Visual and Performing Arts (5 Credits Required)
The study of visual, performing and practical arts enriches our lives and extends human experience. Those creative and aesthetic activities of man that produce something tangible enough to be transmitted is synonymous with life itself. Because art involves human expression, the appreciation and understanding of the arts require hands-on experience. Preparation in the arts will enable college bound students to engage in and profit from advanced study, performance, and studio work in the arts. For many others, the pursuit of artistic activity will enhance the quality of their lives.
Visual and Performing Arts Course Offerings
Beginning and advanced students have the opportunity to perform in instrumental and choral groups as well as solo performances. The music talented program is a continuation of the middle school magnet program and is offered in grades 9-12. Music courses are designed to enhance students’ abilities beyond high school
Music Department
Exploring Music
Grades: 9-12 (Elective)
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): None, For Vocal I Students
The Exploring Music 9-12 course is designed to help students develop an appreciation of music. A pre-requisite to this course is not required. Students enrolled will examine the Western world styles of great musical works and composers. Students will also explore the historical development, musical style, and societal influence in relationship with the humanities.
This music appreciation course is designed to develop listening and critical thinking skills with an emphasis on the introduction of the styles and literature of cultural influences. Many types of music will be explored throughout the entire school year. Students will be taught methods of making educated decisions on how to embrace a myriad of musical selections and perhaps acquire a love of the arts. Students are not required to perform in a formal concert performance. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Instrumental Music I
Grades: 9-12 (Elective)
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): None, Percussion Maximum 12; Winds Maximum 15
Students who elect to take this class must be a member or will consider membership of the marching and concert band.
Instrumental Music I is considered to be a beginner’s class for students who desire to play a band instrument for the first time in high school. Although this is a beginner’s level course, students who have not played since 4th and 5th grade and have not played since then will need this experience. Students who take this course will learn instruments of the band such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba and percussion. One instrument must be chosen upon entering the 1st day of the course in September. Students will learn using a method book #1, and will learn key notations, key signatures, and proper techniques of playing and music theory appropriate to the NJ core curriculum content standards for visual and performing arts and other subjects. It is expected that students will perform in a large ensemble and join the concert and marching band. Students who will not join concert and marching band should not choose to take this course. All music subjects taught in this class should result in playing in a large or small group. The biggest test of an instrumentalist is his or hers ability to play with other musicians. Band instruments are not solo instruments without accompaniment. Commitment to playing in a large group must be made. Students who play band instruments in either I or II class must commit to play in the in the marching band, concert band and are eligible to join the jazz band upon the decision of the instructor. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Instrumental Music II – 1 Section Only
Grades: 10-12 (Elective)
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): Instrumental Music I Audition, Approval by Instructor/Band Director
Students who elect to take this class must be a member or will consider membership of the marching and concert band. This course is a continuance of Instrumental Music I. A student entering Instrumental Music II should have either Instrumental Music I as a prerequisite or previous band instrument experience. Students will learn using a method book #2 and will learn notation, key signatures, and proper techniques of playing and music theory appropriate to the NJ core curriculum content standards for visual and performing arts and other subjects. It is expected that students will perform in a large ensemble and join the concert and marching band. Students who will not join concert and marching band should not choose to take this course. All music subjects taught in this class should result in playing in a large or small group. The biggest test of an instrumentalist is his or hers ability to play with other musicians. Band instruments are not solo instruments without accompaniment. Commitment to playing in a large group must be made. Students who play band instruments in either I or II class must commit to play in the in the marching band, concert band and are eligible to join the jazz band upon the decision of the instructor.
Players who complete Instrumental Music I will be eligible to sign into Instrumental Music II. Students will be assessed by performance participation and written exams at certain intervals during the school year. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Concert Band/Marching Band – 1 Section Only
Grades: 9-12 (Elective)
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): Instrumental Music I or Previous Instrumental Music Experience.
This class is the culminating class of all students who study a band instrument prior to and during high school. Students who elect to take this class must be a member of the marching and concert bands. (This is the policy of the Irvington High School Music Department).
Students who enroll in this class must have previous experience playing a band instrument and they must commit themselves to playing in the marching band during football season and then the concert band after the last football game in November. During the spring, instrumentalists must participate in parades including the Memorial Day Parade. Though this course is primarily a performing organization, written tests, mid terms and final exams will be given in music theory and music history. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Chorus – (2 Exploring Music)
Grades: 9-12 (Elective)
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): None
This introductory music course offers instruction in the basic techniques of choral singing. Students will develop excellent unison singing skills and will gain some experience singing in parts. Students will develop their musical ear through listening exercises and will learn and develop some of the music reading skills required for choral singing. Students will discuss their aesthetic awareness of music, the historical periods of music along with contributing composers and artists, analyze band and orchestral instruments, and compare and contrast the above. Students will be required to take written exams of the content taught in this class as well as participate in live performances. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Piano Class/Music Theory
Grades: 9-12 (Elective)
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): Teacher Recommendation
This course is for students who desire to learn music theory through piano. Piano is the best way to play chords and to hear harmony. This class is very limited in size because of the availability of pianos and the small size of the teaching room. Students must make a sincere commitment to practice piano before electing to take this class. Assessment for this course will be based on piano performance as well as written exams on music theory and history. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Visual Arts Department
Courses introduce students to the foundations of visual arts at the high school level. The art talented program is a continuation of the middle school art talented program. Advanced courses are offered that enhance students’ abilities for career placement beyond high school. Students entering grade 9 after September 2004 must obtain a total of 5 credits in visual/performing arts.
Arts I
Grades: 9-12
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Elective
This introductory art course teaches the basics of two-dimensional design. This course includes projects in: drawing, painting, and sculpture. Students will have the opportunity to experiment in various media such as pastels, ink, crayon, charcoal, and tempera paint. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Crafts I
Grades: 9-12
Credit Hours 5
Elective
This introductory crafts course is designed to teach activities that involve the creative design and construction of objects for practical or decorative use as well as the creative use of materials in many ways such as weaving and Paper Mâché. The final assignment will consist of the completion of one major project of the student’s choice guided by the art instructor. Community school projects such as the annual library art show are encouraged. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Crafts II
Grades: 10-12 (Elective)
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): Art I and Teacher Recommendation
This course will use many of the materials used in Crafts I, but will apply their use in a more advanced way. Students will create a 3D project that will have a utilitarian as well as an artistic use. Some of the projects and materials include bookmaking, weaving, pillows, multicultural 3-D reliefs, puppets, leather, Mylar, feathers, beads, trimmings, tiles, bamboo, plastics, paint, glass, stain, varnishes, dolls, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, painting on cloth, architecture, clay, wood, and fabric. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Arts II
Grades: 10-12 (Elective)
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): Art I and Teacher Recommendation
This more advanced course for high school art focuses on commercial and industrial design for the consumer. This class teaches watercolor painting, airbrush, and 3D Designs. The final assignment will consist of the completion of one major project of the student’s choice guided by the art instructor. Community school projects such as the annual library art show are encouraged. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Arts III
Grades: 11 and 12 (Elective)
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): Art I and II or Art Talented 9th & 10th grade
This course is more advanced than Art II. It focuses and customizes the study to the individual student. There will be more emphasis on career exploration and preparation, including trips to schools and museums specializing in visual arts and 3D art. Students will receive introductory training in graphic arts using Apple Computers with programs of Illustrator, Painter, and Photoshop. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Fashion Design
Grades 10-12 (Elective)
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): Art I
In this course, fashion careers and related occupations are covered and researched. The history of costume design, past and present is studied and analyzed. The use of color, texture, lines and design is further studied as well as the influence of history and social mores. Basic figure drawing and clothing rendering are also taught. The design and creation of various forms of accessories are developed and completed. Field trips are taken to clothing exhibitions at museums, galleries, and stores. Students build a college ready portfolio in the field of fashion. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Cartoon and Animation
Grades: 10-12 (Elective)
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): Art I, Crafts I
Students learn to draw for cartooning and animation by developing skills through quick gestural action analysis as well as traditional figure drawing techniques; creation of character interaction, backgrounds, layouts, story lines, staging, and theatrics is emphasized.
In addition, the understanding of continuity in storytelling and character development is emphasized through the correlation of color, lighting, media, music, and cultural influences. Students will keep a sketchbook/journal, and add images using computer drawings using animation software. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Photography 10-12
Grades: 10-12
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): Visual Arts I, Visual Arts II, or Teacher Recommendation
Elective
This course emphasizes refining technical skills and producing artistic projects through the use of the camera. Cameras used and studied in this course are chemical based and computer driven digital cameras. Activities include the study of the history of photography, the physical make up of the camera, lighting, choosing subject matter, dark room development, and the processing of chemical film and computer aided image alteration for the digital camera. Other activities include the study of film making, viewing professional films, and the making of student films. Evaluation of products and processes are included. Many math, science, language arts, and social studies concepts are discussed in this course. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Sculpture
Grades: 10-12
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): Art I
Conventional and experimental ways of working in sculpture are explored. Carving, modeling, constructing, and casting are experimented with to create sculptures. A sketchbook will be maintained. Class trips are taken to expose students to sculpture in the environment. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Artistically Talented Visual Arts
Grades: 9-12
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): Art Magnet -Teacher Rec and Portfolio Review / GPA 2.8 or Higher
Elective
This course can be taught individually 9th and 10th or 11th and 12th, separately or combined levels depending on the visual arts teacher’s availability and capacity of students signing into the class. The more serious art student should be considered for this course. Students will learn, advanced drawing composition, shading, and the various coloring methods. Weekly sketching homework assignments are given, and sketchbooks are encouraged. Drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts, commercial art, computers and photography are among the subjects taught. Math and language arts are incorporated into lessons. College and career choices are explored through various art schools in the area. Portfolio requirements are begun and developed individually to prepare students. This course includes fieldtrips and rigorous art projects geared toward college and career ready portfolios. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Dance
Grades: 9-12
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): None
This is a performance ensemble that will give students with experience in a variety of dance styles. Techniques in Modern, Jazz, Ballet, and Multi-Cultural dance will be covered. Other dance styles such as Tap, Hip-Hop, and Latin dance may be included. Students in Dance will be given experience in the process of creating original choreography. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Dance – Option II
Grades: 9-12
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): Dance
This is an advanced performance ensemble that will give students with experience in a variety of dance styles. Techniques in Modern, Jazz, Ballet, and Multi-Cultural dance will be covered. Other dance styles such as Tap, Hip-Hop, and Latin dance may be included. Students in Dance will be given experience in the process of creating original choreography. Can be taken instead of Physical Education, Health Education will be covered in this course. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6
Yearbook
Grades: 11-12
Credit Hours: 5
Duration: Full Year
Prerequisite(s): Creative Writing, Desktop Publishing, Digital Publishing, Art I
This is a writing and publishing class in which the Yearbook (English Language Arts) and Desktop Publishing is taught. Students work with text, graphics, photography, to create published quality 2D and Digital documents. Instructional strategies may be modified based on the students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) as per N.J.A.C.6A: 14-4.6.