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. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1 or Mixed Media.

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. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1 or Mixed Media.

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 course will focus on the mastery of art techniques and self-expression.  Drawings and paintings will be created in areas of still life, figure, portrait, landscape, and fantasy.  Students will learn how to properly assemble a portfolio and prepare one for college and career applications.  Students will be expected to work on artwork outside of regular class time. 

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.

This course receives Honors weight in the calculation of GPA.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 3: Drawing

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

Note: This course will be offered on alternating years. See chart at top of page.

This course is for students looking to learn guitar and guitarists who wish to improve their playing skills. Classwork is focused on developing rhythm/lead/and bass guitar playing skills through daily performance, small group work and individual projects. Rhythm guitar unit focuses on first position chords and later, barre chords, power chords and selected advanced techniques as time and ability allow. Lead guitar unit is focused on reading melodies and learning to improvise while playing as a class “band” using pop, rock, folk and student-selected songs for study.  Students are encouraged to speak with the teacher for more information about the course.  

NOTE: A supply of school-owned guitars is available for daily use and at-home practice. In some cases, students may need to use personally-owned guitars or acoustic guitars.

Note: This course will be offered on alternating years. See chart at top of the page. 

This course is designed for students who wish to develop basic piano playing skills or expand on their existing skills While playing, students will work individually and in small groups to master the techniques of playing while building upon an understanding of notes, rhythm, harmony, and form, as well as developing a vocabulary of scales, chords, and musical keys. All students will have the opportunity to perform alone and with an ensemble. 

No previous musical experience is necessary.

Note: This course will be offered on alternating years. See chart at top of page. 

Studio Band rock workshop explores popular/rock music styles in performance on guitar, keyboard, bass, drums, percussion and vocals. Students learn basic skills in vocals and on rock band instruments using songs that they select that are matched to their skill level, and form small groups to develop skills and knowledge in music. Students will learn how to play, improvise and compose songs in a unique project-based learning setting. Performance opportunities will be available in and out of class during the semester. 

This course is open to all students who play and sing and wish to further develop their music skills by playing in a band setting with others. It is the natural extension of the work done in Guitar 1 and Keyboard 1.

Prerequisites: Guitar 1/Piano 1 or prior instructor approval

Note: This course will be offered on alternating years. See chart at top of the page.

This course is designed for students who wish to explore both  piano and guitar within contemporary/popular music genres. Students will learn to perform, arrange, and compose pieces that highlight the unique qualities of both instruments while incorporating elements from pop, rock, jazz, and folk music. Through collaborative projects, individual practice, and group performances, participants will enhance their skills, creativity, and understanding of contemporary music.

Concert Band provides the high school brass, woodwind or percussion musician the opportunity to play each day and develop technique and performance skills through daily practice, study of high-quality music, and multiple performance opportunities. Band students perform both outside and indoors throughout the year with a focus on music reading, individual and ensemble technique, listening and ensemble performance skills. Literature from several musical genres and periods may be studied in rehearsal and mature musicianship is encouraged through preparation for indoor and outdoor performances throughout the year. Students are expected to participate in approved school and town performances. THIS COURSE IS REQUIRED FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN PLAYING IN ORCHESTRA. 

As an essential element in the development of advanced individual musicianship and technical development, all students are required to participate in the Pep & Marching Bands (some students may be invited to perform on a secondary instrument that is more appropriate for the marching genre with the approval and additional assistance of the director). Additional rehearsals may be scheduled throughout the year as required and most performances take place outside of the regular school hours. This course may schedule additional sectionals intermittently throughout the year

String Ensemble is open to all violin, viola, cello and bass students in the SK Orchestra program.  The course focuses on music reading, individual and ensemble technique, listening and ensemble performance skills. We play classic and contemporary string trio/quartet, and string  orchestra music and perform at a variety of school concerts and events. Students are expected to participate in all school scheduled performances. 

THIS COURSE IS MANDATORY FOR ALL FIRST-YEAR STRING PLAYERS IN ORCHESTRA AND IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR SECOND YEAR. String Ensemble students are automatically part of the SKHS Symphony Orchestra and must attend at least 2 rehearsals prior to any scheduled performance.

Prerequisite: The ability to perform on string instruments above the beginning level is necessary and may require auditions for acceptance into the course.

This class meets after school 2 days per week. 

Symphony Orchestra provides the high school orchestral musician the opportunity to play and to develop their technique and performance skills through daily practice, study of high-quality music, and multiple performance opportunities. Experience is provided in instrumental ensemble performance, with intense training in music notation reading, advanced level technical development, listening and ensemble performance skills. Literature from several musical periods may be studied in rehearsal and mature musicianship is encouraged through preparation for performances throughout the year. Students are expected to participate in all scheduled performances. 

To maintain proper balance and instrumentation, percussion and wind players MAY be asked to audition for membership.   Incoming 9th grade string musicians must enroll in 11964 String Ensemble concurrently.  It is also strongly recommended that string musicians in grades 10-12 concurrently enroll in 11964.   Wind or percussion musicians must enroll in 11940 Concert Band.  

Prerequisite: Prior experience and enrollment in string ensemble class is required.

Experience is provided in jazz and band instrumental ensemble performance, with intense training in music notation reading, advanced level technical development, improvisation, and ensemble performance. Literature from various jazz and band idioms is studied in rehearsal, and mature musicianship is encouraged through preparation for public concerts. Students are expected to participate in approved functions of the school, town, and state. This course may schedule additional sectionals intermittently throughout the year. 

All jazz band members are expected to be enrolled in the SKHS Band Class or equivalent choral class.  Exceptions may be made depending on instrumentation. 

NOTE: Approval of the music director and/or auditions at the end of the prior school year will determine enrollment in the course.

This class meets Tuesday evenings (6-8pm) and after school Mon or Wed in sectionals.

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.

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