Fine Arts at Saint Thomas Academy

Prerequisite: Computer Graphics or Digital Photography I with instructor approval Cadet Vision will provide students with the opportunity to further develop their skills in the digital field of cinematography. This course will also cover a wide variety of topics such as how to advertise/market a product or service, how to read digital media and how digital media affects our everyday life. We will be creating commercials and sports hype videos in an effort to better understand the tools and techniques used by professionals. Students will be given the opportunity to explore the depths of Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie and After Effects to edit and complete their masterpiece. 
 

An introduction to ceramics, focusing mainly on hand-building techniques (pinch, slab, and coil). Second semester will focus on sculpture (both functional and decorative), and an introduction to throwing cylinders, bowls and cups on the pottery wheel. Proper safety and cleaning routines are included, as participation is part of the final grade. 
 

Prerequisite: Ceramics I with instructor approval. Students with further their skills in ceramics, using the hand-building and throwing techniques they learned in Ceramics I. Expectations for Ceramics II are much higher, as students should be expected to work fairly independently to explore the media and building techniques. Proper safety and cleaning routines are included, as participation is part of the final grade. 
 

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. Students will develop foundational skills in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator CC. 
 

Students will learn the basics of digital SLR camera operation and photo creation. Students expand their skills in creating photographs while exploring various experimental photographic techniques, including long exposure, sequence, and cinemagraph photography. This course will introduce students to editing in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Registrants for this course are encouraged to have access to a DSLR camera with manual light and speed adjustments. 

Prerequisite: Digital Photography I with instructor approval. This course is designed to help the student who has basic technical and aesthetic knowledge to further his understanding of the principles and techniques of photography. In-class critiques will provide feedback on students' work. Students will explore advanced concepts relating to contemporary artistic and photographic practice, with special emphasis placed on portfolio development. Students should expect to provide their own DSLR camera. 

Prerequisite: Ceramics I and II with instructor approval Students will further develop their skills in ceramics, using the construction methods they have learned in the previous ceramics courses. They will be expected to work more independently in order to develop their own concepts and ideas. These projects will be approved by their instructor. A higher level of work ethic, craftsmanship, and ceramics understanding will be expected and pursued. Additional firing and glazing methods will be explored. Student will be encouraged to enter their artwork in at least one regional or national juried exhibition. Proper safety and cleaning routines are included as part of the grade. 

Prerequisite: Instructor approval. The area of study is determined by the student and the teacher. Areas of focus may include: Continuing to work on a series of artworks, learning more in depth techniques, experimentation with various mediums, exhibition. An instructor interview is required, along with approval from the Director of Academic Life. 

For the first half of the year, students will be undergoing a series of studio drawing activities, designed to develop a better understanding of the methods of drawing; including drawing form observation, gesture, still life, portraits, perspective, realism and abstraction. The Second half of the year we will study painting. Additionally, we will learn the elements and principles of design, such as form, contour, line, proportion, value, negative/positive space, balance, contrast, color theory and texture. For drawing, various drawing media will be explored; including charcoal, pastels, pencils, ink and colored pencils. Painting- we will paint on primarily stretched canvas with acrylic paints. 
 

Prerequisite: Drawing I & Painting I with instructor approval. Students will further their skills in drawing and painting, using the techniques they learned in Drawing I and Painting I. They will work more independently on their projects, while continuing to challenge themselves and experiment with various drawing media and explore a more in-depth study of color and painting techniques. 

Prerequisite: Drawing II & Painting II with instructor approval. Students will further their skills in drawing and painting, using the techniques they learned in Drawing II and Painting II. They will work more independently on their projects, while continuing to challenge themselves and experiment with various drawing media and explore a more in-depth study of color and painting techniques. 

Prerequisite: Instructor approval. The area of study is determined by the student and the teacher. Areas of focus may include: Continuing to work on a series of artworks, learning more in depth techniques, firing methods, glaze making, exhibition. An instructor interview is required, along with approval from the Director of Academic Life.

Prerequisite: Instructor approval. This course will focus on building three dimensional objects/sculptures using mixed media materials; including chicken wire, papier-mâché, plaster gauze, cardboard, plaster, clay, wood and found objects. This is a great course to develop critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills. This course will be offered every other year. 

Prerequisite: Computer Graphics or Digital Photography I with instructor approval. This computer graphics and video editing course will provide students with the opportunity to further develop their skills in the digital field. We will use the Adobe Creative Suite with an emphasis on Premiere Pro and additional work in Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects. Students will complete projects with the use of cameras, lighting, and the green screen. They will be able to dive into the depths of digital video editing while uncovering new techniques and ways to view film along the way. 

Prerequisite: Computer Graphics or Digital Photography I with instructor approval Animation & Motion Design will introduce students to the intricacies and principles of traditional and digital animation. Digitally, students will work within Adobe After Effects to design animated text, characters, and special effects. In the traditional realm, students experiment with various animation styles (hand-drawn, pixilation, and claymation), as well as develop 3D puppets and sets for stop-motion animation. This course is a great introduction to Motion Design for any student looking to pursue a career in film, video, animation, or video game design. *This course will be offered every other year. 

Prerequisite: One Level I and Level II class with instructor approval Digital Arts Capstone is designed for students entering their third or fourth year of Digital Arts classes. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how to creatively brainstorm and develop conceptually strong ideas. Students will choose areas of focus within the field of Digital Arts and will work closely with the instructor to customize ambitious, independently tailored projects for each quarter that build on the students’ specific interests. 

Beginning Guitar is an entry-level fine arts elective course for those students interested in gaining knowledge and skills related to acoustic 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 check-out 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, rhythm, basic music notation, and individual/small group playing. 

Today’s successful performers are influenced by the greats of past eras. In this survey course, students will examine those innovative performers who laid the groundwork for today’s contemporary music scene. This course will trace the development of popular music from the onset of recorded music up to the advent of rock and roll and how artists from this era continue to influence today’s performers. Styles and genres covered include: jazz, blues, Tin Pan Alley, and musicals including artists such as Bessie Smith, Bing Crosby, Al Jolson, Ethel Merman, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday and Judy Garland. 

The VISTA choir is a new elective this year that includes students from Visitation and Saint Thomas Academy. The VISTA choir/STA choir is open to all students who are interested in singing. The VISTA/STA choir elective meets as a regular class in the school day schedule at STA. The VISTA/STA choir has four major concerts throughout the year, performs at military ceremonies, school, athletic and community events. The VISTA/STA choir will tour nationally this school year and every two years. The choral program includes vocal training, sight-singing, and many opportunities for personal growth in an environment that strives for creative artistic excellence. The major focus of this curriculum is to explore the richness of other cultures and to nurture a passionate appreciation of music. 

Prerequisite: At least one year of experience playing a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument or prior approval by the director. The VISTA Concert Band/STA Military Band is open to any students with prior band experience. The band presents three formal concerts annually and also performs at military ceremonies, athletic and community events. 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, sectionals, and chamber music. Attendance at a limited number of rehearsals and performances outside the school day is expected of all members—including the August marching band camp. Students may be invited by the instructor to do honors level work placing an emphasis on private lessons or participation in auditioned ensembles that meet outside the normal school day. Criteria to be eligible for the honors credit is available from the instructor. 

Prerequisite: Two years experience playing a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument or prior approval by the director. The VISTA Concert Band/STA Military Band is open to any students with prior band experience. The band presents three formal concerts annually and also performs at military ceremonies, athletic and community events. 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, sectionals, and chamber music. Attendance at a limited number of rehearsals and performances outside the school day is expected of all members--including the August marching band camp. Criteria to be eligible for the honors credit is available from the instructor. 

Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of audition in May for the following academic year. 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. Students who perform on saxophone, trumpet or trombone must be concurrently enrolled in either Vista Concert Band course. The VISTA Jazz Band meets two 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 will appear at a variety of formal and informal performances and other school and community events both on and off campus. 

This course is an exploration of the elements of theatre from the varied perspectives of actor, scenic designer, technical director, choreographer, producer and director. Students receive an introduction to acting techniques using monologue and scene work, a look at scenic design and how it affects a production, insight into the job of the director, costume design as it defines the character and the technical aspects of a production. The theatre class also studies the roots of drama and the history of musical theatre.