Courses

Grade Level: Sophomore/Junior/Senior
Length: One - Two Semester(s)
Credit: 0.50 - 1.00 Pass/Fail option
Prerequisite: Instructor’s approval, based on student audition.

1604(F) Symphony Orchestra
1605(S)

Grade Level: Sophomore/Junior/Senior
Length: One - Two Semester(s)
Credit: 0.50 - 1.00 Pass/Fail option
Prerequisite: Orchestra string instrument skills at or beyond the high school sophomore level.

Students enrolled in Symphony Orchestra will have the opportunities to study, rehearse, and perform various styles of string and full orchestra music in large and small ensembles at the high school music grade 3, 4, and 5 levels. Literature will be selected to meet the abilities and interests of the individual student while also addressing the goals of the large ensemble. In recent years, the Symphony Orchestra has performed music of Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Fredrich Handel, Ludwig von Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Mikail Glinka. Students will perform in several formal concerts and chamber music events throughout the year. On an individual basis, students may audition for the IMSA Strolling Strings, the IMEA IX District Band and the Fox Valley High School Music Festival, and perform at the IHSA Solo & Ensemble festival. For additional information, please visit the IMSA Fine Arts Website.

1610(F) Concert Choir
1611(S)

Grade Level: Sophomore/Junior/Senior
Length: One - Two Semester(s)
Credit: 0.50 - 1.00 Pass/Fail option
Prerequisite: First Semester: Basic level ability of matching pitches
Second Semester: Satisfactory completion of one semester of Concert Choir or Chamber Choir or permission of instructor based on student's successful audition.

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore choral music on many levels. As performers they will discover and practice multiple aspects of singing including the development of proper vocal technique, the interpretation of music with stylistic and historical accuracy and the synergy of ensemble singing. Students will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills through rehearsal in small and large groups settings, score study, regular sight-singing experiences as well as through observation and critiques of both their own and other ensembles’ performances. Two major concerts are scheduled each semester. (Students enrolled in the Music Program are eligible to participate in any music sponsored co-curricular activity.)

1612(F) Chamber Choir
1613(S)

Grade Level: Junior/Senior
Length: One - Two Semester(s)
Credit: 0.50 - 1.00 Pass/Fail option
Prerequisite: Participation in IMSA Concert Choir or by audition; moderate to good music reading skills. Instructor's approval required

This course provides experienced singers with the opportunity to explore and perform advanced-level choral literature. The first semester emphasis is on Renaissance and a cappella music culminating in a series of Madrigal concerts in December. The second semester provides opportunities for solo, small and large ensemble singing through many diverse performing venues. Students will be challenged to continue developing their musical literacy, interpretive performing skills and aesthetic sensitivity through their study of a great variety of choral music. Two to four major concerts are scheduled each semester. (Students enrolled in the Music Program are eligible to participate in any music sponsored co-curricular activity.)

1621 Music Theory

Grade Level: Sophomore/Junior/Senior
Length: One Semester [Semester(s) offered based on student interest]
Credit: 0.50 Pass/Fail option
Prerequisite: A solid music foundation such as piano, chorus, band, orchestra

Music Theory is open to any student with a solid music background interested in learning the principles of writing and analyzing music. Students will learn the elements of music theory, including intervals, chord progressions, harmony, transposition, voicing, arranging and ear training. Final project will be arrangement and writing of a composition for full orchestra or concert band.

1630 Art Design I

Grade Level: Sophomore/Junior/Senior
Length: One Semester (offered Spring Semester only)
Credit: 0.50 Pass/Fail option
Prerequisite: None

Students will investigate the elements and principals of design through various styles and periods of art and art history. Students will create both two and three-dimensional solutions to design problems encountered. An emphasis will be placed on drawing, problem solving, aesthetics and reflection.

1631 Ceramics

Grade Level: Sophomore/Junior/Senior
Length: One Semester (offered both Fall and Spring Semesters)
Credit: 0.50 Pass/Fail option
Prerequisite: None

This course will provide students with the opportunity to explore methods of working with clay including hand building and throwing on the potter's wheel. Students will solve design problems in clay by considering aesthetic, historical, and technical processes related to ceramics. Students will have the opportunity to investigate traditional as well as new advances in technology with their learning, including firing methods, clay and glaze formulation and function. Demonstration of student learning will take place through production, critique and self-assessment.

1633 Photography

Grade Level: Junior/Senior
Length: One Semester (offered both Fall and Spring Semesters)
Credit: 0.50 Pass/Fail option
Prerequisite: None

This course will provide students with the opportunity to obtain a general overview of the uses for and history of photography. The course is specific to black and white photography. Students will learn to use photographic and aesthetic terminology and obtain practice in picture taking, film processing, printing, and professional display techniques. Through these experiences, students will gain confidence in both creating and evaluating photography as an art form. Students must supply their own 35mm SLR cameras and batteries.

1634 Advanced Ceramics

Grade Level: Junior/Senior
Length: One Semester (offered both Fall and Spring Semesters)
Credit: 0.50 Pass/Fail option
Prerequisite: Ceramics

This course will provide students who have proven themselves proficient in basic Ceramics, an opportunity to perfect basic skills, explore advanced techniques, and express their interests and creativity through individualized projects. Students in Advanced Ceramics will attend class with Ceramics students, but will be given individualized instruction appropriate to their skill level.