The Arts

In this class, students learn the essential elements and principles of design before creating your own independent project.  The first part of the class features projects that teach you the elements and principles, the second is an album cover project using the elements and principles as well as timbre (the color of sound) to illustrate the music of your favorite musician.  The final project will be student-directed.  Students will also learn how to incorporate hand drawings into digital design and how to use Adobe Illustrator.

Students will be encouraged to discover their preferred medium, will be challenged to experience new mediums, and will have the ability to drive the experience of the Studio Art course based on interests and skill level.

In Advanced Studio Art, students build on fundamentals learned in introductory courses and dig deeper in use of preferred mediums while continuing to experience new mediums. Students apply their technical skills and artistic understanding to create more complex works and push their current skill sets.

Advanced Placement Studio Art is an honors-level class setup to prepare and develop portfolios for the AP review. Rigorous, yet self-driven, students are encouraged to develop their own voice and style through a variety of art practices and mediums. The fall term will be centered on creating 12 pieces for the breadth section of the portfolio, while the rest of the year is centered on developing a set of twelve concentration pieces that deeply explore and investigate a theme. Studies of art history, art criticism, and group discussions take place in conjunction with studio projects. AP students are required to display their artwork and participate in an art exhibit in the local community.

Prerequisite: Foundations in Art or teacher approval of a personal portfolio 

Are you curious about the world of film, journalism, news reporting, and social media production? In the class “Media Production”, your imagination and creativity will be encouraged and explored. We will create and tell compelling stories, capture meaningful moments, and bring your visions to life. The course is designed for all students who are curious to explore all things media! In this class we will…

• Delve into film, news reporting and social media content creation

• Explore visual storytelling

• Develop journalism and news writing/reporting fundamentals

• Learn how to create engaging content and build a personal brand

• Find your unique voice within the world of media production

In this class, you will learn about film from start to finish. We will cover how film is made, its history, its evolution, and put it all into practice as we create our own films. Topics include documentary, animation, the music video and more.

Explore the creative world of visual arts in this dynamic course! Students will develop skills in photography, including composition, lighting, and editing, as well as delve into graphic design techniques like layout creation, digital illustration, and typography. Through hands-on projects and practical assignments, you'll learn to capture stunning images and create impactful designs, preparing you for creative careers or advanced studies in visual arts.

Students can choose to learn a new instrument or fine-tune existing skills on instruments they already know how to play, including but not limited to guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums.  There is an opportunity to focus on singing and songwriting and throughout the course, students will explore performing in a group by learning how to find a rhythm by learning and how to compliment other musicians.  There will be group and or solo performances required.

This class explores the behind-the-scenes aspects of music production and engineering- the things that make performances run smoothly. We will cover recording live sound, producing music with programs like Soundtrap, and learning how to produce live events. Students also make a professional portfolio of their work.

Unlock the secrets behind the magic of live performances and studio recordings in our Sound Engineering and Lighting Design course! Students will embark on an exciting journey into the world of sound, learning the essential principles of audio engineering, mixing, and mastering. From setting up professional-grade equipment to mastering the art of stage lighting and design, participants will gain hands-on experience in creating unforgettable auditory and visual experiences. Whether aspiring to be a sound engineer, producer, or stage manager, this course equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to shine behind the scenes in the dynamic world of entertainment.

Do you love to perform? Do you love to learn about and watch performance? Do you enjoy writing, singing, and dancing? We will dive into music, acting, movement, and improv in this class! Using the elements of original, independent work, activities and exercises, and group score-building, we will each discover our voice in the creative process. The class will essentially be structured play, very driven by the students' performance interests.

Do you love music? If so, then this is the class for you! “Introduction to Songwriting” is designed to unlock your creativity, ignite your passion for music, and empower you to express yourself through the art of song. This course is designed for all students, regardless of prior musical experience, to explore the world of songwriting. In this class we will….

• Explore different musical genres, styles, and techniques

• Watch and listen to Tiny Desk Concerts and journal on our reflections/takeaways 

• Dive into the art of storytelling through lyrics

• Understand the basics of melody and harmony, even if you’ve never played an instrument before

• Master the building blocks of song structure 

• Discover songwriting identities 

• Write songs!

Explore the captivating journey of music through the ages in our high school music history course! From the ancient melodies echoing through time to the modern rhythms shaping today's soundscape, students will delve into the rich tapestry of musical styles, composers, and movements. Through engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and immersive listening experiences, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how music reflects and influences society, culture, and human expression.

Embark on a journey into the world of playmaking! Led by student instructor Dakota McBride, explore show design principles through hands-on projects such as helping formulate ideas for our performing arts program at HYDE, and bringing them to life. Learn about script, lighting, and set design while gaining practical experience and collaboration skills. Perfect for theater and film enthusiasts looking to dive into the creative process!