EHS Fine Arts courses provide students with creative avenues for expression, innovation, and collaboration in drama, music and the visual arts. The Fine Arts offer a multitude of options for students who want to try something new or add depth to their existing skills. Students are required to take a minimum of one Fine Arts credit to graduate from EHS.
MUSIC COURSES
ORCHESTRA
Course Number: F015 1 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
Instrumentalists will learn a varied repertoire of orchestral music. Credit is based on successfully completing the required daily participation and several required public performances.
Access the proficiencies for F015 course.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
CONCERT CHOIR
Course Number: F014 1 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
This course is open to any student regardless of previous choral experience or ability. Students will develop vocal technique and music reading skills while performing a wide variety of choral repertoire, from Classical to Broadway. There is a mandatory concert per marking period. Concert Choir students can audition for any of the co-curricular vocal ensembles that meet after school.
Access the proficiencies for F014 course.
Prerequisite: Concert Choir
Requirements: Mandatory concert per marking period.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
Although it is recommended to take the course for the full year, it is possible to take the course for 1 semester (.5 credits) when necessary to accommodate a student’s schedule.
CHAMBER CHOIR
Course Number: F083 1 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 10-12
Chamber Choir is an advanced ensemble. Auditions will be held in January for the upcoming year. Students learn advanced music representing a variety of choral styles and historical periods. The course includes many performances inside and outside of school.
Access the proficiencies for F083 course.
Prerequisite: Concert Choir
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
BUZZ LAB BAND
Course Number: F202 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades 9-12
No experience required, beginners welcome! This course is designed to help students learn a band instrument they’ve always wanted to try or help students learn the basic skills on an instrument that they may have started and then put away for a while. This course is your chance to start from scratch on an instrument of your choice.
Students will learn the basics of reading music notation as well as basic fundamentals and technique on a band instrument. Students can rent a flute, oboe, clarinet, alto or tenor saxophone, trumpet, or trombone through Ellis Music. Students wishing to perform on an instrument that is cost prohibitive can borrow an EHS owned instrument on a first come, first served basis. This includes bari saxophone, french horn, euphonium, or tuba. Percussionists should provide their own sticks and practice pad for home. Performances outside of the school day are a required part of the curriculum.
Students may enroll in this course more than once as content is always changing and they may wish to try out another instrument. Students may also decide to enroll in Symphonic Band for a .5 credit in the spring if taking this .5 credit course in the fall.
BAND 100: SYMPHONIC BAND
Course Number: F102 1 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
This course builds on the foundation developed through the 4th-8th grade band program. Most 9th grade band students should enroll in this course. Students collaborate and become part of our musical community through solo and ensemble performances, festivals, concerts and travel experiences. Performances outside of the school day are a required part of the curriculum.
Students without instruments can contact the director for information regarding the use of a school-owned instrument. Essex Bands Website
Students who have enrolled in a fall Buzz Band Lab course may request a .5 credit of Symphonic Band for their spring semester to continue playing in a band for the rest of the year.
Access the proficiencies for F102 course.
Prerequisites: Previous band experience or through instructor approval. Students who have not been in band before and would like to begin should contact Mrs. Trutor during registration or at email H Trutor as soon as possible to develop a plan for successful participation.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
BAND 200: WIND ENSEMBLE
Course Number: F116 1 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
This course provides an advanced experience that builds on the foundation developed through Symphonic Band. Students collaborate and become part of our musical community through solo & ensemble performances, festivals, concerts and travel experiences. Some performances outside of the school day are a required part of the curriculum. Students without instruments can contact the director for information regarding the use of a school-owned instrument. Essex Bands Website.
Prerequisite: Successful audition in January/February of the prior year.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
WORLD MUSIC DRUMMING
Course Number: F117 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
World Music Drumming (WMD) will engage students through an active, hands-on approach. Through the traditions of Western African and Caribbean drumming students will learn to communicate musically, improvise, explore and respect musical and personal space, and practice how to lead and how to follow. Students will demonstrate techniques for playing various hand drums.
GUITAR I: BEGINNING GUITAR
Course Number: F420 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
This course is designed to provide the musical novice with the fundamental guitar skills needed to perform at an introductory level. Students will learn basic music skills and guitar techniques from the perspective of the performer. The regular classroom time will be spent learning to read music while playing traditional songs and other skills-appropriate music.
Recommended for any student who wishes to begin guitar study or for students who play by ear and would like to learn to read music. Prior musical background is not necessary. All course materials, including guitars and books, will be provided by the school.
GUITAR II: The Guitar Experience Project
Course Number: F152 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
Students of intermediate or advanced playing ability will develop individual goals and generate projects that cater to their specific interests and needs. Transposition, music reading, soloing, transcription, ear training, songwriting, ensemble playing and more are possibilities in this course. Final projects may include producing, designing and recording your own CD and a public performance. All course materials, including guitars and books, will be provided by the school.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Guitar I: Beginning Guitar or instructor approval.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
PIANO LAB I
Course Number: F010 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
This course is designed for students who want to learn how to read music while acquiring the ability to play simple piano pieces with both hands. The lab allows group playing as well as focused individual practice. This course is for beginning pianists with little or no experience.
PIANO LAB II
Course Number: F079 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
This course is a continuation of Piano Lab I. Piano Lab II students will finish Alfred Adult Beginner book 1 or begin book 2. They will improve their piano technique through songs, scales and standard piano classics including a variety of genres. Students will compose, improvise, study the historical origins of the instrument and perform great piano works. Piano Lab I and II students may be mixed within the same class.
Prerequisites: Piano Lab I or at least 2 years of private instruction.
SONGWRITING
Course F304 .5 Fine Arts credit Grades 9-12
Have you always wondered how to write your own music? This course explores the elements of music through project-based compositions. Students will compose music from advertising jingles, to pop songs, to pieces for vocal or instrumental combos.
HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL
Course F118 .5 Fine Arts credit Grades 9-12
This course is open to any student, regardless of prior musical background. The curriculum will cover the development of rock music and its relationship to society. We will begin in the early 20th century with the roots of blues music and cover each decade up to modern day. This course includes reading assignments, quizzes and active class participation.
AP MUSIC THEORY
Course Number: F305 1 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 10-12
This course is a rigorous introduction to the fundamentals of harmony and standard music notation practices, equivalent to an introductory level college music theory course. Students will be encouraged to take the AP Music Theory Exam in May.
This course is offered every other year. Offered 2022-2023.
Prerequisites: Prior music instruction inside or outside of school or instructor permission.
DANCE COURSE
UNIFIED ADAPTIVE MOVEMENT
Course Number: F823 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades 9-12
This course is designed to meet the needs of students with all abilities. Students interested in acting as helpers/partners may enroll in this course for .5 Fine Arts credit.
This course introduces students to the art form of movement and body-centered approaches to expression and healing. Lifetime skills will align with student Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) with an emphasis on social interaction, teamwork, and joy. Students are evaluated on the growth of their skills and participation over time and are graded on a pass/fail basis.
Access proficiencies for F823 course.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
THEATER COURSES
THEATER I: FOUNDATIONS
Course Number: F007 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
This course focuses on the form and process of theatre, and on the contributions of significant artists. Students will be introduced to and asked to explore elements of the production process including playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism. The class will also investigate different periods, styles, and genres of theatre through play reading, discussion, critiquing live theatre, and creating live theatre. Topics covered will include: Ritual and Revival, Theater as Political Sphere, Realism, and Breaking the Mold. This foundational course offers students a wide array of opportunities to develop and hone skill sets in a highly creative, imaginative, and collaborative environment. Viewing professional productions and discussion-based learning are also core components of the course.
ADVANCED THEATER: PLACE AND COMMUNITY
Course Number: F664 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
This course builds on the practical and historical vocabulary of Theater 1. Students will further their development as directors, performers, and designers while exploring what performance can be and what it can do. This course combines critical discussion and in-class play-reading with viewing and creating live theater. Theater 2 relies on a collaborative environment: students of various backgrounds, skill sets, and interests are encouraged to enroll. Performance Projects will focus on: Site Specific Work, Object Theater, Gender/Identity, and Ensemble Based Theater. Viewing of professional productions and discussion-based learning are also core components to the course.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
Prerequisites: Theatre 1 or instructor approval
BUILDING INSPIRED WORLDS ON STAGE
Course F366 .5 Fine Arts credit Grades 10-12
Learn to steal like an artist, generate original performance work, and build a world on stage. In this course, students will read short stories, graphic novels, and news content while pulling inspiration from journaling, interviews, and collaborative theater exercises to generate adaptations and original theatrical works. This course delves into the process of adaptation, personal narrative, playwriting, and the devising process in order to create a new theatrical work that is both personal and universal. Students across a range of interests and strengths are encouraged to enroll: writers, artists, film-makers, musicians, performers, technicians, directors, and curious minds will find this course chock-full of inspiration and skill-building. Viewing professional productions and discussion-based learning are also core components of the course.
Prerequisites: Theater 1 and either instructor approval or one .5-credit course in Band, Visual Art, Film, or Photography
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
FILM COURSES
FILM APPRECIATION & CRITICISM: EARLY CINEMA TO NOW
Course Number: F181 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
Students will learn a variety of critical methods to move beyond merely watching films to understanding them as active, critically engaged viewers. Through in-depth analysis of each film, students learn to express their ideas and feelings about film and examine artistic choices that affect a film’s impact on the viewers.
Requirement: Parent permission of film titles is required.
FILM APPRECIATION & CRITICISM: ANIMATION
Course Number: F182 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades 9-12
The history of animation offers a challenging and unique perspective into the construction of identity, especially in its close relationship to early childhood development, fairy tales, and early constructions of cultural norms. Animation also allows a wide range of stories to be told, especially in recent global filmmakers’ and graphic novelists’ work, that uplifts protagonists from underrepresented identities. Through in-depth analysis of each film, students learn to express their ideas and feelings about film and examine artistic choices in this form of cinema that has ongoing cultural influence.
Requirement: Parent permission of film titles is required.
MOVIE PRODUCTION I
Course Number: F356 1 Fine Arts OR 1 Practical Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
Students will learn about many of the skills required to conceive and produce a short movie. Story elements and composition, screenplay, lighting, basic to advanced camera work, audio recording for film, critique of award winning films, career exploration, and small-group filmmaking will help students gain real life film-making skills.
EHSPN
Course Number: F357 1 Fine Arts OR 1 Practical Arts Credit Grades: 10-12
Students will focus on the creation of the EHS sports show EHSPN. This course is for students interested in video production, acting for the camera and/or sports reporting. This course allows students with a wide range of skill sets (music, acting, comedy, motion graphics, photography) to showcase their work for the school audience.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
Prerequisites: Movie Production I, Media Communications, Theater I, or instructor approval.
MOVIE PRODUCTION II: ADVANCED CINEMA
Course Number: F358 1 Fine Arts OR 1 Practical Arts Credit Grades: 10-12
This course will focus on the creation of high quality short films. Projects will incorporate larger group film- making as well as outside works for festivals and clients. Emphasis will be on advanced video DSLR use, lighting, scripting and storytelling. This course will allow you to build on your skills from Movie Production1 and fully explore video production in a more professional manner.
Requirements: AVPA Film students are required to take this course after completing Movie Production I.
Prerequisites: Movie Production I or EHSPN
VISUAL ART COURSES
UNIFIED ADAPTIVE VISUAL ARTS
Course Number: F207 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
This course is designed to meet the needs of students with all abilities. Students interested in acting as helpers/partners may enroll in this course for .5 Fine Arts credit.
This course includes a rotating curriculum of foundational Art 1, Clay 1, Photo 1 and lifetime skills that are aligned with student Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) with an emphasis on social interaction and teamwork.
Students enrolled in this course are encouraged to also be enrolled in other Fine Arts courses as this course will give students more one on one instruction to supplement the learning and work they do in their other art classes.
Students are evaluated on the growth of their skills and participation over time and are graded on a pass/fail basis.
ART I: HALF YEAR
Course Number: F058 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
In this one semester foundational course, students will explore and experiment with several different artistic media and techniques.
Imagination and a sense of adventure are needed as art elements and principles, design and composition are studied through drawing, painting, collage, sculpture and other media.
This course or Advanced Art I: Full Year Exploration is required for those students desiring to pursue any of the advanced courses offered in the fine arts including Digital and Graphic Design, Drawing and Painting, Art II, Art III, and AP Art.
ART I: FULL YEAR INTENSIVE EXPLORATION
Course Number: F073 1 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
This foundational level course is geared for students who are highly motivated and interested in the visual arts and applying to the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. This course provides a broader foundation with various two dimensional and three dimensional media, techniques and processes and includes inspirations and references from art history and world cultures.
This course or Advanced Art I: Half Year is required for those students desiring to pursue any of the advanced courses offered in the fine arts including Digital and Graphic Design, Drawing and Painting, Art II, Art III, and AP Art.
ART II: FULL YEAR
Course Number: F026 1 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 10-12
This course is specifically designed to begin a student’s portfolio for college admission. Students will concentrate on advanced techniques and design problems in the following areas: drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. The course will focus on developing observational skills while fostering creative imagination. Students will examine the styles of both historical and contemporary artists while developing their own personal style of expression. Students who are planning to take Art III and Advanced Placement in Art should take this prerequisite course in 10th grade.
Prerequisite: Art I
ART II: HALF YEAR
Course Number: F049 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
This course is offered for students who cannot take a full year of Art II. The course will focus on the same advanced techniques and design problems using a wide range of media including pencil, charcoal, pastel, pen and ink, watercolor and acrylics.
The course combines observational drawing with the use of the imagination as a means of transforming visual ideas onto a two-dimensional surface. Students are recommended to combine this course with any specialty course (clay, photography, and sculpture) to meet the prerequisites for Art III.
Prerequisite: Art I or concurrent enrollment in Global History Through the Arts
ART III
Course Number: F037 1 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 11-12
This course is intended for highly motivated students who wish to take AP Art and/or pursue art in college. This course will focus on developing the “breadth” portion of your AP or college portfolio with a variety of visual media and subject matter. Observational drawing will be stressed as students continue to develop personal visual imagery through intensive work in drawing, painting, mixed media, printmaking and sculpture. This course will focus on introducing students to historical and contemporary artists. Toward the end of the course, students will select a particular visual topic based on an individual interest and begin a concentration of a related body of work that focuses on a process of investigation, growth, and discovery.
Prerequisites: Art II or Drawing and Painting
ART IV - AP ART
Course Number: F028 1 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 11-12
This course is designed for students who wish to take the AP Art exam and/or pursue art in college as a career. This very intensive course is structured to prepare students to submit a comprehensive portfolio for the Advanced Placement Examination in May or for college admission.
The first semester of the course focuses on the “breadth” portion of the portfolio where students continue to work in a variety of media including drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture and printmaking.
The second “concentration” portion of the semester is spent focusing on a specific area of interest and developing a personal style of expression. Students who don’t want the intensity of the AP curriculum may elect to take this course as an Art IV credit.
Prerequisites: Art III or instructor approval
CLAY I
Course Number: F040 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
In this course students express themselves in clay to make both functional pottery and sculptures. Students will explore line, shape, form, color, and texture as tools of expression and learn basic building techniques including pinch, coil, slab, and sculpting.
CLAY II
Course Number: F041 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
In this course students expand and develop their basic knowledge of clay construction, allowing for more self-expression. Students will make more advanced projects via hand building or the pottery wheel. New techniques in building and glaze decorating will be explored. Students continue to develop a personal style.
Prerequisite: Clay I
CLAY III
Course Number: F094 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 10-12
In the first quarter students refine already established hand-building, wheel throwing, and glazing skills while creating far more challenging projects (i.e. sets, teapots, lidded containers, altered wheel forms, etc.). In the second quarter students choose an area of personal concentration and expression, creating a cohesive body of clay work.
Prerequisite: Clay II
PHOTOGRAPHY I
Course Number: F350 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
In this course students will create expressive and artistically composed photographs. Students will learn how to use digital SLR cameras, and edit on the computer using Photoshop. Students will be able to critique photos in terms of composition and how it makes the viewer respond.
PHOTOGRAPHY II
Course Number: F351 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
Students will learn advanced digital and film camera techniques as well as editing using Photoshop. The art of photography masters will be highlighted. Students will develop a personal style and critiquing skills.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
Prerequisite: Photography I
SEWING AND FIBER ARTS
Course Number: H005 .5 Fine Arts Credit OR .5 Practical Arts credit Grades: 9-12
In this course students will study textile fiber and fabric characteristics, consider elements and principles of design in order to create and/or alter textiles and apparel, and evaluate the history of textiles and fiber arts and its impact on art, culture, and fashion today. Additionally, students will analyze career paths within textile, fashion, and apparel industries. In this hands-on, project-based class students will create with the use of sewing machines, hand sewing techniques, looms, and more. This class emphasizes sustainability and student choice.
Students can take this course to fulfill an AVPA endorsement requirement.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
METAL SCULPTURE AND DESIGN
Course Number: F365 .5 Fine Arts Credit Grades: 10-12
Metal Sculpture and Design will teach the basics of metal work and welding through the creation of sculptur- al artwork. Students will see their work go from idea to prototype to complete work. Students will use traditional drawing mixed with CAD design tools to create unique 3d works of art.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Course Number: I038 .5 Fine Arts OR .5 Practical Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
Media Communications provides students with a broad understanding of digital media through hands on projects and creative design thinking. Students will use Photoshop, Audition and Premiere Pro to design projects, including a movie poster and a short video.
COMPUTER ANIMATION I or II
Course Number: I106 .5 Fine Arts OR .5 Practical Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
Computer Animation I focuses on learning the basics of creating digital animation. Topics include how to create 2d and 3d models effectively and how to render still images and video. We will use industry standard animation software to create exciting 3d objects and short animations. If you possess a bit of computer savvy and have a passion for animation, this course is for you.
In Computer Animation II see your hard work come alive! Employ the basic techniques learned in Computer Animation I to develop your own stories. You will finely tune modeling and animation skills while creating character animations.
This course can be taken more that once for credit.
DIGITAL AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
Course Number: F090 .5 Fine Arts OR .5 Practical Arts Credit Grades: 9-12
Using the computer as an artistic medium, you will explore the creative process and create digital artworks. You will be introduced to current computer programs, Photoshop and Illustrator and will experiment with different ways the programs can be used to create digital art. In Photoshop you will learn about pixels, layers, layer masks and other tools. In Illustrator you will learn about vectors, creating custom illustrations, typography, logo development and marketing, and much more.
Prerequisites: One of the following courses: Art 1 (half or full year), Clay 1, Photography 1, Movie Production 1, Media Communications, Computer Animation I, or Web Design.
ADVANCED DIGITAL AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
Course Number: F361 .5 Fine Arts OR .5 Practical Arts Credit Grades: 10-12
In this course students will learn advanced digital techniques that will build upon skills and concepts from the Introduction to Digital & Graphic Design course. They will create, investigate, explore and cultivate a personal interest and develop a portfolio that they will work on for the entire semester.
Prerequisite: Digital and Graphic Design