About our high School Programs

Foundations of Art

Required entry-level course that prepares students wishing to pursue two- or three-dimensional art at the secondary level. Students will be provided the opportunity to explore a variety of tools, materials, and techniques associated with both two- and three-dimensional art forms. This course is organized into manageable and related units that guide the students toward a broad knowledge and skill base, enabling them to obtain the maximum benefit in their chosen arts track. 

Clay II

Second level offered in ceramics. Students will use previously gained knowledge from studio clay in building slabs, coils, and throwing on the potter's wheel in a more in-depth level. The Clay II course will develop and incorporate an understanding of molding, modeling, relief work, tile building, and increase the student's current knowledge in the study of sculptural and functional ware.

Advanced Clay 

Students at this level gain independence and further their unique creative style and expressions. The students continue to build "portfolio quality" three-dimensional art with a firm understanding of form, balance, texture, harmony, repetition, variation, and composition. Students are encouraged to "think outside the box" and exhibit their own personalities in the sculptures they construct. 

JCC EDGE: Ceramics I (Fall: 3crd.) // Ceramics II (Spring: 3crd.)

Jefferson Community College's EDGE program, concurrent enrollment with your high school, is the smartest way to start your degree. College credit in high school, no travel and low cost.

Students have the opportunity to enroll in the EDGE program during the same time that they are enrolled in Advanced Ceramics or Independent Study if the prerequisites are met. 

The EDGE classes must be completed in order Ceramics I: Fall, Ceramics II: Spring.

A student may wish to only complete the Fall semester for 3 credits, or both semesters for a total of 6 credits for the school year. 

EDGE benefits

• Jefferson classes taught by your high school teachers in your high school

• Transfer credit to your next college, or go to Jefferson to earn a degree sooner

• Low cost tuition- EDGE students pay 1/3 the cost of normal tuition

• Prepare for your college- learn style and expectations

• Jumpstart your college degree by having education classes completed before you get there

• Quality: Jefferson's program is NACEP accredited

• EDGE courses are taught by your high school teachers who meet the same requirements and undergo the same application and approval process as adjunct instructors on campus

• EDGE courses are college, not "college-level," courses

• You are a college student; the text books, rigor of assignments, and grading policies are the same as those on campus for the identical course

Studio Draw II

A building block extending from techniques and lessons learned in foundations. Studio II concentrates on the principles and elements of art. Visual observation, problem solving, utilization of different media forms, and a continuation of basic fundamental skills are stressed. "Studio Art II has allowed me to use my own ideas and experiment with my art work. Being in Studio Art II has made a huge impact on me, in being more adventurous and creative with my own work." -Angelia

Drawing & Painting 

A third two-dimensional art course offered at the high school. The course, although still stressing the basics taught in foundations, encourages students to use creative problem solving techniques and apply them in conjunction with various art materials and projects. Media exploration, including pencil, chalk, charcoal, conte' crayon, acrylic, and watercolor are explored in this course. Working from figure, still life, landscape, and photographs are integral components in regard to student's development in drawing and painting. "Art is an alternative way to express yourself. An artist uses a canvas to communicate, rather than a verbal response." -Christina, Faith, Katie, and Megan

Advanced Drawing & Painting

A demanding and challenging program offered as the fourth course in the two-dimensional sequence. A higher quality of art both in technique and understanding are critical in this course. Students in advanced drawing and painting are required to formulate a well-rounded portfolio. Student portfolios may be highlighted at various events, such as; the Syracuse University Portfolio review, Scholastics, Tri-County, and the annual senior spotlight show in the spring. 

Independent Art

Offered to students their senior year who have completed a two-dimensional or three-dimensional sequence and wish to further enrich their art understanding, skills, and portfolio. Students formulate their own projects and manage their time effectively while keeping in close contact with the instructor. Short and long term goals are established in the beginning of the independent study. Students are encouraged to use this course to enhance and prepare their portfolio for college entrance. 

Music in our Lives

This course introduces students to various music concepts, styles, and skills. Students will understand and apply music knowledge through units designed around multicultural rhythm instruments, piano, keyboard, and guitar. In addition, students create music via electronic looping programs, utilize music composition software and study the history of Rock Music, musical theater, the classical music period, song analysis, and the study of music media. A mandatory project related to music will conclude each semester and a satisfactory portfolio is necessary for the completion of the course. 

Theater Arts

This course teaches introductory theater skills for working both onstage and backstage. Students develop public speaking skills, progressing into character development and acting skills. Students will learn the responsibilities of each of the backstage and technical crews required for a theatrical production, and the basic skills for performing tasks on those crews. The culminating project is a production presentation entirely run by students. 

Advanced Theater Arts

This course is project-based and continues the development of skills learned in Theater Arts course. Acting presentations, special effects work, as well as designing sets, costumes, and lighting are project units for the first semester. The second semester includes application of those skills in a tangible setting. Multiple plays will be produced and performed by the end of the year. 

Chorale

Carthage Chorale is a 4 to 8 part mixed vocal ensemble that strives to prepare NYSSMA Level 4, 5, and 6 choral music. Course objectives include working on material that will progressively increase in difficulty from the 9-12th grades. Students will be expected to develop the skills necessary to perform a solo and sight read at the end of each year. They are also encouraged to participate in the NYSSMA Solo Festival. Students taking this course are responsible for attending one scheduled, rotated lesson per week. The group may also participate in adjudicated festivals.  

Treble Choir

Treble Choir is a choral ensemble designed for the student who has little or some basic knowledge of the choral process. Students taking this course are responsible for attending one scheduled, rotated lesson per week. This group participates in scheduled school concerts. 

Camerata Singers

Camerata Singers is Carthage’s select vocal ensemble that prepares for numerous performances throughout the year. Students are exposed to challenging choral literature with experiences in show choir and competitive choral experiences. Participants are strongly encouraged to prepare NYSSMA solos and apply for Bi-County ensembles. This group meets during 5th block. 

Concert Band | View our Video 

Students begin working on level 3 literature with the expectation of playing level 4 literature at the mid-end of the year. Students are taught concepts on a spiral curriculum that becomes progressively more difficult through the senior year. Concert Band is the core of the curriculum with the expectation that students will march as a marching band in the spring. Students have opportunities to participate in extracurricular ensembles such as pep band, drumline, and others as interest in these groups is shown. Students can also work on preparing and performing a NYSSMA solo for spring adjudication. One weekly pull-out lesson is expected beyond the scheduled rehearsal time. 

Jazz Ensemble

Jazz ensemble is Carthage’s select instrumental ensemble. Students study and perform rock, swing, and latin styles in multiple scheduled performances throughout the year. This ensemble is audition based, and students may play a secondary instrument in this group. Being a part of this ensemble opens the opportunity to audition/participate in Bi-County jazz ensemble and travel and perform outside of school. 

Music Theory I & II  | View our Video 

Students enrolled in this course should be a participant in the band and/or choir to make sure they have a foundation in basic music theory (note reading, symbols). Students in this course will work on music theory from the common practice period. Students can take Music Theory 1 and 2 for EDGE credit. Students work on ear training, rhythm reading, rhythmic and melodic dictation, and sight singing. This course is strongly recommended for any student interested in pursuing a career in music. 

Modern Band | View our Video

Students work on guitar, bass, keyboard, and drum set. Students learn a basic knowledge of how to play these instruments and read music. They study the history of rock and roll. Students will compose pieces in the styles of rap, blues, and pop. 

Electronic Music

Electronic Music students learn to use loop-based composition in various styles of music. Additionally, students record, edit, and perform on electronic instruments with music creation applications. 

Guitar *NEW FOR 2025-2026*

Guitar class is meant to create another pathway for students to learn another instrument. Playing chords, melodies, solos, and ensemble music are all a part of this course. Students will learn basic music theory concepts and read music notation. Any student of any music ability that desires to learn guitar will be successful in this class. 

Piano *NEW FOR 2025-2026*

Piano class focuses on playing melodies with chordal accompaniments and piano ensemble pieces. Students will also learn scales and prepare solos, which are essential to building basic proficiency on the instrument. Students will learn basic music theory concepts and read music notation. 

Clubs & Activities

• Fall Drama - Director: Goodenbery

• Spring Musical - Director: Goodenbery

• Art Club - Advisor: Newtown

• Camerata Singers - Advisor: Lennox

• Flag Squad - Advisor: Hoppel

• Guitar Club - Advisor: Lennox

• Jazz Ensemble - Advisor: Waterhouse

• Pep Band - Advisor: Waterhouse

• Drumline - Co-advisors: Waterhouse and Wood

• String Club - Advisor: Goodenbery

• Tri-M Music Honor Society - Advisor: Waterhouse

• NAHS Art Honor Society - Advisor: Newtown