Visual and Performing Arts
VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
Required to Graduate: 1 standard credit in a Visual or Performing Arts or Career and Technical Education courseLevel 2 = Average, .0 wtLevel 3 = Honors, .5 wtAP (Advanced Placement) = 1.0 wt VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
PERFORMING ARTS: MUSICAll 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. CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITYMARCHING BAND GRADES 9-12This 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.
BAND PERFORMANCE CLASSES
INTERMEDIATE BAND – Intermediate Level (9233)Level 2This 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 2Prerequisite: 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 availablePrerequisite: 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 – DRUM LINE (9296)Level 2Intermediate through Artist LevelsMiddle 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 2Prerequisite: 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 requiredGUITAR 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 2Prerequisite: 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 2Prerequisite: Audition and approval of Guitar DirectorAuditions 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
MIXED CHOIR – Intermediate Level (9282) Level 2 • No previous experience is necessary• After-school rehearsals are required• Performance attendance is required ACAPPELLA CHOIR – Intermediate Level (9283)Level 2Prerequisite: Middle School Chorus or approval of Chorus Director• After-school rehearsals are required• Performance attendance is required CONCERT CHOIR – Advanced Level (9283)Level 2• Audition and Approval of Chorus Director• Auditions occur second semester• After-school rehearsals are required• Performance attendance is required MEN’S CHORAL ENSEMBLE – Advanced Level (9283)Level 2• Audition and Approval of Chorus Director• Auditions occur second semester• After-school rehearsals are required• Performance attendance is required WOMEN’S CHORAL ENSEMBLE – Advanced Level (9283)Level 2• Audition and approval of Chorus Director• Auditions occur second semester• After-school rehearsals are required• Performance attendance is required
SMALL VOCAL ENSEMBLE – Artist Level (9280) Level 2 and honors credit available• Audition and approval of Chorus Director• Students may earn a honor’s credit with successful completion of additional guitar portfolio requirements• Auditions occur second semester• After-school rehearsals required• Performance attendance is required
NON-PERFORMANCE MUSIC COURSES
(Courses may not be offered at every high school) AP MUSIC THEORY, GRADES 10-12 (9226)• Introduces auditory skills and advanced composition• Students are prepared for the AP Music Theory Exam if they elect to take the exam• Course content is the equivalent of the second year of college music theory ELECTRONIC MUSIC PRODUCTION (9296)Level 2No previous music experience requiredStudents will use a variety of computer software and cloud based music technology programs to create music applicable to all areas of the music industry.• Work at a digital audio station• Engage in several types of audio and MIDI recording, editing, and mixing • Provides students a foundation in digital mixing and recording for a possible career in the music industry VISUAL ART COURSESThe 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 COURSESThese courses teach design concepts and skills through manipulative production. No pre-requisites 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 COURSESThese courses are designed for the student who has an advanced level of knowledge and technical skill. There are no pre-requisites, 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 2This 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 2This 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 2This 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 COURSESThese 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 COURSESStudents interested in art and technology will find a pathway in the Computer Animation and Computer Graphic Design offerings. COMPUTER GRAPHIC DESIGN (9181)Level 2The 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 2This 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 1This 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 2Prerequisite: Successful completion of 3D Computer Animation – Level IThis 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