OLSH

Fine Arts

700 – ART APPRECIATION
Credit - 0.50
Junior
Standard Grading

This course is required for junior students and uses the great masters of visual arts to introduce the elements and principles of art to students. Students learn how to analyze art through subject matter and emotional impact. The history of art from prehistoric times through modern times is surveyed and compared to contemporary artists and art styles. This is a year-long class that meets two regular class periods per cycle.

710 – STUDIO ART I
Credit - 0.50
All Students
Standard Grading
Elective

Studio Art I teaches students how to develop and improve their drawing skills. Students work on various drawing projects using a variety of media. Students also learn about arts and crafts from different cultures through an assortment of studio projects.

715 – STUDIO ART II
Credit - 0.50
Sophomore, Junior, & Senior
Standard Grading
Elective

Studio Art II introduces the elements and principles of art through various studio projects. Drawing, painting and graphic arts are emphasized. Students work with a variety of media and experiment with different techniques. This is a year long class that meets two regular class periods a cycle. Prerequisite is Studio Art I.

717 – STUDIO ART III
Credit - 0.50
Junior & Senior
Standard Grading
Elective

This class is a continuation of Studio Art II, designed to increase students’ art skills and help develop their individual style through a variety of projects. Sculptural projects will be emphasized. Prerequisite is Studio Art II.

719 – STUDIO ART IV
Credit - 0.50
Senior
Standard Grading
Elective

Students continue to develop their artistic skills through a variety of projects and media. Portfolio development will be part of the class work. Prerequisite is Studio Art III.

721 – CERAMICS I
Credit - 0.50
All students
Standard Grading
Elective

This class teaches basic techniques of hand building. Students design functional and decorative pieces and learn about various types of finishing including under-glazing, glazing, resists, burnishing and acrylic painting. Ceramics from assorted cultures and various ceramic artists are explored. This is a year long class that meets two regular class periods a cycle.

722 – CERAMICS II
Credit - 0.50
Sophomore, Junior, & Senior
Standard Grading
Elective

Students are introduced to wheel throwing techniques, advanced hand building and sculpture. Additional finishing techniques are also introduced. Students organize and participate in a pit firing in the spring. Prerequisite is Ceramics I. This is a yearlong class that meets three regular class periods a cycle.

723 – CERAMICS III
Credit - 0.50
Junior & Senior
Standard Grading
Elective

This course continues the study of ceramics with more involved projects with the emphasis on sculptural and functional forms. Slip casting and use of molds is introduced as well as Raku firing. Emphasis is on developing individualistic style through projects. Prerequisite is Ceramics II. This is a yearlong class that meets three regular class periods a cycle.

724 – CERAMICS IV
Credit - 0.50
Senior
Standard Grading
Elective

Independent study. Prerequisite is Ceramics III. This is a yearlong class that meets three regular class periods a cycle.

728 – ART AIDE
Credit 0.50
Senior
Pass/Fail Grading
Elective

This course is for serious art students. Aides will help prepare materials for classes and help with displays and art shows. Time will also be used for independent art projects and portfolio development.

730 – MULTICULTURAL STUDIO ART
Credit - 0.50
All students
Standard grading
Elective

This course introduces students to a variety of cultures through the study of their arts and crafts. Geographic areas to be covered are Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Central and North America. After students study examples from a particular culture, they use similar techniques to create their own works of art. This is a year long class that meets two regular class periods a cycle.

731 – DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Credit .50
All students
Standard Grading
Elective

Learn the basics of using a digital camera as well as what goes into taking a good picture. The software, Adobe Photoshop Elements, will be used to manipulate images and to explore the creation of digital art.

732 – CHINESE ART AND CULTURE
Credit .50
All students
Standard Grading
Elective

Learn about one fifth of the world’s population through the study of their art. Course work will include studying artifacts, creating modernized versions, as well as discovering the Pittsburgh connection to China.

733 – ADVANCED DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS
Credit .50
Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Standard Grading
Elective

This class will continue using digital cameras and the software, Adobe Photoshop Elements to create original digital art. Graphic design principles will be taught and student projects will be geared towards demonstrating these principles. Projects will become more advanced and students will be encouraged to express their creativeness. Prerequisite, Digital Photography and Photoshop Elements.

740 – MUSIC APPRECIATION
Credit - 0.50
Junior
Standard Grading
Elective

This course is required for all junior students and includes the study of the history of music, which stresses music ages, famous composers, and musical instruments. Basic music theory is also studied including notes and rhythms in order that the students understand how music functions in group settings. Emphasis is on the appreciation of all musical forms and styles, how music enhances other art forms, and everyday life.

750 – CHORUS
Credit - 0.50
All students
Pass/Fail Grading
Elective

This course is open to all students with or without experience. The course offers vocal training, ear training and the basics of note and sight singing. This is in preparation for two, three or four part compositional singing used for performances. The repertoire ranges from traditional to contemporary styles. Requirements include classroom attendance and participation in two yearly concerts.

751 – VOCAL TECHNIQUES AND MUSIC THEORY
Credits: 0.50
All students
Pass/Fail Grading
Elective

This course is for the serious choir member looking to further his/her music education. This course will cover basic music theory, sight singing, International Phonetic Alphabet, and advanced vocal techniques. Students must currently be enrolled in one of the choirs or have special permission from the music teacher.

752 – MUSICAL THEATER APPRECIATION
Credits: 0.25
All students
Pass/Fail Grading
Elective

Students will discover that value of the American musical. The course will include the history of how the American musical became the genre we know today, as well as the history of composers, lyricist, librettists and performers that have influenced its development. Students will view and evaluate a variety of musicals by listening to CDs, watching films, and viewing live performances. This may include a live professional and/or amateur production. These students would be encouraged to be part of OLSH’s musical in some way (performance, stage crew, props, ushers, etc.).

753 – WORLD MUSIC APPRECIATION
Credits: 0.25
All students
Pass/Fail Grading
Elective

In this course students will discover other cultures by listening to their music, learning about unique instruments and musicians.

756 – HONORS CHORUS
Credit - 0.50
Sophomore, Junior, & Senior
Pass/Fail Grading
Elective

This course is limited to students with previous singing experience who understand the basics of music theory. The course covers intermediate through advanced, three and four part song arrangement. The Honors Chorus performs for community events and school performances. The repertoire ranges from traditional to contemporary styles. Requirements include classroom attendance and participation in two yearly concerts as well as two community events. Students will also be required to perform for school events.

758 – SHOW CHOIR (GLEE)
Credit - 1.00
Sophomore, Junior, & Senior
Standard Grading
Elective

This ensemble will require students to be strong singers and dancers. This ensemble will perform at the school concerts in the winter and spring.

771 – MUSIC AIDE
Credit - 0.50
Senior
Pass/Fail Grading
Elective

This course is designed for serious music students. Music aides assist with the Chorus. Responsibilities are determined on an individual basis and may include such opportunities as conducting, accompanying, vocal demonstrations and warm ups, arranging, and/or sequencing music, etc.

776 – BAND
Credit - 0.50
All Students
Pass/Fail Grading
Elective

This course is open to all students in grades 9 - 12 and includes all traditional band instruments. Students must have some experience playing their chosen instrument. Music is played from different eras, with a variety of musical styles and themes. Pieces to be played are graded literature with increases in difficulty levels as appropriate. Requirements include classroom attendance and participation in two yearly concerts and other performing opportunities.

778 – INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC THEORY
Credit: .50
All students
Pass/Fail Grading
Elective

This course is for the serious instrumentalist looking to further his/her music education. This course will cover basic music theory, rhythm reading, scoring and arranging. Students must currently be enrolled in band or have special permission from the music teacher.

780 – THEATER ARTS
Credit 0.50
All students
Standard Grading
Elective

Students study theater from many perspectives: theatrical, artistic and historical. Emphasis is placed on acting techniques, movement and dance, and technical aspects of a production. Class covers a wide range of topics including acting and improvisational skills, various styles of dance, script analysis and selection, producing and directing, set design and construction, lighting design, costume design and special effects make-up. Requirements include classroom participation, end of year performance, and field trip activities.