Arts

Beginning - Visual Arts, Theater, and Dance Only. This level is for students who did not have a comprehensive middle school Visual Arts, Theater, or Dance.

Intermediate - 9th graders may begin with Intermediate if they satisfied Novice and Intermediate in Middle School. Intermediate VIM standards are designed for those students who have achieved Developing level standards for VIM education (Band, Chorus, Orchestra) or achieved Beginning level standards for non-VIM arts education courses (Dance, General Music, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts).

Accomplished - Accomplished High School VIM standards are designed for those students who have achieved Intermediate level standards for VIM education (Band, Chorus, Orchestra) or Intermediate level standards for non-VIM arts education courses (Dance, General Music, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts).

Advanced - Advanced High School VIM standards are designed for those students who have achieved Accomplished level standards for VIM education (Band, Chorus, Orchestra) or Accomplished level standards for non-VIM arts education courses (Dance, General Music, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts).

Proficiency Levels - Proficiency Based Teaching and Learning exists in North Carolina’s PSUs in World Languages and Arts Education. North Carolina’s arts education proficiency levels represent a hierarchy of objectives that describe artistic and cognitive student learning expectations which scaffolds artistic behaviors from the simplest to the most complex. Mastery of the objectives is the criteria for advancement.  Thus, students may repeat courses for credit within a given proficiency level before moving to the next level, based on their mastery of the standards. 

Music Vocal Music

 Vocal Ensemble Novice- 52382X0

This course is for students with no vocal ensemble experience K-8. Emphasis is placed on correct vocal production, proficiency in music reading, and performance skills.

 Vocal Ensemble Developing- 52392X0

Prerequisite: Mastery of MS Novice Ensemble

 Vocal Ensemble Intermediate- 52312X0

Prerequisite: Mastery of MS or HS Developing Vocal Ensemble or audition  

This course continues to build on the comprehensive K-8 music education program. This course is for students who successfully mastered MS Vocal Ensemble Developing and were recommended by their choral director based on mastery of standards/audition. Students will broaden their knowledge of different musical genres and will have opportunities to perform alone and in ensembles.

Vocal Ensemble Accomplished Honors- 52325X0

Prerequisite: Mastery of Intermediate Vocal Music or audition

This course is for students who want to improve their vocal technique and increase their knowledge of music. Students will perform music of varying degrees of difficulty and work to improve accuracy in sight singing. Singers may perform alone and in ensembles.  

Vocal Ensemble Advanced Honors- 52335X0

Prerequisite: Mastery of Vocal Ensemble Accomplished or audition

In this course, students refine their musical skills through the rigorous study of music theory, history, appreciation, and analysis. Students will improve their vocal technique, accuracy with sight singing, and ability to perform solo and ensemble music. In addition to class work, students will attend musical events, complete special projects, and write reports.  

Orchestra  

Orchestra Novice - 52482X0  No prerequisite.

This course is designed to introduce students to playing a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, and bass). Students will learn the fundamentals or rhythm, not reading, posture, following the conductor and learning to perform as a group. Appropriate use of musical terms, dynamic markings, and the parts and care of stringed instruments are emphasized. 

Orchestra Developing - 52492X0 

Prerequisite: Orchestra Novice or audition 

This course further develops technical and artistic skills studied in previous music training.

Emphasis is placed on performance of more advanced literature and increased aural discrimination. Participation in performances is expected.  

Orchestra Intermediate - 52412X0 

Prerequisite: Orchestra Developing in either MS or HS or audition 

This course further develops technical and artistic skills studied in previous music training. Emphasis is placed on performance of more advanced literature and increased aural discrimination. Participation in performances is expected. 

Orchestra Accomplished Honors - 52425X0

Prerequisite: Orchestra Intermediate or audition 

Advanced students continue to improve technical proficiency, greater understanding of music notation, increased aural discrimination, and artistic interpretation. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in performance, extensive knowledge of all areas of music including music theory, and an in-depth study of a variety of advanced music literature. Participation in performances is expected. 

Orchestra Advanced Honors - 52435X0   

Prerequisite: Orchestra Accomplished Honors or audition 

Advanced students build ensemble performance skills while studying challenging literature. 

Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in performance, extensive knowledge of all areas of music including music theory, and an in-depth study of a variety of advanced music literature. Participation in performances is expected. 

Band

Band Novice - 52582X0

No Prerequisite

This course introduces basic instrumental music skills. Students focus on the fundamentals of music, correct tone production, balance, intonation, and ensemble playing through the study of simple band literature. Participation in performances is expected. 

Band Developing - 52592X0  

Prerequisite:  Band Novice or Audition

Students continue to study the fundamentals of music while performing more advanced literature. Aesthetic awareness and technical ability are developed through a variety of performance opportunities. Participation in performances is expected.

Band Intermediate- 52562X0

Prerequisite: Band Developing in either MS or HS or audition 

Students continue to study the fundamentals of music while performing more advanced literature. Aesthetic awareness and technical ability are developed through a variety of performance opportunities. Participation in performances is expected. 

Band Accomplished Honors-  52575X0 

Prerequisite: Band Intermediate or audition 

Students develop their ability to play with increased technical accuracy and expression. Students play more advanced literature representing diverse genres, styles, and cultures. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in performance, extensive knowledge of all areas of music including music theory, and an in depth study of a variety of advanced music literature. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected. 

Band Advanced Honors - 52585X0 

Prerequisite Band: Accomplished Honors or audition 

Students demonstrate a high level of technical proficiency through a variety of advanced instrumental literature. An understanding of the broad aspects of music (theory, history, tone production, interpretation), are necessary for success in this advanced level course.  

Marching Band 5th Block- 52962X0MB

This course does not satisfy the arts education graduation requirement and will not count towards the NC Arts Diploma Endorsement.

Prerequisite: Enrollment in a Band Course (All Levels) or by audition

Marching Band 5th Block Honors- 52965X0MB

This course does not satisfy the arts education graduation requirement and will not count towards the NC Arts Diploma Endorsement.

Prerequisite: Drum Major or Section Leader 

Music Theory

 Music Theory:  Music Specialization Accomplished Honors - 52185X0A 

This course is a study of notation, musical form and analysis, sight-reading, and some form of composition/arranging skills.  

Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts Beginning- 53152X0

Prerequisite: None

Students will experience creative dramatics, mime, reader's theater, interpretive movement, and oral interpretation as they explore the actor's craft. In addition, they will learn how directing, theatre history, and theatre management contribute to a stage production. Behind the scenes, students explore how costumes, make-up, props, and scenery along with special effects, lighting, and sound bring magic to the stage.

Theatre Arts Intermediate- 53162X0

 Prerequisite: Mastery of Beginning Theatre Arts or audition with the teacher. 

This course further develops the skills and vocabulary learned in Beginning Theatre. Through classroom scene work and the study of acting techniques in different historical periods, students will refine their acting skills. Participating in ensemble acting and student directed plays will provide additional opportunities to portray a variety of roles. Students will learn how to critique their own and others' performances and will continue learning about technical theatre and theatre management. They will perform scene work and original work.

Theatre Arts Accomplished  Honors- 53175X0

Prerequisites: Mastery of Intermediate Theatre Arts, classification as a junior or a senior, or placement audition with the instructor

The focus of this class is on learning how to direct. Once students select their scene, they will analyze the script, audition actors from among their classmates, plan rehearsals, make decisions about blocking, and develop a plan for set and lighting design. Each student-directed scene will be showcased for a live audience. This course involves in-depth application of theater arts knowledge, skills, and processes. Students will study a variety of playwrights and different historical periods.   

Theatre Arts Advanced Honors- 53185X0

Prerequisite: Mastery of Accomplished Theatre Arts or audition with the teacher. 

These advanced acting ensembles focus on students developing the assigned characters, learning advanced movement techniques, and overseeing all aspects of their productions. Students will continue their study of the different styles of theater, film and television and learn more about the business of professional acting. Students continue to refine adapting works from different historical periods, and researching different acting styles. Students will have opportunities to prepare a performance for competition and/or for a showcase. Students function as a performance and production ensemble.  

Theatre Arts Specialization Beginning/Digital Film- 53612X0DF

Visual Arts

Visual Arts Beginning- 54152X0

Prerequisite: None or portfolio submission  

Students will experience 2D media, such as drawing, painting, and design, and basic 3D media. Using the elements of art and principles of design, they will complete technique assignments and create their own work. Students will learn to analyze visual images, critique their own artwork and the artwork of others, and write short essays about a variety of visual art topics while studying the basics of Art History.

Visual Arts Intermediate- 54162X0

Prerequisite:  Visual Arts Beginning or Completion of K-8 progression and portfolio review that achieved beginner level standards

Students will learn to use more sophisticated techniques as they complete projects using 2D and 3D media. Assigned projects will develop the students' artistic problem solving abilities and call upon them to use their design skills with greater inventiveness. Written work focuses on art criticism, topics in art history, and aesthetic awareness.

Visual Arts Accomplished Honors- 54175X0 Prerequisite: Intermediate Visual Arts 

Students will begin building a portfolio of their work using a variety of media. In building a portfolio students create work that demonstrates their increasing command of the elements of art and design principles and conveys a clear sense of their developing personal style. Students will continue their study of art appreciation, criticism, and aesthetics. Students will also study individual artists with the goal of analyzing how they reflect the historical conditions and arts trends of their time.  These courses may specialize in a medium, such as painting and sculpture.   

Visual Arts Advanced Honors- 54185X0

Prerequisite: Mastery of Accomplished Visual Arts

Students will work to assemble a high quality portfolio suitable for submission as part of an art school application. Students will refine their artistic problem solving skills using a variety of media and techniques as they create 20 high quality works by the end of the class. Students will also continue their study of contemporary art and should expect to spend time outside of class working on their portfolios and completing written assignments.  This course is required for all students who are taking an AP Art class.  

AP Studio Art- 5A027X0

Prerequisite: Mastery of Visual Arts Accomplished Honors and paired with Visual Arts Advanced Honors + Teacher Recommendation

Emphasis is placed on 2D studio art. It is expected that students enrolled in these courses will take the College Board AP Exam. The student must prepare and submit a portfolio to the AP Visual Arts Committee of The College Board for college credit approval. Success at the AP level requires rigorous study, excellence in design and production, and extensive knowledge of a variety of art forms. Students initiate, define, and solve challenging visual arts problems independently using intellectual skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students have in-depth experiences in reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others.

THEATRE

ART

CHORUS