Arts

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: At least three (3) years training (or equivalent) on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument

 

This course is designed to expose students to a diversity of musical styles through a variety of performance venues. During the first semester, members will participate in the marching and concert bands. Performances include all football games, annual Christmas concert, and various parades and community performances. All performances, as well as summer band camp, are mandatory. The second semester focuses on concert band and ensemble playing, leading toward a spring concert and preparation for the spring band trip. All students are required to do individual practice or private lessons on their own. Advanced students are eligible to audition for the Delaware All-State Band.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Audition and at least three (3) years (or equivalent) of training on a brass, woodwind or percussion

instrument

 

This course focuses on performance of instrumental jazz literature. This course will help students evaluate, appreciate, and perform jazz music as an original American art form. Instrumentation is limited to select rhythm, brass, and woodwind instruments. Members must audition to be a part of the ensemble. This ensemble will perform regularly throughout the community during the school year.

Length: Semester (Fall Only)

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Audition

 

This class is open to students who wish to offer a visual presentation of music performed by the marching band. Students interested in the squad must audition in the spring. Students learn basic field/marching technique, as well as fundamental routines. Performances include all football games and various parades. Students are expected to attend scheduled practices throughout the summer, as well as band camp. Band front members are required to attend rehearsals and performances throughout the marching season. Since this is a performance-based class, students who play a band instrument are required to rehearse with the concert band following the marching season.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None

 

Concert Choir is a vocal performance class focusing on the techniques of singing, music reading, and group performance. Students will study and perform diverse styles of music from several music history periods. Regular attendance and active participation during rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Performances include various school and community functions, as well as the Winter & Spring Night of the Arts. Advanced participants are eligible to audition for the Delaware All-State Choir.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None

 

Chamber Choir is an advanced level choir for singers who have a strong choral background. Interested students must be in the MHS Concert Choir for at least one entire school year to be considered for this ensemble. Open to grades 10, 11, and 12 only with audition.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

 

This semester-long course will introduce students to the theory and fundamentals of using software and hardware tools for producing music (including digital music editing, multi-track recording, computer notation software, sound design, and electronic music history). The class will stress application and creative content using a series of project-based learning activities which includes student exposure to performing with electronic instruments and vocal recording, multi-track recording (both MIDI sequencing and live instruments), music arranging, and electronic music history. Music Technology is a project-based class that will require independent work and time management skills. This course is a hands-on, applied class delivering to students an experience with digital music and video editing/recording software applications including, but not limited to, Soundtrap, Audacity, Noteflight, and SoundCloud.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None

 

In the drama course description–change to say “This drama class is intended to teach the basics of acting technique including characterization, movement, and vocal variety. Students will perform monologues, partner scenes, and group skits in front of the class. Students will learn using improvisation, reader’s theatre, and performance viewing. Theatre history, design, and careers may also be taught.”

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None

 

Introduction to Visual Art will allow students to explore a variety of two- and three-dimensional art media while focusing on the art elements and principles of design. Students will study art works and periods in the context of culture and history. Critical-thinking skills will be used during art creation, research, critiques, and discussion. Students will be expected to create, discuss, and write about art works.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Introduction to Visual Art

 

This course builds upon the foundation established in Introduction to Visual Art with immediate emphasis on advanced drawing and painting techniques. The student is required to create numerous works utilizing more challenging and original subject matter to communicate multiple layers of visual information.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting

 

This course encourages the exploration of individual directions in various art processes with an open syllabus and studio environment. The student will enhance drawing and painting skills, expressing high quality in all work including presentation and display. Works in this course may be used to build their art portfolio.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Introduction to Visual Art

 

This course builds upon the foundations established in Introduction to Visual Art using more challenging sculptural media and techniques emphasizing ceramics. Subject matter and media manipulation will be advanced and push student creativity to solve challenging visual arts problems while perfecting techniques and skills.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Ceramics and Sculpture

 

This class pushes the advanced sculpture student to create art works displaying highly refined skills in studio art and depth of content knowledge through research on a variety of artists. Students will be expected to create a legacy project which will remain at MHS beyond graduation. Students will be expected to write a concise and clear artist statement to accurately define theme and style choices made throughout the semester.

Level: College Prep

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Introduction to Visual Art and two other Visual Art courses

 

This course is for the high school senior who has completed three credits of visual art with a suggested grade of C or higher. This student will have chosen a career field in the visual arts. The student will review and rework a portfolio for college application. The senior will research post-secondary options, create a digital portfolio, compete in scholarship-based competitions, and prepare for college interviews during the semester.