• Visual & Performing Arts Pathway

    The rich and varied Arts curriculum at Masconomet encourages all students to become lifelong participants in, and patrons of the arts. Studying the visual and performing arts provides students with a wide variety of essential thinking skills that allows for artistic development and personal expression. Some of these skills are observation, active listening, envisioning, experimentation, decision making, persistence, learning from mistakes, self-reflection, collaboration, and verbal and non-verbal communication. These creative problem-solving skills are not only invaluable to the students for whom art becomes a vocation or avocation, but also help to equip all students to become citizens that are creative problem solvers in any endeavor of their choosing.

    Visual & Performing Arts Pathway Requirements

    In order to complete the Visual & Performing Arts Pathway, students must accumulate a minimum of 20 points as described below:   

    • A minimum of 15 points from Art and/or Music (1 credit = 1 point) 
    • A maximum of 5 points from Art and/or Music extracurricular activities. The list below does not include all.
    • Internship or other capstone project is required to complete the pathway and will earn 2 points.

    Course & Extracurricular Options

    Topic Area 1
    FINE ARTS

    Topic Area 2
    COMMERCIAL ARTS

    Topic Area 3
    PERFORMING ARTS
    • Art Studio I
    • Art Studio II/III
    • Art Explorations
    • Drawing
    • Painting
    • Ceramics I
    • Ceramics II
    • Sculpture
    • Photography I
    • Photography II/III
    • Photography IV
    • Photography and Social Media
    • AP Art History
    • AP 2D Art and Design
    • Art Studio I
    • Art Studio II/III
    • Art Explorations
    • Graphic Design I
    • Graphic Design II
    • Photography and Social Media
    • Digital Arts
    • Fashion Design I 
    • Fashion Design II
    • Innovative Product Design
    • Architecture I
    • Architecture II
    • Woodworking I
    • Woodworking II/III
    • AP 2D Art and Design
    • Media Communications/Yearbook
    • Acting I
    • Musical Theater
    • Chamber Choir
    • Chamber Music
    • Chorale
    • Concert Band
    • Jazz Choir
    • Jazz I & II
    • Jazz Improv
    • Ladies Chorale
    • Mens Chorale
    • Music Theory I & II
    • Orchestra
    • Singers
    • Wind Ensemble

    EXTRACURRICULAR OPTIONS

    • Summer Job in Related Field 
    • Art Competition Participation
    • Independent Projects (outside of coursework with approval)
    • Photography Club
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • Stage and/or Costume Design
    • Theater and/or Music Performance (outside of coursework)


    The two courses listed below in particular are strongly recommended for incoming 9th graders that are interested in the Visual Art Pathway.

    Art Studio I 
    This is a hands --- on and active yearlong course! Students at all levels of ability and experience are encouraged to begin their journey into the high school art program here! Students will solve visual challenges in the following areas: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and design. Art appreciation will be incorporated throughout the yearlong curriculum as well. The difference between CP and H is that the honors students complete one major additional independent project each quarter. 

    Art Explorations
    This comprehensive introductory semester course is designed to allow for artistic discovery by presenting creative challenges that involve both skill development and reflective experience. Students will explore a wide variety of art media and processes. Units covered will include two-dimensional design, three-dimensional design, and drawing. Students will be asked to observe, think creatively, and make critical decisions while developing problem-solving skills in this engaging hands-on course.

    For more information on some other courses that can be applied toward the academic component please browse the list above and refer to the course descriptions in the Program of Studies. 

  • Program of Studies

    • 1.
      • Music
      • Acting I
      • 2961
      • Students are instructed in the fundamentals of theatre with a focus on acting. Students will explore and practice vocal technique, movement, dramaturgy, playmaking, theatrical genres, improvisation, mime, scene analysis, audition technique, and more. The course will culminate in a public performance/demonstration.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Media & Communication, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 2.
      • Music
      • Musical Theatre
      • 2962
      • In this performance-based course, students will learn the history, theory, and practice fundamental concepts and techniques of different genres of theatre, including Musical Theatre, Advanced Acting & Directing, and Improv Theatre. Students will build skills in creativity, confidence, public speaking, translating an artistic vision to the stage, healthy risk-taking, vocal expression, movement, and more.
      • Half Year - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All Years
      • A1,A3,S1,S2,S3,C1,C2,C3
    • 3.
      • Music
      • Concert Band (CP)
      • 8121
      • Concert Band rehearses every day for a full year. During the school year the Concert Band performs at concerts, parades, and various school assemblies. Attendance at all performances is mandatory. Grades are based on attendance and participation. Extra Credit can be earned by performing quarterly playing tests.
      • All students interested in enrolling in Concert Band are required to demonstrate for the Dept. Head an ability to read musical notation prior to enrollment.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Global, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 4.
      • Music
      • Concert Band (H)
      • 8123
      • Concert Band Honors meets concurrently with Concert Band CP. Enrollment is open only to students who receive Dept Head recommendation. Attendance at all performances is mandatory. Grades are based on attendance, participation, quarterly playing tests, and quarterly writing assignments. Students enrolled in Concert Band Honors are strongly encouraged to take private music lessons on their band instrument with a qualified instructor.
      • Students must be recommended by the band director for Honors Credit
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 10,11,12
      • H
      • Global, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 5.
      • Music
      • Music Theory I
      • 8301
      • Students enrolled in Music Theory I will learn about scales and notes, and diatonic harmony.
      • Quarter Course - 1.25 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 6.
      • Music
      • Music Theory II
      • 8302
      • Students enrolled in Music Theory II will continue to explore and use the information and techniques introduced in Music Theory I. Students will learn about part writing and correct voice leading. Singing is also a major part of this course and students are expected to sight sing using the solfege syllables. It is recommended that students enrolled in Music Theory II should have a strong ability to work independently. Music Theory I is a mandatory prerequisite for enrollment.
      • Quarter Course - 1.25 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 7.
      • Music
      • Music Theory III
      • 8303
      • Students enrolled in Music Theory III will continue to explore and use the information and techniques introduced in Music Theory I and II. Students enrolled in Music Theory III must demonstrate a strong ability to work independently and will be required to provide peer support and tutoring to students enrolled in Music Theory I and II. Grades are based on attendance, participation and the final project.
      • Music Theory I and II are mandatory prerequisite for enrollment in Music Theory III.
      • Quarter Course - 1.25 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • H
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • Not running
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 8.
      • Music
      • Singers (CP)
      • 8401
      • Singers is the major vocal group in the Senior High School. The literature selected will enable students to sing a wide variety of music. All students who enjoy singing are invited to join this group. No audition is required. Grading is based on class performance and attendance at all chorus concerts.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 9.
      • Music
      • Singers (H)
      • 8402
      • Singers Honors is a select vocal ensemble that meets concurrently with Singers and as peer mentors with Eighth Grade Chorus. Students must pass an audition to enroll in Singers H. Students are also required to attend two after school rehearsals. Students enrolled in Singers H perform as members of Singers as well as a smaller independent vocal ensemble. Grading is based on class participation, attendance at all concerts and rehearsals, and other criteria as developed by the conductor.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • H
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 10.
      • Music
      • Chamber Choir (H)
      • 8421
      • Chorale is a select vocal ensemble. Members must pass an audition to prove their ability to sing independently and Department Head approval is required. Auditions are held in the spring. Literature is primarily a cappella, chamber, vocal music with an emphasis on quartet and quintet independent singing. Freshman students enrolled in Chorale will take Music Theory for the first semester in the place of Singers. Grading is based on class performance and attendance at all performances.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • H
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 11.
      • Music
      • Chorale (H)
      • 8431
      • Chorale is a select vocal ensemble. Members must pass an audition to prove their ability to sing independently and Department Head approval is required. Auditions are held in the spring. Literature is primarily a cappella, chamber, vocal music with an emphasis on quartet and quintet independent singing. Freshman students enrolled in Chorale will take Music Theory for the first semester in the place of Singers. Grading is based on class performance and attendance at all performances.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • H
      • Global, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 12.
      • Music
      • Ladies' Chorale (H)
      • 8441
      • Chorale is a select vocal ensemble. Members must pass an audition to prove their ability to sing independently and Department Head approval is required. Auditions are held in the spring. Literature is primarily a cappella, chamber, vocal music with an emphasis on quartet and quintet independent singing. Freshman students enrolled in Chorale will take Music Theory for the first semester in the place of Singers. Grading is based on class performance and attendance at all performances.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • H
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 13.
      • Music
      • Wind Ensemble
      • 8521
      • The Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras (NMYO) offer a Wind Ensemble experience for young musicians in the area. The Wind Ensemble rehearses at Masco on Mondays after school. Students interested in auditioning should refer to the NMYO website at nmyo.org. Experience playing a wind or brass instrument is required. An audition is required for enrollment.
      • Previous playing experience on woodwind, brass or percussion instrument is required. An audition is required. Auditions are scheduled through NMYO at nmyo.org.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9, 10, 11, 12
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All Years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 14.
      • Music
      • Public Speaking
      • 8524
      • Students will practice presentation skills through prepared speeches on various topics that interest them (Speech to Persuade, Speech to Inform, Speech to Entertain). Emphasis will be placed on vocal quality and clarity, body language, professionalism, writing skills, and effective speech structure. Students will build confidence through daily practice and be able to apply skills learned to future classes, job interviews, college applications, and more.
      • Half Year - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All Years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 15.
    • 16.
      • Music
      • Jazz Choir (CP)
      • 8621
      • This voice ensemble performs jazz, Broadway, and rock. Emphasis is on small group singing, solo independence and choreography. Rehearsals are scheduled on Wednesday evenings from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Concert Band or Singers is a co --- requisite for this class.
      • Wednesday, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Full Year
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 17.
      • Music
      • Jazz I (H)
      • 8631
      • Jazz I performs a variety of musical styles including Jazz, Swing, Latin, and Rock. The instruments used in Jazz I include all the woodwind and brass instruments from the concert band as well as percussion, string/electric bass, piano and guitar. Rehearsals are scheduled one evening a week. Attendance at all performances and is mandatory. Grades are based on attendance and participation. Department Head approval is required.
      • Wednesday 6:00-8:00 p.m - Full Year
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • H
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 18.
      • Music
      • Music Lesson
      • 8901
      • This is an independent study program designed to recognize those students who are motivated to advance their musical skills and knowledge by taking private music lessons. Individual instruction will include the study in method books (scales, etudes, etc.) and solos to develop musical and technical skills. Private lessons are taught on a weekly basis after the regular school day. For additional information, including fees and application, contact the Music Office.
      • Quarter Course - 1.25 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 19.
      • Art
      • Art Studio I (CP)
      • 7101
      • This is a hands-on and active course! Students at all levels of ability and experience are encouraged to begin their journey into the high school art program here! Students will solve visual challenges in the following areas: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and design. Art appreciation will be incorporated throughout the yearlong curriculum as well. The difference between CP and H is that the honors students complete one major additional independent project each quarter.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9, 10, 11, 12
      • CP
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3
    • 20.
      • Business & Computer Science
      • Marketing
      • 5534
      • Marketing is a course that introduces the student to all aspects of marketing a product. Students will be able to identify all activities that are needed to have a product move from its maker to the hands of the consumer. Topics to be covered may include: identifying needs, marketing information and research, pricing, promotion, advertising, selling, distribution, identifying marketing strategies and marketing for a service business. Experience working in the Masco School Store.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 10, 11, 12
      • H
      • Media & Communications, Computer Science, STEAM, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All Years
      • A1, A2, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C3
    • 21.
      • Business & Computer Science
      • Marketing
      • 5554
      • Marketing is a course that introduces the student to all aspects of marketing a product. Students will be able to identify all activities that are needed to have a product move from its maker to the hands of the consumer. Topics to be covered may include: identifying needs, marketing information and research, pricing, promotion, advertising, selling, distribution, identifying marketing strategies and marketing for a service business. Gain experience working in the Masco School Store.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 10,11,12
      • CP
      • Media & Communications, Computer Science, STEAM, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A2, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C3
    • 22.
      • Art
      • Art Studio I (H)
      • 7001
      • This is a hands-on and active course! Students at all levels of ability and experience are encouraged to begin their journey into the high school art program here! Students will solve visual challenges in the following areas: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and design. Art appreciation will be incorporated throughout the yearlong curriculum as well. The difference between CP and H is that the honors students complete one major additional independent project each quarter.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9, 10, 11, 12
      • H
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3
    • 23.
      • Art
      • Art Explorations
      • 7121
      • This comprehensive introductory semester course is designed to allow for artistic discovery by presenting creative challenges that involve both skill development and reflective experience. Students will explore a wide variety of art media and processes. Units covered will include two-dimensional design, three-dimensional design, and drawing. Students will be asked to observe, think creatively, and make critical decisions while developing problem-solving skills in this engaging hands-on course.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3
    • 24.
      • Art
      • Art Studio II (CP)
      • 7301
      • Students will create work that relates thematically from one challenge to the next, thus allowing them to begin to think and work as artists do. Assignments will address the selected theme through the following studio areas: drawing, painting, printmaking, design, sculpture, and mixed media. Art Studio II candidates must have successfully completed Art Studio I. The difference between CP and H is that the honors students complete one major additional independent project each quarter.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9, 10, 11, 12
      • CP
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3
    • 25.
      • Art
      • Art Studio II (H)
      • 7002
      • Students will create work that relates thematically from one challenge to the next, thus allowing them to begin to think and work as artists do. Assignments will address the selected theme through the following studio areas: drawing, painting, printmaking, design, sculpture, and mixed media. Art Studio II candidates must have successfully completed Art Studio I. The difference between CP and H is that the honors students complete one major additional independent project each quarter.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9, 10, 11, 12
      • H
      • Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3