Fine & Performing Arts

Curriculum Description

Our mission is to educate all students in a supportive, nurturing and challenging environment by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities for expression in art, music and drama that enable them to participate actively as consumers and makers of the arts in a diverse global community.The main objective of these courses is to enable students to achieve the proficiency levels targeted in The Massachusetts Fine and Performing Arts Curriculum Frameworks, as well as to meet the criteria put forth in our own 21st Century Learning Expectations. Coursework in all Fine and Performing Arts classes is focused upon the Essential Questions and Enduring Understandings targeted in the UbD curriculum documents for each course and level.

Program Level Enduring Understandings
Available Courses

Program Level Enduring Understandings

The Arts are an implicit/explicit form of communication
In the Arts, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts
The Arts are comprised of Elements that are employed as building blocks and utilized in the creative process
The Arts have social significance in that they reflect and shape culture, history, and human thought
The Arts permeate all cultures
The Arts enrich Humanity
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" The aesthetic value of art is variable

Students will be evaluated by employing The Artists Habits of Mind (HOM) / STANDARDS BASED ASSESSMENT

These habits empower students to articulate their learning by maintaining a body of work, and through self -assessment over time.

HOW STANDARDS BASED GRADING WORKS

Persist, Express, and Maintain.

We define each grade as follows:

Limited Proficiency - Incorporating standard infrequently but on occasion
Developing Proficiency - Student is learning to use standard with some frequency
Working Proficiency - Student’s understanding and use of standard demonstrates an ability to work independently without prompting, however they still do need occasional prompting.
Advanced Proficiency - Student demonstrates a mastery of standard and is a role model for others
Insufficient Evidence - Student has not performed enough classroom work or been present in the classroom enough for the teacher to assess their ability to utilize standard.

To better clarify how we are determining what grade is earned for each standard, we’ve also provided our definition of the standards themselves:

Persist - The amount to which your student Researches, Plans, Executes, and Reflects.
Research - Careful inquiry and experimentation aimed at discovery
Plan - Devising a method for achieving a desired result
Execute - Producing work based on a plan
Reflect - Considering one’s vision
Express - The amount to which your student incorporates voice and choice into their work.
Voice - Creating a personal vision and dialogue
Choice - Making decisions in order to convey thought
Maintain - The amount of respect that your student demonstrates towards themselves, their peers, the physical studio space, and the supplies.
Respect - Giving time, attention, and care.

A GROWTH BASED SYSTEM

One of the most appealing aspects to standards based grading is that students are not penalized for their past mistakes. Standards Based grades are not based on the entire term as a cumulative measure of the student’s performance, but rather on the student’s individual growth.

In the current program, grades 9, 10 and 11 are considered foundation years, regardless of students year of enrollment, in which students are expected to develop the basic reading and writing skills necessary for success in the various courses in grade 12. For this reason, students must take the core course in grades 9 through 11, but may choose additional electives to develop a special interest or skill. Before moving to subsequent year’s English course, students must have achieved credit for the prior year’s course. In other words, English 9, 10 or 11 cannot be taken concurrently.

Summer reading lists will be announced in the spring through classroom teachers, the Principal’s Newsletter, and may be found on the school’s Website.

Core English courses are defined as those taught on-site by Holliston High School’s English Department, as indicated in the English Department offerings. Outside classes, such as TEC Online or other off-site classes, are not counted as core courses unless endorsed by the principal.

Academic Characteristics by Level

Honors

Students who take courses at this level will continue to build on a strong foundation of content and skills. These classes will spend a substantial amount of time diligently applying advanced concepts and skills at an intensive pace. Students are expected to analyze and synthesize content independently with limited teacher-directed support. Outside class work is designed to elevate the curriculum and provide the development of skills needed to balance both short and long-term assignments throughout the course. Students should possess strong organizational skills needed to advance both short and long-term assignments.

College Preparatory I

Students who take courses at this level have strong academic skills. These classes are move at a rapid pace, are rigorous, and require a consistent effort for students to be able to achieve at the highest level. Class time will be spent on on working on advanced content and skills. Students are expected to analyze and synthesize content independently with limited teacher-directed support. Outside class work is designed to advance the curriculum and provide the development of skills needed to advance both short and long-term assignments throughout the course.

College Preparatory II

Students who take courses at this level will continue to build on a strong foundation of content and skills. These courses are rigorous and require consistent effort and production for students to be able to achieve at the highest level. Class time will be spent on mastery of core content and skills with some exposure to advanced content and skills. Students are expected to analyze and synthesize content independently with limited teacher-directed support. Outside class work is designed to advance the curriculum and provide the development of skills needed to advance both short and long-term assignments throughout the course.

Available Courses

Visual Arts

801 Intro to Art: College Prep I
835 Public Art: College Prep I**GCP Elective

801 Intro to Art: College Prep I

Grades: 9 - 12 | Term Block | Credits: 1/2

Think you can’t draw a straight line??? We beg to differ! In this course, you will learn how to draw, paint, and visually create almost anything you desire! You will incorporate your interests like portraits, perspective, cartoons, anime, comics, and logos with the fundamentals that will help make you a better artist.

Such fundamentals include but are not limited to:

Figure Drawing
Three-Dimensional Shading & Rendering
Enlarging an Image without Technology
Being able to envision what an object may look like from multiple angles in your head
Drawing shapes and buildings in perspective
Learning about color theory, what colors work together, and how to create illusions using color

When you leave this course, you will possess not only the knowledge important in developing your own art, but you will also strengthen habits that are instrumental parts of the artist’s studio practice. In addition to developing your own skills and craftsmanship, you will develop the habits of persistence, observation, expression, reflection, experimentation, and understanding of artistic principles, concepts, and meanings.

*This is a great course if you’re curious about taking the Art Major course but are not sure whether you want to take a semester-long Honors course.

*While Public Art focuses specifically on murals, ceiling tiles, and gallery installations, Intro to Art will run the gamut of different techniques and approaches to making art!

835 Public Art: College Prep I**GCP Elective

Grades: 9 - 12 | Term Block | Credits: ½

Do you want to leave your mark on HHS? In this class, you will do just that. Perhaps the most popular, eye-catching, and interesting art around Holliston High School is Public Art. Murals, Sculpture, and Installations showcase some of the best drawing, painting, and making skills of our talented students. This course is Project-Based Learning at its best, as you will work with others to create permanently displayed art; the closest we can bring you to an actual living artists’ authentic practice. So join us as we introduce you to artistic principles, concepts, and practices that will center on the hands-on exploration of varied media through the creation of public art in classrooms, on ceiling tiles and hallways, and within our Art Gallery STUDIO370.

Advanced Art Honors Program

802 Art I: Honors / Trying Different Artist Roles

Grades: 9 - 12 | Semester Block | Credits: 1

Art 1 Honors is a great introduction to the semester-length Art Honors Major courses (Art 1,2,3 and portfolio) that make up the Art Honors Major Program. This course is predominantly a two-dimensional drawing and painting course since drawing is the building block of most artistic endeavors.

Here students will learn the many lucrative career paths one can take as a visual artist and be introduced to professions they might not have been aware existed or involved drawing and painting. Come to this class with a willingness to try out new techniques and try on different artist roles, as each unit will offer students new mediums with which to work and artistic professions to try on. Students will be given some opportunity to make personal choices while working within different project limitations and constraints

You may discover you happen to be great at a new technique because of your unique mind, eye, or hand, and we want you to discover this! Here in Art 1 Honors, we are a family that shares our interests, healthily competes in contests with one another, bares our souls to one another, travels to museums together, and exhibits together. This is an accepting safe space where everyone lets one another speak their mind and share their feelings.

When you leave this course, you will possess not only the knowledge important in developing your own art, but you will have also strengthened habits that are instrumental parts of the artist’s studio practice. In addition to developing your own skills and craftsmanship, you will develop the habits of persistence, observation, expression, reflection, experimentation, and understanding of artistic principles, concepts, and meanings.

It is a requirement that all Art 1 Honors students participate in Art Saves Lives and an expectation that students will exhibit their best work from the class.

Art I is a preparatory class for #804-Art II.

804 Art II: Honors / Imagination & Observation

Grades: 10 - 12 | Semester Block | Credits: 1

Students appropriate for this course have received a teacher recommendation from #802-Art I: Honors.

Art II allows for further development of the foundation experiences in Art I with an emphasis on design development. Through imaginative problems in form, volume, space, pattern, and composition, this course focuses on color, painting, drawing, and sculpture. Figure drawing emphasizes anatomy and proportion.

Art II helps the serious student in developing a comprehensive portfolio. Students experience a large range of materials and should be capable of developing and expressing original ideas through risk-taking. Students will participate in group critiques and self-assessment, write research papers, engage in reflective writing, and read art associated articles.

Art II is a preparatory course for #806-Art III or #808-Advanced Portfolio.

806 Art III: Honors / Methods, Materials, & Techniques

Grades: 10 - 12 | Semester Block | Credits: 1

Students appropriate for this course have received a teacher recommendation from #804-Art II: Honors.

In Art III, students are encouraged to work in all areas of art. The preparation of a portfolio is required of each student. The student is given an opportunity for independent experimentation and study in class and at home. The student must demonstrate a range of expression, as well as a high level of competency and creative use of materials in drawing and design. Students develop projects in the following categories: technique, color, design, and illusion of space, content, and three-dimensional art. Students will engage in group critiques, self-assessment, and reflective writing assignments. Students will be assessed through a final written exam and a portfolio review.

809 Advanced Portfolio: Honors

Grades: 11 - 12 | Semester Block | Credits: 1

So, you might want to go to Art School, or maybe pursue a creative endeavor in the future! Well then, this course is for you! Cap-off your “art major” career at Holliston High School by taking this course!

Advanced Portfolio Honors may be taken if you have completed Art I through Art III (unless special circumstances arise) in the Art Major program. In the prior courses, you have begun to develop your artistic voice, and in this course, you will create a complete body of work applicable for college admissions if desired.

You are not required to submit an Advanced Placement Portfolio to the College Board; however, you are encouraged to do so if desired.

In Advanced Portfolio Honors you will focus on the preparation of a portfolio based on three main components.

Which are:

1) development of a sense of quality in your work.

2) discovering your visual interests and problem solving.

3) your need for breadth of experience in the formal, technical, and expressive means as an artist.

Much of the course content will be individualized and self-directed.

· You will choose a “concentration” based upon your interests and employ artforms to fully-realize your vision.

· You will reflect and employ self-assessment.

· You will research content related to your concentration.

· You will prepare your work for the exhibition (Art Saves Lives) and document your work.

· So, what exactly is a concentration? A concentration should consist of a group of works that share a concept — for example, an in-depth study of a particular visual problem or a variety of ways of handling an interesting subject. Some concentrations involve sequential works, such as a series of studies that lead to, and are followed by more finished works. You can choose your medium(s) of self-expression.

National Core Arts Standards: A Conceptual Framework for Arts Learning.

You will endeavor to meet these standards:

Skill	Description
1. Inquiry and Investigation	Investigate materials, processes, and ideas.
2. Making Through Practice, Experimentation, and Revision	Make works of art and design by practicing, experimenting, and revising.
3. Communication and Reflection	Communicate ideas about art and design.

You Will:

create original works aligned to your intent.
present your works to others. Art Saves Lives.
respond to the structure and context of artistic works.
make connections about the impact of the arts on yourself, history, and culture.

813 Advanced Portfolio II Honors

Grades: 12 | Semester Block | Credits: 1

Students appropriate for this course have received a teacher recommendation.

As a grade 12 student, you may take this course after successfully completing Advanced Portfolio Honors. You may have already taken Advanced Portfolio: Honors your junior year, or you may still need time to complete your portfolio for college admission. Either way, you will continue to work on materials for your portfolio and for the year-ending art show, Art Saves Lives.

· Most of your time in class will be self-directed. You will be honing a fully realized body of work.

· You will engage in reflective writing, self-assessment, and research related to your concentrations which have been established in Advanced Portfolio Honors.

· You will prepare your work for Art Saves Lives and document your finished pieces.

Your portfolio will be based on the three main components of the course, which are:

1) the development of a sense of quality in your work.

2) concentration on a particular visual interest or problem.

3) the student’s need for breadth of experience in the formal, technical, and expressive means of an artist.

For further information regarding Advanced Portfolio II: Honors, please note details from the description of 809 Advanced Portfolio: Honors.

799 AP Art Portfolio

Digital & Technology Based Art Courses

892 Cinematography: College Prep I **CSE Elective

Grades: 9 - 12 | Term Block | Credits: ½

Cinematography is the art of capturing motion on film or video. This is why a Director of Cinematography is someone who determines camera placement and movement in a film, while a film’s Director oversees everything from acting and visual effects to the film’s general look and feel. While this course is called cinematography, we don’t just focus on cameras, shots, and techniques, as that could be boring. After all, most good films are determined by what happens on the camera as much as where the camera is placed. And this class is ANYTHING BUT BORING!

Instead, we focus on all of the different roles one utilizes to make a film: directing, screenwriting, acting, costume design, set design, editing, and special effects. Mirroring a real film crew, students specialize in specific roles that they’ve identified as their specific strengths. Because of the size of each team, students will need to wear many hats, but no one is required to be on camera who does not feel comfortable doing so or to write scenes if they are not comfortable with creative writing. Since this is a CSE class, everyone will be engaging with the computer in some capacity, but again those that feel most apt will take on those roles more readily.

This course counts as partial fulfillment of the HHS Computer Science Endorsement.

893 Cinematography II: College Prep I **CSE Elective

Grades: 9 - 12 | Term Block | Credits: ½

Required: A teacher recommendation or a B+ or higher in Cinematography.

In Cinematography, we looked at different aspects of filmmaking, from documentary to genre films. You learned how to shoot handheld, utilize green screen technology, shoot and edit with multiple cameras, and how to write a three-act screenplay with characters that utilize different genre tropes.

Cinematography II puts you in the director’s chair without restrictions. We’ll learn more nuanced specifics about different films and how they communicate through both their shot compositions and character choices. You’ll learn how to utilize new practical and digital techniques, like motion capture and stop-motion animation. While learning these techniques, you will be planning and working towards completing a film of your design. The restrictions on the type of film you create are also open in this course; if you have experience animating in one of your other art classes, you can create an animation or use Adobe Character Animator to motion capture your footage. This course will be looking at everything from the lens of a filmmaker, which is not limited to the type of media you prefer.

This course counts as partial fulfillment of the HHS Computer Science Endorsement.

895 Illustration, Animation, and Design **CSE Elective

Grades: 9 - 12 | Term Block | Credits: ½

This course combines elements from three courses previously offered. Making Manga, Digital Painting with Wacom, and Computer Crafts. These new courses offer new learning and more choice than any previous courses.

Let’s start with some basic definitions so that everyone knows what to expect.

What is Illustration? Illustration is an artistic career that includes, but is not limited to, creating work for Comic Books, Manga, Children’s Books, and art that appears on music albums, posters, and magazines. It’s usually drawn or painted but can be anything, including a photographed sculpture. What separates Illustration from other art forms is that it usually has some elements of realism or recognizable icons and focuses on communicating an idea.
What is animation? Sometimes referred to as cartoons or anime: Animation is an art form that utilizes time. When many pictures are displayed very quickly in sequence, it creates the illusion of movement; if you’ve ever made a flip book, that’s an animation. Animation has degrees of abstraction, but almost all animation concerns itself with telling a story.
What is design? When something is designed, it is made for the benefit of others’ use or for the purposes of communicating information. This connects the very different fields of industrial design, character design, footwear design, costume design, and graphic design. Designers solve problems and envision products that appeal to and communicate with as many people as possible.

The common element in all three is Communication or Storytelling. This is why these three are known as the Communication Arts. The only requirement for this course is a passion for or an interest in the subject matter!

This course counts as partial fulfillment of the HHS Computer Science Endorsement.

898 Textiles, Fibers, and Apparel **CSE Elective

898 Textiles, Fibers, and Apparel (NEW) **CSE Elective

Grades: 9 - 12 | Term Block | Credits: ½

If you’ve taken Merch or Computer Crafts in the past at HHS you know that both of these classes offer students the opportunity to make products that are either clothing or accessories. While Merch had students take on the role of a creator of a fashion line and challenged them to invent products for sale utilizing the different popular printmaking methods of D.I.Y artists you might find on Etsy, Computer Crafts made connections between computer generated art and embroidery, cross stitch, knitting, and crocheting.

We’ve decided to combine these two classes together in this new course.

Before describing the class let’s clarify some definitions:

Textiles: Cloth or Fabric, can be woven, a repeated print, or painted silk
Fibers: This is the raw material fabrics are made of, things like yarn, thread, cord, etc.
Apparel: A fancy word for clothing. All clothing is designed with intent and an audience in mind.

As with all Art courses, students are responsible for documenting their Creation process utilizing the three Create Standards: Conceptualize, Plan, and Refine. As well as making their designs original expressions of their own design for presentation and potentially sales as well! Perhaps we’ll organize a student fashion show! If you’ve ever wanted to make something that you can wear, hang, or wave in the air like a flag, this is the course for you!

This course counts as partial fulfillment of the HHS Computer Science Endorsement.

900 Textiles, Fibers, and Apparel II **CSE Elective

901 Illustration, Animation, and Design II

825 Ceramics I: Colle Preparatory I

Grades: 9 - 12 | Term Block | Credits: ½

This class was previously titled Introduction to #D Ceramics/Sculpture. Ceramics I provides an introduction to methods of making original ceramics, pottery, and ceramic sculpture. Students will progress through all methods of hand building and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Glazing techniques and ceramic decorating will be discussed and used. Emphasis is on the technical aspects and creative development of ceramics as an art form. In class students will be required to participate in skill building exercises as well as a predetermined number of projects. They will also engage in group critiques and self-assessments throughout the term. Students will be assessed through a final project and portfolio review.

827 Ceramics II: College Preparatory I

Grades: 10 – 12 | Term Block | Credits: ½

Students appropriate for this course have received a teacher recommendation from #825-Ceramics I: College Preparatory I

This updated course offers students the opportunity to further develop skills acquired in Ceramics 1. The emphasis will be placed on throwing various forms on the potter’s wheel and identifying and developing a personal style. Students will participate in group critiques, self-assessments, and exploration of ceramic works past and present. Students will be assessed through a final written reflective piece and portfolio review.

Performing Arts

882 Acting: College Preparatory I

Grades: 9 - 12 | Term Block | Credits: ½

The goal of this course is to develop and extend the dramatic performance skills experienced in Welcome to the Theatre. This class is for the student who is looking to focus on character development, acting methods, and overall expansion of theatre knowledge. Students will work on monologues and scenes, to be presented at the end of the session.

021/023 Concert Band: College Preparatory I/Honors

Grades: 9 - 12 | Full Year | Credits: 1

Taken during DSB for .25 credit per term. Knowledge of a concert band instrument and at least one year of previous ensemble experience is necessary.

If you love to play and enjoy being with others who love music, come join Concert Band. We perform at least three concerts a year and take trips as a group to places like NYC, and you can join the Pep Band and support our football team! Band is a great place for everyone to learn how to play, or for those with more playing experience. There are three levels offered: Honors, CPI, and Audit.

Honors: You may receive honors credit for additional musical experiences, attendance requirements, and leadership responsibilities.
CPI: Regular attendance is mandatory with standard ensemble expectations.
Audit: For those who desire additional academic support during DSB.

Concert Band meets during DSB Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

022/854 Concert Chorus: College Preparatory I/Honors

Grades: 9 - 12 | Full Year | Credits: 1

Taken during DSB for .25 credit per term

If you love to sing and enjoy being with others who love music, come join HHS Chorus. We perform at least three concerts a year and take trips as a group to places like Six Flags and NYC! Chorus is a great place for everyone to learn how to sing, or for those with more experience. There are three levels offered: Honors, CPI, and Audit.

Honors: You may receive honors credit for additional musical experiences, attendance requirements, and leadership responsibilities.
CPI: Regular attendance is mandatory with standard ensemble expectations.
Audit: For those who desire additional academic support during DSB.

HHS Chorus meets during DSB Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

849 Is This Thing On? Live Sound 101 **CSE Elective

Grades: 9 - 12 | Term Block | Credits: ½

This class will focus on learning to record and run sound for a variety of events. If you want to be a DJ, MC, or a professional sound engineer, come join this course and start your journey. By the end of the term, you will have the skills necessary to take your talents to the real world and make money doing something really fun.

This course counts as partial fulfillment of the HHS Computer Science Endorsement.

855 Hip-Hop, It's Art and Culture: College Preparatory I**GCP Elective

Grades: 9 - 12 | Term Block | Credits: ½

A highlighted view of hip-hop from its roots in 70’s soul to today’s styles. Freestyling, trap, gangsta, and other styles will be explored. Come bring your own knowledge and tastes to this class, and maybe even your own rapping skills! This class will focus on listening to, analyzing, creating and discussing social and artistic topics around hip hop. We will be diving into creating art used and inspired by hip hop artists such as graffiti, and the influence of comic book art in hip-hop.

875/875H Beginning Guitar: College Preparatory I / Honors

881/883 Advanced Guitar: College Preparatory I / Honors

Grades: 9 - 12 | Term Block | Credits: ½

This course is recommended for students who have already taken Beginning Guitar or those who have previous guitar experience.

If you have experience playing guitar we can help you expand your skill set to include barre chords, jazz chords, basic theory, composition, and give you the time to learn the tunes you always wanted! Honors credit.

877 Piano Lab: College Preparatory I / Honors

871 Percussion Lab / College Preparatory I**GCP Elective 871 Percussion Lab / Honors

Grades: 9-12, 1 term, ½ credit

Are you always intrigued by how drummers do their thing? Interested in learning how to play all types of drums? Then this class is for you. We will be learning everything from drum-set to studying drums and percussion from around the world. You will be learning how to play every percussion instrument we have at HHS. There will be many opportunities for playing music in both larger and smaller groups and even writing and recording your own beats using live percussion instruments. No music experience is required.

891 AP® Music Theory

Grades: 10 - 12 | Semester Block | Credits: 1

Students appropriate for this course have the ability to read musical notation and basic voice or instrument performance skills

The AP Music Theory course corresponds to one or two semesters of a typical introductory college music theory course that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, musical materials, and procedures. Musicianship skills, including dictation and other listening skills, sight singing, and harmony, are considered an important part of the course. Through the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of tonal music that are heard or presented in a score. Development of aural skills is a primary objective. Performance is also part of the curriculum through the practice of sight singing. Students understand basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are also emphasized. This course is strongly recommended for students who are going into music in college. The ability to read standard musical notation is required.

885 Beat Making**CSE Elective

Grades: 9 - 12 | Term Block | Credits: ½

Wanna be the next JUICE WRLD, Drake, or Mac Miller? Come down to the Stu and learn what it is all about. We will teach you the basics of how to get started writing and sampling your own beats. NO PRIOR MUSIC BACKGROUND NEEDED! We will create music in a number of different genres: Trap, House, Drill, House, Dubstep, EDM, Chopped and Screwed, and whatever else you might want to learn about. Learn what goes into making your favorite music and take a fun leap into making your own!

Topics Covered:

Basics of home music production
Intro of GarageBand and Logic
How are beats created?
Trap, House, Drill, House, Dubstep, EDM, Chopped and Screwed, and whatever else the class wants to learn how to make

This course counts as partial fulfillment of the HHS Computer Science Endorsement.