FINE ARTS CURRICULUM

Art Basics is a structured course that includes the study of the visual elements and principles of design through the use of two-dimensional and three-dimensional media. Careers in the field of art will be investigated. Students will gain an appreciation of art, art heritage, and art criticism as a part of their study. A weekly sketchbook is required.

Two-Dimensional Design is an introduction to the application of design in two-dimensional media. The course may include areas such as computer art, commercial and graphic design, printmaking, photography and mixed media. Art appreciation, art heritage, and art criticism are integrated throughout the course. A sketchbook is required.

Advanced Two-Dimensional Design is a comprehensive study of design in two-dimensional media. Art appreciation, art heritage, and art criticism are integrated throughout the course. A sketchbook is required.

Art/AP Art Studio, Two-Dimensional Design Portfolio consists of three sections:

Works from each section of the portfolio are in some way related to art history, criticism, and/or art heritage.

Drawing and Painting is a study of composition in drawing and painting which will include a variety of media. Some media included are charcoal, conte, colored pencils, pastels, acrylic paint, and watercolor. This course will include art appreciation, art heritage, and art criticism. A sketchbook is required.

Advanced Drawing and Painting is an in-depth inquiry into the production of art through mastering techniques and skills in drawing and painting. This course will include art appreciation, art heritage, and art criticism. A sketchbook is required.

Art/AP Art Studio, Drawing Portfolio consists of three sections:

Works from each section of the portfolio are in some way related to art history, criticism, and/or art heritage.

Three-Dimensional Design is an exploration of art through sculpture, pottery, papermaking, and fiber arts. A design portfolio is required. This course will include art appreciation, art heritage, and art criticism.

Advanced Three-Dimensional Design is designed to develop a broader knowledge and skill in three-dimensional problem solving. A design portfolio is required. This course will include art appreciation, art heritage, and art criticism.

Art/AP Art Studio, Three-Dimensional Design is intended to address a broad interpretation of sculptural issues in depth and space. Art/AP Art Studio, Three-Dimensional Design consists of three sections:

Works from each section of the portfolio are in some way related to art history, criticism, and/or art heritage.

Drama 1 introduces students to the total theater and covers a wide variety of topics, including: theatre history, pantomime, mime, improvisation, costuming, make-up, stagecraft, lighting, and acting. Although performance is important in this class, the emphasis is placed upon the learning process of drama. Drama 1 is recommended for students who are disciplined and have a genuine interest in the theater.

Drama 2 will be an extension of Drama 1. The emphasis is on both analysis and actor training. Drama 2 is designed for serious theater students, requiring discipline and careful preparation. Process and performance will be the focus of this class. Students should be prepared to read and analyze many different styles of plays, as well as acting techniques. Directing techniques will be introduced during this course.

Drama 3 is a sequel to Drama 2; however, the emphasis in Drama 3 will shift from performance to production. Although students will perform, they will assume other responsibilities such as student directing.

Drama 4/Acting and Directing is geared toward serious students who want to explore their full range of acting talents. Students will study several different acting techniques including the Stanislavski method, Lee Strasberg, James-Lange theory and others. Three monologues, duet scenes, and short group scenes in different styles will be required. Stage movement, voice, projection, dialects, and stage combat will be studied and practiced. Students will also learn the fundamentals of directing and will be required to direct several of the one- and two-person scenes performed by classmates.

Freshman Singers is designed for ninth-grade students who have had at least two years of choral/general music. Students should be able to follow a musical score with some proficiency. Fundamentals of music, proper singing, and basic repertoire will be studied.

Chorus 1/Beginning Chorus is designed for students in grades 9-12 interested in learning the requirements for good singing and musicianship. This includes singing, listening to great music, discussing music literature, and learning how to read music. The fundamentals of music - notation, symbols, harmony, and writing - are stressed daily.

Advanced Chorus 1 is designed for the exceptionally musical student who can demonstrate proficiency in music reading, theory, history, and creativity. Students will also identify and write examples of melodic and harmonic sight singing, and advanced melodic and harmonic dictation. Choral literature will be selected from collegiate repertoire. Students must be highly motivated to dedicate time outside of school for performances that include SC All-state auditions, State Choral Festival, seasonal concerts, and performances. Purchase of an outfit is required.

Advanced Chorus 2 is a continuation of Advanced Chorus 1.

Advanced Chorus 3 is a continuation of Advanced Chorus 2.

Advanced Chorus 4 is a continuation of Advanced Chorus 3.

Advanced Chorus 5 is a continuation of Advanced Chorus 4.

Advanced Chorus 6 is a continuation of Advanced Chorus 5.

Advanced Chorus 7 is a continuation of Advanced Chorus 6.

Advanced Chorus 8 is a continuation of Advanced Chorus 7.

Mixed Chorus is designed for students in grades 9–12 who are interested in learning the correct methods and strategies for musicianship and proper singing. Students will learn to read voice parts, incorporate proper singing techniques and learn basic music theory including melodic and harmonic dictation. Performances, concerts, and state festivals are scheduled throughout the year. Purchase of an outfit is required.

Concert Choir is for students in grades 10-12. Students will study music theory, vocal technique, sight singing, and music appreciation. Members of this choir should be auditioned by the choral director. They will perform and are expected to have a uniform.

The primary goals of Beginning Band are to develop skills, knowledge, and techniques in music at a beginner level. The director will aid every student in finding the appropriate band instrument. Basic skills, theory, and instruction will be experienced in this class.

(2 or 3 years of band)

The Concert Band is open to any student in grades 9-12 who has successfully completed the requirements of his/her middle school band program. The primary goal of Intermediate Concert Band will be to further advance the technical skills, knowledge, and performance techniques learned at the middle school level so that the student will be proficient enough to later qualify to perform in the Advance Symphonic Band. Students will be involved in various stage performances including a spring concert and other public events. Students who register for this course agree to attend rehearsal and performance activities deemed necessary by the director. This course will be taught during spring semester.

Marching Band 1 is open to any student in grades 9-12 who meets the performance proficiency requirements. The primary goal of Marching Band 1 will be to develop skills, knowledge, and techniques in musical performance, both individually and as a group. This course involves the coordination of musical skills with physical movement. Performance and entertainment will be emphasized. This band will represent the school at selected athletic events, band festivals, parades and contests. Students are required to participate in these activities. This course is taught during the fall semester. Rehearsals begin in early August. Practices will be held after school hours. Students must be highly self-motivated and willing to dedicate time after school and on weekends to rehearse and participate in competitive activities. Purchase of uniform accessories is required. Performances and rehearsals will be used to factor grades.

Marching Band 2 is a continuation of Marching Band 1. This course is taught during the fall semester. Rehearsals begin in early August. Practices will be held after school hours. Performances and rehearsals will be used to factor grades.

Marching Band 3 is a continuation of Marching Band 2. This course is taught during the fall semester. Rehearsals begin in early August. Practices will be held after school hours. Performances and rehearsals will be used to factor grades.

Marching Band 4 is a continuation of Marching Band 3. This course is taught during the fall semester. Rehearsals begin in early August. Practices will be held after school hours. Performances and rehearsals will be used to factor grades.

The Marching Band Color Guard is a performance unit of the marching band and is open to any girl in grades 9-12 who meets the requirements for membership. Girls interested in becoming a member of the Color Guard must attend a two-week training session during the last two weeks of April. The sessions will be conducted after school and are designed to teach the basic fundamentals of marching and maneuvering with flags and other guard equipment. Participants in the training session will tryout for the guard at a designated time at the end of the two-week training session. At that time, the girls who demonstrate the best performance abilities will be selected to become members of the Color Guard. The members of the guard are required to participate in all rehearsals and performances of the Marching Band. The color guard as part of the marching band will represent the school at selected athletic events, band festivals, parades, and contests. Students are required to participate in these activities. This course is taught during the fall semester. Rehearsals begin in early August. Practices will be held after school hours. Performances and rehearsals will be used to factor grades.

Advanced Symphonic Band 1 is open to any student in grades 9-12 who meets the performance proficiency requirements. The primary goal of Advanced Symphonic Band 1 will be to develop skills, knowledge, and techniques in musical performances on stage at a variety of public and school events. In this course, technical skills are developed more fully with emphasis on styles of music. Music literature will be studied for both reading and performing experience. Students who register for this course agree to attend rehearsals and activities deemed necessary by the director. The purchase of an outfit is required. This course will be taught during the spring semester.

Advanced Symphonic Band 2 is a continuation of Advanced Symphonic Band 1. This course will be taught during the spring semester.

Advanced Symphonic Band 3 is a continuation of Advanced Symphonic Band 2. This course will be taught during the spring semester.

Advanced Symphonic Band 4 is a continuation of Advanced Symphonic Band 3. This course will be taught during the spring semester.

Conducting is designed primarily to teach standard conducting patterns for beat meters. Students will conduct music in class from recordings and live music (players in the group). They will learn how to conduct music while maintaining steady and appropriate temp patterns, dynamic levels, and styles. Students must know how to read music and be familiar with standard instruments in a band or symphonic orchestra.

Advanced Band Non-Performance 1 students will study advanced instrument techniques and knowledge for woodwind, bass, or percussion instruments. This is the perfect course to transfer to another instrument provided the student already has the ability to read musical notes. (If not, students should sign up for Beginning Band.) Solo and ensemble techniques will be used to progress student needs. Performances with the advanced performance group are an option, if approved by the band director. No after school activities will be scheduled.

Advanced Band Non-Performance 2 is a continuation of Advanced Band Non-Performance 1.

Advanced Band Non-Performance 3 is a continuation of Advanced Band Non-Performance 2.

Advanced Band Non-Performance 4 is a continuation of Advanced Band Non-Performance 3.

Music Theory/AP will cover topics that would normally comprise a Freshman Music Theory course in college. The course is intended to serve both as an introductory course for advanced music students (choral or instrumental) as well as a service course for students who are college bound and are seriously interested in the study of music. Topics include basic notation, harmony, styles, and ear training. This class is designed for students with a musical background who want to further their musical studies. These students will learn how music is structured and will compose music of their own.

The Advanced Placement Examination is a requirement of this course.

Pep Band 1 is open to any student in grades 9-12. The primary goal of the Pep Band will be to develop skills, knowledge, and techniques in musical performance, both individually and as a group. This course involves the coordination of musical skills with physical movement. Multiple performances and entertainment will be emphasized. This band will represent the school at selected athletic events and parades. Students are required to participate in these activities. This course is taught during the fall semester. Rehearsals will occur during class and after school on designated days. Performances and rehearsals will be used to factor grades.