Additional settings for Safari Browser.
Visual & Performing Arts
Visual & Performing Arts
The Clifton Public Schools Visual & Performing Arts Department offers a comprehensive arts education for all K-12 students through course offerings in visual art, music, theatre, TV/film, and dance. Our staff of professional educators delivers balanced, rigorous instruction designed to help students fulfill their individual, artistic potential. Our art teachers provide all students the opportunity to explore expression, imagination, and creativity through the visual and performing arts and prepare learners to be successful in a global, 21st-century society.
The school-based curriculum is enriched by additional programming for all students through community partnerships with many organizations, including (but not limited to) The NJ Symphony Orchestra, the Clifton Arts Center, and the 'Little Kids Rock' organization. Extended instruction opportunities enhance learning for student performers interested in theatre, choir, band, orchestra, jazz, or dance through performance opportunities in any of the district's many award-winning ensembles. Visual art students have their paintings and drawings displayed throughout the year at the board of education building.
Students find inspiration, develop cultural awareness, and make a humanistic connection through an arts education in the Clifton Public Schools.
Visual Art
All Clifton High School Visual Arts courses provide students with a thorough understanding of the Elements of Art, Principles of Design, and a wide variety of art media. Students will also have the opportunity to display and sell their work at the annual Clifton High School Visual Arts Show in May. Students will also partake in the following:
ART PRODUCTION: The student’s awareness is heightened as they become involved in the creative process. Students are taught the knowledge and skills required to express imaginative ideas in original artwork. They will explore many techniques and materials to create an aesthetic product.
ART CRITICISM: Students learn to evaluate criteria for assessing personal artwork and the work of others through the “Artist’s Eye”. Art criticism includes description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment of a work of art.
ART HISTORY: Provides the students an understanding of the cultures that preceded us and how it links us all together. Art history will provide a discipline which affords students the opportunity to recognize the importance of past and present cultures. The art of today will become more relevant to their daily lives.
AESTHETICS: Aesthetics develop from the student’s ability to understand and participate in the creative process. It also enables the students to learn an appreciation for artistic freedom.
-
Studio Art I
Studio Art II
Studio Art III-H
Studio Art IV- AP
Ceramics 1 & 2
Crafts 1 & 2
Design Careers
Graphic Design 1 & 2
Art History
Stagecraft
Digital Photography
Cartooning & Illustration 1 & 2
Fashion Design 1 & 2
-
Phoenix Art & Literary Magazine
The Artists’ Hub
Stage Crew
Makerspace Creative Space Club
-
The Studio Art concentration is designed for talented high school students who have the dedication and enthusiasm to pursue an intense and structured study in the visual arts. The program offers a curriculum that guides students toward developing skills, concepts, and imaginative exploration in a wide variety of media and techniques. Students in the program will be able to participate in the AP Studio Art exam for college credit in their senior year.
-
AP Studio Art is an advanced art course that culminates the sequential programs of study in the fine arts at Clifton High School. The course encourages the student who has developed his or her creative and technical skills through successful participation in the prerequisite courses to focus on the realization of a personal style and their own individual body of work. This course is designed not only to create high quality artworks but also to help students make a commitment to an extended exploration of an area of interest. The AP student is guided to reach beyond the solution of commercially promoted imagery and to discover his or her voice by the exploration of topics relevant to their personal cultures, interests and belief systems. They are also challenged to further develop their technical skills in traditional and contemporary processes.
The completion of the AP program requires the submission of a digital and physical portfolio which is designed to be judged on the premise that college-level material can be taught successfully to secondary school students.
-
Opportunities for national recognition, scholarships, leadership experience, and connectivity to 50,000+ outstanding arts students worldwide are available to members of an NAHS or NJAHS chapter, including:
- College Scholarships
- National Awards
- National Art Exhibit
- Publication of Artwork in NAHS News
- Leadership Opportunities
- Service Opportunities
- NAHS/NJAHS Digital Badge
- NAHS/NJAHS Merchandise and Resources (such as honor cords, tassels, and more)
- Student Membership Card
Students must be nominated by a CHS Visual Arts Teacher, maintain good grades, and be enrolled in an art course to maintain Honors Society status.
-
Gallery
Instrumental Music
-
Band Parents must call Jason Leshowitz, Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts, at (973) 594-4199 to set up an appointment to pick up their reserved instrument. Learn more about selecting an instrument in the link provided below. String students will receive their instruments from their strings teacher at their first lesson, which would take place in mid to late September
-
All students participating in the instrumental program must attend the scheduled concerts. Attendance at these concerts is a part of their grade and therefore mandatory. An unexcused absence from any scheduled concert will result in removal from the instrumental music program. An unexcused absence is defined as an absence without a doctor’s note. Each year, students will be asked to meet certain criteria in order to perform in the concert. This criterion is meant to help your child excel as a member of the orchestra or band and will enhance your child’s musical experience. Performing is a skill that must be practiced, however, if a student is not competent on his/her instrument, he/she will not experience the benefits of the performance. Behavior and personal preparation is also an important part of the performance. A student is considered competent and personally prepared when he/she:
- Can read musical notation without the use of written in note names and/or finger numbers
- For violin/viola students: a shoulder rest must be used that fits the students’ frame.
- Can accurately distinguish different rhythms and meters and be able to play them in sync with other orchestra/band members
- Can follow the conductor’s baton in the appropriate tempo
- Does not display any disruptive behavior during rehearsals
- For girls, nails must be trimmed to the base of the finger and not extend beyond it. NO press on nails and/or nail extensions will be allowed.
- ABSOLUTELY NO GUM chewing is allowed during rehearsal or at musical lessons
We seek parental support in encouraging your child to practice their instruments daily. Students will only be able to meet the criteria if they continue to practice. Playing in an ensemble is a rewarding experience, but students must put in the time and effort to be successful.
Concert Attire
Elementary grades: both girls and boys alike should wear dark pants (preferably black) with a white shirt or blouse. Students should wear dark sneakers or shoes. Middle school grades: both girls and boys alike should wear black dress pants. No leggings, jeggings, or jeans are allowed. Either official school shirts or white shirts are required depending on the middle school. Specialty ensembles must wear the outfits as instructed by their directors. Black dress shoes/casual shoes are required. No sneakers. No sandals or open-toed shoes. Please speak to the music teachers directly if there is a personal need. -
Music Angels are businesses or individuals who believe strongly in instrumental music education for all. By becoming a Music Angel, you make it possible for instrumental music instruction to be available to those students who might otherwise not have the opportunity. Some organizations help by making a tax-deductible donation. Others help by donating instruments that are no longer being used. Either way, we would appreciate your help.
If you are interested in becoming a Music Angel, please contact:
Jason Leshowitz
Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts
Clifton Board of Education
745 Clifton Avenue
Clifton, New Jersey 02013
(973) 594-4199
Music Angels Criteria for Participation
Children who wish to qualify for the Music Angels program must have a strong desire to learn how to play a band or string instrument. Playing an instrument requires students to practice every day in order to become proficient. They must also participate in the free and/or reduced lunch program (exceptions will be made on an individual basis based on need and extenuating circumstances)
The first step is to fill out an "interest form" which you can find on this web-page. The form must be returned to your child's instrumental music teacher. Forms will be date stamped upon receipt as the program runs on a first come first serve basis. You will be notified if and when your child's chosen instrument becomes available.
There is a $25.00 yearly charge to use a school-owned instrument. This charge may increase from year to year. Parents must sign a contract stating that they will be responsible for repairs and payments for the full value of the instrument should it be lost or stolen.