Beginning 

Standards are for students with no or limited K-8 progression in the arts education discipline (dance, music, theatre arts, or visual arts). 

Intermediate 

Standards are for students who have had a complete K-8 progression or who have achieved beginning level standards in the discipline at the high school level. 

Proficient 

Standards are for students who have achieved intermediate level standards in the discipline at the high school level. 

Advanced

Standards are for students who have achieved proficient level standards in the discipline at the high school level.

Dance Levels and Descriptions 

JHS Dance Honor Society Info and Requirements

Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts (Beginning) 5315 | 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, makeup, props, and scenery along with special effects, lighting, and sound bring magic to the stage. 

Theatre Arts (Intermediate) 5316 | Prerequisite: Mastery of Beginning Theatre Arts and 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 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 (Proficient) [Honors] 5317 | Prerequisites: Mastery of Intermediate Theatre Arts, classification as a junior or a senior, and placement audition with the teacher 

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] 5318 | Prerequisite: Mastery of Proficient Theatre Arts and audition with the teacher 

These advanced acting ensembles focus on student-created productions which include writing scripts, acting in each other’s productions, developing the assigned characters, learning advanced movement techniques, and overseeing of 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 a competition and/or for a showcase. Students function as a performance and production ensemble. 

Technical Theatre

Theatre Arts Specialization (Beginning) 5361: Beginning Technical Theatre | Prerequisite: None 

In this hands-on course, students study current trends in technical theatre and learn how to design lighting, sound, sets, props, and costumes. Sometime outside of class is required for school related productions. 

Theatre Arts Specialization (Intermediate) 5362: Intermediate Technical Theatre | Prerequisite: Mastery of Beginning Technical Theatre 

Students refine Beginning Technical Theatre skills and perform in leadership positions on production crews, which will require time outside of class. 

Theatre Arts Specialization (Proficient) [Honors] 5362: Proficient Technical Theatre [Honors] | Prerequisite: Mastery of Intermediate Theatre Arts or 90 hours after school crew work or teacher recommendation 

Students refine their skills with lighting and sound, sets, props, and costumes. They will select one of these crew fields to be their specialization. Participation on a tech crew requires time outside of class. 

Theatre Arts Specialization (Advanced) [Honors] 5362: Advanced Technical Theatre [Honors] | Prerequisites: Mastery of Proficient Theatre Arts, teacher recommendation for Crew Chief position 

Students will specialize in a crew/designer position and will be responsible for all the duties of their position for the entire production season. Students will demonstrate increased leadership, inventiveness in solving problems and creating designs responsive to the artistic vision of the director. Participation on a tech crew requires time outside of class. 

Musical Theater

Music Specialization (Beginning) 5216: Musical Theater | Prerequisite: None or audition with the teacher 

In this introduction to musical theater, students will explore vocal and acting techniques and learn about the roles of the director, musician, choreographer, makeup artist, and technical director. In addition, students will learn about the history of musical theater through the work of some of the leading lyricists and composers. Students may have opportunities to perform in a musical theater production or participate in behind-the-scenes work. 

Musical Theatre - Intermediate**

Musical Theatre - Proficient Honors**

Musical Theatre - Advanced Honors**

Theatre Studio - Proficient Honors** 

Visual Arts (Beginning) 5415 | Prerequisite: None 

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) 5416 | Prerequisite: Mastery of Beginning Visual Arts 

Students will learn to use more sophisticated techniques as they complete projects using 2D and 3D media. Assigned projects will develop the artistic problem solving abilities of the students 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 (Proficient) [Honors] 5417 | Prerequisite: Mastery of 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. 

Visual Arts (Advanced) [Honors] 5418 | Prerequisite: Mastery of Proficient 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.

Visual Arts Specialization (Intermediate) 5462: Sculpture I | Prerequisite: Mastery of Beginning Visual Arts

This course focuses on creating sculptures using 3D media, such as clay, cardboard, found objects, metal, and more. Students will explore hand-building skills and will learn construction techniques that can be used with a variety of materials. Grades will be based on projects, sketchbooks, and other materials. 

Specialization (Proficient) [Honors] 5463: Sculpture II | Prerequisite: Mastery of Visual Arts Specialization (Intermediate) Sculpture In this course, students further develop their skills and personal style in creating sculptures using 3D media and learn more advanced construction techniques using a variety of materials. Written work focuses on art criticism, art history, and aesthetics. 

Visual Arts Specialization (Intermediate) 5462: Crafts—Applied Arts | Prerequisite: Mastery of Beginning Visual Arts 

The focus of this class is the design process. Beginning with an idea or concept, students will first create and refine sketches/models, and then figure out how to make an effective final product using 2D or 3D media. To solve structural and other design issues central to applied arts projects, students will learn new technical skills. As they study applied arts, students will investigate and write about traditional and contemporary sculptors and craftspeople. 

Visual Arts Specialization (Beginning) 5461: Beginning Photography | Prerequisite: Classification as a sophomore

This course introduces students to photography as an important art form, from its beginning in the 1800’s to today. Students will learn how to use 35mm cameras, develop film, and make prints using traditional black and white darkroom techniques.

Visual Arts Specialization (Intermediate) 5462: Intermediate Photography | Prerequisite: Mastery of Beginning Photography

Students further develop their picture taking and darkroom skills through independent projects. Class discussion will focus on

understanding photography as an art form and on learning how to use design principles to critique their own and their classmates’ photographs.

Visual Arts Specialization (Proficient) [Honors] 5463: Proficient Photography [Honors] | Prerequisite: Mastery of Intermediate Photography

This course continues the work begun in Intermediate Photography. In addition, students will focus on making darkroom decisions that will make their work more expressive and on developing personal style.

Visual Arts Specialization (Advanced) [Honors] 5464: Advanced Photography [Honors] | Prerequisites: Senior Status and Mastery of Proficient Photography 

Students develop a high-quality portfolio that they will be able to use as part of their application to an art school or art department. The focus of the course will be on developing keen problem-solving skills and using a variety of picture taking and darkroom techniques. 

AP Studio Art Drawing 5452 

AP Studio Art: 2D Design 5453 

Prerequisite: Mastery of Advanced Visual Arts (Students are responsible for all expenses they incur in creating their portfolio.) AP Studio Art requires students to create a portfolio. Students will submit slides of their work (25-40 slides) to the College Board in May of their senior year. Pending the College Board review and approval of the college or university, students may receive college credit. 

AP Art History 5448 | Prerequisite: World History 

In the AP art history course, students examine major forms of artistic expression from the ancient world to the present and from a variety of cultures. Students will learn to analyze works of art within their historical context and to articulate what they see or experience in a meaningful way. AP Art History is not a studio class. It involves extensive reading, writing, and research. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May.