Fine Arts
Fine Arts Course Descriptions
Art I- 1 year elective
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This is an entry-level course that requires no prior knowledge or art experience. The student will learn the elements and principles of design, basic drawing and shading, and painting techniques. Students will become familiar with common artist’s tools and equipment. Students will work with a variety of media such as tempera paint, oil pastels, colored pencils, and watercolors.
Art II- 1 year elective
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12, Prerequisite: Art I
In this course, students develop their creative and critical problem-solving abilities. The class will begin with a review of drawing skills. From there, painting techniques are explored. Basic printmaking and an introduction to hand- building with clay are also included. An understanding of the principles of art as applied to various techniques, materials, and styles will be developed.
Advanced Chorus
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course is a performance-based class for students who wish to continue participation in a vocal ensemble. Basic knowledge of music reading and theory is required and the student must have taken Beginning Choir or taken Choir the previous year at the high school or junior high level or has auditioned.
Fine Arts Survey- 1 year elective
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
A non-performance-based course for students to develop an understanding of Fine Arts and its history.
Beginning Choir- 1 year elective
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Designed for those students who have a desire to read music and sing in a choral setting. It is also designed as a preparation for those students desiring future admittance into other choirs. Rehearsals and performances outside of school hours are required.
Intermediate/Advanced Choir- 1 semester elective
Grades 10, 11, 12
Auditions are required for this course where students read a vocal part while singing harmony in choral music. Beginning Choir is a pre-requisite for the course unless approved by instructor. Rehearsals and performances outside of school hours are required.
Band- 1 semester elective
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Auditions are not required for this basic course designed for those students who desire to read music and play a band instrument in a full band setting. This class is designed as a preparation for those students desiring future admittance into other bands. Rehearsals and performances outside of school hours are required.
Band- 2 semester elective
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Auditions are required for this course where students read music and perform with both the marching and concert band. This group performs often and in many musical settings. Rehearsals and performances outside of school hours are required.
Band- 3 semester elective
Grades 10, 11, 12
Auditions are required for this course where students read music and perform with both the marching and concert band. This group performs often and in many musical settings. Rehearsals and performances outside of school hours are required.
Band- 4 semester elective
Grades 10, 11, 12
Auditions are required for this course where students read music and perform with both the marching and concert band. This group performs often and in many musical settings. Rehearsals and performances outside of school hours are required.
JAZZ/ROCK & POP ENSEMBLE I
JAZZ/ROCK & POP ENSEMBLE II
JAZZ/ROCK & POP ENSEMBLE III
JAZZ/ROCK & POP ENSEMBLE IV
Grades 9-12
This is a course for students wishing to learn how to play music on modern instruments such as guitar, bass guitar, drum kit, keyboard or pop vocals. Students may join with or without experience; no audition is required to join the course.
Piano I- 1 year elective
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
This course is a fundamental, beginning piano class, geared toward students with little or no prior piano instruction. Students’ progress through daily practice and class activities, perform in ensembles and prepare for written, as well as performance exams. Students are required to purchase a book, but do not need to own a piano/keyboard.
Piano II- 1 year elective
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12, Prerequisite: Studio Piano I
This course is a continuation of the prerequisite Piano I course, focusing on developing a deeper understanding of piano technique and harmony. Daily practice, weekly performances, and larger projects are a part of this course. Students are required to purchase a Piano workbook but owning a piano is not necessary.
DANCE I
Grades 9-12
The course is an introductory course to numerous dance styles and performance opportunities. Students will learn different styles of dance through technique and choreography, as well as an introduction to the choreographic process. Dance critique, dance history, and cultural dance are also explored through a look at choreographic works of the past and present. Several performances are required throughout the year.
DANCE II
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Dance I or Screening Required The course builds upon the first year of study and progresses into more advanced technique. Dance critique, dance history, cultural dance, choreography, and performance continue to be examined on a more advanced level. Music editing is also introduced. Several performances are required throughout the year.
DANCE III
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Dance II The course builds upon the second year of study and progresses into more advanced technique. Dance critique, dance history, cultural dance, music editing, choreography, and performance continue to be examined on a more advanced level. Several performances are required throughout the year.
DANCE IV
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Dance I, II and III Advanced Dance explores a variety of dance styles and techniques. The course covers an advanced study of intensive technique, performance, dance critique, music editing, and choreography. Students will perform and choreograph multiple dance pieces for the end-of-year concert. In addition, a primary focus of this class is teaching, planning, and assessing dance as the students explore the roles of dance instructor and choreographer. Several performances are required throughout the year.
Talented Art I, II, III, & IV - 1 year electives
Talented Music I, II, III, & IV - 1 year electives
Talented Theater I, II, III, & IV - 1 year electives
Talented classes require a current IEP identifying the student as “talented” according to state criteria.