The Art Department, the Music Department, and the Theatre Arts Program have been collectively placed under the title of Fine Arts. Although they remain as independent disciplines, all will strive to maintain the following New York State standards.

• Students will actively engage in the processes that constitute creation and performance in the arts.
• Students will be knowledgeable about and make use of the materials and resources available for participation in the arts in various roles.
• Students will respond critically to a variety of works in the arts, connecting the individual work to other works and to other aspects of human endeavor and thought.
• Students will develop an understanding of the personal and cultural forces that shape artistic communication and how the arts in turn shape the diverse cultures of past and present society.

The Art Department offers a five-year sequential program that introduces the history and function of the fine arts  as well as developing students’ manual skills. The courses are designed to satisfy the needs and interests of all participating students. Originality and creative exploration are stressed. Individual attention and evaluation are normal procedures. Upon completion of a course study in art, the students will:

• Understand and appreciate how people of various cultures have used the arts to express themselves.
• Understand and appreciate different styles, genres, and art works from representative historical periods.
• Understand and appreciate the skills, media, tools, and aesthetic processes required to express themselves in traditional, craft, and contemporary art forms.
• Express themselves creatively, intellectually, and emotionally in one or more of the visual or tactile art forms.
• Analyze the structure of a work of visual or tactile art.
• Identify, describe, and use appropriate vocabulary in art.

Junior High Art 7
Grade 7
Every seventh-grade student receives 10 weeks of art. The student will participate in a basic art course and will be introduced to various medium, interdisciplinary concepts, and basic drawing and art skills. 2D and 3D art will be explored. The course will help students explore the function of various media. Exploration, creative expression, and personal satisfaction are the goals.

Junior High Art 8
Grade 8
Every eighth-grade student receives 10 weeks of art. The students will build off of skills learned in Junior High Art 7 while also expanding their knowledge in art. Exploration, creative expression, and personal satisfaction are the goals.

Accelerated Art/Studio in Art 8X
Grade 8, 1 Credit 
A student who demonstrates a high degree of aptitude and talent in seventh grade art will be considered for  acceleration in high school Studio Art 1 as an eighth grader. A final average of 90% or better in art, classroom teacher recommendation, and art director's approval are required to be selected for acceleration in art. 

Art Studio 1
Grades 9-12, 1 Credit
This is a full-year introductory course which emphasizes perceptual drawing and introduces the student to the basic elements and principles of art. It is the foundation for the three-year sequence required of all art majors as well as an experimental course for students who do not anticipate taking any further art courses. Consideration is given to personal development, student choice-based projects, interdisciplinary application, and experience in a studio environment. This course will satisfy the graduation requirement.

Art Studio 2
Grades 9-12, 1 Credit
The second-year art students will continue to develop those skills and concepts represented in Studio 1. Greater demands will be made, and more sophisticated work will be expected. Students will have the opportunity to explore drawing, painting, print making and sculpture. Creative expression, invention, and mastery skills a0nd abilities should be reflected in the work.

Prerequisite: Art Studio 1 

Advanced Art Studio 3
Grades 10-12, 1 Credit
This course will be a continuation of the work in Advanced Studio in Art 2. Students will work independently on choice-based projects and will be challenged to discover and explore their personal style and various mediums. Artists, artistic genre, and mediums will be introduced and scaffold off previous experiences in the earlierstudios. This course will also include weekly art history lessons. Students will be encouraged to use these as inspiration for new ideas and medium exploration. Students will be expected to complete work in a more advanced skill level.

Prerequisite: Art Studio 2 

Portfolio
Grades 11-12, 1 Credit
This course is for juniors and seniors wishing to continue their studies in art. Students will continue to be challenged to discover and explore their personal style and favorite mediums. Portfolio preparation is the main emphasis in this class as students put together a collection of work for either a college portfolio or the NYSATA portfolio review. Students will be encouraged to write about and critique their own artwork as well as professional artwork. Students will be expected to complete work in a highly skilled and professional manner.

Prerequisite: Advanced Studio in Art 3 

Advanced Placement Studio in Art
Grade 12, 1 Credit 
This course is offered to seniors who have completed Portfolio. Students will develop and complete their focused interest for the AP exam during class. Research and conceptual projects will be completed as homework. Students will be required to continue working in their art journals/sketchbooks. Students will critique and evaluate their lifelong artistic growth and analyze their artistic options for the future. AP Courses offer students an opportunity to take a course taught on a college level. Both enrichment and college credit are available to the dedicated student. Intensive classroom work, independent study and research are an integral part of the classroom. Students must take the AP exam to receive weighted course credit: If a student doesn’t take the exam, it’s not possible to tell if he/she learned the content one would expect of an AP course. Requiring a student to take the exam ensures that the grade in the class is aligned with the student’s mastery of the course content knowledge. Students are expected to pay the associated College Board for fee for the exam. 

Prerequisite: Portfolio and completion of summer art assignment prior to entering the class. 

 
Studio in Media Art 1
Grades 9-12, 1 Credit
This course is a first-year course recommended for students pursuing an interest in computer art, video, graphic design, and digital photography. Emphasis will be placed on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. The teacher will develop and provide supportive instructional strategies reinforcing the art elements in a variety of motivating experiences. Students will create computer-based artwork and video using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. This course fulfills the New York State graduation requirement of one year (1 credit) of Art or Music.
 

TAB (Teaching Artistic Behavior)
Grades 10-12, 1 Credit
Teaching Artistic Behavior (TAB) is a journey into the mind of an artist, how an artist works, thinks, and uses different materials and mediums. The process is important, if not more important, than the final projects.Students will be taught how to document their process and explore their interests through different art mediums. This class is for the student who might feel intimidated to follow the studio course sequence or has room in their schedule and is looking for a fun and creative use of their time.

Advanced Studio in Media Art
Grades 10-12, 1 Credit 
This course is designed for highly motivated, advanced art students who have completed Studio in Media Art 1 and have demonstrated a serious interest in the study of graphic design and media arts. Students will use the Adobe Creative Suite for digital imaging, illustration, graphic design, typography, and digital photography. Over the course of the year, students will be able to develop and produce a body of work that best presents their personal style and artist voice in a sophisticated and professional manner. Students will have the opportunity to create a college/career level portfolio of computer-based artwork. 

Prerequisite: Studio in Media Art 1 

Photography I
Grades 10-12, ½ Credit
This course can be elected after the student has completed one full year of Studio in Art or Studio in Media Art. The course serves as an introduction to basic black and white film photography processes as well as a study of the development, nature, and function of photography. The course is designed to have students become familiar with film, lighting, composition, developing and enlarging, cropping, and mounting. This is a traditional darkroom experience with an introduction into digital photography. Students should supply their own cameras and will have the opportunity to learn how to use them.

Prerequisite: Studio in Art, Studio in Media Art, and/or departmental permission

Photography 2
Grades 11-12, ½ Credit
This course will build upon the skills learned in Photography I. Students will learn more advanced darkroom skills, while having the chance to work on a larger scale. Students will learn how to use their cameras creatively and to see how art and photography are interrelated. Students will also explore the many roles of photography in our culture and will be introduced to the careers in the field. Students must have their own film camera. 

Prerequisite: Photography I 

The department’s faculty endeavors to provide music training and background for all students through grade 8 and continuing development for those electing performing groups in grades 9 through 12. Through class lessonsand ensemble training in voice or instruments, a broad background in style and theory is presented. All music students are encouraged to enter the Solo and Ensemble Evaluation Festival as a means of self improvement. Those who do so successfully will then be eligible for music festivals at the county and state levels. Being selected is not only an honor but also a most worthwhile and lasting experience. Students completing a music program will:

• Have an awareness of the aesthetic qualities in various styles of music.
• Recognize and identify meter, rhythm, melody, harmony, tempo, dynamics, tone color, and form.
• React to the beat and rhythm of music through physical movement.
• Have some understanding of the instrumentation and stylistic requirements of various performing groups. 
• Have performance experiences in large and/or small instrumental and vocal ensembles.
• Be exposed to the music of other countries and cultures.

General Music-Music Appreciation
Grade 7
Any student not enrolled in Junior High Chorus, Band or Orchestra will take Music Appreciation. This is a required two-year course for all Junior High students without performing ensemble experience. This survey course is designed to help students gain a sense of the aesthetic values of music and develop a lasting appreciation and enjoyment of this universal art form. Students will explore a wide variety of musical styles and genres ranging from classical to current popular music and will have hands on musical experiences with guitars, keyboards, and various percussion instruments. The curriculum includes, but is not limited to, basic musical concepts, notation, music history, various instruments, and Broadway musicals. Class meets every other day.

 
Junior High Chorus
Grades 7-8 
Junior High Chorus is a two-year commitment, encompassing grades seven and eight. Proper singing technique and various styles of vocal music are taught in preparing for three yearly concerts. Attendance at all scheduled concerts is required for passing. Small group lessons are scheduled on a rotating basis for all choral students. These lessons are an essential component designed to teach proper vocal technique as well as music theory and ear training. Small group lessons are a requirement for all Junior High Chorus students, in accordance with NY State recommendations for music education.

Prerequisite: Participation in 5th and 6th grade Chorus, recommendation of grade school chorus teacher and/or audition by junior high chorus teacher

Senior High Chorus
Grades 9-12, 1 Credit
The Senior High Chorus is an advanced performance ensemble that prepares and performs three concerts  throughout the school year. Proper pedagogy, music theory and ear training are taught while exploring the music of various genres and eras. In addition, the Senior High Chorus performs at the annual graduation ceremony in June. Attendance at all scheduled concerts as well as graduation is required for passing. Small group lessons are scheduled on a rotating basis for all choral students. These lessons are an essential component designed to teach proper vocal technique as well as music theory and ear training. Small group lessons are a requirement for all Senior High Chorus students, in accordance with New York State recommendations for music education.

Prerequisite: Participation in JH Chorus, recommendation of JH Chorus teacher and/or audition by Senior High 
Chorus teacher.

Grade 7 Band/Grade 8 Band
Grades 7-8, 1 Credit
Junior High Band meets every other day. Course requirements for band include weekly lesson attendance (based on a rotating schedule) and participation in all band performances. Students will gain experience in playing music of different time periods, cultures, and in numerous styles. Students will also further their knowledge and technical ability of their specific instrument. It should be noted that junior high band is a two-year commitment and students are required to participate during seventh and eighth grade.

Prerequisite: Participation in 6th grade Band, recommendation of grade school Band teacher and/or audition  by JH Band teacher
 
High School Band
Grades 9-12, 1 Credit
The High School Band maintains a very busy schedule of public performances during the school year. In the fall, all band members participate in the Panther Marching Band that performs at all BHS home football games and several parades. In November, the band program focuses on concert band performance in preparation for a  minimum of three evening concert performances during the remainder of the school year. Course requirements for band include weekly lesson attendance (on a rotating basis), participation in all band performances, and full participation as a member of the Panther Marching Band. Exceptional music students and students planning to enter a career in music may fulfill performance requirements through participation in the BHS band program and may be eligible to participate in New York State School Music Association events (All-State, All-County, Solo Festival).

Prerequisite: Director approval/audition required for those students not entering from 8th Grade Band

Symphonic Winds
Grades 10-12, 1 Credit
The Symphonic Winds is comprised of a highly select group of musicians numbering approximately 30 40 students. During the fall, in addition to starting their Wind Ensemble repertoire, all Symphonic Winds members participate with the Panther Marching Band which performs at all BHS home football games and  several parades. During the remainder of the school year, there will be a minimum of three evening performances. As with the High School Band, course requirements include weekly lesson attendance (on a rotating basis), participation in all band performances, and full participation as a member of the Panther Marching Band.

Prerequisite: At least one year in the High School Band, recommendation of the High School Band Director,  and by audition

Junior High String Orchestra
Grades 7-8, 1 Credit 
Junior High String Orchestra meets every other day. Course requirements for orchestra include weekly lesson attendance (based on a rotating schedule) and participation in all orchestra performances. Students will gain more advanced techniques as related to their instruments. Please note that orchestra is a two-year commitment and students are required to participate during 7th & 8th grade.

Prerequisite: Participation in the Grade School Concert Orchestra, recommendation of grade school orchestra teacher and/or audition by JH orchestra teacher

Senior High String Orchestra
Grades 9-12, 1 Credit
Students will gain experience in performing traditional orchestral works through various outlets. They will also gain more advanced techniques as related to their instruments. There will be a minimum of three evening performances. Other course requirements include weekly lesson attendance (based on a rotating schedule). Exceptional BHS Orchestra students may be eligible to participate in New York State School Music Association events (All-State, All-County, and Solo Festival).

Prerequisite: Director approval/audition required for those students not entering from Junior High Orchestra

Music Theory 1
Grades 9-12, 1 Credit
Music Theory 1 is an advanced music course designed to provide students with a comprehensive study of the treatment of the elements of music (music theory, composition, ear training, music history, conducting, performance, and critical analysis). This course is designed for serious students who wish to explore the many facets of music as an art and as a profession. While geared towards those students who already sing or play an instrument, this course is also open to non-music students who already possess the ability to read music (upon approval of the instructor). Students who plan to enter the field of music and students who are serious about musical study should consider this course. Upon completion, students are eligible to elect to take Music Theory 2. This course may serve to fulfill a theory requirement in the major sequence of music.

Prerequisite: Music reading ability and/or approval of instructor

Advanced Placement Music Theory
Grades 10-12, 1 Credit
“The ultimate goal of an AP Music Theory course is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score.” (The College Board AP Music Theory Handbook 2012.)The Babylon AP Music Theory curriculum will help students develop aural, sight-singing, penmanship, composition, and analytical skills through use of online resources such as teoria.com, musictheory.net and thepracticeroom.net. The curriculum will also implement lessons from texts including Music in Theory and Practice Vol. 1 by Bruce Benward and Marilyn Saker, and Music for Sight Singing by Robert Ottman.

The Art Department, the Music Department, and the Theatre Arts Program have been collectively placed under the title of Fine Arts. Although they remain as independent disciplines, all will strive to maintain the following New York State standards.

• Students will actively engage in the processes that constitute creation and performance in the arts.
• Students will be knowledgeable about and make use of the materials and resources available for participation in the arts in various roles.
• Students will respond critically to a variety of works in the arts, connecting the individual work to other works and to other aspects of human endeavor and thought.
• Students will develop an understanding of the personal and cultural forces that shape artistic communication and how the arts in turn shape the diverse cultures of past and present society.