spring.

Prerequisite: None; a year-long elective course open to juniors and seniors. Students interested in enrolling in this class must make a formal application with the instructor.

The purpose of the AP Drawing class is to create a body of work that would allow the student to gain college credit. It is now a requirement to submit a portfolio. For the portfolio students will be graded in three categories; quality of work, concentration and development of an idea and breadth which will entail the knowledge of art elements and 2D principles such as balance, contrast, unity, variety, emphasis, and proportion. Students will create their own course of study i.e., technical problems, ideas, and concepts with the instructor's guidance.

Prerequisite: Four (4) semesters of Visual Arts courses with a B+ or better and instructor approval. The instructor will be working with each student individually to help them develop techniques that will coincide with their artist ideas and concepts. Originality and message or personal statement whether it be a portrait, landscape, animals, or other images is important. One of the major goals of the class will be to combine original ideas with art technique to create meaningful work. Grades will be given on class work and participation. Students will submit a portfolio to the college board to receive college credit.

This course offers students the opportunity to explore the fundamental aspects of printmaking as an art form. Students will gain skills, knowledge and an understanding of relief, intaglio, serigraphic and lithographic printmaking processes. Students will design principles and the history of printmaking as a cultural art form.

Prerequisite: None; Open to juniors and seniors.

Will be offered in even years beginning 2020-2021, 2022-2023. AP Art Studio is a course that is designed to challenge high school students with collegiate level investigations into studio practice in the 2D Design category. All work is completed and submitted to AP Studio Portfolio evaluations in May, and college credit may be awarded according to score and participation of colleges individually. What students can expect is a rigorous and rewarding year, investigating the visual language of art and design in a variety of media (drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, & digital). The Final portfolio constitutes twenty-five percent of the student’s grade, and students who are considering the course need to be committed to visual research and production for the long haul. The reward will be a portfolio of collegiate level quality work, a deepening of the students understanding of art in our lives, and an appreciation for developing creative ideas with depth and purpose. Students must pay AP exam fee for portfolio submission.

Prerequisite: Four (4) semesters of Visual Arts courses with a B+ or better and instructor approval.

This course is designed for female students interested in the unique sound and environment of an all-women’s choral ensemble. This ensemble will encounter more advanced choral repertoire and will focus on the further development of sight-singing skills, vocal techniques, and performance quality. The student will be required to learn and sing various parts. Students will be required to attend and participate in all school sponsored performances, workshops and clinics, and all special events. Students will be responsible for purchasing the required ensemble attire. Should they choose to audition for the New Mexico All-State Choir, students are responsible for all associated costs.

Prerequisite: Audition with the director. This is a year-long elective course open to qualified sophomore, junior and senior female students. This course may be repeated.

This course is designed for students interested in learning the basic fundamentals and techniques of piano playing. Students will learn about the music staff, pitch and rhythm, and proper hand position. Students are not expected to have any background in piano or music. This class is designed as an entry level class to the music department. The student will be required to purchase the piano workbook (approximately $25.00)

Prerequisite: None; a semester-long elective course open to all students.

This course is open to any student that has completed Piano and would like to continue but any student may talk to the instructor about joining this class if they have had previous piano instruction. This course is designed for students interested in learning more advanced fundamentals and techniques of piano playing. More advanced students who participate in the course may continue to further their knowledge and refine their skills. The student will be required to purchase the piano workbook (approximately $25.00)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Beginning Piano 1; a semester-long elective course open to all students. This course may be repeated.

This is an introductory course open to any student but targeted to those who have no formal guitar training. The course is designed for students interested in learning the basic fundamentals and techniques of playing guitar. Students will perform alone and in groups, interpret basic musical notation, define, and use fundamental musical terms, discuss the various stylistic periods of musical history, and listen to and evaluate performances by peers as well as recorded performances by professional musicians. This class is designed as an entry level class to the music department. More advanced students who participate in the course may continue to further their knowledge and refine their skills. Students will be required to provide their own acoustic guitar.

Prerequisite: None; a semester course open to all students.

This is a course open to any student that has completed Guitar and would like to continue but any student may talk to the instructor about joining this class if they have had previous guitar instruction. This course is designed for students interested in learning more advanced fundamentals and techniques of piano playing. More advanced students who participate in the course may continue to further their knowledge and refine their skills. Students will be required to provide their own acoustic guitar.

Prerequisite: Guitar Lab 1 or student must have guitar skill equal or equivalent to guitar students who have taken Guitar Lab 1. This course may be repeated.

This is the top wind and percussion ensemble of the school. The highest level of performance is expected. It is strongly suggested that the student take private lessons outside of school concurrent with this course. Students are required to attend all performances, workshops and clinics, competitions, and festivals as well as on-campus or off campus school events scheduled for Symphonic Band. The student will be required to purchase or rent the required concert attire.

Prerequisite: Beginning Band and audition. A year-long elective course. This course may be repeated.

This is the string ensemble for advanced players. The highest level of performance is expected. As a traditional symphonic orchestra, instrumentation is limited. Music theory, history and international music will be introduced. It is strongly suggested that the student take private lessons outside the school concurrent with this course. Students are required to attend all performances, workshops and clinics, competitions, festivals, as well as all on-campus or off-campus school events scheduled for Symphonic Orchestra. All performances, rehearsals and events are graded activities. The student will be required to purchase or rent the required concert attire.

Prerequisite: Audition. A year-long elective course open to students playing violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, trumpet, F horn, trombone, tuba, or percussion. This course may be repeated.

The course is an introduction to theatre through all aspects of a stage acting, both individual and in groups. Emphasis will be placed on vocal work, improvisation, physical movement, monologues, etc. Students will study dramatic literature. This class is designed as a foundations course for further study in theater.

Prerequisite: None; a semester-long elective course open to all students.

This course offers students the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of dance. The course is an introductory class that will include technique and basic skills in styles such as ballet, jazz and contemporary. Kinesiology labs investigate the body as it moves and ties into injury prevention. Required attire will include ballet and jazz shoes, and clothing that allows free movement. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.

Prerequisite: None; a semester-long elective survey course open to all students of all levels. This course may be repeated with teacher approval. Students with prior dance experience should meet with the instructor regarding class level placement.

A continuation of Dance I, this course is designed for students who wish to continue their study of dance. The course will include ballet, jazz, contemporary and an introduction to choreography. Students will study dance history, dance kinesiology, and movement analysis at the introductory level. They will also have the opportunity to dabble in creating choreography of their own. During the year there will be performance opportunities. Students will be required to have ballet and jazz shoes and ballet attire. Costumes are provided for performances.

Prerequisite: Dance I or audition. A semester-long elective course open to all students. This course may be repeated with teacher approval.

This course is for the advanced dancer who has solid technique. Students will help to create choreography for the shows produced at St. Pius. The course will focus on the fundamentals of and theory behind the creation of choreography in various dance styles including but not limited to ballet, jazz, and musical theater. Students will create choreography for themselves and others as well as analyze and critique various dance productions both live and on film. Each term will include performance opportunities. May be repeated with instructor approval.

Prerequisite: Audition and application.

The Beginning Orchestra is designed to provide students with an introductory experience on string instruments. Curriculum for this course is an extension of the skills and concepts introduced in General Music classes. Beginning Orchestra open to all eighth grade students. Prior instrumental music experience is not required.