Through these levels of art class the focus is on creating students who can apply their artistic skills now and later to enrich and instruct their future choices.  We develop our personal voices, and apply techniques to further our personal styles as well as develop an understanding of strong composition.

The band program at AHS consists of Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Marching Band. Students perform with their ensemble at school concerts and other off campus performances depending on the ensemble. Students will continue to evolve their individual skill set on their instrument while also participating in the appropriate ensemble. 

Ceramic courses allows students to learn how to create using the coil, pinch, slab, and wheel techniques while learning about the historical and cultural context of ceramics, aesthetic inquiry, and creative production.. Students will use their personal voice to guide them in creating unique ceramic forms while focusing on creative design and craftsmanship.

The Choirs at AHS consist of Patriot Singers, Advanced Treble Ensemble, No Fella A Cappella, Minutemen, Show Choir, and Concert Choir. These groups perform at school, as well as various community concerts and events. Students develop vocal, theory, and sight singing skills appropriate to the level of the ensemble.

Designed for students with special interest in writing original poetry, short stories, essays, scripts, and novels.  Strategies and techniques used by successful authors are studied.  The course requires independent study, teacher-student conferences, group discussions, and sharing of work.  Emphasis is on writing style and techniques. CW 234 students publish the school's literary/art magazine.

Digital Imaging focuses on students utilizing computer software including Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator in order to express themselves in a digital sphere. Students will create graphic designs, including posters, advertisements, logos, menus, album covers, and more, as well as digital illustrations, and, at the more advanced level, digital paintings. 

In Filmmaking I and Advanced Filmmaking, students will learn techniques in producing narrative digital short films. Screenwriting, cinematography, directing, editing and acting are explored through collaborative, project-based learning.

Music Theory courses provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of music and include the following topics: composition, arranging, analysis, aural development, and sight reading. It is also offered for AP credit.

The orchestra program at AHS consists of Concert Orchestra, String Ensemble, and the Albemarle Chamber Players. Students perform with their ensemble at school concerts and other off-campus performances depending on the ensemble. Students will continue to evolve their individual skill-set on their instrument while also participating in the appropriate ensemble. 

In the Photography program, students engage with the medium as both a craft and an art form. We explore the foundational principles of camera operation, composition, and editing, and progressively delve into advanced techniques like double exposure, appropriation, and abstract photography. Each level builds on the last, encouraging students to push boundaries and think critically about the role of photography in culture and society.