Fine Arts

Through the diverse experiences offered by Marist’s fine arts curriculum, each student’s life will be enriched intellectually, spiritually, and technically. Operating within this framework of head, heart, and hand, the Fine Arts Department plays an essential role in making each student’s schooling integrated through the aesthetic experience.

First, from the intellectual dimension the student will learn the particular language of a medium, learning to communicate in that language, to articulate concepts, and to develop a critical vocabulary for assessment.

Second, the student will be enriched spiritually by developing character, valuing other cultures through a study of their artistic productions, and knowing through the heart how the sacred may be expressed through images, sounds, movements, and spaces.

Finally, the student will learn that a technical facility in the arts often leads to life-long pursuits, greater understanding of a medium, and the joy experienced through the process of creating.

Band Courses

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Beginning Band (FA117: Grades 7-9)

This yearlong course offers students with little to no prior musical training the opportunity to learn to play a band instrument. While the first term focuses on music literacy and playing fundamentals on all wind and percussion instruments, the second and third terms focus on performance preparation culminating in concerts in front of audiences. Playing fundamentals are continually taught and reinforced throughout the school year. Course topics include music reading, tone production, hand and stick control, and articulation. Required after-school concerts include the Christmas concert, a concert at the end of second term, and a concert at the end of third term. Instruments available for study are brass (trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba), woodwinds (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone), and percussion (snare, marimba, timpani). All instruments are provided by the school.
Concert Band (FA131-133: Grades 7-9)

This three-term course is designed to provide continued learning experiences at the intermediate level. It is intended for the incoming 7th grader who has previous band experience. Emphasis is on expanded repertoire at the Grade 2 level as specified by the Georgia Music Educators Association, technical fluency and tone production, and ensemble opportunities that include solos, duos, trios, and full band. One outside performance is required per term.
Marching Band (FA121: Grades 8-12)

This one-term course is composed of a group of students known collectively as the Marist War Eagle Marching Band. The course requires extensive after-school rehearsals as well as performances at all football games and at several competitions and parades during the season. Wind instruments and percussion meet together for music preparation during class and are joined by color guard groups in the afternoons. Attendance at a one-week summer band camp is required (fee to be announced annually). Marching Band is a fall varsity letter sport.

Course may be repeated for credit.
Symphonic Band (FA151-153: Grades 7-9)

This three-term ensemble is designed to provide a musical outlet for the more advanced instrumental musician at the middle school level. Emphasis is on expanded repertoire at the Grade 3 level as specified by the Georgia Music Educators Association, technical fluency and tone production, and ensemble opportunities that include solos, duos, trios, and full band. The band performs music in a variety of compositional styles and participates in various contests and festivals throughout the year. At least one outside performance is required per term.
Wind Ensemble (FA162-163: Grades 9-12)

This two-term ensemble, offered during the second and third terms each year, is the most advanced instrumental performance ensemble at Marist. The band performs both on and off campus at a variety of functions, contests, and festivals as well as in conjunction with the Marist Chorale. FA162 (Term 2) is an excellent outlet for serious musical performance in the classical, contemporary, and experimental music idioms. FA163 (Term 3) is an exploration of film score, pop music, and jazz. Outside performances are required.

Course may be repeated for credit.
Commercial Music Ensemble (FA171: Grades 9-12)

Commercial Music Ensemble focuses solely on student performance skills. This one-term course emphasizes skills including individual preparation, confidence, proficiency on the student's instrument of choice, and listening. Commercial Music Ensemble is open to intermediate and advanced players and singers, and beginners are encouraged to seek out instruction on their instrument of choice. Due to the fast-paced nature of this student-driven course, mismatches in skill levels are discouraged, but not prohibited. Students who feel less confident on their instruments are still invited to be in the class and will be expected to work with the instructor.

Course may be repeated for credit.
Guitar I (FA185: Grades 9-12)

This one-term course is a beginning guitar course offered for students 9-12 which teaches guitar fundamentals, traditional music notation, TAB, reading lead lines, as well as rhythm guitar. This course is for the true beginner interested in acoustic guitar.

Choral Courses

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Girls Chorus (FA201: Grade 7)

This three-term course is composed entirely of younger female voices and designed for those girls who demonstrate a beginning to moderate level of ability in pitch retention, rhythmic accuracy, and vocal production. During the course of the year, the girls will develop reading music at sight and study many varying music theory concepts such as dynamics, rhythm, note names, and singing in two- and three-parts. Performances include the Foundations Fall, Christmas, and Spring Concerts in addition to the Sacred Choral Concert in February.

This course fulfills the first year of the 7th and 8th grade music requirement and must be scheduled for three consecutive terms.
Boys Chorus (FA203: Grade 7)

This three-term course is designed for 7th grade male students demonstrating a beginning to moderate level of ability in pitch retention, rhythmic accuracy, and vocal production. Vocal technique, intonation, blend, vowel placement, diction, and sight-reading are developed. Performances include the Foundations Fall, Christmas, Sacred, and Spring Concerts.

This class fulfills the first year of the 7th and 8th grade music requirement and must be scheduled for three consecutive terms.
Advanced Girls Chorus (FA205: Grade-8)

This three-term course is designed for 8th grade female students demonstrating a moderate to early advanced level of ability in pitch retention, rhythmic, accuracy, and vocal production. Vocal technique, intonation, blend, vowel placement, diction, and sight-reading are developed. Continued study of music theory concepts such as tempi, cut time, compound meter, and rhythmic and melodic dictation are provided. Performances include the Foundations Fall, Christmas, and Spring Concerts in addition to the Sacred Choral Concert in February.

This course fulfills the second year of the 7th and 8th grade music requirement and must be scheduled for three consecutive terms.
Advanced Boys Chorus (FA207: Grade 8)

This three-term course is designed for 8th grade male students demonstrating a moderate level of ability in pitch retention, rhythmic accuracy, and vocal production. Vocal technique, intonation, blend, vowel placement, diction, and sight-reading are developed. Performances include the Foundations Fall, Christmas, Sacred, and Spring Concerts.

This course fulfills the second year of the 7th and 8th grade music requirement and must be scheduled for three consecutive terms.
Chorale (FA241-243: Grades 9-12)

This one-, two-, or three-term course is designed for those high school students with moderate ability in vocal skills and music reading. Music sight-reading and tonal production are a main focus for the term as is octavo preparation for concerts. The ensemble sings SATB, SSA, and TTBB throughout the year in the many performances which include the Fall, Christmas, Sacred, and Spring Concerts.
Honors Marist Singers (FA261-263: Grades 9-12 by audition only)

Honors credit for Marist Singers is earned every term that a student is enrolled in, and selected by audition from, Chorale (FA241-243) or Chamber Chorus (FA252-253). Marist Singers is a yearlong commitment. Marist Singers must enroll in Chorale or Chamber Chorus for at least one term during the school year. Additionally, students are expected to attend Tuesday and Friday morning rehearsals before school.
The ensemble studies and performs vocal jazz repertoire and must devote adequate time at home for music preparation. Marist Singers performs at the Fall, Christmas, Sacred, and Spring Concerts, as well as at Open House and other off-campus events. Auditions take place in May for the following school year.

Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Audition in May of the previous school year. Required enrollment in Chorale (FA241-243) and Chamber Chorus (FA252-253) for a minimum of one term.
Introduction to Music Technology (FA148: Grades 9-12)

This one-term course will introduce the concepts of music technology and its use in current music production methods. Students will manipulate MIDI protocol and create multi-track compositions and song accompaniments using sequencing software. Students also will analyze formal elements of music and learn correct operational techniques for sound reinforcement systems. Students will explore acoustics, audio recording and its applications, music theory, and other music-related topics as they implement current technology.

This course may be repeated for elective credit.

Dance Courses

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Foundations Dance (FA417: Grades 7-8)

This course explores the art of dance/movement and its creative power. No previous dance experience is needed. Students will explore different genres of dance/movement to engage in storytelling, communication, and performance (traditional and non-traditional). The course is open to all Foundations students, and students who take the class should be prepared to move through warm-ups, various movement/dance styles, and choreography. The class is open to a full range of dancers/movers, from beginner to advanced, and the class will meet the level of each individual dancer.

The course can be repeated for elective credit.
Dance: Expression and Movement (FA418: Grades 9-12)

This high school level course introduces dance creation covering methods to identify and execute the basic principles of composition, e.g. improvisation, use of movement qualities, musical forms, design, production elements. Concentrates on the development of themes and performance of multiple phrase compositions for individuals and groups. Emphasizes individual creativity. No previous dance experience is required.

The course can be repeated for elective credit.

Drama Courses

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Drama & Speech (FA416: Grades 7-8)

This one-term course introduces students to drama, speech, and oral interpretation with emphasis on developing speaking abilities and gaining stage presence. Activities include public speaking, improvisation, role-playing, and scene studies. Students perform individually and in groups and will participate in hands-on technical work in the auditorium.
Drama: Survey of Theater and Performance (FA441: Grades 9-12)

This one-term course is an introduction to the basic elements of acting and stagecraft. Scene studies, monologues, and improvisation are included. Students also will be introduced to the history of theater, including period and style in movement.
Drama: Theater Research (FA442: Grades 10-12)

This one-term course is offered for the student who seeks to explore theatrical elements in a more focused environment. The teacher and student(s) will identify a specific subject and create a course of study, with particular emphasis on the means of assessment. Topics may include acting and performance, direction, playwriting, theater history, theater and social justice, theatrical design, etc.

Prerequisite: Drama: Survey of Theater and Performance (FA441) and permission of the instructor.
Theater Production (FA445: Grades 9-12)

This one-term course gives students an overview of technical theater production elements. Topics include the basics of audio engineering for musicals and audio editing, lighting technology and design, scenic construction and painting, and stage management. There are opportunities for students who are interested in performance as well as technical theater. This course is 30% lecture and 70% hands-on experience.
Performing Broadway: From Vaudeville to "Hamilton" (FA450: Grade 9-12)

In this course, students will learn techniques in performing many styles of musical theater. The class will be taught through the lens of the history of the American Musical, starting with vaudeville and moving up to “Hamilton.” Focus will be on connecting the show with the cultural elements that created them, e.g. what was going on in America to bring about the musical “Hair” or “Rent” or “South Pacific”? Students will learn how the American Musical has evolved over time, with performances from a range of eras and styles. Class will culminate in a final performance showcase. Recommended for students who have some singing experience.

Visual Arts Courses

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Foundations Ceramics 7-8 (FA315: Grades 7-8)

This one-term elective is an introductory-level ceramics class that will focus on teaching students the fundamentals of using clay as a medium. Not only will students learn the essentials of the ceramic firing process, but students also will create a portfolio of hand-built projects that cover a variety of techniques. This course will cover the following methods: slab building, pinch pots, and coil building. This course may be taken more than once in seventh and eighth grades.
Foundations Introduction to Design (FA317: Grades 7-8)

This one-term course is an introduction to the elements and principles of design, as well as a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, and printmaking. The students will learn how to function as an independent art student in that space. Students will develop art-making strategies and a visual communication vocabulary by exploring a variety of two-dimensional art-making processes. Additionally, students will learn to articulate their understanding of art through open discussions and critiques. Students will be challenged to create their own personal work and find creative solutions to visual problems.
Beginning Ceramics (FA341: Grades 9-12)

This one-term elective is an introductory level ceramics course that will focus on teaching students the fundamentals of using clay as a medium. Not only will students learn the essentials of the ceramic firing process, but students also will create a portfolio of hand-built projects that cover a variety of techniques. This course will cover the following methods: slab building, pinch pots, and coil building.

8th grade students may take this course with the permission of the instructor.
Intermediate Ceramics (FA342: Grades 10-12)

This intermediate-level studio art course will focus on creating thrown work on the pottery wheel. Building off of the skills learned in Beginning Ceramics, students will further their knowledge of this media by using a variety of clay bodies that will expand their understanding of the formulation of clay. Students will be expected to make a large quantity of wheel-thrown pieces to be selected for the final critique.

Prerequisite: Beginning Ceramics (FA341)
Advanced Ceramics (FA343: Grades 10-12)

This advanced studio course will focus on developing a comprehensive portfolio of ceramic work that shows the students’ understanding of the medium. Students may work with clay in any method they choose, hand building or wheel throwing. At the start of the term, students will write a proposal that covers what they intend to make for the term and why it is essential to them as an artist. This will be the first time many students are creating projects on their own and therefore they are strongly encouraged to attend open studios, which will be available once a month.

Prerequisites: Beginning and Intermediate Ceramics (FA341 and FA342).
Beginning Drawing and Painting (FA346: Grades 9-12)

This beginner-level studio art course will introduce the elements and principles of design through hands-on approaches to two-dimensional and three-dimensional art making. Students will become familiar with the materials and tools in the painting and drawing studio, including three-dimensional approaches to curating the entirety of the work they are asked to make. The students will learn how to function as an independent art student in that space. Students will develop art-making strategies and a visual communication vocabulary by exploring a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art-making processes. Additionally, students will learn to articulate their understanding of art through open discussions and critiques. Students will be challenged to create works based on a series of prompts and exercises.
Intermediate Drawing and Painting (FA347: Grades 10-12)

Students learn to paint from observations and personal ideas and are exposed to painting and drawing ideas from both historical and contemporary contexts. Students will be introduced to design through hands-on approaches to two-dimensional and three-dimensional art making. Students will become familiar with the materials and tools in the painting and drawing studio, including three-dimensional approaches to curating the entirety of the work they are asked to make. Watercolor, gouache, acrylic paint, wood, plastics, cardboard, and cellulose are used for assignments. Some out-of-class drawing and painting is required.

Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing and Painting (FA346)
Advanced Drawing and Painting (FA348: Grades 10-12)

This one-term course is for the student with special interests and aptitude for two and three-dimensional artwork. Independent project work is required in this class. Students will continue to incorporate design through hands-on approaches to two-dimensional and three-dimensional art making. Students will become familiar with the material and tools in the painting and drawing studio, including three-dimensional approaches to curating the entirety of the work they are asked to make. Watercolor, gouache, acrylic paint, wood, plastics, cardboard, cellulose are used for assignments. Some out-of-class drawing is required.

Prerequisite: Beginning and Intermediate Drawing and Painting (FA346 and FA347) or by approval of the instructor
Introduction to Photography (FA361: Grades 10-12)

This beginner level studio art course will focus on developing an understanding of the 35 mm film camera, the dark room, and the history of photography. Students will be given a variety of projects that focus on learning how to use their cameras effectively to create quality prints. Though primarily focused on technique, students will be asked to push themselves in creating meaningful images. These images will be presented at the end of each project in a critique, as well as at the end of the term when they present a final portfolio. Each critique gives students the opportunity to display their knowledge of the artistic language they have acquired in this class as well as previous art classes.
Architectural Drawing and History (FA 350: Grades 9-12)

This one-term course is designed to introduce students to both the basic isometric and orthographic drawing. After demonstrating an understanding of different types of perspective drawing (one-point, two-point, three-point, and shadows), the class will shift to observational drawing inside and outside of the Marist campus buildings. This part of the course will combine gestural and technical drawing. As an historical context, students also will learn the basic historical language (vocabulary and syntax) of architecture. In the final weeks of the course, students will use architectural drawing for creating more abstract, conceptual works of art. Students will be required to purchase a moleskin notebook, pencils, and an eraser.
Art, Business, and Creativity (FA355: Grades 11-12)

This one-term course is designed to prepare artists for promoting their art through social media, preparing their portfolio for presentations with art directors and agents, understanding legal business aspects of being a professional artist, and learning how to create designs for the art market.

Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing and Painting (FA346).
Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man (FA375: Grades 11-12)

Students will spend the term reading aloud Ralph Ellison’s novel Invisible Man, a book reflecting upon the American Dream and race. It is both an autobiographical coming-of-age novel (bildungsroman) and a thinly veiled examination (roman a clef) of many aspects of American history. Unlocking the novel involves a deep understanding of African American history, the Bible, material culture, mainstream and Black American literary traditions, formal and vernacular language, family stories, mythology and folk traditions, paternalism, colonialism, art history, music, beliefs about progress and technology, psychology, and feminist gaze theory. Plus, this Surrealist novel, considered to be one of the great American books, uses humor and word-play to create a comic-tragic story that becomes something of a sequel to Joyce’s Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Since so much of the novel takes place in New York City, most years the class walks in the footsteps of the Invisible Man from Harlem to Centre Street.

Prerequisite/Corequisite: AP Art History (FA902).

Advanced Placement Courses

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AP Art History (FA902: Grades 11-12)

This three-term course is intended to provide students with a challenging, college-level, global survey of art history and prepare students for the Advanced Placement History of Art Examination. Museum visits are required. Throughout the year, students will learn how to make meaningful cross-cultural connections, conduct research using art as a primary resource, develop visual literacy, understand aesthetics from different cultural frameworks, and learn how to analyze works of art in terms of formalism, function, content, and context. The Advanced Placement Examination is required in May (fee to be announced annually).
AP Music Theory (FA901: Grades 10-12)

This three-term course equips students with active listening skills as well as written musical skills through an analysis and application of the grammar of Western music. Music theory is taught through dissection of melody and harmony. Students will develop aural skills including sight singing, active listening, and melodic and harmonic dictation. Students will learn how to dissect many different musical examples with music theory fundamentals. This course is intended to prepare all students for the AP Music Theory Exam regardless of musical talent.

Prerequisite: Students must possess rudimentary music reading skills to be eligible for the course. The ability to match pitch when singing is highly encouraged, but not required for admission into the course.
AP Studio Art (FA904: Grades 11-12)

This Advanced Placement course prepares students to submit a 15-piece portfolio to the AP College Board and Educational Testing Services. The three portfolios are Art and Design, Painting and Drawing, and 3D Design.

Students will advance their drawing, painting, and 3D design skills and expand their visual communication vocabulary by exploring a variety of drawing, painting, and 3D design processes, depending on what portfolio is chosen by the student as well as compositional and aesthetic concepts. This inquiry-driven portfolio course will require students to work independently and without the formal structure of a traditional studio course. However, there will be assignments to drive them towards their sustained investigation. The students accept personal responsibility for their artistic growth and portfolio needs. Other instruction will take place in the form of individual critiques, readings, discussions, and process demonstrations. Instruction is individualized to meet each student’s needs.