Skip To Main Content

Fine Arts

 

The Fine Arts Department includes courses in Visual Arts, Music and Theatre. Honors Art and AP Studio Art are offered to students who plan on advancing their artistic skills and creative abilities. Music is seen as a means of expressing oneself either through vocal or instrumental means. The goal is to develop both skills and appreciation, working with others and performing. The performance component includes concerts and, often, a music tour.

Fine Arts Courses

Search Courses

Filter by Grade

  • Grade 12
AP STUDIO ART

2 SEMESTERS

This advanced-level course offers students the opportunity to work on a portfolio in preparation for postgraduate work. Each student will have the opportunity to submit this portfolio to the College Board for AP Studio Art and possibly earn college credit. Students will focus on a variety of independent projects giving them the freedom to pursue, with guidance, contexts, themes, subjects and techniques that will help them advance to a higher level of artistic expression. The course will culminate with a senior exhibit.

Open to 12th grade students.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Visual Arts, Drawing/Painting, Honors Art and departmental approval.

  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
BEGINNING BAND

2 Semesters

The Beginning Band, also known as first year band is the introductory performing instrumental ensemble in the music department. Emphasis is given on developing breathing techniques, learning notation, theory, and musicianship within an ensemble. The ensemble will practice and perform music that is developmentally appropriate in the keys of Concert Bb, Eb, and Ab major. Students can provide their own instruments or rent them through the school for a small fee. All instrumentalists are expected to practice daily.  

Prerequisites: 1 full year of piano lessons are required for percussion students.

  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

2 SEMESTERS

The Orchestra with a core of 18 instrumentalists, dedicates its efforts to performing a broad spectrum of classical and popular music. Each season’s repertoire includes music by DeLaSalle students and faculty, guest artists, and other composers from around the World. Students are provided with a balanced and comprehensive study of music. This course requires both ensemble and solo activities, which are designed to develop elements of musicianship including tone production, technical skills, intonation, music reading skills, listening skills, analyzing music, studying historically significant styles of literature, and integration of other applicable disciplines.

Experiences include music composition, improvising, playing by ear, sightreading, and researching music. Students develop the ability to understand and convey composers’ intent in the performance of music. Students perform each semester at world-class colleges and venues. Membership requires an informal audition. 

  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
CONCERT BAND

2 SEMESTERS

Students with little or no instrumental experience develop essential instrumental technique, foundational music literacy, and aesthetic musical awareness through rehearsal, performance, and the study of band literature. Musicians work on the fundamentals of music notation, sound production, instrument maintenance, and rehearsal strategies. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course requires students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.

Concert Band accepts beginners and students with little or no instrumental experience.

  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
CONCERT CHOIR

2 SEMESTERS

The Choir program is designed to enhance the musical, creative and expressive qualities of all students. Musical opportunities are provided for every student musician to learn the basic skills of singing, playing and reading music, developing song repertoire, broadening listening skills and experiencing the interrelated nature of music with other cultures and content areas. Our choir class is designed for students to apply musical skills as they continue to create and experience music as an ensemble.

Students will develop mastery of singing in major and minor scales, 4 part harmonies, musical interpretation, the use of dynamics with phrasing, incorporating facial expression and movement for refined presentation. Students will understand how a musical composition is structured through listening and analysis. And develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the differences in music from other cultures and the connections music brings to people, places and time.

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
DRAWING AND PAINTING

1 SEMESTER

The first portion of this course offers experiences to help students build on their drawing skills and techniques. Students will use a variety of drawing media including pencil, charcoal, pastels, ink and colored pencils. Assignments will include drawing objects from nature, faces, photos, still life and the imagination. The second half of the semester is designed for students to express themselves with paint on paper, canvas and other supports. We will work primarily with acrylic and some watercolor. Students will learn about color theory, mixing color and explore different techniques while learning about the fine art of painting. Materials are provided.

Open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students.
Prerequisites: Intro to Visual Arts or The Art Experience

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
GRAPHIC DESIGN I

1 SEMESTER

In Graphic Design, you will explore the broader constructs of successful brand strategy through digital art, including reaching a target audience through the elements of design. In graphic design, you will learn:

  • Beginner to intermediate skills in Adobe Illustrator on both desktop and mobile platforms
  • Learn how to create and present your logo design and brand
  • The entire design process to develop a unique brand design, including logo creation, pattern design, typography, package design, and photography.
  • Layout/design all types of designs including full page ads and digital graphics
  • Learn to adapt a brand’s look across all design mediums
  • Design and layout stationary including business cards, letterhead and envelopes
  • Additional projects, such as clothing design, magazine/print media layout, or additional product design will be included as well.  

Open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Visual Arts or the Art Experience

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
GRAPHIC DESIGN II

1 SEMESTER

Using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, students who have demonstrated talent in Graphic Design I will develop their skills with attention to design elements, professional layout and artistic expression. Course projects will require creativity, imagination, effort and attention to detail. Projects may include, but are not limited to: themed series, branding, web page design, marketing campaign, and artistic drawing.

Open to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students.
Prerequisites: Graphic Design I and department approval

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
HONORS ART I

2 SEMESTERS

Honors Art I is a course for students who have a passion for art and want to continue on with art as an elective. Students will work on improving their skills in the fine arts through painting, drawing and creating with a variety of different mediums.

Open to 11th, and 12th grade students.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Visual Arts and Drawing/Painting

  • Grade 12
HONORS ART II

2 SEMESTERS

This course is for the student who would like to focus on their art skills and techniques at a higher level. Assigned and Independent projects created with teacher guidance will give the students the freedom and opportunity to work on creating a portfolio in preparation for college-level courses. A culmination of work throughout the year will be displayed at a fine arts festival at DeLaSalle.

Open to 12th grade students.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Visual Arts, Drawing/Painting, and Honors Art I

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
HONORS PHOTOGRAPHY

1 SEMESTER

In Honors Photography, you will continue learning more advanced camera techniques and photo editing, including photo manipulation beyond basic color correction. There will be an emphasis on Photojournalism which will include more work outside of class compared to Photo II. Honors Photography students will also have access to our more advanced photography equipment normally reserved for sports and yearbook photography.

Open to 11th, and 12th grade students.
Prerequisites: Photography II and departmental approval

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE

1 Semester

This course is an introduction and overview of the major creative elements in theatre arts. Students will gain an appreciation of theatre by exploring the various elements that create theatre; examining the portrayal of human experience on stage across history, analyzing play scripts and exploring the theatrical creative process.  

Open to 11th and 12th grade students.

  • Grade 9
  • Grade 10
INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL ARTS

2 Semesters

This course will introduce the Elements of Art (line, shape, color, value, form, texture, and space) and the Principles of Design (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity) to help students analyze artworks and to give students the opportunity to become acquainted with different techniques and mediums. Art history from the past to present will be presented by learning about different artists and the skills used to create their work. Students will learn about studio art techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage as well as digital artmaking techniques in photography, graphic design, and digital art. Students will participate in critiquing and providing feedback to their peers. This course provides a strong foundation for the other art courses offered, as well as an appreciation for art.

Open to 9th and 10th grade students.

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
MEDIA PRODUCTION AND BROADCAST JOURNALISM

1 SEMESTER

This course is designed for the study and practice of the basic elements of broadcast journalism and media production. Students will learn technical and specialized skills including script writing, directing, and camera skills such as lighting, sound and editing. The journalism emphasis will cover the study of the basic principles of print and online journalism as they examine the role of visual and audio news media in our society. Students learn investigative skills, responsible reporting, and journalistic writing techniques as they read, respond to, write and produce their own videos, podcasts, audio news and media productions.

Open to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students.

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
PHOTOGRAPHY I

1 SEMESTER

In Photography I, you will be introduced to digital photography. You’ll learn how to use exposure, F/stops, shutter speeds, lighting techniques, white balance, and depth of field to create powerful and compelling images in and out of the studio. It is designed for students who have never used a DSLR camera, but the coursework is also a great refresher for those who want to perfect their technical skills. Projects will also include lessons on basic photo editing  and management in Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom, studio lighting, and a focus on working with portrait subjects.  

Open to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
PHOTOGRAPHY II

1 SEMESTER

In Photography II we will have a short review of DSLR camera techniques from Photo I before moving on to more advanced projects.You will learn more advanced camera techniques and photo editing, including photo manipulation beyond basic color correction. Projects will include studio lighting, product photography, and the class will complete a full portrait portfolio project.

Open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students.
Prerequisite: Photography I and department approval

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
SYMPHONIC BAND

2 SEMESTERS

Students are provided with a balanced, comprehensive study of music through the marching, pep, jazz, pop and concert band program. This course requires both ensemble and solo activities, which are designed to develop elements of musicianship including tone production, technical skills, intonation, music reading skills, listening skills, analyzing music, studying historically significant styles of literature, and integration of other applicable disciplines. Experiences include improvising, playing by ear, sight-reading, and researching music. Students develop the ability to understand and convey composers’ intent in the performance of music.

Open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students.
Two years experience with the instrument, an audition, and  department approval.

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
THE ART EXPERIENCE

1 Semester

The Art Experience is an introductory visual arts course designed for 11th and 12th grade students. This class provides a general overview of two-dimensional techniques in visual art and will highlight a variety of artistic techniques, styles, media, artists, and contexts. During this course, students will explore drawing, painting, design, and photography techniques. They will become comfortable discussing and analyzing historical, contemporary, and personal artwork.

Open to 11th and 12th grade students who have not previously taken a studio art class.

  • Grade 10
  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12
YEARBOOK

2 SEMESTERS

If you enjoy graphic design, photography, and writing, put your skills to use and help create the next DeLaSalle yearbook! Students will be responsible for the production, design, sales, and publication of the school yearbook. Exercise your creativity while representing the students and documenting the history of DeLaSalle!  Skills learned will include:

  • Intro to software
  • Working with photos: Albums
  • Applying templates and master pages
  • Sales and marketing
  • Page editing: Design tools and menus, designing pallets
  • Portraits: Uploading, editing, tagging, portrait flow
  • Proofing and submitting: Creating pdf proofs, approving, submitting personal and blank spreads
  • Indexing and process flow

Open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. Preference given to upper classes.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Visual Arts