Fine Arts Course Offerings

Art Fundamentals (FA100C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

Learn the language of art and explore various techniques and media. Observe works of art from chosen time periods and movements. Art skills will be developed through a variety of assignments.

This class is also offered virtually through the Pioneer eLearning Academy (PeLA).

Ceramics I (FA101C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

Design and construct hand-built pottery using pinch, coil and slab methods. Use glazing and other decorating techniques to complete designs in clay.

Ceramics II (FA200C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Description:

Further develop skills and techniques of hand-built pottery, glazing, and decorating from Ceramics I. Develop wheel-thrown pottery skills.

*Dual Credit through UMSL is offered in this course.

Drawing I (FA102C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

Acquire skills in drawing through guided daily practice. Work from observation in pencil, charcoal, color pencil and pen and ink.

Drawing II (FA201C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Drawing I

Description:

Expand skills learned in Drawing I with more intensive study of composition and additional media techniques. Work from observation and imagination as well as an approach for interpretation of subject matter.

* Dual Credit through UMSL is offered in this course.

Fine Art Photography (FA103C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

Learn the basics of camera use and manual mode settings. Effectively apply compositional techniques to create compelling images. Learn basic skills in Adobe Photoshop to enrich photographs that are already visually striking.

Fine Art Photography (FA103C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

Learn how to create visual concepts that communicate ideas and themes. Explore 2D design basics, typography and layout design. Learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator.

Graphic Design II (FA202C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Graphic Design I

Description:

Build on your knowledge from Graphic Design 1. Explore more advanced design concepts and principles. Learn techniques in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.

Painting (FA203C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Drawing I

Description:

Learn the techniques and methods of painting with tempera, watercolor, and acrylic paint. Apply design principles and color theory to communicate ideas visually.

*Dual Credit through UMSL is offered in this course.

Sculpture I (FA105C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Drawing I

Description:

Design and construct  3D work in a variety of materials including cardboard/paper, clay, wood, wire, latex, plaster, fibers, and found objects.  Develop skills in 3D design and construction.

*Dual Credit through UMSL is offered in this course.

AP Art History (FA500A/FA500B)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Students must have a 3.0 GPA or teacher approval.

Description:

Students will engage in an introductory college art history survey course to examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from a variety of cultures and time periods. Students will understand how and why works of art function in context, such as politics, class, religion, patronage, audience, gender, ethnicity, and world view.

*Dual Credit through UMSL is offered in this course.

AP Drawing (FA501A/FA501B)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Two or More Previous Art Courses in Drawing I, Drawing II or Painting

Description:

Through practice, experimentation and revision students will create a highly developed body of work that demonstrates an advanced degree of drawing skills, such as with drawing and painting.  This artwork will also demonstrate a synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas.  In addition, students will participate in critiques, writing about their artwork, a field trip, exhibiting their artwork, and submitting a portfolio of their work to the AP College Board for evaluation.

*Dual Credit through UMSL is offered in this course.

AP 2-D Art and Design (FA502A/FA502B)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Two or More Previous Art Courses in Drawing, Fine Art Photography, Graphic Design I, or Graphic Design II

Description:

Through practice, experimentation and revision students will create a highly developed body of work that demonstrates an advanced degree of 2-D art and design skills, such as with graphic design, illustration, and photography.  This artwork will also demonstrate a synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas.  In addition, students will participate in critiques, writing about their artwork, a field trip, exhibiting their artwork, and submitting a portfolio of their work to the AP College Board for evaluation.

*Dual Credit through UMSL is offered in this course.

AP 3-D Art and Design (FA503A/FA503B)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Two or More  Previous Art Courses in Sculpture, Ceramics I, or Ceramics II

Description:

Through practice, experimentation and revision students will create a highly developed body of work that demonstrates an advanced degree of 3-D art and design skills, such as with sculpture and ceramics.  This artwork will also demonstrate a synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas.  In addition, students will participate in critiques, writing about their artwork, a field trip, exhibiting their artwork, and submitting a portfolio of their work to the AP College Board for evaluation.

*Dual Credit through UMSL is offered in this course.

Drama I: Introduction to Drama (FA106C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

Students will study the concept of “ensemble” as the foundation of performance. They will experience the core theatre components that contribute to theatre and explore their acting and technical preferences, including stage make-up and basic stage combat techniques.

*Dual Credit through Missouri State is offered in this course.

Drama II: Intermediate Acting (FA107C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Drama I or Improvisation

Description:

This course is designed for students who wish to develop the craft of acting. Students will work with modern acting theory through advanced scene study. We will study comedic acting, realism, and acting for the camera.

Technical Theatre (FA110C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

Students will learn the fundamental skills of technical theatre. This will include shop and stage safety, as well as the basics of set and costume construction, lighting techniques and sound production.

Improvisation (FA108C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

Improvisation is the practice of acting, singing, talking and reacting in the moment and in response to the stimuli of one’s immediate environment, fellow actors and inner feelings. Students will learn the basic skills of improvisation for performance and will perform small group and individual scenes using various training techniques such as freeze improv, sketch comedy, stand up, and commedia dell’arte.

Musical Theatre (FA124C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

This course is an introduction to the exciting world of musical theatre, combining elements of singing, acting, and dancing. Students will explore the fundamentals of each discipline while learning about the history and styles of musical theatre. Through individual and group exercises, students will work on vocal techniques, stage presence, movement, and character development. They will study and perform scenes and songs from classic and contemporary musicals, with an emphasis on storytelling, expression, and collaboration.

Advanced Drama (FA204C)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: 2 drama courses or teacher approval

Description:

This course is a laboratory setting designed for the student interested in all aspects of putting together a production. We will explore choosing a play, the auditioning and casting process, directing, set and costume design elements, stage management, and props. The final will be a performance for a live audience.

Marching Band (FA111A/FA111B)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Fall Semester

Description:

Required marching clinics and rehearsals for the Pioneer Pride Marching Band will be held 2 weeks before the first week of school in August. The Pioneer Pride Marching Band performs at school assemblies, all home football games (including home playoff games and the state final playoff game), and the Green Tree Parade. All percussion students are required to complete an audition in April administered by Kirkwood band teachers to be considered for Marching Drumline the following year. 
Public performances are a requirement of this class.

Symphonic Band (FA111A/FA111B)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Spring Semester

Description:

Symphonic Band members will perform standard works for the high school band and will further develop skills in tone production, technique, rhythm, intonation, ensemble playing, sight-reading and musicianship. This ensemble will perform public concerts in and outside of school and at the MSHSAA Large Group Festival. 
Public performances are a requirement of this class.

Wind Ensemble (FA111A/FA111B)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Spring Semester

Description:

Symphonic Band members will perform standard works for the high school band and will further develop skills in tone production, technique, rhythm, intonation, ensemble playing, sight-reading and musicianship. This ensemble will perform public concerts in and outside of school and at the MSHSAA Large Group Festival. 
Public performances are a requirement of this class.

Jazz Band (FA117A/FA117B)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit with Pass/Fail

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Audition is held in early September

Description:

Jazz Band members will learn the concepts of playing in the jazz style (phrasing, improvisation, articulations, rhythm patterns, and blend). Jazz band classes are an extension of the regular band class. In order to develop the skills necessary to participate in Jazz Band, students must be concurrently enrolled in a band class (except for Bass, Guitar and Piano players). The Jazz Band meets one evening per week..

Concert Orchestra (FA112A/FA112B)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Audition or teacher approval

Description:

Concert Orchestra is a multi-level ensemble that uses a diverse technical and performance curriculum to develop intermediate to advanced playing skills. Students will perform a wide variety of music and study fundamentals in scales, rhythm, intonation, ensemble-playing, sight reading, and musical style. Participation in solo and ensemble and honors orchestras is encouraged.
Public performances are a requirement of this class.

Symphonic Orchestra (FA112A/FA112B)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Audition or teacher approval

Description:

This course is for the student who is interested in performing symphonic orchestra literature. Music of all historical periods will be studied and performed. Fundamentals in scales, rhythm, and intonation will be enhanced along with performance techniques and musical style. A demanding concentration of the subtleties of performance techniques and musical style is a focus for this group. 
Public performances are a requirement of this class.

Mixed Choir (FA121A/FA121B)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: None

Description:

This class provides students with opportunities to develop their singing voice, acquire more competence in sight-reading, tone production, intonation, rhythm and ensemble singing.  Students will perform a variety of choral compositions of contrasting style, periods and cultures.  This ensemble will perform graded public concerts in and outside of the school day.  Students must be aware of the requirements to attend and participate in ALL graded extra rehearsals and public performances.

Musical Theatre (FA124C)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

This course is an introduction to the exciting world of musical theatre, combining elements of singing, acting, and dancing. Students will explore the fundamentals of each discipline while learning about the history and styles of musical theatre. Through individual and group exercises, students will work on vocal techniques, stage presence, movement, and character development. They will study and perform scenes and songs from classic and contemporary musicals, with an emphasis on storytelling, expression, and collaboration.

Concert Choir (FA206A/FA206B)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Vocal placement or teacher approval

Description:

In this ensemble, students learn and perform advanced choral literature. Music of all historical periods will be studied and performed as well as music from various world cultures. Skills in tone production, intonation, rhythm, ensemble singing and sight-reading will be explored and refined through daily rehearsal. This ensemble will perform public concerts in and outside of school and at the MSHSAA Large Group Festival. Students must be aware of the requirements to attend and participate in ALL graded extra rehearsals and public performances.

Vocal Jazz Ensemble (FA207A/FA207B)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Vocal placement or teacher approval

Description:

Vocal Jazz Ensemble studies and performs a wide range of classic and contemporary vocal styles in the vocal jazz idiom. The content includes, but is not limited to, the following concepts: extensive sight-reading at an upper level, practicing and using vocal improvisation, exploration of vocal jazz tone color/quality of production, public performance, studying of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic structure in vocal jazz and popular choral music. Public performances are presented throughout the year and at Major Jazz Festivals. Students must be aware of the requirements to attend and participate in ALL graded extra rehearsals and public performances.

Music Production and the Recording Arts (FA211C)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Some previous music experience preferred.

Description:

This one semester course will cover a broad range of topics including, but not limited to, the following:

• Live sound reinforcement: understanding and applying techniques used in live performances with many different components (i.e. mixers, microphones, speakers. effects) to achieve professional sound reinforcement results.
• Contemporary Music Theory: Tried and true techniques to create contemporary songs in many genres, classically structured pieces, film/television scores and more.
• Studio Recording reinforcement: understanding and applying techniques used in the studio environment to record, mix, and produce professional quality musical recordings.

This one semester course would provide a fine arts/performing arts credit for students who have a passion for music and technology.

Music Theory (FA301A/FA301B)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Some previous music experience and teacher approval.

Description:

This is a class in which students learn the basic principles of music theory including scales, chords, 4-part writing, analysis, ear training and composition. Students taking this class must have some previous music background.

*Dual Credit through Missouri State is offered in this course.