Fine Arts

Graduation Requirement

Students may fulfill the one-credit fine arts graduation requirement in a variety of ways involving either graded, non-auditioned courses (described in the course offerings) or certain co-curricular ensembles.

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1. Fine Arts Courses

Includes graded semester (1/2 credit) and year-long (1 credit) courses not requiring auditions in visual arts, digital arts, music, and theatre as described in the course offering section of this guide.
2. Fine Arts Co-Curricular Program

(Non-graded performance-based ensembles open by audition that supplement the general curriculum in dance and music).

Choral Music:
• Les Chanteuses, Kantorei, Chorale (1/2 credit for each year of participation, non-graded)

Instrumental Music:
• Concert Band, Symphonic Winds, Jazz Ensemble, Philharmonia, Chamber Strings (1/2 credit for each year of participation, non-graded)

Dance:
• Caprice I (1 credit for each year of participation after the P.E. requirement has been met, non-graded)
• Caprice II, Caprice III and Terpsichore (1 credit for each year of participation after the P.E. requirement has been met, graded)

Students in co-curricular ensembles must participate in required rehearsals and scheduled performances for an entire year in order to earn credit toward the graduation requirement. Students withdrawing from any one of these before the end of the year will earn NO credit.

Dance classes taken in Class 9 and used for P.E. credit at that time, may not subsequently be applied to Fine Arts credit.

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Performances & Ensembles

Students must participate in the co-curricular ensembles including scheduled performances for an entire year in order to earn credit toward the graduation requirement.
Withdrawal

Students withdrawing from any one of these before the end of the year will earn NO credit.
Dance Classes

Dance classes taken in Classes 9 and 10 and used for P.E. credit at that time, may not subsequently be applied to Fine Arts credit.

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Choral Music

Les Chanteuses, Kantorei, Chorale
(½ credit for each year of participation)

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Instrumental Music

Winds, Strings, Jazz
(½ credit for each year of participation)

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Dance

Fundamentals of Dance & Caprice I: ½ credit for each year of participation after the P.E. requirement has been met.

Caprice II, Caprice III, & Terpsichore: 1 credit for each year of participation after the P.E. requirement has been met.

Visual Arts

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Studio Art I: Two-Dimensional Art

Studio Art I: Two-Dimensional Art
(1⁄2 credit; fall or spring semester; open to class 9-12)

This course explores the techniques, materials, and processes involved with the creation of two-dimensional arts. Areas of study will include drawing, painting, print making, and mixed media techniques. Students work in a variety of dry and wet media techniques. The paint mediums will include acrylic and oil on
canvas and panel.

The first quarter will focus on developing the students drawing skills and knowledge. The second quarter will focus on painting skills, color theory, and print making techniques. A variety of concepts will be explored, including figure and portrait, landscape, and abstraction. Students will produce at least three projects each quarter, with six major projects for the semester. The student will be asked to keep a sketchbook for art research practices, subject matter development, and critical thinking skills. Studio Art I: Two-Dimensional Art and Studio Art I: Three-Dimensional Art classes may be taken as prerequisites for Studio Art II.
Studio Art I: Three-Dimensional Art

Studio Art I: Three-Dimensional Art
(1⁄2 credit; fall or spring semester; open to Class 9-12)

This course introduces the student to the techniques, tools, materials, and safety procedures in the fabrication of three-dimensional design. The course will be divided into two units: clay arts and sculpture. In the clay arts area students are introduced to a variety of hand-building techniques such as slab, coil, and modeling. Glazing effects, knowledge of the kiln, and studio safety are emphasized.

In the sculpture section, the student will explore assemblage, carving, casting and mixed media techniques, including glass fusion and the use of plaster, wire, wood, and other types of materials. Students will produce at least two projects for each unit, with four major projects for the semester. The student will be asked to keep a sketchbook for art research practices, subject matter development and critical thinking skills. 2D and 3D Studio Art classes may be taken as prerequisites for Studio Art II.
Studio Art II

Studio Art II
(1⁄2 credit; fall or spring semester; open to Class 10-12; prerequisite: Studio Art I: Two-Dimensional Art and Studio Art I: Three-Dimensional Art* or Architecture)
*Students who have completed either Studio Art I: Two-Dimensional Art or Studio Art I: Three-Dimensional Art as well as art classes outside of St. John’s may enroll in the course with instructor approval through portfolio review.

Studio Art II is a semester-long course designed for those students interested in developing a portfolio for possible inclusion to college submission. Students who are submitting a portfolio to college are strongly advised to take Studio Art II prior to senior year.

Students are committed to developing mastery in technique, composition, and concepts as they explore their individual vision through a variety of materials. At the end of the course, students will submit a body of work composed of 3 Breadth artworks, and additional 3 Concentration artworks. The Breadth section of the portfolio is designed to help students build versatility in technique, while the Concentration section of the portfolio expands these skills through an investigation of a theme, concept, and/or style. Both sections are designed to help the student compile a comprehensive portfolio while building an ongoing appreciation and understanding of visual thinking through critical analysis.

Students are required to commit extra studio time outside of class periods to develop and refine work for this course. The grade is based on quality of individual portfolio work, time and quality of commitment, idea development, and meeting deadlines. The final presentation will be graded as the Final Exam for the course.
Architecture

Architecture
(1⁄2 credit; fall or spring semester; open to Class 9-12)

This course introduces the concepts and techniques of architecture. The class assignments teach drawing, drafting, and model building skills. Fundamental concepts in architecture are explored (space, scale site, structure, path of movement, functional design, etc.) through studio projects, sketchbook, research, and lectures on architectural history. Houston architectural history, architecture schools, and careers in architecture are explored through field trips and by visiting architects. Through hands-on individual and group design exercises, students will learn fundamental skills of drafting through drawing various architectural plans, developing model building techniques, and exploring 3D rendering tools such as Sketch-Up. Projects involve the use of sustainable architectural practices, residences, parks, and mass transit train stops. Students will present their final designs to the class through presentation board and models. Architecture may be taken as a prerequisite course for Studio Art II.
Photography I

Photography I
(1⁄2 credit; fall or spring semester; open to Class 9-12)

This course introduces the processes, techniques, and skills of photography. Photographic images will be made using digital cameras, and it is optional to use film cameras. Four major projects, Composition, Portraits, Night, and Narrative, are assigned in the course of the semester to help develop compositional skills and to learn basic camera functions. A History of Photography, from invention of the process to the late 20th Century, is discussed and is the material for the course’s Quiz. Students will also maintain an online Flickr photo journal in between major projects. Basic digital photography editing, color balancing, and printing techniques will be introduced. Students need to supply their own digital camera, tripod, card reader, and USB flash drive.
Photography II

Photography II
(1⁄2 credit; fall or spring semester; open to Class 9-12;
prerequisite: Photography I)

This course further develops photographic skills in the lighting studio setting and with advanced digital techniques. Digital cameras are still primarily used and required, and film cameras are optional. Four major projects, Studio & Environmental Portraits, Re-Mix (Independent Research), Panoramas, and Digital Alteration, will be utilized to develop more technical, digital, and studio lighting skills. The careers of several important photographers are discussed and are the material for the course’s Quiz. Students will also maintain an online Flickr photo journal in between major projects. Students need to supply their own digital camera, tripod, card reader, and USB flash drive.
AP Music Theory

AP Music Theory
(1 credit; open to Class 9-12)
Pre-requisite: Faculty approval or completion of the Introduction to Music Theory course.

The fall semester begins with a review of the fundamentals of staff-reading (considered prerequisite knowledge): Key signatures (major and minor), major and minor scales, intervals, triads, and the basic tenets of rhythm and meter (simple versus compound meters). The curriculum then moves into diatonic materials and
part-writing/voice-leading: diatonic triads, non-harmonic tones, and resolution of the dominant 7th chord will be included in this section. Students will perform Roman numeral analyses of excerpts from Classical literature. Aural training includes recognition of intervals, scales, and triads; sight-singing; and rhythmic and melodic dictation.

During the second semester, elements of chromatic harmony are explored, including secondary dominants, scalar variants, modulation, modal borrowing, Neapolitan 6th, and augmented 6th chords. Musical forms, phrase and period structure, and modes are also studied. Aural training includes continued melodic dictation and sight-singing, as well as the addition of harmonic dictation. A brief introduction to 20th and 21st century musical elements is presented. Musical eras will be studied through student research/presentation projects.
Digital Applications in Video I

Digital Applications in Video I
(1⁄2 credit; fall or spring semester; open to Class 9-12)

This course covers the basics of how a movie is made and how a movie’s elements are critiqued. Students will learn how to create and alter digital video with Adobe Premiere, capturing video clips, applying special effects, and mixing audio. There will be an in-depth look at digital audio manipulation through programs such as Adobe Audition. Other programs that are introduced are Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Digital Applications in Video II

Digital Applications in Video II
(1⁄2 credit; fall or spring semester; open to Class 9-12; prerequisite: Digital Applications in Video I)

This course succeeds Digital Applications I and requires its successful completion (or equivalent) for enrollment. It focuses on more advanced elements of script and film production. Students learn how to create longer and more polished videos on a variety of subjects. Students will also receive a hands-on study of live video production. A final project demonstrating mastery of all the course elements is required of all students.
Graphic Arts and Game Design I

Graphic Arts and Game Design I
(1/2 credit; fall semester; open to Class 9-12)

In Graphic Arts and Game Design I, students will learn to produce interactive landscapes that focus on graphic and game design principles utilizing the Unreal Game Engine. Students will explore the graphic arts profession by designing, producing, and manipulating game assets such as 2-D sprites. Through this semester-long course, students will discover and experiment with concepts of: Story Construction, World-Building, Psychological Understanding of Game Design Choices, UI, Coding, Scripting, Sprite Creation, and Animation.
Graphic Arts and Game Design II

Graphic Arts and Game Design II
(1/2 credit; spring semester; open to Class 9-12)

In Graphic Arts and Game Design II, students will delve deeper into the interactive landscape of graphic arts and game design principles using the Unreal Game Engine. They will explore the field of graphic arts by designing, producing, and manipulating game assets, including 2D sprites and 3D modeled characters. Throughout this semester-long course, students will experiment with and apply concepts such as Color Theory, Animation, Character Design, 3D Modeling, Staging, and Rendering. Building on the skills acquired in Graphic Arts and Game Design 1, students will collaborate with a team to create a more comprehensive and complex design project.
Animation I

Animation I
(1/2 credit; fall or spring semester; open to Class 9-12)

An introduction to animation, utilizing the frame-by-frame illusion of movement to construct realities, tell stories and visually express themes and emotions. Students will learn to apply various animation principles successfully, such as ease-in, ease-out, anticipation, squash, and stretch. Students will explore multiple animation methods, including stop motion, paper cut out, and traditional hand-drawn animation. The class will introduce numerous stages of the animation process, from storyboarding and character design to keyframing and animatics. Students will learn how to use animation to captivate an audience through a sequence of moving images, all while referencing historical innovations and trends to develop a deeper understanding of animation as an art form. (This course will not be offered in 2025-2026.)

Theater

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Technical Theater and Design

Technical Theater and Design
(1/2 credit; fall and spring semester; open to Class 9-12)

This is a design-based course where students will learn the building blocks of each area of theatrical design (lighting, sound, scenery, costume) culminating in a final design project where students will execute a hypothetical design in an area they are interested in.
Acting I

Acting I
(1⁄2 credit; fall semester; open to Class 9-12)

This course will introduce students to the art of theatrical performance. Students will take the first steps toward understanding and analyzing text to create believable, realistic performances and characters through exercises and scene study. Monologues and scenes (showcasing writers from Shakespeare to more contemporary texts) will be memorized, rehearsed and performed. Performance “styles” and basic stage combat will also be introduced. Students will also be required to attend and review one school production during the semester.
Acting II

Acting II
(1⁄2 credit; spring semester; open to Class 9-12; prerequisite: Acting I)

This course will build on the principles learned in Acting I. Students will focus on developing their craft and honing the artist’s instrument. Stanislavsky-based text analysis will be emphasized in preparation for performance. (Offered in alternating years with Advanced Acting, this is available in 2025-2026.)
Advanced Acting: Performance for Film

Advanced Acting: Performance for Film
(1/2 credit; spring semester; open to Class 9-12; prerequisite: Acting I)

This course will build on the principles learned in Acting I but will adjust to on-camera performance. Students will begin to understand the differences between performance for theater vs. film and explore a variety of performance projects. Texts will cover a range of styles, including but not limited to commercials, voice-overs, television, and film. Scenes and monologues will be memorized and filmed to create a personal film reel as part of the
culminating project. Students will also learn about the business of film acting and explore film acting analysis. (Offered in alternating years with Acting II, this course will be offered in 2026-2027.)

Dance

All US Dance ensembles focus on a cumulative study of Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, and Jazz dance. Caprice II, III, and Terpsichore require an adjudication process for determining ensemble placement. With the exception of Caprice I, all dance ensembles are graded courses in which students will be evaluated on knowledge of terminology, application of technical skill, and the rehearsal and performance process. Participation in the spring dance concert is required for Caprice II, III, and Terpsichore. A passing grade does not ensure enrollment in a higher-level ensemble in the following year.

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Caprice I

Caprice I
(1 credit; pass/fail; year long; open to Class 9-12)

This is a non-graded, pass/fail course with no placement class required. The rehearsal process is incorporated into class throughout the year. This class meets during the ensemble/DaVinci periods four times per rotation. After the PE requirement is met, participation in Caprice I will earn one credit to meet the fine arts graduation requirement.
Caprice II

Caprice II
(1 credit; graded; year long; open to Class 9-12; graded; adjudication required)

The intermediate-level course explores more complex coordination and rhythmic patterning and develops more diverse movement qualities and dynamics. Dancers have the opportunity to work with a guest choreographer and are introduced to new artistic styles.
Caprice III

Caprice III
(1 credit; graded; year long; open to Class 9-12; graded; adjudication required)

This class develops increased awareness of musicality, qualitative aspects of movement, and the body as an expressive medium. This intermediate/advanced course gives dancers the opportunity to work with multiple guest choreographers, requiring them to learn at a more rapid pace and adapt to a variety of artistic styles.
Terpsichore

Terpsichore
(1 credit; graded; year long; open to Class 9-12; graded; adjudication required)

This advanced-level ensemble develops increased stamina, stronger focus and intention, and a deeper sense of nuance and personal expression. Dancers will collaborate with multiple guest choreographers in a deeper exploration of the creative process.

Choral

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Les Chanteuses

Les Chanteuses
(1/2 credit; pass/fail; year long; open to females in Class 9-10)

Les Chanteuses is a Class 9 and 10 performance-based treble choir that teaches vocal production, musicianship skills, and musical style interpretation through the study of a varied repertoire of choral literature. All choirs are open by audition.
Chorale

Chorale
(1/2 credit; pass/fail; year long; open to females in Class 11 and 12 and US males)

Chorale (a large mixed choir of Class 11 and 12 females and US males), is a performance-based ensemble that teaches vocal production, musicianship skills, and musical style interpretation through the study and performance of a varied repertoire of choral literature. All choirs are open by audition.
Kantorei

Kantorei
(1/2 credit; pass/fail; year long; by audition only; concurrent enrollment in Chorale required)

Kantorei is an a cappella chamber ensemble whose membership is auditioned from Chorale. It is considered an extra, enrichment singing opportunity in addition to the primary ensemble, Chorale. Kantorei rehearses three times in a seven-day rotation.

Instrumental Ensembles

Band

Placement in band ensembles: The band program is open to all students with experience playing a wind or percussion instrument including the following: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba or percussion. All students interested in playing in one of the band ensembles will receive audition materials to prepare for a placement audition, so they can be placed in the ensemble that best meets their skill level. Music for the audition will be available in the spring preceding the upcoming school year. The two levels of primary band ensemble are Concert Band and Symphonic Winds (select ensemble). An additional, optional secondary band ensemble is Jazz Ensemble. Jazz Ensemble members are also required to be members of a primary ensemble (except for guitar, bass, and piano).

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Concert Band

Concert Band
(1/2 credit; pass/fail; year long; open to Class 9-12)

One of two primary band ensembles that focuses on developing fundamental tone production, music literacy, and instrumental technical skills, through the study and performance of a variety of standards-based repertoire of instrumental literature. Open by placement audition to students with experience playing a school
band instrument. Students will be required to provide instruments, basic instrumental supplies, and concert black attire.
Symphonic Winds

Symphonic Winds
(1/2 credit; pass/fail year long; open to Class 9-12)

A select, primary band ensemble that teaches advanced tone production, music literacy, and instrumental technical skills, through the study and performance of a variety of standards-based repertoire of instrumental literature. Open by placement audition to students with experience playing a school band instrument. Students will be required to provide instruments, basic instrumental supplies, and concert black attire. Additionally, students will develop individual performance skills and honors through the study of etudes and solos, leading to participation in the TPSMEA All-State auditions and Solo Festival. (This ensemble will not be offered in 2024-2025.)
Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble
(1/2 credit; pass/fail; year long; open to Class 9-12)

A select, optional secondary band ensemble that provides additional performance opportunities through the study and performance of a variety of standards-based jazz and pop repertoire. Open by placement audition to students with experience playing a school band instrument as well as piano, guitar, bass guitar, and drum set. Students will be required to provide instruments, basic instrumental supplies, and concert black attire. Additionally, students will develop individual performance skills and honors through the study of etudes and improvisation, leading to participation in the TPSMEA All-State auditions.

Orchestra

Placement in strings: The string program is open to all students with experience playing a bowed string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass.) All students interested in playing in one of the string orchestras will be asked to prepare a placement audition. Students will receive audition music to prepare and play so they can be placed in the ensemble that best meets their skill level. Music for the audition will be available in the spring preceding the following school year. The two levels of orchestra are Philharmonia and Chamber Strings (select ensemble).

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Chamber Strings

Chamber Strings
(1/2 credit; pass/fail; year long; open to Class 9–12)

Chamber Strings is a select ensemble by audition, that, in addition to the repertoire performed with Philharmonia, will play music from the standard string orchestra repertoire. In addition to music from the string repertoire, the orchestras will accompany the choirs on choral-
orchestral works.
Philharmonia

Philharmonia
(1/2 credit; pass/fail; year long; open to Class 9–12)

Philharmonia offers instruction on string technique and string orchestra music, and performs in concerts with Chamber Strings, both as a stand-alone ensemble and combined with Chamber Strings.