Grade Level(s):   9, 10, 11, 12

Credit:  .5

Length:   Semester

Art I serves as a foundation course for those interested in taking 2-dimensional art classes here at the high school. Art I incorporates exercises and major projects designed to increase visual skills and knowledge of the elements of Art using a wide variety of materials. Art I stresses design principles in compositions with organized expression. Projects may include drawing, painting, color theory, still life or textural studies. A sketchbook is required for this course.

Grade Level(s):   9, 10, 11, 12

Credit:  .5

Length:   Semester

Prerequisite: Completion of Art I 

Art II is a one-semester course that serves as a continuation of the concepts introduced in Art I. Students will further explore the study of color, theory, and the elements of Art and design principles. Drawing and painting skills will continue to be developed. A sketchbook is required for this course.

Grade Level(s):   10, 11, 12

Credit:  .5

Length:   Semester

This course will introduce students to Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator through the creation of unique compositions. Students will learn how to use the computer as an art tool to manipulate, edit, and reproduce their own computer-generated images. The elements of art and principles of design will be studied during the creation of art and graphic design projects.

Grade Level(s):   10, 11, 12

Credit:  1

Length:   Year

Prerequisite: Completion of Art II with a "B" or higher

This advanced course is a must for those students interested in the visual arts as a career or serious avocation. Students will work towards the following goals: independence, quality craftsmanship, innovative solutions, high productivity and mastery of techniques. In addition to in-class projects, students will be required to complete out-of-class sketchbook assignments. A sketchbook is required for this class.

Grade Level(s):   10, 11, 12

Credit:  .5

Length:   Semester

This basic pottery class will include extensive studio work in hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Hand-built techniques will explore coil, pinch-pot, drape and/or slab as well as sculpture construction in clay. Wheelwork will include cylindrical forms (straight and shaped) handles and bowl forms. Various firing/glazing techniques and historical/cultural aspects of ceramics will be discussed and reviewed.

Grade Level(s):   10, 11, 12

Credit:  .5

Length:   Semester

Prerequisite: Completion of Ceramics I. 

Recommended for students with a "B" or higher in Ceramics I

This advanced pottery class will include extensive studio work in hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Students will build upon and refine skills established in Ceramics I. Experimentation in glazing techniques and wheel-thrown forms and development of individual styles will be addressed. Hand-built techniques will explore additive and subtractive sculpture in clay. Wheelwork will include bottle forms, plates, multiple attached forms and teapots (realistic/abstract).

Grade Level(s):   11, 12

Credit:  .5

Length:   Semester

Prerequisite: Completion of Cearmics II with a "B" or higher or Teacher Recommendation.

This is an advanced level course offered for only one semester for the student with a special ability in wheel throwing. This semester course provides in-depth opportunities to further explore the art of wheel thrown ceramics with a focus on large scale multiple attached pieces, altered wheel forms, double wall forms, as well as lidded pieces within an open environment. Students will work towards the following goals: independence, quality craftsmanship, innovative solutions, high productivity and mastery of techniques. Art will also be explored historically and critically. 

Grade Level(s):   11, 12

Credit:  .5

Length:   Semester

Prerequisite: Completion of Ceramics II with a “B” or higher

This is an advanced level course offered for only one semester for the student with a special ability in hand building. This semester course provides in-depth opportunities to further explore the art of hand building with a focus on large scale ceramic pieces as well as plaster, wire sculpture, glass and copper within an open environment. Students will work towards the following goals: independence, quality craftsmanship, innovative solutions, high productivity and mastery of techniques. Art will also be explored historically and critically. 

Grade Level(s):   11, 12

Credit:  1

Length:   Year

Prerequisite:  Completion of Ceramics II with a "B" or higher and Teacher Recommendation

The Honors Ceramic course is a year-long course designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of ceramic art and wish to develop mastery in the concept, composition, and execution of their ideas. Students will experience a variety of concepts, techniques, and approaches for the wheel as well as hand-building, designed to help them demonstrate their abilities and versatility with techniques, problem solving, and ideation. This is a college-level course designed to provide the student with an in-depth look into different media and techniques in an open environment. To be successful, students must have an independent work ethic..

Grade Level(s):  10, 11, 12

Credit:  .5

Length:   Semester

Digital Audio Production is a course in creative musical composition and audio pre/postproduction for any high school student regardless of their musical background. This course will provide opportunities for students to understand, create and synthesize music and sound effects through the development of skills in music composition, Foley Artistry, sound effect production, ADR and many pre/post audio production skills in the electronic medium. Basic musical elements will be the focus on which students will develop creative musical ideas using electronic keyboards/synthesizers and music computer software applications.

Grade Level(s):  10, 11, 12

Credit:  .5

Length:   Semester

Prerequisite: Completion of Digital Audio Production I

Digital Audio Production II is a continuation of the options to explore musical composition, Foley Artistry, sound effect production, ADR and many pre/post audio production skills in the electronic medium, using electronic keyboards/synthesizers and music computer software applications with an emphasis on the refinement, development and extension of creative ideas. Composition and electronic demonstration of student created musical art will be developed in larger musical forms. Projects will focus on musical composition, and it is application and coordination with visual media.

Grade Level(s):  9, 10, 11, 12

Credit:  .5

Length:   Semester

Music Theory introduces students to the fundamentals of music, including rhythmic notation, intervals, scales, chords, melody writing, harmonization, and orchestration. Using interactive lessons and computer software, students will build a strong foundation for a career in music or deepen their appreciation for music as a passion.

Grade Level(s):   9, 10, 11, 12

Credit:  1

Length:  Year

This course provides an opportunity for the developing students to acquire additional technical skills beyond the middle school experience and become acquainted with the vast and ever-growing band repertoire. The repertoire will consist of selections from the march, show, orchestra and contemporary idioms. Emphasis will be placed upon ensemble playing and music interpretation and analysis. Students may be tested on their ability to play individual music selections and knowledge of terms and symbols. Performance of the band repertoire is an ultimate goal. Performance opportunities exist for students to perform as soloists, in trios, quartets and in County, District, and Regional band festivals. The Concert Band serves primarily underclassmen. Concert Band typically performs three concerts during the year. Dress rehearsals for public performances may be scheduled beyond the school day as needed. The class meets daily for a scheduled period.

Grade Level(s):  9

Credit:  1

Length:   Year

Mixed Choir is a performing ensemble primarily for freshmen. Vocal technique, music reading, IPA and increased musical awareness are stressed. Traditional, popular, jazz, folk, and Broadway selections are performed. This group performs independently and with the other choirs at least twice per year and serves as a preparatory experience for membership in Concert and Symphonic Choirs. Opportunities exist for qualified students to perform as soloists, in trios, quartets and in County, District, Honors, Regional and All-State chorus festivals.

Grade Level(s):  9, 10, 11, 12

Credit:  1

Length:   Year

Orchestra is a performing ensemble, which continues to extend technical skills leading to "hands-on" performance of representative string and symphony orchestra literature. Style, technical execution, ensemble playing and interpretation and critical analysis are aspects of study leading to two (2) or more public performances per year. Outstanding instrumentalists will also have an opportunity to qualify for individual performance opportunities as potential participants in honors ensembles, which may include Honors Orchestra, District Orchestra, Regional Orchestra and All-State Orchestra. Limited additional rehearsals may be scheduled outside of school as needed.

Grade Level(s):  10, 11, 12

Credit:  1

Length:   Year

Concert Choir provides an opportunity for developing the music student to acquire additional vocal technique in a large mixed ensemble through the continued study of music reading, vocal technique, music theory, and music history. A varied repertoire, consisting of traditional, Broadway, popular, as well as folk and jazz literature may be explored and performed. Several performances are presented each year and frequently the choir performs in festivals. Opportunities exist for qualified students to perform as soloists, in trios, or quartets at County, District, Honors, Regional and All-State chorus festivals.

Grade Level(s):  10, 11, 12

Credit:  1

Length:   Year

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation and Audition

This course is a vocal ensemble for building a high-level performance in contemporary acapella singing. It is open to students in grades 10-12 who have successfully auditioned. The ensemble will perform, analyze, and research popular music of the 20th and 21st Centuries. Students will learn a variety of vocal styles using appropriate tone quality, intonation, diction, rhythms, musicianship, and microphone technique for performing acapella, commercial/pop music. In addition to the vocal experience, this class will equip the student with basic music literacy skills- clefs, notes, staves, keys, rhythm, etc. Focus parts are: Vocal Percussion, Soprano, Mezzo, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, and Bass. Performing and touring is a key part of this ensemble.

Grade Level(s):  9, 10, 11, 12

Credit:  .5

Length:   Semester

Keyboard Lab will provide students with the opportunity to develop beginning, intermediate and advanced piano and electronic keyboard skills. Students will work independently at their level of experience and progress through developmentally appropriate materials and literature. There will also be opportunities for students to participate in keyboard lab ensembles and to demonstrate their skill in a comfortable performance arena. Students will also analyze songs and to develop their own through keyboard improvisation and the development of basic music composition skills.

Grade Level(s):  10, 11, 12

Credit:  1

Length:   Year

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation and Audition

Jazz Band is designed to provide orientation to all pertinent jazz techniques for the established instrumental music students. The content of the course includes an explanation of chords and the use of chord structure, articulations, relative note values and special effects. Great emphasis is placed on the student’s developing creative abilities and instrumental technique, as well as improvisation skills. The goal is for students to understand the style and to develop proficiency in jazz and jazz-rock idioms. Performance opportunities occur as many as five times per year and dress rehearsals for these events may be scheduled outside of the school day.

Grade Level(s):  11, 12

Credit:  1

Length:   Year

Advanced Placement Music Theory is a course designed for music students with an advanced level of performance skill and theoretical knowledge. Generally, students who are on a career path in music or who have successfully completed courses in Keyboarding, Music Theory, Digital Audio Production I & II, or who can demonstrate prerequisite skills necessary to enter this course should enroll. Students who complete this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam in Music. The exam is held in May and is at the student’s expense. This is an excellent course for a student who is pursuing a music major in college.

Grade Level(s):  10, 11, 12

Credit:  1

Length:   Year

Prerequisite: Audition and Teacher Recommendation

The Symphonic Choir is an advanced mixed choir that performs all styles of choral literature. Study includes vocal techniques, as well as music reading, music theory, music history and a survey of the vast choral repertoire. Several performances are presented each year and frequently the choir performs in festivals and adjudication festivals. Opportunities exist for qualified students to perform as soloists, in trios, quartets and in County, District, Honors, Regional and All-State chorus festivals.

Grade Level(s):  10, 11, 12

Credit:  1

Length:   Year

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Wind Symphony is designed for advanced instrumentalists, offering challenging literature that demands exceptional musicianship. Students will analyze high-quality concert band compositions and perform at adjudication festivals, public concerts, and other events. Outstanding performers may qualify for honors ensembles, such as District, Regional, and All-State Bands. The ensemble meets daily, with additional rehearsals as needed.