Arts Department

A242IC-3 Art Survey

Art survey is a broad-based sampling of painting, ceramics and sculpture. This class is ideal for the curious beginner who would like to explore three different art disciplines in one elective course. The projects offered, include painting from life, sculpting a 3-D object, and making a functional clay piece using slab technique. It is also an opportunity for a student who only needs one art credit, but would like the experience of an entry-level studio art class. 

A112BW Black and White Photography

In this course, students use 35mm film cameras and learn about light exposure, shutter speeds and film types. Attention is given to subject selection, design, light and composition. Instruction in film development and printing follow including understanding of chemical use, printing techniques and dry mounting of finished prints for display. This course is not offered every year.

A112CU Ceramics 

In this course, students will be introduced to the basics of clay. Learning both slab technique and coil method, they will be able to create decorative and/or functional pieces. In addition, they will have the opportunity to learn how throw pots on the wheel. Various glazing methods will be introduced to achieve exciting color options. Different project opportunities will be introduced each term.  

A112PU Painting

This class is for both the beginner and the more advanced student and offers a foundation in painting techniques, with emphasis on color theory and composition. Working with acrylic on canvas, projects will be executed in large format and will include self-portraits, working from direct observation (still- life), and copying a Master. Different project opportunities will be introduced each term (Fall, Winter, Spring).  

A112DPU Digital Photography

Introduction to Digital Photography is an introduction to all aspects of contemporary photography. Students will develop a working knowledge of the Canon DSLR cameras that we have in studio. They will be required to use Adobe Bridge and Photoshop to archive and manipulate their images. They will also explore how their iPhones and Android cameras can be used to produce professional quality imagery. We will be using our large format printer to produce archival, gallery quality prints and posters. Projects that we will be working on include the following: Black and White with a Splash of Color, Digital Collage and Painting, Triptychs, Album Covers, The Night Sky, Sports Photography and a Final Portfolio. 

A112FMU Film Making 

Introduction to Film Making is an introduction to all aspects of digital video production including planning, producing and editing. We will develop a working knowledge of our various DSLR and 4K video cameras and their many functions. Students will be required to edit their videos using Adobe Premier, After Effects and Photoshop. Projects that we will be working on include the following: Stop Motion Animation, Time-Lapse Photography, Documentary Short, Sports Videography, and a Final Short Film.  

A242MA Media Arts

Using a project-based learning curriculum, this course explores the process and aesthetics of combining video, audio, research and writing together to create dynamic digital content for a variety of media communications applications and platforms. The premium is on creativity. Students and teachers engage in the process of generating original ideas. Optimally, our work has value beyond the classroom. We will apply authentic research, story development, scripting, visual and audio storytelling, editing, sound, media management, narration, and application. We will scaffold the fundamental principles, techniques and craft of digital journalism. Iteratively, these tenets will evolve into creative content shared with a wider community.  Students will develop media literacy, learning how news is gathered, analyzed, evaluated, and distributed, while further exploring the role digital journalism plays in the ever-changing media landscape of the 20s. By studying examples of existing interactive programs, students will develop strategies to solve real-world problems through their own digital narratives.  

Students imagine, research, write, shoot, produce, and edit stories from inception to distribution. They will have the flexibility to tell their stories across multiple platforms while developing the knowledge of media tools to maximize the impact of their work. 

A242ICU Sculpture 

This is an “all-in” group collaborative effort to create a larger-than-life cardboard installation (yet to be determined) for the Annual Fall Scarecrow Contest in downtown Salisbury. With cardboard as the primary medium, students will learn how to make giant dimensional figures, from the first design conception to the final installation. Using their newly acquired skills, students can then follow this project with a final cardboard 3-D creation of their own choosing. Beginners welcome!  

A242W Woodworking 

This course is an introduction to hand and power tools through the construction of a piece of furniture, making use of traditional and contemporary wood joinery techniques. Safe use of equipment, craftsmanship, design, and structural problem solving are key elements of the course, along with an appreciation of “low tech” tools such as hand planes and scrapers. During construction of the table, a student learns how to mark out project pieces accurately and set up machines for cutting; dress rough lumber in preparation for finish cutting; and one of the various methods of applying a finish to the final piece.  

A242B Boatbuilding (This is a yearlong course)

The Art Department has offered boat building since 2003. Students are able to select a boat from two options: a manufactured kit from Chesapeake Light Craft or a skin-on-frame canoe. In the former case, the options are varied, and students are referred to the CLC catalog. The skin-on-frame canoes, the more economical option, are built from scratch and incorporate a degree of woodworking training and skill. In either case, this is a two-trimester project. Each year in late spring, the department hosts a boat launching down at the boathouse, celebrating the success of each student’s project (Winter, Spring). 

A122DM Digital Music

This class has its major focus in music production. The students compose music with Reason, FL Studio, and Protools, the standard in the industry for recording. The work is focused on improving musical skills as well as learning many of the innovations that are possible using computer-based applications.

A242J Jazz History

The History of Jazz takes an in-depth look at America's music, starting with field hollers and work songs. New Orleans is the birthplace of this art form that grew up and matured in many locations across the United States. It is now performed throughout the world and is regarded as America's greatest cultural achievement. The study of this music is a look at America from the eyes of the disenfranchised, which gives us a different approach to modern American history. The students will gain the knowledge for a lifelong appreciation of this powerful art form.  

MU300CE Classical Ensemble

Classical Ensemble emphasizes small ensemble skills including musicianship, intonation, interpretation, and performance practice. Students are encouraged to practice as an ensemble outside of their time together in class. The course is open to all string, brass, woodwind, keyboard, and pitched percussion instrumentalists. The Classical Ensemble performs regularly throughout the year and meets formally twice a week during x-block.  

MU300JE Jazz Ensemble 

The Jazz Ensemble plays small group jazz with an emphasis on improvisation. Students play modern and post-modern compositions and learn theory as well as strategies for performance. The students learn to play in an ensemble setting and learn the nuances of the various compositions. The group meets formally three times a week during x-block.  

MU300RE Rock Ensemble 

The Rock Ensemble plays a wide range of rock music and its roots, the blues. Members learn classic rhythmic patterns and theory to help them understand and perform the music. The group meets formally twice a week during x-block. In addition, there are numerous special workshops throughout the year. These have included: Middle Eastern drumming, African drumming, sound improvisation, rhythm section workshops, and master classes in jazz, hip-hop, and digital music. Performances by world-renowned musicians have been enjoyed.