Curriculum Detail

Select a Division & Department

Fine and Performing Arts

  • AP Art 2D

    (Full year)
    AP 2-D Art and Design is an introductory college-level two-dimensional design course. Students refine and apply 2-D skills to ideas they develop throughout the course. The AP 2-D Art and Design course framework presents an inquiry-based approach to learning about and making forms and structures in art and design. Students will conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, concepts, and ideas in two dimensions. The framework focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design 2-D foundation courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to create, explore, and develop works as well as to articulate information about their work. AP 2-D Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, exploration, revision, communication, and reflection. 
    Prerequisite: Photo Explorations or Art Explorations AND the Permission of the Photo or Art Teacher and Department Chair.
     

  • AP Art 3D

    (Full year)
    AP 3-D Art and Design is an introductory college-level three-dimensional design course. Students refine and apply 3-D skills to ideas they develop throughout the course. The AP 3-D Art and Design course framework presents an inquiry-based approach to learning about and making forms and structures in art and design. Students will conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, concepts, and ideas in three dimensions. The framework focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design 3-D foundation courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to create, explore, and develop works as well as to articulate information about their work. AP 3-D Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, exploration, revision, communication, and reflection. 
    Prerequisite: Photo Explorations or Art Explorations AND the Permission of the Photo or Art Teacher and Department Chair.  

  • AP Drawing

    (Full year)
    AP Drawing is an introductory college-level drawing course. Students refine and apply drawing skills to ideas they develop throughout the course. The AP Drawing course framework presents an inquiry-based approach to learning about and making works in art and design. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, concepts, and ideas in drawing and mark-making. The framework focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design drawing foundation courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to create, explore, and develop works as well as to articulate information about their work. AP Drawing students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, exploration, revision, communication, and reflection. 
    Prerequisite: Photo Explorations or Art Explorations AND the Permission of the Photo or Art Teacher and Department Chair.

  • Art I

    (One semester)
    Art I guides students in developing foundational art abilities through the understanding of elements of art, principles of design, and color theory as a basis for composition. Students will explore a variety of artists, art processes and materials such as drawing, painting, two & three-dimensional design, and ceramics. Student artwork will reflect personal aesthetics & cultural and historical contexts. Willingness to get involved in the creative process is a more important requirement than the student’s talent or previous experience.

  • Art II

    (One semester)
    In Art II, students will gain a deeper understanding of the art-making process with emphasis on 2D and 3D elements of art and principles of design. A variety of advanced processes and materials will be introduced to create mixed media pieces and sculptural explorations. 
    Prerequisite: Any previous art class.

  • Speech

    (One semester)
    Speech is a one semester speech elective which can be taken by students who are looking to fulfill their speech requirement. This class is designed to help students develop their skills in public speaking. They learn the speech preparation process, how to combat stage fright, and how to adapt to different speaking situations. Students will cover topics such as composing their own orations, interpreting other orator’s works, persuasive speaking, informative speaking, and debate. We also will address how to leverage and effectively use technology to enhance a presentation. This class is an excellent introduction to the art of public speaking and both prepares students for successful speaking in their future endeavors as well as to continue on into competitive speech.

  • Art Explorations

    (One semester, can be repeated)
    Explore art as a more personal communication tool.  Students will choose their own 2D or 3D media to experiment with and apply to given artistic problems. Various demonstrations of new materials will be introduced as needed, per project. Students will create work based on their chosen area of study. This course may be repeated and is a prerequisite for AP Art courses.
    Prerequisite: Art II

  • Digital Drawing

    (One semester)
    Students learn to use computers as an art medium.  Throughout the course, they will explore 2D processes (digital painting, compositing) through the use of Wacom drawing tablets and the Adobe suite. Real world application of digital artistic processes will be practiced to invite students to think critically about how to apply artmaking to a job setting.

  • Ceramics

    (One semester)
    In Ceramics, students will learn various hand-building techniques to create 3D objects out of clay. Projects will vary from creating functional objects like coffee mugs, platters, bowls and serving trays, to sculptural forms and conceptual, non-functional art. Students will gain an understanding of the use of various glazes and underglazes to add depth to the work.

  • Photo I

    (One semester)
    Photo I is designed to cover the basics of photography and its history. Students will explore the physics of light by building pinhole cameras and introduction to the darkroom. Basic camera functions, film processing and darkroom techniques are introduced and utilized. Basic rules of composition and design are stressed in relation to communication of ideas, events, people and places in a two-dimensional art form. A 35 mm film camera that can be manually controlled is provideed through the Photo Dept.

  • Photo II

    (One semester)
    Photo II builds upon the technical and visual communicative skills acquired in Photo I. It is designed to explore more advanced photo techniques and processes. A more in-depth look at light and how to control it is explored. Class starts with basic review and darkroom and advances to Digital Cameras and industry standard photo editing software. Required equipment students will be using are available through the Photo Dept.
    Prerequisite:  Photo I

  • Photo Explorations

    (One semester, may be repeated)
    Students in this Photo Explorations course will work using digital and film cameras, as well as advanced darkroom techniques and industry standard photo editing software. The course covers multiple  computer manipulation techniques as well as advanced color theory and application of the principles of light, composition and design. One of the goals of the class is to improve and design images for competition and display as well as build a collection of images that can potentially be applied to AP Photo. Students must supply a flash drive or external hard drive for storing and transferring images. Explorations may be taken multiple times.
    Prerequisite:  Photo II

  • Acting Techniques

    (Spring semester)
    Providing instruction and practice in the basic techniques of stage presence and characterization, this class consists of exercises in concentration, body movement, improvisation, characterization, voice control and projection. In addition to creative dramatics, students work on various monologues, scenes, and one-act plays that are formally judged outside the Gilmour community. These pieces are showcased at the Academy several times during the year. Students also have the opportunity to participate in duet and solo competitions in the greater Cleveland area and to attend various theatrical productions.

  • Advanced Argumentation & Advocacy

    (One semester)
    From crowdfunding to launching an entrepreneurial project to getting a stop sign installed in a neighborhood or lobbying state legislators, this course focuses on how to influence decision-makers. Argumentation and advocacy are an intersection of persuasion, passion, change, marketing, and rhetorical strategy This hands-on course explores theory through practice to effectively support a cause or issue, launch a grassroots campaign, or promote an argument. It teaches students how to successfully communicate their position, influence decision-making, and mobilize others to achieve desired change. Areas of study and practice include constructing persuasive arguments, understanding the landscape relevant to their advocacy area, community organizing, content creation, fundraising, and building an impactful campaign without funding. Prerequisite:  Speech 1, Competitive Speech, or Mock Trial

  • Advanced Drawing

    (One semester)
    Drawing is designed to focus on drawing technique and compositional arrangements, targeting serious art students looking for opportunities to strengthen their drawing skills in preparation for a college entrance portfolio. After reviewing drawing techniques and skill basics, students will have an opportunity to explore more conceptual “problems” by addressing design challenges in a unique way. This course will provide the technical support students need to express themselves as they begin to find their artistic voice. In addition, students will be asked to participate in various class critiques, similar to what they will experience at the collegiate level, so as to practice accepting and applying feedback.
    Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

  • Broadcast News Production

    (One semester)
    The Broadcast News Production course will be comprised of students in grades 9 - 12 interested in learning how to create, produce and run a high-level newscast, through the use of cutting-edge technology. Students will learn and continue to refine their understanding of the fundamental elements of broadcast production, from pre-production work through post-production edits and deployment.  The class is run as a collective team effort and all those involved are expected to experiment with variety of roles both on-camera and behind the scenes.  Students will even have the opportunity to “produce” or run a show where they will be in charge of making critical decisions that will impact the entire group.

  • Competitive Speech

    (One semester)
    Competitive Speech is a one-semester speech elective which can be taken by students who are looking to fulfill their speech requirement. This course is designed for students who wish to develop their public speaking skills by competing at various speech tournaments. Presenting speeches to a variety of audiences has been shown through numerous studies to be one of the best ways to learn how to speak effectively in public. Students can choose from either nine different public speaking options or four different debate options. They will develop their presentation under the guidance of the instructor. Students are required to compete in the Ohio High School Speech League Cleveland district tournament as well as are required to compete in four tournaments during the semester.

  • Creative Writing

    (One semester)
    Creative Writing is designed on the workshop model used by professional creative writers and offers students the opportunity to read and write as they come to appreciate the fundamentals of poetry, fiction, drama and other short forms of creative writing in a safe, open, and public class environment.

  • Digital Med: Music I

    (One semester)
    Digital Media: Music I is offered to students in grades 9 - 12 interested in exploring many different aspects of music creation through the use of the latest technology.  Students create original musical compositions and arrangements in a variety of genres that could include pop, hip-hop and electronic dance. The projects students complete may be used for listening, websites, video, or any other application where music is present.

  • Digital Med: Music II

    (One semester)
    Digital Media: Music II goes further into the world of Digital Music by expanding upon the skills we already have. Deeper focus is given to specific categories of digital music, including Audio Engineering, Sound Effects, Scoring, and Mixing. The conjunction of music and other forms of media will also be a key aspect of this class, as we explore the ways that Digital Music appears in our daily lives. Students will learn about the specific technical requirements of nuanced careers in Digital Music, and how to apply those requirements in a realistic way
    Prerequisite: Digital Media: Music I


     

  • Fundamentals of Dance/Mvt.

    (One semester)
    Fundamentals of Dance & Movement is designed for beginning level dancers. It will introduce basic technique in ballet, modern, and jazz. It will also include study in improvisation, choreography, and dance history & health. This will be a physically demanding course. Students must purchase their own ballet & jazz shoes to take the course.

  • Intro to Audio Engineering

    (One semester, Spring only)
    The Intro to Audio Engineering course is offered to students in grades 9 - 12 interested in learning the many different aspects of the music recording process. Students will explore the foundations of microphones, mixers and mastering effects such as EQ and compression.  Using the audio industry standard software, Pro Tools, students will explore concepts through a variety of projects.

  • Intro to Graphic Design

    (One Semester)
    This course serves as an introduction to elements of design, spatial relationships, typography,  and imagery, and layout as students apply practical visual solutions for self-promotion, resumes, logo design and sequential systems. This course instructs the student in graphic design skills employing traditional and digital tools, materials and procedures employed in the communication arts industry. The focus will be on finding creative visual solutions to communication problems using technical skills.

  • Mock Trial

    (One semester)
    This year-long course helps students gain a basic understanding of the legal mechanism through which society chooses to resolve many of its disputes. Students in Mock Trial participate in the current mock trial case developed by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education and work with professional trial attorneys. Students will take this course starting in the fall during the regular school day and then during the spring semester will be required to meet outside of school to prepare for the Mock Trial Competition.

  • Modern Western Art History & Appreciation

    (One semester)
    Art History and Appreciation combines a thorough study of Western art history from Impressionism to Contemporary art (~1860 to today) with the exploration of art spaces in the Cleveland area. In the classroom setting, students will learn about art periods and styles from the last ~150 years, analyzing influential artists and methods that have shaped culture and history. Outside the classroom, students will travel off the Gilmour campus to a variety of museums and galleries to view contemporary and historical artwork, with a special focus on local artists to strengthen ties to our Cleveland community. Through this research, students will create artwork modeled after and inspired by the artists and periods we explore. Additionally, students will be asked to do their own research and present their findings, allowing for a space to practice critique of art from an informed perspective.

  • Music Theater Workshop

    (One semester)
    Music Theatre Workshop is designed for young performers who want to expand upon their experiences with the fall & spring theatre productions. The course will introduce basic techniques in acting, singing, and dance, as well as the study of musical theatre history. This is a performance based course and students will participate in showcases and show choir performances throughout the year.

  • Our Musical World

    (One semester)
    Our Musical World explores the progression of musical development from the classical era to today. Students will learn about basic musical concepts in order to form opinions about the musics that they do and do not like. Specific focus will be given to the popular music of antiquity, medieval chant music and its relation to sacred music of the modern era, symphonic music, political music of the 1800s and 1900s, Jazz, rock music, hip hop, and current pop music. We will trace the development of musical styles from the earliest recorded music until today through the lenses of instruments, technology, current events, and more, in order to see where our favorite types of music come from, and where they may go in the future.

  • Painting

    (One semester)
    In Painting, students will investigate painting materials and explore color, composition, and surface development on board, panel, and/or a canvas while focusing on a wide range of basic approaches to acrylic painting. Traditional and nontraditional contemporary methods will be addressed through the historically established genre of still life. Teacher presentations, group critiques, and student presentations along with individual instruction will help the student to develop original concepts and style while focusing on the foundational principles of two-dimensional design and color theory.

  • Piano Cleveland Private Instruction

    (One semester, can be repeated)
    Students can now enroll in Piano Cleveland's (formerly CIPC's ArtsConnect) private music instruction through Arts at the Academy for course credit. Each student must register for private instruction in the instrument of their choice after school (per instructor's availability). Registrants are expected to bring their own instrument and to pay the additional fees/tuition costs associated with these lessons. Pianos will be available for lessons onsite. A quarter (1/4) credit is awarded upon the completion of a one semester session of 13 30-minute lessons and participation in the recital at the end of the semester. Registration for private music instruction can be found here: Arts at the Academy

  • Play Dir/Prod

    (One semester, Spring only)
    PD&P will offer Gilmour students the incredibly unique opportunity of casting, adapting, and directing theater productions in a state-of-the-art performing arts venue: the “Black Box” theater in the Dodero Center for the Performing Arts. 
     

  • Pops Ensemble

    (One semester, may be repeated)
    The Pops Ensemble will be comprised of students in grades 9 - 12 interested in learning to play an array of musical genres on their instruments. A variety of literature, history, and theory will be introduced through full ensemble rehearsals.  Some students may choose to learn a second instrument. Students will perform as part of the semester’s Celebration of the Arts and are encouraged to perform in the semester’s Solo Recitals. All experience levels are welcome.  While not required, students are strongly encouraged to take private lessons.

  • Sculpture

    (One semester)
    Students in Sculpture will become more familiar with three-dimensional art through an exploration of basic elements (line, plane, mass, and form…) and its basic ordering principles (unity, balance, rhythm, and emphasis…). Individual projects will be of two types: short, practice projects allowing quick, spontaneous explorations; and longer, more elaborate projects allowing careful execution of individual ideas. Various media, but not limited to stone carving, clay sculpting, found object assemblage will be investigated.

  • Set Design & Scene Painting

    (One semester)
    Set Design and Scene Painting focuses on the visual arts that take place on stage behind the scenes of a theatrical production. What does it take to create a beautiful set on stage? How do artists trick the mind and transport an audience into another world?  Throughout the course, we will discover what it takes to create a finished stage look, learn how to build basics for the stage, explore painting techniques to bring realism into the story, and create stage design models. Students will investigate scripts and interpret into uniquely designed models. Students will also learn to build stage prop and scenery basics such as flats and rehearsal cubes. Last, students will practice scenic painting techniques to depict realistic textures on canvas.

  • Speech I

    (One semester)
    This class furthers students’ effective public speaking skills regardless of their skill level on day one. Students will learn to be memorable public speakers through consistent use of organizational structure, eloquent speech delivery, exploration of theory, and confidence from practiced experience. Impromptu speaking is this course's pragmatic base, preparing students to vocalize their competence and courage in any professional or personal pursuit. Presentational speaking, interviewing, and even interpersonal communication skills will be fostered during this one-semester class which fulfills the speech graduation requirement.

  • Textiles & Jewelry

    (One semester)
    Explore various textiles and jewelry techniques used in historical and contemporary art practices. Learn basic construction methods for working with a variety of materials such as copper and brass, cotton and wool as well as non-traditional materials to create body adornment and wearable pieces.

Faculty

Mailing Address:
34001 Cedar Road, Gates Mills, Ohio 44040
Phone: (440) 473-8000
An independent, Catholic, coed, day and boarding school in the Holy Cross tradition. Toddler-Grade 12.
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