Kennedy Catholic Arts

Nurturing Creativity to Expand Horizons

Art Department Courses Offerings

Offering classes in art, music and theater the Arts Department strives not only to introduce each student to the core principles of a fine arts education, but also to cultivate a love and appreciation for the arts during their time at Kennedy and beyond.

General Fine Art Courses

Art and Music Appreciation

Grade 9

Full year course, that meets 4 out of the 6 day cycle; open to grade 9.

This course is a study of the elements and principles of art and music to help students formulate and understand their own artistic tastes. Development of a useful visual vocabulary and aural vocabulary will be addressed. Extensive time will be invested in the critiquing and evaluating of major works, styles, forms, media and processes, while exploring a general overview of important art and music history. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for New York State High School diploma.

Music Theory-History

Grade 9

Full Year course, that meets 4 out of the day 6 cycle; open to grade 9

A study of basic music theory and composition as well as the elements of music.

A general overview of the history of music and advanced appreciation.

This course is intended as an extension course for freshmen students in Chorus, Band and String Ensemble. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for New York State High School diploma.

Performing Arts Courses

Chorus

Grades 9-12

Full year course, an instructional choral program for all students (grades 9-12) interested in music expression through voice in a large group setting. Daily homeroom instruction. This program will expose students to a variety of music styles, as well as enforce proper vocal techniques, sight reading, dynamics, and style, while teaching students to read music and sing “in parts.” Participation in the monthly school wide community liturgies as well as in the Kennedy Catholic Fine Arts performances (concerts and open houses) is required. Although no prior experience is needed, an audition is required for 9th graders.

*Others must obtain Mrs. Boston’s permission.

Concert Band

Grades 9-12

Full year course, that rehearses daily during a 40 minute homeroom period.

Open to grades 9-12 with teacher recommendation only.

A performance group for brass, woodwinds and percussion instruments. Students are expected to have at least one year of experience and in some cases will be asked to audition for the group. Students will practice diligently at home and rehearse at school. Concerts and Open House performances are requirements for our members as is regular submission of Smart Music and tests/activities to reinforce music theory, concepts, and history.

Students will be contacted for an audition if necessary.

String Ensemble

Grades 9-12

A full year course that develops ensemble skill, performance technique, music literacy, and cultural understanding in the arts. Daily homeroom instruction. Open to grades 9-12.

Students will study and learn to read music of greater complexity to include common time, cut-time, compound meter, major and minor keys, chromaticism, dynamic contrast, shifting technique and quality tone production. Students will be contacted for an audition if necessary.

Theater/Acting

Grade 9

Full year course, that meets 4 out of the 6 day cycle; open to grade 9

This course will cover the following components: Introduction to Theater, Character Development, Monologue, Improvisation, Scene Work, Movement, and Resume Design for summarizing theatrical experiences. Through theatrical games and improvisational exercises, students will develop skills in dramatic technique. Students will work individually and in groups as they rehearse and perform theatrical works in class. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for New York State High School diploma. Although no prior experience is needed, an audition is required. See Monologue choices attached. Students in this course are required to participate in some capacity in the school musicals.

* Mrs. Boston’s signature is required on the registration form

Visual Arts

Studio Art

Grade 9

KCPS offers a 4-year program in the Visual Arts, beginning with Studio Art.

This course is an introduction to the Visual Arts at the high school level. It is designed to acquaint beginning students with a variety of media and techniques enabling them to experience the creative process through the development of drawing skills coupled with historical reference. This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for New York State High School diploma.

Artwork submission required.

Studio Art II

Grade 10

This elective course covers the basic design concepts and color theory through the creation of paintings and drawings using a variety of media. Oil painting techniques and theories are introduced through practice and demonstration. Emphasis is placed on choice of materials, depiction of light and shadow, painting techniques, basic color mixing and composition. The course provides students with a foundation for creative expression in oil painting.

Studio Art or Artwork submission required.

Advanced Visual Arts

Grades 11-12

This elective course is designed for the advanced students who wish to further their studies in the field of Visual Arts. Students may elect to continue their studies of Painting and Drawing or broaden their knowledge of the Studio mainly through an understanding of the Applied Arts involving a variety of disciplines. These include but are not limited to Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Ceramics, Sculpture, Collage, Digital Media, Textile and Fiber Arts.

Minimum of 2 years studio experience at KCHS, or the permission of the instructor.