Fine and Performing Arts
Courses
3D Art
This is an in-depth study where students will nurture/develop a personal vision and start forming an identity as a 3D artist. You will explore 3D design by refining your craftsmanship skills and learn how 3D works are produced. The teacher will guide your vision, but every student will be required to propose/conceptualize ideas for their own designs. Goal setting is encouraged and quality work will be expected.
This is a studio format course. Non-participation and production will result in a failure.
Intermediate/Advanced Level Requirements: Art Foundations is a prerequisite for this course, so students should already have an understanding of Color Theory, the Elements of Art, Principles of Design, introduction to Art History and have intermediate/advanced drawing abilities that aid in sculptural design, problem solving, and conceptualization.
Acrylic Painting
This class will build upon the topics covered in Watercolor Painting, and will include more basic and advanced painting techniques and projects. Acrylics will primarily be used along with further exploration of mixed media methods.
Advanced Darkroom
Designed for students with some existing experience and knowledge in taking, developing and printing photographs, this course aims to consolidate existing skills and develop new ones to enable students to make a coherent body of photographic works which consider audiences, genres and professional contexts. The course content will be driven by the interests of individual students, to broaden their practical understanding and skills in photography as an art mediumIn this class.
- You will learn a greater range of imagery, allowing each student to communicate and express themselves using visual language.
- You will grow your body of work into a cohesive portfolio.
Advanced Darkroom is an advanced photography course. Darkroom 101 is a prerequisite.
A SLR manual film camera is required. Limited school cameras are available for temporary check out. This course requires a $25 lab fee.
Advanced Studio Art
Designed for advanced students who are committed to developing a specific artistic ability. Examples: oil painting, acrylic painting, textiles, puppet making, figurative drawing, animal anatomy, sculpture, drawing, watercolor, etc. You get to choose what you would like to focus on and we will do a deep dive into exploring more possibilities. You are allowed to collaborate with multiple students on a project.
Requirements: Teacher approval and portfolio review required. Art Foundations and 2 high school art classes are prerequisites. Students provide their own materials. This is a studio format course, so you will need to be driven and self-motivated. The teacher will help guide you and introduce new ideas, but you should have a specific vision and understanding of what imagery or concepts you would like to create. Students are required to have an understanding of Color Theory, the Elements of Art, Principles of Design, introduction to Art History, and advanced drawing abilities (to aid in your conceptualization of projects). Non-participation and non-production will result in a failure of the course.
Animation Foundations
This computer elective course is an introduction to the fundamental principles and techniques of animation in a digital format. Students will explore the history of animation & its impact on modern media, digital animation methods and styles, gaining a strong foundation in animation, theory and practice, and finishing the trimester with a final animation project.
Prerequisites include completion of Art Foundations and basic computer skills combined with an interest in art and storytelling.
AP Art
AP Drawing, AP 2D Art & Design, AP 3D Art & Design
Are you a committed artist? This college level class will take your skills to the next level while strengthening your artistic eye. You choose whether you will create a 2D or 3D art portfolio for possible college credit.
Art Foundations
This class is a basic introduction to fine art methods and media for both beginners and students familiar with basic art media. By exploring of the Elements of Art, Principles of Design and a variety of art media you will learn how to use these simple tools to create both 2D and 3D works of art.
Art History
This class is an introduction to the history of art for those who might be interested in the subject and those who may have no interest whatsoever. Regardless, what you will learn from this class is the ability to look at art and understand it within its historical and social context, and construct informed critiques with your new understanding. What does this mean? It means that you will learn to look at the how and why of art, whether you love it or hate it, and then be able to say exactly what you love or hate about it—and know what you’re talking about.
Ceramics
This course is a basic ceramics class for both beginners and students with prior clay experience. We will explore all of the basic clay construction methods such as pinch pots, coil building, additive and subtractive, slab building (tiles and boxes) and basic wheel throwing and more. Students will learn a variety of clay construction skills and glazing techniques to create ceramic works of their own original design. Drawing skills are important in this course to conceptualize and plan pieces before construction. Classwork consists of clay projects and weekly sketchbook assignments.
Either Art Foundations, Drawing I or Drawing II are required prerequisites for this course, or by special permission of instructor.
Creative Exploration
Enjoy the opportunity to explore your personal interests and create a project that reflects that interest. Using any available resources, this course offers the opportunity to create anything your mind can conjure up.
Darkroom 101
Interested in photography? Whether you’re picking up a new hobby or maybe it’s just been awhile, our Darkroom 101 class will introduce you to the Darkroom and, by the end of classes, you will feel confident developing your own film! You'll learn everything from best practices and equipment usage to understanding the basic mechanics of fine art printing. We will cover the concepts of the editing and aesthetics. You will develop your film, create contact sheets, discuss the editing process, and ultimately, create your own prints. We’ll discuss best practices and you’ll leave with an understanding of proper usage of equipment and chemistry. Along the way, we’ll have discussions about aesthetics and choices that are made during exposure, development and printing. The goal of the intro class is for you to feel comfortable and confident in the darkroom!
In this class:
- You will explore alternative photographic processes, discover different genres, and begin to understand basic film practices.
- You will use a pinhole camera, meet professional working photographers and grow confident in your understanding of exposure.
- You will begin to learn photographic composition techniques and strengthen your visual literacy.
A SLR manual film camera is required. Limited school cameras are available for temporary check out. This course requires a $25 lab fee.
Digital Photography
Digital Photography is a trimester introduction to the digital camera as an art-making tool designed for students at the beginning level. The course will use digital photography to help students learn and apply the basic elements of art and the principles of design. This course will also provide students with opportunities to extend their knowledge and skills in the field of photography and the use of Adobe Photoshop, Bridge, and Lightroom. Digital Photography will familiarize the student with digital photographic equipment, materials, methods, and processes. Visual problem solving skills are explored through the use of the computer as the main tool for creative expression and communication. Cellphone photography and editing with a variety of phone applications will be infused in the curriculum. Students create their own blogsites as a place to exhibit their projects and portfolio work. Self promotion of student photography is encouraged and beginning social media marketing is introduced.
In this class:
- You will explore electronic imaging through the use of digital cameras and computers.
- You will be able to incorporate the elements of art and principles of design.
- You will be introduced to professional software including Adobe Photoshop, Bridge and Lightroom.
Digital Media is an advanced photography course. Darkroom 101 is a prerequisite.
A digital camera, thumbdrive and an appropriate media card are required. Limited school cameras are available for temporary check out. This course requires a $15 digital print fee.
Drama I
In addition to the technical side of the craft (lights, sound, sets, costumes, etc.), students in this course will explore characters, realign their thought process to believably portray a range of emotions, objectives, conflict and resolutions through voice and movement. Students will also incorporate improvisational skills in scenes and theatre games. Finally, students will create scenes and perform, work scripts to bring the words to life, and believably become someone else!
Drawing I
This class is a beginning drawing class for those who have never drawn before and those who have a grasp of basic drawing techniques. We will begin with line and progress through shape, form, positive/negative space, value, composition and proportion through careful observation and drawing of still lifes, interiors, natural objects and figures.
Drawing II
This class is a continuation of Drawing I. We will continue our drawing studies using various methods, such as: life drawing, linear perspective, intuitive gesture, building forms, figure drawing, abstract composition, master copies, color and mixed media.
Intermediate/Advanced Level Requirements. Art Foundations and Drawing I are prerequisites for this course, so students should already have an understanding of Color Theory, the Elements of Art, Principles of Design, introduction to Art History and have strong drawing abilities.
Graphic Design
This computer elective course exposes students to a structured progression from basic to advanced techniques in both Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, (possibly InDesign as well). Projects will include a range of graphic design applications, varying from print, web and digital formats. Each week would build upon the previous, culminating in a final project and possible portfolio presentation at the end.
Prerequisites include completion of Art Foundations and basic computer skills.
Instrumental Music
Beginning in 6th grade students will learn to read and create music via exploration of multiple instruments and genres. Throughout this 3 trimester course our focus will move between music theory, composition and performance in an ensemble setting.
Intro to Speech & Debate
Students will develop the skills of public speaking, acting, and debating through in-class performance, peer feedback, and competition. Speaking and writing persuasively, research, and artistic storytelling are some of the main focuses of this course. Students will often engage academically with current events, politics, economics, and philosophy. This course prepares Novice debaters to join the Varsity Speech and Debate Team. Tournament participation is required.
Maker Space Creations
If you like to solve problems and DIY projects, this class is for you. You will use creative thinking skills while getting hands on experience with all kinds of maker tools like the laser cutter, 3D printer, and more.
Musical Theater
In addition to the technical side of the craft (lights, sound, sets, costumes, etc.), this course entails developing skills in vocals, dance and acting. Class performs at all applicable venues and performs the annual “big” musical. Lots of hard work but even more fun!
Students enrolling as a performer MUST enroll in 2nd and 3rd trimester. Students wishing to enroll as tech support may take either trimester. See also Theatre Tech
Oil Painting
This course will dive deep into historical and practical oil painting. It’s an intermediate and advanced level of training for students who desire more. Contemporary discourse will be emphasized.
Since the discovery of oil painting, young students would apprentice under a master artist and work their way up. When modernism rolled around, many technical skills were lost or abandoned. This class seeks to re-establish classical knowledge and skills, in a contemporary world. Students will learn direct painting, indirect painting, mediums, ground preparation, canvas stretching, and more.
Intermediate/Advanced Level Requirements Art Foundations is a prerequisite for this course, so students should already have an understanding of Color Theory, the Elements of Art, Principles of Design and intermediate/advanced drawing abilities.
Note: you will be working at an easel regularly, so standing is required.
Printmaking I
This class will be an introduction to the art of printmaking, which is the oldest form of graphic design. As well as basic printmaking techniques, students will learn collographs (collage texture prints), relief prints (linoleum and rubber carvings) and other methods. Correct use of specialized printing equipment, tools, and supplies will also be taught.
Printmaking II
This class will be a continuation of the techniques learned in Printmaking I, and will further your skills in the art of printmaking. Students will learn how to create drypoint intaglios on plastic, reduction relief prints (linoleum), and silkscreen, with the possibility of other advanced methods such as monotypes (painting on Plexiglass), and oil-based ink printing.
Theatre Tech
Students will learn how to do backstage, technical theatre work; students will also learn about theatrical design, focusing on set pieces, costumes, props, lighting, and sound design. This course has some written work, but is mostly hands-on; the class will be working to help produce plays at both the middle and high school level. Evening attendance to do backstage work at plays will be required at least once per trimester.
Varsity Speech and Debate
Speakers develop the skills of acting and public speaking. Daily activities may include creating original speeches or portions of speeches, engaging critically with literature, annotation, memorization, and other tasks associated with artistic speaking and storytelling. Debaters develop skills such as writing and speaking persuasively, conducting quality research, time management, critical listening, and rapid note-taking. Debaters will often engage with current events, politics, economics, and philosophy. Assignments in this class incorporate performance, peer-feedback, and preparation for competition.
Prerequisite and Enrollment Note: This class serves as the regular meeting time of TSAS's competitive Speech and Debate Team. Prerequisites include: Intro to Speech and Debate and/or teacher approval. Students will be expected to enroll in all three trimesters. Tournament participation is required.
Video Production
Introduction to Video Production is a trimester course for students who enjoy film, television, and internet videos and want to learn how to create their own video projects. This course is designed to introduce students to the artistic and technical terms, techniques, and skills inherent in the visual medium of film. Students will study elements of composition and cinematic language, and apply these concepts effectively and purposefully to their own work. Introduction to Video Production heavily focuses on student-centered projects; active participation is vital to the successful completion of this course. Students will be expected to engage in the production process to write, plan, film, and edit short film projects so as to apply what they have learned. Students in this course will learn basic camera, audio, and lighting equipment terminology, and functions and will be expected to act responsibly when using said equipment. Writing assignments include reflections and screenplays. In addition, students will gain valuable experience using professional video editing software.
- You will explore video capturing through the use of smartphones, digital cameras and computers.
- You will be able to incorporate the elements of art and principles of design.
- You will be introduced to professional software including Premiere Pro Video Editing Software
- You will be expected to showcase a short film at the end of the trimester at the Film Festival
Video Production is an advanced digital photography course. Digital Photography is a prerequisite.
A Smartphone, digital camera, thumb drive and an appropriate media card are required. Limited school cameras are available for temporary check out.
Watercolor Painting
In this course you will learn many watercolor techniques to depict texture and form. You will use layers of paint to create dynamic pieces of art.