Fine Arts
Servite High School boasts a robust fine arts program with a varied curriculum. Classes offered include subjects such as Classical Guitar, Concert Choir, Piano, Drawing, Film, and Art History. Many students involved in the fine arts also participate in tandem with the Trinitas Arts Conservatory.
The purpose of the fine arts curriculum is to develop students into lifelong learners with an understanding of how the arts shape culture, reflect historical movements over several centuries, and provide students with the opportunity to showcase their work as they advance in both skill and knowledge.
For those students who have an interest in studying the arts at the university level, Servite has a long history of placing students at top programs throughout the United States. Recent graduates have received scholarships to attend such programs as New York University, Cleveland Institute of Music, Pepperdine University, the University of Texas at Austin, among many others.
Courses
Visual Arts
7508 CP Drawing
Year course - Freshmen/Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors - Elective
The first semester of this year course places an emphasis on the basic principles of design and elements of art using a variety of dry media in two-dimensional design and composition. Students will learn visual vocabulary, art criticism, aesthetic theory, art history. Careers in art will be explored. Studio applications will constitute a portfolio which will show growth over the course of the year. The second semester places an emphasis on color theory and the use of prism color and aquarelle. It is designed to build upon the basic drawing techniques already learned. Students will develop and practice knowledge of linear and
atmospheric perspective, figure drawing, portraiture, and cartooning. There is a fee for materials ($96.65).
7528 CP Painting
Year Course – Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors - Elective
Prerequisites: B or better in CP Drawing AND Teacher Approval.
Watercolor Painting and Oil Painting is a one-year disciplinebased course in basic painting skills involving composition, color design, and technique using watercolor and oil paint. Assignments will include representation, organization, and expression dealing with subject matter such as landscape, still life, and perspective. The coirsse is meant to build on the basic elements and principels of art learned in the previous CP Drawing course.
7547 CP Studio Art
Year course - Senior - Elective - Limited to 3 students
Prerequisites: Completion of CP Drawing AND Teacher Approval.
An elective course designed to challenge the advanced art student to pursue projects and areas of individual interest. Instruction includes the use of a wide variety of art tools, media, and techniques. Areas of personal interest as well as new areas open for exploration are encouraged. The development of aesthetic judgment and evaluation is indicated. This is a studio class with an emphasis on portfolio preparation before college application.
7586 AP Art History
Year Course – Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors - Elective
Prerequisites: 3.3 weighted GPA
The AP Art History course is equivalent to a two-semester college survey course exploring the nature of art, art making, and responses to art. By investigating the specific course content of 250 works of art characterized by diverse artistic traditions from prehistory to the present, students develop an in-depth, holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students become active participants in the global art world, engaging with its forms and content. They experience research, discuss, read, and write about art, artists, art making, responses to, and interpretations of art.
7590 CP Film Aesthetics & Production
Year course –Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors - Elective
This course will examine the way filmmakers create meaning. Students, through the analysis of popular films, will study the various stages of filmmaking to better understand and appreciate them. They will learn the history of filmmaking and the technological advances that have come about in the art form. Appropriate aesthetic and technical vocabulary will be learned and utilized. Students will learn about the filmmaking process, beginning with screenwriting and concluding with the final sound mix. Projects will be assigned to apply knowledge of skills utilized by those in the filmmaking industry. Students will study the impact of film and television on society from a social, economic, and political viewpoint. Film will be studied as an art form and as a means of communication. A variety of films will be previewed, and students will analyze and respond to these films, and make critical assessments.
7591 Film Video Production
Year course – Juniors/Seniors - Elective
Prerequisites: Completion of CP Film Aesthetics & Production AND Teacher Approval.
This course is not UC/CSU-approved.
The second-year film course is designed to allow students to apply the knowledge they obtained in the Intro to Film Aesthetics and Production course. Second-year production students will work collaboratively with classmates to produce short conceptual video projects while continuing to study the craft of numerous professionals in the industry.
2528 CP Yearbook
Year Course – Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors - Elective
The objective of this course is to have a fun and informative elective that annually produces the Yearbook for the school. Students learn the basics of photography and are responsible for taking candids, as well as photos of sports, classes, clubs, and campus life to represent every student at Servite. Students learn the basics of graphic design, creating layouts for pages and sections. Students also focus on journalism skills, interviewing students, coaches, teachers, and parents, as well as writing captions and articles to accompany their photos. The Yearbook class works as a team to create a well-designed product for the Servite community.
Performing Arts
7509 CP Classical Guitar 1
Year course – Freshmen/Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors - Elective
This course is for newcomers to the classical guitar. Anyone, regardless of talent or previous musical experience, can learn to play and find success if the homework is done regularly and on time. While the focus is classical guitar the skills gained in this class create and improve abilities to play other styles of music on other kinds of guitars. An applied music theory component also grounds students in knowledge of the process of composing which is also applicable to any other style of music. A student should plan for 15-30 minutes of deliberate practice time, three to four nights per week. No previous music experience is necessary. This course is modeled on a copyrighted collegeprep guitar course taught at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
7529 CP Classical Guitar 2
Year course – Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors - Elective
Prerequisites: Must possess a specific set of classical guitar skills AND receive instructor approval
7532 CP Classical Guitar 3
Year course – Juniors/Seniors - Elective
Prerequisites: Must possess a specific set of classical guitar skills AND receive instructor approval
7533 Classical Guitar 4
Year course – Juniors/Seniors - Elective
Prerequisites: Must possess a specific set of classical guitar skills AND receive instructor approval
This course is not UC/CSU-approved.
These courses provide independent study direction to nurture students toward more advanced repertoire and understanding of music. Guitar ensemble (small group) participation is a central part of the class. Besides that, performing aspect students will develop technical and reading skills appropriate to their level. A minimum of 30 minutes of outside practice five days per week is required. Many performing opportunities outside of the class will be presented and students will be prepared to give excellent performances. Students who begin these classes (level II) should have at least the following skills: the ability to play a variety of right-hand arpeggio patterns through a chord progression, command of rest and free stroke, ability to read through the ninth position (and an understanding of what is beyond that), two and three-octave diatonic scales, and some solo repertoire. Instructor approval is required. Participation in after-school performances is required.
7515 CP Men’s Chorus
Year Course - Freshmen/Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors - Elective
Men’s Choir 1 is offered to students with limited vocal/choral experience. Students will learn how to match pitch, expand their vocal range, and learn the basic techniques of vocal production including proper breathing and vowel production. Students will learn some music theory as it relates to singing. Several concerts will be performed each year.
7520 Advanced Choir
Year Course – Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors - Elective
Prerequisites: Audition required
Must attend a meeting/audition and get teacher approval and must have achieved fundamental singing techniques. The advanced choir provides an opportunity to sing difficult music from various genres and musical periods. The student who completes this course will become an independent singer who performs vocal music with proper technique. Training in theory and sight-singing will continue as in Choir I and ear-training will be added. Musicality is assessed through phrasing, dynamics, tone color, tempo, balance, and blend. This group will perform more often and may participate in festivals and contests.
7526 CP Beginning Piano
Year Course – Freshmen/Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors - Elective
This class will provide students with instruction in learning to play the piano. Class will be held in a keyboard/music lab where players practice and hear their work through headphones. Focus will be placed on beginning piano technique by playing major scales, finger exercises, and beginning-level piano music while learning the fundamentals of music reading, music structure, melodic playing, and chording. This class also explores the fundamentals of music theory through activities related to assigned music. Students are exposed to music history such as musical eras related to assigned pieces and the history of piano and keyboard development. A semester research/analysis project is required as well as a recital performance in which the student will perform for their peers.
7527 CP Intermediate/Advanced Piano
Year Course – Freshmen/Sophomore/Junior/Senior – Elective
Prerequisite: Completion of CP Beginning Piano OR Teacher Approval
In this course, students continue to refine the skills required to create, produce, perform advanced musical pieces and develop a deeper understanding of the multiple cultural and social meanings inherent in these creative works through the study and research of music theory and history. Students will continue to develop ear training skills through performance and rhythmic dictation and sight reading skills at an intermediate level. Students will be given regular playing tests that assess progress in technique and style. Students will begin a much more in depth study of music theory including the study of Major and minor scale degrees, the chromatic scale, first and second inversions, two part harmony, and diminished and augmented triads. Students will analyze and perform music of each period to develop a better understanding of music theory. Students will further continue their aesthetic appreciation of music, thus becoming lifelong appreciators of music.
7556 AP Music Theory
Year Course – Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors - Elective
Prerequisites: A year of an instrument AND Teacher Approval
This course explores the fundamental concepts of music theory. Students will analyze various musical compositions to understand the elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, and form. They will learn the historical development of music theory and its application in different musical genres. Projects will be assigned to apply theoretical knowledge. Students will sightsing using the Kodály method, and learn common Aural Training techniques to develop analytical listening skills.
7507 CP Fundamentals of Theater
Year Course – Freshmen/Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors - Elective
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental elements of theatre, including on-stage performance, behind-the-scenes work, and theatre history. Students will have opportunities to collaborate on ensemble projects, duet scenes, and play productions, while also exploring their individual interests in theatre. They will be coached and expected to participate in a group multi-sensory storytelling project, as well as small group scenes, duets, or monologues. This course aims to foster a deep appreciation and understanding of theatre through practical experience and creative exploration.
