Fine Arts Education Course Descriptions

🎨 Arts Education Course Offerings

Vocal Music (Chorus)

Vocal Music/Beginning

Course Code: 52302X0B
Year Recommended: 9-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0

This introductory course is for students interested in singing. Students study the fundamental skills of music, sight-singing, proper vocal production, and vocal health. Choral music study involves listening, describing, and evaluating music. **Participation in performances is expected.**

Vocal Music/Intermediate

Course Code: 52312X0I
Year Recommended: 10-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0
Prerequisite: Audition is required OR participation in middle school chorus

This course includes students of varied vocal talents and abilities. Students should have a general understanding of music theory and notation, sight-reading, and a willingness to sing actively each day. Mixed Chorus performs a variety of music ranging from historical choral literature to the music of today. **Participation in performances is expected.**

Vocal Music Proficient/Honors

Course Code: 52325X0P
Year Recommended: 10-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0.5 (Honors Credit)
Prerequisite: Audition is required.

Students will study and perform a varied repertoire of advanced music. Music terminology, vocal technique, and music reading skills are performed at a proficient level. Honors level students (11th & 12th) will engage in more advanced music studies and are required to complete projects, attend auditions, and perform solos. (Check with your choral director as some require a two-semester commitment.)

Vocal Music Advanced/Honors

Course Code: 52335XOA
Year Recommended: 10-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0.5 (Honors Credit)
Prerequisite: Audition is required.

Students will study and perform a varied repertoire of advanced music. Music terminology, vocal technique, and music reading skills are performed at an advanced level. Honors level students will attend auditions, perform solos, compose music, and conduct a rehearsal.

Music Theory

AP Music Theory

Course Code: 5A017X0X
Year Recommended: 11-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0.5 (AP Credit)
Prerequisite: Advanced Chorus or Band

This course presents more advanced elements of melody, harmony, and its structure. Rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation are stressed. Basic and intermediate sight singing are drilled. Students will learn four-part writing based on figured bass and harmonization of melody. Students must read music (bass and treble clef). Though not required, keyboard skills will prove beneficial.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts (Beginning)

Course Code: 54152X0X
Year Recommended: 9-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0

This course is a basic introduction to the principles, materials, and history of art. It provides experiences in drawing, design, color, painting, graphics, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, crafts, and art appreciation.

Visual Arts (Intermediate)

Course Code: 54162X0X
Year Recommended: 9-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0

This course presents a variety of art media, emphasizing the extensive study of media and technical problems. Form drawing, composition, one- and two-point perspective as a basis for painting, sculpture, crafts, and the use of color theory will be addressed.

Visual Arts Proficient/Honors

Course Code: 54175X0P
Year Recommended: 10-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0.5 (Honors Credit)

This course is designed for highly motivated art students with previous art experience. The course involves a more advanced study of art processes, media, history, development, and written expression, following the NC Arts Honors Standards. Students will be able to discuss and explain the making of art products and the reasons why people create. Independent research in a variety of off-campus art venues will be required.

Visual Arts Advanced/Honors

Course Code: 54185X0A
Year Recommended: 10-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0.5 (Honors Credit)

Visual Arts III (Ceramics) Honors

Course Code: 54635X0XC
Year Recommended: 9-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0.5 (Honors Credit)

This course will introduce students to the fundamental sculptural processes. It will emphasize executing, understanding, and discussing quality craft; successful composition; productive conceptualization; and creative problem-solving. Students will explore various sculptural methods including modeling, molding, construction, and assemblage to create works revealing a personal voice while seeking quality and an in-depth study of the artistic process.

Visual Arts (Digital Photography)

Course Code: 54622X0XDP
Year Recommended: 9-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0
Prerequisite: Adobe Visual Design

This course expands students’ skills as a photographer and emphasizes composition, broadens their understanding of the need and use of photography, presents display and exhibit methods, and utilizes an aesthetic approach to photographic techniques. This course provides experience in indoor and outdoor photography and the use of design elements and photographic principles in composition.

AP Studio Art

Course Code: 5A027X0X
Year Recommended: 10-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 1.0 (AP Credit)
Prerequisite: Visual Art (Proficient)

The AP Studio Art portfolios are designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. AP Studio Art is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. The program consists of three portfolios — 2-D Design, 3-D Design and Drawing — corresponding to the most common college foundation courses.

Band (Instrumental Music)

Band/Beginning

Course Code: 52552X0X
Year Recommended: 9-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0

This course provides for the development of musical skills on wind and percussion instruments after middle school through individual, small, and large ensemble work. General musicianship will be stressed. Various types of band literature will be performed. **Participation in all scheduled rehearsals and performances is required.**

Band/Intermediate

Course Code: 52562X0X
Year Recommended: 9-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0
Prerequisite: Previous level Band or audition

This course gives students the opportunity to further develop their musical skills on wind or percussion instruments to a high level of proficiency. The class will study and perform many types of band literature in concerts, contests, and festivals. Students may be expected to attend all performances.

Band/Proficient Honors

Course Code: 52575X0X
Year Recommended: 10-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0.5 (Honors Credit)
Prerequisite: Previous level Band or audition

Students will study different musical styles through the band repertoire. The course emphasizes musical performance, poise, and the self-discipline needed for excellent musical training. The group will be involved with many extracurricular activities, which include marching at football games and parades, pep band, concerts, concert festivals, and civic performances. **Participation in all scheduled rehearsals and performances is required.**

Band/Advanced Honors

Course Code: 52575X0X
Year Recommended: 10-12
Credit: 1
Additional GPA Weight: 0.5 (Honors Credit)
Prerequisite: Previous level Band or audition

This course is designed for highly motivated musicians with previous instrumental music experience. Students will engage in a highly accelerated study of the band repertoire, following the advanced instrumental standards as outlined in the NC Arts Honors Standards. Students will understand and exhibit advanced proficiency in performing, conducting, listening, appreciation, history, and analyzing. **Participation in all scheduled rehearsals and performances is required.**