Visual Arts Courses
Drawing
Course work covers classroom drawing situations, as well as weekly homework assignments, in a sketch book. Contour, color theory, and drawing using the right side of the brain methodology are covered. Media includes graphite color pencils, markers, and ink pens as well as computer work with the program PhotoDelux. 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 requirement.
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. A wire sculpture that moves by a crank is also created; copper enameling, the fusing of powdered glass to a background, completes the metal portion of the class. Wood is the main material for a nameplate and sculpture using the band saw. The artist Alexander Calder is studied and a mobile built. Emphasis for the course includes the proper use of tools and equipment and design capabilities that improve.
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 linoleum prints. A gallery visit is included as well as the experience of matting finished prints.
Grade Levels: 9, 11, 12
Honors Advanced Art
Motivated students wishing to work on a large scale and in-depth help plan their course of study. Sophisticated and more complex project interpretations are the goal. Gallery visits, readings, and presentations are a part of the program.
Prerequisite: Demonstrated ability to do advanced work, instructor's approval and submission of portfolio
Grade Levels: 11, 12
American Studies: Art
This course is integrated into the American Studies courses in English and history. The studio art component uses the themes covered in English and U.S. History as subject material for works in printmaking, drawing, paper manipulation, computer art, and painting. The lecture component covers: The Colonial Period, (Copley, West, Stuart, Nagele, Bierstadt, Bingham, Cassatt, Eakins, Catlin, Remington & Russell); The Ash Can School of the 1990s (Robert Henri, Sloan, Bellows, Shinn, Luks, & Glackens); and the mid-1900s (the Wyeth family, Hopper, Wood, O’Keefe, Nevelson, Warhol, Segal) and many others as they tell the American story.
Prerequisite: Students must also register for American Studies, English & 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
Concert/Military Band
The Concert/Military Band meets during the school day. Through the use of appropriate concert literature, pep band music, method books and private lessons, the students enjoy musical growth as well as a unique social atmosphere. The band is also open to girls attending Visitation School and is one of the few classes where seniors and freshmen sit side-by-side. The Band gives 2-3 formal concerts, 12-14 Pep Band performances, and parades. The band also functions as its own military company within the school and provides music for many military ceremonies. Involvement in Solo and Ensemble contest is optional.
Prerequisite: Two years experience playing a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument
Grade Levels: 9 - 12
Jazz Band
The Jazz band meets after school. This is a year long course and is also open to Visitation students. Students learn about improvisation and performing in the rock and jazz idioms. The Jazz band participates in 2-3 formal concerts per year and travels to one major jazz festival.
Prerequisite: Audition with the director
Grade Levels: 9 - 12
Vocal Music
This course meets all year at Visitation. Students learn and perform vocal music.
Grade Level: 12
Music Theory
This course teaches the foundation of music including rhythm, harmony, and melody applications and is aimed at helping the student understand how music is created, written, and sung. Students will create music as an outgrowth of participation, as well as analyze the harmonic structure of musical compositions from 1600 to today.
Prerequisite: Ability to read music and play an instrument
Grade Levels: 9, 11, 12
Music Appreciation
Students become familiar with the instruments of the symphony orchestra and their sounds. They hone their listening skills so they can enjoy music of all cultures. They study the historical styles and composers of Western music from 450-1450 A.D. The second semester deals with American popular music from 1880-2000 A.D. The goal of this class is for students to gain an understanding of classical music and to enjoy and appreciate it at a greater level.
Grade Levels: 9, 11, 12
VISTA Orchestra
The Orchestra meets two times each week at Visitation at times are set by the Director. The Orchestra performs 2-3 formal concerts each year, provides the core group of musicians for the spring musical, participates in contests, etc. The repertoire is chosen from typical string orchestra literature.
Prerequisite: Two years experience playing a string, brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument
Grade Levels: 7 - 12
Theatre Courses
Theatre
This course explores the elements of theater from the varied perspectives of actor, scenic designer, technical director, choreographer, producer and director. The class studies introduction to acting techniques using monologue and scene work, scenic design and how it affects a production, the job of the director, costume design as it defines the character, and the technical aspects of production. The course also looks at the 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
