 Art Department Course
Descriptions
Introduction to Art - This course is designed to be a prerequisite to all other visual art courses. The student will gain experience in a variety of art mediums. The work done in this course is two dimensional, working with pencil, colored pencil, and pen and ink to give the student an introduction to drawing and confidence in basic drawing skills. Students will also be introduced to watercolor paint and color theory. Art supplies will be provided by the art department. Students are required to supply their own drawing pencils, eraser, colored pencils, and hand-held sharpener, purchased through the bookstore or on their own.
Drawing & Painting I -
This is an advanced course that allows students to further pursue their talents and creativity in a two dimensional format. Students will continue to develop their skills in drawing through still-life and beginning figure drawing. Students will also be introduced to watercolor paint and color theory. Those students interested in continuing their art education after high school will begin collecting projects to establish a portfolio. Students will be required to supply their own drawing pencils, eraser, hand-held sharpener. and a watercolor set and brushes, available through the bookstore or purchased on their own.
Ceramics -
This course involves the student in a variety of hand-building techniques to create three-dimensional ceramic pieces, both utilitarian and decorative in nature. Supplies will be provided by the art department. Students will be required to purchase a tool set through the bookstore or on their own.
Drawing & Painting II -
This is an advanced course structured for students who are interested in generating a portfolio and continuing their art education upon graduation. This course builds upon concepts studied in Drawing and Painting I. Students also will be introduced to acrylic paint and canvas. Students will be required to purchase their own drawing pencils, eraser, hand-held sharpener, and paint brushes at the bookstore or on their own.
Introduction to Commercial Art -
This course is an elective intended to provide students with a further understanding of composition and design. Students will begin the semester using pencil to solve black and white design problems. Students will also gain an understanding of how the computer can be used as a design tool. Necessary materials will be provided. Students will be required to purchase their own drawing pencils, eraser, and hand-held sharpener, available through the bookstore or purchased on their own.
Introduction to Music -
This course is an elective music class. The class deals with singing, creating, playing, and appreciating all honest styles of music, from Bach to contemporary. The "Three B's" (Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms) are among the classical composers studied. A basic study of music theory is a part of this course.
Concert Band -
Concert Band is for intermediate level band students. The class consists of rehearsals, lessons, music reading exercises, and other activities to develop the musical skills of its members. Concert Band performs in several concerts per year in conjunction with Walther's other bands and choirs.
Concert Band is open to students in grades 9 to 12 and no audition is required. Any student who has had previous musical training can benefit from this class. Students who previously played a band instrument but haven't played in a few years are especially welcome. Also, any student who has played piano (or another instrument) and wishes to learn a new instrument would find this class beneficial.
Wind Ensemble - Wind Ensemble is a band course composed of Walther's most advanced instrumentalists. We pride ourselves in being one of the finest high school bands in the area. In Wind Ensemble, the students learn about music through the performance of high quality music composed for today's wind bands. The Wind Ensemble provides music for basketball and football games, performs at least three major concerts, and travels on biennial tours.
Enrollment is open to all students in grades 9 to 12. The course is geared toward students who have taken lessons at the grade school level and have previous band experience.
Concert Choir -
This is an elective class, emphasizing the performance of high quality choral music. The students perform at Walther worship services, as well as in three public concerts a year. Music literacy is strived for, with a large amount of work given to both rhythmic and melodic sight-singing. Work on tone production, along with the attendant proper breathing techniques, vowel production and consonant articulation is done.
Any student willing to sing in public concerts, who can sing in tune, or wishes to learn how, will benefit from this class.
A Cappella Choir -
This is an elective class taken by those who are serious about studying the best in choral literature, and who wish to study the finest techniques in choral tone production. This is the "varsity" choir. Therefore, it performs regularly for Walther worship, at area Lutheran churches, on television, and also takes bi-annual weekend tours. This means a sacrifice of free time to take part in these events.
Any student with the discipline necessary to rehearse well, perform well, and who is looking for an outlet for the gift of singing which has been given to him/her will benefit from this class.
Music Appreciation -
Music Appreciation is an extensive study of how music affects our lives. The music of the Western hemisphere is studied, but there is also much emphasis on ethnic music of all types. The entire gamut of music, from "rock" to classical is explored and analyzed. The goal of the course is to help the students broaden their musical horizons. This goal is achieved through classroom instruction, cooperative and individual projects and use of the computer lab. |
