The Fine & Performing Arts

FINE ARTS

Scope and Sequence

Grades 9-12

1 Trimesters Credits .50

2 Trimesters Credits 1

Students can earn ELECTIVE CREDITS in the Fine & Performing Arts at Janus Liberal Arts High School!

Course Overview: Receiving training in the fine and performing arts involves a comprehensive education that combines intensive practical skill development, theoretical and historical study, and the cultivation of a unique artistic voice. This process prepares students for professional careers, higher education, and the development of highly valued transferable skills. 

Skill Development and Practice

Training is highly practical and hands-on, focusing on honing specific crafts through dedicated practice and expert instruction. 

Studio Work and Rehearsals: Students spend time in practice rooms, or rehearsal spaces, developing technical abilities in areas like drawing, painting, sculpting, musical instruments, vocal performance, or various dance styles.

Performance and Exhibition: A crucial part of the training is regular performance in front of live audiences or the exhibition of artwork in galleries. This helps build confidence, stage presence, and the ability to handle pressure.

Critique and Feedback: Students regularly participate in group and individual critiques (or masterclasses/workshops) where work is analyzed and feedback is given by instructors and peers. Learning to cope with and grow from criticism is a vital part of the process.

Theoretical and Academic Study

Artistic training is balanced with academic coursework that provides context and depth. This may include: 

History and Theory: Studying the history of art, music, or theater, as well as core principles like color theory, music theory, composition, or dramatic analysis.

Critical Thinking and Analysis: Students learn to analyze complex material, such as scripts or visual art, and develop an analytical mind for understanding human behavior and the creative process.

Development of Transferable Skills

Beyond artistic techniques, training fosters numerous "soft skills" that are valuable in a wide range of careers. These include: 

Communication and Collaboration: Working on productions, ensemble pieces, or group projects enhances teamwork, collaboration, and verbal communication abilities.

Discipline and Self-Motivation: The demanding nature of artistic training requires significant self-discipline, time management, and organizational skills.

Creativity and Problem Solving: Training encourages original ideas, creative problem-solving, and the ability to think beyond boundaries and experiment with different concepts.

Resilience and Professionalism: Students learn the importance of punctuality, responsibility, and perseverance in a competitive field.

Overall, receiving training in these disciplines is a rigorous, immersive, and personally transformative experience that requires passion and dedication to develop both artistic expertise and essential life skills.

THREE COMPONENTS OF THE FINE, PERFORMING, AND CREATIVE ARTS

The Critical/Responsive Component

This component enables students to respond critically to images, sounds, performances and events in the artistic environment, including the mass media. Students will become willing participants in the interactive process between artist and audience rather than passive consumers of the arts. The curriculum suggests that teachers guide discussion about works of art (for example, visual art works, musical compositions, or dance and drama performances). The process is intended to move students beyond quick judgment to informed personal interpretation.

The Creative/Productive Component

This component includes the exploration, development and expression of ideas in the language of each art form. In order for an activity to be creative, the student must be actively engaged in a critical thinking process. The student will learn where ideas come from, and how ideas can be developed and transformed. Reflection, both ongoing and summative, is an essential part of the creative process and allows students to evaluate their own growth in their creative endeavors.

The Cultural/Historical Component

This component deals with the role of the arts in culture, the development of the arts throughout history, and the factors that influence the arts and artists. It includes the historical development of each art form. In addition, it focuses on the arts in contemporary cultures, and includes popular culture and various cross-cultural studies. The intention of this component is to develop in students an understanding that the arts are an integral aspect of living for all people.

Through the inclusion of the following three components, the Arts Education academic area is structured to achieve a balance in focus. The components are not to be segregated but are intended to be interwoven throughout the liberal arts program.