Fine & Creative Arts

In fine and creative arts courses, students learn about artists and photographers and enrich their personal culture through chorus and band. McCafferty Hall is home to Catholic High's Fine & Creative Arts Department. It exhibits creativity, displayed in the hard work of artists, photographers, musicians, actors, and singers. From the concerts to the musicals to the plays to the art, Catholic High's love for creativity shows.

Music

801 Music Appreciation 1

CP | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 | Credit 0.5

This course is an exciting approach to general music knowledge. Topics covered in this course include the basics of music, musical eras and composers, world instruments, music of different cultures, and contemporary music. There is no prerequisite for this course and no prior musical knowledge is required.

802 Music Appreciation 2

CP | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 | Credit 0.5

This course is a continuation of Music Appreciation 1. Music Appreciation 1 is not a prerequisite for Music Appreciation 2 and no prior musical knowledge is required to enroll in this class.

813 Concert Choir *

CP – Concert Choir | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 | Credit 1

The Concert Choir is a special branch of the chorus. The members have superior vocal ability and sing unaccompanied music. They also receive instruction in advanced music theory and the fundamentals of singing. After-school rehearsals are held one week before major performances. Both rehearsals and performances are mandatory for Concert Choir members.

Prerequisite: Vocal audition and permission of instructor

822 Concert Band *

CP – Concert Band | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 | Credit 1

Band is a performance-based ensemble. Its members are students who have already mastered the basic technique for playing a wind or percussion instrument. After-school rehearsals are held one week before major performances and are mandatory for band members. Students participating in the Advanced Fine Arts Program will earn Honors credit and are expected to complete additional course work.

Prerequisite: Previous experience in instrumental music and permission of instructor

823 Piano

CP – Piano | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 | Credit 1

This course is open to any student interested in learning to play the piano. The student learns music fundamentals and basic keyboarding techniques.

826 Guitar I

CP – Guitar | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 | Credit 0.5

This class teaches the basic fundamentals and techniques of playing acoustic guitar. Students are encouraged to bring their own guitar or they may rent one from the school for a $50 fee. This course meets all National Standards for Music Education. There is no prerequisite for this course; prior musical knowledge is helpful, but not required.

827 Guitar II

CP – Guitar II | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 | Credit 0.5

810 Fundamentals of Music Theory

Honors – Fund Music Th | Grades 10, 11, 12 | Credit 1

This course examines the structure and design of Music. It emphasizes the basic elements of music: melody, harmony, rhythm, compositional devices and four part harmonization. In addition to theory, students also learn basic piano skills.

Prerequisite: Students should have taken at least one year of instrumental or vocal music.

Art

831 Basic St. Art

CP – Basic Studio Art | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 | Credit 1

This foundation course covers the basic handling of tools, materials and techniques. Because this is a basic design course, the students understand how art works through the elements of art and principles of design. They are able to write and discuss concepts, ideas, styles and artists, as well as produce art solving technical, visual and creative problems encountered by all artists.

833 Int. St. Art

CP – Intermediate Studio Art | Grades 10, 11, 12 | Credit 1

This course is a continuation of Basic Studio Art with an emphasis on using previously acquired skills to express ideas, values and feelings that are important to individuals and society. Students continue to learn about the rich diversity of art forms that have been made throughout history and around the world.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or above in Basic Studio Art

832 Advanced Studio Art *

CP – Adv. St. Art | Grades 10, 11, 12 | Credit 1

This course is a continuation of Studio Art. Various topics are explored in more detail. The development of a personal portfolio is expected.

Prerequisite: Grade of C+ or above in Studio Art or an interview with the teacher along with submission of drawings

834 Multicultural Art Appreciation 1 & 835 Multicultural Art Appreciation 2

CP – Multi. Cult. Art | Grades 10, 11, 12 | Credit 0.5 (each semester)

This class offers students the opportunity to learn some of the traditional lost arts and some new ones. The class teaches an historical perspective and includes many hands-on activities. Focus is on fiber arts—traditional weaving, cloth and silk dying and sculpture and jewelry making—cold joining, beading and diachronic fused glass. Papermaking, bookbinding, printmaking and illustration are studied.

846 Sculpture and 3-D Design

CP – Sculpture and 3-D Design | Grades 10, 11, 12 | Credit 0.5

This course introduces students to the idea of thinking conceptually and creating dimensionally. Students are taught sculpture and 3-D design skills using a variety of materials such as cloth, string, clay, plaster, wood, wire and paper. Students also work on product design as well as theatre props and set design. Creative and “outside of the box” thinking is encouraged.

Speech & Drama

862 Speech

CP – Speech | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 | Credit 0.5 (fall semester only)

This course is designed to teach public speaking in a practical manner. The goal is to help students learn the skills of speaking required for life beyond high school. Its aim is to help students develop speech skills needed in all aspects of life. Some areas included are persuasive, extemporaneous and choral speeches, and the oral interpretation of prose, poetry, and drama.

863 Drama

CP – Drama | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 | Credit 0.5 (spring semester only)

This course is open to those interested in perfecting the art of communication. Drama includes pantomimes, improvisation, voice and diction exercises, theater games, skits, monologues, scene development, play reading, and participation in the drama productions. Activities are planned to assist students in sharpening their dramatic skills, improving self-confidence, and creating believable characters. Students also learn about the “behind the scenes” aspect of drama productions: set design, lighting, sound, and public relations.

* Courses marked with an asterisk may be repeated for credit.