The Arts

9th grade students take Introduction to Art and Choral Music, courses that introduce the subjects of visual arts and the performing arts. Introduction to Art teaches students the elements of art and the principles of design through the creation of original works of art, class critiques and discussions, and by studying examples from the artistic traditions of a variety of cultures throughout history. Choral Music explores group singing and the art of choral music. Students will learn repertoire from varying cultures, time periods, and genres through study and performance. The core curriculum emphasizes the basics of vocal techniques, sight reading, music theory, and music history. The course culminates with performances at the end of each semester.

10th grade students choose between Intermediate Art and Choral Music II, elective courses that reinforce and build upon their previous art courses taken at Notre Dame School. In Intermediate Art, students are provided with a space and instruction to further develop their artistic voice, participate in class critiques and discussion, and study art history from the The Ashcan School to Andy Warhol.

11th grade students are offered the elective course Advanced Placement Art History, a college-level art history course devoted to developing an understanding of the history of art from prehistory to present day in cultures from around the world. This course provides students with the opportunity to examine artworks, artists, artistic movements and styles, etc. from the European tradition and from a variety of artistic traditions beyond the European tradition.

Seniors are offered Advanced Placement Studio Art, which is designed to help students develop a well-rounded portfolio of artworks. AP Studio Art provides instruction in drawing, painting, printmaking, and new media. The course also encourages students to pursue their own artistic endeavors and to develop an original body of work. Seniors are also offered Intro to Music Theory and Aural Skills. This course explores the fundamentals of music theory and ear training. Students will learn scales, key signatures, intervals, principles of common practice in popular music harmony and structural analysis of music. Materials will be reinforced through singing and listening drills in addition to harmonic and rhythmic dictations.

All Notre Dame students are welcomed to audition for the yearly spring musical.