This course is the study of the Elements and Principles of Art and how students express their individual thoughts and ideas creatively, with the knowledge of media and tools. Students will explore 2D with the knowledge learned of these different components of art and be able to create unique pieces of artwork. Students will explore the relationship of art and the artist role in shaping history and or being shaped by history. Students will develop respect for the traditions
and contributions of diverse cultures.

In Textile Art, students study fabric arts including quilting, weaving, and other cloth-related work. Students also study women artists who turned some crafts into art. Through this course, students challenge their imaginations, foster critical thinking, collaborate with others, and build reflective skills. While exercising meaningful problem-solving skills through textile arts, students develop the lifelong ability to make informed judgments and appreciate and understand artistic expression.

This year-long course is the continuing study of Art, its application and its history. Art will be practiced with emphasis in learning more about all disciplines. Students may experiment in 2-dimensional and or 3-dimensional art with a concentration in either a particular media, discipline, or both.

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Art

Fundamentals of Theatre is an introductory course for students new to theatre covering the first several thousand years of its history and practice. Students choose from a list of plays to study in depth, along with the relevant time periods including: drama’s “roots” in the Ancient Greek amphitheatre, the Italian Commeddia dell’Arte tradition, the conventions of Shakespeare’s playhouse, the birth of the contemporary theatre in Victorian drama, the rise of modern acting
styles beginning with Stanislavsky, American melodrama, American musicals, and the current trend toward immersive theatre. The students learn about the adaptable nature of theatre, technical and performance-based techniques across time periods, and the basic requirements of design through completing a semester-long portfolio project with choice of assignments given weekly.

This semester-long class is designed for students who have taken fundamentals of theater. Course content for advanced theater rotates by semester and is determined by the instructor at course placement. Options for topics of this course include contemporary performance, developing vocal power and range, stage movement, and classical theater trends. Students will also learn principles of stage design and elementary construction. Students will design and adapt
these designs for the plays read in consultation with a student director doing a full concept design.

Prerequisite: Theater I: Fundamentals of Theatre

This year-long course is for students with no previous musical training. Band provides a supportive, motivating setting which allows the student to develop the skills necessary to perform at the more advanced level of the St. Thomas Eagle Band. This class meets before school at St. Thomas High School and requires participation at events outside of the school day (ex. Football games and competitions).

This year-long class is a performing vocal ensemble that represents the school at public functions and concerts along with school Masses. The students are taught a variety of music with emphasis centering on correct notes and rhythms, tonal production, vowel formations, diction, posture, and concert etiquette. Students participate in at least two concerts yearly as well as performing at school functions. Additionally, students participate in regional and state vocal
competitions. This course meets from 7:00 – 7:50 a.m. four days a week.