The Fine and Performing Arts Department at Purcell Marian High School, affirms that artistic expression is vital to the human experience, revealing truth, cultivating beauty, and giving voice to the dignity of the human person. Rooted in our Catholic and Marianist values, we view the
arts as a sacred means through which students encounter God, explore their identity, and engage the world with creativity, compassion, and purpose. As an IB World School, we embrace an inquiry-based, reflective, and internationally minded approach to arts education that encourages students to think critically, take creative risks, and communicate across cultures and disciplines. Ultimately, the Fine and Performing Arts Department seeks to form artists who recognize the transformative power of the arts to inspire hope, deepen faith, and build connections.
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CP Art Foundations I (.5 credit) OR CP Music I (.5 credit) OR CP Choir (.5 credit)HON Marginalized Gestures Throughout Visual Cultures |
CP Art Foundations II
HON Experiments with |
CP Ceramics (.5 credit)
HL IB Visual Arts Year 1
|
CP Ceramics (.5 credit) HL IB Visual Arts Year 2 |
Click a course title to jump to a description
COURSES
Art
Art Foundations I
Academic Pathway: College Prep
Credit: .5 fine arts credit
Description: Students will engage with historical and cultural foundations of the visual arts through lectures, writing, and projects surrounding:
Aesthetic decision making vs personal judgements, elements and principles of art, drawing and ideation, painting and color theory, sculpture, and multimedia.
Art Foundations I
Academic Pathway: College Prep
Credit: .5 fine arts credit
Description: Students will become familiar with techniques and terms such as slab, coil, pinch, and thrown, as they explore the foundations of one of human civilization's first inventions. Students will create with their hands in order to engage in a tactile relationship with the material (Earth), to understand the natural chemical processes of firing, and to locate the various roles the tradition of ceramics has played across many cultures through the centuries.
Digital Drawing
Academic Pathway: College Prep
Credit: .5 fine arts credit
Description: In Digital Drawing and Production, students will focus on the elements of art and the principles of design in order to create illustrative projects focusing on publications and productions. Students will develop skills and knowledge based around Procreate.
History of Fashion
Academic Pathway: College Prep
Credit: .5 fine arts credit
Prerequisites: Art Foundations II
Description: In this semester-long course, students will engage with the historical origins of fashion throughout multiple cultures while focusing on famous fashion houses. Students will gain skills and techniques in sewing, trend forecasting, historical and cultural research, and
design. Each unit will involve a lecture that will create a cultural and historical context for the hands-on project.
Digital Imaging
Academic Pathway: College Prep
Credit: .5 fine art credit
Prerequisites: Art Foundations II
Description: In Digital Imaging, students will focus on the elements of art and the principles of design, in order to apply them to projects ranging from recreating a movie poster, to creating a satirical video advertisement, to creating a small publication for distribution. Students will learn how to appropriately utilize digital and photographic technology in order to best apply techniques conceptually in their art making process.
HL IB Visual Art Year 1 & 2
Academic Pathway: IB
Term: two year-long course
Credit: 2 fine art credits
Prerequisites: HON MGTVC, HON EMT, Higher Level Visual Arts Year 1
Description: Representation and Non Representation in Art and Society is a rigorous two-year course in which students will be challenged with exploring the ideas of representation and non representation through a range of traditional and non-traditional materials, techniques, art
theories, social criticisms, and philosophy. What separates this particular course from other visual arts courses offered at the Castle is the technical and conceptual depth with which we will be exploring “your” art practice as it relates to historical and contemporary art practices from around the world. Through reading, writing, and research you will be tasked with creating a large body of work that will possess a concept born out of the personal relationship you craft with the course’s content.
Music
Music Theory I
Academic Pathway: College Prep
Credit: .5 fine art credit
Description: This introductory course is designed for high school students who are new to the world of music or who want to deepen their understanding of music fundamentals. Students will explore the basics of music theory, including rhythm, pitch, scales, and harmony, while
developing an appreciation for various music genres and cultural traditions. The course will include hands-on activities such as learning to read music, performing on basic instruments.
Music Theory II
Academic Pathway: College Prep
Credit: .5 fine art credit
Description: CP Music Theory II is the second part of the introductory music course and is designed for high school students who are new to the world of music or who want to deepen their understanding of music fundamentals. Students will explore the basics of music theory, including rhythm, pitch, scales, and harmony, while developing an appreciation for various music genres and cultural traditions. The course will include hands-on activities such as learning to read music, performing on basic instruments (such as keyboard or percussion), and analyzing music through listening exercises. Additionally, students will gain insight into the history and evolution of music, learning about influential composers, performers, and movements that have shaped the musical landscape. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in music theory and a greater understanding of how music connects to society and culture.
Choir
Academic Pathway: College Prep
Term: year-long course
Credit: .5 fine art credit
Students that have a passion or a desire to sing can be a part of our Choir course. It will be equivalent to half credit, and is open to all grades, and you are able to take this course repeatedly. Students will: Learn how to read sheet music, Learn how to sing in parts, Learn and sing all liturgical music for school services, Learn and sing standard hymns and popular gospel music, Learn music from different genres and styles, Learn and sing music for other assemblies such as prayer services, concerts, and special school events, Learn how to cantor (lead in musical ministry when in church and prayer services), Be given multiple leadership opportunities- as a soloist, cantor, section leader, and/or director.
Advanced Music
Academic Pathway: Honors
Term: year-long
Credit: 1 fine art credit
Description: The Honors Music course is designed for high-achieving high school students who have a strong interest in music theory, performance, and analysis. This advanced course provides an in-depth exploration of music from historical, theoretical, and cultural perspectives. Students will study complex music theory concepts, including advanced harmony, counterpoint, form, and composition techniques. Through active listening, students will analyze music from a variety of genres, periods, and styles, developing a deeper understanding of the technical and emotional elements that shape musical expression.
In addition to theoretical study, students will engage in high-level performance opportunities, including ensemble work, solo performances, and composition projects. They will refine their skills on a chosen instrument or voice and may also explore music technology and digital composition tools.
