Fine & Performing Arts Course Descriptions
The Fine Arts Department offers courses in Visual Arts, Music (Instrumental and Vocal), Dramatics, and Communications. The state of NJ requires that all students complete 5 credits in “Fine and Performing Arts” in order to receive a NJ high school diploma.
#801 – DRAMA – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
Drama is designed for students interested in developing their knowledge of all facets of theatrical production, as well as the skill of performance. Students will study the historical developments of drama, both as a literary genre and a performing art. On-stage techniques will include improvisation, character studies, monologues, blocking, and memorization. Students will explore the elements of the play through studies of genre and style, as well as through the experience of performing in a final staged production.
#802 – VISUAL ARTS 1 – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
Visual Arts 1 is an introduction to the elements of art. Students will learn about basic composition and explore the fundamentals of art. Students will be exposed to basic techniques and uses of the materials in drawing, painting, sculpture, design, and mixed media. This course is recommended for those considering electing additional art courses.
#803 – VISUAL ARTS 2 – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades10-12
Prerequisite: Visual Arts
Visual Arts 2 can be taken after completing and passing Visual Arts. The course will explore (in-depth) the fundamentals of the fine arts. Students will be exposed to basic techniques and uses of the materials in drawing, painting, sculpture, design, and mixed media. The course is designed to serve those with a genuine interest in the visual arts and is recommended for those considering electing additional art courses. After course completion students may elect to take Drawing & Sketching.
#804 – DRAWING AND SKETCHING – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Visual Arts
Drawing and Sketching consists of composition, values, and the basic skills needed to become familiar with drawing and sketching. Each student will complete drawings in still life, landscapes, perspective, and others.
#805 – PAINTING – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Drawing and Sketching
Painting includes water color and acrylics, and is designed to give a basic understanding of mixed media and painting. Color and brush techniques, as well as stretching a canvas, are part of this painting course. This class will involve artist-based research and projects completed outside of class. Students may be responsible for purchasing additional supplies.
#806 – PHOTOGRAPHY – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 10-12
Photography introduces students to the art and science of photography. Students will explore basic digital photography methods and learn the technical and artistic skills necessary to move beyond the act of taking pictures and begin to make high quality, thoughtfully constructed images. The focus of this course is on the photographer as an artist. Students will use methods of composing, editing, and enhancing images, and understand the physical and mental processes involved in making photographs. Students may be responsible for purchasing additional supplies.
#807 - ADVANCED DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY - 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Photography
This course is designed to further expand upon ideas, concepts, and techniques utilized in Basic Photography. Students will continue to explore digital methods, from specialized camera techniques to advanced Photoshop projects. The projects included in this course require students to work independently on long-term assignments in order to develop a unique style and artistic voice. Students will create a portfolio of high quality work which will be presented for critique at the conclusion of the course.
#808 – INTRODUCTION TO POTTERY – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 10-12
Students will explore the various techniques of pottery construction through hand-building using pinch, slab, and coil construction. The class prepares students to “throw on the wheel.” Various traditional and nontraditional methods will be implemented. Students will learn how to use ceramic tool and simple glazing techniques. Students may be responsible for purchasing additional course supplies.
#809 – ADVANCED POTTERY – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Pottery
Advanced Pottery is designed for students who have completed the Introduction to Pottery course. Advanced Pottery offers students the experience of developing advanced pottery skills. Techniques in glazing, hand-building, wheel throwing, and firing procedures will be introduced and stressed. Students will be expected to create, design, and produce unique pottery pieces and advanced glazing techniques. Students may be responsible for purchasing additional course supplies.
#810 – AP STUDIO ART – 5 CREDITS (Level: AP)
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Departmental Approval
AP Art Studio is designed to accommodate students who have expressed an interest in completing the AP Drawing Portfolio exam. Through direct teacher instruction, emphasis will be placed on the production of a volume of quality pieces of art work. Students will address all three sections of the portfolio: breadth, concentration and quality. Students will develop mastery of concept, composition, and execution of their personal ideas and themes.
#812 - ART HISTORY 1: PRE-HISTORIC THROUGH PRE-RENAISSANCE - 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
Art History 1, is a course designed to give our students a comprehensive overview of the history of art from prehistoric man up to the Renaissance. We will view examples of artworks from various civilizations and time periods throughout the history of mankind. We will discuss the similarities, differences, and progression of art and architecture from these civilizations. At the completion of each chapter, students will be assessed on their understanding of the various works and historical information covered. Quizzes will be given periodically, and a notebook must be kept, as it will be graded at the end of each quarter.
#820 – MIXED CHOIR – 5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
Mixed Choir sings a variety of music, including current popular songs. The students' abilities to read music and to sing parts are further developed. The choir actively performs in concerts during the school year. Students who enroll in this course are required to participate in evening concerts throughout the year.
#821 – WOMEN'S CHORUS – 5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
Women’s Chorus is open to all students by audition only. Formerly Women's Ensemble, Women's Chorus provides female students the opportunity to sing together as an ensemble. Students develop an enjoyment and appreciation of the total music experience through singing and expressive movement of choral and vocal music from classical to popular music of today. Students will work with music three, four and five part harmonies and incorporate movement to some ensemble selections. This ensemble is also required to participate and compete in choral festivals every year.
#822 – STATELINER SINGERS – 5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
Stateliner Singers is open to all students by audition only. Students will be involved in singing acapella and accompanied choral selections from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern periods. Light vocal selections in the jazz/pop idiom will also be included. A part of the course will include instruction in vocal technique, vocal styles, and the history of vocal music. Members of the group will be required to participate in numerous out-of-school performances, in addition to regularly scheduled concerts.
#823 – INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
Introduction to Music explores the music of world cultures and its impact on society. Students will develop a musical appreciation by listening to music of all styles and from all time periods, from ancient times to contemporary, in addition to studying other general music topics. Listening examples will be used for students to hear the evolution of music and understand the influences the music of the past has on popular music.
#824 – BAND – 5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
Band includes both the Marching Band and the Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble class. Interested students will
elect Band, which is the basic course. The Marching Band studies various marching maneuvers and performs at all PHS halftime shows during the football season, as well as at parades and marching band festivals. The Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble studies the best of symphonic and concert band music and presents concerts throughout the year. There is a graded audition given to determine seating in the Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble. All students who elect one of these courses are members of the Phillipsburg High School Band.
#825 – BAND FRONT – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
Band Front should be elected by any student selected for any band front activity such as rifles, flags, batons, etc. It provides awareness in musical rhythms and moods, and students perform at football games, competitions, parades and other activities. Classes meet during the first semester.
#826 – INTRODUCTION TO GUITAR – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
Introduction to Guitar offers students the opportunity to learn basic instruction in playing the guitar, including string names, notes in open position, primary chords, and basic music theory. Students will study and play basic folk songs and be able to accompany themselves and others using primary chord patterns. Class will learn guitar history, parts of the guitar, how to care for the instrument, and how to tune the guitar. This class is strictly for beginners (no guitar playing experience).
#827 – INTERMEDIATE GUITAR – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Guitar
Intermediate Guitar is open to students with guitar playing experience and to those who have successfully completed Introduction to Guitar. This class will review basic guitar fundamentals and learn notes and fingerings in advanced positions. They will study blues and rock guitar playing styles and varied strum patterns that relate to specific guitar song styles. Students will learn how to create rhythm and lead guitar solos, and compose songs for guitar class ensemble. Students will study current trends in guitar playing and the state of the guitar itself.
#828 – HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
History of Rock and Roll studies the origins, characteristics and stylistic development of rock and roll music from the early 1950’s to the present. The course will associate music artists with various rock styles by the decade.
#829 – MUSIC THEORY 1 – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
Music Theory 1 is designed to expose students to the written language of music. At this level, no prior music experience is required. Students will be exposed to basic music notation, time signatures, key signatures, and different clefs. Students will also develop listening skills and aural training (i.e. hear what is written) to be able to identify basic rhythms, melodies, intervals and chords. Related concepts, such as musical terms, will be introduced to build upon the students’ vocabulary.
#830 – MUSIC THEORY 2 – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Music Theory 1
Music Theory 2 is designed for students who already understand the basic written language of music. More complex aspects of the musical language will be introduced, such as time signatures, minor scales, transposition, two-part harmony, and basic triads and choral harmonies. Aural skills and ear training will be further developed through rhythmic and melodic examples, as well as the introduction of sight singing. Related concepts will be introduced to build upon the students’ vocabulary.
#831 – AP MUSIC THEORY – 5 CREDITS (Level AP)
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Departmental Approval
AP Music Theory is designed to develop musical skills that will lead to a thorough understanding of music composition and music theory. Students will also study 20th Century compositional techniques and two-part counterpoint analysis. Students will be prepared to take the AP Music Theory Exam when they have completed the course.
#832 – JAZZ ENSEMBLE – 5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition or Teacher Recommendation
Jazz Ensemble provides a variety of technical and performance experiences for the instrumental music student. The Jazz Ensemble explores a variety of jazz styles from the 1920s through current compositions including blues, be-bop, post-bop, 1940s big band, 1950s cool jazz, 1960s progressive jazz, 1980s & 90s big band composers and current compositions. The Jazz Ensemble gives numerous concerts during the year, playing for several events such as festivals and benefits. Through active participation each member develops his/her technical skill within a foundational study which leads to an advanced level of musicianship. Students also develop a clear understanding of the historical significance of jazz and the important role of that knowledge to their overall growth as a jazz musician, as well as increased mastery of one's own instrument.
#833 - SOUND & LIGHTING DESIGN FOR 21ST CENTURY THEATRE - 2.5 CR
Grades 9-12
This course is designed to introduce students to the audio and lighting demands of the concert and theater stage. Audio and lighting vocabulary and equipment usage will ground the students as they move onto designing and implementation. Best practices in theater sound and lighting design will be examined and emulated. Students will gain hands-on experience in setting up and running audio equipment to capture live performance. Students will learn how to properly focus light fixtures, design and write lighting cues to bring life to the live stage performance. This class will demand hours outside of regularly scheduled classroom time to aid in the performances that take place at Phillipsburg High School.
#850 – DIGITAL MEDIA/GRAPHIC ARTS 1 – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
This course will introduce students to basic media principles and skills as well as the elements and principles of art as they pertain to graphic arts. This is a project-based course with use of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects. Projects may include but are not limited to photography collage, photographic manipulation, logo design, magazine cover design, album cover design, advertisement and animation.
#851 – DIGITAL MEDIA/GRAPHIC ARTS 2 – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Digital Media/Graphic Arts 1
In this advanced level course, students will utilize and build upon skills learned in Digital Media I. Students will work both individually and cooperatively to create a compilation of mixed media projects. Projects will relate to Photographic Manipulation, Graphic Design, Video Production, and Animation.
#852 – VIDEO PRODUCTION – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Digital Media/Graphic Arts 1
In Video Production students will investigate techniques of digital video production. Students will complete projects such as music videos, short films, commercials, movie trailers and mini TV shows. Students will be expected to develop project treatments, storyboards, set designs, write and rewrite shooting scripts, record and edit digital video projects. Advanced digital editing and music mixing software will be used in the production of projects.
#853A – STATELINER TV 1: VIDEO PRODUCTION – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 9-12
In this course students will investigate techniques of digital video production. Students will complete projects such as music videos, short films, commercials, movie trailers and mini TV shows. Students will be expected to develop project treatments, storyboards, set designs, write and rewrite shooting scripts, record and edit digital video projects. Advanced digital editing and music mixing software will be used in the production of projects.
#853B – STATELINER TV 2 – 2.5 CREDITS
#853C – STATELINER TV 3 – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades 10-12
In this tiered video production course, students will be involved with writing, taping, producing, editing and broadcasting television programs for the school and community. The course will introduce students to the basic fundamentals of on-air performance, advertising, news production, and promotion in the communications industry. Students will be required to serve 10 hours of non-class video-taping of high school and/or community events.