Fine & Performing Arts
Fine and Performing Arts
The Fine and Performing Arts Department at Malden High School allows students an opportunity to develop their understanding and enjoyment of both the Visual Arts and Performing Arts. This creative experience will offer students the chance to explore for career possibilities in graphic/commercial design and the fine arts. The use of imagination and the development of creative skills will also lead to a greater appreciation of the arts for a lifetime. The Visual Arts curriculum at Malden High School is a program that actively promotes the importance of arts education in the general education of all students. Because the arts emphasize a variety of ways to explore, learn, and communicate, the Visual Arts offer many opportunities for students of varying intelligence to learn more effectively. Multiple intelligences seek to relate to imaginative, linguistic, spatial, kinesthetic, musical, and interpersonal intelligence, thus creating an environment that exercises varied intellect. Students are encouraged to challenge and develop their skills in creative and critical thinking and are encouraged to utilize technology as a problem-solving tool. Authentic assessment with a sequential pattern offers students an innovative and imaginative experience in the visual arts, and promotes higher learning. Students who desire a college education with a fine arts concentration will be prepared to compete effectively. The course offerings reflect the State Standards for the Arts and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
Fine Arts Department
Foundations of Art: Honors Level: Honors
#07642 Credit: .5 (Semester course)
This course is offered to students serious about the pursuit of art, who already have a strong interest in art. This course introduces the elements and principles of art and design. Students will learn the value and acquire the ability to observe and translate observation into visual expression. There will be a thorough investigation and explanation of figure drawing. This course will help students improve their artistic skills and interests. Learning the language and appreciation of art through art making; discussion of the world’s great masterpieces; film and museum visits students will learn valuable critical thinking skills. This course will prepare students for more advanced courses in the art department.
Foundations of Art: CP Level: College Prep
#07643 Credit: .5 (Semester course)
So you think you can’t draw? This course is specifically designed to introduce students to the essentials of understanding how to draw, and in turn how drawing is the bases for all other art. During this course students will explore the elements and principles of art. While learning how to use many different materials and media students will be introduced to new methods and lots of possibilities to hone their artistic skills and interests. Learning the language and appreciation of art through art making; discussion of the world’s great masterpieces; film and museum visits students will learn valuable critical thinking skills and will develop a positive response to the world of art. This course will cover many methods of drawing, printmaking, construction methods, basic watercolor painting techniques, and the use of pen and ink.
Studio II: Intensive Drawing and materials exploration Level: Honors
#07922 Credit: 1.0 (Full-year)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Studio I with a grade of 70 or higher.
Students will gain extensive experience in the study of drawing, painting, and design while working on complex projects. This course is designed for the more serious artist who wishes to further develop their visual art skills for possible advancement to Studio III class.Students will learn the language and an appreciation of art through art making; discussion of past and current artists via video and museum visits. Students will learn the value of self/and group critique in the development of their personal style and reflections as young artists. They will be encouraged to participate in local and national art competitions. Multiple techniques will be covered including drawing, painting and printmaking. . Students who enroll in the honors level course will be expected to begin the development of a senior portfolio
Studio III Portfolio Development Level: Honors
#07932 Credit: 1.0 (Full-year)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Studio I and Studio II with a grade of 70 or higher.
This course is designed to further develop a personal vision from a structured class setting to a more independent process. The beginning of creating a portfolio for artistic advancement is the focal point of this class. The course will visit college sites and attend art labs designed to inform students of career possibilities within the arts. The course is the prerequisite for acceptance into the 2D Design Honors or AP Portfolio course. There will be discussion and planning for portfolios and college admissions submittals. Students interested in participating in the AP Portfolio program in the following year need parental consent and teacher recommendation. Students who want to take Studio III but who are not going to pursue 2D Design are welcomed to enroll.Students going on to 2D Design or AP portfolio will be expected to develop a number of finished pieces for their senior portfolio.
Studio IV: 2-D Design Level: Honors
#07972 Credit: 1.0 (Full-year)
Studio IV: AP Portfolio 2D Design Level: Advanced Placement
#07971 Credit: 1.0 (Full-Year)
Students will receive honors credit, be expected to complete a formal portfolio and have the option of taking the AP portfolio exam. The objective of this class is to help each student meet the requirements of an art college portfolio. Personal expression, masterful work, digital portfolio and critiques will be the primary focus of this class.
All students interested in taking the course for AP credit must be accepted into the AP Portfolio level of this course by the instructors of the art department. Students will be expected to complete all work and directions conforming to the Princeton directive for the judgment and grading at the Advanced Placement level. Students are also expected to complete a summer assignment and attend summer meetings. At the beginning of the school year, students who have completed summer work may submit their portfolio to all members of the Art Department to audition for advancement to AP status. Note: Students may be subjected to a fee to cover the cost of materials.
Digital Art 1 H Level: Honors
#07872 Credit: .5 (Semester course)
Prerequisite: A final grade of 80 or higher in a previous high school art class and a familiarity of basic computer skills is required to enroll in this course. Teacher Recommendation required.
Students will learn the basics of using Adobe® Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign applications to create art with MacBooks provided. Course curriculum will include but not be limited to digital image manipulation, vector drawing, and creative page layout/font usage.
Digital Art 2 H Level: Honors
#07862 Credit: .5 (Semester course)
Prerequisite: A final grade of 80 or higher in Digital Art 1. An understanding of computer skills is required to enroll in this course.
Teacher recommendation required.
Students will continue to develop their knowledge and application of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. MacBooks will be provided for the production of student projects. Course curriculum will include digital image manipulation, vector drawing, and creative page layout/font usage.
Ceramics 1 HLevel: Honors
#07882 Credit: .5 (Semester course)
Prerequisite: A final grade of B or higher in a previous high school art class is required to enroll in this course. Teacher recommendation required.
Students will learn the basics of clay. Projects include but are not limited to hand building, wheel throwing and slab construction. Students will have their projects fired in the kiln and glazed. Students will use sketchbooks to draw out their ideas and begin the exploration of the difference between form and function. Precise notes must be kept regarding size, glazes and forms.
Ceramics 2 H Level: Honors
#07852 Credit: .5 (Semester course)
Prerequisite: A final grade of 80 or higher in ceramics one class is required to enroll in this course. Teacher recommendation required.
Students will continue developing their skills in clay design. Students will employ hand building, slab construction and use of the potter’s wheel in fabricating individual projects that are useful as well as expressive. Projects that meet a standard of craftsmanship will be fired and glazed. Students must maintain a working lab book in which they will keep a record of their projects, glaze choices and firing results.
Calligraphy & Design Level: College Prep
#07953 Credit: .5 (Semester course)
This course will focus in learning formalized handwriting, and design concepts. Included in this course will be the design and creation of unique books and journals using modern and historical methods.
Note: Students must pay a lab fee of $20.00 for special materials and handmade papers. (Students with a financial hardship may request a waiver for the $20.00 fee from the principal.)
Independent Study – Visual Arts Level: College Prep
#07993 Credit: .5 (Semester course) Independent Study – Visual Arts Level: Honors
#07992 Credit: .5 (Semester course)
Prerequisite: a Studio course (I, II, or III) and permission of teacher
A student may request this course with parental, teacher, and administration permission. Interested students may obtain an Independent Study Request Form from their guidance counselor
Performing Arts
HS Concert Band Level: College Prep
#07863 Credit: 1.0 (Full-year)
Prerequisite: recommendation of Band Director (this should be an audition class)
The Concert Band exists as an entity for experienced trained musicians to continue to develop mastery of their instruments through rehearsal of technique and repertoire appropriate to the venue. This class is the only serious choice for accomplished wind players and percussionists alike and is one of the premiere groups of the music department. Literature will be given that is considered advanced high school to college level music.
Instrumental Methods and Basics Level: College Prep
#07853 Credit: 1.0 (Full-Year)
Prerequisite: None
This class is designed to be an advanced beginner class designed to allow high school students with minimal instrumental training an opportunity to take an instrument and succeed. Too often students decide to start playing instruments later in life to a frustrating situation. This class allows students who wish to learn wind, percussion, guitar and keyboard instruments the chance to do so in a relaxed mature environment. It will provide a more customized education and allow for much greater success in music.
Music Arranging, Composition and Production Level: College
# 07713 Credit: 1.0 (Full-Year)
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of songwriting in all genres via the use of Garage Band and logic Software. Students will learn the basics of music theory and classical composition while developing a working vocabulary relevant to the craft. They will spend the year composing and producing material of their own that will serve as a portfolio by which they will be assessed throughout the course.
Small Ensembles Course Level: College
#07894 Credit: 1.0 (Full-Year)
This course is designed for students with one year or more of instrumental training. Students who enroll in this class will be divided up into various ensembles by ability level and instrumentation. Ensembles include, but are not limited to, percussion ensemble, woodwind quartet, flute choir, string ensemble, chamber orchestra, piano ensemble, brass quartet, etc. Students will work independently with their assigned ensemble to produce a product to perform at various community events and school concerts.
Performing Arts, Voice
The following is a suggested course of study for students that intend to continue their study of music at the college level either as a music major or music minor. The courses of study below would prepare any student with the intent to study music at the collegiate level to be successful in an audition or entrance exam. Based on their performance on the college entrance exam, some students may even place out of one level or more of music theory.
Mixed Chorus Level: Unleveled
#07814 Credit: 1.0 (Full-year)
The Mixed Chorus at Malden High School is open to any student. It is an entry-level choral ensemble that is intended to prepare singers for further involvement in the Choral Arts program. Throughout the year, students study and perform a variety of songs in various styles. Students will also learn the basics of proper vocal technique and beginning sight-reading skills. Students are required to perform in a winter concert and a spring concert as part of the curriculum. The Mixed Chorus may have additional opportunities to perform throughout the year in addition to the two mandatory concerts.
Concert Choir Level: Unleveled
#07824 Credit: 1.0 (Full-year)
Prerequisite: Mixed Chorus, students in grade 10 and up, teacher recommendation
The Concert Choir at Malden High School is an advanced level choral ensemble. Throughout the year students study a wide variety of choral literature. Literature studied may be from a variety of different cultures and time periods. Literature will be performed in a variety of languages. Members of the Concert Choir are expected to perform a winter concert, spring concert and sing at the graduation ceremony. There are usually several additional performance opportunities throughout the year including a competition festival. Members of Concert Choir are expected to attend one morning sectional each week before homeroom and to rehearse each day with the highest of level of dedication.
Madrigal Singers Level: College Prep
#07833 Credit: 1.0 (Full-year)
Prerequisite: Students in grades 10 and up, Concert Choir, audition, and teacher recommendation
The Madrigal Singers is a select ensemble of Malden High School students dedicated to performing literature in the Madrigal Style. Literature will be performed from various time periods with an emphasis on pieces from the Renaissance time period. Literature is learned and performed without instrumental accompaniment. Students are expected to perform in a winter concert and a spring concert. There are usually additional performance opportunities including a competition festival. Students are expected to possess a high level of vocal technique. Students may audition at any point in the year for the following year’s Madrigal group.
Introduction to Music Theory I Level: College Prep
#07844 Credit: .5 (Semester course)
Prerequisite: None
Introduction to Music Theory is a course designed to introduce the novice musician to the basics of Music Theory. Throughout the course, students with investigate concepts that include Staff, Clef, Note/rest values and relationships, Rhythmic notation, Scales, Key Signatures, Tempo indications, Basic Orchestration, Dynamic markings, Intervals and Triads. Students will develop their listening skills through music dictation exercises. Students may be asked to create simple compositions. However, this is not a composition class. This course is intended to lead into Intermediate Music Theory II. If possible, both courses should be taken in the same academic year.
Intermediate Music Theory II Level: College Prep
#07854 Credit: .5 (Semester course)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Music Theory I
This course is open to all students. It is designed to pick up where the Introduction to Music Theory course left off. If possible, this course should be taken in the semester following completion of Introduction to Music Theory I. Students are expected to have mastered all concepts in the introductory course before continuing with this course. A brief review of basic concepts will be followed by investigation of concepts including Chord progressions, Basic four part voice leading, Syncopation, Dominant Seventh Chords, Diminished Seventh Chords, Chord inversions, Figured bass, Non-Chord Tones. Students will develop their listening skills through weekly aural dictation. Students may be asked to create musical compositions that demonstrate an understanding of the concepts discussed, however, this is not a composition course.
Voice Class Level: Unleveled
#07734 Credit: 1.0 (Full-year)
Prerequisite: None
This course, open to all students, is designed to develop the vocal technique of a high school singer. Throughout the course, students will learn and perform an English, Italian, and French/German art song for critique and constructive criticism by their peers in the class. Students may also learn and perform literature from the Musical Theater/Opera genera as well as a song of their choice. In addition, students will learn basic music concepts such as note values, rhythmic notation and key signatures while developing their sight-reading skills. This course also incorporates the Dalcroze methods of using movement to express music concepts and emotion. As part of the course, students will develop a weekly practice log to keep track of their vocal progress. The course will culminate in a final project that demonstrates their elevated level of performance.
Advanced Placement Music Theory Level: Advanced Placement
#07861 Credit: 1.0 (Full-year)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theory I and Theory II or at the recommendation of the instructor.
This course will develop the student’s skills in musicianship, theory, musical materials and procedures. It may emphasize one aspect of music, such as harmony; more often, however, it 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 considered an important part of this theory course. The student’s ability to read and write musical notation is fundamental to this course. It is also strongly recommended that the student will have acquired performance skills in voice or on an instrument. This course is a self motivated class and will require daily note taking and neat handwriting skills. Students are expected to take the AP Music Theory Exam in May in efforts of earning a score of 3-5, which will yield credit towards Music Theory college courses.
Independent Study – Performing Arts Level: College Prep
#07893 Credit: .5 (Semester course)
Independent Study – Performing Arts Level: College Prep/Honors
#07892 Credit: .5 (Semester course)
A student may request this course with parental, teacher, and administration permission. Interested students may obtain an Independent Study Request Form in the Main Office after the school year begins.