Fine Arts - St. John's Preparatory School

Art for Art's Sake

FINE ARTS

Through the experience of giving and receiving feedback, aiming for precision, and patiently committing to a process, students develop skills and behaviors that contribute to resilience and individual wellness. In addition to acquiring technical expertise, they become more perceptive and understanding, which enhances all of their academic and personal pursuits. Lastly, students develop cultural competence by appreciating the role of the arts in our heritage and cultures—individually, in community, and globally.

Whether students' interests are in the performing and/or visual arts, our dedicated and experienced faculty artists will provide expert guidance and encouragement.

Course of Study

Required Course | Elective | *Check Course Description for Pre-Requisite or Departmental Approval

Grade 6	Grade 7	Grade 8	Grade 9
Drama	Drama	Drama	With the exception of Play Production Class, fine arts courses are open to all grades. Check course descriptions for applicable pre-requisite classes or necessary departmental approval.
Music	Music	Music
Studio Art	Studio Art	Studio Art
	Band	Band
	Orchestra	Orchestra
	Chorus	Chorus

Course Descriptions

Middle School Fine Arts Courses

Drama 6

This introductory drama course exposes students to the vast world of theater. Topics covered include script work, improvisation, movement, and vocal work. Students are encouraged to work and think outside of their comfort zone to collaborate and create as a team. This class provides a foundation for more intermediate work in public speaking, writing and criticism offered in grade 7.

Drama 7

Grade 7 drama builds on the students’ abilities in performance and public speaking, while introducing basic technical theater knowledge and the art of collaboration. Students begin to see theater through the eyes of the many people who make it come to life - actor, designer, playwright, and director. During their time in this class, students use theater to view their community and the world around them through playmaking and process drama. Through the active creative process, students are encouraged to think critically about their own work, as well as their fellow classmates, through constructive criticism. This intermediate class prepares students for the advanced look at playmaking and world drama in grade 8.

Drama 8

The study of drama in grade 8 further develops the skills and experiences acquired in grades 6 and 7. Students have some exposure to the great history of world drama through hands-on study. Styles covered might range from Balinese Puppet Theater to Italian Commedia Del’Arte. Through active creation of theater in playmaking, students are encouraged to take creative risks, collaborate, and find their "voice.” Theater is used as an outlet for students to express their worldview. During this class, students combine their knowledge of play making, public speaking, writing, collaboration, constructive criticism, and technical theater to make a short original piece. This work prepares them for further study at the high school level, as well as future classroom presentations.

Music 6

In grade 6 music, students begin to develop skills in note reading, rhythm, and piano; they also start to explore their voices. Students work together to explore collaborative music using world music and Orff music prototypes. In addition to this general music class, each student begins lessons in his choice of instrument (string, wind, or percussion) or chorus. These small group lessons meet weekly, allowing students to develop as individual musicians, both in solo and in ensemble work.

Music 7

In seventh grade, students continue to develop skills in note reading and rhythm. They also begin guitar instruction and continue to develop their voices. In addition, students collaborate in using music technology and explore the wide variety of American music. All students continue their small group lessons on their chosen instrument or voice and join the grade 7 and 8 band, orchestra, or chorus. These ensembles work on a more advanced repertoire and offer time and guidance for students to further strengthen and develop their skills. To help students connect further to the grade level theme of servant leadership, students explore ways to inspire and connect with others through their music and performances.

Music 8

Using the skills learned in grades 6 and 7, students work collaboratively to advance their music skills and compositions, further developing their knowledge of world music. Using more advanced music technology tools, students have the opportunity to hone their skills and work together to create major works and new music. Students also gain exposure to the High School music program with opportunities to sing and play with the High School ensembles. An essential outcome of the eighth grade music course is to further promote cultural understanding and shared experience through the study of music and world heritage.

Music: Band

The Middle School band program provides students the opportunity to learn a wind or percussion instrument, collaborate with their peers, and perform in concert. In the course of three years of band, students progress through a wide range of repertoire and work to sharpen their individual technique. Specific skills include tone production, growth of instrumental techniques and good ensemble performance skills. Ear training is an important part of this process. Students meet twice weekly once for small group instruction and once for large ensemble rehearsal.

Music Strings

The Middle School strings program provides students the opportunity to learn violin, viola, cello or string bass; collaborate with their peers; and perform in concert. In the course of three years of string study, students progress through a wide range of repertoire and work to sharpen their individual technique, including correct posture, left and right hand set-up, intonation, beginning shifting and position work, and beginning vibrato. Ear training is an important part of this process. Students meet twice weekly, once for small group instruction and once for large ensemble rehearsal.

Music Chorus

The Middle School choral program provides students the opportunity to develop their voices, working individually on vocal technique, collaborating with peers, and performing in concert. Over three years of study, students progress through a wide range of music including folk songs from the world repertoire, classical music, jazz and pop songs, and sacred music. Teachers’ commitment to vocal development pays particular attention to the changing voice, keeping singers active and singing through that change. Students meet twice weekly, once for small group instruction and once for large ensemble rehearsal.

Studio Art 6

The focus of this course is to develop foundational studio art skills. Students are introduced to the principles and elements of design using a variety of two- and three-dimensional materials, media, and genres. This experience will provide a framework for the students to develop artistic confidence in visual, verbal and oral expression. Sixth graders begin to develop their visual vocabulary and start to find their own voices. As their confidence in the use of tools, techniques and materials develops, their individual visual expression and problem solving skills become more creative and imaginative.

Studio Art 7

Studio arts in seventh grade find the students learning to develop their own ideas for creative risk taking and problem solving. Critical-thinking skills are encouraged to help develop visual communication and production skills. Further development of craftsmanship and technique are integral to the learning process and the progression of the discipline. In addition, students explore art history and cultural connections in the process of their art making.

Studio Art 8

High School Fine Arts Courses

Acting 1

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

Acting 2

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

Advanced Acting

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

Beginning Brass

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

Ceramics 1

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

Ceramics 2

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

Concert Band

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.

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

Design for Theatre

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

Drawing 1

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.

Drawing 2

Honors Art Portfolio

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

Honors Ceramics Studio

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

Honors Theatre Studies

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

Introduction to Music Technology

Introduction to Music Technology is a hands-on, project-based course that explores the tools and concepts used in today’s digital music world. This class is designed for students interested in composing digital music and preparing to study music technology in college. It combines creativity with technology to guide students in creating, editing, and producing original compositions and audio projects.

Students will learn to use the industry standard software, Logic Pro, to build beats, layer tracks, record vocals or instruments*, and produce high-quality sound. Through guided tutorials and creative projects, students will develop a strong foundation in digital audio, music production, and basic sound design.

Elective course offered to grades 9 - 12.
Prerequisites: Piano 1 and Music Theory 1. Departmental exceptions can be made for students with experience in piano and music theory. Since circumstances may vary, any student with an interest in this course is encouraged to speak with a member of the Fine Arts Music department for guidance.

Jazz Ensemble

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

Modern Band

Modern Band is a hands-on course that explores working in a small music group setting. This class is designed for students who have not had formal or minimal training on their instruments.

Students will, as a small ensemble, learn to create a lead sheet based on songs that they have chosen and to be able to perform the songs within the class bi-weekly. Students will also continue to work on their personal skills for their chosen instrument. The course is open to all types of musicians and instruments including guitar, keyboard, drum, non-traditional instruments, and voice.

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

Music Theory & Composition 1

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

Music Theory & Composition 2

Percussion Ensemble

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

Piano 1

Piano 2

Piano 3

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

Play Production

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

Playwriting

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

Printmaking 1

Printmaking 2

Sculpture

SJP Chorus

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.

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

Songwriting Workshop

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

String Ensemble

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

Contact

View Profile for D. Timothy McAuliffe III

Helen Monroe

Faculty

Contact

View Profile for Helen Monroe