Visual Arts: 

• Studio Art 1
• 3D Art 1
• Photography 1
• Digital Art, Design & Animation 1
• Broadcast Journalism (TV Studio)

Performing Arts:

• Beginning Band (Starts around August 1st)
• Orchestra
• Mixed Chorus 
• Show Choir
• Theatre Arts
• Tech Theatre

Fine Arts Electives Fair Presentation (video) The fine arts department has several course offerings for incoming 9th grade students.

In this course students learn design skills, color theory and ways to express themselves through artmaking. No prior art experience is required. This is a good class for students wanting to learn how to come up with new ideas and build their creative problem solving skills. Students work in a digital and physical studio environment, receiving instruction via lecture, demonstration and personal investigation.

NO HOMEWORK! Unless you don’t work in class… 

No “real” quizzes, just practicing skills…

No “real” tests, just Project Based Learning!

Student comments:

• “This class is my favorite. I can just relax and draw. I love my A days!
• “I thought this class would be a joke, but I ended up having a lot of fun and actually learn something.”
• “I love being challenged to think outside-of-the-box everyday.”

New this year!! We are offering a JR/SR Art 1 class that will be tailored to our older students and their needs as a class. It will offer balance to academically heavy course loads.

In this course students expand upon concepts from level 1. Studio Art & Design 1 (or art faculty approval) is the pre-requisite. This is a good class for students wanting to learn to think creatively and continue to build their problem solving skills. Students work in a studio environment, receiving instruction via lecture, Google Classroom and personal investigation.

NO HOMEWORK! Unless you don’t work in class or work for extra credit! 

No “real” quizzes, just practicing and enhancing skills…

No “real” tests, just Project Based Learning!

Student comments:

• “I enjoy learning about current artists working in different styles and the old ones.”
• “I loved level 1 and continued for my sequential elective. The second level is more serious and the other kids are more focused on art.”
• “This class is a great break in my schedule and offers me a chance to think differently.”

In this course students engage in advanced theories in studio art. Studio Art & Design 2 (or art faculty approval) is the prerequisite.  This is a serious art course in which students choose the direction of their work. Students come to this class with an advanced understanding of drawing/painting techniques and with a desire to develop a portfolio. Students work in a digital and physical studio environment, receiving instruction via lecture, demonstration and personal investigation. 

Homework: Some additional work may be needed, but is student directed.

No “real” quizzes, just mastering skills…

No “real” tests, just art production.

Student comments:

• “I like the independence of this class. But also like doing drills with advanced supplies to learn new techniques for my paintings.”
• “I’m really starting to see my work get better.”
• “I’m hoping to get into the Art Show with the work I’m making in Art 3.”

In this course students learn to guide their work as professional artists. Studio Art & Design 3 (or art faculty approval) is the prerequisite.  This is a serious self-directed art course in which students choose the direction of their work. Students come to this class with an advanced understanding of drawing/painting techniques and with a desire to develop a portfolio and the professional attitude of an artist. Students work in a digital and physical studio environment, receiving instruction via lecture, demonstration and personal investigation. 

Homework: Students are expected to work one hour out of class for each hour in class.

Quizzes: No formal quizzes.

Test: Production of art and meeting deadlines.

Student comments:

• “Art 4 pushes me to make a LOT of art. I love being in class with such good artists.”
• “My teachers treats me like an artist and I LOVE that.”
• “I can’t wait for the Art Show. I love that this class gives me time to focus on the design and construction of my booth and helps me highlight my portfolio.”

2D & 3D Design and Drawing

In this course students manage their work as professional artists. Studio Art & Design 3 or the equivalent in their intended media (or art faculty approval) is the prerequisite.  This is a serious art course in which students choose the direction of their work. Students come to this class with an advanced understanding of technique and with a plan to develop an exit portfolio. Students work in a digital and physical studio environment, in which they are responsible for the content and direction of their work. 

Homework: Students are expected to work one hour out of class for each hour in class.

Quizzes: No formal quizzes.

Test: Production of art and meeting deadlines.

Student comments:

• “AP Art is the hardest and most rewarding AP class I have taken at Westfield.  We make a ton of work. The schedule can be intimidating, but it’s so worth it.”
• “I love this class! The feedback I get from everyone is so helpful. Seeing other kids’ work pushes me to push my own work.”

Counselors: We recommend students co-enroll in AP and the Portfolio Prep level of their media of choice. (For example,  AP Drawing and STAD 4; or AP 2D and Photo 4 for photography students, etc.)

Students learn through artworks. Emphasis is on cultural connections. Themes addressed 

include: Influences, Tradition & Change, Power and Authority, Human’s relationship with Humans/Nature/God, etc., Philosophy, cultural ideas of Beauty, and more.  

No art ability is required.

Homework: This course covers two college semester courses. Students can earn up to 8 college credits. Out of class work will help students keep up with the pace of the class and is expected.

Quizzes & Tests prepare you to be ready for the AP Exam

Student comments:

Most common comment in anonymous end-of-year survey: “This class was definitely work but it was so all worth it. This is my favorite class of all high school.”

“I realized this class has changed my life.  I look at everything differently.  I’m sure things were always there but now I not only notice the,m but I know things about them that make them interesting.  

“I love going to Art Museums now.  Before they were so boring but now I am excited to see works I have studied.  The artworks tell so much about the culture that produced them.  This is a course about people and what was important to them--because that’s what art is really.”

Counselors: This class is open to Sophomores who generally do very well in the class. There are schools around the country that are beginning to enroll Freshman as well.

 This is a good class for students to learn how to come up with new ideas and build their creative problem solving skills. emphasizing design skills, idea development and quality craftsmanship.  No prior art experience is required. We’ll focus on ceramics first semester and move into sculpture with other 3D materials. Instruction includes presentation and demo, Google Classroom and collaboration.

NO HOMEWORK! Work is done in class.

Project Based Learning.

“I love working with clay-and learning to use the pottery wheel!”

:I like that we use other 3D  materials as well”

“We get to work with our friends and collaborate on bigger projects”

Students acquire and apply in-depth knowledge of 3-D processes. With increasing self-direction, students continue to develop their ceramics skills through sculpture,  pottery and other 3-D art forms

NO HOMEWORK! Unless you don’t work in class… 

No “real” quizzes, just practicing skills…

No “real” tests, just Project Based Learning!

In this advanced course students continue to develop their 3-D skills and personal voice. Experment and collaborate. Learn mold making and casting in various materials,  Develop a portfolio of 3D work and prepare for final Art show with portfolio of advanced body of work

NO HOMEWORK! Unless you don’t work in class… 

No “real” quizzes, just practicing skills…

No “real” tests, just Project Based Learning!

This is an advanced class for those who have taken 3D-3 (or art faculty approval)  This is a serious art course in which students make personal choices for  the direction of their work based on their experience working with a variety of 3D media techniques. Working in a studio environment, students learn from demonstration and personal investigation.compile a body of work and prepare for a culminating exhibit of personal work.

HOMEWORK; Students are encouraged to work independently at least an hour a week!… 

No “real” quizzes, just practicing skills…

No “real” tests, just Project Based Learning!

NEW COURSE OFFERING!

Students focus on jewelry and miniature sculpture with use of a variety of materials from clay to wire to light metals. Students develop body of work making selections based on technical quality, personal style, intended purpose, and growth over time.

NO HOMEWORK

Project based learning. 

Demonstration, Google Classroom and tutorials.

Student comments:
‘I love learning and experimenting with  different media and taking it in my own direction’

This is a unique opportunity for general education students who are interested in working with Adapted Art students to create projects, socialize, and help teach life skills.  Students who may be considering a career working with special populations will get a chance to gain experience to help them decide if it’s a good  path for them. 

NO HOMEWORK

Hands on helping

No special art talent necessary

Student comments:
I love this class.  The Adapted Art Students are fun to work with.  I definitely get as much out of the class as I put into it.

I can’t really describe why it is so great but I would recommend it to anyone who likes helping others.

I have thought about majoring in Special Education in college and this class helped me decide it is definitely what I want to do. 

Learn art skills using Photoshop, Illustrator. Animation unit using Photoshop. No prior art experience is required. This is a good class for students wanting to learn how to come up with new ideas and build their creative problem solving skills. Every class is “hands on” because you learn by “DOING.” 

NO HOMEWORK! … 

No quizzes, just practicing skills…

No tests, just Project Based Learning!

Student comments:

It’s my favorite class and a “break” in my day.

I love learning how things are made on the web and advertising and now I know how to do it?

I’m excited that Digital Art has started to include Animation!

Learn the Principles of Design--How artists make art look professional and get people to pay attention to it!  Students move on to more complex skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, use Animate, and our 3D printers and path Cutting Machines. Level 1 is required.   

NO HOMEWORK!

No quizzes, just practicing skills…

No tests, just Project Based Learning!

Student Comments:

I was surprised but I loved learning about the 

Principles of Graphic Design.

I like that at Level 2 we are given even more 

freedom to determine what the subject and 

design of our projects will be.

My favorite project was designing our own 

T-Shirts and printing them.  We got to do

pretty much whatever we wanted.  

In this course students experiment what all the things that digital art can be.  We work in 3D, mixed media, and try all kinds of new things.  Doing this is a change of pace but also gives students who plan to go on to the portfolio level an idea of possible directions they can go that they might not have thought about.

Homework: Some additional work may be needed, but is student directed.

No quizzes, just mastering skills…

No tests, just art production.

Student Comments:

At first I thought doing some of these different projects was weird but I was suprised at how much I learned and enjoyed them.

The class isn’t large so you kind of form a family.  My favorite days are critiques when we get to talk about our art and EAT!!

I feel like I am learning to become a “real” artist and am finding ways to form my own style.

In this course students drive all the decisions about their art.  They combine everything they have learned in levels 1,2, & 3 to create a portfolio and prepare for their one-person show at the Pyramid Art Show.  They work and consult  one-on-one with the teacher and other class members to perfect their portfolio so they reach the goals they set for themselves.

Homework: Some additional work may be needed, but is student directed.

No quizzes, just mastering skills…

No tests, just art production.

Student Comments:

It kind of feels like being in college where you get to decide on what you want to say with your art rather than someone else telling you want to do

My teacher is a mentor and guide.  Students help each other improve our art. The class goes so fast.   

I feel like I am learning to become a “real” artist and am finding ways to form my own style.



 

 Produce Westfield’s Student Art and Literature Magazine. You’ll learn to use professional level programs like Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign as well as learn the techniques and “tricks” that Graphic Designers use in their work.  Students also get some “real life” experience as designers with clients when we design T-shirts, Posters, Fliers or other items.

No homework but there may be 1 or 2 after school or evening fundraising events that you’ll participate in.

No tests or quizzes--all assignments are hands-on practical assessments.

Student Comments:

It is amazing to be part of creating the Art/Lit Magazine and Westfield has won the “State Championship” 2 of the last 3 years and I am proud to put that on my college resume.

Calliope students advertise for, select art and literature to include, and design each page to coordinate with the art and writing that is included.  We work as a team and it all comes together into a beautiful magazine.

It is fun and flexible, I had no idea how many different things I’d get to do.

Students are responsible for the creation of the daily news using our professional studio and field equipment.  They create original work using Adobe Software.  Students are encouraged to display their own student voice and collaborate in the studio and control room. Our class manages an active YouTube channel, Twitter account and contributes to the school website.  Students will compile a final video portfolio demonstrating their work throughout the year.

Homework in this class mostly includes interviews.  Editing is done in class.  Students choose their own topics as they relate to personal interests or topics of importance.

“This class introduced me to a whole new 

group of people who became like family. 

 I love that this class was so small!” 

- Miranda

Check out our YouTube Channel titled Westfield Live!

Students in Broadcast Journalism 2, 3 & 4 are responsible for leading the creation of the daily news using our professional studio and field equipment.  They will lead our level 1 students in training and help to shape the direction we take for the school year in terms of message, content and student voice.  Students will compile a final video portfolio while working to learn advanced editing skills.

“I’ve been a part of this class since my freshman year, 

I worked my way up to director and enjoy the leadership 

opportunities this class has offered me.” - Ryan

Check out our YouTube Channel titled Westfield Live!

In this course students learn to take better photographs and editing/printing techniques. No prior art experience is required. This is a good class for students wanting to learn how to understand the controls on both digital and film cameras as well as the processes used in the photo darkroom and in Adobe Photoshop. Students work in a lab environment, receiving instruction via lecture, Google Classroom and personal investigation.

Homework is to take photos regularly. Written work is minimal in this class but students need to be prepared to take the lab atmosphere seriously. Students will be required to multi-task and use equipment with care.

“I love the darkroom! It is so cool to see photos appear on the paper. It’s like magic!”

Building on the components covered in Photo 1, students will learn more in-depth Photo History, refine their film and darkroom knowledge, explore special processes and learn about digital SLRs as well as Adobe Photoshop and other digital technology. Class time will be jam packed with excitement and a dedication to photography will be required for these kids!

Homework is to take photos regularly. Written work is minimal in this class but students need to be prepared to take the lab atmosphere seriously. Students will be required to multi-task and use equipment with care.

Building on the components covered in Photo 1 and 2, students will learn more in-depth Photo History, refine their film and darkroom knowledge, explore special processes and continue work with digital SLRs. Phot 3 students become more knowledgeable with Adobe Photoshop and begin to develop a focus. Class time will be jam packed with excitement and a dedication to photography will be required for these kids!

THE ONLY HOMEWORK IN PHOTO 3 IS TO TAKE PHOTOS FOR ASSIGNED PROJECTS!

Building on the components covered in Photo 1, 2 & 3, students work on contracts, producing portfolios evidencing quality, concentration and breadth.  The student selects his or her own area(s) of concentration, and a one-person show is required at the end of the year.  Access to transportation is recommended because students will need to frequent local galleries, museums and archives on their own.  Exceptional initiative and commitment to the photographic medium is expected of these advanced level students.

It is assumed that any student at this level is shooting photos on a regular basis outside of school in order to build their portfolio.

• Have fun while growing as a musician and learning to work with fellow musicians.
• Westfield High School offers-Marching band, 3 concert bands, 2 jazz bands, and percussion classes.  

Just sign up for band and we will get you placed in the proper class(es)! 

The instrumental jazz ensemble curriculum emphasizes improvisation and styles of the jazz idiom.  Content includes the study of blues scale patterns and harmonic progressions innate in jazz music.  Content also includes the study of the appropriate jazz literature and rehearsal and performance techniques.  Instrumentation of the jazz ensemble is at the discretion of the instructor. Marching band techniques and performances may be included.  Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for the course.

The percussion ensemble class is designed to meet specific needs of percussionists.  Content includes study of the appropriate ensemble literature, and rehearsal and performance techniques from the various areas of musical composition.  Instrumentation of the group is at the discretion of the instructor.  Marching band techniques and performances may be included. Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for the course.

• Students continue developing as individual musicians and as members of a musical group.
• Emphasis is placed on the development of intermediate level technical and ensemble skills necessary for performance.  
• Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for the course.

Emphasis is placed on developing and understanding basic music theory skills.  Course content includes recognizing and notating: all major and minor scales, rhythms in simple and compound meters, and triadic chord structures.  Composition skills in standard notation of simple melodies, with accompanying chords and keyboard performance of simple tunes, may also be included.  Students will become acquainted with appropriate musical terms.

• Students will participate in a chorus of mixed voices.  Emphasis is placed upon correct vocal performance techniques and sight-singing through the study of appropriate choral literature.  
• Based on successful completion of sequential concepts for each level, students will continue to learn progressive  musical concepts.  
• Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for the course.

Students will participate in a chorus of lower voices with an emphasis on correct vocal performance techniques. Based on successful completion of sequential concepts, students will continue to learn progressive musical concepts and build sight-singing through the study of appropriate choral literature.  Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for the course.

• Students are offered choral experiences in the appropriate genre.  
• Emphasis is placed on the development of musicianship and proficiency in ensemble performance.  
• Course content includes a study of appropriate literature, vocal techniques, sight-singing, and choreography.  Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day  participation requirements to receive credit for the course.

• Theatre Arts 1 is a foundations course  that introduces students to dramatic literature, theatre history, technical theatre, artistic leadership, and acting.  
• This course provides opportunities for students to experience and participate in the creative processes of performance and production.  
• This course emphasizes skill development and provides theatrical opportunities that enable students to determine personal areas of interest.
• Participation in co-curricular activities and performances may be required to receive credit for this course.  This course may be used to satisfy the graduation requirement for a credit in fine arts.

• Students apply technical theatre knowledge and skills by participating in practical aspects of the production process.  
• Students will collaborate to execute a variety of technical designs safely and effectively, and develop management and public relation skills. 
• Participation in co-curricular activities and productions may be required to receive credit for this course. This course may be used to satisfy the graduation requirement for a credit in fine arts.