Arts Education Course Descriptions

ARTS EDUCATION

The NC Arts Education Essential Standards reflect four levels of proficiency for high school courses for credit. The Beginning and Intermediate levels build the foundation for student success in continuing coursework at the Proficient and Advanced levels. Students who take coursework at the Proficient or Advanced levels are applying their skills and understanding in increasingly sophisticated, complex, and challenging ways. Courses using the Proficient and Advanced standards are written at the highest achievement levels and require inherently advanced coursework. These courses are only available for weighted (honors) credit. Specialized courses may be offered at each proficiency level in each arts education discipline (music, theatre arts, and visual arts). 

**Courses will be offered depending upon sufficient enrollment and instructor availability. Auditions may be required as a prerequisite for proper placement.  Students may be scheduled for specific courses based upon auditions and instructor recommendation.

MUSIC EDUCATION

Music Theory I

Music Theory is a standard level course open to students who have prior vocal or instrumental experience in high school. This course is a survey of musical form, structure, notation, sight singing, and development as applied to practice in contemporary American music. Historical contributions of various cultures and geographic influences are important elements of this course. Student application is demonstrated through melodic and harmonic analysis. Performance evaluation is determined by written and performed example of musical techniques.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard

Music Theory II

Music Theory II builds on the basics taught in Music Theory I. It continues with harmonic analysis, composition, part writing and orchestration, and arranging. Advanced theoretical topics are covered with practical application to performance.

CREDIT: 1     TYPE: Honors PREREQUISITE: Music Theory I

AP Music Theory

This course is designed to focus on the fundamentals and foundations of music integrating advanced materials and skills. The study of diatonic harmony, musical styles and music listening skills will be emphasized with performance and practical applications as a primary goal. This course will also enhance and encourage students' understanding of musical applications and terms with a specific emphasis on the theory of music. Students will be expected to be able to use critical thinking skills and to develop critical listening skills.

CREDIT: 1           TYPE: Advanced Placement PREREQUISITE: Music Theory II recommended

Music Appreciation 

This course is based on the history of music from the pre-baroque era to present day. Students will be able to explore a wide variety of music, and they will be introduced to many different musical ideas. This course is geared towards those who are interested in the historical aspects of music, rather than leaning music theory or taking an instrumental class.

CREDIT: 1             TYPE: Standard

MUSIC EDUCATION-BAND

Band classes will be taught at Beginning, Intermediate, Proficient, and Advanced levels. Within these levels, specific courses may be offered based upon sufficient enrollment and instructor availability.

Introduction to Band

This course is designed for students with little or no experience in the concert band setting, but wish to become involved with the instrumental program at the high school. Students will learn the necessary instrumental methods in line with the North Carolina Essential Standards in Music on a beginning concert band instrument to study technical, musical and literacy skills in the world of performing arts. Skills such as sight reading, instrumental performance, listening skills, music theory and basic abilities in playing will be acquired. Students will put on a concert at the end of the semester to celebrate the skills learned during the duration of the course. Only traditional concert band instruments will be offered in the families of woodwinds, brass and percussion. No guitar, keyboard or “rock” instrumentation will be offered.  A fee for instrument rental may be required.

CREDIT: 1        TYPE: Standard

Marching Band

This class is REQUIRED for all members of the Marching Band. This includes all members of the horn line, drum line, color guard and drum majors. Emphasis will be placed on proper marching and performance techniques with class time spent on learning and rehearsing the drills and music needed.

CREDIT: 1      TYPE: Standard

Concert Band

This course is for students who have previous band experience but do not wish to take Marching Band. It is designed to develop each student’s technique so that they will be prepared to play in more advanced bands in the future.

CREDIT: 1       TYPE: Standard

Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble is an instrumental course designed to study and perform styles of music native to American and Latin American popular music. Previous musical experience including music reading and ensemble participation is required for wind instruments and the rhythm section which includes electric or upright bass, piano and guitar. Electric bass and guitar players need to be able to read chord figures and written music without tabs. This a performance-based class with performances during and after school. Students enrolled in Jazz Band should expect to attend mandatory performances and occasional rehearsals on evenings and/or weekends.

CREDIT: 1            TYPE: Standard

Stage Band

This course includes the study and performance of music from the jazz and pop idiom on a more advanced level. This course may be taken for two semesters during the year.

CREDIT: 1          TYPE: Standard

Wind Ensemble

This class will be composed of a select group of musicians. The music performed is on an advanced level (band grades IV, V, and VI).

CREDIT: 1           TYPE: Standard

MUSIC EDUCATION-ORCHESTRA

Orchestra Beginning

This course is an entry level-performing ensemble for the high school orchestra program. It offers a continuation of instrumental skills, individual musical development, musicianship, and performance techniques learned in the middle school orchestra program. Instrumental literature at levels I-IV that include changes in tempi, keys, and meters and represent diverse genres, styles, cultures and historical periods. Students develop skills in improvising, composing and arranging music as well as listening to, analyzing, and evaluating musical experiences. All scheduled activities are required including concerts, assemblies, festivals/contests, school-sponsored events, and community activities during the school day, evening or weekend.

CREDIT: 1        TYPE: Standard

Orchestra Intermediate

This course offers refinement of orchestral and musical skills for high school strings students who have developed and demonstrated appropriate instrumental practices and plays with increased technical accuracy and expression. Instruction on individual and group technique is offered for the violin, viola, cello, and string bass. This is a performance-oriented class with emphasis on music at levels II-IV that includes moderate technical demands, expanded ranges, and varied interpretive requirements. Students study and perform music of varied styles, cultures, and historical periods. Students develop skills in improvising, composing, and arranging music as well as listening to, analyzing and evaluating musical experiences. Attendance at scheduled daytime, evening, and weekend rehearsals, concerts and events is required.

CREDIT: 1              TYPE: Standard PREREQUISITE: Orchestra Beginning or instructor recommendation

Orchestra Proficient Honors

This course further develops the performance skills of the orchestra student as an individual player and as a member of an ensemble. Orchestra Proficient is an intermediate to advanced performance-oriented class with emphasis on music at levels III-V requiring well-developed technical skills, attention to phrasing and interpretation and the ability to perform various meters and rhythms in a variety of keys. Students play with increased technical accuracy and expression and refine sight-reading and ear-training skills. An understanding of instrumental literature in relationship to history, culture, and other content areas is gained by studying and playing literature representing diverse genres, styles, and cultures. Activities may include daytime, evening and weekend participation. All scheduled activities are required.

CREDIT: 1         TYPE: Honors PREREQUISITE: Orchestra Intermediate or instructor recommendation

Orchestra Advanced Honors

This course is an advanced performing ensemble for highly skilled and motivated high school orchestra students. This ensemble class will play difficult instrumental literature, which requires advanced technical and interpretive skill, the ability to perform in various meters, keys, unusual meters, complex rhythms, and subtle dynamic requirements. Refinement of orchestral techniques, instrumental pedagogy, music theory, music history, improvisation, composition, analysis and evaluation of musical experiences and ensemble skills are included in this class. Activities may include daytime, evening and weekend participation. All scheduled activities are required.

CREDIT: 1             TYPE: Honors PREREQUISITE: Orchestra Proficient or instructor recommendation

MUSIC EDUCATION-VOCAL MUSIC

Vocal Music Beginning

This course is open to all students interested in singing and musical performance. The course provides students with opportunities and to sing vocal literature which may include changes in tempi, keys, and meters and represent diverse genres, styles, historical periods, and cultures. The fundamentals of music, sight singing, vocal techniques, ensemble and performance techniques are included. Improvising, composing and arranging music and listening to, analyzing, and evaluating musical experiences are also features of the content of this course. Activities are required and may include evening and weekend performances. All concert rules apply.

CREDIT: 1         TYPE: Standard

Vocal Music Intermediate

This course is a continuation of the skills learned in Vocal Music Beginning and features music at Level III-IV, which includes moderate technical demands, expanded ranges, and varied interpretive requirements. Students should be able to sight-read and have a general understanding of music theory and notation. Music of various styles, cultures, and historical periods are included in the repertoire of choral literature studied and performed. Performance is an important component of this course and may include evening and weekend concerts. All scheduled performances are required and may include evening and weekend participation. All concert rules apply.

CREDIT: 1     TYPE: Standard PREREQUISITE: Vocal Music Beginning or instructor recommendation

Vocal Music Proficient Honors

This course offers a performing ensemble for students displaying an intermediate to advanced level of vocal practices and a refined use of the voice as an instrument. Students refine their sight-reading and ear-training skills while building their knowledge of music theory and notation. Students study and perform moderately difficult music literature at levels IV -V that requires well-developed technical skills, attention to phrasing and interpretation, and the ability to perform various meters and rhythms in a variety of keys. Students develop an understanding of vocal literature in relationship to varied styles, history, cultures, and other content areas. Learning activities that build skills in improvising, composing, and arranging music are highlighted. Students also listen to, analyze, and evaluate musical performances.  Performance is an important and required component of this course and may include evening and weekend participation.  All concert rules apply.  

CREDIT:  1   TYPE:  Honors PREREQUISITE:  Vocal Music Intermediate or instructor recommendation.

Vocal Music Advanced Honors

This course offers an advanced level vocal performance ensemble for students demonstrating advanced vocal practices and refined use of the voice as an instrument. Students develop an advanced ability to read vocal music and knowledge of music theory and notation. Students perform advanced choral literature at levels V-VI that requires advanced technical and interpretive skills, the ability to perform in various meters, keys, unusual meters, complex rhythms, and subtle dynamic requirements found in music of varied styles, cultures, and historical periods. Performance is an important and required component of this course and may require evening and weekend participation. All concert rules apply.

CREDIT: 1       TYPE:  Honors PREREQUISITE: Vocal Music Proficient or instructor recommendation

THEATRE ARTS EDUCATION

Theatre Arts Beginning

This course is designed for the student who is interested in drama and stage work, both in performance and behind the scenes. Instruction will be given in speech production, play design, theatre history and the principles of stage craft. Students will participate in monologue, scene performance and self-directed work. Students will be involved in a public performance. After school involvement is required. 

CREDIT:     1    TYPE: Standard

Theatre Arts Intermediate

Theatre Arts Intermediate builds on the material from Theatre Arts Beginning. Students will receive more in-depth lectures on theatre history while building their skills in character development, theatre interactions, play design and stage craft. Students will be involved in a public performance. After school involvement is required.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard PREREQUISITE: Theatre Arts Beginning or instructor recommendation

Theatre Arts Proficient Honors

Emphasis in this class is placed on developing leadership roles in a variety of theatre activities. Students will develop their skills to an advanced level in all facets of the theatre. Students will be involved in a public performance. After school involvement is required.

CREDIT: 1   TYPE: Honors PREREQUISITE: Theatre Arts Intermediate or instructor recommendation

Theatre Arts Advanced Honors

Emphasis in this class is placed on preparation for professional or collegiate work. Students will have an opportunity to explore independently the facets of drama that most interest them. Students will be involved in a public performance. After school involvement is required.

CREDIT:  1    TYPE: Honors PREREQUISITE: Theatre Arts Proficient or instructor recommendation

Theatre Arts Specialization Technical Theatre I 

In this course, students will learn about the technical aspects of theatre work including lighting and sound plots, set design and construction, costuming, house and theatre management and play production. Activities will include a variety of hands on experience as well as extra “lab” hours. Students will be involved in a public performance. After school involvement is required.

CREDIT:   1     TYPE: Standard PREREQUISITE: Theatre Arts Beginning or instructor recommendation

Theatre Arts Specialization Technical Theatre II 

In this course, students will study the technical aspects of theatre work and build upon their learning from Technical Theatre I. This course is designed for those students who have successfully accomplished High School Technical Theatre I. This expanded learning will include further understanding of lighting and sound plots, set design and construction, costuming, house and theatre management and play production. Students will explore advancements in the field of technical theatre and create original technical theatre ideas and works, independently and collaboratively. Activities will include a variety of hands on experience as well as extra “lab” hours including public performance. After school involvement is also required.

CREDIT:   1     TYPE: Standard PREREQUISITE: Theatre Arts Technical Theatre I 

VISUAL ARTS EDUCATION

Visual Arts Beginning

This course is the foundation of visual arts study. It is an introduction to the creation of visual art through drawing, painting, sculpture, and art history. Emphasis is on the development of visual art techniques and skill, incorporating the study and use of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Students will explore and learn the context of art in our world and will begin to develop methods to critique artwork. Students will create and develop personal sketchbooks as they explore techniques to build skill with pencil, clay, tempera paint, chalk pastel, watercolor paint, fiber arts and perspective drawing.

CREDIT:    1     TYPE: Standard

Visual Arts Intermediate

Skills are further developed and enhanced through the application of technique and process with chalk pastel, scratch art, oil pastel, copper foil embossing, clay tempera paint, paper cutting, watercolor paint, marker and collage. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and the development of problem-solving skills, as well as the role of history in the development of visual arts. Students will begin to take a more personal approach to their art, as well as more in-depth critique and evaluation of their own artwork and the artwork of others. Students will continue their exploration of technique and development of skill in their sketchbooks as they prepare for their final projects with each medium.

CREDIT:   1     TYPE:   Standard PREREQUISITE: Visual Arts Beginning or instructor recommendation

Visual Arts Proficient Honors

This advanced studio course offers continued exploration and skill building with an emphasis on refining technical skills and the exploration of personal style and individual creativity. Students will study and consider post high school options or application of their visual art interests, both academically and vocationally. Diversity of subject matter and media is encouraged. The processes of critiquing and evaluating works of art, examining art in historical and cultural contexts will be conducted and maintaining an artistic journal is required. Students will be required to create a digital portfolio of their work and exhibit a piece of their artwork at the Art Honors Night Exhibit at the end of the semester.

CREDIT: 1    TYPE: Honors PREREQUISITE:  Visual Arts Intermediate or instructor recommendation

Visual Arts Advanced Honors

This course focuses on the development of the artist’s personal voice and aesthetic in creating art. The advanced student must be self-directed and actively take ownership of their portfolio. During the first quarter, students will explore a wide range of techniques, media and processes while engaging in personal and peer critiques which may be formal or informal, oral and written. During the second nine weeks, students may be required to create a series of their work demonstrating their proficiency in media of their choice. An emphasis on exploring the artist’s personal voice, craftsmanship, mastery of medium and examining conceptual concepts is expected. Reflection, journaling, creating a digital portfolio and a final artist’s statement may be required. The student will participate in showing their final work at the Art Honors Night student exhibit. This class will give the self-motivated art student the opportunity to experiment, explore and expand their knowledge and ability. This class will challenge the student’s creative potential, as well as provide a supportive environment for the pursuit of further opportunities in art.

CREDIT:  1 TYPE: Honors PREREQUISITE: Visual Arts Proficient or instructor recommendation

Drawing and Painting I

This course will develop students’ technical and compositional skills by using a wide range of drawing and painting media that may include, but are not limited to graphite pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, India ink, chalk pastel, oil pastel, marker, watercolor, tempera, and acrylic. The emphasis of the class will be both drawing from observation and composition studies, as well as developing their technical skill with a variety of media. Students will explore a variety of traditional and non-traditional subject matter such as still life, landscape, and portraits, including personal ideas, taste and styles. Students will develop skills to creatively solve design problems while communicating personal expressions in each artwork they create. Students will develop their compositional understanding by applying the Elements of Art and Principles of Design to their sketches, drawings and paintings. A variety of artists will be studied as students discover how they are relevant in art history and to their own artwork.

CREDIT:   1   TYPE: Standard               PREREQUISITE: Visual Arts Beginning

Drawing and Painting II

This studio art course continues the development and further refinement of skills necessary for sketching, drawing, and painting, with an emphasis on creative expression and more advanced critical thinking and problem solving. Students will continue to develop their compositional understanding of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, while striving to communicate personal expression. A variety of artists and visual art time periods will be studied, as well the incorporation of both traditional and non-traditional subject matter, as students continue to discover how they are relevant in both art history and to the development of their own unique style. Media for this course may include, but is not limited to pencil, ink, charcoal, chalk pastel, marker, tempera paint, watercolor paint, oil pastel, colored pencil, acrylic and mixed media.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard        PREREQUISITE: Drawing and Painting I

Graphic Design 

This course is for the advanced art student interested in understanding the purpose of graphic design, becoming familiar with the job of the graphic designer and learning the design procedures. This course will present graphic design basics through hands-on assignments to teach the fundamental processes, tools, concepts, and techniques. Projects will develop hand skills as well as critical and visual thinking skills. Projects will include: typography assignments, advertisement design, billboard design, business card, letterhead and logo design, package design, magazine cover design, and poster making.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard        PREREQUISITE: Visual Arts Beginning or instructor recommendation

Visual Arts Ceramics Beginning

This course will include hand-building techniques, wheel techniques, coil methods, firing techniques and glazing techniques. Additionally, there will be a focus on the historical and economical influences of this art form.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard        PREREQUISITE: Visual Arts Beginning or instructor recommendation

Visual Arts Ceramics Intermediate

This course will include advanced techniques in hand-building, wheel techniques and coil methods. Advanced firing and glazing techniques will be studied and applied. Students will focus on the history of the art form and its economical influences. This art form will be studied in-depth so it could become one’s avocation or vocation.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Standard.       PREREQUISITE: Visual Arts Ceramics Beginning or instructor recommendation

Visual Arts Ceramics Proficient Honors

Advanced wheel and hand building techniques will be introduced as well as glazing techniques and kiln operation. Students will continue to refine their previous skills and identify areas in ceramics in which their strengths lie. Students will explore more in- depth pottery as a career and the economical influences of this art form. A student portfolio of their work will be developed during this semester. Students will also plan a display of their wares for the end of the course.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Honors.           PREREQUISITE: Visual Arts Ceramics Intermediate or instructor recommendation

Visual Arts Ceramics Advanced Honors

Students will continue to refine skills and identify their strengths in ceramics. A student portfolio will be developed. Students will prepare a display for their work for the end of the course.

Credit: 1 Type: Honors.                PREREQUISITE: Visual Arts Ceramics Proficient or instructor recommendation

AP Art History

This course involves critical thinking and is designed to develop an understanding and knowledge of diverse historical and cultural contexts of architecture, sculpture, painting and other media. Students examine and critically analyze major forms of art expression from the past and the present from a variety of cultures. While visual analysis is a fundamental tool of the art historian, art history emphasizes understanding how and why works of art function in context, considering such issues as patronage, gender and the functions and effects of the works of art. This course may be offered depending upon sufficient enrollment and instructor availability.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Advanced Placement

AP Studio 2D Design

This is a portfolio based class for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of 2D art. Students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. The portfolios are reviewed by using rigorous standards developed by the College Board program and are reviewed by college, university and secondary art instructors. This course may be offered depending upon sufficient enrollment and instructor availability.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Advanced Placement