The Fine Arts Department supports Valley Regional High School’s academic, social, and civic expectations across all visual art and music courses. All classes align with state and national art and music standards and help students develop creativity, critical thinking, and personal expression.

In visual arts, students explore ideas, design, and visual language while building strong skills in observation and creative problem-solving. Courses emphasize the elements and principles of design and include experiences in art history, art criticism, aesthetics, and art production. Students are encouraged to think critically, express themselves, and use class time productively to develop their artistic voice.

Music courses are designed to challenge and support students’ intellectual, creative, physical, aesthetic, social, and emotional growth. In a supportive and structured environment, students develop musicianship, collaboration, and performance skills. The music program aims to support well-rounded development, prepare students who wish to pursue music in higher education, and help all students become musically literate adults who appreciate and engage with music throughout their lives.

Art Content Area Standards

Standard #1 - Creating:

Plan: Students generate original artistic ideas and work.
Investigate: Students organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Reflect: Students revise, refine, and complete artwork.
ISTE: Students exhibit a tolerance for ambiguity, perseverance, and the capacity to work with open-ended problems.
ISTE: Students select and use digital tools to plan and manage a design process.

Standard #2 - Presenting:

Select: Students analyze, select, and critique personal artwork for a collection or portfolio presentation.
Analyze: Students evaluate, select, and apply methods or processes appropriate to display artwork in a specific place.
Share: Students convey meaning through the presentation of artwork.
ELA: Students demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English usage when writing or speaking.

Standard #3-Responding:

Perceive: Students perceive and analyze artistic work.
Analyze: Students look for intent and meaning in artistic work.
Interpret: Students apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
ELA: Students draw evidence from text/information to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Standard #4-Connecting:

Synthesize: Students synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.
Relate: Students relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding.
ISTE: Students contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles and effectively working toward a common goal.
Relate/ELA: Students evaluate one another’s premises, claims, and evidence with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.

Course Descriptions

Art Career Clusters

Art Director

Develop design concepts for media pieces and oversees the entire creation and production process. Leadership skills combined with your passion are an exciting career path.

Advertising Design
Interior Design

Industrial Design

Business of Art

Museum Curator

Gallery Manager

Marketing Analyst

Digital Designers

Create images for film, video, and other forms of electronic media. Technically proficient designers are in demand in every sector of the economy.

Digital Films

Multimedia Designer

Product Designer

Game Design

Broadcast Design

Motion Graphics

Applied Arts

Develop application of design to objects of function and everyday use. They incorporate creative ideas to objects of utility such as a cabinet, vehicle, building, or park bench.

Architect

Vehicle Design

Technician

Engineer

Furniture Design

Product Designer

Stage Designer

Fine Arts

Create items such as painting, sculpture, and illustration that are often displayed in museums and galleries.

Exhibiting Artist

Illustrator

Graphic Design

Photographer

Fashion Design

Art Foundations

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 No Prerequisite

Learn the basics of art and design. You’ll explore 2D and 3D materials while studying the elements of art and principles of design. This course includes hands-on studio work, art history (19th & 20th century), art criticism, and creative expression.

Ceramics 1

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 No Prerequisite

Create functional pottery like cups, bowls, and plates using wheel throwing, handbuilding, slab work, and extruders. You’ll also explore surface design and glazing techniques. May be taken more than once with instructor approval.

Ceramics 2

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Art Foundations Prerequisite

Develop advanced clay techniques, including sculpting and surface treatments. Students create more complex work and study ceramic art history. May be taken more than once with instructor approval.

Drawing

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Art Foundations Prerequisite

Focus on composition, drawing from life, figures, still life, architecture, and landscapes. Some outside drawing assignments are required. May be taken more than once with instructor approval.

Painting

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Art Foundations Prerequisite

Explore acrylic, watercolor, and oil painting. Learn color mixing, composition, brush techniques, and artistic expression. Emphasis shifts toward developing personal style and meaning. May be taken more than once with instructor approval.

Sculpture

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Art Foundations Prerequisite

Work with a variety of materials to create three-dimensional art. Students develop their own sculptural style and collaborate on a large-scale group project. May be taken more than once with instructor approval.

Design

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 No Prerequisite

Explore creative problem-solving in areas like graphic design, typography, architecture, and product design. Learn how ideas become real consumer products. May be taken more than once with instructor approval.

Jewelry Design and Fabrication

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 No Prerequisite

Design and create wearable art using beads and finding, and metals such as silver, nickel, and bronze. Study jewelry-making techniques and history from different cultures. May be taken more than once with instructor approval.

Advanced Studio Art

Full year course Honors Level 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Art Foundations and at least one of the following: Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Jewelry, or Sculpture (or instructor approval) Prerequisite

Further develop your artistic skills and build a portfolio for college admission. Focus on experimentation, design principles, and refining personal style. May be taken more than once with instructor approval.

AP Studio Art

Full year course AP Level 1 credit Grades 11 and 12

Art Foundations and at least one of the following: Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Jewelry, or Sculpture (or instructor approval) Prerequisite

Designed for serious art students. Create a portfolio demonstrating quality, exploration, and artistic growth. Equivalent to a college-level introductory art course. AP portfolio submission is required.

AP Art History

Full year course AP Level 1 credit Grades 11 and 12

No Prerequisite

Study global art history from prehistoric times to modern art. Analyze artwork through historical and cultural context. Equivalent to a college-level survey course. AP exam is required.

IB Visual Arts HL

Two-year course IB Level 2 credits Grades 11 and 12

No Prerequisite

Develop advanced studio skills, critical thinking, and curatorial practice. Students explore global art practices and complete major projects.

Band

Full-year course Level 0 or College Prep 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Minimum playing and music reading skills required

Perform in large and small ensembles. Participation includes concerts, football games, parades, and festivals. Students may audition for regional and state ensembles.

Chorus

Full-year course Level 0 or College Prep 1 credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 No Prerequisite

Develop vocal technique and music reading skills. Perform in concerts and festivals. Audition opportunities available for advanced ensembles.

Music Appreciation

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 No Prerequisite

Study the history of Western music from the Medieval era to today. Learn instrument recognition and basic performance skills. Students will learn to play an instrument (no experience needed). This course is offered every other year (odd calendar years).

Music Theatre

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 No Prerequisite

Explore acting, improvisation, stage production, script writing, lighting, sound, costumes, and performance. May be taken more than once with instructor approval. This course is offered every other year (even calendar years).

Music Theory

Half-year course Level AP, 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 semester of Band or Chorus OR instructor permission Prerequisite

Learn the fundamentals of music theory, including notation, rhythm, harmony, and analysis. ECE students complete additional keyboard and sight-singing work.

Piano Class

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 No Prerequisite

Open to beginner through advanced students. Students progress at their own pace and perform music from classical to modern styles. May be taken more than once with instructor approval.

Vocal Class

Half-year course Level 0 or College Prep 0.5 credits Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 No Prerequisite

Improve vocal technique, breath control, and music reading skills. Includes basic piano skills. May be taken more than once with instructor approval.

AP Music Theory

Full-year course AP Level 1 credit Grades 11 and 12 Music Theory and teacher recommendation Prerequisite

Equivalent to a first-year college music theory course. Focuses on composition, score analysis, aural skills, sight-singing, and higher-level music analysis. AP Exam is required; UConn ECE credit option available.