The Arts Department

Students are required to take at least one credit of art, music or technology during high school.

Visual Arts Course Offerings

Art 7

This 10-week course is a required class for 7th grade students. Students will create a portfolio of original artwork, exploring the elements of art and principles of design. Students will learn about art-related terminology, express critical judgments, problem solve, and develop art appreciation that they will carry with them as they move toward high school.

Art 8

This is a required class for 8th grade students. Students will create a portfolio of original artwork, exploring the elements and principles of art. Students will learn about art-related terminology, express critical judgments, and develop art appreciation.

Studio in Art – 1 Credit

Studio in Art is open to students in grades 9-12. Serving as a comprehensive foundation for all secondary art, the course develops basic design principles and elements. These skills and understandings form the basis for drawing, painting, printing, collage, sculpture pottery, and art appreciation. Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate their own artwork and gain an awareness of art history.

Sculpture – 1 Credit

Upon successful completion of Studio in Art, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students may elect to take this course. Sculpture students will explore the basic theories of form and space. Projects will include the use of wood, plaster, clay, wire, paper, cardboard, stone, metal and found objects. Students will learn about traditional and modern approaches to solving three-dimensional problems.

Ceramics – 1 Credit

Upon successful completion of Studio Art, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students may elect to take this course. This course introduces hand built and wheel thrown pottery techniques. It familiarizes the student with the fundamentals of pottery and ceramic design. The history of clay, kiln firing, glazing, and decoration will also be covered.

Drawing and Painting – 1 Credit

This class is open to 11th and 12th grade students who are interested in exploring two dimensional expressions. Students will develop basic craftsmanship, composition and application of color. Students will gain experience with different media, including watercolor, pastels, felt tips, acrylics, and mixed media.

Stained Glass Design – 1 Credit

This class is open to 11th and 12th grade advanced art students who are interested in working with cutting and creating glass works. Upon successful completion of Studio Art as well as one additional art class, students will be eligible to take this course.

Performing Arts Course Offerings

Music 7

Students will experience a wide variety of musical genres through appreciation, theory and history, and musical experimentation. Students will learn to critique music and understand the social, political, and ethical issues it represents while being able to explain and identify the relationship of music to dance, theater, the visual arts, and other disciplines. Students will be guided through their skill development on various instruments and using technology.

Junior Band 7

Band students will be exposed to various musical styles and genres, including jazz and contemporary band literature and works of major composers from various periods. Musical skills such as sight reading, dynamics, intonation and blend, form, and style will be developed in a weekly lesson as well as in the ensemble rehearsal. Students will perform major scales and chromatic. Participation in all lessons, concerts, and parades is mandatory.

Music 8

Students will experience a wide variety of musical genres through appreciation, theory and history, and musical experimentation. Students will learn to critique music and understand the social, political, and ethical issues it represents while being able to explain and identify the relationship of music to dance, theater, the visual arts, and other disciplines. Students will be guided through their skill development on various instruments and using technology.

Junior Band 8

Band students will be exposed to a wide variety of musical styles and genres including jazz and con- temporary band literature and works of major composers from various time periods. Musical skills such as sight reading, dynamics, intonation and blend, form and style will be developed in a weekly lesson as well as in the ensemble rehearsal. Students will perform major scales and chromatic. Participation in all lessons, concerts and parades is mandatory.

Senior Band (Grades 9-12) – 1 Credit

Band students are exposed to a wide variety of musical styles and genres. Musical skills such as sight reading, dynamic intonation, blend form and style will be developed. Participation in concerts, parades and lessons are mandatory.

Theater Arts – 1 Credit

Welcome to Theater Arts at Cambridge Central School, where creativity takes center stage! This dynamic and flexible course offers students a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical arts, encompassing acting, set design, light design, audio, set construction, stage management, stage combat, wardrobe, and other crucial elements of theater production. Our approach is grounded in democratic principles and pedagogy, ensuring that students play an active and constructive role in shaping the course content based on their interests and the needs of our current musical or production.