In this course, students will learn basic drawing techniques using various mediums such as pencil, chalk pastel, charcoal and paint. They will be introduced to color and color theory, the elements of art, and the principles of design, and will produce projects that will incorporate these criteria. Art I students will also be required to maintain a sketch book with a written component to be assessed at the end of each semester for their exam grade. Only students who have a genuine interest, enthusiasm, and serious attitude to learn about art techniques and art history should elect this course. The Fine Arts requirement for TOPS is satisfied when either Art I or Art II are completed.
Students focus on enhancing their painting techniques in acrylic, watercolor, and oil. Additionally, they are introduced to art-related careers such as advertising, fashion, and interior and exterior architectural design. Art II students continue to study the works of art masters and art history. Students are required to maintain a sketchbook with a written component to be assessed at the end of each semester for their exam grade. Only successful Art I students who are serious about art, design, and careers in art should elect this course. The Fine Arts requirement for TOPS is satisfied when either Art I or Art II are completed.
This is a communications course designed to help students identify their own individual study needs, time management, organization, note taking, and critical thinking skills. This course helps students to develop skills that are necessary to have success as independent learners in high school and beyond.
The focus of this course is to expand the student’s knowledge of and appreciation for dance, drama, and music. The course also covers a history of these three performing arts. In each of these areas, several outstanding artists will be highlighted. Students will be required to prepare written and hands-on projects throughout the course. This course may be taken separately or together with Fine Arts Survey B. The Fine Arts requirement for TOPS is satisfied when Fine Arts Survey A and B are both completed.
The focus of this course is to expand the students’ knowledge of art history throughout the ages from the prehistoric to the modern era. Slide shows and PowerPoint presentations will be utilized throughout the course to present all eras of art production. Students will be required to prepare written and hands-on projects throughout the course. This course may be taken separately or together with Fine Arts Survey A. The Fine Arts requirement for TOPS is satisfied when Fine Arts Survey A and B are both completed.
Music Theory I is a full-credit course designed for new students of music, with an emphasis on song-writing. Students learn the fundamentals of music theory and learn to read music. Music style and genre are explored through the study of music history and literature. Components include: music composition and analysis, sight-singing, and dictation. Performance with the Cabrini Chamber Ensemble is optional. This course fulfills one Fine Arts credit for TOPS.
The ultimate goal of an AP Music Theory course is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. The achievement of this goal is approached by initially addressing fundamental aural, analytical, and compositional skills using both listening and written exercises. Building on this foundation, the course progresses to include more creative tasks, such as the harmonization of a melody by selecting appropriate chords, composing a musical bass line to provide two-voice counterpoint, and the realization of figured-bass notation. Enrollment is open to any interested student who meets school requirements. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take the College Board AP exam in May.
Piano Class I is a full-credit course designed for students who have an interest in learning basic skills on the piano. Students learn basic piano technique, such as proper hand position and fingering. Students learn the fundamentals of music theory and learn to read music. An introduction to musical style and genre is taught through the study of music history and literature. This is a performance course. Students are expected to play piano as soloists and in duets or small groups. Successful completion of this course is considered a prerequisite for Music Theory II and AP Music Theory. This course fulfills one Fine Arts credit for TOPS.
Piano Class II is a full-credit course designed for students who have successfully completed Piano Class I, or by audition. Students learn advanced piano technique and practice advanced repertoire, according to each student’s development as a musician. Students learn advanced music theory. Musical style and genre is taught through the study of music history and literature. This is a performance course. Students are expected to play piano as soloists and in duets or small groups. Successful completion of this course is considered a prerequisite for Music Theory II and AP Music Theory. This course fulfills one Fine Arts credit for TOPS.
Studio Art AP is designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. The course addresses three major concerns in the teaching of art: a sense of quality in a student’s work; a concentration on a particular visual interest; and the student’s need for breadth of experience in the various aspects of the art. AP Studio Art is not based on a written examination; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year to the College Board evaluators. Prerequisites include successful completion of Art I and Art II and teacher approval.
Theater I is a full-credit course designed to teach the basics of acting: terminology, relaxation, concentration, characterization, script analysis, voice, and movement. Student actors develop performance skills through improvisation, scene study, rehearsal, and performance. The course includes individual and group acting projects. This course fulfills one Fine Arts credit for TOPS.