6th Grade Intro to Fine Arts

Instructors: Rita Litchfield-Good (Mrs. Good) and Michael Petiford

Email: RLitchfield-Good@ScottsdalePrep.org ** MPetiford@ScottsdalePrep.org
Blog: www.schoolrack.com/IntroFineArts
Course Description:
Welcome to Intro to Fine Arts! This course is meant to provide you with some basic skills, vocabulary
and concept knowledge to develop a love for the Fine Arts, specifically, visual art and music. The
emphasis will be on basic music and performance skills, basic drawing and composition. You will
develop the ability to make observations on art and music using the vocabulary and analytic skills
developed throughout the year.

Course Objectives:
1. To develop a solid understanding of the basic Elements of Art and Music.
2. To develop a level of confidence in drawing and writing rhythmic notation.
3. To develop methods of inquiry regarding art and art concepts.
4. To develop a vocabulary and appreciation for classical music.
5. To learn to rehearse and perform live music as an ensemble.
6. To develop an understanding of the arts from an historical perspective.
Course Outline:
Quarter 1
Study the basic Elements of Art through a series of examples and exercises.
Study the basic Principles of Visual Design through examples and exercises
Study Music fundamentals, i.e. rhythmic notation, active listening, singing, playing percussion
instruments.
Rehearse as an ensemble with a performance goal.
Attend and write a review of one art exhibit, the last possible date to turn in for full credit is
October 2, 2017
Quarter 2
Apply the basic Elements of Art through a series of exercises and large projects
Apply the basic Principles of Visual Design through Exercises and large projects
Apply music fundamentals in rehearsal and performance.
Perform prepared music as an ensemble in the 6th Curricular Fall Music Concert,
Tuesday October 24, Sections A, D, & F and Thursday, October 26, Sections B, C & E at 4 PM
Attend and review one classical music concert, the last possible date to turn in for full credit is
December 4, 2017
Quarter 3
Study more in depth the Elements of Art through and Principles of Visual Design through
examples and exercises.
More in depth Study of music fundamentals, e.g. rhythmic notation, active listening, singing,
playing percussion instruments.
Field Trip to the Phoenix Art Museum (date TBD)
Rehearse as an ensemble with a performance goal.
Attend and write a review of one classical music concert, the last possible date to turn in for full
credit is February 27, 2017
Quarter 4
Apply the Elements of Art and Principles of Visual Design to various exercises and projects.
Perform prepared music at the Spartan Museia, Friday, April 20, 2017 4:30-8:30
Apply more advanced music fundamentals in rehearsal and performance.
Attend and review one art exhibit, the last possible date to turn in for full credit is
May 15, 2016
 Evaluation:
**Grades in this class will be determined by weighting the various types of work as follows:
In-class Participation: 25%
Class Work: 20%
Music Performances: 20%
Art Projects/Written Reviews: 20%
Tests & Quizzes: 15%

Absences and Late Work:

After any excused absence, you will have the same number of days as your absence to make up an
assignment without losing points. It is the students responsibility to find out what they missed and to
keep track of make-up work. Work that is turned in late due to an unexcused absence will affect your
grade negatively.

Vital Information:
You MUST bring your sketchbook, binder and composition book to class every day.
DO NOT throw away any artwork, graded tests or quizzes or handouts, as you will need them for
reference later in the year.

Materials :
1. Sketchbook spiral bound 9X12 or similar;
2. Pencils Wooden, No. 2 (erasers & sharpeners with shavings case are encouraged)
3. 1-inch three-ring binder for handouts;
4. Composition book to use as a journal and for taking notes.
NOTE: This is a "no homework" class, with the exception of reviewing notes to study for a quiz or test, and the
quarterly written art or concert review.

**All 6th grade students are required to participate in curricular concert performances on:

1st Semester: Tuesday, October 24, Sections B, C, & F and Thursday, October 26, Sections A, D & E at 4 PM
2nd Semester: Tuesday, April 5th and Wednesday, April 6th, 2018 4:00 PM; Details will be forthcoming.

**Unavoidable conflicts with the concert performance are handled on a case-by-case basis. Students
should make every possible effort to participate. Parents should email conflicts to the course instructor as
soon as possible (no later than August 31st).
Cut------------------------------------------------------- Cut--------------------------------------------------------------------Cut
Please sign, detach and return this portion to your Intro to Fine Arts teacher by Friday, August 18.

Student Name (Please Print): ____________________________________________Section (e.g. 6A): ______

We have read and understood the policies and expectations of this class, and most importantly, we have noted the
concert dates for the Fall and Spring semesters. In order to assure complete transparency, I will notify the Fine
Arts teacher in writing by September 1 of any unavoidable scheduling conflicts our family may have with
curricular concert dates. I understand that this communication does not guarantee an excused absence from
the concert as conflicts are handled by the Fine Arts teacher on a case by case basis.

Student Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date: ___________________

Parent Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date: ___________________

Parent Email: ________________________________________________ Parent Phone: ___________________