Fine & Performing Arts

Fine and Performing Arts Graduation Requirements (2 semesters)

Students are required to complete two semesters of Fine Arts. The University of California and the California State University systems require a full year of fine arts. UC and CSU also 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 at Loyola.

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.

Faculty

Fine and Performing Arts

Courses

Acting Workshop

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Teachers: Walter Wolfe
Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

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.

AP Music Theory

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Teachers: Steven Speciale
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Length: 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.

AP Studio Art

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Teachers: Cristina Saggese
Open to: Juniors, Seniors
Length: 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. Students are expected to develop two portfolios over a two-semester time frame, one focusing on a specific area of concentration, and a second portfolio called breadth, which includes a variety of images. By the end of the course, students should have at least twelve images for each portfolio, including five “quality” pieces that will be sent to the AP College Board for grading. Students will upload their 24 total images to the AP College Board website, and write their own commentary for the entire body of work.

Band

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Teachers: Michael Celenza
Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

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.

Black and White Film Photography

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Teachers: David Roberts
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

This foundational course introduces students to the principles of 35mm, black and white film photography. Through project-based learning, students will cultivate proficiency in the use of 35mm camera operation (aperture and shutter speed settings, light metering, lens focal length) in connection with the principles of photographic composition, framing, and the ability to read various light sources. Students will use darkroom equipment to develop their own film and make photographic prints from their negatives. The course emphasizes both technical and aesthetic fundamentals, while also understanding the historical, cultural, and social influences of photography throughout the world. Upon completion of the course, students will have a fluent understanding of camera operations, traditional darkroom developing techniques, and how to utilize composition in order to create an aesthetically pleasing, and thought provoking photographic image. Students will also be introduced to a digital supplement that involves the scanning of negatives and use of basic Photoshop CC to clean blemishes and adjust highlights and shadows. This exposure will help prepare students for AP Studio Art, and offer them a hard copy and digital portfolio of their work.

Ceramics

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Teachers: Patricia Meyers
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

This course is a studio-based introduction to ceramic art and processes. Historical and contemporary examples, aesthetics, and three-dimensional design principles will be highlighted through demonstrations, lectures, and tutorials. Students will learn a variety of hand building techniques, wheel thrown techniques, and casting techniques. Students will learn to finish their work through numerous decorative techniques using underglazes, engobes, high fire glazes, and low fire glazes. Class projects will place an emphasis on practical technique while also allowing each student to develop their personal aesthetic within the realm of ceramics. The course will cover numerous fundamental aspects of ceramic production. It will cover hand building (pinch, coil, soft slab, hard slab, press, and mold), wheel throwing (centering, pulling, shaping, attachments, cylinder, and bowl forms), and slip casting (one part plaster mold building, two part plaster mold building, and reproductive casting). This course will also cover numerous finishing glaze methods (engobes, underglaze, wax resist, latex resist, sgraffito, pouncing, stenciling, low fire, and high fire). Students will also look at Art History and work to understand the place and function of ceramics within the conversation of Contemporary Art.

Design

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Teachers: Jocelyn Grau
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

This class is an introduction to the fundamental principles of two-dimensional design. Students will achieve an understanding of line, form, texture, pattern, space, value, and color. Students will be introduced to the unifying principles of design and how to utilize them to create a compelling, easily understandable, and memorable image. Problems dealing with spatial organization, measurement, and composition are emphasized in numerous two-dimensional projects. Students will develop basic design skills through hands-on, tactile, project based art works that explore positive and negative space, scale and form, patterns, color, and image reproduction. Assignments explore the manipulation of numerous two-dimensional media, printmaking techniques, manual image reproduction, and proper usage of manual design tools. Students will also look at Art History and work to unravel the role of Design within the conversation of Contemporary Art and contemporary society.

Digital Photography

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Teachers: Rev. John Quinn, SJ, Jocelyn Grau
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

This is an introductory studio course in Digital Photography. In this course students will learn the fundamentals of photographic composition, camera operation, and digital photographic editing. The primary focus of this course is to teach the student to effectively use a digital camera and utilize computer software to make the most out of his photographs. Students will gain an understanding of the history of photography and begin to explore the expressive qualities of the photographic medium. Digital Photography is a hands-on, project based course. Students will learn the tools and techniques for creating compelling photographs. This course provides an understanding of the technical aspects of photography involving the operation of their DSLR camera, proper compositional skills, and photographic editing on computers. Students will be introduced to aesthetic principles of image making and will work to achieve technical and aesthetic excellence in all of their produced work. Individual creativity, visual problem solving, and precise craftsmanship will be stressed. Students will also look at the role of Photography in Art History and work to unravel its role within the world of Contemporary Art.

Important note: Students need access to a digital camera (other than a camera phone) in order to enroll in the Digital Photography class.

Drawing

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Teachers: Patricia Meyers
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

This class is an introduction to classical and contemporary drawing techniques. Students will develop an understanding and knowledge of line, shape, perspective, proportion, volume, and composition. Students will develop a full range of drawing skills, expand their vocabulary of mark making, make accurate perceptual drawings, and use those skills to hone their ability to self-express. Drawing is a basic studio course in the media and techniques of drawing. In class activity will emphasize the study and mastery of two-dimensional representation, multiple different drawing media, and teach students how to make informed choices in their methods of representation in order to accurately communicate with others through visual image making. Projects will consider the development of concept, compositional decisions, craftsmanship, experimentation, and expression. Students will also look at Art History and work to unravel the role of Drawing within the conversation of Contemporary Art.

Music 1

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Teachers: Steven Speciale
Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

An introduction to the fundamentals of music performance and theory. Students will be introduced to the elements of music theory and fundamental musicianship skills that lay the foundation for Advanced Placement Music Theory and beyond. Skills learned and topics covered include sightreading, pitch matching, rhythm, basic notation, music styles from ancient to contemporary, and world languages as they relate to music performance. Open to all students. No experience is necessary. If you have ever sung in a choir or play piano this course is recommended for you.

Music 2

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Teachers: Steven Speciale
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

Music 2 builds on the skills introduced in Music 1. More sophisticated musicianship skills are introduced and refined like aural and rhythmic dictation and sightsinging multiple clefs. The theory in Music 2 will adequately prepare students for AP Music Theory. An increasingly broad and sophisticated range of music repertoire is performed.

Open to students upon successful completion of Music 2 or by audition with the instructor.

Music Appreciation

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Teachers: Steven Speciale
Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

Music Appreciation explores the history, development, and compositional elements of music through innovative project-based learning lessons. With computers, mobile devices, and hardware, students practice critical listening skills and acquire appreciation for the composition of music and art through the practice of sound art and music composition. Performance skills are acquired through the lens of electronic music production including loop creation, editing, synthesis, programming, and audio software. Music background is not necessary as all skills will be taught. Advanced musicians of all sorts are encouraged to develop their skills in this class!

Piano

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Teachers: Michael Celenza
Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

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.

Fine Arts Directed Study

Department: Fine & Performing Arts
Open to: Seniors
Length: 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

Open to: Seniors
Length: 1 Semester

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.