Fine Arts

Prerequisite: None

Students may dual enroll with Laurel Ridge Community College

Surveys the principles of drama, the development of theatre production, and selected plays to acquaint the student with various types of theatrical presentations.

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to instruct students in basic theatre technique: auditioning, stage speaking, stage presence, characterization, set design, and other technical aspects involved in the interpretation of a playwright’s work. In addition to monologues and excerpts from full-length plays, one-act plays will be studied.

Prerequisite: 1410

Students will continue their study of the theatre and its vocabulary with emphasis on storytelling, playwriting, and set design. A full-length play or documentary may be produced as the semester project. Students will perform pantomimes, improvisations, and monologues. In addition, students will be encouraged to

Prerequisite: 1420 or permission of Theatre Arts Teacher

Theatre Arts III is a full year, one credit course for students in Grades 11-12. This course is a dramatic arts workshop course requiring active participation in productions. Students experience the areas of study and production of a drama as members of a production company, culminating in a full-length production. Each student is required to complete two detailed projects related to class production work, including assignments in at least two of the following three categories: (1) performance; (2) production/directing, management, history, and research; or (3) design/lights, costumes, sets, and props. The study of the history of theatre continues. Out-of-class rehearsals may be necessary to complete these activities.

Prerequisite: 1423 or permission of Theatre Arts Teacher

Theatre Arts IV is a full year, one credit course for students in Grades 11-12. Students conceptualize and oversee the entire production process for several theatrical events. By directing, producing, and managing plays or shows, Theatre Arts IV students synthesize and apply all previously learned technical elements, acting and directing techniques, and group dynamic skills. Out-of-class rehearsals may be necessary to complete these activities.

Prerequisite: None

This exploratory course introduces basic skills and fundamentals of art with an emphasis on 2-D projects. Units, projects, and a working vocabulary are related to the elements and principles of design. Students should expect not only observational drawing and painting, but also course work in architecture, art history, and various mediums.

Prerequisite: 9120

This course concentrates on visual problem solving in a 2-D context. Students will explore drawing, painting, printmaking, and photographic techniques. Appreciation of art focuses on understanding art as a visual language, analyzing art and recognizing its ability to carry meaning.

Prerequisite: 9120 or Teacher Recommendation

This course concentrates on visual problem solving and communication in a 3-D context. Students will explore sculptural and 3-D design techniques, methods and materials. Art appreciation focuses on understanding art as a visual language, analyzing art and recognizing the relationships of art in our culture.

Prerequisite: 9120, 9130 or 9140 or Teacher Recommendation

Art IV is a course that provides increased opportunities for a student to exercise aesthetic judgment and develop as an independent artist. More time is allowed to pursue individual projects, explore art media and techniques, and develop art skills. Appreciation activities stress contemporary art forms, particularly American, and relate visual art to other areas of knowledge.

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

This course provides an in-depth study of 2-D and 3-D artwork. Students can expect to create an assortment of artworks using a variety of materials and skills. Students will be encouraged to be creative and explore new avenues in problem solving sophisticated challenges. The course is recommended for the serious art student.

Prerequisite: 9145 or Teacher Recommendation

The Studio Art Advanced Placement program makes it possible for highly-motivated high school students to do college-level work. The course is not based on a written exam; instead the student is asked to submit a portfolio of work for evaluation at the end of the school year. There are three distinct types of portfolios that may be submitted: Drawing, 2-D Design, or 3-D Design; each has specific requirements of its own and only one type may be submitted during a school year. The entire portfolio requires more than one year preparation. This program sets a national standard for performance in the visual arts that contributes to the significant role the arts play in academic environments.

Prerequisite: 9120

Students may dual enroll with Laurel Ridge Community College

Utilizes computers and software to produce computer graphics. Employs techniques learned to solve studio projects which reinforce instruction and are appropriate for portfolio use.

Prerequisite: None

This course is intended for anyone with an interest in music, without regard to previous musical experience. The course covers listening skills, basic notation, theory, and the historical background of music. Students in the class will learn to intelligently describe and write about music. Basic guitar skills will also be taught.

Prerequisite: Any prior ensemble class or Teacher Recommendation

This course introduces students to the fundamental elements of music theory including: note names, key signatures, intervals, triads, seventh chords, and scales. Keyboard skills, musicianship and computer notation programs will be introduced. Learning to write good melodies will be a culminating activity for the semester. The course is offered as a recommended prerequisite to Music Theory AP and for the student who entertains the thoughts of music as a career.

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Students may dual enroll with Laurel Ridge Community College.

The Music Theory Advanced Placement course provides the serious student of music with advanced study in the elements of music and music theory of the Common Practice period including scales, chords, part-writing, structural analysis, aural recognition, and composition. Upon successful completion of the Music theory AP exam offered in May, the student may be granted college credit for music theory. (Check with your higher education institution for specifics.) Students are strongly encouraged to be enrolled in a high school music ensemble.

Prerequisite: Acceptable level of skills

Students will learn how to play, fix, adjust, and take care of a musical instrument, as well as learn to read musical notation. By the end of the class students will be able to play at least 6 major scales, read the instruments respective clef (treble or bass), read and count rhythms, read notes on the staff, accurately play notes on their instrument, and perform at least one concert.

Prerequisite: 9232

Advanced Band focuses on ensemble playing skills while developing the individual student’s musical ability. The band will perform at concerts throughout the year, as well as being given opportunities to perform in the community and adjudicated festivals.

Prerequisite: Acceptable level of skills Students continue developing as individual musicians and as members of a musical group. Emphasis is placed on the development of intermediate level technical and ensemble skills necessary for performance.

Prerequisite: 9237

Advanced Orchestra focuses on ensemble playing skills while developing the individual student’s musical ability. It is open to all students who have begun learning a stringed instrument. The orchestra will perform at concerts throughout the year, as well as being given opportunities to perform in the community and adjudicated festivals.

Prerequisite: None

Guitar Students will explore various styles of music. Students will learn tablature and note reading. All levels of skills and technique are welcome. Students must provide their own acoustic guitar, as well as purchase instruction book as designated by teacher.

Prerequisite: 9245

Guitar Students will explore various styles of music. Students will learn tablature and note reading. All levels of skills and technique are welcome. Students must provide their own acoustic guitar, as well as purchase instruction book as designated by teacher.

Prerequisite: Acceptable level of skills

Percussion Ensemble provides a means for students with prior rhythmic experience to perform as a drumline, support concert ensembles, and gain necessary skills to improve their own musicianship. This class is intended for students with experience on mallets, piano, snare, bass drum, timpani, and auxiliary percussion.

Prerequisite: 9250

Students will continue studies from the Percussion Ensemble course. The focus will be to continue advancing the students technique, musicianship, and ability to play all percussion instruments fluently. Students will participate in percussion ensemble repertoire as well as Concert Band performances.

Prerequisite: None

Students will learn basic music literacy skills (reading rhythms and notes), piano notes in both bass and treble clef, identify notes on the keyboard, the ability to play using both hands at the same time performing different musical patterns, and fundamental piano scales. Students will also practice independent learning skills so they are able to continue learning piano outside of the classroom.

Prerequisite: 9255

Students who have completed the perquisite course Piano will be eligible to take this course. Students will continue to build their piano fundamentals by learning more advanced concepts and more difficult pieces.

Prerequisite: Acceptable level of skills

This course provides instruction in proper vocal techniques, music fundamentals, and sight reading. Through a variety of choral literature, students will experience unison and two-part singing. The Chorus will perform at concerts throughout the year, as well as being given opportunities to perform in the community and adjudicated festivals.

Prerequisite: Acceptable level of skills.

Concert Choir will meet outside of the school day. It gives students the opportunity to take choir throughout the year and participate in the concerts that are given. Students will learn music and performance skills to aid in their musical development. Students must have their own transportation to school.

Prerequisite: 9260

Advanced Chorus is a choral offering open to those that have a genuine desire to sing as an approach to studying music. The Chorus will perform at concerts throughout the year, as well as being given opportunities to perform in the community, and adjudicated festivals.

Prerequisite: Acceptable level of skills.

Ever wanted to record an album or write a major symphony? Ever wanted to perform as a singer/songwriter? In "Contemporary Music," Students will explore and create music of various genres using a variety of composition, arrangement, and writing techniques. Each individual in the class will collaborate to produce a final project that might include an EP, an LP, the creation of a major work, and/or a culminating performance of their projects.

Prerequisite: None

Participants in this course explore how music, dance, drama, and design all come together and create musical theater. How all of this enhances the representation of the human spirit and condition is examined and discussed. The students will expand their knowledge and understanding through creative analysis of musical theater. Students will learn about the many elements that are involved in the making of a musical production. Participants will also focus on several works for musical theater and how they represent reflections of society. Students will recreate and/or create a scene with all of the trimmings, including music. This course is for those students who are sincerely interested in not only learning about musical theater, but also are willing to help create and perform in the musical theater genre.

Prerequisite: Acceptable level of skills.

Concert Band will meet outside of the school day. It gives students the opportunity to take band throughout the year and participate in the concerts that are given. Students will learn music and performance skills to aid in their musical development. Students must have their own transportation to school.

Prerequisite: Acceptable level of Skills.

Concert Orchestra will meet outside of the school day. It gives students the opportunity to take orchestra throughout the year and participate in the concerts that are given. Students will learn music and performance skills to aid in their musical development. Students must have their own transportation to school.