Visual & Performing Arts
Required to Graduate: 1 standard credit in a Visual or Performing Arts or Career and Technical Education course
Level 2 = Average, .0 wt
Level 3 = Honors, .5 wt
AP (Advanced Placement) = 1.0 wt
PERFORMING ARTS: MUSIC
All music courses are one year. Their Performing Arts courses include four pathways, Instrumental Band, Guitar, Chorus, and Non-Performance Music Classes. Students are not required to remain in a specific pathway and can take crossover courses.
BAND PERFORMANCE CLASSES
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY
MARCHING BAND GRADES 9-12
This activity is open to all students enrolled in a band performance class. Participation in Marching Band is not a requirement to enroll in other band courses. Marching band is a co-curricular activity and accompanies specific band performance-class curriculums. Students attend performances to include, but are not limited to: football games, parades, community events, and field trips. After-school rehearsals are required. Performance attendance is required. Marching Band is not a class. No fine arts credit is earned for this activity.
INTERMEDIATE BAND – Intermediate Level (9233)
Level 2
This class is for students with no band experience or who are adding a new instrument.
• Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion
• After-school rehearsals are required
• Performance attendance is required
CONCERT BAND – Advanced Level (9234)
Level 2
Prerequisite: Middle School band or approval of Band Director
• Brass-Woodwind
• Marching Band is encouraged
• After-school rehearsals are required
• Performance attendance is required
SYMPHONIC BAND – Artist Level (9234)
Level 2 and honors credit available
Prerequisite: Audition and Approval of Band Director
• Students may earn an honor’s credit with successful completion of additional band portfolio requirements
• Brass-Woodwind
• Marching Band is required
• Marching Band is the lab to the Symphonic Band
• Honors event auditions are required
• Auditions occur second semester
• After-school rehearsals are required
• Performance attendance is required
PERCUSSION – DRUMLINE (9296)
Level 2
Intermediate through Artist Levels
Middle School percussion experience is strongly recommended.
Prerequisite: Training Audition and Approval of Band Director
• Students perform on all concert and marching percussion instruments
• Auditions occur second semester
• After-school rehearsals are required
• Performance attendance is required
JAZZ BAND, GRADES 10 – 12 ARTIST LEVEL (9296)
Level 2
Prerequisite: Audition and Approval of Band Director
• Brass-Woodwind-Percussion
• Students learn music theory, perform jazz repertoire, and develop ad-lib solo skills
• Auditions occur second semester
• After-school rehearsals are required
• Performance attendance is required
GUITAR PERFORMANCE CLASSES
(Kecoughtan High School Only)
GUITAR I – Beginning Level (9245)
Level 2
• No previous experience is necessary
• Beginning: note/chord reading, techniques, and music theory
• Students begin acoustic guitar in this class
• After-school rehearsals are required
• Performance attendance is required
GUITAR II – Intermediate Level (9245)
Level 2
Prerequisite: Guitar I or approval of Guitar Director
• Intermediate: note/chord reading, technique, and music theory
• Students perform using acoustic guitar, mandolin, and bass guitar
• After-school rehearsals are required
• Performance attendance is required
GUITAR III – Advanced Level (9245)
Level 2
Prerequisite: Audition and approval of Guitar Director
Auditions are during second semester
• Advanced: harmonization, chord solos, and a variety of styles
• After-school rehearsals are required
• Performance attendance is required
GUITAR ENSEMBLE – Artist Level (9250)
Level 2 and honors credit available)
Prerequisite: Audition and approval of Guitar Director
• Students may earn a honor’s credit with successful completion of additional choral portfolio requirements
• Artist: solos, ensembles, ad-lib, and sight-reading
• Auditions occur second semester
• After-school rehearsals are required
• Performance attendance is required
CHORUS PERFORMANCE CLASSES
Beginning SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices) Chorus Level 2
• No previous experience is necessary.
• Students in this ensemble have the ability to sing in the soprano, alto, tenor, or bass vocal range.
• After-school rehearsals are required.
• Performance attendance is required.
Intermediate TB (tenor and bass voices) Chorus Level 2
Prerequisite Beginning SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices) Chorus
• Students must demonstrate the ability to sing in the middle of a tenor or bass vocal range.
• Placement/audition by the chorus director using Virginia Choral Directors Association and VDOE SOL criteria is required.
• After-school rehearsals are required.
• Performance attendance is required.
Intermediate SA (soprano and alto voices) Chorus Level 2
Prerequisite Beginning SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices) Chorus
• Students must demonstrate the ability to sing in the middle of a soprano or alto vocal range.
• Placement/audition by the chorus director using Virginia Choral Directors Association and VDOE SOL criteria is required.
• After-school rehearsals are required
• Performance attendance is required
Advanced SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices) Chorus Level 2
• Students must demonstrate the ability to sing in the middle of a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass vocal range.
• Placement/audition by the chorus director using Virginia Choral Directors Association and VDOE SOL criteria is required.
• All students are required to be enrolled in the class period/block designated for the instruction.
• After-school rehearsals are required
• Performance attendance is required
Advanced SA (soprano and alto voices) Chorus Level 2
• Students must demonstrate the ability to sing in the middle of a soprano or alto vocal range.
• Placement/audition by the chorus director using Virginia Choral Directors Association and VDOE SOL criteria is required.
• All students are required to be enrolled in the class period/block designated for the instruction.
• After-school rehearsals are required
• Performance attendance is required
Artist SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass voices) Chorus (An honors credit is available.)
• Students must demonstrate the ability to sing in the middle of a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass vocal range.
• Placement/audition by the chorus director using Virginia Choral Directors Association and VDOE SOL criteria is required.
• Students may earn an honor’s credit with successful completion of additional performance and portfolio requirements.
• All students are required to be enrolled in the class period/block designated for the instruction.
• After-school rehearsals are required
• Performance attendance is required
NON-PERFORMANCE CLASSES
MUSIC THEORY COURSES
Electronic Music Production-Grades 10-12
Students in this class will sing, play instruments, and compose music. Students taking this class are encouraged to have vocal or instrumental experience. This experience could be from a middle school or high school band or chorus class. Students will study music theory and use a variety of music technology programs and electronic equipment to create music applicable to all areas of the music industry.
Advanced Placement Music Theory-Grades 10-12
Students in this class will sing, play instruments, and compose music. Students taking this class are encouraged to have vocal or instrumental experience. This experience could be from a middle school or high school band or chorus class. Students will study music theory and use a variety of music technology programs and electronic equipment to prepare for the AP Music Theory exam. The AP Music Theory exam is the equivalent of the first and second year of college music theory.
Studio Basics (Hampton High)
Students learn the basics of music theory and structure. Orientation and use of the midi keyboard and computer digital audio workstation (DAW) to create and manipulate sound. They explore sound effects, simple melodies and learn how to add harmony to different genres of music. Projects include creating a ringtone and remixing rock, pop and motown arrangements. Using these fundamentals students will apply their learning through the study of sound basics, sound design, and music production.
Sound Design (Hampton High)
Prerequiste: Studio Basics (Hampton High)
Building on the skills and knowledge gained in Studio Basics, students begin to work with multitrack recordings as they learn storytelling through music. The use of special effects and suspense music are used to create a soundtrack for a short film. Various careers in studio engineering are explored. Students will engage in several types of audio and musical instrument digital interface recording, editing, and mixing.
Music Production (Hampton High)
Prerequiste: Sound Design (Hampton High)
Building on the skills acquired in Studio Basics and Sound Design, students explore music as a game composer. They learn what it means to be a soundscape engineer. After researching the history of video gaming, they add to their portfolio by creating characters and their leitmotifs, soundtracks to support their worlds and how to build sound excitement into action scenes. They refine their music theory skills as they learn songwriting techniques and what it means to make music memorable. Provides students a foundation in digital mixing and recording for a possible career in the music industry.
VISUAL ART COURSES
The Visual Arts curriculum offers courses in four pathways.
Students are not required to remain in a specific pathway and may take crossover courses.
The Art Foundations pathway addresses the students interested in art-making, but do not desire the focused mastery content of advanced drawing or advanced painting skills and concepts.
The Mastery Artistic pathway addresses the needs of those students interested in further developing their artistic skills and style. Concentrated instruction in the traditional media of drawing and painting is geared to help the student advance to a mastery level of personal skill.
The Art History pathway addresses students interested in art and its historical significance without wanting a full complement of studio coursework. Minimal studio work is used to enhance the course content, not as a means to assess the student’s artistic ability.
The Art Technology pathway addresses the needs of those students interested in computer generated art and can express their creativity through storyboarding and manipulation of 3D computer software and tools, as well popular graphic design software packages.
ART FOUNDATION COURSES
These courses teach design concepts and skills through manipulative production. No prerequisites are required for these courses. Note that some are semester courses and may not be offered each semester.
ART FOUNDATIONS: Two-Dimensional (9120)
Level 2
• One semester class (1/2 credit)
• Hands on art class that investigates the two-dimensional nature of art
• Learn how the elements and principles of art are used to create art
• Develop foundational skills using a variety of media such as pencil, ink, marker, paint, pastels, etc.
• Develop imagination and problem-solving skills
• Develop observational skills
• Expand vocabulary and writing skills through analyzing and critiquing artwork
• Explore art history and aesthetics in two-dimensional artwork
ART FOUNDATIONS: Three-Dimensional (9120)
Level 2
• Once semester class (1/2 credit)
• Hands on art class that investigates the three-dimensional nature of art
• Learn how the elements and principles of art are used to create art
• Develop foundational skills using a variety of three-dimensional media such as clay, wire, wood, textiles, etc.
• Develop imagination and problem-solving skills
• Expand vocabulary and writing skills through analyzing and critiquing artwork
• Explore art history and aesthetics in three-dimensional art work
ART FOUNDATIONS: CULTURAL ART FORMS (Crafts) (9160)
Level 2
• Project-based art class that investigates the history, aesthetics, and culture of crafts in a studio setting
• Will learn how the elements and principles of art are used to create a variety of crafts
• A variety of experiences will be offered such as jewelry-making, macramé, calligraphy, quilting, clay, textiles, leather-working, mask-making, paper making, etc. to create artwork in the traditions of various cultures from around the world
• Artwork will be both two-dimensional and three-dimensional
• Expand vocabulary and writing skills through analyzing and critiquing artwork
SCULPTURE (9145)
Level 2
• Emphasis is on the design process
• Will apply design principles to creating 3D works of art
• Explore a variety of media such as clay, wood, wire, etc.
• Explore three-dimensional artists and art history
• Expand vocabulary and writing skills through analyzing and critiquing artwork
• Create a body of work suitable for a three-dimensional portfolio
MASTERY ARTISTIC ART COURSES
These courses are designed for the student who has an advanced level of knowledge and technical skill. There are no prerequisites, but students must show evidence of advanced knowledge and technical skill in drawing and/or painting and receive permission or a recommendation from the art instructor to take the class. These are not introductory courses.
DRAWING & PAINTING FUNDAMENTALS (9130)
Level 2
This course is designed as a pathway for students who are interested in learning more about art media or are interested in continuing to AP Studio Art with an emphasis in a Drawing or 2D Design portfolio submission.
• Course content is intended to address drawing and painting techniques
• Students should expect to continue work on artwork outside of scheduled class time
• Students will develop a personal style of drawing and painting
• Emphasis on technical drawing and painting skills
• Observational skills and life drawing skills are emphasized
• Will develop figure drawing skills through the use of models
• Will study and apply a variety of drawing and painting media
• Expand vocabulary and writing through analyzing and critiquing artwork
• Create a body of work suitable for a drawing or 2D design portfolio
EXPRESSIVE DRAWING & PAINTING (9140)
Level 2
This course is designed as a pathway for students who are interested in learning more about art media or are interested in continuing to AP Studio Art with an emphasis in a Drawing or 2D Design portfolio submission.
• Course content is intended to address advanced drawing and painting theory and techniques
• Students should expect to continue work on artwork outside of scheduled class time
• Students will develop a personal and expressive style of drawing and painting
• Emphasis on technical drawing and painting skills
• Color theory and its application to creating art is further developed
• Will study and apply a variety of painting media
• Expand vocabulary and writing through analyzing and critiquing artwork
• Create a body of work suitable for a Drawing or 2D design portfolio
ART PORTFOLIO PREP (NON-AP) (9147)
Level 2
This course is designed as a pathway for students who are interested in continuing to explore art media, building an art portfolio for college or in continuing to AP Studio Art with an emphasis in a Drawing, 2D Design, or 3D portfolio submission.
• Course content is rigorous and intended to address advanced drawing, advanced painting, color theory, and three-dimensional techniques
• Students should expect to continue some work on their artwork outside of scheduled class time
• Commitment to rigorous completion of quality work
• Explore areas of personal quality within the artwork
• Determine and explore in areas of concentration focusing on a personal visual interest or problem
• Demonstrate continued proficiency in formal, technical, and expressive means within the artwork
• Expand vocabulary and writing skills through analyzing and critiquing artwork
• Create a body of work suitable for an AP portfolio or college portfolio submission
AP STUDIO ART – 2D, 3D, or DRAWING PORTFOLIO (9149)
Students are required to complete a body of work that fulfills the AP Studio course requirements for portfolio submission, even if the student elects not to submit the AP portfolio as an exam.
• Students should be aware that this class requires advanced artistic knowledge, techniques, and skills
• Commitment to rigorous coursework and to complete a body of quality work
• Students should expect to continue work on their art work outside of schedule class time
• Explore areas of personal quality within the artwork
• Determine and explore an area of concentration focusing on a personal area of interest
• Demonstrate proficiency in formal, technical, and expressive means within the artwork
• Expand vocabulary and writing skills through analyzing and critiquing artwork
• Create a body of work suitable for an AP portfolio and college portfolio submission
ART HISTORY COURSES
These courses provide an alternative for those students interested in art, but do not desire the experience of concentrated studio work.
ART APPRECIATION (9197)
Level 2
• One semester class (1/2 credit)
• Introductory course to understand art-making, how to talk about art, and a brief history of art
• Learn to view, analyze, and critique art and understand how elements and principles of art are used to create works of art
• Explore how art history has evolved
• Participate in hands on activities to enhance learning
ART HISTORY (NON-AP)
MODERN ART (9170)
Level 2
• One semester class (1/2 credit)
• This course will focus on the styles and movements of modern art, which include movements current at the present time
• Course readings that complement the subject matter are required
• Hands-on activities to enhance learning
• Expand vocabulary and writing skills through analyzing and critiquing artwork
AP ART HISTORY (9151)
• College level course spanning the history of art beginning with
pre-historic and continuing through the present
• Understand and analyze the role of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within historical and cultural contexts
• Analyze and critique artists, art styles, and art movements
• Commitment to rigorous academic work which meets college standards
• Course readings and writings are required
• Expand vocabulary and writing skills through analyzing and critiquing artwork
• Participation in field trips is required
• Students have the option to take the AP Art History exam
ART TECHNOLOGY COURSES
Students interested in art and technology will find a pathway in the Computer Animation and Computer Graphic Design offerings.
COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN (9181)
Level 2
The creation of quality art is accomplished through technology and appropriate software. Students will see how technology and traditional artwork can work together to create art.
• Apply the design principles to artwork created using computer graphic software
• Explore concepts of two-dimensional art and design
• Studio projects emphasize the print media and real life applications in graphic art and illustration design fields
• Commitment to rigorous completion of quality work
• Develop technology and software skills
• Develop vocabulary skills while analyzing and critiquing artwork
• Create a body of work for a digital portfolio
DIGITAL MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT ARTS (DMEA) (9182)
Level 2
This course introduces the student to 2D and 3D digital media as they relate to the entertainment industry. Using current technologies and industry standard software coupled with art design principles, students will sharpen their problem solving and critical thinking abilities while creating 2D and 3D digital and animation projects.
• Explore the history of animation and how it has evolved over time
• Learn and create using 2D and 3D animation media principles
• Develop digital photography design skills and explore special effects
• Explore game design techniques and create a game that is publish-ready
• Develop technology and software skills
• Create a body of work for a digital portfolio
3D COMPUTER ANIMATION LEVEL I (3180)
Level 1
This beginning course introduces fundamental 3D theories and principles of computer modeling and animation. Students will use current industry standard software to gain working knowledge of computer animation processes.
• Commitment to rigorous completion of quality animation work
• Explore concepts of 3D animation using the computer
• Learn the basics of modeling, to include textures, lighting, basic animation skills, and rendering objects
• Develop 3D models/characters and learn to create virtual environments in which these models move
• Develop storyboards and analyze story lines
• Develop vocabulary skills and analyze artwork
• Create a body of work for a digital portfolio
• Opportunity for Maya certification
3D COMPUTER ANIMATION LEVEL II (3181)
Level 2
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 3D Computer Animation – Level I
This more advanced course builds on the digital modeling and animation concepts learned in the Level I course. Students will use current industry standard software to gain a more advanced knowledge of 3D modeling and simulation within virtual environments. Students will focus on developing expertise using more advanced tools and techniques.
• Apply basic concepts learned in the Level I course
• Commitment to rigorous completion of quality animation work
• Create advanced character modeling and layout techniques
• Use advanced features of the animation program
• Apply special effects, such as fire or explosions
• Develop storyboards and analyze story lines
• Develop vocabulary skills and analyze artwork
• Create a body of work for a digital portfolio
• Opportunity for Maya certification
3D Design (9120)
One semester class (1/2 credit)
• Hands-on art class that investigates the three-dimensional nature of art
• Learn how the elements and principles of art are used to create art
• Develop foundational skills using a variety of three-dimensional media such as clay, wire,
wood, textiles, etc.
• Develop imagination and problem-solving skills
• Expand vocabulary and writing skills through analyzing and critiquing artwork
• Explore art history and aesthetics in three-dimensional artwork
ON STAGE PERFORMING ARTS
ACTING I (1410)
One semester course (1/2 credit)
• Performance class
• The use of voice and body in stage projection
ACTING II (1430)
Prerequisite: Acting I
One semester course (1/2 credit)
• Act in several one-act plays
ACTING III/DIRECTING (1440)
Prerequisite: Acting II
• Expand knowledge of Theater Arts through expression and performance
• Investigate dramatic literature, theatrical styles, and historical periods
• Study and respond to a variety of theater experiences that will refine their communicative,
collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills
• Refine teamwork and leadership skills through production performances
ACTING AND DRAMATIC LITERATURE / HISTORY (1420 & 1425)
• Acting: The use of voice and body in stage projection (one-semester)
• Dramatic Literature & History: Investigate dramatic literature, theatrical styles, and historical
periods (one-semester)