Arts Education

Vocal Music

Vocal Music I (Beginning)  

This course is open to all students. Students will study basic music theory and a variety of choral literatures. They will learn basic notation and applications to original compositions. Students will develop proper breathing and singing techniques.

Vocal Music II (Intermediate)  

This course offers students opportunities in both singing and playing instruments through improvisation, composition, analysis, and evaluation. Students will expand their knowledge of notation through the study of music theory and apply this to the literature. Proper breathing and singing techniques will be emphasized.

Vocal Music III (Proficient) - Honors

This course instructs students in the study of improvisation, composition, analysis and evaluation through singing and limited playing of instruments. Students will apply their knowledge of notation. Continued emphasis will be placed on proper breathing and singing techniques.

Vocal Music IV (Advanced) - Honors 

This course will provide students with opportunities to develop and demonstrate advanced vocal practices and to refine the use of the voice as an instrument. Students are expected to sing with increased technical accuracy and expression, refine sight reading and ear training skills, and sing difficult vocal literature. The ability to perform in various meters, keys, unusual meters, complex rhythms, and subtle dynamic requirements is expected.

Instrumental Music

Band I (Beginning) 

This course includes specific instrumental study, music reading and notation, music listening and analysis, evaluation of music and music performance.

Band II (Intermediate)  

This course will include specific instrumental study. Emphasis will be placed on music notation and reading, listening and analysis, evaluation of music, and music performance skills. The student will also learn the relationships between music and the other disciplines, history, and culture.

Band III (Proficient) - Honors  

This course will include specific instrumental study beyond the intermediate level. Emphasis will be on more advanced music notation and reading, listening and analysis, evaluation of music, and a higher level of music performance skills. The student will perform, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. The student will also learn the relationships between music and other disciplines, history, and culture.

Band IV (Advanced) - Honors  

This course will teach concepts including specific instrumental study at the highest level. Emphasis will be on the highest level of music notation and reading, listening and analysis, evaluation of music, and the highest level of music performance skills. The student will perform, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. The student will learn to identify, by genre or style, aural examples of music from various historical periods and cultures.

Band Music Specialization (Intermediate):  (Formerly-Honors Jazz Band) 

This course will include specific instrumental study. Emphasis will be placed on music notation and reading, listening and analysis, evaluation of music, and music performance skills. The student will also learn the relationships between music and the other disciplines, history, and culture. This course is also intended as an option for students who may not be interested in Marching Band, but still want to continue in a band setting.  Students will also be given the opportunity to learn leadership and director skills.

Band Music Specialization (Advanced):  Honors Jazz Combo 

This course provides additional extensions of the improvisation process in a smaller band setting. The goals and objectives will advance the student proficiency in jazz improvisation. Emphasis will be on the highest level of music notation and reading, listening and analysis, evaluation of music, and the highest level of music performance skills.

Music Specialization (Beginning):  Marching Percussion     

This course explores the intricacies of percussion instruments. The class will consist of all percussion instruments to include snare, bass drum, cymbals, and trio, quad quint, and pit instruments.

Music Specialization (Intermediate):  Marching Percussion       

This course explores the intricacies of percussion instruments. The class will consist of all percussion instruments to include snare, bass drum, cymbals, and trio, quad quint, and pit instruments.

Music Specialization (Proficient):  Honors Marching Percussion       

Students in the marching percussion class are chosen by audition and placed in the role that best suits them and the marching band.  The ‘battery’ is the section of percussion that moves around on the field and includes snares, multiple toms and bass drums.  The ‘pit ensemble’ is the stationary set up at the front of the field and includes mallet percussion, percussion accessories and synthesizer.  Both sections are part of the full marching band.  After school rehearsal and all performances are mandatory.  While middle school band is not a requirement to be a percussionist at the high school level, summer camps and learning to read music are required.

Music Specialization (Advanced):  Honors Marching Percussion      

Students in the marching percussion class are chosen by audition and placed in the role that best suits them and the marching band.  The ‘battery’ is the section of percussion that moves around on the field and includes snares, multiple toms and bass drums.  The ‘pit ensemble’ is the stationary set up at the front of the field and includes mallet percussion, percussion accessories and synthesizer.  Both sections are part of the full marching band.  After school rehearsal and all performances are mandatory.  While middle school band is not a requirement to be a percussionist at the high school level, summer camps and learning to read music are required.

Music Specialization (Beginning): Marching Music I 

This course includes specific instrumental study, music reading and notation, music listening and analysis, evaluation of music, and music performance as it pertains to the Marching Band. COURSE NOTE: Offered in fall only.

Music Specialization (Intermediate): Marching Music II     

This course includes specific instrumental study, music reading and notation, music listening and analysis, evaluation of music, and music performance as it pertains to the Marching Band. COURSE NOTE: Offered in fall only.

Music Specialization (Proficient): Honors Marching Music III     

This course includes specific instrumental study, music reading and notation, music listening and analysis, evaluation of music, and music performance as it pertains to the Marching Band. COURSE NOTE: Offered in fall only.

Music Specialization (Advanced): Honors Marching Music IV         

This course includes specific instrumental study, music reading and notation, music listening and analysis, evaluation of music, and music performance as it pertains to the Marching Band. COURSE NOTE: Offered in fall only.

Orchestra I (Beginning)   

This course of study focuses on the development of concepts, knowledge and skills in music reading, improvisation, rhythm intervals, musical terms, and harmonic principles.

Orchestra II (Intermediate)  

This courses places emphasis on orchestral techniques and performance of various styles and periods of string ensemble literature including classical, show tunes, contemporary, and pop. It includes an introduction to music theory and history.

Orchestra III (Proficient) - Honors  

This course involves the study and performance of increasingly difficult literature. The content of the course focuses on developing skills learned in Orchestra II and expanding harmonic principles. This course will also expand knowledge of music theory and appreciation.

Orchestra IV (Advanced) - Honors    

This course develops advanced proficiency in performance, conducting, listening, appreciation, history, analyzing, and composing. Students will apply advanced techniques through challenging music literature.

Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts I (Beginning)   

This course is based in theater history. Students will study the fundamentals of theater arts including acting, voice work, movement work, and technical theater. There will be a performance at the end of the semester that is open to the public.

Theatre Arts II (Intermediate)   

This course will continue the study of theater with more in-depth work in acting and theater production through formal and informal performances. Students will analyze and critique work created by themselves and by other students in the exploration of voice and bodywork, improvisation, and character analysis. Students will explore stage construction, lighting, sound, props and makeup. Students will do research for background material about characters, playwrights, and historical settings of plays.

Theatre Arts III (Proficient) - Honors     

This course will continue the study of theater at a more challenging level. Acting study continues and refines the concepts of voice and bodywork, improvisation and character analysis. Students will continue to explore set construction, lighting, sound, props, and make up as each applies to the dramatic literature being studied. In addition, design constructs are introduced. Theater study at this level places a greater emphasis on the execution of skills, ensemble work, and collaboration with other students. Research to support both formal and informal performances is emphasized.

Theatre Arts IV (Advanced) - Honors     

This course will consist of advanced, more individualized work in a seminar style with in-depth research, analysis, application, and theater production. Special emphasis will be placed on directing and script writing.

Theatre Arts Specialization (Beginning): Technical Theater I             

This class focuses on research and application of the backstage elements of theater. Students will be trained in scene design and construction, scene painting, costume design, lighting and sound, stage management, and properties.

Theatre Arts Specialization (Intermediate): Technical Theater II       

This course extends skills learned in Technical Theater I. Students will be trained in scene design and construction, scene painting, costume design, lighting and sound, stage management, and properties.

Theatre Arts Specialization (Proficient) - Honors    

This course will study acting, stage management, makeup, lighting, scenery, construction, and painting in a practical setting to support the class productions.

Theatre Arts Specialization (Advanced) - Honors Student Directing 

This course will require students to complete independent projects in theatre performance and production. Research and analysis of scripts and characters, script writing and directing for stage and video will be emphasized.

Visual Arts

AP Drawing           

This course is an introductory college-level drawing course. Students refine and apply drawing skills to ideas they develop throughout the course. Any media that utilizes mark-making is considered drawing. Students will develop a 2 part portfolio that includes an inquiry and investigation that leads to making art through practice, experimentation, and revision which is followed by communication and reflection.  All portfolios should reflect a proficient product. The class follows the AP Syllabus approved by the College Board. The portfolio is used for the AP Drawing Exam in May. 

AP 2D Art & Design            

This course is an introductory college-level two dimensional design course. Students refine and apply 2D skills to ideas they develop throughout the course. This type of design involves purposeful decision making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. AP 2D Art & Design allows for the use of collage, photography, and digital media as well as traditional media. Students will develop a 2 part portfolio that includes an inquiry and investigation that leads to making art though practice, experimentation, and revision which is followed by communication and reflection. All portfolios should reflect a proficient product. The class follows the AP Syllabus approved by the College Board. The portfolio is used for the AP 2D Art & Design Exam in May. 

AP 3D Art & Design            

This course is an introductory college-level three dimensional design course. Students refine and apply 3D skills to ideas they develop throughout the course. This type of design involves purposeful decision making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. AP 3D Art & Design allows for the use of all types of dimensional media.  Students will develop a 2 part portfolio that includes an inquiry and investigation that leads to making art though practice, experimentation, and revision which is followed by communication and reflection. All portfolios should reflect a proficient product. The class follows the AP Syllabus approved by the College Board. The portfolio is used for the AP 3D Art & Design Exam in May. 

Visual Arts I (Beginning)          

This course is an introductory course designed to give students practical experience in drawing, painting, sculpture, color, design, and crafts through the understanding and development of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Art history, art criticism and art appreciation are also studied. An emphasis is placed on development of basic techniques and skills.

COURSE NOTE: Also offered as a North Carolina Virtual Public School Course *see NCVPS Section for more information

Visual Arts II (Intermediate)        

This course allows students to build on drawing and painting skills developed in Visual Arts (Beginning). The course provides a focus on the creative process of experimenting, creating, planning and reflecting while continuing to explore multiple types of media. Students are encouraged to begin finding their own artistic voice through research and choice. 

COURSE NOTE: Also offered as a North Carolina Virtual Public School Course *see NCVPS Section for more information

Visual Arts III (Proficient) - Honors         

This course is designed for the advanced art student willing to complete more challenging assignments. The course allows flexibility for the student to develop as an individual through his/her use of various media and techniques. The student can study art history and appreciation, design, advanced sculpture, advanced painting, ceramics, digital photography and computer graphics. Emphasis is placed on student development of compositional concerns and graphic expression through media, process, and composition.

Visual Arts IV (Advanced) - Honors          

This course of study is designed for the more advanced art student. The student will work with the instructor to design a course of independent study in the visual elements and principals of design. The student will develop a portfolio of work with more challenging assignments to demonstrate achievement in an area of art. The student will also study art history, design, advanced painting, and drawing techniques.

Visual Arts Specialization (Beginning): Ceramics I           

This course will focus on 3-D design through ceramics. Oral and written analysis and evaluation of art works will develop critical thinking skills. Basic hand building techniques, wheel-thrown pottery, glazing and firing will be studied.

Visual Arts Specialization (Intermediate): Ceramics II     

This course will focus on expanded 3-D design through ceramics. Oral and written analysis and evaluation of art works will develop advanced critical thinking skills. Intermediate hand building techniques, wheel- thrown pottery, glazing and firing will be studied.

Visual Arts Specialization (Beginning): Digital Photography I    

This course teaches basic skills of digital photography and editing. Students enrolled in this class will create imagery that is imaginative through the use of photography composition techniques. Students will develop an understanding of the application of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design through the media of photography and digital editing.  Research, essays, and a portfolio will be required.

Visual Arts Specialization (Intermediate): Digital Photography II   

This course is designed for the serious student who wishes to continue to use the digital camera as a medium for creating art. This course will focus on different photographic genres including portrait photography, landscape and nature photography, action and sports photography, architectural photography, and photojournalism. Students will be encouraged to search and develop their own creative voice within their photography. Intermediate level image manipulation projects, student portfolios, photographic projects, research, and presentations are all required for this course.