Visual Arts Courses

Drawing
Course work covers classroom drawing situations, as well as weekly homework assignments in a sketch book. Contour, anatomy, color theory and drawing using the right side of the brain methodology are covered. Media include graphite, colored pencils, markers and ink pens as well as computer work with the program Adobe Photoshop Elements. Students must provide a sketch book for homework, markers, pencils and fine line pens. Finished work is sprayed, signed and matted by the student. “Being able to draw” is not a prerequisite.
Grade Levels: 9, 11, 12

Metal & Wood
The metal experience for the term includes the design of copper pendants, creation of "domes", and wire used as design elements. Wood is the main material for a nameplate created on the bandsaw. Sculpture is studied using Plexiglas and wire and metal tooling for relief work. The work of artist Alexander Calder is studied and the students create a mobile. Emphasis for the course includes the proper use of tools and equipment and improvement of design.
Grade Levels: 9, 11, 12

Paint & Print
The painting experience includes work with both the airbrush and acrylic paint. Students learn the proper use of materials and equipment, idea development, and painting techniques. Printmaking includes silk-screening and engraving block prints. A gallery visit is included as well as the experience of matting finished prints.
Grade Levels: 9, 11, 12

American Studies: Art
This course is integrated into the American Studies English and U.S. History and derives themes from these two areas for art subjects. Media study for each quarter: One is watercolor, two is printmaking, three is portraits, and four is mixed media. The lecture component covers the American Vision Series by Robert Hughes as well as The Ash Can group, Hudson River School, Pop Art, Mount Rushmore, The Chrysler Building, The WPA Art Project as well as individual artists such as Winslow Homer, Mya Linn, Norman Rockwell, Edward Hopper, Roy Lichtenstein, Georgia O’Keeffe, Grant Wood, Louise Nevelson, and others as they tell the American story.
Prerequisite: Students must also register for American Studies: English and American Studies: History
Grade Level: 11

Religious Themes in Art and Social Justice
Religious Themes in Art explores a variety of spiritual themes and the means artists use to express them. Judeo-Christian traditions serve as the content base. Students will grow in their appreciation of their own spiritual experiences and, above all, will understand themselves as creators. Topics and media include religious symbols, social justice themes, religious leaders, historical leaders, and the computer. The artists of the Renaissance, a field trip as part of a church architecture unit, and the building of a cross complete the semester.
Grade Level: 12

* Students are also registered in Social Justice.
The Social Justice seminar uses the maturity of seniors to discuss issues chosen by the students and led by them. The list of possible issues is a long one, but the course certainly covers abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, discrimination, poverty, religious freedom, and the other moral and ethical issues of our time that the Pope has highlighted as being critical in today’s society. Using Catholic social teachings and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, students study the principles that define and clarify the Church’s position on these issues in order to illuminate their thought processes.

Music Courses

VISTA Concert/STA Military Band
VISTA Concert Band/STA Military Band meets during the school day and is open to students from both STA and Visitation. Students are encouraged to grow together as people, instrumentalists, musicians, artists, and thinkers through the study of music in band. VISTA Concert Band gives 3 formal concerts. Pep Band performs at a variety of athletic events, and Marching band makes half time and parade appearances. STA students in band form their own military company within the school and provide music for many military ceremonies. Select wind and percussion players are used for supporting VISTA string ensemble in full orchestra concerts. Through private lessons, sectionals, and full ensemble players, students enjoy musical growth within a unique social atmosphere.
Prerequisite: Two years experience playing a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument, or director's approval
Grade Levels: 9 - 12

Honors VISTA Jazz Band
The VISTA Jazz Band meets three times weekly during zero (0) hour for full ensemble and sectional rehearsals. This course is open to students from both STA and Visitation. Students prepare and perform music in a variety of jazz styles and learn about improvisation. VISTA Jazz performs at three formal concerts, an annual community swing dance, and other community events.
Prerequisite: Audition with the director in May for the following academic year
Grade Levels: 9 - 12

STA Choir
The STA Choir meets during the school day. This course is open to 9th-12th graders. The focus of this class is to help young men develop their singing voice through singing and performing many styles of music. Students participate in rigorous daily activities that include study in rhythm, vocal technique, solfege, sight singing and movement. Choir members work together as a team, learning how to perform together in both small and large ensembles. The choir performs at school concerts and events, the community and tours bi-annually with the other VISTA performing groups.
Grade Levels: 9 - 12

VISTA String Orchestra
The Vista Orchestra includes string players in grades 9 – 12 from Visitation and Saint Thomas Academy. Musicians interested in this class must play the violin, viola, cello, or bass, and must have at least two years of playing experience. String Orchestra is an elective that meets as a regular class in the school day schedule. The string Orchestra curriculum focuses not only on developing musical skills, but also on developing an understanding and appreciation of music through the study, rehearsal, and performance of concert repertoire. The string orchestra participates in numerous concerts and special events throughout the school year.
Prerequisite: Two years experience playing a string instrument
Grade Levels: 9 - 12

Music Appreciation
Music Appreciation helps students view music as an outgrowth of a culture within a historical and political context. Students will begin examining current music trends and then apply a model of critique to a variety of musical contests. Music Appreciation is about learning to think critically and examining music beyond surface level. We learn about our own culture through music as well as the cultures of others areas and time periods.
Grade Levels: 9, 11, 12

Music Theory
Students will improve upon their musical foundation through analysis and study of compositional techniques. Students will explore use of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic tools to create music for voice, piano, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments.
Prerequisite: Ability to read music and play an instrument, and instructor's approval based on placement test
Grade Levels: 9, 11, 12

Theatre Courses

Theatre
This course explores the elements of theatre from the varied perspectives of actor, scenic designer, technical director, choreographer, producer, and director. The class studies the introduction to acting techniques using monologues and scene work, scenic design and how it affects a production, the job of a director, costume design as it defines the character, and the technical aspect of production. The course also looks at roots of drama and the history of musical theater.
Grade Level: 12

Independent Theatre
The area of study is determined by the student and the teacher. Areas of focus may include: acting, directing, scenic design, costume designing, marketing, play writing, or musical theater. An instructor interview is required, along with approval from the Dean of Academics.
Prerequisite: Instructor's approval
Grade Levels: 11, 12

MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVES

Middle School Artstart
This course offers the Middle School student an opportunity to explore various art media including, but not limited to, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, painting, and paper making. Students learn about artists and cultural systems that use art forms for communication of ideas or decoration. They will then create a work of their own, learning the mechanics of art materials. First or second semester.
Grade Levels: 7, 8

Beginning Middle School Band
Students without any previous band experience may register for beginning band to learn to play a wind or percussion instrument. Students will learn the basics of playing an instrument and learn to play in an ensemble. Students wishing to continue with band will have an opportunity to move into Intermediate Band second semester. First semester only.
Grade Levels: 7, 8

Intermediate Middle School Band
Middle School Band at Saint Thomas Academy is open to any student with at least one year of experience playing a wind or percussion instrument. The band rehearses two-three times per week in preparation for concerts and other school and community functions. Band is a great way to become more proficient on a musical instrument and to enjoy the participation and teamwork of ensemble playing. One year.
Grade Levels: 7, 8

Middle School Choir
Middle School Choir is open to all Middle School students who have a desire to learn the basics of choral music. Choir members take instruction two-three times a week at Visitation School in preparation for performing at concerts and school and community events. One year, first semester or second semester.
Grade Levels: 7, 8

Middle School Computer Graphics
This course is an introduction to the computer as a graphic arts tool. The students learn the basics of painting, drawing and writing programs on the computer. Students learn to manipulate digital images with Adobe Photoshop Elements. The class ends with a student created Powerpoint presentation for the class. Assignments are given to encourage the students to explore the creative potential of the computer. First or second semester.
Grade Levels: 7, 8

Middle School Music Appreciation
Students will sample music from a variety of cultures and historical backgrounds. Main units will include Classical Composers, Jazz and World Music. Second semester only.
Grade Levels: 7, 8

VISTA Middle School String Orchestra
The VISTA Middle School Orchestra includes string players in grades 7-8 from Visitation and Saint Thomas Academy. Musicians interested in this class must play the violin, viola, cello, or bass, and must have at least one year of playing experience. String Orchestra is an elective that meets weekly before school. The Middle School String Orchestra focuses on developing musical skills, and learning to be a member of an orchestra through rehearsals and performances of concert repertoire. The string orchestra participates in numerous concerts and special events throughout the school year.
Prerequisite: At least one year of a string instrument. One year.
Grade Levels: 7, 8

Updated January 28, 2010