Performing Arts
(Note: Band is a year-long course. Freshmen and sophomore band students are required to take band both semesters. It is understood that juniors and seniors may encounter scheduling conflicts, in which case the director and school administration will review these conflicts on an individual basis. The option for taking one semester of band to resolve a scheduling conflict will be considered with preference for students taking spring band.)
Band 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 - CP (course numbers in table below)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Audition by the instructors
Marching Band 1-8 is a progression of courses in instrumental music. This includes marching band and wind symphony. It allows students who play instruments, the performance opportunity of marching. Students will attend summer rehearsals, band camp and other rehearsals as scheduled. Much emphasis is placed on rehearsals and contests as an extension of the class requirement.
Band 6 Honors and Band 8 Honors (course numbers in table below)
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Audition by instructors
This course is a performing band for students in grades 11 and 12 only at a first-year college level of proficiency. This course provides performance opportunities and requirements at the college level. Much emphasis is placed on rehearsals, concerts, and competitions during and after school days as an extension of the class requirement. Students must participate in small ensembles, solos, concerts, festivals, all-region bands, and all-state bands. Student must select a topic and complete a music history portfolio approved by the instructor. Students must have their own instruments or contract with the individual high school for a school instrument if one is available. These classes meet all of the requirements set forth by the state department of South Carolina for honors courses.
Marching Band with Physical Education Standards - CP 45C000CW
Grades: 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: Auditions by the instructors
Marching Band (with physical education waiver option) is a course that will incorporate the Physical Education standards into the Marching Band curriculum. In addition to all marching band course requirements, students in this course will have to complete a pre and post Fitness gram (or equivalent), a Personal Fitness Plan (PFP), and additional coursework aligned to the SC Physical Education Standards to be eligible to receive the Physical Education Credit.
Grade Fall Spring
9th Band 1 - Band PE 45C000CW or 353100CW Band 2 (Wind Symphony 1) – 353200CW
10th Band 3 – 353300CW Band 4 (Wind Symphony 2 ) – 353400CW
11th Band 5 – 353500CW Band 6 (Wind Symphony 3) –353600HW
12th Band 7 – 357800CW Band 8 (Wind Symphony 4)– 357900HW
Guitar 1 356700CW
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
This course is designed to accommodate the beginner or intermediate guitarist. Students will learn to read music and play both traditional and popular styles, as well as basic care of the instrument (tuning, cleaning, proper storage, etc.). Students will play in class daily and will learn exercises, scales, arpeggios, chords, and songs in order to build technique and expand their repertoire. Students will also learn music theory and history and apply that knowledge in performance situations. Each student must provide his or her instrument and materials such as strings and picks.
Guitar 2 458000CW
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Guitar 1 or audition
This course is designed to increase each student’s technical ability, skill and knowledge of the guitar. Students will primarily learn to play songs (in a variety of styles including, but not limited to, jazz standards and popular music) in a variety of settings including solos, small ensembles and as a class. As students learn to play these songs they will learn chords, scales, arpeggios, sight-reading, music theory and history, musicality and professionalism.
Guitar 3 458100CW
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Guitar 2 or audition
This course is designed to increase each student’s technical ability, skill and knowledge of the guitar as well as provide opportunities to lead guitar ensembles. Students will focus on learning ensemble pieces and solo songs, including chord-melody style popular songs, folk songs, and jazz standards. Within the context of learning these pieces, the students will continue to expand their facility with intermediate-level chords, scales, arpeggios, sight-reading, music theory and history, musicality, and professionalism. The members of this class can expect to participate in concerts, festivals, and competitions.
Choral Music 353900CW
Grades: 9, 10
Choral music introduces the fundamentals of vocal music, sight-reading, and music appreciation. A variety of musical literature will be studied and performed.
Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4, 5H, 6, and Chorus Rehearsal H (course numbers in table below)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Chorus 5 and Chorus Rehearsal are Honors Courses
Prerequisite: Choral Music and audition
These courses are for the more advanced choral student. They are performance oriented with solo and ensemble opportunities available. Along with the music, there is an extensive study in sight-reading music. Students are required to participate in all concerts and choral competitions.
Grade Fall Spring
9th Choral Music 353900CW Chorus 1 (Concert) 354100CW
10th Chorus 2 (Concert) 354200CW Chorus 3 (Concert) 354300CW
11th Chorus 4 (Concert) 354400CW Chorus 5 (Concert) 354500HW
12th Chorus 6 (Concert) 354600CW Chorus Rehearsal 354000HW
AP Music Theory 357600AW
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Basic Performance skills along with music reading skills are expected but not required
AP Music Theory is designed to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score.
Theatre 1 - CP 452100CW
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
This course introduces the fundamentals of theatre, combining traditional acting with technical theatre. Students will learn improvisation, pantomime, voice and diction, acting, and production. Daily class participation is a requirement for success in this course.
Theatre 2 - CP 452200CW
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Theatre 1 and teacher recommendation
This class is for the more advanced drama student. For the student who plans to major or minor in drama, this course will provide specialized instruction. Emphasis will be placed on acting and the technical aspects of theater, such as lighting, sound, set design, costumes, make-up, etc.
Theatre 3 - Directing and Acting - CP 452300CW
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: C average in Theatre 2
Theatre 3 will provide the student with a more complete experience in drama. Students will be exposed to directing and acting experiences in both stage and film providing the student with a wider range of career options. Participation in school productions will be required.
Theatre 4 - Production - CP 452400CW
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: C average in Theatre 3
This course will enable students to complete a four-year program in drama that will effectively prepare them for a number of careers in the arts. Students will have had exposure to and experience with all aspects regarding production work and basic costume construction.
Dance 1 - CP 450110CW
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
This is the first class in the dance major and no previous dance experience is necessary. Familiar dances such as shag, swing, waltz, as well as unfamiliar dances from other countries will be studied. There is not a performance requirement for this introductory class. Grades will be determined by class participation as well as class projects and tests. Students will be required to dance every day and will be required to dress out as necessary.
Dance 2 - Technique- CP 450200CW
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisite: Dance 1
This class focuses on technique and students will study ballet, modern, jazz, and tap technique and history. Students will be required to dress out and participate every day. A dance recital a the end of the semester will be required. Dance students are graded on performance, class participation, tests, and projects.
Dance 3 - Choreography - CP 450300CW
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Dance 2
Students in this advanced Dance 3 will study ballet, modern, jazz, and technique and history. Students will also study improvisation and choreography. Students will be required to dress out, participate every day, and keep a journal. The focus of this class is for students to learn how to create and perform their own movements. Students will be required to perform in a dance recital at the end of the semester in which their work will be displayed. Dance students are graded on performance, class participation, choreography projects, and tests.
Dance 4 - Performance - H 450400HW
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Recommendation of teacher or audition ONLY.
These students have already completed technique (Dance 2) and choreography (Dance 3) classes.
Students are required to learn a variety of dances and be able to perform in a short amount of rehearsal time. This class will perform within the community. They must be able to represent the Fort Mill School District in a positive way and relay their dance knowledge to younger students in the Fort Mill community.
Dance 5, 6, 7, 8 - Performance
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Previous level of dance
This course is designed to meet the needs of the advanced dancer as a member of a performance ensemble. Emphasis will be on dance techniques and performance skills associated with the routines of this high-level group. Students will explore, choreograph, improvise, critique, and produce movements in the genres of jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, kick, and pom. Enrollment is by audition only. After-school practices and performances are required.
Dual Credit Courses
FMSD offers Dual Credit THEA 170 “Fundamentals of Acting” and Dual Credit THEA 200 “Understanding and Appreciation of Theatre” through the University of South Carolina Lancaster. See the dual credit page for more information.