Arts
The Fine Arts Department, consisting of Music, Performing Arts, Digital Art, and Studio Art, educates each student by focusing on the individual discipline and utilizing values established in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education. The primary goals of the Fine Arts program are to expose the student to a variety of media from each of these disciplines, and to empower the work of creative imagination. Students learn how art mirrors a culture and gain appreciation of the artistic contributions of our global community, resulting in a deepened understanding of a variety of cultural perspectives.
We teach concepts, skills and learner traits. Concepts deal with aesthetics, discipline, balance, form, pace, rhythm, perception and essential ideas. Skills are the mechanics of our disciplines - the manual dexterity of the artist in the studio, the ability to communicate and express ourselves with poise on stage, and the ability to make music with confidence and joy.
Fine Arts courses place special emphasis on many positive traits; passion and curiosity which drive and motivate us, self-discipline and assurance which allows us to act with courage and resilience in our global community, imagination to see a variety of solutions to a single problem. These concepts, skills, and traits are essential to a well-rounded arts education and a well-rounded life.
2021-2022 Course Offerings
Middle School: 5th-8th Grade
Students in grades 5-8 will have the chance to enroll in a variety of semester-long electives over the course of their middle school experience. Below is a list of potential courses
Grade Five
Fifth Grade Music
In fifth-grade Music, students learn basic vocal technique including good breathing, speaking and singing habits, as well as some basic music theory and personal presentation strategies. Skills are put to practical use as students design and present spoken and sung performance art.
Fifth Grade Visual Art
Fifth-grade Studio Art consists of an introduction to a variety of materials and techniques along with study of design concepts and global art history. Students work with mediums of drawing, painting, ceramics and more. In addition to hands-on making and attention to craftsmanship, students begin to explore skills of observation and imagination. Fifth graders will learn with and through mistakes, begin to make creative choices, and reflect, in order to evolve their work.
Grade Six
Sixth Grade Visual Art
Sixth-grade Visual Art focuses on an exploration of art materials, along with an introduction to design concepts and global art history. In addition to daily hands-on art-making, students critically reflect upon their creations. Sixth graders work to improve their skills of observation and imagination, and they begin to develop confidence in their creative choices.
Sixth Grade Performance Skills
In this performance skills class, students study theatre, spoken word art, and learn effective singing, speaking, and dance techniques. Throughout the semester, the students design, implement and perform their holiday concert. Students explore all aspects of performance from the perspectives of performer, director, producer and costume designer. The students learn how to be creative individuals within a strong ensemble. The entire class performs together in a semester-end concert.
Grades Seven and Eight
Seventh/Eighth Grade Visual Art
In Studio Art, students learn the skills and habits of an artist using a variety of media. They will hone foundations skills in drawing and painting through the exploration of the Elements and Principles of Art and Design. In addition to hands-on art-making, students ground their studio work in the larger context of art history, contemporary culture and global issues. Students study various sources of artistic inspiration, continue to build confidence in their creative choices, and use feedback to refine and evolve their work.
Potential Middle School Electives for All Grades
Computer Programming
This elective course is an introduction to programming. Students explore the tools to problem solve using design and testing though Python. Python is a great starting point for programming; it can be similar to giving directions in English and can be learned with relative ease. Python is also a language used by programming professionals. Students will attempt to break down broad problems into sub-problems and will have the opportunity to write clear and concise projects.
Drama
In drama, students develop an appreciation of theatre and the ability to perform through an introduction to the basic concepts and skills of acting. Through viewing and participating in performance activities, students will enhance imagination, poise, and confidence. Over the course of the semester, students will explore the following topics: actor and theatre vocabulary, pantomime and storytelling, vocal expression and health, as well as create and cultivate characters through improvised and scripted scenes. Students will develop skills such as: non-verbal communication, vocal flexibility, memorization, script scoring, and collaboration on preparing a polished scene study. Students develop their projects using coaching from their peers and their teacher. At the end of the semester, the class demonstrate their skills by performing a short, memorized scene study with a partner.
Ceramics
Computer Programming Basics
Computer Programming Basics introduces students to basic computational thinking concepts and basic programming skills. Problem-solving and teamwork are emphasized. Students begin the semester working in teams to program our NAO robot (Rosie) to dance or tell a story. Rosie is programmed using Choreograph, a block-programming language. Rosie can also be programmed using Python. During the second half of the semester, students study Python. They learn new skills through in-class activities and apply them during self-selected independent and group projects. Project management, record keeping, and self-reflection are practiced regularly as students make use of the creative design process to turn ideas into products.
Drama
In drama, students become more confident as communicators and performers. During the semester, students rehearse and perform a published break the steps of monologue performance into small, attainable goals, such as facial expressions, physical gestures, movement, eye contact, and vocal expression. Each student’s preparation process includes coaching from her peers and her teacher, as well as video and audio feedback. During the second half of the semester, each student either creates a monologue journal and develops one of her favorite entries into a refined theatrical piece, or she writes a short play in collaboration with a group. The original pieces are rehearsed and performed as a final project.
Graphic Design
In graphic design, students are introduced to the elements and skills making up good design. The semester begins with an overview of design. Students study categories of typefaces and their uses in design, and learn about the basic design principles of proximity, alignment, repetition, and contrast. Students then build upon their design skills to create posters, flyers, and other products combining type and images for on- campus advertising use. Students work with the programs Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create vector-based images, while learning other features of the programs.
Introduction to Creative Writing
In this semester-long course, students will unleash their creative writing voices. Expanding on the writing skills they’ve developed in their English and writing classes, students will explore the writing process across a variety of creative modes. Students will help construct this workshop-style course through model selection and genre prioritization. While the course will focus on process, feedback, and iteration, it will also include publication and/or performance elements in order to share and celebrate the work of the students. Publication/ performance modes may include blogs, slam style events, or participation in Write the World competitions.
Maker Lab: High-Tech Wearables
Public Speaking
Public speaking class is designed to help each student develop poise and confidence when speaking to groups of people. Each project is designed to develop skills applicable to real-life communication situations. Additionally, students learn about vocal health and vocal anatomy. The projects for this class involve prepared opportunities for practicing public speaking. Planned projects may include, but are not limited to, formal introductions, reading aloud to a large audience, story-telling, dramatic monologues, debate skills, and poetry recitation.
Video Production
High School: 9th-12th Grade
Music
Glee
Year-long
Glee is a year-long non-auditioned choir. Over the course of the year students will learn the basics of good singing, presentation skills and different genres of choral music from traditional to pop. The course is focused on building community through singing and developing good basic singing and presentation skills. One highlight of every year is the Composer Workshop where we prepare music of a composer we enjoy and then spend a weekend with that composer exploring their music and creative process.
Glee meets outside of the regular school day.
Chamber Choir
The Chamber Choir is a year-long auditioned and select choir that meets once a week after school on Wednesdays, and approximately once a month after school on Tuesdays. Chamber Choir is a musical ambassador for the school which performs outside of school and tours every other year. Choir members will have an advanced sense of pitch and musicality, be able to learn advanced choral repertoire independently, as well as to commit to our rehearsal and performance schedule.
Chamber Choir meets outside of the regular school day.
Beginning Handbells
Students learn basic music reading and ensemble skills in a context of preparing music for performance, covering a variety of musical styles. Class includes one evening concert each semester as well as participation in liturgies and school assemblies. (Maximum class size of 22.)
Beginning Handbells meets outside of the regular school day.
Advanced Handbells
Students increase their music reading and performance skills while expanding into areas such as conducting, arranging, and concert planning. In addition to one on-campus evening concert each Semester, this class includes several off-campus performances as well as participation in liturgies and school assemblies. (Maximum class size of 14.)
Advanced Handbells meets outside of the regular school day.
Digital Music Technology
Hands-on exploration of music technology, including synthesizers, digital audio software, and virtual studio technology. Basic music theory concepts and compositional techniques are covered as well. Students will end the class with a portfolio of multimedia examples they have created. This class makes use of the Digital Media Lab.
Topics in Music History
This course is offered every other school year. It will be offered again in the 2021-2022 school year.
The arts have held up a mirror to society for all recorded history. This course explores culture and its expression through music and other performance- based art beginning with the early middle ages and advancing through the culture and music of the western European peoples, including some world music and popular music of the 20th and 21st Century. Students will listen, watch, write and discuss as we march up through the centuries learning about the humanity and creativity of those who came before us as artists.
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: Open to all students
Credit Earned: 0.5 Fine Arts
Performing Arts
Theater Arts Production
High School Theater and its participants have helped shape our society throughout history. The theater program is designed to challenge, excite, empower, ignite, and celebrate girls as they delve into the Art of being Human. Why theater at Forest Ridge? Girls will explore the following in this program - how empathy changes the world, personal expression, public presentation skills, the power of storytelling, time management, communication skills, trust with self and others, diligence, generosity of spirit, acting technique, vocal technique, dance technique, and much more. All students are invited to participate in this ever-evolving program. There are two main projects a year allowing those with multiple interests to choose a season that works for them.
High School Drama Production is a currently an afterschool activity at Forest Ridge
Rhetoric
This course is offered every other school year. It will be offered again in the 2022-2023 school year.
This course presents a unique opportunity for in intensive practice and development of oral presentation and academic writing skills. Students will work to create meaning and knowledge through writing and speaking as they negotiate issues of language, culture, and power. This workshop-type course explores and develops presentation skills for students through projects that include, but are not limited to, debate, impromptu speaking, oration and civil discourse, mock interviews, and tools for cross cultural dialog. While the teacher will 18 provide exercises and projects, students will work towards meeting their own goals, and evaluation will be based on growth. Students may earn credit for either a Fine Arts class or an English elective.
Dance
Dance: Technique
This course is offered every other school year. It will be offered again in the 2022-2023 school year.
Students in this course will experience multiple forms of dance through their history, movement vocabulary, and works of choreography. Forms may include Modern/Contemporary, Ballet, Hip Hop, West African, and others. While exploring these forms, students will develop confidence, body awareness, and performance skills, and will have opportunities to choreograph their own works. The material in Dance: Technique is suitable for students with any level of previous dance experience or none, from first-time beginners to advanced dancers! This course satisfies the prior dance experience prerequisite to choreograph for DanceFest.
Dance: The Creative Process
This class is offered in alternate years. It will be offered in the 2022-2023 school year.
Students in this course will experience multiple forms of dance through an exploration of the creative process. Over the semester, students will build foundational skills in choreography using movement vocabulary from Modern/Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and other forms of dance. Students will develop confidence in movement improvisation and create short solo works, big group dances, and everything in between! No prior dance experience necessary; the material can be tailored to any level of dance background. This course satisfies the prior dance experience prerequisite to choreograph for DanceFest.
Studio Art
Drawing and Painting I
One Semester
This course is open to all students who want to explore various drawing and painting mediums, like pencil, pen, charcoal, scratchboard, paint, pastels, and watercolor, and understand when and where those mediums and techniques were used in art history. By the end of this course, students will know how to successfully implement shadows by blending values, utilize the grid-transfer, mix colors, add texture, and more. Students will create numerous paintings and drawings as they find their artistic voice while deeply understanding the Elements and Principles of Art and Design.
Drawing and Painting II
Students will extend and cultivate their understanding and development of various drawing and painting mediums and techniques in this Semester course. This course builds on fundamental skills learned in Drawing and Painting I, and encourages students to continue to find their artistic voice while deeply understanding the Elements and Principles of Art and Design. Students will view, research and take inspiration from modern and historical artists. Students will practice incorporating personal meaning to their work . (Limited to 18 students.)
Studio Art I
This course is open to juniors and seniors who have previously taken a studio art course and who have passed a portfolio review. This course is designed for art students who can work independently, are critical and creative thinkers, and may consider a further pursuit of art at a higher academic level. Students will explore a wide variety of art mediums and techniques to strengthen their artistic voice. Studio Artists will deep dive into research of global historical and contemporary artists to inform and inspire their own work. Students will begin to develop a portfolio of work that investigates thematic personal expression.
Studio Art II
This year-long course is open to Seniors who have successfully completed Studio Art I. This course will be a continuation for students to build their portfolio by strengthening their skills with art mediums and processes. Many projects include a research component, and students will work independently to create a body of work with an over-arching theme/concentration that will culminate in an art show at the conclusion of the year. Students will work with instructor to establish goals and assessment tools and will track their progress as they build their portfolio.
Creative Arts
Design Thinking I
This semester long course is an introductory course to the visual arts. This course is open to all students who want to explore the elements of art and the principles of design through two- and three-dimensional art making. Students experience drawing, painting, graphics, printmaking and sculpture, and learn more about their world by studying the many art worlds in which artists engage.
Design Thinking II
This semester class offers students the opportunity to delve deeper into the art making processes explored in Design Thinking I. Students generate and conceptualize artistic ideas, adding to their art-making skills with a variety of art mediums. There is an added component of art and design utilizing the Forest Ridge Shop, with projects using the laser and vinyl cutters, 3D printing and more. Students learn about artists throughout history and about the art of contemporary artists.
Digital Photography and Graphic Design I
This course is offered every other school year. It will be offered again in the 2022-2023 school year.
This semester-long course will combine principles of digital photography and imaging with elements of graphic design. Students will begin by exploring essential aspects of digital photography: What is aperture? Shutter speed? ISO? White Balance? Light Meter? How is Photoshop used to effectively edit photos? This first part of the course will focus on basic camera mechanics and the development of compositional skills. Students will learn photo editing techniques utilizing Lightroom and Photoshop. With basic photography skills firmly in place, students will then begin an exploration of graphic design, with a focus on typography, illustration, and color theory. The course will culminate in a short project that combines all these skills.
This course requires students to have a digital single lens reflex camera, one which allows students to manual control over aperture and shutter speed. Cell phone cameras are not acceptable.
Digital Photography and Design II
This semester long course extends the skills learned in Digital Photography and Design I. The class is organized around design challenges that allow students to experiment with more advanced photography skills such as long exposures and double exposures. Likewise, students deepen their understanding of Photoshop® with projects that focus on advanced compositing skills. These design challenges will also give students opportunities to explore more advanced aspects of graphic design such as sequence, visual hierarchy, grouping and symbol recognition. Students are assessed through the development of a portfolio developed throughout the semester.
This course requires students to have a digital single lens reflex camera which allows students to have manual control over aperture and shutter speed. Cell phone cameras are not acceptable.
Ceramics I
This course introduces the student to several different methods of hand-building and wheel work. All ware is fired and glazed and put on display throughout the school. Students also learn to work with several different types of clay and glazes. Maximum class size of 12 students.
Ceramics II
This course provides the opportunity for students to expand on their ceramics fundamental skills while diving deeper into their personal style. Students will explore new construction methods and surface design techniques. Research of global historical and contemporary ceramic artists will influence project choices and areas of independent study. There will be many opportunities for students to display and present their work. Maximum class size of 12 students.
*Course offerings are based on student interest and minimum enrollment requirements; therefore, some classes listed may not be offered every school year.