The five areas available in fine and performing arts are studio art, art history, music (both vocal and instrumental), theatre, and dance. A wide array of performance opportunities are offered through the extra-curricular program, liturgies, and assemblies. Art shows and competitions with other schools are opportunities available for students interested in the visual arts. The band and chorus are coed and meet before school. Orchestra is coed and meets after school.

Department Members Art Buckley, Performing Arts Department Chair Kimberly Fuselier Mendoza Jeremy Wood Felicia Miller, Drama Department Laura Costa, Art Department Chair Ellen Orseck Terry Suprean

Fine and Performing Arts Courses

FINE ART ELECTIVES

801 ART HISTORY A (1/2 credit)
Art History-A students learn to recognize major artists, styles, time periods, and the historical importance of art from pre-history to the Gothic period. Discerning significance and relevance of art to the lost cultures or distant societies that created it is a continual focus of the class. Students examine shifts and trends in art and architecture and correlate them with events from history. The course will equip the student with the skills to evaluate and appreciate art more fully making travel or a visit to a museum or gallery so much more enriching.
Offered in the fall.

802 ART HISTORY B (1/2 credit)
Art History B surveys painting, drawing and architecture from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. Lovers of contemporary art will enjoy this course but it is also beneficial to the student who hopes to more fully understand art and the various motivators for art. Students will trace the evolution of styles, techniques, trends, concepts and functions of art from the early Renaissance period to the present. Students are encouraged to recognize commonalities of purpose and historical and cultural influences in various art forms. Art History A is interrelated to this course but is not a necessary pre-requisite. Students who aspire to take both courses should schedule them in chronological order.
Offered in the spring.

805 DRAWING 1 (1/2 credit)
This course is ideal for timid beginners and experienced artists. Drawing 1 students explore their own potential in experimenting with pencil, charcoal, conte, ink and a variety of application methods through a series of technical and creative assignments. The Drawing 1 student gradually develops the ability to render real and imagined imagery through the mastery of sensitive observation, sketching skills, value and texture reproduction, perspective application, and design principles.
Open to Strake Jesuit students.

810 DRAWING 2 (1/2 credit)
Drawing 2 will lead the art student into a wide exploration of drawing materials and techniques including wet and dry color, ink, charcoal, and mixed media. Creative problem solving is key in each new assignment. Drawing 2 encourages serious students to develop personal expression and ideas in drawing, individual style and professionalism in one's work.
Prerequisite: Drawing 1 or teacher approval. Open to Strake Jesuit students.

820 ADVANCED STUDIO ART (1/2 credit)
This one semester course provides students with the opportunity to concentrate on portfolio building and competition. Students employ a variety of drawing, painting, and mixed media to create professional quality work. The course is designed to challenge the art student creatively and technically and to encourage independent problem-solving. Research and outside preparations are an integral part of the course work. Advanced Studio students enjoy a full day field trip to museums, galleries and visits from guest artists.
Prerequisite: Drawing 1 and Beginning Painting, Drawing 2.  Offered in the fall. Open to Strake Jesuit students.

821 ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO (1/2 credit)
Students employ digital photography, and video media to create professional quality work. The course is designed to challenge the art student creatively, intellectually, and technically and to encourage independent problem-solving. Research and outside preparations are an integral part of the course work. Advanced Studio students enjoy a full day field trip to museums, galleries and visits from guest artists. The course ends in a group showing of work curated by the students.
Prerequisite: Digital Photography or Video Production, and any other art course.  Offered in the spring.   Open to Strake Jesuit students.

832 BEGINNING PAINTING (1/2 credit)
Students will employ their Drawing 1 skills in combination with color theory instruction to create original paintings. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of media; Prisma pencil, watercolor, acrylic and oil paint. This is an excellent course for ambitious students who wish to compete and build portfolios.
Prerequisite: Drawing 1. Open to Strake Jesuit students.

835 ADVANCED PAINTING (1/2 credit)
Advanced Painting is a rigorous one-semester course for experienced art students who have taken introductory painting classes. This class affords students an opportunity to delve deeper into various painting techniques and to expand their knowledge base of painting media and the surfaces on which artists paint.  Assignments investigate established techniques of oil paint, watercolor and acrylic paint as well as more experimental and contemporary media including assemblage, collage, photomontage, and installations. Students examine the relationships between art and society, mass media, realism, surrealism, abstraction and design by exploring art history, visits to museums, galleries, artists' studios and visiting artists.  On the average, assignments are completed every two weeks followed by critique.
Prerequisite: Beginning Painting or Advanced Studio Art.  Offered in the spring. Open to Strake Jesuit students.

840 GRAPHIC ARTS (1/2 credit)
Students in this course will work with digital media in the creation of graphic and commercial arts projects.  Students will learn the graphic side of Adobe Photoshop, commercial photography, and design techniques.  Projects revolve around creating graphic art campaigns for many different commercial purposes, such as; poster design, CD packaging, logo and typography design, web identity design, illustration, and more.  Students will also delve into the rich history and theory of graphic design as it has evolved over the years into the digital era.

856 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (1/2 credit)
The photography student will learn how to photograph, develop, digitally edit, and print photos using digital cameras, Adobe Photoshop, and Ink Jet Printers. Photography students are expected to master the fundamental principals of "design," lighting, basic digital camera operation, and computer photography software. Digital Photography is a hands-on course and demands a substantial time commitment (beyond class time.)
Prerequisite: Teacher approval of student's digital camera (3 mega pixel or higher-4 mega pixel recommended) before registration. Preference is given to students in upper levels.

PERFORMING ARTS ELECTIVES

885 AMERICAN CINEMA (1/2 credit)
This course offers a cultural examination of the American movie-making industry, with particular attention paid to the economic and aesthetic institution of Hollywood. Students will study and watch Classic and Modern American movies from comedies to westerns and learn about each different genre. The course will concentrate on basic concepts and ideals pertaining to how our own American culture was influenced by film, and how film was influenced by our culture. Class discussion and participation will be a large percentage of our class time. A small portion will be dedicated to writing film critiques by analyzing and seeing a film through new eyes. We will not only watch and discuss individual films, but will focus on the different genres, topics, and periods of American film history.

887 INTRODUCTION TO ACTING (1/2 credit)
This is a class for the beginning actor, or for the student who has had some acting or stage experience. This class is driven by participation and the student will be graded on their improvement from beginning to end. The student will receive a condensed version of Theatre and Acting History; Drama Terms & Lingo; while also learning about the techniques of acting, how to improve on them, thereby gaining more experience on stage and in front of an audience. Each student will perform monologues and be part of a short scene with dialog. Students learn by critiquing each other's performances in class
Open to Strake Jesuit students.

888 ADVANCED ACTING (1/2 credit)
This is the follow-up class to Acting I, or simply an advanced acting class. The student will learn advanced acting techniques; Stanislavski's "method acting;" pantomime, voice, stage blocking, and also concentrate on the different forms of drama-comedy, tragedy, and melodrama. Students will then perform scenes on stage in order to utilize the techniques that they have learned.
Prerequisite: Course 887 or approval from Ms. Miller. Offered in the spring.
Open to Strake Jesuit students.

890 TECHNICAL THEATER (1/2 credit)
This class is designed for students who want to work with stage lighting and sound. Theatre safety, use of lights in theatre, proper setting of lights, development of sound cues, proper use of sound equipment and theatre maintenance is covered in the course. The course requires participation in at least one production during the semester.
Taken at Strake Jesuit.

892 THEATER PRODUCTION (1 credit)
This is a performance-based course. The members of Theater Production are chosen by an application, audition, and interview process. The class is responsible for a majority of the production work done by the Southwell Players and Thespians. It explores audition, rehearsal, and production schedules. It provides students with opportunities to learn techniques in acting, directing, stage-management, costuming, designing and other theater production areas. Students are expected to actively contribute to current and upcoming productions as well as maintain academic eligibility to do so. This course meets after school, during production.
Taken at Strake Jesuit.

893 STAGE PRODUCTION (1 credit)
This class will meet every day after school from 3:15pm until 4:00 pm. The class concentrates on on-stage and backstage safety; building, designing, and producing set pieces, backgrounds, flats; adjusting and directing stage lighting; and producing the necessary set pieces for the St. Agnes main stage Fall and Spring plays, Spring Musical, Greek Theatre, and one-act / student-directed plays throughout the year.
Offered all year; each semester is ½ Credit. Open to Strake Jesuit students.

895 THEATRICAL DESIGN (1/2 credit)
This class teaches the student about the creating and designing process that goes on behind-the-scenes and makes the "Magic" of theatre possible. Each student will learn about the design and creation processes of stage make-up, masks, and costumes. Students will be assigned a play to design, and then make their own creations individually and in groups. This class also helps with preparing for mainstage productions throughout the performance schedule.
Prerequisite: Course 887, 888, or approval from Ms. Miller. Open to Strake Jesuit students.

899 DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE (1/2 credit)
This course will train students in several areas of acting, directing and writing for theater. It will help students understand and appreciate different performance and acting techniques as well as master all basic dramatic performance skills. It will also introduce students to the drama production process and to the techniques needed for performances and participation at evening and weekend theatrical events. All major grades are project oriented-including several acting performances, development of competition level interpretation pieces, participation in at least two weekend dramatic performance in the theater. An understanding of the historical place of theater in social structures will be emphasized.
Taken at Strake Jesuit.

MUSIC ELECTIVES

Chorus, Band, and Applied Music may be taken all four years. A student can gain most by taking part in a performing organization for four years. The group benefits also from the student's growing maturity and skill.

900 MUSIC THEORY I (1/2 credit)
This course is designed to give the student a background in the fundamentals of the language of music. It focuses on the mechanics of music as well as basics of music analysis. It is open to students of both Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes. Students should have some prior experience with music.
Taken at Strake Jesuit.

904 MUSIC THEORY II (1/2 credit)
This course continues the music theory background offered in the first semester course. It also has added emphasis on the analysis of music as well as the fundamentals of music arranging and composing. Music Theory I is a prerequisite.
Taken at Strake Jesuit.

906 FRESHMAN MUSIC LAB (1/2 credit)
This course is designed to enhance the level of basic music theory knowledge and playing fundamentals of incoming freshmen. It helps to advance the novice player to the performance levels of both the symphonic band and orchestra. It meets in the fall.
Taken at Strake Jesuit.

915 APPLIED MUSIC - PRIVATE VOICE (non-credit)
Private Vocal Instruction allows students an opportunity to receive instruction on a one-to-one basis. In coordination with the St. Agnes Academy Choral program, this course provides a total instructional program in music. Students will receive an in-depth study on vocal technique, posture, breathing, diction, foreign language and basic music theory as well as performance and audition techniques and opportunities. Students will perform a classical vocal recital at the conclusion of the spring semester and will also have the opportunity to attend and participate in master classes with professional artists. Students meet with the instructor for 45 minutes every 6-day cycle.
Cost is $350.00 per semester. Non-credit course. See music department for further information.

922 VOCAL PEFORMANCE (1/2 credit)
Do you enjoy singing with the radio, in the shower or in the church congregation? Have you ever wanted to have a place and people to sing with just for fun while at the same time improving your vocal skills? This course is geared towards the student who desires to gain an appreciation for music by singing within a group setting. It incorporates the teaching of music fundamentals and their application to all kinds of music. A wide range of vocal styles including musical theatre, popular, jazz and classical will be explored.
Open to Strake Jesuit students.

925 MIXED CHORUS (1 credit)
Mixed Chorus is composed of both St. Agnes and Strake students from grades 9-12. Selected by audition in April of the previous year, chorus members meet daily, Monday through Friday from 7:10 am to 7:50 am. Chorus members learn basic breathing and vocal focus and basic music theory. All members learn to sight read and are exposed to a variety of vocal styles, from Renaissance to Broadway. Every student is evaluated at least once a year by an individual jury, during which they perform chorus music in front of the music faculty. All students have the opportunity to perform at least three times a year, to audition for All State chorus, and to participate in the annual Chorus Tour.
Fee and uniforms are required. Audition required. Individual jury required at least once a year.

930 PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP (1 credit)
Performance Workshop is the premiere show choir offered by the St. Agnes Academy Department of Music. This ensemble is open to students in grades 10-12 by audition. A group of approximately 12-16 students will be selected by an audition in vocal skills and will be required to enroll in the course. Performance Workshop will present a broad spectrum of musical styles including popular, jazz, rhythm and blues, rock, country, Broadway and contemporary music. This show choir is a vocal ensemble that will facilitate continued development of vocal skills to enhance student's musical growth.
Audition required. Concurrent enrollment in Mixed Chorus required.
Out-of-school rehearsals and performances are a part of the instructional program and are required. Entry fees, travel and apparel expenses are borne by the student. Open to Strake Jesuit Students.

934 SJ/SAA SYMPHONIC BAND (1 credit)
The Strake Jesuit Symphonic Band performs at all home football and basketball games as well as Christmas and spring concerts. The group affords instrumentalists the opportunity for both solo and ensemble performance. The band is open to St. Agnes students by audition and can accommodate players from moderate to advance experience levels. Within the Symphonic Band is the Strake Jesuit Jazz Ensemble which offers a more intense and individualistic approach to jazz. The ensemble performs at Open House, Christmas, and spring concerts as well as some basketball games and is open to all band members by audition.
Taken at Strake Jesuit. Meets before school from 7:00-7:45.

938 SJ/SAA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (1 credit)
The Strake Jesuit Chamber Orchestra offers string players a chance to develop their talents by performing music from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. Concerts are given in the fall and spring and smaller ensembles afford individuals more intricate and advanced music. Players of all levels of experience are welcome.
Taken at Strake Jesuit. Meets after school from 3:15-4:00.

939 ORCHESTRAL WINDS (1/2 credit)
This class is designed to give the top wind players in the symphonic band credit for playing with the string orchestra. Full symphony orchestra literature is covered and rigid performance standards are expected. It meets each Monday and Thursday afternoon from 3:15 to 4:00 in both the fall and spring semesters and is open to Symphonic Band members by audition only.
Taken at Strake Jesuit. See orchestra director for further information.
The student must be in the class for a full year to receive ½ credit.