Did you know that in FUSD, each of our high schools is classified uniquely? For Irvington, the home of the Vikings, we are the designated Visual and Performing Arts Magnet high school of Fremont. There is no clearer testament to this than our Center for the Creative Arts (CCA) Magnet Program, which allows students across FUSD to attend the school and experience an arts-integrated 4-year schedule.
Naturally, Irvington High offers a variety of art-related electives for students of any skill level and interest. Oftentimes they are a chance to relax from the many other rigorous courses, but by digging just beneath the surface level, these classes are valuable opportunities to learn many skills and foster creative thinking. All Irvington students, as part of their graduation requirement, must take at least one year of art. We’ll be looking at three of Irvington’s arts classes.
Art 1:
Art 1 is an entry-level art course that gives students the opportunity to explore drawing, painting, sculpting and printmaking, among other 2D and 3D tools. Students are also introduced to fundamental concepts in art, such as the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. The course also covers a bit of art history, through which students understand how visual arts have changed over time. Famous artists like Henri Matisse and Piet Mondrian are studied for their works, with students expected to replicate and build upon those ideas in their own way. These run parallel to technical lessons in perspective, color theory, and portrait and landscape drawing. Projects run over the course of 2-5 weeks depending on their complexity. Initial classes aim to introduce students to the project instructions, as well as any technical skills and historical contexts relevant to the project. Students are then instructed to begin sketches and draft thumbnails, supplemented by skill building exercises. After completing a drawing, students take part in group discussions, where they critique both the merits and areas for improvement in each piece, fostering clear communication of art skills.
Mrs. Barrett: “I would recommend Art 1 to every student. It gives students a break from scholarly academics, allowing their brains to use more critical thinking skills without them even knowing. It teaches how to problem solve, appreciate artists’ work, and also helps with their mental health. If students are on the fence about pursuing this class, they should definitely jump and take the opportunity.”
AP Art Class (AP 2D Art and Design, AP 3D Art and Design, AP Drawing, Studio Art)
AP Art is a single-period class taught by Ms. Parker that enables passionate high school students to develop and produce artworks at the college level. Art 2 is typically a prerequisite, but interested students who have not taken the course may also speak to Ms. Parker about applying. Regardless, a portfolio of past artworks is required. The course serves as a shared class for all students enrolled in AP 2D Art and Design, AP 3D Art and Design, and AP Drawing classes. Students who opt not to take the Advanced Placement pathway may stay in the class and work alongside AP students, though with a lighter workload, through the Studio Art course. The main draw of this course compared to other traditional AP courses is the class structure and assignments. Unlike the exam format for other APs, students are required to submit a portfolio of artworks digitally by a set due date during the month of AP testing. As such, the AP Art class spends the entire academic year creating and perfecting their portfolios for submission. Students must develop a Sustained Investigation — their topic or research question of interest that their portfolio must revolve around — before beginning, which they will refine throughout the year. The requirement to finish fifteen pieces by May means that class time is spent almost entirely working on individual pieces. The AP art class emphasizes self-discipline and time management. Ms. Parker serves as a facilitator for students, assisting them with navigating unfamiliar art mediums, helping them plan out artworks, and offering constructive feedback.
Mrs. Parker: “In art we use almost every part of our brain. We deal with a lot of open-ended questions, and it’s fun. There’s no right answer in art, so it’s exciting to chart your own path with the portfolio. AP Art is similar to the other visual art classes in that it’s studio-based. However, like other AP courses, it requires homework and a significant amount of time spent working outside of class.”
Guitar 1
Guitar 1 is an entry-level performing arts course that teaches students how to play the guitar. Starting the year with how to properly hold and orient the instrument, students then begin learning how to play various guitar chords. Afterwards, the curriculum shifts from chords to playing simple songs and duets with others as well. Students are sometimes asked to learn songs of their choice, or play assigned songs in the context of the current concept being introduced. Class time is delegated to practicing or completing assignments, which are given a few days or a week to complete. The course structure makes for a very relaxing way to learn a new skill, and the order of teaching allows even students who have never touched music to catch on quickly. It’s in an amicable community like this where you can make new friends while learning the foundations of music theory and step into the world of performing arts.
Mr. Anaya: “I wanted to offer a class to students who might be new to music or just wanted to try a non-traditional ‘band’ instrument. I really like that students don’t need to know much about music coming in. They can start from scratch and be playing songs they know within a few weeks. That’s pretty unique to the guitar.”
