Fine Arts

Upper School Curriculum

Nardin Academy's 2011 completion of the Fatta Center for the Arts, encompassing art and dance studios, an orchestra room and a full music facility, reflects our commitment to the integration of the arts into our curriculum. The arts faculty is dedicated to encouraging students to discover and develop their artistic interests and potential, with the overall goal of preparing our students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts curriculum at Nardin Academy contains a variety of creative and conceptual projects where students are able to express their artistic talents through multiple art forms. Students are recommended and encouraged to exhibit their artwork in many shows and competitions throughout many Western New York galleries, as well as our own Fine Arts Show that takes place once a year.

List of 13 items.

Clayworks

A fun introductory course where students learn basic ceramic skills and techniques through creative projects. These projects allow students to gain knowledge about local contemporary ceramic artists, become more aware of specific elements and principles of design, as well as learn about different cultures. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1.
Advanced Clayworks

This is a secondary level course that allows students to expand their skills from Clayworks by challenging themselves with more demanding techniques and conceptual projects. Students also have the opportunity to learn how to throw on the ceramic wheel. Prerequisite: Clayworks. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1.
Exploring Studio in Art

This is a great class to take as an introduction to the Fine Arts Department and to begin developing a portfolio of artwork. Students will experiment and increase their skill with a variety of art mediums, including drawing and painting, while also being introduced to many contemporary artists. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1
Drawing & Painting

Study the basics of drawing through such media as charcoal, pastels, ink, pencil, and washes. Emphasis on different techniques of painting such as acrylics, watercolors, and oils. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1.
Advanced Drawing & Painting

A second level course to allow students to keep building on their skills and techniques while developing their own expressive styles through conceptual works in a variety of mediums. Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1.
Photography

Students will learn how work with 35mm SLR Film cameras, develop film, and print black and white photographs in the darkroom. Students will also gain experience using Digital SLR cameras and editing photos digitally. Gain an understanding of camera settings, lighting and how to take great photos. This course is a prerequisite for Advanced Photography. All equipment, including cameras, will be provided. 1 Semester. 4 Days/Cycle. Alpha. Level 1.
Advanced Photography

Continue to practice and refine the skills acquired in Photography and experiment with alternative darkroom processes. Assignments allow for more creativity as students are directed toward personal projects and encouraged to begin developing their own photographic style. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1.
Fashion Art & Design

Learn sketching figure and textile designs through the study of basic proportions, garment details, and principles of colors. Also explores the history of fashion design and styles. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1
Portfolio Prep

Open to juniors and seniors. This class is for students interested in pursuing a degree or career in fine arts or design. The course is tailored to each student’s individual needs. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1.
AP Studio Art: Drawing

This course is for students who have a strong artistic drive, would like to further challenge themselves in art, or would like to apply to Art and Design schools. Within this course senior students will develop an individual portfolio of work, to submit to the AP Board and for use in their college application process. Student will learn to push their work conceptually, strengthen and further develop the skills they already have and grow with their artistic passion. Prerequisites: Drawing & Painting, Advanced Drawing & Painting and one other course in the Fine Arts Department (ie. Photography, Clayworks, etc.) 1 year, level 4.
Digital Video and Music Production

This course follows a project-based curriculum that develops the skills and techniques in digital video and music production. Students will create projects utilizing digital video and music editing software. Students will also employ digital video and still cameras, tripods, microphones, and other equipment to create projects. This course qualifies for Fine Arts credit or Digital Arts & Computer Science credit. 1 Semester. 4 Days/Cycle. Alpha. Level 1.
Introduction to Graphic Design

This course introduces the elements and principles of design to students in a digital environment. Students will become visual communicators combining color, composition, typography and illustration in creative and innovative ways. This course will provide students with the opportunity to use state-of-the-art technology to further develop their artistic skills. This course qualifies for Fine Arts credit or Digital Arts & Computer Science credit. 1 Semester. 4 Days/Cycle. Alpha. Level 1
Yearbook

This course includes graphic design, photography, page layout, copywriting, proper use of camera equipment, Adobe Photoshop, HJEDesign web interface and possibly InDesign. Participation in activities outside of class time required (attending events to take pictures and gather information). This course qualifies for Fine Arts credit or Digital Arts & Computer Science credit. May be repeated for credit. 1 Year. Level 1.

Performing Arts

Nardin Academy’s Performing Arts curriculum encompasses a wide variety of interests and allows the student to pursue her artistic passion. All students have the opportunity to showcase their talents through numerous concerts and performances during the year at beautiful theaters and auditoriums throughout Western New York.

Our music schedule is designed so that students are taken out of a study hall for their lessons, so they never miss class.

List of 11 items.

Orchestra

Performance based group for students with instrumental experience. Recommended for intermediate and advanced instrumental students. One lesson per cycle is required. May be repeated for credit. Full year. 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1.
Choir

Performance based group for students with regularly scheduled rehearsals during the school day. Audition required. May be repeated for credit. 1 yr, 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1.
Basic Piano Class

For students with little or no piano background. Students will learn elementary piano techniques and will be able to play two-handed music by the end of the semester. This is an individualized course where students may work at their own pace. 1 semester 4 day/cycle, alpha, level 1.
Advanced Piano Class

This class will focus on the student playing classical music independently. Students will receive individualized instruction within the group setting. Students will give two recitals a semester. Prerequisite – Intermediate Piano or by audition. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1.
Beginning Music Theory

Course deals with beginning and rudimentary aspects of music including note recognition, clefs, scales, chords, key signatures, melody, harmony, and ear training. Students signing for this course must be in Band, Orchestra or Choir, or have had significant outside music experience. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1.
Theater Basics

A study of true acting using games, improvisations, scenes, and a final performance. No prerequisite required. All work is done during class time. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, level 1.
Theater Arts

A study of acting technique, character development, duets, monologues, production and a final performance. No prerequisite required. All work is done during class time. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, level 1.
Dance

An all around practice of jazz, tap, ballet, modern and hip-hop at beginner levels, as well as musical theater performance. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1.
Choreography

Discover what goes into creating fundamental dance pieces, and music theater performances. This class will touch on the audition process, creating choreography, musical staging, and the production behind the scenes. 1 semester, 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1
Dance Fitness Jam

This course is a group exercise class that incorporates many forms of dance. This class will allow students to fit in fun fitness into their school day, with a focus on flexibility, strength, cardio, and also some relaxation techniques. 1 semester. 4 days/cycle, alpha, level 1
Intermediate Piano

This class is for students who have already taken Basic Piano to continue their studies, or for students who had previously taken piano outside of school who no longer take lessons. All students receive individualized instruction within the group setting. Twice a semester, the students will give a recital to showcase their work. Prerequisite: Basic Piano Class or prior experience. 1 semester, 4 day/cycle, alpha level 1.

A private, independent, Catholic school in Buffalo, NY, with coed Montessori, Lower and Middle Schools and a college preparatory High School for young women.