Fine Arts

This course is intended for the beginning acting student and for any student who wishes to strengthen their public speaking skills. The class is a hands-on workshop which will teach the fundamentals of acting technique and speech performance. The basics of speaking, listening, tactical interplay, physicalizing, and building scenes will be covered first. Next, memory and rehearsal techniques will develop performance skill, and finally, vocal work and voice/body integration along with imagination exercises will round out the material.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
*offered at the College Prep Level

Students will continue to develop the vocal and speech work covered in the Acting 1 course. We cover a variety of topics including playmaking, voice, character development, writing and directing. There will be a unit on playwriting which will involve development of plot, character and literary skills.  Students will have an opportunity to refine their acting, auditioning, and public speaking skills.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
prerequisite: Acting 1 or departmental approval
*offered at the Honors Level

This course examines the finer points of acting technique. Students will explore various styles of theater from ancient Greek theater to 20th Century in a series of classroom workshops. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on speech for the stage, movement, and current theater events. This class is recommended for the experienced actor and students who have studied Acting 1 and/or Acting 2.

elective course - open to grades 10,11, & 12 [1/2 credit]
Prerequisite: Acting 1 or 2, or departmental approval
*offered at the honors Level

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to learn either the Trumpet or Trombone. Students will work together and individually out of the Standards of Excellence Book 1 to learn how to play either the trumpet or trombone. Once students successfully complete the course they will be able to join the school’s Concert Band the following year. They will also be able to participate in the Spire Brass Club.

 *In accordance with the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) guidelines, students who wish to audition for junior and senior district honor ensembles must be members in good standing in Orchestra, Concert Band, or Men's Chorus. If a student is not a member of one of these courses, St. John's Prep cannot support his application to audition.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
*offered at the College Prep Level

This is an introductory course for those interested in learning to play keyboard instruments. The course includes note reading in treble and bass clefs, chord playing, 12 bar blues, easy classical music, world music and more. The course is for beginning students.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
*offered at the College Prep Level

This course is an introduction to the potter's wheel as a tool for making forms. Assignments are geared towards the development of skills involved in making functional as well as sculptural objects. A variety of surface treatment techniques will also be explored. An exhibition of student work will take place at the end of the semester. Students will investigate and be inspired by historical as well as contemporary ceramic traditions across the globe.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
*offered at the College Prep Level

This course builds upon the skills learned in Ceramics 1 in order to explore more advanced forms and decorative techniques. Assignments are geared towards the development of more advanced wheel throwing techniques and creative expression. Projects may include but are not limited to making a set of dishes, making assembled pieces (teapots, vases, etc.), and exploring larger forms. Students will also work throughout the semester on a unique design thinking project in which they create a ceramic object specifically designed for the needs of a unique user. Students will investigate and be inspired by historical as well as contemporary ceramic traditions across the globe. Additionally, the curriculum is flexible and student proposed projects are highly encouraged and welcomed.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
prerequisite: ceramics 1
*offered at the accelerated Level

The course meets every morning from 7:20am to 8am and does not conflict with the rest of the student's schedule. The focus is on rehearsing and performing traditional Concert Band repertoire.

*In accordance with the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) guidelines, students who wish to audition for junior and senior district honor ensembles must be members in good standing in Orchestra, Concert Band, or Men's Chorus. If a student is not a member of one of these courses, St. John's Prep cannot support his application to audition.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit or 1 credit based on whether it is taken as a semester or year-long course]
Prerequisite: available to all players of brass, woodwind and percussion instruments with a minimum of two years experience. 
*offered at the College Prep Level

This workshop course will focus on the role of the designer as a technical artist. Students will learn the history and analysis of set design through the study of architecture and the craft of making scenic models. Students will also learn the basic principles of stage painting technique. They will examine color choice and mixing, the use of stage paints and additives, brush techniques. Student projects include faux finishes, wood graining, and marble, stone and brick imitations. Students are expected to master each technique and present samples for exhibit. In addition, this course introduces the basic principles and techniques of stage lighting, instrumentation, the lighting board, safety, color in lighting, direction, special effects, the psychological impact of lighting and practical application in play production. Students will learn how to handle and maintain, hang and aim lights, how to create and use cue sheets, and the use of the control board.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
*offered at the College Prep Level

This course is designed as an introductory course to develop drawing skills. It includes the opportunity to explore various media such as pencil, ink, charcoal, pastels, etc. Students will be encouraged to "see," with emphasis on personal style and technical fluency. During the second half of the term, there will be an emphasis on a more personal and technically advanced style. Structural drawing, life drawing, drawing from the masters, landscape, portraiture and abstractions will be areas studied during this course.

This course is a continuation of Drawing with emphasis on a more personal and technically advanced style. Structural drawing, life drawing, drawing from the masters, landscape, portraiture and abstraction will be areas studied in this course.

This course is a flexible studio structure where the advanced art student will work individually with the instructor to develop and design areas of artistic direction. Painting, mixed-media, photography, printmaking, drawing, and sculpture are some of the areas of focus. This may be taken as a one-half credit semester course or a one credit full year course.

elective course - open to grades 10, 11, & 12 [1/2 credit or 1 credit based on whether it is taken as a semester or year-long course]
Prerequisite: prior visual arts course and departmental approval
*offered at the honors Level

This course builds upon the skills learned in Ceramics 1 and 2 in order to explore more advanced forms and decorative techniques. This course is designed to be a student driven course in which students can explore the areas of Ceramics that are most interesting to them. Guidance will be provided through frequent check-ins with the teacher and through in class demos. Additionally, Advanced students will also be involved in the studio management process, which may include processing clay, organizing glazes, preparing glazes, and loading/unloading the kiln. Being a potter is just as much about running the studio as it is about making pots. Students will investigate and be inspired by historical as well as contemporary ceramic traditions across the globe.

elective course - open to grades 10, 11, & 12 [1/2 credit or 1 credit based on whether it is taken as a semester or year-long course]
Prerequisite: ceramics 1 and 2 and departmental approval
*offered at the honors Level

This course provides opportunities for the advanced theater student to work individually with the instructor to further develop skills previously covered. This course is perfect for the playwriting or Technical Theater student looking to continue their studies. Sample topics include scenic painting, playwriting, or sound, costume, and lighting design. Choose your own adventure! This may be taken as a one-half credit semester course or a one credit full year course.

elective course - open to grades 10, 11, & 12 [1/2 credit or 1 credit based on whether it is taken as a semester or year-long course]
Prerequisite: prior theatre arts course and departmental approval
*offered at the honors Level

Students will explore and perform a wide variety of big band jazz forms including blues, Dixieland, swing, bebop, and others. A full calendar of performances will be scheduled. This course is open to all intermediate and advanced instrumentalists.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit or 1 credit based on whether it is taken as a semester or year-long course]
Prerequisite:departmental approval
*offered at the accelerated Level

This course is a basic theory course for instrumentalists and singers. The focus will be on composing for the student's instrument or voice with opportunities to write for others. Topics covered include note reading, rhythms, major scales, key signatures, pentatonic modes, form and more. Students are encouraged to take Music Theory and Composition 2 following this course.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
*offered at the College Prep Level

This course explores advanced theory and compositional techniques, including minor scales, four part harmony, seventh chords, polyphony, progressions, counterpoint, 12 tone technique, and others.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
Prerequisite: music theory & composition 1
*offered at the accelerated Level

This course will explore beginning percussion techniques and instruments. Each student will have a hands-on learning experience with a variety of percussive instruments and will perform together in concert. There will be an emphasis placed on music written for percussion ensemble. Mallets and Sticks will be available for purchase only, through the music department. Previous musical experience is not necessary, but is welcomed.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
*offered at the College Prep Level

This is an introductory course for those interested in learning to play keyboard instruments. The course includes note reading in treble and bass clefs, chord playing, 12 bar blues, easy classical music, world music and more. The course is for beginning students.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
*offered at the College Prep Level

This course is for students who have completed Piano I, are playing at an intermediate level already, or are currently studying with a piano teacher. Students work independently on repertoire appropriate to their level of playing. 

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
prerequisite: piano 1 or departmental approval
*offered at the accelerated Level

Open to students by departmental approval only, this course explores the specific techniques and repertoire for piano in a Masterclass format; i.e. through individual practice and frequent performance for the class and instructor, the young musician develops a stronger technique and a better sense of the musical composition. Frequent discussions of musical material and research techniques are an important part of class. 

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
prerequisite: piano 1, 2, or departmental approval
*offered at the honors Level

Students will act as a small theatre company and experience the total theatrical event including producing, budget issues, rehearsal schedules, acting, directing, stage management, theatre house management, design and technical crew. This course will offer students the chance to apply in a practical way the work in courses already offered by the department. Because of the class size, the students will have to work in several different theatrical departments. A fully mounted public production of the play will serve as the final assessment.

elective course - open to grade 12 [1/2 credit]
prerequisite: departmental approval
*offered at the honors Level

This course focuses on the development of dramatic scripts using playwriting techniques, creative writing techniques, and researching and developing sources. Students will workshop and write original scripts individually and in groups. All scripts will be performed and assessed in informal workshop settings.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
*offered at the honors Level

This course is an introduction to the basic techniques of printmaking. Linocut, woodcut, silkscreen, etching, mixed media, and stencil printing will be explored.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
*offered at the College Prep Level

This course is an introduction to the basic techniques of printmaking. Linocut, woodcut, silkscreen, etching, mixed media, and stencil printing will be explored.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
Prerequisite: printmaking 1
*offered at the accelerated Level

This course is an introduction to sculpture focusing on technique and use of a variety of materials including wood, metals, clay, and found objects. Emphasis will be on developing design skills, critical thinking and personal expression.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
*offered at the College Prep Level

The SJP Chorus prepares a wide range of choral repertoire, including classical music, folk songs, jazz, spirituals and world music. There are no auditions and students in all four grades are welcome to join.  Special attention is given to note reading, rhythm, breathing techniques, choral tone, and assistance for the changing voice. Many performances are scheduled throughout the year on campus. 

Note: This course meets at 7:20 a.m.every day except Wednesdays and will not conflict with the rest of the student's schedule. Students enrolling for their first year receive Accelerated credit. Students who enroll in this class for their second, third and fourth years receive Honors credit.

*In accordance with the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) guidelines, students who wish to audition for junior and senior district honor ensembles must be members in good standing in Orchestra, Concert Band, or Men's Chorus. If a student is not a member of one of these courses, St. John's Prep cannot support his application to audition.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit or 1 credit based on whether it is taken as a semester or year-long course]
*offered at the College Prep Level

Students will learn contemporary songwriting techniques for piano, guitar, bass, voice and other instruments. No previous experience is necessary; experienced musicians are also welcome. Emphasis will be placed on student-created compositions and arrangements in a variety of formats. Students will also explore poetic forms and devices for lyric writing. Only acoustic instruments and singing will be used; instruction in piano and guitar will be offered.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit]
*offered at the accelerated Level

The SJP High School Strings Ensemble is a musical ensemble of violin, viola, cello, and bass that fosters the development of string musicians in performing a wide range of musical styles and promotes performance and mentorship activities through service learning components.

elective course - open to all grades [1/2 credit or 1 credit based on whether it is taken as a semester or year-long course]
*offered at the accelerated or honors Levels