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Fine Arts Department

ART

Art I (Grades 9-12) 1 credit
Art I is a “hands-on” class which will introduce the student to varied media, art history, techniques and aesthetics of art. This course is a prerequisite for Art 2 & 3. Exploring the elements of design and composition students will work within the media of ceramics, pen and ink, watercolor, collage, calligraphy, and more. VT Field of Knowledge to be addressed will include: critique and revision, aesthetic judgment, design and production, identifying various art history connections, artistic problem solving, developing intent, and the understanding of various artistic techniques. VT Vital Results Standards addressed will include: making connections, report writing, reflecting and evaluation, taking risks, thinking abstractly and creatively, planning and organization, respect, approach to work and productivity.

Art II (Grades 10-12) 1 credit
Art II is a studio based course for students who are interested in pursuing art on an advanced level. Projects and exploration cover a more narrow range of topics/techniques in greater depth than in Art I, and are designed to help students start to pinpoint specific strengths and areas of interest. Students are required to do work outside of the classroom, as well as to plan and execute independent projects within the framework of the class. VT Field of Knowledge standards addressed during this class include conveying artistic intent, critique, artistic problem solving, exemplary works, analysis, perspective, artistic proficiency, using elements and principles of art in 2D and 3D design, and understanding of properties of artistic media. VT Vital Results Standards include self expression, using tools of technology, solving problems, thinking abstractly & creatively, making informed decisions, and developing understanding of individual and cultural diversity.

Art III/Art IV (Grades 11-12) 1 credit
This level of art is for the serious student who is ready to work in a self-designed program coordinated by the instructor, with the goal of developing a portfolio of work suitable for presentation in an art school/college admissions interview. Emphasis is placed on work from direct observation, further development of individual strengths, and improvement in weak skills. Students should come into this class with a strong Art II performance behind them, and motivation to direct and be responsible for their own learning. This course addresses all the VT standards listed in Art I with increased emphasis in the VT Vital Results Standards areas of communicating effectively, expressing self with power and purpose, and choosing and using effective means of solving problems.

Drawing and Painting - 1/2 credit
This class will focus on a quarter of developing drawing skill with a variety of media and techniques, followed by a quarter of various painting explorations based upon drawing from life as well as abstraction. Students will be expected to maintain a sketchbook of ideas and observations as outside work. Vermont Standards addressed include artistic proficiency, using elements and principles of art, conveying artistic intent, and understanding the properties of artistic media.

3D Art - 1/2 credit
This semester class will investigate and develop various relief and 3 D projects. By observing established sculptural forms and styles the student will develop work using diverse media such as clay, plaster, wood, and more. Areas of exploration will include VT Field of Knowledge in critique and revision, identifying various art history connections, artistic problem solving, developing aesthetic judgment, using elements and principle of art in a 3 D design and using various media and artistic techniques. VT Vital Results Standards will cover areas of risk taking, abstract and creative thinking, making connections and reflecting and evaluation. Prerequisite: Art I.

Art and Artists - 1/2 credit
Students in this semester class will become familiar with a selection of well known contemporary artists through film and video, discussion, and creating art. The focus will be on understanding the motivations and methods of each artist so that students in the class are able to create original two dimensional and three dimensional works based upon these insights. Students will maintain a journal/sketchbook as part of a course. Vermont Standards addressed include all of the areas of critical response as well as artistic process.

MUSIC

Band (Grades 9-12) 1 credit or 1/2 credit when combined with chorus
This is an ensemble class open to all students who play a band instrument. Admittance is by permission or by audition. Through participation in various concerts, parades and music festivals student will develop the ability to perform on their instrument, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. They will also learn to listen, analyze, describe, and evaluate their own performances as well as those of others. National Standards in Music are addressed in this course.

Jazz Band (Grades 9-12) 1 credit
This course is intended for capable self motivated students who are interested in learning more about jazz and improvisation. This ensemble will play regularly here in Randolph and at in state Jazz festivals. We will play from all eras in the jazz tradition and begin to learn the basics of harmony, melodic construction, blues form and swing. There will be listening sessions, improvisation exercises, and solo trascription as part of the course. Playing in the Band and marching band are a requirement of the course. Faculty permission is required for admission to the course. National Standards for Music are addressed in this course. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Chorus (Grades 9-12) 1 credit or 1/2 credit when combined with band
Chorus is an ensemble class open to all students who like to sing. Proper methods of voice production, listening, expression and musicianship are emphasized. Music selection will be chosen from different periods, composers, styles and cultures, exposing students to different forms of music. Participants will also learn to read musical notation. Chorus members will participate in and critique various programs throughout the year at which attendance is required and graded. This course addresses the National and State music standards: Singing alone and with others a varied repertoire of music, Reading music notation, Listening to, analyzing, and describing music, Evaluating music and music performances, and Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

Musical Composition and Theory (Grades 9-12) 1/2 credit
Students explore the principles of music theory through music composition. Computers and technology will be used to explore a wide range of compositional techniques and self expression through a “hands-on” classroom approach. Students will also have an opportunity to share and critique their own work and that of other Vermont students through the Vermont Web Project internet site. A musical background is not necessary for entrance to this course.


Hip Hop: Music, Culture, and Controversy 1/2 credit
Hip Hop: Music, Culture, and Controversy will be a single semester course for half a fine arts credit that explores the History of Hip Hop. The course will use equal parts listening, reading, writing, and discussion to look at Hip Hop and contemporary Afro-American culture from a critical perspective. Students will look at the roots of Rap and its subsequent effects on language, fashion, film, mass media, World music, politics, censorship, race relations and contemporary Black intellectual thought. This course will utilize Vermont Framework Standards for Vital results. Recommended for upperclassmen, but freshmen and sophomores may be admitted with teacher permission.

DRAMA

Introduction to Theater (Grades 9-12) 1/2 credit
This course is designed as an introduction to the stage. Content includes a history of the theater, elements of voice and movement, and technical design. Each student will have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the current RUHS production. This offering may be repeated since the course content and production itself will very with instructor and season.