The Primary Level Fine Arts Curriculum
(M.A.S.T. Chorley and Truman Moon)

Primary Visual Arts Mission Statement
At the primary level, the student will develop independent, critical thought with creative solutions to artistic problems. Students will gain self-esteem while exploring the grammar of the arts.

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Primary Visual Arts Learning Outcomes
Standard 1: Creating, performing, and participating in the Arts.

Standard 2: Knowing and using art materials and resources.

• Line
  Level 1: Students will be able to identify and use horizontal, vertical, diagonal, wavy and zigzag lines found in their environment.
  Level 2: Students will use line to form patterns and as a design element.
• Shape
  Level 1: Students will be able to identify basic geometric shapes and use lines to create them.
  Level 2: Students will identify and reproduce geometric and organic shapes as observed in their environment.
• Color
  Level 1: Students will identify the primary colors and experiment to create secondary colors.
  Level 2: Students will use primary, secondary and tertiary colors and begin mixing shades and tints.
• Texture
  Level 1: Students will define and describe texture using vocabulary such as rough, smooth, bumpy, hard, soft, etc.
  Level 2: Students will use patterns to simulate texture in their drawings.
• Form
  Level 1: Students will understand and describe the difference between two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms.
  Level 2: Students will define sculpture as art that is not flat and can be looked at from many points of view.
• Space
  Level 1: Students will understand space in relation to the size of objects in a composition.
  Level 2: Students will review space in relation to size and understand objects that are far away are higher in the picture plane.

Standard 3: Responding to and analyzing works of art.

• Students will identify the elements of art when looking at drawings, paintings and sculptures.
• Students will study the work of past and present artists from many cultures in connection with their own works of art.

Standard 4: Understanding the cultural dimensions and contributions of the arts.

• Students will observe, describe and discuss works of art from various time-periods and cultures.
• Students will develop an understanding of the impact of the arts on the world around them and as a career goal through visiting artists and museum trips.

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Primary Music Mission Statement
We believe music is fundamental. Each child will discover and develop their musical potential in a nurturing learning environment acquiring musical skills and self-discipline which will promote an appreciation of the arts.

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Primary Music Learning Outcomes
Standard 1: Creating, performing, and participating in the Arts.

• Students will sing simple unison songs and rounds, perform finger plays and play games that reflect a variety of cultures.
• Students will play a variety of pitched and non-pitched instruments.
• Students will perceive and perform a steady beat and simple rhythms.
• Students will work cooperatively in group singing and rhythm band experiences.

Standard 2: Knowing and using art materials and resources.

• Students will begin to discriminate between environmental sounds, the sounds of different musical instruments and singing and speaking voices.

Standard 3: Responding to and analyzing works of art and music.

• Students will recognize the basic elements of music.
• Students will attend in-school live performances.
• Students will exhibit appropriate audience behavior at a live musical performance.
• Students will derive pleasure and sense satisfaction from making and listening to music.

Standard 4: Understanding the cultural dimensions and contributions of the arts.

• Students will listen to short, simple selections from a variety of genres, styles and cultures.
• Students will take pride in their own musical performances and learn to respect the performances of others.

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Primary Performing Arts Mission Statement
The capacity for students to express themselves artistically is innate. The public schools must provide a sequential curriculum led by trained artistic educators to extract, direct and develop the creative expressions of its students. For these artistic programs to be successful, promote life-long learning and bear significant impact on the school community, the students must be active participants in the arts.

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The Elementary Level Fine Arts Curriculum
(Mechanicstown and Maple Hill)

Elementary Visual Arts Mission Statement
At the elementary level, the student will develop independent, critical thought with creative solutions to artistic problems. Students will gain self-esteem while exploring the grammar of the arts.

Elementary Visual Arts Learning Outcomes

Elementary Music Mission Statement
We believe music is fundamental. Each child will discover and develop their musical potential in a nurturing learning environment acquiring musical skills and self-discipline which will promote an appreciation of the arts.

The mission of the instrumental program is to: Develop the creative potential of individual students through making and responding to music; help students acquire the skills, habits, and techniques necessary for effective musical expression.

Elementary Music Learning Outcomes

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Elementary Performing Arts Mission Statement
The capacity for students to express themselves artistically is innate. The public schools must provide a sequential curriculum led by trained artistic educators to extract, direct and develop the creative expressions of its students. For these artistic programs to be successful, promote life-long learning and bear significant impact on the school community, the students must be active participants in the arts.

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The Middle Level Fine Arts Curriculum
(Twin Towers and Monhagen)

Middle School Visual Arts Mission Statement
Through exposure and experience, students will develop a better understanding of self, society, and culture. Through manipulation of mediums and the creative process, students will be exposed to new ideas and will develop problem solving skills, fostering independence, critical and visual thought.

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Middle School Music Mission Statement
The mission of the secondary music department shall be to expand previous understanding of the basic musical elements. Additionally, students will acquire new knowledge, exposure to new musical experiences, will be provided with the opportunity to create new musical experiences and have an exposure to cultural diversity in music.

The mission of the instrumental program is to: Develop the creative potential of individual students through making and responding to music; help students acquire the skills, habits, and techniques necessary for effective musical expression.

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Middle School Performing Arts Mission Statement
The capacity for students to express themselves artistically is innate. The public schools must provide a sequential curriculum led by trained artistic educators to extract, direct and develop the creative expressions of its students. For these artistic programs to be successful, promote life-long learning and bear significant impact on the school community, the students must be active participants in the arts.

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The High School Level Fine Arts Curriculum
(Middletown High School)

High School Visual Arts Mission Statement
The Fine Arts Department at Middletown High School strives to serve the student body with a complete foundation in the two and three dimensional visual arts. Our mission is to give students the opportunity to experience the excitement and satisfaction of artistic and academic achievement, individual expression and appreciation of others through the exploration of art history and personal production.

Visual arts students will participate by actively creating, analyzing and responding to artworks which reflect various cultural and historical perspectives. Further, students will come to a better understanding of the process involved in artistic endeavors, and in the dynamic relationship between artists and society.

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Course Descriptions:

Studio In Art A & B (1 unit total)
The purpose of this course is to explore the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design. It will challenge the student's academic ability and creative potential. Students will experiment with a variety of materials and methods including basic drawing, shading and perspective; color theory and application; basic design and composition technique, introduction to different media, art history, appreciation, criticism, and creative problem solving. Hands on projects will highlight those skills, techniques and concerns which are essential for quality work in the visual arts. Successful completion of this course will include passing a statewide art exam and portfolio project.

Note: Studio in Art is required for completing a major or minor sequence in art. Students concentrating in fine art, design, or architecture need to take this course, as it fulfills the one credit required for foundation class in the arts.

Exploring Painting 1 & 2 (1/2 credit each, 1 unit total)
(Studio in Drawing and Painting as per New York State Curriculum)
This is an intermediate course in drawing, painting and two dimensional art. Students will explore a range of media, (pastels, paints, inks, collage and mixed media), through the vehicles of still life, landscape, portraiture, abstract design, and fantasy. Exploring Painting students will work in greater depth with media of their choice. The students will be guided to achieve a high level of technical skill and craftsmanship to help them achieve their vision.

Drawing & Composition and Advanced Drawing & Composition (1/2 unit each)
These courses are designed to teach the techniques of seeing and drawing accurately. Students will be exposed to a variety of materials and techniques. The assignments revolve around the Elements of Art and Principles of Design.

Computer Graphics and Advanced Computer Graphics (1 unit each)
This course is for students who are interested in drawing and designing on the computer. It is especially relevant for those who students interested in further study, or a career in the Art, Business, or Publishing fields. Students will acquire skills in drawing and design using professional drawing programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Students will be able to create their own artwork on the computer, scan images, use a digital camera, and manipulate images in an infinite number of ways. Advertising, package design and fine art projects will be explored. Advanced Computer Graphics students will tackle more complex projects as well as some animation, 3D, and the creation of web pages.

Oil Painting and Acrylics (1/2 unit)
This course is designed for those students interested in learning to express their creative ideas in oil painting. Knowledge and control of the medium, concern for composition and color, and exposure to the possible approaches with the medium will be emphasized. Work of the past as well as contemporary artists will be studied. Group instruction is coupled with individualized student procedures and work sessions throughout the units in the class.

Watercolor (1/2 unit)
This course is designed to improve and enrich student undertstanding and ability to use watercolors. Emphasis on the fundamentals, mechanics and controls used with this medium, including the reasons why watercolors behave differently than other painting materials. Students will be able to create their own works using the Elements of Art, Principles of Design, new artistic techniques, and aesthetics. This course develops student abilities to work with watercolors, from the simple to the more advanced technical procedures. Students may need to purchase some supplies.

Mural Painting and Advanced Mural Painting (1/2 unit each)
This course is for students who would like to create art on a large scale for public viewing. Students will be involved in group projects designing and creating murals for MHS. Many murals will have a direct correlation to periods in Art History, ranging from Prehistoric to Contemporary Art. After thorough research, preliminary drawings and color studies, the final project will be the creation of a mural. Advanced mural painting students will work in groups executing their own creative designs.

Letter and Poster Design (1/2 unit)
This course concentrates on the mastery of hand lettering. The course is designed to expose students to the concerns of the commercial artist. Included are the basic fundamentals of lettering and poster design, proper letter spacing, characteristics of different letter styles and how lettering is used in commercial art. In addition, the opportunity for imagination, creativity and individuality will be provided in an area which demands the utmost in discipline.

Basic Art/Studio B/or Music in Our Lives (1/2 each, 1 unit total)
A semester course where the basic essentials are taught. These include basic drawing, shading and perspective; color theory and application; basic design and composition technique; introduction to different media; art history, appreciation, criticism, and creative problem solving. Students are encouraged to enroll in Studio B for another half credit in art, and then on to advanced art courses. Selection of Music in Our Lives is limited to every other year.Creative Crafts (1 unit)

Crafts is a year long course which involves a variety of projects which relate to different cultures and periods in history. Students will be expected to keep a notebook for ideas, sketches, ideas, lectures and demonstrations. Some of the areas covered in the class will be: calligraphy, paper projects, batik, stained glass, tie dye, ceramics, and more. Successful completion of the class will include a passing grade on a statewide exam and a portfolio project. Students wishing a 3D art major concentration, should select ceramics, sculpture as advanced art courses.

Ceramics (1/2 unit)
This course is an introductory approach to working with clay. A variety of approaches and techniques will be covered. Students will be exposed to handbuilding and wheel throwing techniques. The qualities and limitations of the materials wil be explored. Consideration will be given to both ceramics as an art form and as a funtional item. Critiques will help students appreciate the accomplishments of others and be able to evaluate their work. Personal expression will be encouraged while attending to the demands of the material.

Sculpture (1/2 unit)
The emphasis of this course is on three-dimensional forms. Students will be exposed to various styles of past and contemporary leaders in the world of sculpture. An understanding of the variey of media, including wire, plaster, stained glass, and clay. Advanced students may have the opportunity to work in wood, stone, and casting techniques. Both realistic and abstract work will be required.

Remember: Save your best artwork! Stdents will create portfolios in each class. If you choose an art major, specific portfolio pieces are required for graduation. See your art teacher for details.

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High School Music Mission Statement
The mission of the secondary music department shall be to expand previous understanding of the basic musical elements. Additionally, students will acquire new knowledge, exposure to new musical experiences, will be provided with the opportunity to create new musical experiences and have an exposure to cultural diversity in music.

The mission of the instrumental program is to: Develop the creative potential of individual students through making and responding to music; help students acquire the skills, habits, and techniques necessary for effective musical expression.

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High School Performing Arts Mission Statement
The capacity for students to express themselves artistically is innate. The public schools must provide a sequential curriculum led by trained artistic educators to extract, direct and develop the creative expressions of its students. For these artistic programs to be successful, promote life-long learning and bear significant impact on the school community, the students must be active participants in the arts.

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