Fifty–five students from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School have been awarded the title of “AP Scholar”. They scored 3 out of 5 on at least 3 or more AP Exams. Twelve of them were designated as AP Scholars with Honor because they scored 3.25 or higher on at least 4 AP exams. Thirteen others are AP Scholar with Distinction by scoring 3.5 or higher on at least 5 AP exams.
The senior AP Scholars are Allison Bourdon, Frank Foley, Ian Garrison, Sophia Girardeau, Morgan Harlan, Rife Jones, Addy Lockett, Cassie Mahler, Denman Mims, Connor Plessala, Kathleen Powers, Marie Robison, Ashley Roca, Emily Smith, Katherine Sweet, Kayla Thomas, Fallon Thompson, Nicole Walker, Hallea Ward and Lauren Webber. The Class of 2011 AP Scholars are Andrew Barbera, Ryan Campbell, James Friedlander, Blayne Henning, Luke Madison, Catherin Odom, Ashley Pierce, Jennifer Rensink and Sarah Schneider.
The senior AP Scholars with Honor are Brantley Arata, Kendal Dekle, Michael Duffey, Adrian Eves, Matthew Heubach, Paul Lagarde, Sean Landry, Chiedza Mupanomunda, and Ali Pardue.
The Class of 2011 AP Scholars with Honor are Kathleen Brandau, Ryan O’Connor, and Claire Schmidt/p>
The Class of 2011 AP Scholars with Distinction are Abigail Alsip, Keith Castelin, Claire Cawthon, Evan Cox, Philip Dempsey, Amira El-Hamaki, Kaitlin Fellrath, Iliana Garcia, Mary McElroy, Peyton Plessala, David Roveda, Melinda Russo, and Don Wagnon.
Pictured are the McT senior AP Scholars: Sophia Giradeau, Katherine Sweet, Nicole Walker, Lauren Webber, Kathleen Powers, Cassie Mahler, Chiedza Mupanomunda, Ali Pardu, Kendal Dekle, Michael Duffey, Allison Bourdon, Matthew Heubach, Addy Lockett, Sean Landry,Kayla Thomas, Brantley Arata, Marie Robison, Frank Foley, Fallon Thompson, Hallea Ward, Ashley Roca, Iam Garrison, Adrian Eves, Denman Mims, Paul Lagarde, Emily Smith, Morgan Harlan, Connor Plessala and Rife Jones.
Fine Arts Courses
MUSIC APPRECIATION - ½ credit
Music appreciation is a one-semester course open to all students. This course will offer basic instruction in music notation, percussion performance, vocal technique, beginning instrumental music, musical form, music history, orchestra, chorus, band and other elements leading to an understanding and enjoyment of all musical styles.
INSTRUMENTAL TECHNIQUES I - ½ credit
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop basic performance skills on a selected instrument in a solo or small ensemble setting, using varied high school literature. Performance techniques, music knowledge, critical analysis, and aesthetic response are emphasized.
The content should include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Technical skills
- Individual and ensemble techniques
- Music literacy
- Sight reading and ear training
- Elements and characteristics of music
- Performance analysis
- Connections between music and other subject areas
- Instrument care and maintenance
- Responsible participation in music activities
The student will be responsible for providing his/her own instrument or (if available) use a school owned instrument.
INSTRUMENTAL TECHNIQUES II - ½ credit
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop intermediate performance skills on a selected instrument in a solo or small ensemble setting, using varied high school literature. Performance techniques, music knowledge, critical analysis, and aesthetic response are emphasized.
The content should include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Technical skills
- Individual and ensemble techniques
- Music literacy
- Sight reading and ear training
- Elements and characteristics of music
- Performance analysis
- Connections between music and other subject areas
- Instrument care and maintenance
- Responsible participation in music activities
The student will be responsible for providing his/her own instrument or (if available) use a school owned instrument.
ADVANCED BAND – ½ or 1 credit
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop proficient technical skills on wind or percussion instruments through the refinement and performance of high school band literature. Emphasis will be placed on the development of skills in interpretation of notation and expressive markings, individual and ensemble performance, and critical listening.
The content should include, but not be limited to, the following:
- technical skills
- individual and ensemble techniques
- music literacy
- sight reading and ear training
- elements and characteristics of music
- instrument care and maintenance
- responsible participation in music activities
This is an auditioned performance ensemble for students in grades nine through twelve. Students should have participated in an elementary or middle school band prior to being enrolled in this class. Participation in this subject requires approval of the band director.
The Advanced Band performs as both the marching band and symphonic band throughout the entire year. The student must be a member of the band class in order to participate in band. The activities of the band will include football games, parades, marching festivals, concerts and concert festivals. Rehearsals will be held during the school day and after school rehearsals will also be required for participation. Participation in Advanced Band fulfills the P.E. requirement. Students will pay an activity fee of $100.
COLOR GUARD/AUXILIARY TECHNIQUES - ½ credit
This class is designed for those who are in the Yellow Jacket Marching Band Visual Ensemble(s). Audition in the spring and consequent membership in the band program is a prerequisite for this course. Topics include proper marching and equipment technique. The course is taken first semester only and satisfies a half credit toward P.E. requirements. Students will pay an activity fee of $100.
PERCUSSION CLASS - ½ or 1 credit
The purpose of this course is to develop basic performance skills on all percussion equipment. Performance techniques, music knowledge, critical analysis and aesthetic response are emphasized. Audition required. Students will pay an activity fee of $100.
WOMEN’S CHORUS- ½ credit
This course offers an opportunity for girls to participate in a performing ensemble. Students will learn the fundamentals of choral music through the study and performance of choral music from various historic periods and styles. Emphasis will be given to vocal technique and the development of music reading skills.
MEN’S CHORUS - ½ credit
This course offers an opportunity for boys to participate in a performing ensemble. Students will learn the fundamentals of choral music through the study and performance of choral music from various historic periods and styles. Emphasis will be given to vocal technique and the development of music reading skills.
ADVANCED WOMEN’S CHORALE – 1 credit
This course is an auditioned performance ensemble for women in grades 10-12. Open auditions are held during the 2nd semester of the year preceding enrollment. The members of this group are expected to maintain high musical standards and to serve in the school, community and archdiocese. The group will perform SA, SSA, and SSAA music from various style periods. Students are required to participate in the Boar’s Head Festival first semester and a major musical or concert work second semester.
VARSITY SINGERS – ½ or 1 credit
This is an auditioned soprano, alto, tenor, bass chorus for students in grades 10-12. Open auditions are held in the third quarter of the preceding year and students are notified of placement prior to final registration. The members of this chorale are expected to maintain high musical standards and to serve in the school, community, and archdiocese. This group may compete at both local and regional festivals. Participation in the Spring Production is required.
CHAMBER SINGERS - 1 credit
This is an auditioned chorus for soprano, alto, tenor and bass singers. Open auditions are held the third quarter of the preceding year and students are notified of placement prior to final registration. The Chamber Singers are expected to maintain the highest of musical standards and to serve as a public relations/service organization to the school and archdiocese. In addition, this group may compete at both local and regional festivals. Participation in the Spring Production is required.
VISUAL ARTS COURSES:
Placement in visual art courses is based on teacher approval, student schedule and course availability. The course grade will be based on a variety of criteria such as: quality (skill), effort, tests (knowledge) and work habits. Art history, the elements and principles of design are incorporated into all of the visual art courses.
DRAWING I - ½ credit
Drawing is the foundation of all art and is considered a vital skill for all serious art students. This drawing course offers instruction to develop a realistic three dimensional image on paper by observing the actual objects. The student will be introduced to measuring techniques and modeling as well as various ways to show depth of field. Students will practice drawing still lives and small objects rendered in media such as graphite, charcoal and color pencil.
DRAWING II - ½ credit
This course is for the student wishing more experience and instruction in drawing. This directed studies course is usually incorporated into the Drawing 1 class to encourage students to review with first level students as needed. Students are expected and encouraged to develop a personal style and to create more complex and sophisticated work as experience is gained. Prerequisites: Drawing 1 and teacher approval.
CERAMICS I - ½ credit
Ceramics is a three dimensional course that offers instruction in hand building sculptures and vessels in clay. The students will find the moist clay easily manipulated into specific shapes and forms. Students’ work will become permanent when fired and will be finished with clear glaze. The basic properties of clay and construction methods such as coiling, stiff slab and modeling will be taught. Sprigging, slip trails, graffito and impressing are some simple decorative techniques that will be covered. Health and safety issues are covered in this first level course.
CERAMICS II - ½ credit
This course is designed for the student interested in developing a personal style in ceramics by exploring the medium, guided by the instructor. Some instruction is given concerning more complicated construction and decorative techniques. The student will be expected to create more complex, interesting and sophisticated pieces in clay. Wheel work is expected but not required. Personal projects and experimental or exploratory work is encouraged to help develop personal style. Students are responsible for supplying any tools or materials not normally used in our studio courses. Reading and research are guided by the instructor. Prerequisites: Ceramics I and approval of instructor.
STUDIO ART I - ½ credit
This course introduces the student to a variety of media during the semester. Instruction is given in media such as drawing with pencil and ink, printmaking with linoleum and serigraphy, painting using watercolor, tempera and acrylics. Color theory, art elements and principles of design will be introduced through daily projects
STUDIO ART II - ½ credit
This course is for students wishing more experience and guidance in an area where they have had some instruction. Personal projects and experimental or exploratory work is encouraged. Admittance to this course is by teacher approval and successful completion of Studio Art 1.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN I - ½ credit
Sculptures in relief and in the round are taught in this course. Projects will be made from materials such as plaster, plastics, paper, wire and light metals.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN II - ½ credit
This course is for students wishing more experience and guidance in the area of three-dimensional design. Personal projects and experimental or exploratory work are encouraged. Admittance to this course is by teacher approval and successful completion of 3D Design 1.
PAINTING I - ½ credit
Water soluble media such as watercolor, tempera and acrylics are used at this level. Color theory is also taught in this course. Sources for subject matter will be from observation and printed material. Some students’ works may be submitted to school’s auction to be included in items for sale or bid.
PAINTING II - ½ credit
This course is for students wishing more experience and guidance in the area of painting. Personal projects and experimental or exploratory work is encouraged. Admittance to this course is by teacher approval and successful completion of Painting 1.
All AP Studio Art Classes
The Advanced Placement Studio Art portfolios are designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. AP Studio Art is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. The AP Program is a cooperative endeavor that helps high school students complete college level courses and permits colleges to evaluate, acknowledge, and encourage accomplishment through the granting of appropriate credit and placement.
Students will need to work outside the classroom, as well as in and beyond scheduled periods. As homework, students will keep a sketchbook/journal. Critiques, a common structure in the college classroom, are important in AP as well. Group and individual critiques teach students to discuss and evaluate their work and the work of their peers. Ongoing analysis enables both the student and teacher to assess strengths and weaknesses in their work.
AP DRAWING – 1 credit
For this portfolio, students are asked to demonstrate mastery of drawing through the use of the principles of design (unity, variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale, figure/ground relationships) and visual elements (line, shape, color, value, texture, space). Good mark-making is possible whether one uses representational, abstract or expressive approaches to making art. AP Drawing Portfolio requires students to produce a minimum of 24 works of art that reflect issues related to drawing. The course enables students to develop a body of work investigating a strong underlying visual idea in 2-D design that grows out of a coherent plan of action or investigation (i.e., a "concentration"). Throughout this course, students will work toward developing mastery in concept, composition, and execution of 2-D design.
AP 2D DESIGN PORTFOLIO – 1 credit
For this portfolio, students are asked to demonstrate mastery of 2D design through the use of the principles of design (unity, variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale, figure/ground relationships) and visual elements (line, shape, color, value, texture, space). Good mark-making is possible whether one uses representational, abstract or expressive approaches to making art. AP Studio Art 2D Design Portfolio requires students to produce a minimum of 24 works of art that reflect issues related to drawing. Drawing, painting, mixed media and collage are all appropriate means for expressing drawing principles. The course enables students to develop a body of work investigating a strong underlying visual idea in 2-D design that grows out of a coherent plan of action or investigation (i.e., a "concentration"). Throughout this course, students will work toward developing mastery in concept, composition, and execution of 2-D design.
AP 3D DESIGN PORTFOLIO – 1 credit
For this portfolio, students are asked to demonstrate mastery of 3D design through the use of the principles of design (unity, variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale, figure/ground relationships) and visual elements (line, shape, color, value, texture, space). Good mark-making is possible whether one uses representational, abstract or expressive approaches to making art. AP Studio Art 3D Design Portfolio requires students to produce a minimum of 24 works of art that reflect issues related to sculpture. The course enables students to develop a body of work investigating a strong underlying visual idea in 3-D design that grows out of a coherent plan of action or investigation (i.e., a "concentration"). Throughout this course, students will work toward developing mastery in concept, composition, and execution of 3-D design 
Voted
BEST PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL IN MOBILE
2007-2008-2009-2010
