Class of 2028 and beyond: Students are required to earn .5 credit in Fine Arts or Applied Art to earn an SKHS diploma. 

Fine Arts

This entry level hands-on studio art course is an introduction to the basic Elements and Principles of Design. This course features both traditional and innovative techniques that will unravel the mysteries of successful drawing and painting.  Students will focus on concepts vital to all artists’ education; composition, line, value, color and perspective. Students will learn to use a variety of media to develop their own creativity and strengthen their artistic skills.  

CTE Course

This entry-level studio art course introduces students to media and techniques including a variety of traditional and nontraditional materials.  This mixed media approach to art making allows students to create personal works that reach beyond pencil and paint to include a large variety of materials.  This course covers all elements of art and principles of design while focusing on how self-expression is a method of communication in all cultures and art time periods.  The possibilities are endless.  

CTE Course 

In this intermediate art course, students will continue to develop skills in drawing and painting and will introduce students to more advanced ways to use their art-making as a form of self-expression. Students will explore materials such as pencil, pen & ink, water-based paint, oil pastel, and printmaking materials.  In addition to creating works of art, students will develop their skills in critiquing their artwork and the artwork of others in both oral and written form.  The art of other cultures, artists, and art movements will also be studied.  

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1 or Mixed Media.     

CTE Course 

In this course students will explore a range of artists and artwork thematically throughout history and cultures, understanding how artists can approach a common topic with variety. From the themes studied in each unit students will create studio art projects, exploring a variety of artistic materials and techniques including collage, sculpture, and drawing.  In addition to creating works of art, students will develop their skills in critiquing their artwork and the artwork of others in both oral and written form.

CTE Course 

This studio course is designed for art students to examine and experience two dimensional (2-D) design fundamentals.  The main focus of the course includes utilizing the Elements and Principles of Design in a conscious way to create 2-D compositions. The principles of design (unity/variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale figure/ground relationships) are used in conjunction with the visual elements (line, shape, color, value, texture, space) as the organizational tools needed for effective design. This intermediate course allows students to learn, experience and explore 2-D design through many 2-D processes including illustration, graphic design, photography, collage, textile design, and printmaking. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1 or Mixed Media. 

CTE Course 

In this intermediate course students will explore painting styles and techniques used in 21st century painting. Students will learn how to effectively create realistic, expressionistic, and abstract paintings. They will study the lives and techniques of great 21st century artists and gain an understanding of how works of art are influenced by historical and cultural experiences. Painting media will include acrylic, oils, silkscreen and mixed media. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1 or Mixed Media.

CTE Course 

This course is designed for students who like to focus their artistic experience on 3-dimensional sculpture.  Students will learn many hands-on techniques of working in sculpture such as – subtractive, additive, and relief sculpture using materials such as clay, plaster, wood, wire, and found objects.  Sources of inspiration may include realism and abstraction, human forms, and nature. In addition to the studio experience, sculpture as a form of artistic expression throughout time and cultures will be studied. 

This course is designed for students to learn about the ideas, materials, techniques, and processes of clay and ceramic art. The technical and expressive properties of clay are developed through pinch, coil, slab construction, and surface design. Works of historical and contemporary artists are explored for the expression of individual and cultural ideas. Students will learn vocabulary and concepts associated with hand­built clay art forms . Upon completing this course, students will have a general knowledge of creating, appreciating, assessing, and valuing all clay art forms. 

In this course students will develop and expand on advanced techniques in drawing with the focus on observational drawing. Students will use pencil, colored pencil, pen & ink, charcoal, paint, and oil/chalk pastels in creative and thought-provoking ways.  Students will also improve their skills in critiquing their artwork and the artwork of others.  This course will encourage students to develop their own style by creating work that can be used in an art portfolio in preparation for career and college applications.   

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 2 or Contemporary Painting

CTE Course

This rigorous course is designed for the highly motivated student who is seriously interested in the practice of art and is ready for challenges beyond the secondary school level.  The course reflects high quality art making, concentration in a particular area of choice, and breadth of experience.  The student will be expected to put in many hours of work outside the regularly scheduled class period. Students who enroll in this AP course are required to complete the appropriate AP exam in May.  Payment and online registration for the exam will be required during the first weeks of school in September.  

Students taking this course must enroll for credit in conjunction with the Rhode Island College Early Enrollment Program. In order to receive a RI College transcript for the HS course, students are required to follow all RI College enrollment procedures and complete the enrollment process by the college’s registration dates. Student work will be assessed according to the college’s grading policy.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 3 and teacher recommendation and there are required summer drawing assignments that must be completed to be in this course. 

CTE Course 

This course is designed for the highly motivated art students who are seriously interested in 2-D Design and is ready for the challenges beyond the secondary level. This course reflects quality and a sustained concentration in a particular area of choice and a breadth of experience. The main focus of the course includes utilizing the elements and principles of design in a conscious way to create 2-D compositions. The principles of design (unity/variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale figure/ground relationships) are used in conjunction with the visual elements (line, shape, color, value, texture, space) as the organizational tools needed for effective design. This advanced course allows students to apply their knowledge and experiences of 2-D design through many 2-D processes including illustration, graphic design, photography, collage, textile design, and printmaking. The student will be expected to put in many hours of work outside the regularly scheduled class period. 

Students who enroll in this AP course are required to complete the appropriate AP exam in May.  Payment and online registration for the exam will be required during the first weeks of school in September. 

Prerequisite: Art 3 or Graphic Design and there are required summer drawing assignments that must be completed to be in this course. 

CTE Course 

This course explores the art of visual communication through two-dimensional design. Students considering a career in fields such as advertising, publishing, book/magazine layout, packaging design, corporate design, motion graphics, animation, or web design should enroll in this course. An emphasis will be placed on the practical aspects of commercial art and how it is used in real world applications. Students will engage in techniques, tools, and procedures used in the creative design process. Students will work both in the computer lab and the art studio combining digital work with traditional art materials. Class assignments will explore the Elements and Principles of Art and Design while instructing students through the applications of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. 

Prerequisite: B or better in Art 1 or Mixed Media or Fine Arts proficiency in another area. 

CTE Course 

Students are encouraged to have their own digital SLR camera; however, students without cameras will be able to use the school’s equipment in class. This course explores photography as a powerful means of communication and as an expressive form of contemporary art. Students will learn camera basics and all aspects of digital cameras and photography techniques. Students will learn the tools necessary to enhance and manipulate images using Adobe Photoshop.   

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Art 1 or Mixed Media or Fine Arts proficiency in another area.

CTE Course 

Yearbook provides students with experience in marketing by working solely towards the completion and selling of a major publication - South Kingstown High School’s yearbook - The Anchor. This class is different from other courses offered in that it is a business entity which must maintain financial records – and balance all accounts at the end of semester.  Students will work as a team to brainstorm, develop a unifying theme, collect content, conduct interviews, report on school events, write stories, take and edit photographs, design layouts, manage finances, strategize sales/advertising campaigns, and plan for distribution of the completed product.  Students should also expect to work in small groups after school, at school events, and in the course’s assigned classroom working on yearbook-related tasks.

Music

This course is designed for students who wish to develop their singing technique, or expand on previous choral experience. While singing repertoire of various genres spanning from the Renaissance to modern day, students will build upon their understanding of proper vocal technique and performance, musical notation and solfège. Students will also develop the ability to sight-read and part-sing. Students are required to attend all choral concerts and functions, both during and after school hours.

Rock Band is a hands-on, fun, and creative music course where you'll explore popular and rock music styles using guitar, keyboard, bass, and drums. You’ll choose songs that match your skill level, learn how to play them on your instrument, and team up with others to form your own band.

Through collaborative, project-based learning, you'll build your skills, learn how to play as part of a group, and experience what it’s like to be in a real band — all within a relaxed, supportive classroom environment.

This course is perfect for students who want to build on what they’ve learned in Pop Piano and Guitar, or who already have some experience on an instrument.

Note: This is not a performance class. You will not be required to play in front of an audience outside of class.

Prerequisite:

• Some experience on drums, keyboard, bass, or guitar
  
  

• Current enrollment or prior enrollment in Pop Piano and Guitar

Learn the songs you love while building real skills on piano and guitar.

This course is perfect for students who want to explore both piano and guitar through the lens of popular music genres like pop, rock, and folk. You’ll learn how to play real songs, build performance skills on both instruments, and develop your creativity through a mix of individual practice and group projects.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your musical skills, this class will help you understand how contemporary music works — and how to play it confidently.

Thinking about taking Rock Band next?
This class is the perfect place to start if you don’t have much musical experience. It will give you the foundation you need before joining the Rock Band course.

Concert Band is a regular in-school class that offers brass, woodwind, and percussion students the opportunity to refine their musicianship through daily rehearsal, high-quality repertoire, and regular performance experiences. Students will strengthen their music reading, technical ability, and ensemble skills while exploring literature from a variety of genres and historical periods. Emphasis is placed on developing mature musicianship and preparing for both indoor and outdoor performances throughout the year. Participation in approved school and community concerts is required. 

This course is a prerequisite for students wishing to participate in Orchestra.

As an integral part of their musical growth, all Concert Band students also perform as the Pep and Marching Bands. In some cases, students may be asked to play a secondary instrument more appropriate for the marching ensemble, with guidance and support from the director. Most performances occur outside of the regular school day with little or no conflict with sports.

String Ensemble is a regular in-school class open to all violin, viola, cello, and bass students participating in the SK Orchestra program. The course emphasizes music reading, individual and ensemble technique, listening skills, and collaborative performance. Students study and perform a wide range of repertoire, including chamber works (string trios and quartets) and full string orchestra literature, and are featured in multiple school concerts and events. Attendance at all scheduled performances is required.

This course is mandatory for all first-year string players in Orchestra and strongly recommended for second-year players. Enrollment in String Ensemble also includes participation in the SKHS Symphony Orchestra, with the expectation that students attend at least two rehearsals prior to each scheduled performance.

Prerequisite: Proficiency on a string instrument above the beginning level is required. Placement may be determined by audition.

Note: This class meets after school two days per week.

Symphony Orchestra offers high school string, wind, brass, and percussion musicians the opportunity to refine their skills through advanced ensemble performance. Students will strengthen music reading, technical development, listening, and collaborative performance skills while studying high-quality repertoire from a variety of musical periods and styles. Emphasis is placed on developing mature musicianship through preparation for multiple performances throughout the school year. Attendance at all scheduled performances is required.

To ensure proper balance and instrumentation, wind and percussion players may be asked to audition for membership. Incoming 9th grade string players are required to enroll concurrently in String Ensemble (course 11964), and it is strongly recommended that students in grades 10–12 also do so. Wind and percussion musicians must be concurrently enrolled in Concert Band (course 1081603).

Prerequisite: Prior orchestral experience and concurrent enrollment in String Ensemble are required for string musicians.

NOTE: This class meets after school on Tuesday evenings and occasional sectional rehearsals after school.

Jazz Band provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in jazz ensemble performance through advanced training in music reading, technique development, improvisation, and group collaboration. Rehearsals focus on musical literature drawn from a variety of jazz styles and related genres, with an emphasis on building mature musicianship in preparation for public concerts. Students are required to participate in school, community, and state performances, and additional sectionals may be scheduled throughout the year.

Enrollment in Jazz Band requires concurrent participation in the SKHS Band or an equivalent choral class, unless an exception is granted based on instrumentation needs. Admission is determined by the approval of the music director and may include an audition, typically held at the end of the prior school year.

This is a select vocal ensemble that meets during the school day to sing a variety of genres including jazz, popular and chamber music. While learning repertoire of various genres, students will build upon their understanding of proper vocal technique and performance, musical notation and solfège. Students will also develop the ability to sight-read, part-sing, and improvise. This ensemble competes and performs regularly and publicly, in a professional capacity. Students are required to attend all choral concerts, as well as all performances outside of SKHS, both during and after school hours.

Prerequisite: Students must be able to tunefully sing a modern piece of repertoire a capella and from memory, repeat given melodies within their vocal range, sight read basic melodies, and part sing within an SATB format. Previous choral experience is preferred but not required.    

Admission is by audition only.        

HONORS MUSIC INFORMATION

Honors Level Requirements for Band/Jazz/String Ensemble & Symphony Orchestra Classes: 

Students in the above classes may elect to receive Honors Level Credit. The requirements for Honors Credit are listed below:

Students are expected to participate in approved functions of the school, town, and state. In addition to all rehearsals, concerts, and functions, students must complete the following:

Audition for RIMEA All-State (Fall) and perform at the RIMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival (Spring)

Submit one concert review paper per semester

Participate in one extra-curricular performance, playing or singing one per part (to be approved/assigned by the instructor).

All requests for enrollment in this course and the earning of Honors/weighted credit must be submitted and completed by the September deadline as outlined yearly in the South Kingstown High School Music Department Handbook.   

Theater Arts

This is an introductory course covering the technical aspects of theater such as set design and construction, lighting, sound, stage management, makeup and special effects.  Students may be required to be involved with production work outside of the class through the drama club or other theater class productions.     

This course includes training in body and voice communication, creativity, improvisation and dramatic tradition. This is a project based class where we explore aspects of theater through different types of games and exercises that culminate in in-class performances (you will not perform outside of class). Students will be creating, performing, analyzing, and critiquing dramatic performances to develop a deeper understanding of musical and dramatic theater.  

Singing ability or experience is NOT a requirement of this course.  

This course explores and further develops musical and theatrical skills learned in Drama/Musical Theater 1. Students will focus on a variety of acting methods, scene and character study, and Musical Theatre techniques. Students will learn how to audition along with creating, performing, analyzing, and critiquing dramatic performances to further develop an understanding of musical and dramatic theater.  

Singing ability or experience is NOT a requirement of this course.

Prerequisite: C or better in Drama 1

This course explores and further develops theatrical skills learned in Drama/Musical Theater 1 and 2. Students will study advanced acting methods through scene and character study. There will be an emphasis on auditioning technique, working with accents and developing your speaking and singing voice.  Students will be expected to perform in a classroom and/or public setting.

Prerequisite: C or better in Drama/Musical Theater 2

Applied Arts

Students will be introduced to safe and effective use of basic carpentry/woodworking hand tools, portable power tools, and machinery. They will be exposed to the basic characteristics and grading of wood, basic math, calculating square and board feet of lumber, and how to draw and use simple plans to create desired projects. These plans will include materials needed, pricing, and a list of steps needed to complete the design. One or more basic high-quality wooden projects will be completed for the students to take home. Proper safety techniques, quizzes, plans, material and price lists, and daily timesheet logs, along with the completed project, will be evaluated for course grade. 

Along with proper safety techniques, daily work will include the planning and constructing of cabinet-oriented projects in conjunction with some modern cabinet shop practices.  Students will work both individually and in groups.  The class will be shown the availability of employment in this field and also in the area of heavy construction.  Proper safety techniques, quizzes, plans, material and price lists, and daily time sheet logs, along with the completed project, will be evaluated for course grade.  

Prerequisite:  Carpentry 1 

CTE Course 

Building on the basic skills learned in Carpentry 1 and 2, students will learn more advanced woodworking/carpentry techniques and methods. Techniques may include turned lathe work, wood bending, lamination, fine joinery, etc.  Students will select, plan and construct their own projects. Excellence of design and high quality craftsmanship will be emphasized. Proper safety techniques, quizzes, plans, material and price lists, and daily time sheet logs, along with the completed project, will be evaluated for course grade. 

Prerequisite:  Carpentry 2 

CTE Course 

Building on the basic skills learned in Carpentry 1, 2, and 3, students begin hands-on learning of residential construction techniques. In Carpentry 4, students will learn about site preparation, excavation, and foundation work; and will practice actual framing and sheathing of decks, walls, and roofs. Proper safety techniques, quizzes, plans, material and price lists, and daily timesheet logs, along with the completed project, will be evaluated for course grade. This course meets the Mathematics Common Core State Standards (CCSS) to be considered a .5 credit in Mathematics.   

Prerequisite: Carpentry/Construction 3 

CTE Course 

Building on the basic skills learned in previous Carpentry classes, students will continue hands-on learning of residential construction techniques. In Carpentry 5, students will learn about electrical and plumbing utilities, and also about window and door installation. Proper safety techniques, quizzes, plans, material and price lists, and daily timesheet logs, along with the completed project, will be evaluated for course grade. 

Prerequisite: Carpentry/Construction 4

CTE Course 

Building on the skills learned in previous Carpentry classes, students will continue hands-on learning of residential construction techniques. In Carpentry 6, students will learn about insulation, interior wall and ceiling construction, flooring installation and finish carpentry. Additionally, students will attain their OSHA 10 Safety Certification Proper safety techniques, quizzes, plans, material and price lists, and daily time sheet logs, along with the completed project, will be evaluated for course grade. 

Prerequisite: Carpentry/Construction 5

CTE Course