Fine & Performing Arts
Fine & Performing Arts Faculty
Our Mission
The Cheverus Fine and Performing Arts Department prepares students to be successful in a diverse and ever-changing society through experiences in the fine and performing arts. The objectives of the department are to: 1) encourage participation in and appreciation of music and art, 2) foster creativity and develop technical skills in performing music and creating visual art, 3) prepare students for careers or professional schooling in those fields that require strong presentational skills, creative problem solving, effective collaboration, and an understanding of human experiences.
Course Descriptions
In this course students build upon two-dimensional art skills: composition design, color theory, and basic drawing and painting applications. Students are introduced to more advanced 2D techniques and design concepts, such as collage, print-making, illustration, and graphic design. Students explore a variety of media and have opportunities to experiment with mixed media applications as well. Past and contemporary artists and art movements serve as inspiration to students throughout the course.
Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)
In this course students learn design techniques to plan and execute artwork in a variety of media: clay, paper mache, metal, and mixed media. Students experiment with form and develop problem-solving skills to produce artworks that are both sculptural and functional. Art theory and history are incorporated into the course to enrich concept development and approach.
Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)
This course focuses on the strength of two-dimensional art. Time will be spent on the fundamentals of drawing using various media including graphite, pen and ink, colored pencil, pastel, and charcoal. Students will explore creative and self-directed themes while gaining skills in observational drawing, anatomy and portraiture, design, and landscape drawing. Course material is regularly enriched with art history and group critiques.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Art or permission of the instructor
Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)
Painting students experience a series of exercises designed to develop fundamental skills and knowledge while painting with acrylic and watercolor paint. Through frequent instruction students delve into a multitude of interrelated activities exploring essential methods and skills. In a stimulating atmosphere students are encouraged to immerse and explore their artistic expression, uncover their talents, and develop the unique style of the whole person. A well-informed approach to the medium is enhanced by the study of works throughout significant artistic movements in history.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Art or permission of the instructor
Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)
This is an honors level course for students of proven interest and stresses the creative process. After reaching a level of proficiency at rendering the natural form, experimentation leads to deeper study into the fields of two-dimensional design, printing, three-dimensional design, sculpture, painting, watercolors, color, collage, and stained glass. Artist demonstrations and works are intermittently shown to enhance thought and nurture an atmosphere of creativity through established theory. Portfolio development and theme will influence the course of study for each student.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Art or permission of the instructor
Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)
This introductory course examines the development of popular music traditions in the United States from the nineteenth century to the present. Students will employ the basic vocabulary used to describe the physics of musical sound, the psychology of musical perception, and the description of musical elements, such as timbre, rhythm, harmony, melody, and structure, in written and oral communication. Course content will provide students with a critical perspective on the historical, socio-cultural, political, and economic forces that have influenced the composition, performance, production, and consumption of popular music in the United States. Discussions on the ethical implications of race, ethnicity, gender, and class on the production and consumption of popular music in the United States will also be a focus in this course. Students will utilize library and online resources and research tools to retrieve primary and secondary sources in order to present an individual perspective on the role of popular music in American society.
Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)
This course is a rigorous study of music theory for students interested in pursuing music beyond high school. Students considering this class should have a strong background in music, including the ability to read both bass and treble clefs fluently. The course focuses on skills required to be successful as a first-year music student at a college, university, or conservatory. Course content includes harmony and harmonic analysis, melodic and rhythmic structure, part-writing, formal analysis, score reading, and a music history overview. Personal musical skills are developed daily through ear-training, dictation, and sight-singing. Although keyboard skills are not required, they are beneficial and should be developed during the class.
Term: Full Year (1 Credit)
Dive into the wonderful world of ceramics and create 3D art with clay! In this course students will explore the diverse history of ceramics, learn a variety of handbuilding techniques, and experiment with glazing. Students will create multiple 3D artworks while learning ceramic techniques such as carving, raised relief, sgraffito, and resist/stencil glazing. This course will explore form versus function in art; students will make art that is both functional and decorative. Sketching, self-reflections, and group critiques will be incorporated throughout the course.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Art or permission of the instructor
Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)
The Cheverus Choir emphasizes vocal techniques and the exploration and interpretation of various periods and styles of choral literature. This course is designed for the experienced singer who can match pitch and hold their own harmony part. Enrollment is determined by the director and may consist of an audition. Students are encouraged to study privately outside of Cheverus. Students must participate in all major school performances and may be asked to perform at various performances outside of school. Auditions for All-State and District ensembles are strongly encouraged. This course is eligible for honors credit.
Term: Full Year ( 1 Credit)
Students enrolled in this course have participated in band throughout middle school and have a technical command that includes knowledge of all notes within the range of their instrument. Students rehearse and perform music of high school-level that is written for standard concert band instrumentation. Students who play flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone horn, tuba, or percussion should sign up for this section. Students are required to participate in all major school performances, and may be asked to audition for All-State and other regional festivals. This course is eligible for honors credit.
Term: Full Year (1 Credit)
The goal of this course is to create, contribute to, and produce the finished yearbook for the school year. Students will learn how to successfully operate a digital camera as well as photography techniques, composition, and photo editing. The course will also cover the relationship between digital photography and media production. This course requires that students attend a variety of school events, such as sporting events and student activities.
Term: Full Year (1 Credit)
This introductory course provides students with a strong foundation in the basics of art. The course combines hands-on techniques, enriched with art history, art theory, and critique. Guided exercises will help students develop a base understanding of studio processes and practice of art. Students will develop understanding and application of observational drawing, color mixing, painting, elements of art, principles of design, and three-dimensional design.
Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)
Students rehearse and perform high school level music geared toward standard jazz band instrumentation, including trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, and drums. Students are required to participate in all major school performances. There may be an additional fee for use of school owned instruments. This course is eligible for honors credit.
Prerequisites: Audition may be required
Term: Full Year (1 Credit)
This course is designed for the advanced musician. Enrollment is determined by the director and may consist of an audition. Students explore musical concepts that deal with improvisation, transcription, and ensemble techniques that are needed within the context of small group playing. Students are required to participate in all major school performances and may be asked to perform at various performances outside of school. This course is eligible for honors credit.
Term: Full Year (1 Credit)
Available for students enrolled in Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, and String Ensemble when a student completes 5 or more of the following:
- Take private lessons with a degreed/qualified teacher or artist on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
- Audition for one MMEA District 2 Music Festival Concert Band, Chorus, Jazz Band, Orchestra, or Jazz Choir.
- Audition for MMEA All-State Concert Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, or Jazz Choir.
- Attend an instructor-approved concert and prepare a typed summary/evaluation of the concert. The student must also turn in a program and fill out a critique sheet for each concert. (Limited to one per semester.)
- Conduct research and prepare a typed, written report (5-10 pages) on one of the following topics: the instrument being studied, the orchestra, a composer whose music is being performed during the semester credit is desired, or a topic agreed upon by the instructor.
- With instructor approval, work with and assist another student playing the same instrument. This will be scheduled between the instructor and students involved. Student musicians at area middle schools may be included with instructor permission.
- Rehearse and perform with a church or community or other outside organization (PYWE, PYSO, MYO, Westcustago, etc.) on a regular basis (weekly/bi-weekly) throughout the semester.
Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)
Students are given a background in acoustical concepts related to audio recording and will learn the application of a digital audio workstation through major production projects. The class prepares students for postsecondary study in communications, production, and audio engineering at colleges, universities, and technical schools. Students learn basic digital editing and recording using a variety of concepts and software including MIDI, Audacity, and Mixcraft. Seniors may only register for this class during the first semester of their senior year.
Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)
This course is designed for students who wish to further their piano skills. Students should have already taken one semester of piano lab in order to sign up for this course. Using electronic pianos in a lab setting, students will learn more advanced concepts of music notation, rhythm, melody, and harmony. Students progress through instruction utilizing piano books and supplementary materials. Access to a piano/keyboard outside the class is required. Students will be required to purchase a low cost electronic keyboard to have at home. Seniors may only register for this class during the first semester of their senior year.
Prerequisites: Piano Lab or permission of the instructor
Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)
This course is designed for beginning piano students or students who have very little piano experience. Using electronic pianos in a lab setting, students will learn the basics of music notation, rhythm, melody, and harmony. Students progress through instruction utilizing beginning piano books and supplementary materials. Access to a piano/keyboard outside of the classroom is required. Students will be required to purchase a low cost electronic keyboard to have at home. Seniors may only register for this class during the first semester of their senior year.
Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)
In this course, students learn the creative elements and technical aspects of basic stained glass construction using the required materials, tools, and skills. Through a series of focused projects, students will gain an understanding of the history and aesthetics of stained glass work, as well as produce a variety of stained glass p
Prerequisites: Introduction to Art or permission of the instructor
Term: Semester (1/2 Credit)
This course is designed for experienced players of violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students explore music for strings from trios and quartets to arrangements of orchestral pieces–jazz, pop, and classical. Students have an opportunity to advance individual skills and techniques. Students are required to participate in all major school performances and may be asked to play at liturgies. Students are encouraged to audition for All-State and other regional music festivals. This course is eligible for honors credit.
Term: Full Year (1 Credit)