Musical Theatre 1 

Credit: 1 credit 

Musical Theatre class is an exploration of American Musical Theatre. Students will study the work of the actor/singer/dancer and use their gained knowledge to develop as performers. Students will prepare and present as soloists as well as members of small groups and larger ensembles. Since this is a workshop course, students will prepare material for class presentation and critique. There will also be a focus on the audition process as well as musical theatre history and repertoire.

Theatre 1 

Credit: 1 credit 

Designed to introduce students to the basic elements of theatre, this course will cover the effective use of voice and diction, history of theatre, and basic acting skills. This course will strengthen your self-esteem, creativity, and imagination. These skills will be addressed through the use of improvisation, pantomime, and individual and group performances. 

Theatre 2 

Prerequisite: Theatre 1 

Credit: 1 credit 

Theatre 2 is a continuation of the fundamental principles presented in Theatre 1. The course will cover play writing, basic directing skills, script and character analysis, and intermediate acting skills. These skills will be addressed through the use of improvisation, writing assignments, projects, and individual and group performances. The end project of the course will be presentation of student written work and/or a scripted play. Students will be required to participate in competition and/or semester performances. 

Theatre 3 Honors 

Prerequisite: Theatre 2 or Theatre 1 with teacher rec. 

Credit: 1 credit 

Through this course you will acquire skills in play writing; in directing through choosing, analyzing, and rehearsing a script; blocking techniques; auditioning actors; working with technical crews; and in understanding and applying acting theories and styles. The end project will be the presentation of a one-act play. Students will be required to participate in competition and semester performances. 

Theatre 4 Honors 

Prerequisite: Theatre 3 Honors 

Credit: 1 credit 

Through this course you will acquire skills in play writing; in directing through choosing, analyzing, and rehearsing a script; blocking techniques; auditioning actors; working with technical crews; and in understanding and applying acting theories and styles. The end project will be the presentation of a one-act play. Students will be required to participate in competition and semester performances. 

Theatre 5- Play Production

Prerequisite: Audition and Teacher approval  

Credit: 1 credit 

Through critical analysis skills, research, creativity, and performance, students will explore and learn the process of mounting a theatrical production from start to finish. This course emphasizes practical application and experiential learning, as students act in and produce two one-act plays to be performed for the public and for competition. Production responsibilities include scenery, costumes, props, and stage management, while administrative aspects encompass securing royalties, marketing and publicity, playbill and poster design, and house management. Additionally, students will develop public speaking skills, team building, ensemble experience, self-motivation, and theatrical discipline.

Theatre Workshop 1 

Credit: 1 credit 

This course will provide a beginning study in the elements of Scenic Design and Technical Theatre normally with a focus on carpentry for scenic construction, scenic painting, and properties construction.  Students learn how to safely use tools, paint faux finishes, and creatively construct hand-held items for the stage. During times when the performing arts department is preparing for a play or musical, daily activities focus on those endeavors. Otherwise, students engage in individualized projects centering around learning skills practiced by theater craftspeople.  Expectation for this class is self-motivated daily participation in the usage of tools, application of painted textures, and the moving, lifting, pushing, and shoving of (sometimes) heavy objects. 

Theatre Workshop 2 

Prerequisite: Theatre Workshop 1 or teacher rec. 

Credit: 1 credit 

An advanced approach to topics covered in Theatre Workshop 1, Theatre Workshop 2 may also address the study and application of lighting design and electrics installation, sound design and sound reinforcement, special effects, and backstage leadership including stage management and stage crew.  

Advanced Theatre Workshop 3 & 4 

Prerequisite: Theatre Workshop 1 & 2 and teacher rec. 

Grades 10-12 

Credit: 1 credit 

In this semester long course students will build upon the design and application skills learned in Theatre Workshop 1 & 2. Students will engage in hands-on projects including: designing, engineering, building/painting sets and props; hanging, programming and operation of lighting; selecting, operating, and maintaining of sound equipment; and learning facility technical management, through setting up for school/district events. More advanced students will have design opportunities on sets, props, lighting and sound. This course is designed for students to take on leadership roles in the semester productions and in the classroom by working with others and creating projects. Students will learn by doing and will be responsible for the design and build of productions during the semester. 

Instrumental Music: Piano 1 

Credit: 1 credit 

This course is designed for students who wish to develop basic piano playing skills, or expand on their existing skills. Time in class will be spent both on and off the keyboards. While playing, students will be working individually and in small groups to master the techniques of playing to learn pieces. There will also be time spent in group instruction on musical notation and theory 

Instrumental Music: Piano 2 

Prerequisite: Piano 1 or teacher approval 

Credit: 1 credit 

This course is designed for students who wish to develop basic piano playing skills, or expand on their existing skills. Time in class will be spent both on and off the keyboards. While playing, students will be working individually and in small groups to master the techniques of playing to learn pieces. There will also be time spent in group instruction on musical notation and theory 

Chorus 1: Mixed Chorus 

Credit: 1 credit 

This course provides instruction for the beginning choral student in fundamental choral techniques in a performance group. The course covers basic music theory, vocal techniques, sight-singing, choreography, and choral performance. You are required to participate in ALL scheduled after-school rehearsals and performances to earn credit. Costume purchase required. 

Chorus 2: Women’s Show Choir 

Prerequisite: Audition required 

Credit: 1 credit (A/B Day) 

This course is designed for the female vocalist who seriously desires to develop refined performance skills in performing vocal ensemble with choreography. The course provides varied choral experiences such as music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as Broadway, jazz and foreign language literature. You are required to participate in ALL after-school rehearsals and performances to earn credit. Interested students must successfully complete an audition consisting of a voice-range check and solo audition. You should be prepared to sing a song of your choice. Costume purchase is required, and fund-raising participation is expected to assist in performance & travel expenses. 

Chorus 3: Intermediate Show Choir 

Prerequisite: Audition Required 

Credit: 1 credit (A/B Day) 

This class is designed as a preparatory class for our advanced show choirs. The class provides instruction at the intermediate level through the study of appropriate choral music literature and choreography in a performance choir setting. You are required to participate in ALL scheduled after-school rehearsals and performances to earn credit. Interested student must complete an audition consisting of a voice-range-check and solo audition. You should be prepared to sing a song of your choice. Costume purchase is required, and fund-raising participation is expected to assist in performance & travel expenses. 

Chorus 4 & 5: Showcase Show Choir 

Prerequisite: Audition Required 

Credit: 2 credits 

This course develops refined performance skills in an advanced performing vocal ensemble with choreography. The course provides varied choral experiences such as music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as Broadway, jazz and foreign language literature. You are required to participate in ALL after-school rehearsals and performances, including off campus and out-of-town field trip / competition events to earn credit. Students are required to audition for All-County Chorus and to participate if selected for this honor choir experience. Students are also required to participate in the annual school musical. Interested students should be currently performing at an advanced level of musical competence, and are required to successfully complete an audition consisting of a voice-range check and solo audition. You should be prepared to sing a song of your choice. Costume purchase is required, and fund-raising is expected to assist in performance & travel expenses. Students selected through audition. Students must register and participate for both semesters. (2 semester course) 

At CFHS, marching band is considered an extracurricular activity. Information regarding becoming a member of the CFHS Marching Panthers can be obtained from Mr. Mark Roddy, Band Director- mroddy@horrycountyschools.net 

Band Rehearsal I and II (Beginning Band) 

Credit: 2 Credits (1 credit fall/ 1 credit spring)

This course is for students who have not been enrolled in the regular sequence of the District Band Curriculum. It is designed to assist students in developing skills and talents to perform and participate in high school ensembles. Instruction will be based on the District Middle School Band Curriculum Guide. Limited ensemble participation which includes performances and rehearsals outside of regularly scheduled school hours may be required. Scope includes tone quality and intonation, rhythm and meter, keys, scales, rudiments, notation, mechanics of the instrument, individual and group performance, sight-reading and ear training, form and analysis, music history, humanistic skills, and aesthetic valuing.

Instrumental Music: Band 1 & 2 (Concert Band) 

Prerequisite: Middle School Band 

Credit: 2 credits (1 credit fall/1 credit spring) 

Band I is for somewhat advanced students who have demonstrated technical skills. Master musicianship, technique, and performance-related music theory skills will be emphasized. Students will perform music commensurate with grade level IV-VI (on a music grading scale of I-VI). Students will also be eligible to participate in those activities within the band program that are considered co-curricular. Some activities will occur outside of the regular class period. Band II is for advanced students who have demonstrated advanced technical skills. Master musicianship, technique, and performance-related music theory skills will be emphasized. Students will perform music commensurate with grade level IV-VI (on a music grading scale of I-VI). Students will also be eligible to participate in those activities within the band program that are considered co-curricular. Some activities will occur outside of the regular class period. (2 semester course) 

Symphonic Band 1&2  

Prerequisite: Middle School Band or teacher approval

Credit: 2 credits (1 credit fall/1 credit spring)

Symphonic Band is for advanced students who have demonstrated technical skills. Master musicianship, technique, and performance-related music theory skills will be emphasized. Students will perform music commensurate with grade level IV-V (on a music grading scale of I-VI). Students will also be eligible to participate in those activities within the band program that are considered co-curricular. Some activities will occur outside of the regular class period. (2 semester course)

Percussion

Prerequisite:  Middle School Band or teacher approval 

Credit: 2 credits (1 credit fall/1 credit spring) 

In this band class, students will study and perform a variety of percussion literature and techniques. Techniques of study will include; Orchestral Percussion, Marching Percussion, Timpani, and Drum-Set. Extra rehearsals may also be scheduled as needed. Students will participate in the Solo and Ensemble Festival as well as audition for the Region and All-State Bands as part of the class grade. Select students will also be assigned to perform with the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band and various Chamber Ensembles as needed. (2 semester course) 

Instrumental Music: Wind Ensemble

 Prerequisite: Audition or teacher approval 

Credit: 2 credits (1 credit fall/1 credit spring)

 Wind Ensemble I include the analysis and study of history, appropriate musical vocabulary and symbols, and an appreciation of and an understanding of music in relation to styles of music, music periods, composers, and various cultures. Students will exhibit an understanding of and advanced proficiency in performance, conducting, listening, appreciation, history analyzing, and research culminating in written reports, composing, and use of current technology. Students will perform music in concert, competitions, and festivals at an IV-V level of difficulty. Wind Ensemble II consists of only the most advanced wind and percussion players. The Wind Ensemble will study literature grades IV-Masterworks. This ensemble will perform 6-10 times during the semester; performances will include SCBDA Concert Festival, Regional and National level Concert Festivals. Students are required to participate in the Solo and Ensemble Festival and to audition for the Region and all-State Bands as part of the class grade. After-school rehearsals will be required. (2 semester course) 

Instrumental Music: Orchestra Strings 1-4

 Prerequisite: Audition or teacher approval

 Credit: 2 credits (1 credit fall/1 credit spring) 

The content of these courses focuses on developing skills in the areas of rhythm, ear training, performance, form and analysis, and music reading. Knowledge is gained in an historic and stylistic understanding of the music being studied. Knowledge is gained regarding symbols, terminology, and other indications on the printed score. Experience in ensemble playing is a feature of this course. Public performances are required. (2 semester course) 

Symphony Orchestra 1 &2 

Prerequisite: Audition or teacher approval

 Credit: 2 credits (1 credit fall/1 credit spring) 

Music Appreciation 

Credit: 1 credit 

This course is designed to educate students about music and its relationship to culture through investigation of music from a variety of styles, genres, and historical periods. An introduction to music theory concepts and terminology as well as basic instrumental techniques and composition. Students will be introduced to these through reading, in-class discussions and demonstrations, videos and extensive listening. This is a non-performance music course fulfilling the Fine Arts graduation requirement. 

AP Music Theory 

Prerequisite: Teacher approval 

Credit: 1 credit 

AP Music Theory integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition, and to some extent history and style. Musicianship skills such as dictation and other listening skills, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are considered an important part of the theory course. The student’s ability to read and write musical notation is fundamental to this course. It is strongly recommended that the student will have acquired at least basic performance skills in voice or on an instrument. The ultimate goal of this course is 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. Students will take AP examination in May. (includes a recorded singing portion)