FACULTY

Mrs. Celeste (Ingraffia) Robbins
Department Chairperson, Visual Art, Drama, Photography
Contact: crobbins@saviochs.org

Mr. Michael A. Dzbenski
Director of Music, Music, Drama
Contact: mdzbenski@saviochs.org

MISSION

The Fine Arts Department at St. Dominic Savio consists of three disciplines: Visual Art, Music, and Theater and as teachers in the fine and performing arts it is our privilege and responsibility to inspire and nurture creativity in young minds.  In a world where people are constantly challenged to be innovative and original we must instill this sense of individuality in our youth. The art, music, and theater classes and curricula therein are environments in which students can explore materials and techniques, but more importantly provides a forum in which they can explore and challenge themselves.

When examining a student’s artwork or performance, many people tend to respond only to the final product.  At St. Dominic Savio, however, we firmly believe that the process is equally, if not more important.  As teachers it is our goal to teach new skills and introduce techniques, but equally as important is our responsibility to motivate and encourage each individual’s approach, as well as celebrate the discoveries that he or she encounters along the way.

Fine Arts Department News

VISUAL ARTS

VA 101  |  Introduction to Studio Art (.5 credit)
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to introduce students to a basic artistic vocabulary and define the elements and principles of design.  Students work with a variety of two and three dimensional media (drawing, painting, papier mache, clay…)  and will acquire basic artistic techniques. Selected students will have the opportunity to participate in the spring student art show.

VA 111  |  Introduction to 2D Design (.5 credit)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art
This course is designed to develop a solid artistic vocabulary in two dimensions.  Students work with a variety of media (drawing, painting, printmaking, batik, etc…) to solve creative problems and create original works of art in two dimensions. Selected students will have the opportunity to participate in the spring student art show.

VA 121  |  Introduction to 3D Design (.5 credit)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art
This course is designed to develop a solid artistic vocabulary in three dimensions. Students work with a variety of three dimensional media (paper mache, clay, wire, found objects, etc…) to create original works of art while solving creative problems. Selected students will have the opportunity to participate in the spring student art show.

VA 131  |  Introduction to Photography (.5 credit)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art
The course content will introduce the skills necessary to understand camera basics with a focus on digital photography. Coursework will emphasize composition and lighting as well as explore portraiture, landscape, perspective, point of view and storytelling. Photographic methods (resolution/contrast) are emphasized for photographic prints. Selected students will have the opportunity to participate in the spring student art show.

VA 211  |  Intermediate 2D Design (.5 credit)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art and Introduction to 2D Design
This course is designed to build on introductory knowledge and allow students to delve deeper into two dimensional media.  Students will complete a series of challenging assignments that will lead to stronger visual literacy and artistic skills. All students will participate in the spring student art show.

VA 221  |  Intermediate 3D Design (.5 credit)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art and Introduction to 3D Design
This course is designed to build on introductory knowledge and allow students to delve deeper into three dimensional media.  Students will complete a series of challenging assignments that will lead to stronger visual literacy and artistic skills. All students will participate in the spring student art show.

VA 231  |  Intermediate Photography (.5 credit)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art and Introduction to Photography
Students will continue to develop photographic skills and techniques and will become more proficient in their understanding of light, composition, and visual storytelling.  All students will have the opportunity to participate in the spring student art show.

VA 311  |Advanced 2D Design (.5 credit)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art, 2D Design, Intermediate 2D Design
This course is designed to build on knowledge and allow students to delve deeper into the content and context of their original ideas. With the help of the teacher, students will design a series of challenging assignments that will lead to a solid portfolio of work. All students will participate in the spring student art show.

VA 321  |  Advanced 3D Design (.5 credit)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art, 3D Design, Intermediate 3D Design
This course is designed to build on knowledge and allow students to delve deeper into the content and context of their original ideas. With the help of the teacher, students will design a series of challenging assignments that will lead to a solid portfolio of work. All students will participate in the spring student art show.

VA 331  |  Advanced Photography (.5 credit)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Studio Art and Intermediate Photography.
Students will continue to develop photographic skills and techniques and will focus on visual storytelling. Context and content of photographs will be emphasized and students will develop a strong portfolio of work. All students will have the opportunity to participate in the spring student art show.

PERFORMING ARTS

PA 111  |  Symphony Band (1.0 credit)   &  PA 121  |  Symphony Orchestra (1.0 credit)
This performing ensemble consists of several members of the string instrument family, woodwind instrument family, brass instrument family, and percussion instrument family.  Students will focus on improving their ensemble playing in a symphony setting.   Development of musicianship and playing skills will be emphasized through performance in this group.  Students will rehearse and play various repertoire including original compositions, arranged classical items, and popular tunes.  Attendance at performances and rehearsals outside school hours is required.  Previous experience is also required.

PA 231  |  Choir (1.0 credit)
This performing ensemble consists of all voice types ranging from soprano to bass.  Students will focus on improving their ensemble singing in a choir setting.  Development of musicianship and vocal pedagogy will be emphasized through performance in this group.  Students will study singing techniques, musicianship, and choral literature appropriate for the abilities and interests of the group.  Attendance at performances and rehearsals outside school hours is required.

PA 101  |  Music Appreciation (.5 credit)
This fast-paced course gives the student a “little bit of everything.”  Students will learn basic guitar skills, drum patterns, bass lines, singing technique, piano technique, music theory, and composition.  This class will also teach students how to perform in front of a group.  This class is a perfect fit for the student who wants to sample a variety of musical instruments and musical styles.

PA 141  |  Acting I (.5 credit)
This class will examine the fundamentals of stage acting with special emphasis on improvisation.  It will introduce the principles that govern the performing environment.  Speech and vocal skills as well as theatrical movement will be stressed.  The emphasis will be on the preparation aspect of acting as well as the aspect of performance.  Students will put together and perform in various pieces chosen throughout the semester appropriate for the abilities and interests of the group.  Attendance at performances and rehearsals outside school hours is required.

PA 241  |  Acting II (.5 credit)
Prerequisite:  Acting I
Students in this class will continue to develop their stage acting skills.  Emphasis will be placed on control and discipline of body and voice as well as memorization and line reading. All students will participate in a production at the end of the semester. Students will be required to attend performances and rehearsals outside of school hours.

PA 341  |  Acting III (.5 credit)
Prerequisite:  Acting I and Acting II
Emphasis  in this class will be on vocal characterization and refining roles. Students will develop a deeper understanding of stage presence and scene study.  All students will participate in a theatrical production at the end of the semester. Students will be required to attend performances and rehearsals outside of school hours.

PA 151  |  Technical Theatre I (.5 credit)
This course has a major emphasis on the practical application of theatre technology.  The classroom activity will be composed of an investigation of the theory and practice of technical theatre production.  The semester will include a study of production, the stage and its equipment, tools and materials, scenic production technique, scene painting, and stage properties.  Students will serve as the technical team for the spring musical.  Attendance at performances and rehearsals outside school hours is required.

PA 251  |  Technical Theatre II (.5 credit)
Prerequisite: Technical Theatre I
Students will further their understanding and mastery of all aspects of technical theater. The semester will include a study of production, the stage and its equipment, tools and materials, scenic production technique, scene painting, and stage properties.  Students will serve as the technical team for the spring musical.  Attendance at performances and rehearsals outside school hours is required.

PA 211  |  Jazz Band (.5 credit)
This performing ensemble consists of unique instrumentation that performs a wide variety of jazz, rock, blues and other types of music utilizing the jazz/rock band instrumentation. Instrumentation includes trumpet, clarinet, trombone, saxophone, drums, piano, guitar, and bass.  Attendance at performances and rehearsals outside school hours is required.

PA 131  |  Faith (.5 credit)
This advanced performing ensemble consists of all students wanting to study liturgical music and perform at weekly masses.  Students will have the opportunity to study advanced singing techniques and master various types of vocal literature.  Attendance at performances and rehearsals outside school hours is required.