Fine Arts

835 – Theatre Arts I
This course introduces the student to theatre from basic stage techniques to elements of performance. Learned techniques include improvisation, pantomime, blocking, voice and diction, and characterization. In addition to these techniques, students will study the origins of theatre from the Greeks through Shakespeare and on through contemporary theatre by engaging in scenes and script analysis. Four plays a semester will be assigned for outside study and discussion. The final exam will consist of a one-act play production produced, directed, and acted by the students themselves.
Grade: 9-12 One Semester
Prerequisite: None Credit: .5

836 – Theatre Arts II
This course is designed for students who have completed Drama. Areas of advanced study include theatre history, characterization using the “Stanislavski Method”, contemporary scene studies, acting exercises, script writing, and directing basics.” Four plays a semester will be assigned for outside study and discussion. The final exam will consist of a one-act play production produced, directed, and acted by the students themselves. Attendance and evaluation of a Theatre Nolan production of the current semester are required.
Grade: 9-12 One Semester
Prerequisite: Drama I Credit: .5

FINE ARTS OPTION CREDITS

A Fine Arts option ½ credit is being offered to members of the International Thespian Society (a prerequisite) who gain credit based on a point system. Points accrue during work on Theatre Nolan Productions, the student-directed play, and Thespian Society projects and conventions. The Chapter Sponsor keeps a strict accounting of these hours. This credit is not earned in the classroom, but after school, evenings and weekends exclusively. Fine Arts credit only may NOT be earned as an elective credit.
Grades: 9-12 Credit: .5 Prerequisite: Departmental Approval

800 – Art I
Art I is primarily a studio based course emphasizing the development of the skills necessary to produce art in a variety of media. Students will learn techniques for drawing realistically as well as working from imagination with a wide range of drawing materials: ebony pencil, charcoal, pastel, pen and ink. They will learn painting techniques in both acrylic and watercolor. In printmaking they will cover monotype and linoprinting. The students will practice calligraphy. In the three dimensional area students will learn hand building techniques for pottery and sculpting in clay. Students will have exposure to computer graphics programs. Art history and appreciation are drawn upon to broaden students’ understanding of other cultures as well as their own, and relate their classroom experiences to the wider art world.
Grade: 9-12 All Year
Prerequisite: None Credit: 1

805 - Art II
Art II offers an in-depth study of the areas covered in Art I with greater expectations for individual motivation, creativity, and accomplishment. More emphasis will be placed on the preparation and display of student work.
Grade: 10-12 All Year
Prerequisite: 85% or above in Art I Credit: 1
And teacher approval

810 - Art III/IV Honors
Art III/IV is for the committed art student who seeks to deepen understanding and further develop skills. Emphasis is placed on greater student involvement in designing projects and choosing good subjects. While close guidance will be provided for students to build a portfolio aiding them in college entrance and scholarship acquisition, the course is open to students who simply wish to continue their pursuit of art at a deeper level.
Grade: 11-12 All Year
Prerequisite: Art I and II with a 93% or Credit: 1
above and instructor approval

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855 - Concert Band
Students will learn basic music techniques such as rhythmic notation (beginning levels to advanced). Classical to contemporary pop music is explored while expanding individual sight-reading proficiency. Skills mastered in this course will boost student confidence to face music challenges throughout high school.
Grade: 7-8 All Year
Prerequisite: None Credit: 1

860 - Symphonic Band
The first semester resumes training for Marching Band performances at football games, pep rallies, and the All State Band contest. Students' review and train musical marching fundamentals with an emphasis on superior discipline in conduct, rehearsal, and performance. Individual musicianship in performance is emphasized. Symphonic band begins in August--by announcement—and marching band rehearsals during football season are daily after school. Concert study begins immediately following football season with students auditioning for correct placement--audition based on level of individual musical proficiency in performance. A thorough fundamental training in musicianship is continued along with the study of concert literature and contests in solo/ensemble and concert/sight reading. Additional rehearsals are called at the discretion of the director for contests. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances throughout the year is an integral part of the student's grade. Marching Band credit may be applied toward Physical Education graduation requirements for the Fall Semester only.
Grade: 9-12 All Year
Prerequisite: By audition and/or Credit: 1
satisfactory high school band performance

Jazz Ensemble
This group of band students meets after school to study further the jazz idiom. They explore all styles of jazz including standards, big band, contemporary, and Latin music. The jazz ensemble will perform at various concerts and contests in the Spring semester. Part of the group study will include jazz improvisation. This group is comprised of individuals who display an intermediate to advanced level of music proficiency. Members of the Jazz Band are required to attend all rehearsals and performances.
Grade: 9-12 By Audition only All Year Credit: 0 All Year

Nolan 12 – vocal Ensemble
This ensemble is selected through audition only. Students rehearse outside of class time to prepare for a variety of performances, which include music from many different genres. Because of the level of performance required of this ensemble, singers must have experience in singing, movement, and music sight-reading. Particular consideration is given to the students enrolled in the Nolan Chorale.
Grade: 9-12 All Year
Prerequisite: By Audition Only Credit: 0

868 – Junior Varsity Chorale
869 – Varsity Chorale
The Varsity and Junior Varsity Chorales provide training in choral music and performance opportunities for students who love to sing. Both classes meet the Fine Arts requirement for graduation and enrollment is only by audition. The concepts of vocal production, breath control, unity of sound, pitch accuracy, rhythm, sight-singing, theory, musicianship. Professional responsibility, leadership, and ministry are taught simultaneously and continually throughtout the year beginning with the use of simple exercises and progression to the more difficult. These exercises are transferred to the performance of music selections and major works. Students are assessed weekly on rehearsal skills, personal and professional habits, and effort. Written exams cover particular concepts in music theory and other skills. Choral performances are required and graded as tests. The student’s level of experience and ability are considerations I the placement of the student in the appropriate chorale.
Grade: 9-12 All Year
Prerequisite: By Audition Credit: 1

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870 - Dance I - Introduction to Dance
Introduction to Dance is designed for students with limited or no previous dance training. Instruction consists of daily participation in the fundamentals of various dance techniques. Areas covered include ballet, modern dance, and tap. This class is strongly recommended by the athletic department to increase fine motor skill development, flexibility and injury prevention. Daily female attire consists of one pair tap shoes, pink leather ballet shoes, with elastic, one leotard, one pair footed theatrical pink tights, one pair of tan colored stirrup tights. Male attire consists of one pair of jazz taps, white leather ballet shoes with elastic, a T-shirt and sweat pants. See sheet in enrollment packet for specific dress code requirements. Students will have one written semester final and one performance semester evaluation. Attendance at Nolan Dance Concerts is mandatory.
Grade: 9-12 All Year
Prerequisite: None Credit: 1

871 - Dance II - Technique Development
This course addresses students who, having studied (if not yet completely mastered) dance technique, find themselves at the impasse between beginner and advanced dance levels. Areas of training include ballet, modern dance, and tap. Students who have had four or more years of dance instruction should make an effort to enroll in this class rather than Dance I. Students who have completed a year of Dance I may enroll in this class. Daily male and female attire is similar to that for Dance I students. See sheet in enrollment packet for specific dress code requirements. Students will have one written semester final and one performance semester evaluation for which attendance at rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Students purchase their own costumes.
Grade: 9-12 All Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Dance I Credit: 1
or Departmental Approval

872 - Dance III - Advanced Techniques
This upper level course is designed for students who have completed Dance II and wish to advance their dance skills. Students with six or more years consistent study in dance may enroll in this class rather than Dance I or II. Disciplines taught are Ballet, Tap and Modern Dance. Same shoes and tights as Dance I and Dance II. See sheet in enrollment packet for specific dress code requirements. Students will have one written semester final and one performance semester evaluation for which attendance at rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Students purchase their own costumes.
Grade 9-12 All Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Dance II Credit: 1
and/or 6-8 years consecutive training
and Departmental Approval

875 - Dance IV - Performance and
Choreography (The Nolan Dance Company)
This course is performance oriented and designed for the intermediate-to-advanced dance student. Fields covered include ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance. Students are financially responsible for their own costume wardrobe. Attendance at all scheduled performances/rehearsals is mandatory.
Grade: 9-12 All Year
Prerequisite: By audition only Credit: 1

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