Fine Arts Department

Faculty Members:

Jodi Brzezinski
Nancy Wiecki, Department Chair

It is our mission in the Fine Arts Department to have an open opportunity for all STM students to participate in music and or visual arts. We are striving to create well rounded individuals who develop aesthetic and critical thinking skills. Problem solving and decision making in these areas help prepare the students to meet the demands necessary at the post secondary level.

Fine Arts News

For the latest in Fine Arts News, please visit our Fine Arts News page!

Visual Art

1213 Art Fundamentals - Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
This class is designed to give the beginning art student experiences with several different art areas offered at Saint Thomas More High School.  Students will be introduced to the following areas: contour line drawing, shading, printmaking, ceramics, painting, photography, metals, and computer design.  The textbook that accompanies the art experiences expands the vocabulary and student understanding of the media used throughout the course.  Acquisition of a basic art vocabulary, as well as understanding of terminology, is stressed in this class.
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1214 Drawing - Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
The intent of this course is to teach basic drawing skills and progress to more advanced techniques.  Among the techniques covered will be drawing from observation, depicting light and shadow, one and two point perspective, figure drawing, portraiture, and drawing from nature.  A vast array of media will be explored.  Primary emphasis will be on achieving realism and employing the Elements of Art in one's work.
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1215 Ceramics - Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
This course is designed to give students a wide variety of experience with clay.  Students will learn pinching, coiling, molding, modeling, slab, and wheel throwing techniques.  A wide range of surface design techniques and a variety of ceramic pigment options will be explored.  Students will also learn how to reclaim clay and use a kiln.  Understanding various clay bodies, firing theory, correct ceramics vocabulary and concepts will be stressed as well.
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1216 Advanced Ceramics - Grades 10, 11, & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: An "A" or "B" in Ceramics and consent of instructor.
Four college credits are awarded for a "B" or better for students who choose to participate in the Connect Ed program.  Students will expand their knowledge gained in Ceramics as well as learn new techniques for hand building and wheel throwing.  New techniques in surface design and firing technique will also be introduced.  Intrinsic motivation, problem solving, and time management are key to success in this course.
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1217 Design - Grades 10, 11, & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
This course explores the field of Commercial and Graphic Arts, Architecture, Interior Design, and Fashion Design.  The Elements and Principles of Design are initially studied to provide a good foundation for class work.  Layout and compositional skills are introduced and stressed. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop software programs will be taught and used considerably.  Students will also work with Architectural planning and model building.  Fabric pigment techniques, including screen-printing will be addressed.
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1218 Painting - Grades 10, 11, & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Drawing
In this course students will explore color theory rather extensively.  Color mixing and brushstroke techniques will be introduced in acrylic, watercolor, and oil paint.  Students will learn how to stretch a canvas, and are encouraged to work with paint on a variety of surfaces.  Students will be exposed to many different artistic styles, as well as being encouraged to develop their own individual style.
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1219 Photography - Grades 10, 11, & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Art Fundamentals, Drawing or Design
Students will learn the basics of operating the camera, as well as how to use the camera settings to their creative advantage.  Reeling and developing black and white film will be covered.  Enlarging negatives, using filters to adjust contrast levels, dodging and burning, and use of masks will be covered extensively.  A variety of hand coloring methods, as well as Sepia toning will also be introduced to the students.  Converting film negatives to digital files, digital manipulation of film, and digital printing will also be touched upon in the course.  Some historical aspects of photography will also be covered.  Basic compositional skills will be taught and stressed throughout the semester.  It is highly recommended that students who sign up for this course have access to a manual SLR 35 mm camera.  Flashes, special lenses, and lens filters are not necessary.  There is a very limited amount of cameras available for student use and only for the first few students who talk to the instructor and reserve one for their use.
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1220 Advanced Photography - Grades 10, 11, & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: B+ or better in Photography and permission from the instructor
The instructor will meet with the student and together they will come up with a written plan that will challenge creative and technical skills while meeting the interests of the student.  Potential interests of study include, but are not necessarily limited to: further exploration of black and white printing, further study of digital manipulation and printing, color developing and printing, use of black and white negatives with gel separation filters, Sabattier Method, Cyanotypes, Gum Bichromate Printing, Sepia Toning, experimental use of Kodalith film, and use of infrared film.  Students are expected to be highly motivated and willing to spend time outside of class in the darkroom.
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1221 Sculpture - Grades 10, 11, & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Art Fundamentals or Ceramics
Students enrolled in this course will be introduced to a variety of sculptural techniques, including subtractive sculpture, assemblage, making and casting from a mold, paper mache, modeling, using armature to create a form, and found object structure.  Students will use the acetylene torch to implement simple soldering techniques as well.  Students will be introduced to realistic and abstract ways of working with media.
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1222 Art Metals - Grades 10, 11, & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Art Fundamentals, Drawing, or Design
Students will explore a variety of ways of working with fabric such as resist dying, bleach discharge and overdying, and Serti (a resist process for painting on silk).  Pigment techniques such as direct application, monoprinting, stamping, stenciling, and screen-printing will be introduced.  Coiling or weaving will be covered as well.  Students will be introduced to a variety of approaches to working with metals.  These will include gravity casting, forging, piercing-sawing-filing-polishing, and sweat soldering.  Methods of adding texture and pattern to the surface of the metal such as etching, resign inlay, use of the rolling mill, chasing, and reposse will also be introduced.  Students will be encouraged to make functional pieces or sculptural art.   
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1223 Fibers - Grades 10, 11, 12 - 0.5 credit Elective
Prerequisite: Art Fundamentals 
In this class students will be exploring the textile arts. Students will learn to knit, paint and dye fabric, make coil baskets, and possibly weave and sew. Students will make functional wearable art as well as non-functional decorative art. Principles and elements of design will be addressed in every assignment. 
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1242/43 Advanced Placement Studio Art - Grade 12 - 1.0 credit Elective
Pre-requisite art fundamentals and at least 2 other visual arts classes receiving a “B” or better in all. 
AP studio is a modeled after an intro level college course. Students will choose one of the portfolios – 2-D design, 3-D design, or drawing portfolio – and create art to fulfill the College Board portfolio requirements. Students will be working very independently in this class. They will learn to produce work, matte or mount their work, and photograph it for presentation. This is a rigorous course that requires a lot of time and effort on the student’s part. The instructor will be working closely with each student to ensure high quality work. The portfolio required for the College Board can also be used as an entrance portfolio to Colleges and Universities. Teacher signature required.
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Music

1252/53 Band - Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Students who have a year or more of experience on a band instrument are eligible to join band.  If you have not completed two lesson books you may want to consider Beginning Band.  If you are unsure, consult the band director.  Acceptable band instruments are flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, horn, baritone, tuba and percussion.  Knowledge of music fundamentals is emphasized.  Students will experience playing various styles of music.  Requirements include playing at home football and basketball games, three concerts, and WSMA (Wisconsin School Music Association) events.
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1257/58 Chorus - Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Do you like to sing?  Any student who enjoys music is encouraged to join chorus.  Emphasis is placed on learning to sing, projecting correctly, and learning the fundamentals of music.  Various styles of music will be employed as well as singing songs in their original language.  Requirements include performances outside of class/school time and WSMA events.
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1259/60 String Ensemble - Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: A minimum of two years experience on violin, viola, cello or double bass.
Sting Ensemble is encouraged for students who have experience on the above-named instruments.  Individual growth in playing ability and knowledge of music fundamentals is emphasized.  Various styles of music are explored, primarily through playing.  Requirements include performances outside of class/school time, lessons, and WSMA events.

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1261/62 Advanced Ensembles - Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Audition is required.  Open to advanced wind, vocal and piano students.
This honors class is for students who are capable of performing a Class A solo from the WSMA list and are able to work independently.  Being in this class will replace being in band/chorus.  In this class students will focus on advanced performance techniques while working independently and in small ensembles.  Much of the work will be student-driven while the instructor acts as the guide.  Students will still be members of band/chorus and all performance requirements remain in effect.  In addition, students will be expected to perform their small ensembles.  It is possible to be in this class on your major instrument and also be in band/chorus on your secondary instrument.  In addition, students could choose to conduct either band/chorus.  History, Theory (does not take the place of the theory class), ear training, and listening to performances (live and recorded) will be important components of this class.  Students will need to purchase music used for their small ensembles.  Note: This class will meet before the regular school day from 7:00-7:48 am.
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1263/64 Music Theory - Grade 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
This course is for students who plan to major or minor in music after high school.  Following a predetermined schedule the student will complete assignments that will help prepare him/her for the demanding course work a first-year music major faces.  The student may choose to take the AP exam.  Student progress will be monitored through bi-weekly conferences with the instructor.  In addition to course work in music theory and history, students will be required to take one-hour weekly lessons on their instrument or voice by an approved instructor in order to prepare for the college entrance audition.
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1265/66 Show Choir - Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)

1267/68 Jazz Band - Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor
These classes allow students to learn about and perform a uniquely American style of music.  Students will learn the techniques of performing these styles and prepare for several performances throughout the year.  There are no auditions for these groups.  With the POSSIBLE exception of guitar, bass, and piano players or SERIOUS schedule conflicts (approved ahead of time), students are required to be in band or chorus (as per *WSMA guidelines).  Students may need to pay a fee for the purchase of music.
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1269 Music Humanities - Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 - 0.5 credit (Elective)
Do you ever wonder how music as we know it came to be?  Why is it that music has existed in virtually every culture?  This course will answer your questions.  Music Humanities is extremely helpful for the college-bound student as prep for the humanities requirement at many colleges and universities.  In addition to in-class activities and reading, there is frequent use of videos, music recordings, and outside reading.
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1270/71 Guitar - Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
One of the most popular instruments today is the guitar.  This class will teach students the fundamentals of guitar playing.  Students will perform a variety of styles of music, learn how to play melody lines, and learn accompaniment figures.  No previous experience is necessary.  We will provide you with the skills needed for a lifetime of enjoyment.  Students will need to provide their own guitar.
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1273/74 Mariachi - Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
This course is for those students who currently play a Mariachi instrument and for those who would like to learn.  No previous instrument experience is needed.  Typically, the instruments used in Mariachi are trumpet, violin, guiter, vihuela, and guitarron.  During this course, students will be taught about this particular style of Mexican folk music.  In addition, they will be taught the skills needed to successfully perform Mariachi music.  Students may need to provide their own instruments.  Some performances outside of class will be required.
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