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Arts

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY

The Arts Department provides students with a comprehensive education that inspires creativity, develops skills, and fosters a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Our diverse courses in instrumental and choral music, theater, dance, visual and digital arts, and audio engineering allow students to explore and develop their artistic talents across multiple mediums and disciplines. When selecting an art course, it is recommended that students choose a class that truly interests them. As students arrive with varying levels of art experience, it is important to begin with a first-level course and progress through the class progression in the respective discipline. We highly encourage ninth graders to take an Art course in both semesters. 

REQUIREMENTS

The Arts Department has a one-credit requirement for all students entering in the ninth grade. Entering 10th and 11th graders must earn one-half credit. All ninth graders must take a semester or yearlong arts elective. 

OBJECTIVES

All graduates should:
  • Be able to discuss arts disciplines using their knowledge of appropriate concepts and vocabulary;
  • Approach proficiency in at least one art form, including the ability to problem- solve through reason and creativity;
  • Be able to analyze works of art through perceptual discovery and historical/cultural placement; and
  • Be aware of the interdisciplinary connections between the arts disciplines, including shared knowledge and common skills.

  • Adv Audio Engineering

    This is a capstone course allowing students to capitalize on their experiences in the previous classes. Students embark on individual projects, allowing them to create an EP from start to finish. Students have access to professional musicians and can produce original or covered music. Prerequisite: Honors Audio Engineering, plus instructor approval. (One-half credit)

  • Adv Ceramics

    This course will prepare the student for the AP exam. It addresses a broad interpretation of sculptural issues in depth and space. These may include mass, volume, form, plane, light, and texture. Such elements and concepts can be articulated through additive, subtractive, and/or fabrication processes. Various representation, abstraction, and expression approaches may be part of the student’s portfolio. Students will do some artwork outside of class hours. Coursework is supplemented with visits to area museums and galleries. (One Credit)

  • Adv Ceramics: Portfolio

    This course is for serious ceramics students who desire to work beyond the advanced placement level. Elements of ceramics introduced in the previous three levels will be pursued. With an emphasis on independently explored subject matter, students are free to create work that interests them. (One-half Credit)

  • Adv Digital Drawing, Collage, & Mixed Media

    This advanced studio class is designed for students who have the option of developing a portfolio for submission to the Advanced Placement Exam. This course requires two previous studio arts classes and is designed to offer students the opportunity to further explore projects in digital drawing, collage and mixed media. (One-half credit)

  • Adv Drawing

    This course will prepare the student for the AP exam. It addresses a very broad interpretation of two-dimensional design issues. This type of design involves purposeful decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. Artists use the elements of design (line, shape, illusion of motion, pattern, texture, value, and color) to express themselves. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries. (One-half Credit)

  • Adv Drawing: Portfolio

    This course is for serious drawing students who desire to work beyond the advanced placement level. Elements of drawing introduced in the previous three levels will be pursued. With an emphasis on independently explored subject matter, students are free to create work that interests them. (One-half credit)

  • Adv Painting

    This course will prepare the student for the AP exam. It addresses a very broad interpretation of two-dimensional design issues. This type of design involves purposeful decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. Artists use the elements of design (line, shape, illusion of motion, pattern, texture, value, and color) to express themselves. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries. (One Credit)

  • Adv Photography, Video, and Design

    This advanced studio class is designed for students who have the option of developing a portfolio for submission to the Advanced Placement Exam. This course requires two previous studio art classes and is designed to offer students the opportunity to further explore projects in photography, video, and design. (One-half credit)

  • Adv Photography, Video, and Design: Portfolio

    This advanced studio class is designed for students to further develop a portfolio for submission to the Advanced Placement Exam. This course requires three previous studio art classes and is designed to offer students the opportunity to further explore projects in photography, video, and design. (One-half credit)

  • Audio Engineering 1

    This course focuses on digital music production utilizing MIDI, Virtual Instruments, Loops, and Sound Effects. Students explore the basics of music theory and the physics of sound, and master a Digital Audio Workstation to provide the tools for high-quality audio production. This class features a hybrid assessment approach allowing students to experience both traditional and project-based assessments. No prior musical experience is required, but a passion for music is highly recommended. (One-half credit)

  • Audio Engineering 2

    This course builds upon the foundational concepts covered in Audio Engineering 1 and delves deeper into the role of Mixing Engineers. Students will explore various mixing techniques such as balancing, panning, equalization, compression, and reverb. Students will gain practical experience in sound analysis, manipulation, correction, and creative utilization of mixing resources through project-based assignments. By applying the skills and techniques learned in the introductory course, students will further enhance their abilities and tailor them to their individual musical interests. (One-half credit)

  • Ceramics 1

    This course introduces students to the basic principles of working with clay and glaze. Experiences include hand building with coils and slabs, wheel-throwing, clay sculpting, glazing, kiln loading, and kiln firing. Students are introduced to the workings of a ceramics studio with an emphasis on gaining independence as young artists through project work and active participation in all aspects of the life of the ceramics studio. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries. (One-half credit)

  • Ceramics 2

    This course continues a student’s development of the principles and techniques introduced in Ceramics 1. Students investigate design aspects of wheel-thrown pottery and create hand-built sculptural work. Ceramics 2 emphasizes attention to craftsmanship and encourages the exploration of glaze application. Emphasis will be placed on students gaining mastery of their studio practice in all stages of project work. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries.  Prerequisite: Ceramics 1. (One-half credit)

  • Concert Choir

    Concert Choir is a mixed chorus open to students from all grade levels and focuses daily on developing skills in listening and singing as part of an ensemble. Students work to develop healthy vocal techniques and express text and musical ideas clearly and effectively in several languages by exploring choral repertoire from various periods, styles, and genres. Singers perform throughout the year as part of chapel services, concerts, other school functions, and occasional off-campus events. Concert Choir often collaborates with the Honors Chamber Singers for performances throughout the year. Students develop confidence as musicians while enjoying a unique experience of camaraderie and shared musical enjoyment. (One Credit)

  • Drawing 1

    “Drawing from life” whereby you take view of an object, place, or person and transfer that vision of the real onto a two-dimensional work, is a challenging task. This course first helps students to “see” their world, and then we train their hand to work off of that critical observation. The students will work through ideas of line and value using a variety of media that include pen and ink, pencil, charcoal, and chalk. During this one-semester course, specific areas of study are the human figure, still life, landscape, and perspective. Students also study master artists’ works. Course work is supplemented with tours to area museums and galleries. Students will generate 5-10 original works of art. (One-half credit)

  • Drawing 2

    Drawing 2 builds upon the fundamentals learned in Level 1 and focuses on refining technical skills, exploring different mediums, and developing a personal style. Students will learn composition, line quality, value, and how to use light and shadow to create depth and form. Additionally, they will study art history and contemporary practices to gain a deeper understanding of drawing as a medium for self-expression and communication. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of finished works and a strong foundation in the principles of art. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries. (One-half credit)

  • Guitar 1

    This course is designed to cater to both novice guitarists and students with some guitar experience but no formal training. The curriculum covers guitar study in relation to music history, note reading, basic theory, and instruction in guitar playing and techniques. The students will have the opportunity to observe and listen to skilled guitarists in diverse settings. Although students may bring their own instruments, guitars are provided in class. Additionally, students should be prepared to participate in public performances as a group during the semester. (One-half credit)

  • Honors Audio Engineering

    Honors Audio Engineering is intended to build upon the foundational concepts covered in Audio Engineering 1 and 2. This course emphasizes the responsibilities of Recording Engineers and delves into the intricacies of microphones, microphone placement, studio recording methods, and the logistics of recording sessions. Students will learn how to produce high-quality recordings and implement advanced post-production techniques through project-based assignments. Prerequisite: Audio Engineering 2. (One-half credit)

  • Honors Instrumental Ensemble: Woodwinds & Brass

    This option is an advanced instrumental ensemble designed for aspiring musicians who are passionate about playing instruments. This course is available to musicians who have achieved and demonstrated certain proficiencies in their respective instrumental areas. Emphasis will be placed on developing a high level of technical skill and musicianship, as well as expressive interpretation and performance. This course is taken by departmental permission. (One credit)

  • Instrumental Ensemble: Percussion

    The percussion ensemble class is designed for aspiring musicians who are passionate about playing percussion instruments, whether you’re a beginner or have some experience. Alongside regular group classes, you’ll have the opportunity to receive weekly private lessons from an adjunct faculty member. Throughout the course, you’ll explore various genres of percussion music, expand your knowledge of music theory and history as it relates to percussion instruments, develop your improvisation skills, enhance your analytical listening abilities, and refine your percussion technique. Financial aid is available, as there is an additional fee for the private lessons. (One Credit)

  • Instrumental Ensemble: Strings

    This string ensemble class is designed for aspiring musicians who are passionate about playing stringed instruments, whether you’re a beginner or have some experience. Alongside regular group classes, you’ll have the opportunity to receive weekly private lessons from an adjunct faculty member. Throughout the course, you’ll explore various genres of string music, expand your knowledge of music theory and history as it relates to string instruments, develop your improvisation skills, enhance your analytical listening abilities, and refine your string technique. Financial aid is available, as there is an additional fee for the private lessons. (One Credit)

  • Instrumental Ensemble: Woodwinds & Brass

    This wind ensemble class is designed for aspiring musicians who are passionate about playing wind instruments, whether you’re a beginner or have some experience. Alongside regular group classes, you’ll have the opportunity to receive weekly private lessons from an adjunct faculty member. Throughout the course, you’ll explore various genres of wind music, expand your knowledge of music theory and history as it relates to wind instruments, develop your improvisation skills, enhance your analytical listening abilities, and refine your wind technique. Financial aid is available, as there is an additional fee for the private lessons. (One Credit)

  • Movement for the Athlete

    This course is for athletes who want to increase muscular strength and endurance, boost motor fitness, tone muscles, and help manage body weight. We introduce fundamental strength training through Yoga/Pilates, hands-on bodywork, and basic movement sequences designed to help prevent injury and build core strength, coordination, and overall physical mobility and stability. *Students can take this class multiple times, but only the initial 0.5 credit will count towards their one (1) credit graduation requirement. To fulfill the remaining 0.5 credit required for graduation, students must select a secondary Arts course.  (One-half Credit)

  • Painting 1

    This course is designed to teach students about color and composition using the medium of painting. During this one-semester course, students will learn about color concepts and relationships through formal study and color-mixing exercises that resolve into finished works. Painting from life, students will tackle a variety of subjects including, but not limited to, still-life, portraiture, landscape, and abstraction. Art history components are incorporated into class assignments. Course work is supplemented with tours to area museums and galleries. (One-half credit)

  • Survey of Dance

    This course is intended as a dance sampler. Students are exposed to a variety of dance styles such as ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop and a variety of movement theories appropriate for students in the performing arts. (One-half credit)

Department Faculty

1200 North Quaker Lane
Alexandria, Virginia 22302
703-933-3000