Chairperson:  Ms. Cristina Faulkner
Ext.: 213-381-5121, x386

Faculty List »

Department Requirements: The Loyola High School graduation requirement is one semester of fine arts. The University of California and the California State University systems require a full year of fine arts. UC and CSU require a student to complete both Parts I and II in the same fine and performing arts discipline. Although highly encouraged, Part I and II do not have to be completed in the same academic year.

Special Notes:

1. All Fine and Performing Arts classes meet the Loyola H.S. graduation requirement.
2. All Fine and Performing Arts classes meet the University of California system's art requirement. This is a two semester requirement.
3. All Fine and Performing Arts classes meet the California State system's art requirement. This is a two semester requirement.
4. All Fine and Performing Arts classes are figured into the student's GPA/class standing.
5. There is a lab fee charge made for each Fine Arts course taken.

Design 1 & 2

This course explores the fundamental compositional principles common to all visual arts.  Problems dealing with spatial organization are emphasized in both two and three-dimensional projects.  Students will develop basic design skills through exploring negative space, scale, patterns, and values.  Assignments explore the manipulation of paper, foam core, and mixed media with basic design tools such as x-acto knives, brushes, glue, ink, and tempera paint. 

Mr. Roberts, Ms. Faulkner

Black and White Film Photography 1 & 2

This course introduces students to artistic design and compositional skills through an exploration of Black and White Photography. Through project-based learning, students will be guided in the creative use of the camera, and a working knowledge of its accessories and the basic chemistry of image making. Students will use darkroom equipment to develop their own film and make a print from the negative. The second semester provides students with opportunities to extend and strengthen their knowledge and skills in this creative medium. This course will familiarize students with advanced and innovative materials, methods, and processes in order for them to develop a meaningful body of photographic work.

Mr. Roberts

Painting 1 & 2

This course develops the skills, techniques, and knowledge needed for the student to be able to reveal himself and his perceptions of his world through paint. The first semester stresses the art of color-mixing. Students complete projects that emphasize the successful application of the double primary or color bias system. The second semester stresses the creation of a body of work designed to reveal self and promote social change.

Mrs. Turner

Ceramics 1 & 2

This course develops the skills, techniques, and knowledge needed to express one’s self through hand-built ceramic forms. Emphasis in the first part of each semester is placed on the fundamentals of constructing various ceramic types and developing one’s abilities working with surface design and decoration. The second part of each semester deals with underglazing and glazing with an emphasis on using color creatively.

Mrs. Turner

Drawing 1 & 2

This course explores the fundamental principles, dynamics, and elements in the graphic representation of objects stressing a variety of techniques and media. An emphasis is placed on student understanding of form, structure, values, line, and perspective. Students will develop sensitivity to the visual world around them and develop analytical thought in relation to the shapes of natural and human-made objects. Students will be graded on their ability to consider the following in their work: perspective, light logic, contour, texture, and value among others. Abstract, symbolic, and reflective images will also be explored.

Mrs. Faulkner

Digital Photography 1 & 2

This course will cover the fundamentals of digital photography, including history of photography, photographic composition, camera operation, techniques, professional applications, printing, and digital editing and manipulation using Adobe Photoshop and similar programs. Students will develop an electronic portfolio of color and black and white photographs. Students will build on their knowledge of artistic composition and learn to apply design fundamentals to photography. Students will gain an understanding of the history of photography, camera operation, and how to edit, manipulate and present digital photos. Students will also learn how photography can be used as a tool to express one’s self. This course is open only to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Fr. Quinn S.J.

Digital Video 1 & 2

In this class, students will learn the art of film production by way of DV (digital video). By studying the key aspects involved in the contributing arts of scriptwriting, storyboarding, cinematography, sound capturing, and video editing, students will gain an understanding of the overall filmmaking process. In addition to these art forms, essential technical elements such as digital versus analog, digital compression, green screening etc. will also be covered. This knowledge will then be employed into the student’s film projects which will include the creation of news broadcasts, documentaries, and short films. Throughout the process, students will study the impact of film and television on society at large from various social, political, and economic perspectives. This course is open only to juniors and seniors.

With the foundations of video production in place, Digital Video Production 2 will build significantly upon the students' artistic knowledge and skill as it applies to filmmaking. Not only will contributive art forms (e.g., storyboarding, cinematography, editing) be explored in much greater depth, new and critical elements of filmmaking such as lighting, sound mixing and direction will be covered as well. In terms of projects, students will go through the full filmmaking process (pre-production, production and post production) as they work both individually and groups to create films that span a range of genres. Concurrently, this class will study the historic impact of film and television upon society from social, political, and economic perspectives. This course is open only to juniors and seniors.

Fr. Quinn S.J.

AP Studio Art

(2 semesters)

Over the course of this year long class, students with advanced skill in drawing, painting, or photography will build a portfolio of twenty-four exceptional works to be submitted to the AP board of review. Students diligently work in the media that best shows their creative spirit and artistic sentiments. Fast paced and intense, this class readies students for the rigors of a college level art studio environment. Students must have taken a year-long course in at least one visual art discipline, and be recommended to the class by their teacher.

Mrs. Turner

AP Music Theory

(2 semesters)

This course introduces the student to the basic skills involved in both listening to and writing music. The fundamentals of the reading and writing of music to be studied include: Elementary Theory: notation, clefs, key signatures, major and minor scales, intervals; Harmony: simple triads, choral progressions, melodies; Ear-Training: intervals, melodies, triads, melodies, some chord patterns; Composition: melodic structures and simple chord progressions. The basic performance instruments used throughout the course are voice, computer, and keyboard. Musical examples from the works of the major composers will be studied. In part, the examples will be used to exemplify those music fundamentals being studied. The examples will also be analyzed, using the same fundamentals to reach a more complete understanding of musical structure and meaning. Discussion and reflection upon various approaches to aesthetics will allow the student to discover possible approaches to a philosophy of music (and of the arts, in general) and to consider the possibilities of musical meaning. Instructor’s permission is required for enrollment.

Mr. Speciale

Music Appreciation 1 & 2

This course explores the history, development, and compositional elements of three major categories of music: classical, jazz and popular. Through innovative project-based learning lessons conducted in a music computer lab, students discover the fundamentals of music theory including scales, keys, chords, figured-bass, and harmony as well as the science of music.

Performance skills are acquired through the lens of electronic music production including loop creation, editing, synthesis, programming, and audio software such as Soundbooth, GarageBand, Logic, Ableton Live, Audacity, and Pure Data.    This course serves as preparation for AP Music.

Mr. Speciale

Band 1 & 2

This course emphasizes the art of musical ensemble performance. Students will learn to play an instrument in one of three band sections: brass, woodwinds or percussion. Many genres of concert band music will be explored. Attention to both historical and contemporary dynamics such as pitch, rhythm, and intonation will frame a student’s skill-building and ensemble technique.    Students also perform as soloists and will develop their individual artistry through an emphasis on accuracy, expression, and articulation through the study of music theory and ear training.    The first semester explores the fundamentals of reading music such as clef, key signature, time signature, and three-voice harmony. The second semester explores more complex chord structures, modulations, transposing, and composition. In both semesters, students will learn to listen more effectively, make historical connections, and evaluate instrumentation, period, and style.

Mr. Celenza

Music 1 & 2

Music is an introduction to the fundamentals of music theory and music performance through the practice of singing. Students will learn to read music, assess and perform moderately complex scores, understand pitch and rhythm, the fundamentals of vocal technique, and participate in music performances, both as individuals and in collaboration with others. Students with or without vocal or instrumental experience may be accommodated. 

Mr. Speciale

Piano 1 & 2

This course explores the art of solo piano performance. Students will be immersed in discovering and playing music from many genres. A student’s individual performance will be assessed based on their understanding and application of specific criteria such as tempo, accuracy, expression, and technique. Essential to this exploration will be music theory and ear training.    The first semester explores the fundamentals of music such as clef, key signature, time signature, and three-voice harmony. With an emphasis on developing compositional skills, the second semester explores more complex chord structures, harmony, and modulations. In both semesters, students will research important figures throughout the history of keyboarding, and will make presentations to demonstrate a synthesis of their learning.

Mr. Celenza

Acting Workshop 1 & 2

This course strengthens a student's creativity skills in becoming a successful storyteller.  Project-based learning methods explore each student's unique way of thinking and communicating as he investigates the synthesis of basic theatrical concepts into a cohesive whole.  Important learning objectives include the analysis and application of physical communication styles, dramatic structure principles, and oral interpretation techniques.  On a daily basis, students will rehearse and perform projects exploring creative visualization and communication feedback while collaborating with their classmates in an expressive learning environment.

This course is designed for the kinesthetic learner with a need to enhance his English skills, develop self-confidence, and boost self-esteem through fun, challenging, and non-traditional classroom activity. The first semester explores the fundamentals of becoming a confident and informed performer. The second semester synthesizes these basics by analyzing the actor’s understanding of performing styles and his connection to the history of theatrical art. By the end of the second semester, students will have performed in a variety of theatrical styles including improvisation, Shakespeare, and stage combat. If a student is interested in taking a leadership role on campus, this course provides the confidence and the tools to be a commanding presence on stage.

Mr. Wolfe

Directed Study

(1 semester)

This course is designed for serious and competent students who are interested in pursuing learning on their own. Students who apply for this course must detail in writing the nature of their study, which includes the topic, the objectives, the procedure, the readings and the assignments, and the method of evaluation for the course work. A selection of students will be made by the Fine Arts Department (in April for the fall semester; in November for the spring semester), and the students will sign a Directed Study Contract Agreement assuming full responsibility for the completion of their projects and their activity during the program. Because of the great demands made by this program, each teacher will be allowed only two Directed Study students per semester. Prerequisite: permission and approval of the department chairperson and the Directed Studies instructor.

Fine Arts Teacher Aides

This course is designed to give seniors, interested and talented in Fine Arts, an opportunity to aid Fine Arts teachers in their classes. Activities include tutoring students, and assisting the teacher in correcting exams. Prerequisite: Students must have a 3.0 GPA overall, a 3.0 GPA in Fine Arts, a willingness to accept the responsibility of helping to correct homework and exams, planning course materials, and working in the classroom every day. Permission of the instructor and department chairperson is required.

Ms. Faulkner