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Course Guide

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Fine Arts

  • PVI-TV Broadcasting

    PVI-TV BROADCASTING                                            .5 CR

                                                                                       10, 11, 12

    In this semester-long course, students will record feature videos and in-studio broadcasts for the weekly magazine show seen by all PVI students, faculty and staff. Learn what makes good content and compelling stories. Discover the basics of writing a good script, recording, editing, and delivering a story on camera. Here’s your chance to grow in confidence and composure while promoting all the great activities and programs at PVI.

    This course satisfies the PVI Fine arts requirement.

    PREREQUISITES: None

  • Intro to Guitar & Piano

    806-INTRODUCTION TO GUITAR & PIANO                            .5 CR

                                                                           10, 11, 12

    Students develop individual skills on guitar and piano in this beginning course. This curriculum is designed for students with limited or no experience.  Instruction is a hybrid of individualized learning and class rehearsals.  Beginning guitar instruction emphasizes basic techniques, to include reading and playing standard melodic notation, basic music theory, and introductory chords and standard strumming technique. Piano instruction emphasizes proper posture and body mechanics, technical skill development and grand staff music reading. Self-managed individual practice on both instruments serves as homework.  All students will participate in quarterly recitals during school hours. 

    NOTE: Guitarist and pianists with prior experience and/or formal training are encouraged to continue skill development by placement into one of the instrumental ensembles, not this course.

    NOTE:  Students must furnish their own digital tuner, acoustic guitar with a case, and replacement set of guitar strings. 
    PREREQUISITES:  None.

  • Catholic Art and Evangelization

    Catholic Art and Evangelization
    .5 CR
    Grades 10, 11, 12
    In this course, students will create art, evangelize through their art, and recognize their creative abilities as a vocation reflecting God as Creator and the essential role of beauty in expressing the Truth.  Utilizing Pope St. John Paul II's Letter to Artists, students will learn why art is essential for expressing truth, beauty and goodness and for encountering the Divine.
    Prerequisites: None

  • Debate

    Debate
    .5 CR
    Grades 10, 11, 12
    Students will learn how to debate, how to research, and the various types of argument basis (ethos, pathos, and logos). The culmination of the semester is to debate in an actual tournament. 
    Prerequisites: None

  • Introductory Band

    INTRODUCTORY BAND                                               1 CR

                                                                                  9, 10, 11, 12

    Students develop individual skills on band instruments in this beginning course. The curriculum is designed for students with limited/no experience or students that would like to learn a secondary instrument. Instruction is a hybrid of individualized and class rehearsals. NOTE: Musicians with prior experience and/or formal training are encouraged to continue skill development by placement into one of the more advanced ensembles. Beginning band instruction utilizes the Essential Elements Band book 1, and introduces basic techniques, to include reading and playing standard melodic notation, proper care of instrument, breath control, and body mechanics. Self-managed individual practice serves as homework. All students will participate in quarterly recitals during school hours. NOTE: Students may furnish their own instrument or rent a PVI instrument for nominal fee, charged through FACTS (see director for availability).  Although players are invited to join other players in other musical enrichment events outside of the school day, there are no mandated extracurricular time commitments for musicians in this class.

    PREREQUISITES:  None.

  • Wind Ensemble

    822-WIND ENSEMBLE                                     1 CR
                                                                        9, 10, 11, 12

    Wind Ensemble is composed of advancing instrumentalists that will continue sequential skill development and musicianship. Wind Ensemble performs in four yearly concerts in conjunction with the other PVI ensembles. Co-curricular time commitments per quarter include two rehearsals and one concert as an integral part of the performance-based curriculum. Wind Ensemble members are encouraged to take weekly private lessons, participate in the Diocesan Music Festival and audition for All-District Band. Students may also perform at Pep Band performances and outside performances such as the Army 10-miler, football games, and solo and ensemble festival.

    NOTE: Students may furnish own instrument or rent a PVI instrument for nominal fee, charged through FACTS (see director for availability)

    Percussionists are charged a nominal usage fee to utilize PVI concert percussion.

    PREREQUISITES: Minimum of one year of band class or equivalent. No audition is required.

  • String Ensemble

    STRING ENSEMBLE                                                    1 CR

                                                                                  9, 10, 11, 12

    String Ensemble is composed primarily of string and keyboard instrumentalists. Players will develop healthy playing technique, poise, and confidence in performance, appropriate rehearsal etiquette, and music reading skills including sight-reading. Music of varied styles and periods are studied, rehearsed, and performed. The String Ensemble participates in four yearly concerts in conjunction with the other PVI performing ensembles. Students may also perform at the yearly Gala and other high visibility functions such as Army 10-miler, Pep Band, and football games. Co-curricular responsibilities include two rehearsals and one concert per quarter as an integral part of the course.

    NOTE: Students may furnish own instrument or rent a PVI instrument for nominal fee, charged through FACTS (see director for availability).

    PREREQUISITES: Minimum of one year of strings class or equivalent. No audition is required.

  • HN Symphonic Band

    825-HONORS SYMPHONIC BAND                              1 CR
                                                                                10, 11, 12

    Honors Symphonic Band is composed primarily of upper class auditioned instrumentalists. In addition to the music skills and performing opportunities outlined for Concert Band, extra Honors Symphonic Band performances are scheduled to promote the Fine Arts Department outside the four major school concerts. Students are encouraged to participate in the Diocesan Music Festival and audition for All-District Band. Private lessons are strongly encouraged.  Students will also perform at Pep Band performances and outside performances such as the Army 10-miler, football games, and solo and ensemble festival.  Co-curricular responsibilities include two rehearsals and one concert per quarter as an integral part of the course.

    NOTE: Students may furnish own instrument or rent a PVI instrument for nominal fee, charged through FACTS (see director for availability)

    Percussionists will pay a nominal usage fee to utilize PVI concert percussion.

    PREREQUISITES: Successful video recording or in-person audition to include competition-rhythm major scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats, full chromatic scale mm=88+, two prepared solo pieces of contrasting styles.

  • HN String Ensemble

    HONORS STRING ENSEMBLE                                    1 CR

                                                                                      10, 11, 12

    Honors String Ensemble is composed primarily of auditioned string and keyboard instrumentalists. Players will develop healthy playing technique, poise, and confidence in performance, appropriate rehearsal etiquette, and music reading skills including sight-reading. Music of varied styles and periods are studied, rehearsed, and performed. The String Ensemble participates in four yearly concerts in conjunction with the other PVI performing ensembles. Students may also perform at the yearly Gala and other high visibility functions such as Army 10-miler, Pep Band, and football games. Co-curricular responsibilities include two rehearsals and one concert per quarter as an integral part of the course. Honors String Ensemble players are required to participate in the Diocesan Music Festival, chamber music, and take weekly private lessons. 

    NOTE: Students may furnish own instrument or rent a PVI instrument for nominal fee, charged through FACTS (see director for availability).

    PREREQUISITES: Placement by Instrumental Music Director.

  • The DeSales Singers

    840-THE DESALES SINGERS                                   1 CR
                                                                        9, 10, 11, 12
    The DeSales Singers introduces students to choral basics: healthy vocal technique, musicianship, poise and confidence in performance, appropriate rehearsal etiquette, and music reading skills, including sight-singing.  Music of all styles and periods is studied, rehearsed, and performed.  Students participate in four yearly concerts in conjunction with the other PVI choirs.  Students are encouraged to participate in the Diocesan Music Festival and audition for District Choir.  Students may be required to sing for both the Junior Class Mass and Baccalaureate.
    PREREQUISITES: Must enjoy singing and appreciate all kinds of music. No audition required.

  • The Chantal Chanteurs

    842-THE CHANTAL CHANTEURS                             1 CR
                                                                        9, 10, 11, 12
    The Chantal Chanteurs is composed of auditioned singers that will continue to build on the musicianship skills learned in Concert Choir, particularly sight-reading. Students participate in four yearly concerts with additional performance opportunities in the school and the community. Students are encouraged to participate in the Diocesan Music Festival and audition for All-District Choir. Students will also sing for the Junior Class Mass and Baccalaureate.
    PREREQUISITES: Successful audition with the Choral Director including a prepared solo piece and sight-reading.

  • HN St. Cecilia Chamber Choir

    844-HONORS ST. CECILIA CHAMBER CHOIR          1 CR
                                                                                 10, 11, 12
    Honors St. Cecilia Chamber Choir is comprised primarily of upper class auditioned singers. In addition to the music skills and performing opportunities outlined for the other choirs, extra Honors Choir performances are scheduled to promote the Fine Arts Department outside of the four major school concerts. Students are encouraged to participate in the Diocesan Music Festival and are required to audition for All-District Choir. Students will also sing for the Junior Class Mass and Baccalaureate. All students will also participate in a solo singing master class.
    PREREQUISITES: Successful audition with the choral director including a prepared solo piece and advanced sight-reading.

  • Public Speaking

    847-PUBLIC SPEAKING                                           .5 CR
                                                                        9, 10, 11, 12
    This class is designed for every student, beginner to expert, who wants to learn and practice the skills needed to speak in public. The students will give everything from small talks to major speeches and engage in numerous activities that promote confidence and facility when speaking in front of a group. This course aims to improve knowledge of effective communication skills as well as self-confidence. Writing is also a component, as students will write many of their speeches.
    PREREQUISITES: None.

  • Off-Stage/Back-Stage Theatre

    OFF-STAGE /BACK-STAGE THEATRE                  .5 CR

                                                                                 9, 10, 11, 12

    This is not an acting class. Have you ever wondered how a play gets on the stage or how theatre works – but did not want to get on the stage yourself? This is the Fine Arts

    class for you! Students will learn about how productions are created - the history of theatre, elements of production and all the positions that go into bringing a show from script

    to stage. Students will get a backstage tour to see how all the magic is made and learn some of the ways including: makeup, costume design, lighting, and drawing/creating sets. Seeing one of our mainstage productions will bring it all together for you.

    PREREQUISITES: NONE

  • Acting

    885-ACTING                                                                  1 CR   
                                                                             9, 10, 11, 12
    Acting introduces the basics of acting and improvisation as well as the performance of contemporary pieces of dramatic and comic literature. Students will learn how to create a character for the stage and present that character to an audience. They will explore how actors overcome their own self-consciousness and create believable characters. The importance of individual character development is stressed, as well as the concept of theater as a “collaborative art.” Students will engage in acting “exercises,” keep a journal, see and/or participate in productions, prepare scenes from a number of plays, and participate in class discussion.  This class is for the experienced and inexperienced actors alike.
    PREREQUISITES: None.

  • DE Theatre (CST 130)

    DE 25-DE THEATRE (CST 130)                                1 CR
                                                                            10, 11, 12
    DE Theater replaces Honors Advanced Acting.  This is a Dual Enrollment course offered through Northern Virginia Community College.  CST 130 is a 3 credit college course.  The course surveys the principles of drama, the development of theatre production, and selected plays to acquaint the student with various types of theatrical presentations. In addition, the course focuses on the history of acting in theory and practice as well as on auditioning for the contemporary theater. It is for the advanced theater student who is already well grounded in the fundamentals of stage acting and includes the study of theater history. Students will perform scenes from plays from various periods of theater, keep a journal, see or participate in productions, and sharpen auditioning skills.
    PREREQUISITES: Completion of Acting class or permission from the Theater Director. Satisfactory score on NOVA English and Math placement exams. Please review Dual Enrollment information on page 4.

  • DE Acting (CST 131)

    DE26-DE ACTING (CST 131)                                    1 CR
                                               11, 12
    DE Acting replaces Honors Acting Ensemble.  This is a Dual Enrollment course offered through Northern Virginia Community College.  CST 131 is a 3 credit college course. The course develops personal resources and explores performance skills through such activities as theatre games, role playing, improvisation, work on basic script units, and performance of scenes. This is a year-long, upper-level acting course for juniors and seniors.  In this class, students are expected to have a strong theater background and the desire to work on advanced acting projects for presentation to the school and the community.  Coursework includes work in mainstage plays, class scenes, improv, directing, research and writing.  This ensemble has a limited number of spots and auditions are required. 
    PREREQUISITES: Successful audition and permission of the Theater Director. Satisfactory score on NOVA English and Math placement exams. Please review Dual Enrollment information on page 4.

  • DE Acting 2 (CST 132)

    DE27-DE ACTING 2 (CST 132)                                  1 CR
                                               12
    This is a Dual Enrollment course offered through Northern Virginia Community College.  CST 132 is a 3-credit college course. The course develops personal resources and explores performance skills through such activities as theatre games, role playing, improvisation, work on basic script units, and performance of scenes. This is a year-long, upper-level acting course for seniors.  In this class, students are expected to have a strong theater background and the desire to work on advanced acting projects for presentation to the school and the community.  Coursework includes work in mainstage plays, class scenes, improv, directing, research and writing.  This ensemble has a limited number of spots and auditions are required. 
    PREREQUISITES: Completion of CST 131. Successful audition and permission of the Theater Director. 3.0 or above cumulative GPA. Please review Dual Enrollment information on pages 5 and 38.

  • Intro to Art

    890-INTRODUCTION TO ART                                  .5 CR
                                                     9, 10, 11, 12
    Introduction to Art is a semester course designed to meet the Fine Arts requirement. Using examples from major periods of art, emphasis is on student drawing, basic elements of design and color theory.  All work is completed in the classroom. The use of a sketchbook for note-taking and sketching is part of the curriculum.
    PREREQUISITES: None

  • Studio Art

    891-STUDIO ART                                                       1 CR
                                          9, 10, 11, 12
    This full-year course is designed for students who are willing to take risks and who believe they possess some technical and creative ability that goes beyond the introductory level. Projects introduced in this course are of a more ambitious nature and use a wide variety of drawing media. Keeping a sketchbook outside of class is required and serves as further evidence that the student is committed to a more in-depth study in this course.  This course may be taken multiple times with the permission of the teacher.
    PREREQUISITES: Introduction to Art or portfolio submission and permission of Art teacher.

  • Studio Art 2

    STUDIO ART 2                                                               1 CR
                                                 10, 11, 12
    This full-year course is designed for students who wish to continue developing techniques introduced in Studio Art. Students will explore new mediums while working from still lives.  Keeping a sketchbook outside of class is required and serves as further evidence that the student is committed to a more in-depth study in this course.  This course may be taken multiple times with the permission of the teacher.
    PREREQUISITES: Studio Art and permission of Art teacher.

  • DE Foundations of Drawing (ART 121)

    DE FOUNDATIONS OF DRAWING (ART 121)          .5 CR

                                                                               11, 12

    This is a Dual Enrollment course offered through Northern Virginia Community College.  ART 121 is a 3 credit college course.  The course develops basic drawing skills and understanding of visual language through studio instruction and lecture. Introduces concepts such as line, proportion, space, perspective, value and composition as applied to still life, landscape and figure. Uses drawing media such as pencil, charcoal and ink wash.

    PREREQUISITES: A in Studio Art and recommendation of PVI Art Teacher. 3.0 or above cumulative GPA. Please review Dual Enrollment information on pages 5 and 41.

  • AP Drawing

    895-ADVANCED PLACEMENT DRAWING               1 CR
                                                                                 11,12
    AP Drawing is a one-year course for students who have proven themselves to be hard-working, dedicated, and capable of maintaining the self-discipline required of a working artist.  The purpose of this course is to complete the AP Drawing AP Exam portfolio.  Students need access to a digital camera to take pictures of their work. 
    PREREQUISITES: Portfolio review and permission of instructor.  Please review AP policies on page 4.

  • DE Two-Dimensional Design (ART 131)

    DE TWO-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN (ART 131)            .5 CR

                                                                               11, 12

    This is a Dual Enrollment course offered through Northern Virginia Community College.  ART 131 is a 3 credit college course.  This course introduces the elements and principles of design as applied to two-dimensional studio projects. Introduces two-dimensional media, techniques, compositional strategies, and color concepts and interactions. Supports conceptual development through introduction to historical and contemporary practices and critical analysis.

    PREREQUISITES: A in Studio Art and recommendation of PVI Art Teacher. C or above in DE Foundations of Drawing.  3.0 or above cumulative GPA. Please review Dual Enrollment information on pages 5 and 41.

  • HN Studio Art: Portfolio Preparation

    897-HONORS STUDIO ART PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT                                                  1 CR
                                                                                 11, 12
    This is a full year course designed for students who are seriously considering a career in the field of fine arts, want to attend college for art and need to prepare a portfolio for the college application process and future use. Students will receive one-on-one portfolio instruction.
    PREREQUISITES: Placement by Art Teacher.

  • Digital Video Design and Production

    Digital Video Design and Production
    1 CR
    Grades 10, 11, 12
    This course features a collaborative project-based approach wherein students learn and hone communication skills crucial to digital video literacy. While many digital media courses focus solely on journalism or cinematography, this introductory course gives students well-rounded exposure to various projects as they learn how to film and edit. These collaborative projects include interviews, commercials, public services announcements, event filming, short films, and mini-documentaries.
    This course satisfies both the fine arts and computer science requirements.
    Prerequisites: None

Faculty


Front Desk: 703-352-0925
Email: info@paulvi.net

Attendance Line: 703-352-0927
Email: attendance@paulvi.net
St. Paul VI Catholic High School is a private Diocesan Catholic preparatory school for girls and boys in grades 9-12 in Chantilly, Virginia, seeking to help our students Grow in Grace and Wisdom. Our school is part of the Diocese of Arlington and offers rigorous academics, an inclusive community focused on spiritual and leadership formation, and a proud athletic tradition featuring nationally renowned programs competing in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association.

St. Paul VI Catholic High School is an accredited member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.