The Fine and Performing Arts Department assumes “primary responsibility” for assisting students in achieving proficiency in Academic Expectations 4 (Listening), 6 (Reason Logically) and 9 (Aesthetic Principles). We also acknowledge our collaborative efforts in reinforcing and supporting all of the other academic expectations outlines on page vi of the Program of Studies. The goals and objectives of the course offerings listed below reflect the overall goals of Lexington High School's Fine Arts program 9-12. In the case where a specific course might concentrate on an additional academic expectation, the number of the expectation addressed is listed below the course title.
Quick Reference Guide
Dance
Drama
Music
Visual Arts
| 674 –
Modern/Ballet I See Interdisciplinary Studies |
677 –
Partner Dance, Swing, Latin See Interdisciplinary Studies |
| 670 –
Modern/Jazz I See Interdisciplinary Studies |
672 – Dance
for Stress Reduction/Relaxation See Interdisciplinary Studies |
| 671 – Dance
for Musical Theater See Interdisciplinary Studies |
673– Stretch
and Strength for Dancers See Interdisciplinary Studies |
| 676 –
Choreography & Performance I See Interdisciplinary Studies |
501 Art of the Theater
This course is an introduction to drama and theater. All students will learn to work in imaginative situations truthfully. A variety of approaches to drama and theater are illuminated to students throughout the course. Exploratory improvisation, movement, text and vocal work are used to examine the human condition in real and imagined scenarios. Some examples of work include subtext and character, theme, metaphor, form and content, the dynamics of status. This class may not be repeated for credit.
502 Improvisational Theater
This course is an introduction to improvisation in its many forms. Students will begin with simple improvisation exercises that develop imaginary object use, free association and spontaneity skills, free form improvisation, movement improvisation and structured improvisation. Ensemble work will be stressed as students are expected to invest in each other’s success. Thematic work around performance genres, stereotyping character, metaphor and abstraction will be ongoing. This class may not be repeated for credit.
503 Public Speaking
(Academic Expectation 3: Speaking)
This is a course designed to give students practice in organizing and delivering informative, persuasive and demonstrative speeches. The introduction of other speakers is also practiced. Speech topics are chosen by students who must make weekly speeches. In-class critiques offered by students supplement teacher evaluation. This class may not be repeated for credit.
504 Drama of Social Issues Performance Workshop
Prerequisite: Art of the Theater and
Improvisational Theater, or permission of the instructor
This course will provide a format for students to explore the
various social issues that affect our lives and the
community/world we live in. Using exploratory improvisation and
scripting, students will create and perform two theater pieces
each semester for the school community. Each performance will
explore a different issue in episodic or linear form. Students
will be asked to look at these issues from various points of view
and interpret them for the stage. When necessary, professionals
from particular fields will be brought into the class as
consultants. This class may be repeated for credit.
505 Playwriting/Directing
Prerequisite: one drama course (not Public Speaking) at LHS. It
is suggested that students take both semesters of this class, but students may elect to take either
first or second semester.
This class may not be repeated for credit.
First Semester: Playwriting
Areas to be covered may include: analysis of dramatic and literary conventions used to
create a successful script including theme, structure, character, setting, and language.
Students will engage in a variety of writing exercises to develop their skills in
playwriting, while also reading and discussing the work of several playwrights including
Shakespeare, Shepard, Beckett, Norman, Parks, and more. Students will also be expected to
write a short play between 10 and 30 minutes in length by the end of the semester. There
will be weekly class critiques of the playwriting exercises. Students will be given plenty
of time to work on writing exercises.
Second Semester: Directing
Areas to be covered include: the role of the director in modern day from concept to production,
the relationship of the director, the actors and the designers to the text, Aristotle's
dominant dramatic values, introduction into the ideas of Stanislavski, Growtowski, Peter Brook, Kazan, and more.
The course requirements include in-class exercises and experiments, group presentations, a final
project, and a production book. Some of the plays we will read this semester may include:
Angels in America,A Streetcar Named Desire, Waiting For Godot, The American Dream,
The Bald Soprano, The Owl Killer,You Come Back Home, Crimes of the Heart.
506 Genre and Text Through Improvisation
Prerequisite: Art of the Theater and Improvisational Theater. The prerequisite may be waived for seniors with the permission of the instructor.
This course will explore advanced dramatic structures, characterizations, themes and styles. The work will be student generated through research, rehearsal, and group cooperation. Students will be held to a high standard within these areas, including presentation and performance and may have to work outside the classroom. Projects may include Docudrama-type narratives such as Anna Deveare Smith's "Twilight Los Angeles" and other exploratory dramas. Student work may be showcased to invited audiences.
This class may be repeated for credit
Please note:
Both the Art of the Theater and Improvisation class are prerequisites for
Genre and Text through Improvisation. You may not take either Art of the Theater or
Improvisation while you are enrolled in GTI.
507 Advanced Comedy Workshop
Prerequisite: Art of the Theater, Improvisational Theater or permission of the instructor.
This class will explore physical, situational and verbal comedy in a variety of genres and time periods. We will view video and read scenes and plays and analyze the elements necessary to create strong comedic work. Students enrolling in this class should be willing to do some writing and scene preparation outside of class and to perform as an ensemble member as well as a solo performer. Students will be asked to showcase their work before an invited audience. This class may be repeated for credit.
509 Independent Study in Drama
590 An Introduction to Television Production
Open to juniors and seniors only.This is a hands-on course where students learn to use digital video equipment and create video segments or mini-documentaries edited on computers. Throughout the course, student will examine the impact of news and entertainment television as well as online Videos and Podcasting.
A critical analysis of television will be used to discuss bias and point of view used in production techniques. Students will learn how to create storyboards, write scripts, edit on IMovie, use camera techniques effectively and will understand the steps involved television production. Homework for this course should take an average of two-three hours per week. It will include video viewing and related readings. There will be two written tests on terminology.
591 Television Production II
Prerequisite: Successful completion of
An Introduction to Television Production and/or permission of the
instructor
Open to juniors and seniors only. Students will continue to develop
and sharpen skills from Television 1. Students will learn and apply
the basic structure of small studio lighting, write scripts, conduct interviews,
research topics, use a camera effectively, refine their editing skills,
produce and direct a show for television. Students will create two types
of programming: Studio Production and video segments. In the Studio
Production portion of the class, students will create a Magazine show to
highlighting the video segments. The magazine show will be televised on
LEXMedia.
Music courses at Lexington High School may
be selected from among three categories:
All music courses offered at the high
school level are elective. In the few cases where selectivity is
involved, it will be noted under the course description. All
course offerings require various levels of student commitment and
involvement both in and outside the classroom setting. Regular
homework assignments are associated with all music courses.
Periodical assessments, term projects and regular class
participation will be among the criteria used to determine the
final grade a student earns for any course.
In performance (ensemble) classes, in
addition to regular class attendance, students will be expected
to participate in all dress rehearsals and scheduled
performances. Class time is used to evaluate the individual
student’s ability to learn music for performance as well as
to learn how to function effectively as a member of an ensemble.
Periodic seating auditions are required in the instrumental
groups and for solo work in the vocal ensembles.
Students are expected to practice daily and are encouraged to engage in private study to enhance their proficiency level. It is the Department’s intent to offer a balanced music curriculum with adequate opportunities for all students to enhance their musical development.
Theory, Composition and History courses include offerings which focus on the historical and theoretical elements of music essential for the discriminating active listener or performer.
548 Music and Humanity
The course will explore how music has impacted multicultural traditions from the pre-Gregorian chant era through the 21st century. Students will research how composers have been influenced by the plethora of historical and interdisciplinary influences. These influences will include the numerous societal, economic, and political issues of various historical eras. Additionally, students will develop their creative and critical thinking skills while authentically exploring such musical concepts as harmony, melody, rhythm, improvisation, and scoring. Assessment of learning will be accomplished through a portfolio strategy as well as traditional assessment. The portfolio will include domain projects that will demonstrate evidence of critical and creative thinking as well as listening and performance skills.
510 Music Theory
A course intended to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of music. Sight reading, rhythmic and melodic dictation, and composition are included. The construction and use of scales, keys, intervals, and elementary harmony is emphasized. This course may be a prerequisite for the Jazz Improvisation course.
511 Harmony
Prerequisite: Theory 510 or permission of the instructor
This course is an advanced
course in which the principles of harmony are examined with
emphasis on choral structure, inversions, harmonic progressions,
non-harmonic tones and creative melodies using representative
works of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Written assignments
will include creative composition utilizing forms and chordal
structures studied in class. Instructional time will be divided
between discussion and analysis of representative examples of
student assignments. Students will also have the opportunity to
explore contemporary music software in the areas of harmonic and
rhythmic dictation.
513 Elements of Jazz
May be used as a prerequisite for Beginning Jazz Improvisation 525 with permission of instructor. This is a non-performance course designed to explore the musical, stylistic and cultural elements of jazz music from Ragtime through the avant garde. Music theory, history and biographical information will be covered. There will be written and listening assignments.
Choral performance opportunities are offered to all students. Courses which are selective or which require a co-requisite are so designated in the course description.
514 Mixed Chorus
Prerequisite:
Student must demonstrate the ability to match pitch.
Open to all students. Mixed Chorus will prepare and perform a
wide range of challenging choral music representative of all
styles and periods, including at least one major work, each year.
Study of vocal techniques and sight singing is approached through
the music prepared for performances. Mixed Chorus will perform at
three evening concerts during the school year. Students must pass
an assessment prior to each performance. Attendance is required
at all performances. Membership in Mixed Chorus is mandatory for
those wishing to audition for Madrigal Choir and strongly
recommended for the student-directed ensembles. Mixed Chorus is
excellent preparation for the annual Music Drama Production.
515 Hon Concert Choir
Prerequisite: Audition
This advanced vocal ensemble will perform primarily unaccompanied
compositions. Auditions will be held in the spring. The ensemble
will perform at least three major concerts per year.
516 Hon Madrigal Singers
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in
Honors Concert Choir and audition
This is the premier vocal ensemble at LHS. Auditions are held
in the spring after course sign-up. This is an advanced vocal
ensemble limited to 16–20 singers, four on a part (soprano,
alto, tenor, bass) which performs music especially suited to a
small chamber group. Students should be able to read and memorize
music quickly and carry their own part in a small ensemble.
Madrigal Singers perform 10-20 programs a year in school,
community, and regional concerts and competitions.
546 Jazz Choir
Prerequisite: By audition only
This ensemble will be geared to modern jazz and pop styles. Singer
will learn microphone technique, vocal improvisational skills, and
close harmony performance. This group would meet after school, as
does the jazz ensemble, for four hours.
517 Voice Class
(Not Offered 2008-2009)
Small group instruction in the techniques of vocal production. Students will work on the basic tenets of good singing through the use of vocal warm-ups and literature that develop tone quality, breathing, intonation, diction and the other areas of the voice. Students learn roughly ten solo songs during the year, are expected to sing individually and will be orally tested for progress each term. Evaluation often involves audio and video cassette taping of students for in-class critiquing.
518 Student-Directed A Cappella Ensembles
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in
Mixed Chorus and audition
Students are selected for the ensembles by competitive
auditions in late spring or early fall. Rehearsals are for two
hours one evening per week. Students may elect to audition for:
“Pitchpipes” (male pop group), “Euphoria”
(female group), “Mixed Nuts” (mixed group),
“Shaken, Not Stirred” (mixed, jazz group),
“Guacamole” (female group), and
“Kaleidoscope” (female, freshman group). All ensembles,
which are limited to 12-16 singers each, perform throughout the
school year on a regular basis.
Instrumental Music performance opportunities are available to all students. Courses which are selective or which require a co-requisite are so designated in the course description.
519 Wind Ensemble
Prerequisite: By audition only
521 Symphonic Band
Students will study and perform appropriate musical literature written for the symphonic band and wind ensemble. Music will represent a variety of styles and periods of the traditional repertoire. Students will be assigned to either the Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble based on assessments and/or auditions. Students selected for Wind Ensemble will also receive Honors level credit. Auditions will take place in the spring to determine placement in the appropriate group for the upcoming year.
Students from both ensembles will also participate in the Veterans Day, Patriots Day and Memorial Day parades for which they will receive community service credit. Throughout the year, students in both ensembles will also perform four or five concerts in addition to the state music festival. Students from both ensembles may elect to participate in the Pep Band, which includes performances at home football games, the Thanksgiving Day game, and Saturday rehearsals.
523 Repertoire Orchestra/Strings
This ensemble reads and performs musical works written for full and string orchestra. Music selections reflect a variety of musical styles and periods from the standard repertoire. The ensemble performs four to five times per year including performances at festivals and competitions. Attendance at all programs is required. All students participate in small ensembles for one quarter. This course is a prerequisite for 524- Honors Orchestra/Strings.
524 Honors Orchestra/Strings
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of 523 and audition
This ensemble is open by audition only to any string player
who has sucessfully participated in 523-Orchestra/Strings for one
or more years. The orchestra performs music of a wide variety of
musical styles, accompanies soloists, and participates in
concerts and festivals throughout the year. Members of this
ensemble are chosen to perform with the chorus and community
groups. Each member will work for one quarter in a small
ensemble. Attendance at all performances is required.
525 Beginning Jazz Improvisation
Prerequisite:
510 or 513 or equivalent with permission of
the instructor
A practical course for students who want to learn to
improvise in the jazz idiom. Students are taught chords, scales,
patterns and stylistic considerations for improvisation over chord changes
on standard
jazz pieces.
Attendance at all four Jazz Night performances is required. Students must have their own instruments and equipment in good repair, in class everyday.
The classes are limited to 15 students for initial sign up, additional students may be added, with instructor's permission, instrumental balance permitting. Students should be able to read and notate music and have an established proficiency on their instruments. All students (including percussionists) should be able to play, notate and name all the notes of all twelve major scales prior to entering the class.
526 Seminar in Jazz Improvisation
Prerequisite: 525 or audition
Continuation of work begun in 525. All above criteria apply.
May be elected repeatedly for credit.
527 Hon LHS Jazz Combo
Prerequisite: Permission of
instructor and audition
Performance class to continue the study of jazz improvisation
at a higher level. Generally open only to upperclassmen that have
participated in 526 or have comparable background. The class is
limited to one player on a part. Students must have experience in
the jazz idiom, be able to read chord symbols, improvise, and be
technically proficient on their instruments. Many concert
performances are required of all members in this class.
528 Jazz Ensembles
Prerequisite: Audition
As many as three groups may be formed by auditions in the
fall, depending on enrollment. Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab and Jazz
Workshop will study level-appropriate ensemble literature in the
jazz idiom. Rehearsals are scheduled after school and during the
evening. Members are expected to participate in all concerts,
festivals and events as determined by the directors.
549 Independent Study
Prerequisite: Students must have taken harmony and analysis or the equivalent academic music course work at LHS; students must be enrolled in one or more performing groups listed in the Program of Studies.
The visual arts curriculum at Lexington High School is a body of knowledge which is reflective of the National Standards for the Arts and The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Students are challenged to develop their skills in critical and creative thinking as well as in problem solving, authentic assessment and using the computer as a learning tool. Course offerings provide students with a sequential pattern of innovative and authentic learning experiences. Outcomes for each course will be based on the concepts of:
Basic department expectations include consistent attendance at all classes, homework and completion of all assignments according to guidelines available from each instructor.
550 Foundations of Art
An introductory course which is a prerequisite for all other visual arts courses. Students will be introduced to the elements, principles and vocabulary of design. Students will be introduced to a range of media and will explore image- making and personal interpretation through both observation and imagination. Students will develop appropriate studio habits and will be responsible for sketchbook assignments which complement classroom projects.
587 Computer Animation (Academic Expectation 7: Technology)
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art.
Open to students in grades 10, 11 and 12. This course will introduce students to the creative world of digital animation using the computer as a tool. Through the use of cutting edge, industry standard software and other hands-on experiences, students will learn how to produce their own unique multimedia animation productions. Students will incorporate music and/or sound effects in their animations, and may include photographs, scanned images, video clips and text, as well as other sources of imagery. The fundamentals of animation, such as storyboarding, timing exaggeration and staging will be emphasized. Students will publish movies to CD ROM as well as the Internet.
551 Drawing I
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art.
Through a series of projects that involve both observation and
imagination, students will learn a variety of drawing techniques
that involve essential coordination of the hand, eye and mind.
Students will become familiar with different drawing media,
including pencil, conte crayon, oil pastels and pen and ink.
Sketchbook assignments will complement studio projects.
552 Drawing II
Prerequisite: Drawing I
An
in-depth continuation of Drawing I, this course will consist of
more advanced projects that require personal interpretation and
exploration. Students will experiment with a variety of familiar
drawing media and their application to a deeper investigation of
drawing principles, including contour, value, proportion,
composition, focus, balance and intent. Students will be required
to keep a sketchbook/visual journal.
567 Illustration
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art and Drawing I
In this class artwork is derived from literature and storytelling. Students
will study various genres of illustration to create images influenced
by everything from ancient hieroglyphics to modern day comic
books. Art history as well as contemporary story telling techniques
will be discussed in class. By experimenting with various materials
and visual formats students will develop their own personal style.
Some drawing experience is recommended for this course.
561 Advanced Drawing
Prerequisite: Drawing II
Students will draw from observation and imagination to further their
artistic ability. Drawing challenges will include working from landscape,
interiors, portraiture, still life, and solving various compositional
conundrums. Class discussions will include historical and contemporary
art ideas. A variety of techniques and materials will be explored
and students will be asked to keep a sketchbook outside of class in
order to explore personal drawing interests.
562 Painting I
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art and Drawing I
An
understanding of basic color theory will extend to an exploration
of the emotional and persuasive application of color. Students
will learn essential acrylic painting techniques, including
opacity, translucence, texture and surface manipulation, and will
apply those principles in projects that involve both observation
and imagination. Emphasis will be on composition, balance, focus,
depth and form. Sketchbook assignments will complement studio
work.
563 Painting II
Prerequisite: Painting I
This course will build on the knowledge and skills developed in Painting I. Projects
in figurative and abstract painting will lead the student to a deeper understanding of color,
it's application and effect. Through the exploration of traditional and contemporary
viewpoints, each student will be encouraged to develop a personal vision.
Sketchbook assignments will support classwork.
553 Ceramics
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art
Students
will explore the potential of clay by being introduced to the
basic techniques of handbuilding and glazing. Assignments are
centered around a theme with choices to reflect the various
interests of each student. A basic introduction to the pottery
wheel will be included.
554 Advanced Ceramics
Prerequisite: Ceramics
Students will
continue their personal exploration of clay by learning more
experienced techniques of handbuilding, wheelworking and glazing.
Sculpture and vessel-making will focus on form, surface design
and color relationships. Students will discuss and view
contemporary and historical ceramic artwork. Students may repeat
this course for credit with permission of the instructor.
555 Photography I
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art
Open to students in grades 11 or
12 or permision of the
instructor.Students will be introduced to the basic techniques of the camera
and image printing in the darkroom. The course is focused on black
and white traditional photography. Students will need a 35mm manual
camera as basic equipment and plan on a materials fee to purchase
photographic paper.
556 Photography II
Prerequisite: Photography I
Open to students in grades 11 or
12. A more advanced course in the
study of black and white photography. Students will be introduced to
exciting techniques such as infrared, hand coloring, toning and night
photography. Students may repeat this course for credit with permission
of the instructor.
568 Documentary Photography
Prerequisite: Photography I
Open to students in grades 11 or
12.This course is a continuation
of black and white photography techniques in which the students
will construct a portfolio of work through direct observation of life.
Students will pursue the social relevance of families; events; cultural
similarities and differences; and observations of our community. Students
will study the work of pioneer photographers and discover how
to create their own decisive moments.
557 Portfolio
Prerequisite:
Foundations of Art and two other Visual Arts courses
Open to students in grades 11 or
12. This course is offered
first semester only. It is strongly recommended for any
senior who may wish to complete a portfolio of art work as part
of his/her application to art and architecture schools or liberal
arts colleges and universities. Projects are designed to foster the
development of a personal voice through drawing and painting, and
to suppplement students' existing portfolio.
558 Watercolor I
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art
This is an introductory level course that will focus on a
variety of watercolor techniques. The development of each
student's personal style will be nurtured through sequential
assignments. Field trips for observational research may occur.
559 Watercolor II
Prerequisite: Watercolor I
This course continues the painting process on a more advanced
level. Students will paint more self-motivated pieces with a
greater emphasis on personal expression, color and composition.
Individual projects will be developed in consultation with the
instructor. Students may repeat this course for credit with
permission of the instructor.
564 The Art of Book Design
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art
Open to students in grades 10,
11 or 12. In this course,
students will explore a variety of materials, tools and
construction and binding techniques, including basic codes,
Japanese stab bindings, star binding,fold books and combination
books. In this studio workshop, students will be encouraged to
incorporate found materials,acquired techniques and especially
their imagination in the design of personal journals and other
book forms in the creative expression and communication of both
verbal and visual ideas.
569 Advanced Book Design
Prerequisite: The Art of Book Design
This course is for serious book design students who want an opportunity
to explore nontraditional and combined book structures as well
as the ways that books can be used as a means of personal expression.
Projects will include altered books; printmaking and paper design for
books; the definition of a page and how it can speak to other pages;
and the discussion and exploration of how books can be visual vehicles
for the messages they carry. Students will be encouraged to incorporate
found and nontraditional materials in their book construction
and to create original book forms in which form complements content.
566 Traditions of Textile Expression
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art
A study of
design explored through the textile patterns and designs of
significant cultures. Students will study the traditions, rituals
and patterns represented in the textiles produced by and
representative of India, Indonesia, Africa, Japan and Europe. In
studio projects, students will then explore pattern design,
positive and negative imagery, repetition, color implication and
application as expressed through batik, block printing and
stamping, rope-resist and tie dye, and stencil printing. Projects
will allow students to bring a cultural and ethnographic insight
to the design and application of indigenous techniques.
560 Sculpture
Prerequisite:Foundations of Art
Sculpture is a one-semester introductory
course dealing with form and space. Conceptually, it will build
on the Foundations course, concentrating on 3-D design
principles. Students will be introduced to a variety of
materials. Students' self-expression will be encouraged through
the exploration of traditional and non-traditional approaches to
sculpture.
589 Web Design
599 Independent Study
Prerequisite: Permission of the
instructor
Directed Study is interpreted as a
course of study whereby a student can give evidence of completed
original work and/or completion of the appropriate course in that
particular arts discipline. The student should have specific
ideas about what he/she wants to accomplish and be willing to
establish specific critique time with the specific instructor.
Directed study is not to be interpreted as "private
lessons," i.e., applying for a directed study with little or
no background or experience in that art form.
Posted January 29, 2008 by
Steve Ellis
Copyright 2008, All Rights
Reserved