9th Grade Visual & Performing Arts

Investigating how different line weights and types of shapes create form and depth on a two-dimensional surface.

Students will explore various shading techniques (hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, blending) to create the illusion of three-dimensional form.

An introduction to the properties of color, including primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, and their psychological effects.

Analyzing the rule of thirds and symmetrical versus asymmetrical balance in visual works, focusing on how artists create focal points.

Exploring how repetition, alternation, and progression create visual rhythm and guide the viewer's eye through a composition.

Students will learn the fundamentals of one-point perspective to create the illusion of depth and distance in drawings.

Developing observational drawing skills through the study of still life arrangements, focusing on light, shadow, and texture.

An initial exploration into the proportions of the human face and basic techniques for drawing portraits.

Understanding the core building blocks of rhythm, tempo, and meter that allow musicians to create cohesive auditory experiences.

Exploring how individual notes form melodies and how multiple notes combine to create harmonies and chords.

Analyzing common musical forms such as AABA, verse-chorus, and sonata form to understand how pieces are organized.

Investigating the unique sound qualities (timbre) of different instruments and voices, and how they are combined in orchestration.

Examining how musical movements have reflected and influenced social change throughout history, from protest songs to anthems.

A survey of traditional and folk music from various cultures, exploring their unique instruments, scales, and social functions.

Tracing the major periods of Western classical music, from Baroque to Romantic, and identifying key composers and stylistic characteristics.

Students learn to inhabit a character by analyzing subtext, objectives, obstacles, and physical movements.

Students will analyze a short script to identify plot structure, character relationships, themes, and dramatic action.

Developing vocal projection, articulation, and physical presence as essential tools for theatrical performance.

Students engage in improvisational exercises to develop spontaneity, listening skills, and collaborative storytelling.

Exploring how lighting, costume, and set design work together to support a director's vision and enhance storytelling.

An overview of the director's role in shaping a theatrical production, from concept to execution.

A survey of foundational theatrical traditions, examining their cultural contexts and lasting influence.

Exploring how modern theater addresses current social, political, and cultural issues.

Breaking down dance into its fundamental elements: space (direction, level, pathway), time (tempo, rhythm), and force (energy, weight).

Focusing on proper body alignment, core engagement, and flexibility to prevent injury and enhance expressive movement.

Students will explore basic choreographic principles, including creating a movement motif and developing it through repetition, variation, and contrast.

A survey of traditional and folk dances and their importance to community identity, rituals, and storytelling.

Exploring the foundational techniques and historical development of classical ballet and early modern dance.

Investigating the origins and evolution of jazz and hip-hop dance, focusing on their cultural significance and stylistic characteristics.

Examining how choreographers use movement to convey narratives, emotions, and abstract ideas without words.

Students will learn to formally analyze artworks by identifying and describing the elements of art and principles of design.

Studying the shift toward realism, linear perspective, and the celebration of the human form in early and High Renaissance art.

Exploring the dramatic intensity of Baroque art and the playful, ornate aesthetics of the Rococo period.

Examining the contrasting ideals of order and rationality in Neoclassicism versus the emphasis on emotion and individualism in Romanticism.

Studying the revolutionary approaches to light, color, and subjective experience in late 19th-century painting.

Exploring the 20th-century break from tradition through movements like Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism.

Examining the rise of Pop Art's engagement with consumer culture and the pluralistic, questioning nature of Postmodernism.

A survey of diverse artistic practices and themes in contemporary art from around the world, emphasizing globalization and cultural exchange.

Learning the basics of digital camera operation, composition, and lighting for effective photographic imagery.

Students will learn fundamental image manipulation techniques using software like Adobe Photoshop, including layers, selections, and basic adjustments.

Analyzing how typography, color theory, and imagery are used in branding, advertising, and informational design.

Exploring the principles of typography, including font selection, kerning, leading, and how they impact readability and aesthetic appeal in design.

Learning the basics of camera angles, shot types, and movement to create compelling visual narratives in video.

Students will learn fundamental video editing principles, including cutting, transitions, and sequencing to create a cohesive narrative.

Exploring the role of sound effects, music, and dialogue in enhancing the visual narrative and emotional impact of video and animation.

An introduction to the principles of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for interactive digital platforms.

Investigating how sculptors manipulate form, mass, and negative space to create three-dimensional artworks.

Exploring fundamental sculptural processes such as carving (subtractive) and modeling/construction (additive) using various materials.

Examining how artists create immersive environments and site-specific works that engage with public spaces and audiences.

An introduction to hand-building techniques in ceramics, focusing on creating functional and sculptural forms.

Exploring the history and techniques of textile arts, including weaving, dyeing, and fiber manipulation.

An introduction to basic jewelry making techniques and the principles of design applied to wearable art.

Exploring the history and concepts of performance art, focusing on body, time, space, and audience interaction.

Examining the experimental and often spontaneous nature of Happenings and the anti-art philosophy of the Fluxus movement.

Students will explore projects that integrate multiple art forms (e.g., dance with video, music with visual art) to create new expressive possibilities.

Investigating how artists use VR and AR technologies to create immersive and interactive experiences.

Exploring how artificial intelligence and algorithms are used to create art, from image generation to musical composition.

Examining art that engages with living organisms, biological processes, and ecological concerns.