601   Survey of the Visual Arts CP1 (y)

Offered to 9th- 12th grade students

This introductory course is designed to provide experience in a wide range of art forms. Students explore a variety of art materials and techniques through a series of projects ranging from basic design, art history, and painting to ceramics, sculpture and crafts. This course is offered every year.

602    Drawing I CP1 (S)

Offered to 9th- 12th grade students

Beginning students explore the world of drawing. The elements, principles and technical skills are acquired through a series of sequential drawing experiences dealing mainly in pencil with additional experimentation with charcoal, ink, pastel, markers, etc. This course is offered every year.

603     DRAWING II CP1 (S)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students     (Prerequisite - Drawing I)

The focus of the course is for students to further develop their drawing abilities and skills, after learning the basic fundamental skills from Drawing I. The goal of this course is to develop a more individual approach to drawing. This course is offered every year.

604   Clayworks I CP1 (S)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

The focus of this course is on all aspects of working with clay. The course covers hand building, wheel throwing, and various techniques of glazing and finishes.

605  Clayworks II CP1 (S)

Offered to 10th - 12th grade students   (Prerequisite - Clayworks I)

This course is for students who have completed a semester of Clayworks and will focus on a more in depth approach to working with all aspects of clay. The course will cover hand building, wheel throwing and various techniques of glazing and finishes. This course will be offered in 2004-2005.

606   tHREE-DIMENSIONAL SCULPTURAL FORMS CP1 (S)

Offered to 10th - 12th grade students

This course is for the student interested in the construction of three-dimensional pieces involving a variety of media: paper, wood, fiber, clay, plaster, metal and other mixed techniques involved in the construction of sculpture. This course will be offered in 2005-2006.

607    Design Fundamentals cp1 (s)

Offered to 10th - 12th grade students

This course deals with the application of the principal elements of design in a variety of media. The principles of design are then introduced and applied to areas such as commercial and graphic art, fashion design, illustration, architectural and interior design in a problem-solving approach. This course will be offered in 2005-2006.

608     Exploring painting cp1 (s)

Offered to 10th - 12th grade students  (Prerequisite - Drawing I or Survey of the Visual Arts)

Students learn the historical development of painting as seen in history. Students apply color theory and color relationships to create various color effects in their work and master techniques related to the medium.

641   Printmaking CP1 (S)

Offered to 10th - 12th grade students

This course will introduce the student to various techniques involved in printmaking, which include relief, monoprint, screen printing and etching. This course will be offered in 2004-2005.

609   Advanced Studio Art CP1 (Y)

Offered to 11th and 12th grade students

Advanced Studio Art is designed for the serious minded art student who has mastered the fundamental skills and desires to further develop his/her artistic abilities. This course focuses on the perfection of technical skills; work with sophisticated imagery and in-depth assignments. This course is offered every year.

609   Advanced placement Studio Art ap (y)

Offered to 12th grade students   (Prerequisite – Advanced Studio Art and submission of portfolio showing proficiency in drawing and painting)

This course is designed for self-motivated students committed to serious study in art. A prescribed portfolio reflecting three areas of study, quality concentration, and breadth, is submitted to the evaluators of the Advanced Placement program. College credit is awarded on the basis of the evaluation. This course is offered every year.

613   Women's Chorus CP1 (Y)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

For female students who love to sing! This class teaches music fundamentals, including notes, rhythms, dynamics, and clefs. No prior music experience is needed and no audition is required. The chorus performs at various times on and off campus throughout the school year. There are some additional rehearsals outside of class time.

614    concert choir cp1 (1)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

Students are selected on the basis of an audition, which consists of a prepared song and tonal memory exercises. Singing experience is preferred but not required. This class teaches vocal technique, ensemble singing and music theory, and assumes that the student has a basic knowledge of notes and rhythms. The choir performs both on and off campus throughout the school year and travels to a major spring competition every other year. The choir performs both on and off campus throughout the school year.

615   Beginning Classical Guitar CP1 (s)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

This course is for students with little or no experience on the guitar. Students learn the fundamentals of guitar and finger style techniques. No prior music knowledge is necessary. Development of musical sense and understanding of basic musical concepts and theory will be introduced with the guitar. History of the guitar in western music will be examined. Emphasis is on proper form and technique development. Students are required to have a suitable guitar prior to the first class period. Acoustic and nylon string guitars are preferred, but not required.

617    Intermediate Classical guitar cp1 (y)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

This course is for students with a working knowledge of the fret board on the guitar. Students work on more advanced concepts of right and left hand techniques with the guitar. The course teaches music reading skills, theory, and improvisational techniques. Development of musical concepts and improvisational styles will be examined. Classical and modern guitar literature in western music will be examined. Emphasis is on proper form and technique development. Students are required to have a suitable nylon string guitar. This is a performance class and after school rehearsals, performances, and concerts are required. Audition required.

616     advanced classical guitar cp1 (s)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

This course is for students with advanced knowledge of the fret board on the guitar. Students learn advanced concepts of right and left hand techniques with the guitar. The course teaches advanced reading skills, theory, and improvisational techniques. Development of musical ideas, composition, and improvisational styles will be examined. Classical and modern guitar literature in western music will be examined. Emphasis is on proper form and technique development. Students are required to have a suitable guitar nylon string guitar. This is a performance class and after school rehearsals, performances, and concerts are required. Audition required.

612     concert band cp1 (y)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students   (Audition/Interview is required for new students)

Concert Band is open to any student who has had at least one year of instruction on a traditional band instrument. Members of the Concert Band continue to work on instrumental techniques and perform grade 2-3 literature. The band typically gives one formal concert during the fall semester and one during the spring semester. All members of the Concert Band also participate in the Pep Band, which performs in the stands at all home football games.

661   Marching BAnd (s)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

This course is open by audition only.  Students must have at least one year of instruction on a traditional band instrument.  The Marching Band performs a half-time show at all home football games and participates in selected marching band festivals.  Marching band members are required to attend band camp during the summer.  Members are also required to attend weekly after-school practices.

618   Wind Ensemble CP1 (s)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

This course is open by audition only. The Wind Ensemble performs grade 4+ literature, and members are strongly encouraged to take private lessons. The Wind Ensemble typically gives one formal concert during the fall semester and two during the spring semester. Members are expected to participate in the Pep Band, which performs in the stands at all home football games.

619   Survey of Music CP1 (S)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

No music experience is needed for this survey class. This course mainly focuses on the musical characteristics and prominent composers of each of the major historical periods in Western music, i.e., Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern. Music as it relates to philosophical, religious, and political issues throughout time are discussed. American music and popular music are discussed as well. A field trip to an Atlanta Symphony rehearsal and visits from area musicians are included.

620   Music Theory CP1 (S)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

Students study basic fundamentals of music theory (rhythm and meter, keys, harmonic analysis, aural recognition of intervals) on a more in-depth level than they would in a performance class. Students will also be introduced to composition techniques and analysis of musical form.

621    Oral communication/theater cp1 (s)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

This course emphasizes personal and interpersonal plus group skills through many verbal and visual projects. The creation of original commercials (writing and videotaping) is the course highlight, as well as a formal ten-minute speech at the end of the semester. Self-evaluation is an integral part of the class.

622    Acting for beginners cp1 (s)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

This is a basic course in acting for students who have little or no experience in this area. Memorizing lines and performing scenes, as well as the reading of popular plays are some of the challenges. Field trips to live theatrical productions, both amateur and professional, are required. A solo monologue is performed and evaluated at the end of the semester.

624    intermediate acting cp1 (s)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

This course includes further study of acting techniques: body movement, improvisation, scene presentation, proper monologue delivery, stretching and risking new approaches. Students also participate in drama workshops on campus, read popular plays, and take field trips to local professional theater.

626   Advanced Scene Study and Improvisation CP1 (S)

Offered to 11th and 12th grade students  (Prerequisite - Beginning and Intermediate Acting)

This is an intensive course for the serious student. Memorized and improvised scenes from plays are performed and videotaped for evaluation and analysis by the class as well as the instructor. Risk taking and previous experience are paramount.

628    directing cp1 (s)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students  (Prerequisite - 622,624,626,and in Pius Players at least 2 years

This is an intensive course in directing for the advanced drama student. Course includes lectures by guest directors, student directed monologues and a one-act play. Students also assist the Drama Director with Pius Players yearly productions.

629   Survey of Theater History CP1 (S)

Offered to 10th - 12th grade students

This course is for the student who wishes to explore the origins of theater from the ancient Greeks, to Shakespeare, to contemporary theatre. Favorite Shakespeare plays and popular contemporary plays are covered. Field trips to the Shakespeare Tavern, Georgia Shakespeare and Alabama Shakespeare Festivals are paramount. Selected local professional productions are included.

650   History of the Theater from the 1940's to the Present CP1 (S)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

This course is a survey of Broadway shows over the last 50 years. Popular musicals, dramas, and comedies will be examined with emphasis on playwrites, composers, and choreographers. Guest speakers, films, CD's, local theatre trips, and play readings will be employed.

630   Dance I CP1 (Y)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students

This course is an introduction to ballet and jazz dance. The course focuses on the basic concepts and performances of both disciplines. Group discussions center on dance vocabulary, dance history and choreography. Students perform in the Spring Dance Concert.

631    dance ii cp1 (y)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students  

This course continues the study of ballet and jazz fundamentals, as well as introducing intermediate level dance steps, phrases, and combinations. Group discussions center on dance vocabulary, dance history and choreography. Students perform in the Spring Dance concert. Audition required for entering freshmen.

632    dance iii cp1 (y)

Offered to 9th - 12th grade students   

This course continues the study of ballet and jazz dance as an art form. Students further develop their technique through increased complexity in class combinations, musical phrasing and choreography. Group discussions center on dance vocabulary, dance history and choreography. Students work with guest choreographers. Students perform in the Spring Dance Concert. Audition required for entering freshmen.

633   Dance Company CP1 (Y)

Offered to 10th - 12th grade students (Prerequisite - currently studying ballet outside of school)

This course is for students who have achieved proficiency in ballet, as well as jazz technique. Students should perform at an advanced level and demonstrate the ability to work as an ensemble. Outstanding stage presence and performance are required. Students rehearse on Wednesday afternoons (as well as in daily class) and perform during the Open House, Morning of the Arts, Christmas Arts Festival and Spring Dance Concert. Students in this course participate in master classes with visiting dance teachers and work with guest choreographers. This course is for students who have an extensive dance background and who are serious and dedicated to this art form. Audition required.