Fine Arts
It is the mission of the Fine Arts Department of St. Thomas More to have an open opportunity for all students to participate in performing arts and/or visual art. We strive to create well-rounded individuals who develop aesthetic and critical thinking skills. Problem solving and decision making in these areas help prepare students to meet the demands necessary at the post-secondary level.
It is our goal that students in Fine Arts courses at STM:
• Actively construct knowledge, rather than passively receive knowledge • Pursue understanding, not simply memorize and reproduce knowledge • Engage in developing contextualized meanings, not learn isolated facts • Develop self-sufficient learners through voice and choice
The ability to think creatively is a valued skill in today’s workforce. Unfortunately, there are many in the workforce today who have not had the opportunity to develop this skill. Although some people are naturally more creative than others, the ability to think creatively, and to be creative, is a skill that can be developed. During the process of developing creative thinking skills, students need to learn that it is OK to be wrong and sometimes there is no correct answer. According to education expert, Sir Ken Robinson, if students are not prepared to be wrong, they will never come up with anything original. In the Fine Arts Department, students are encouraged to try out multiple solutions to a given problem. Students are also encouraged to learn the discipline of trying things over and over, making decisions, and building on previously learned skills and knowledge. The Fine Arts Department works hard at developing the whole student, using strategies that develop both sides of the brain.
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Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)
This course is a prerequisite for all other art classes, and it fulfills the .5 graduation requirement. This is their first step in their high school artistic journey. In this class students will be exposed to numerous art media, terms, and artists preparing them for further art classes. Students will work with two-dimensional and three-dimensional media such as: drawing, painting, and sculptural media. The class is completely hands-on, and terms and techniques will be explored through every assignment. Students will keep a visual journal in class and explore visual problem solving.
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Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Art Fundamentals. Course may be taken more than once with increasing complexity and depth of assignments.
In this course students will be exploring a variety of 2 -D drawing and painting media. They will use charcoal, pencil, colored pencil, chalk and oil pastel, pen and ink, acrylic, and watercolor paint and also combine some of these media. Students will also learn how to stretch a canvas. Students will work from real life observations as well as work conceptually expressing abstract ideas and emotions. Students will learn correct perspective as well as explore the mark making aspects of drawing and painting. Students will keep a visual journal in class and explore visual problem solving.
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Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Art Fundamentals. Course may be taken more than once with increasing complexity and depth of assignments.
Students in this class will explore three-dimensional forms using a clay medium. They will explore a variety of techniques such as pinching, coiling, slab rolling, and wheel throwing. Students will make a variety of projects that are sculptural and functional. All assignments are completely hands on. Students will keep a visual journal in class and explore visual problem solving.
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Grades 10, 11, or 12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites: Art Fundamentals and consent of instructor.
Students in this class will be exploring black and white photography. They will be working with 35mm SLR cameras, developing their own film, and enlarging their own prints. This course will include the workings of SLR cameras as well as working in a “wet” darkroom. Students will be working with photo chemicals to develop film and prints. It is recommended that students who have access to an SLR camera use it for this class. The art department has limited SLR cameras. Students who need a camera may borrow it throughout the semester, but it is on a first-come first-serve basis. Students in this class are required to work independently on assignments outside of class as well as use developing time wisely in class. Students will keep a visual journal in class and explore visual problem solving.
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Grades 10, 11, 12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Art fundamentals or EE.
Note: If students do not continue in the PLTW Engineering program after EE, and have not yet taken Design, they must then take Art Fundamentals, thus following the prerequisite for further art classes.
Open to both art and engineering students, Design is the bridge between Art and Engineering. It is creativity and problem solving. In this course we will follow the design process of identifying and solving problems of everyday life. Students will be working in the 2-Dimensional, sketching and planning, and transforming to 3-Dimensional models and representations of their sketches. Students will keep a weekly journal / sketchbook.
*Engineering students are recommended to take this course prior to EDD.
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Grades 10, 11, or 12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites: Art Fundamentals and consent of instructor. Course may be taken more than once with increasing complexity and depth of assignments.
In this class students will be exploring several different aspects of metal. Students will create small sculptural pieces as well as wearable jewelry pieces. Some techniques explored will be cutting, forming, soldering, enameling, and stone setting. Students will be able to walk away from this class wearing their art. Students will keep a visual journal in class and explore visual problem solving.
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Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Art Fundamentals. Course may be taken more than once with increasing complexity and depth of assignments.
In this class students will be exploring the textile arts, such as knitting, crocheting, dying fabric, making coil baskets, and sewing. Students will make functional wearable art as well as non-functional decorative art. Principles and elements of design will be addressed in every assignment. Students will keep a visual journal in class and explore visual problem solving.
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Grades 10, 11, or 12 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: Art Fundamentals
This class is designed to produce The Chancellor. Students will learn all aspects of the yearbook: layout, publishing software, design, digital photography, marketing and finance, decision making, and caption composition. The students work not only with the moderator, but also with the company’s representative. Grades are based upon completion of assigned work and meeting of deadlines. This class will meet for the entire year. Students who wish to be on the yearbook staff may take this class more than once. Class size is limited. Students will hand in a weekly rubric that will be graded on a weekly basis.
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Grade 11 and 12 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites:
• AP Teacher approval.
• A minimum grade of B in Art Fundamentals and at least a B in two other visual arts classes, as well as consent from the instructor.
Note: This is a weighted course.
AP Studio Art is 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, matt 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.
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Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
All students who possess a love of singing and a willingness to perform can join this class — no experience is necessary. Emphasis is placed on learning proper singing techniques, including posture and projection, as well as learning the fundamentals of music. Various styles of music will be explored, as well as singing songs in other languages. Requirements include performances outside of class/school day and Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) events.
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Grades 9, 10, and 11 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Note: If you have a year or more of experience on your instrument, you should sign up for the Instrumental Ensemble class.
This class is open to any student interested in learning to play a band or orchestral instrument (violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, horn, baritone, trombone, or tuba). Percussion students should sign up for percussion ensemble. In this ensemble setting, students will learn the fundamentals of playing their instrument and will develop ensemble skills as they work on individual development.
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Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Note: This class is open to all students who have at least a year of experience on a band or orchestral instrument (violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, horn, baritone, trombone, or tuba).
Note: Percussion students should sign up for percussion ensemble.
Students in this class will develop ensemble skills while also working on their own individual development as a performer on their instrument. The fundamentals of music and technique are emphasized. Students will perform with the full ensemble as well as in small ensembles while also working on solo work. In this performance class, we will explore a variety of styles of music. Requirements include playing at STM events and concerts and Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) events. Most performances will take place outside of the school day.
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Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Students with or without experience on a percussion instrument may sign up for this class. This class is open to all students who are interested in developing musical performance technique on various percussion instruments, including, but not limited to, snare drum, xylophone and timpani. Students in this class will develop ensemble skills while also working on their own individual development as a performer. The fundamentals of music and technique are emphasized. Students will perform with the full ensemble as well as in small ensembles while also working on solo work. In this performance class, we will explore a variety of styles of music.
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Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)
Two of the most popular instruments today are the guitar and piano. This course will teach students the fundamentals of music while learning how to play either the guitar or piano. 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 students with the skills needed for a lifetime of enjoyment. STM has a limited number of instruments available, so students may need to provide their own guitar. Students will be expected to perform during in-class recitals.
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Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 – 0.5 – 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: open to students after successful completion of Introduction to Guitar and Piano and signature of instructor.
Note: This class can be taken multiple times.
Learning how to play the guitar or piano well, can offer a lifetime of enjoyment. Guitar/Piano is for those students who wish to continue learning how to play the guitar or the piano. Students will continue developing their knowledge and technique, that they began in Introduction to Guitar/Piano, as they learn a variety of music. For the most part, students can work at their own pace, and after several semesters of experience, students also have more independence in choosing repertoire to work on. To succeed in this class, students need to have the discipline to work well independently. Students will be expected to participate in in-class recitals, out-of-class recitals, and advanced students may be required to participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival.
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Grades 11 or 12 – 0.5 credit (elective)
Note: This is a weighted course.
Note: Students taking this course have the option to earn college credit through Cardinal Stritch University (CSU). In order to earn college credit, students must register with CSU, pay a $399 enrollment fee with CSU, and earn a grade of C or higher.
American Popular Music is the cultural study of the life, times, and music of the American people, including indigenous music, folk styles, jazz, blues, and popular styles. Emphasis is on listening skills, elements of musical organization, and historical/cultural contexts.
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Grades 9, 10,11,12 – 0.5 credit (Elective)
This is an introductory course that is designed for beginning artists, offering a blend of technical skill-building and artistic expression. The curriculum covers fundamental principles of composition, color theory, and digital rendering techniques, empowering students to unleash their imagination in the digital realm. Students will be working with a variety of photo editing software.
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Grades 9, 10,11,12 – .5 credit (Elective)
The Music Ministry course is designed to cultivate a deep understanding and practical application of music within the context of ministry and worship. Rooted in the rich traditions of the Catholic faith, this course empowers students to use music as a powerful tool for spiritual expression, community building, and enhancing the worship experience.
