Ceramics
Ceramics is an introduction to clay practice with consideration of materials, methods, concepts, and history. Course work covers both hand-built and wheel-thrown techniques in the sculptural and functional realm. Students will develop aesthetic awareness of the ceramic form and surface.
Grade Levels: 9, 11, 12

Computer Graphics
This computer graphics course will provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the power, precision, creative inspiration and control of computer graphics. Graphic design pushes the boundaries of digital imaging and is a must for students pursuing careers in marketing, business, journalism, PR work, design, advertising, illustration, web design, and video game design. During the semester, students will explore Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator Creative Suite 5. Course work will be completed on Macintosh computers with the use of digital cameras, scanners and printers.
Grade Levels: 9, 11, 12

Drawing and Painting
This course introduces students to drawing and painting with attention to understanding and applying the fundamental principles of spatial organization and color theory. Course work covers classroom drawing situations, as well as weekly homework assignments in a sketchbook. Media includes graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, pen and ink, pastels, acrylic and watercolor paint. Students will learn the elements and principles of design. A gallery visit is included as well as the experience of matting finished works of art.
Grade Levels: 9, 11, 12

Photography
Students will learn the basics of digital SLR camera operation and photo creation. Emphasis is on creating artistic photographs using the elements of art. Students will expand their skills in creating artistic photographs while exploring various experimental photographic techniques. Registrants for this course will be expected to provide a digital SLR camera with manual light and speed adjustments.
Grade Levels: 9, 11, 12

American Studies: Art
This course is integrated into American Studies English and U.S. History and derives themes from these two areas for art subjects. Media study for each quarter includes watercolor, printmaking, portraits, and 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: Ability and desire to work independently and with a group to succeed in an interdisciplinary class. Satisfies: US History 11. Students must also register for American Studies English and American Studies: History.
Grade Level: 11

Religious Themes in Art and Advanced Morality
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 Advanced Morality.

The Advanced Morality seminar uses the maturity of seniors to discuss issues chosen and led by students. The list of possible issues is a long one, but the course covers abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, discrimination, poverty, religious freedom, and 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 Band/STA Military Band
The VISTA Concert Band/STA Military Band is open to all students with prior band experience. This ensemble presents three formal concerts each school year. The band also performs at athletic and community events. STA students in the band form their own military company within the school and provide music for many ceremonies. In addition to furthering personal growth as individual musicians, emphasis is placed on creating a unified musical expression by the entire ensemble through large group rehearsals, weekly private instruction and sectionals. Attendance at a limited number of rehearsals and performances outside the school day is expected of all members.
Prerequisite: Two years experience playing a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument or prior approval by the director
Grade Levels: 9 - 12

VISTA Jazz Band
Participation is limited to traditional jazz instruments: saxophones, trumpets, trombones and rhythm section (bass, guitar, piano, drum set.) This course is open to students from both STA and Visitation. The VISTA Jazz Band meets three times weekly during zero hour for full ensemble and sectional rehearsals. Students will study, prepare and perform jazz music from a wide variety of genres and historical periods. VISTA Jazz performs at three formal concerts and other school and community events.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of audition 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 Theory (Independent Study)
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 Level: 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
Artstart introduces students to a wide variety of art media; emphasis is placed on the basic techniques of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, papermaking and clay modeling. Through a series of hands-on projects, students will explore materials to create original works of art that will show basic understanding of techniques and traditions. Students will create and utilize a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas in their work. Students will learn to identify works of art by studying and evaluating major art movements; students will discover how people have used art to express ideas across cultures and over time. Students will reflect, revise and refine work in problem solving and critical thinking skills, they will understand and apply art elements and principles of design in their artwork. Class graded A-F. First or second semester.
Grade Levels: 7, 8

Middle School Computer Graphics
In this computer graphics course, students will develop an understanding of the power, precision, creative inspiration and control of computer graphics. During the semester, students will explore Adobe Photoshop Elements, Microsoft Office and Apple Works. Course work will be completed on Macintosh Laptops along with the use of digital cameras, scanners and printers. Students will complete a series of hands on projects creating: professional business cards, research and present the work of
an artist/designer, portrait manipulation and poster design. Students will develop techniques for creating effective presentations; they will expand their knowledge of the Internet and the World Wide Web. Students will learn and practice how to correct digital imperfections and visually and artistically enhance the quality of their images. Class graded A-F. 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 2nd semester. Class graded A-F. 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 2-3 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. Class graded A-F. One year.
Grade Levels: 7, 8

"School of Rock" Exploration
Students will create their own songs on new iPad2 computers using garage band, play in a drum circle using West African Drums and percussion instruments, compose music with Boomwackers (a la Blue Man Group Style), and sing a song or two. They will learn how to be more confident on stage and in life through movement and drama exploration. Students will help produce a video of their work at the end of the semester. Class graded A-F. First or second semester.
Grade Levels: 7, 8

Beginning Guitar
Beginning Guitar is an entry-level fine arts elective course for those students interested in gaining knowledge and skills related to acoustical guitar. Over the length of this course, students will learn the parts of the guitar, chord progressions, scales, strumming patterns, accompaniment figures and arpeggios. By the conclusion of the course, students should be able to play and accompany basic folk and rock songs in their own student-led ensembles. School-owned guitars are available for use during class time and to checkout for at-home practice. Students will receive a grade based upon the following factors: knowledge of the instrument, mastery of basic guitar chords, note reading, scales, attitude/behavior, and small group ensemble playing. Class graded A-F. 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. Class graded A-F. One year.
Prerequisite: At least one year of a string instrument
Grade Levels: 7, 8

Updated January 9, 2012