Fine Arts Department

0.5 Credit   Level*

Students will learn to read music through Percussion Ensemble Literature. Students will learn pitched (keyboard instruments such as Marimba, Xylophone, Bells) as well as the non-pitched instruments which will focus primarily on rhythmic reading. (Snare Drum, Bass Drum etc…) 

Students will be able to: Read Treble and Bass Clef staffs, count and play rhythms, develop confidence from learning a new skill, gain an appreciation for Instrumental Music and Vocal Music 

Requirements for placement: sophomore, junior, or senior status.

0.5 Credit   Level*

Students will explore the elements of music through the medium of GarageBand. Students will begin by developing facility in the use of GarageBand software and the keyboard interface. They will progress through a study of the elements of music through GarageBand and the course will culminate in the creation of a musical composition demonstrating an understanding of those elements.

Requirements for placement: signature of teacher.

1 Credit Level*

Music Theory is a two semester course receiving one full credit. It is an elective course open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. The primary goal of the course is to develop the ability to understand the basic materials and processes of music. The course includes the development of both aural and written skills. Among the topics of study are scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, harmonization, rhythm and meter.

Requirements for placement:  sophomore, junior, or senior status; signature of teacher.

0.5 Credit        Level *

The goals of this course are to familiarize the student with the fundamental components of music, to sensitize the student to the expressive possibilities of the arts in their lives through the medium of music, and survey the music of the major periods of western culture.

1.0 Credit Level *

The primary purposes of this course are the development of student musicianship and vocal technique, as well as the study and performance of a variety of musical styles through the medium of choral ensemble. The chorus performs at major school concerts and liturgies, and presents additional programs outside the school. Additional solo and small groups performance opportunities are available to interested students.

Requirements for placement: audition and signature of teacher.

0.5 Credit Level *    

Percussion students in grades 9-12 will work on Marching Band Stand Music as well as cadences. Students will also be able to perform completely on their own as a Drumline at Football Games and other performance opportunities. Percussion Ensemble Music will also be introduced as we get closer to the Christmas Concert. Students in this class are required to be in the Notre Dame Marching Band. 

Requirements for placement: audition and signature of teacher.

0.5 Credit Level *

Students will perform concert band repertoire that is selected to further individual skills as well as ensemble skills. Students will have weekly recording assignments in Charms and will be asked to log practice minutes for grades. Private lessons are encouraged. 

Requirements for placement: audition and signature of teacher.

0.5 Credit Level *  

Students will perform advanced concert band repertoire of the highest quality. All members of the Honor Band are encouraged to take private lessons. These private lessons will be provided on site by professional musicians who are excellent educators in every way. Lessons will take place during Band Rehearsals, or other times such as after school or during a study hall. The Honor Band will submit recordings to Invitational Festivals and Concerts such as the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL. Students will have Weekly recording assignments in Charms and will be asked to log practice minutes for grades. 

Requirements for placement: audition and signature of teacher. 

0.5 Credit            Level*  

Open to Woodwind and Brass Students who are in grades 10-12. Meets during the first semester and receives 0.5 credits.  The group performs for home football games in the fall as well as local parades as part of the Notre Dame Marching Band. Students will also prepare for the Christmas Concert as the Football season comes to an end. Students are required to be in Honor Band or Symphonic Band in second semester.

Requirements for placement: signature of teacher.

0.5 Credit Level*

Open to Freshmen Brass and Woodwind Students. This group will perform at Football Games and Parades. The pace of the course will be geared to help Freshmen acclimate to the ND Band style. Students will also prepare for the Christmas Concert as the Football Season comes to a close. Students are required to be in Symphonic Band in second semester.  

Requirements for placement: freshman status

0.5 Credit Level*

Students learn and apply fundamentals of various software applications (such as Illustrator and Photoshop), web design, image editing, drawing and graphic illustration. Advertising and marketing projects coordinate technical skills with organization, management, communication, ethics and teamwork. 

Requirement for placement: A minimum grade of 90% in Art I, signature of the instructor.

1 Credit Level 4  

The course curriculum follows the College Board Advanced Placement Studio Art guidelines.  Students are required to assemble a portfolio to be submitted to the College Board for evaluation.  Each student will compile a portfolio in one of three areas:  Studio Art Drawing, Studio Art 2-D Design, or Studio Art 3-D Design.  

Requirements for placement:  junior or senior status; successful completion of Art II; signature of the instructor.

1.0 Credit Level*

This course explores a variety of art media including pencil, charcoal, ink and paint using various techniques in an advanced setting. Students may choose to emphasize a specialized area of interest. The course will include a more in-depth study of basic shapes, irregular shapes, perspective, architecture, anatomy, landscape and digital media. 

Requirement for placement: successful completion of Art II, signature of the instructor.

0.5 Credit Level*

This course will explore more advanced photographic techniques and use software as a “digital darkroom” to manipulate photographic prints and digital images.  An iPhone or equivalent phone with picture taking capabilities is required.  Higher end digital camera usage is encouraged and demonstrated throughout the course.

Requirements for placement:  junior or senior status; successful completion of Introduction to Photography; signature of the instructor.

0.5 Credit Level*

Students will be introduced to the proper display of compositional techniques for creating successful digital exposures.  The course also includes an introduction to digital editing through Photoshop.  An iPhone or equivalent phone with picture taking capabilities is required.  Higher end digital camera usage is encouraged and demonstrated throughout the course.

Requirements for placement: sophomore, junior, or senior status.

1 Credit Level*

Art II provides a more in-depth study of the techniques introduced in Art I.  Previous lessons learned are the basis for a higher level approach to drawing, painting and three dimensional form. The emphasis is in the creation of original works of art with design principles.

Requirements for placement:  sophomore, junior, or senior status; successful completion of Art I; signature of the instructor.

0.5 Credit            Level *           

Art I is an introductory course in studio art. It is open to all students and does not require previous art experience.  Students will learn to draw and paint in a variety of media.