The Fine Arts Department provides students opportunities to create, present, respond, and connect in authentic ways to promote critical thinking and collaboration for the modern global community. Students in the visual arts are encouraged to explore a variety of materials, tools, and techniques to produce artistic works that communicate ideas and deepen students’ understanding of themselves and the world around them. Media arts offer students an opportunity to explore film-making through independent and collaborative media projects. Music and theatre courses are designed to improve critical thinking and leadership skills, confidence, and self-discipline through skill acquisition and collaboration.

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MEDIA ARTS
Movie Making and Media
Contemporary culture is dominated by film, television, video, and related media that provide
entertainment and convey information that may influence our beliefs and actions. The study of visual
art that moves through time: That’s why “film arts” are sometimes referred to as Moving Pictures. In
short, we call them movies. Students will learn practical ways to plan and complete productions
through group and individual work. They will be introduced to cameras, sound equipment, and good,
usable media techniques. In addition, they will learn post-production skills using professional editing
software. Students will explore various moviemaking approaches through practical teacher-directed
exercises and self-guided assignments. Online journaling and reflection will also help to document
learning throughout the semester. This course encourages students to explore various available
filmmaking materials and approaches independently. Students must create their original short movies
through collaboration and independent work.

Introduction to Film
Prerequisite: Movie Making and Media
* 3 college credits are available through the SUNY Early College Experience Program
An introduction to the “language” of film, this course familiarizes students with the key elements of
cinema: narrative, cinematography, mise-en-scene, editing, and sound. Focusing primarily on fictional
narrative films, the course will explore how filmmakers employ the essential elements of cinema to
reveal character, convey plot and theme, and create meaning. Both “classical” Hollywood style and
alternative styles will be discussed. Students work individually and in groups to produce, edit and
output original short films using cameras and Adobe Premiere CC. Students will learn to critically
analyze films and effectively communicate their ideas in writing and by creating short films. In addition
to a mid-term and a final exam, there will be several scene analysis projects.

Digital Storytelling
Prerequisite: Movie Making and Media, Introduction to Film
* 3 college credits are available through the SUNY Early College Experience Program
This hands-on course centers on telling stories using video. While working individually and in small
groups, students will create movies demonstrating an understanding of the primary language and
filmmaking techniques. Students will work individually and in groups to produce, edit and output
several original short films using cameras and Adobe Premiere CC (an authentic professional-level
editing software). Topics include storytelling, shot composition, storyboarding, audio recording,
editing, and workflow.

Graphic Design I
Graphic Design I is a single semester course that introduces students to photo manipulation and
illustration software. Students will create photo-composites, original illustrations, logo designs, and
graphic designs. As the course progresses, students will have the opportunity to create art for
open-ended choice assignments.

Graphic Design II
Prerequisite: Graphic Design I
Graphic Design II is a single semester course that advances students skills in photo compositing,
illustration, and graphic design. As the course progresses, students will have the opportunity to create
art for open-ended choice assignments. Students will have the opportunity to build an AP Graphic
Design Application Portfolio to be submitted at the end of this course.


MUSIC
Concert Choir
The Concert Choir is open to all students in grades 9-12. This ensemble provides students an
opportunity to sing all types of choral repertoire in a mixed ensemble. The class is designed to
reinforce basic vocal skills and development and to cultivate musical understanding and appreciation.
Students will learn and perform a variety of music from classical, popular and holiday vocal repertoire
(NYSSMA levels IV – VI). Participation in Concert Choir is required for any student wishing to
audition for select choral ensembles including Jazz Choir.

Concert Orchestra
The Concert Orchestra is a performance class open to all qualified students in Grade 9 who play the
violin, viola, cello, or string bass. The objective of the Concert Orchestra is to develop technical,
performance, and musicianship skills learned in Middle School Orchestra. The ensemble is designed
to create opportunities for orchestral musicians to study and perform a variety of repertoire composed
for string ensembles. Concert Orchestra members are required to perform in all concerts throughout
the year. Participation in Concert Orchestra or String Orchestra is required for any student wishing to
audition for select string ensembles.

String Orchestra
The String Orchestra is a performance-based class open to all qualified students in Grades 9-12 who
play the violin, viola, cello, or string bass. The ensemble performs a variety of literature (NYSSMA
Levels III-V), with an emphasis placed on the organic growth of advanced technical, performance,
and musicianship skills learned in prior years of study. String Orchestra members are required to
perform in all concerts throughout the year. Participation in String Orchestra is required for any
student wishing to audition for select string ensembles.

Concert Band
The Concert Band is open to all qualified wind, brass and percussion students in Grades 9-10. The
objective of the Concert Band is to continue the development of performance skills, technique and
musicianship fundamentals learned in the middle school band program. The ensemble will perform a
variety of band literature for both concert and marching band. This is a performance-based class that
requires many performances throughout the year, including home football games, concerts, and
festivals. Participation in Concert Band is required for any student wishing to audition for select band
ensembles including Jazz Band.

Symphonic Winds
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Concert Band.
Symphonic Winds is an advanced performing group designed for the experienced wind, brass and
percussion students in grades 9-12. The ensemble performs advanced high school and collegiate
level band literature covering a wide variety of musical styles (NYSSMA levels V and VI). Skill
development will include individual musicianship and technical development particular to each
student’s chosen instrument. This is a performance-based class that requires performances
throughout the year, including community events, concerts, and festivals. Participation in Symphonic
Winds is required for any student wishing to audition for select band ensembles including Jazz Band.

Music Theory
Music Theory is a course open to all vocal and instrumental students in grades 10-12. Theory
students must be able to read basic music notation to enroll in this course. Students will study the
foundations of Music Theory: elements of musical form and structure, basic harmonic analysis, and
composition. Music Theory is a prerequisite for the AP Music Course.

AP Music Theory
Prerequisite: Music Theory
AP Music Theory is a course open to advanced music students in grades 10-12. AP Theory students
must be able to read music notation at NYSSMA Level 5 and demonstrate understanding of theory
fundamentals (scales, chord structures, basic harmonic progressions) to enroll in this course.
Students can demonstrate their mastery in these areas through an audition or interview with a
member of the high school music faculty for admission into AP Music Theory. The study of AP Music
Theory integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary
composition, and to some extent, history and style. Musicianship skills such as dictation and other
listening skills, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are an important part of the theory course. The
ultimate goal of an AP Music Theory course is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand,
and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score.
Students will learn fundamental aural, analytical, and compositional skills using both listening and
written exercises, harmonize melody by selecting appropriate chords, compose a musical bass line to
provide two-voice counterpoint, and perform the realization of figured-bass notation.

Private Music Instruction
Students who take weekly private instruction for an entire school year (from September through
June) in voice, piano or any instrument may receive a school unit for this study. This unit does not
satisfy the graduation arts requirement; however, it will be noted on a student’s transcript. The
student and private music teacher must fill out forms, which are available from their high school
music teachers. Private Instruction is considered an activity for which the state grants one-half unit,
but is not considered a course.

Studio Music Production and Composition
Studio Music Production and Composition is open to all students in grades 9-12. Students will be
introduced to the elements of music (form, rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, history and style)
through electronic means. This course provides students with the experience of composing music
using computers, microphones, and digital recording. The class is designed with a hands-on
approach where students create their own original electronic music compositions.

Studio Music Production and Composition II
Prerequisite: Studio Music Production and Composition
Students will develop a music portfolio containing completely original works reflecting current trends
in popular music. Using the Logic Pro software, they will design and construct all elements of their
compositions (harmony, melody, rhythm, form) while recording live instrumental and vocal tracks. The
students will be paired with performers from concurrent music courses or outside clubs in order to
collaborate on various recording projects. In addition, students will analyze current styles of
electronica and recreate selected styles using their own compositional voice. Each student will gain a
fundamental understanding of Music Theory and keyboard skills that will further enhance his or her
creative potential. This course will serve as a college preparatory course for students who are
interested in further pursuing Studio Music Production.

Guitar Workshop
Guitar Workshop is a one-semester course for beginning musicians. Students will learn to play basic
guitar chords and chord progressions, read guitar tablature and traditional musical notation, and
perform songs in a variety of styles. Class activities include group rehearsal and group performance.
Students will also be introduced to master guitarists through recordings and video. Students will work
on projects appropriate to their experience and performance goals. This course is open to all
students in grades 10-12.

THEATRE ARTS
Theatre Workshop
Theatre Workshop is a one-semester experiential course appropriate for both the veteran theatre
student and the absolute novice. Class activities might include improvisation, theatre games,
monologue performance, scene study, technical theatre and one act play production. Students will
work on projects and materials appropriate for their experience and performance goals. This course
is open to all students in grades 9-12.

Theatre Tech
(654 - 1 Unit)
Departmental approval required.
Theatre Tech is an advanced course open to students in grades 10-12. Students should have a
strong interest in the technical elements of theatre and must have completed a minimum of three
shows with BHHS Stage, the high school theatre company. The tech theatre students receive
instruction in lighting, sound and production and coordinate all the tech work for school assemblies
and evening student activities. Instructor approval is required.


VISUAL ARTS
Studio Art
This course is a prerequisite for enrollment in all Visual and Media Art Department courses.
Studio Art is designed to introduce students to a variety of concepts, media and methods used by
visual artists. Art history is integrated as a creative motivation and catalyst for new ideas. The
assigned projects may include drawing, painting, printmaking, graphic design and sculpture.

Sculpture and Ceramics
This course is designed for the student to experience and develop ideas of expression while working
with a variety of sculpture materials including clay, wire, paper, and cardboard. The student will
explore the concepts of form in space, and compare characteristics of functional and nonfunctional
form. Students will experience hand building techniques and learn about glazes and surface
decoration. Works of various sculptors, ancient and contemporary cultures, and ceramic artists will be
examined.

Ceramics II
Prerequisite: Sculpture and Ceramics
Ceramics II is a one-semester course for students interested in focusing on clay as a vehicle for
expression. Students will learn to use a potter’s wheel and continue to develop skill using
hand-building methods of construction. They will extend their understanding of the elements and
principles of design to create 3-dimensional works emphasizing composition, form, texture, structure
and function. They will also expand their knowledge of glazing and surface decoration techniques.
This class is an elective and a course option in the pathway for application to the AP 3-D Design
Program.

Ceramics Workshop
Prerequisite: Ceramics II and permission of instructor.
Ceramics Workshop is a course for students who want to continue to develop their skills in ceramics,
either through wheel-throwing, hand building, or a combination. Students must be capable of working
independently to plan, execute, document and reflect on their work. They will learn advanced
construction and surface design techniques, while creating a portfolio of pieces for exhibition. With
permission from the instructor, Ceramics Workshop may be repeated for more than one semester.

Sculpture II
Prerequisite: Sculpture and Ceramics
In this semester-long course, students will explore a variety of nonclay materials, including stone,
plaster, wood, fiber, wire, and found objects to express ideas in three-dimensions. Sculpture methods
will include carving, casting, and assemblage. Students will demonstrate their understanding of how
to activate space, use elements and principles of design, and communicate visually, including through
the use of digital modeling and new technologies, such as 3-D printing and laser cutting. Students will
also learn about leading sculptors, architects, and designers; look at three-dimensional art from
different cultures and historical periods; and examine the role of sculpture and design in society. This
class is an elective and a course option in the pathway for application to 6 the AP 3-D Design
Program.

Drawing and Painting
In this half-year course, a variety of drawing media (pencil, charcoal, marker, ink, etc.) and painting
materials (watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, etc.) may be used to explore the figure, still-life, etc., as
well as more experimental, less traditional, approaches to art. At the end of the course, students will
be able to: demonstrate and apply their knowledge of color theory; show their understanding of the
effects of light, contour line, proportion, value, linear and aerial perspective in creating an illusion of
three-dimensional space; apply knowledge of composition through the use of positive and negative
space. Students will be encouraged to find a unique personal solution to each problem. This class is
an elective for an Art or Fine Arts sequence.

Advanced Drawing and Painting
Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting
In this full year course, a variety of drawing media (pencil, charcoal, marker, ink, etc.) and painting
materials (watercolor, tempera, acrylic, mixed media, etc.) may be used to explore the figure, still-life,
etc., as well as more experimental, less traditional, approaches to art. Students will study major
paintings by artists and movements in art. At the end of the course, students will be able to:
demonstrate and apply their knowledge of color theory; show their understanding of the effects of
light, contour line, proportion, value, linear and aerial perspective in creating an illusion of
three-dimensional space; apply knowledge of composition through the use of positive and negative
space; apply knowledge of facial proportion and means of expression through self-portraiture. This 5
class is an elective for an Art or Fine Arts sequence and a requirement for application to the AP
Studio Art Program.

Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design
Prerequisite: Studio Art
This is a 3-dimensional design course which reinforces the students’ understanding of the art
elements and principles of design. Students will create small scale sculptural works of art in metal
and mixed media. Students will learn metalsmithing techniques while examining the historical
backgrounds of jewelry design from ancient to contemporary cultures. They will learn fabrication
techniques, understand how to layout a design and create it in metal, and how to communicate their
ideas through their works of art. Students will participate in both self and group assessments and
evaluations. This class is an elective and a course option in the pathway for application to the AP 3-D
Design Program.

Photography
This course is designed to introduce students to the technical and creative aspects of photography. At
the end of this course, students will be able to operate (both) a 35mm manual camera as well as a
DSLR, develop black and white film and use the darkroom to make enlargements. Students will also
work with digital photography and will be introduced to Adobe Photoshop and other editing programs.

Advanced Photography
Prerequisite: Photography
This course challenges the student with complex photographic problems and experimental projects.
Advanced Photography emphasizes the student's personal photographic essay. Course emphasis is
on unique personal solutions to problems, technical depth, high quality craftsmanship, exhibition
techniques, portfolio development, and the use of technology. Students will work with the darkroom
and digital photography to create a body of work. This course is a prerequisite for AP Photography.