The Arts
Art
- Creative Design
- Introduction to Art
- Advanced Studio Art
- AP Art and Design
- Media Production
- Digital Photography and Animation
- ceramics
Creative Design
This class explores the various ways students can apply their creativity across multiple design modes. We begin by learning the elements and principles of design through handmade projects. We then apply those concepts to digital work, covering the basics of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, which are industry-standard tools. We create personal and client-based projects and finish the year by assembling a digital portfolio. Students also gain insight into what it's like to be a professional artist through field trips and guest speakers.
Introduction to Art
Students will learn foundational skills in art such as drawing, painting and understanding the elements and principles while also getting to create art of your choosing and work outside the box. The first half of this course begins with a traditional teaching format. We will start with learning how to book-bind by making a custom sketchbook that you will then use for the remainder of the year. You will learn about the elements and principles and how they can affect and elevate your artwork. You will be taken through a crash course on drawing-- learning about continuous line, blind contour, gesture drawing, as well as how to tackle portraiture. Intro to paint will focus on familiarizing you with the color wheel and how to mix any color you may need using the primaries. The second half of the year is "Open Studio"-- each week you will have a mini demo of a new art practice on Monday as a class, but from Tuesday to Friday you will be able to make the art of your choosing. Open studio format allows for you to explore the areas you wish to and to develop the skills of a professional artist-- such as managing your own time and generating your own ideas. Students will be asked to complete 4 projects accompanied by "write ups" that explain your work and your creative process. Most of the work in this class will be done in studio, but you can expect to complete weekly homework assignments in your sketchbook.
Advanced Studio Art
Advanced art is taught side by side with Intro to Art, so the structure is very similar, but you will be further challenged and be given the opportunity to work one-on-one with the teacher to refine your skills. The first half of this course begins with a traditional teaching format. We will start with learning how to book-bind by making a custom sketchbook that you will then use for the remainder of the year. You will go over the foundational skills of drawing and painting, as well as to demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles. The second half of the year is "Open Studio"-- each week you will have a mini demo of a new art practice on Monday as a class, but from Tuesday to Friday you will be able to make the art of your choosing. Open studio format allows for you to explore the areas you wish to and to develop the skills of a professional artist-- such as managing your own time and generating your own ideas. Students will be asked to complete 5 projects accompanied by "write ups" that explain your work and your creative process. Most of the work in this class will be done in studio, but you can expect to complete bi-weekly homework assignments in your sketchbook as well as on Blackbaud.
AP Art and Design
Students must be approved by the Art Teacher and must have completed a prerequisite of advanced art or submit a portfolio that shows a mastery of the subject. AP Art and Design is divided into 3 categories: 2-D Art and Design, 3-D Art and Design and Drawing. In this course you will create a portfolio of college level work and submit it for evaluation (there is no paper and pencil exam). The submission will explore 3 main categories: Investigation, Experimentation, and Communication. The student portfolio submission is graded on 2 categories. Sustained Investigation: this section is 60% of your total score and should "show a body of related works that demonstrate an inquiry-based investigation of materials, processes, and ideas." Selected Works: this section is worth 40% of your total score and "should feature five artworks that best demonstrate skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas." It is worth noting that this course requires research, citing, and the production of a great volume of work. If you are a slow creator, or don't like explaining or justifying your work this may not be the course for you.
Media Production
This class explores how to produce videos for various types of media outlets, including YouTube, short films, and Instagram. We begin with the history of video and an overview of film and content creation. We examine how media creators from around the world develop engaging videos. Next, we practice the fundamentals of filming and editing, including lighting, composition, audio recording, and the DaVinci Resolve program, which is an industry standard. We then create content for Hyde TV, our class project's YouTube channel. We conclude the year by assembling a digital portfolio. Students also gain insight into the life of a professional artist through field trips and guest speakers.
Digital Photography and Animation
This course blends the art of photography with the motion and storytelling of animation. Students will explore visual communication through hands-on projects using DSLR cameras, smart phones, Adobe Creative Suite, and animation tools. The course covers everything from photo composition and editing to animation history, storyboarding, and final production. Students will build a strong portfolio and contribute to group projects like the yearbook and an end-of-term art book.
ceramics
Learn a variety of different clay-based art forms. This course will cover hand building techniques such as slab building, coil building and joining techniques. It will also cover traditional wheel throwing. Students will learn each of these methods before settling into a chosen method to create a body of work. The number of pieces and the complexity required will depend entirely on what method the student is using to create. Students may be allowed to work on small-scale sculptural work as well. Students will be taught how to take care of the ceramic studio by keeping the space clean and tools cared for. Students will learn how to glaze and decorate their ceramic works. This class will not have much homework aside from documenting their work and watching YouTube tutorials when needed. There is no prior experience necessary to take this course.
Music
Introduction to Music
This class explores various aspects of music and music-making. We begin by learning the fundamentals of Western music theory. Students then have the opportunity to learn to play one of the following instruments: guitar, piano, or drums/ percussion. Next, we examine music theories and genres from around the world, including India, Sudan, Brazil, and Spain. We conclude the year with an instrument-making project that combines art, music, and engineering. Students also gain insight into the life of a professional artist/ musician through field trips and guest speakers.
Sound Engineering and Lighting Design
This class explores the fundamentals of music and sound production and engineering. We start by focusing on engineering, learning how to operate soundboards, understand the differences in microphones, and set up equipment for live events. Students can apply this knowledge to our school performances. Next, we delve into music production, covering basic Western music theory and industry programs like Pro Tools and FL Studio, along with a unit on DJing. We conclude the year by assembling a digital portfolio. Students also gain insight into the life of a professional artist/ musician through field trips and guest speakers.
