Academics

This course explores movement as a creative art form. This level introduces the student to body awareness, alignment, improvisation, dance history, and interpretation of different forms of dance. This builds an appreciation for all types of dance. (NC DPI Standard Course of Study) The students will create a dance portfolio, which contains all written work. The students are evaluated by written and movement exams. The students must reach a basic performance skill level to perform on stage. The students perform in the second semester of the school year.

This course continues the development of technical skills acquired in Dance I, with students continuing movement through exploration of the elements of basic modern dance. Classwork includes experiences that reinforce strength, flexibility, and endurance. Dance attire is recommended but not required. In lieu of leotards and tights, students may wear loose, comfortable clothing to assure a full range of movement. Participation in some after-school rehearsals and performances may be expected.

Technical skills and aesthetic awareness are developed through more challenging dance technique and choreography classes. Appropriate attire is required. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Students who have demonstrated a serious commitment and advanced skill in modern dance are eligible to take Modern Dance III at the honors level. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in technical performance, and deep aesthetic awareness. Appropriate attire is required. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected

Dance IV provides the students with the opportunity to develop an advanced level of dance technique and refine their skills as both choreographer and performer. The student works strive to clearly express ideas through the creative process of integrating movement with choreographic intent. (NC DPI Standard Course of Study) The dance portfolio showcases their written work, biography, and builds their performance resume'. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships, summer workshops, and performance opportunities enhance their education as a performer. Students at this level produce and direct portions of the spring concert.

Dance IV Honors provides the students with the opportunity to develop an advanced level of dance technique and refine their skills as both choreographer and performer. The student works strive to clearly express ideas through the creative process of integrating movement with choreographic intent. (NC DPI Standard Course of Study) The dance portfolio showcases their written work, biography, and builds their performance resume'. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships, summer workshops, and performance opportunities enhance their education as a performer. Students at this level produce and direct portions of the spring concert.

This course is a study of notation, musical form and analysis, sight-reading, and some form of composition/arranging skills.

Advanced music theory involves the study of harmonic and form analysis and multiple-part composition and orchestration. This course involves formal analysis of music from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, and 20th Century periods. Students further their skills in ear training. It is expected that students enrolled in this course will take the College Board Advanced Placement Test.

This course focuses on music's relationship to other arts disciplines, humanities, and world cultures.

This introductory course is open to all students who have an interest in singing. In this class, choral literature is studied in jazz, popular, contemporary and classical fields. Some study is given to a review of the mechanics of music, composers, and music appreciation. Emphasis is placed on correct vocal production, proficiency in music reading, and performance skills. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Students develop vocal skills through extensive study of classical and contemporary works. Adequate proficiency in sight-reading and a basic understanding of the fundamentals of music are necessary because of the vast amount of choral literature taught and memorized during the course. In addition, this course provides for the special interests of a small number of select students. An extensive study of three-and-four part music literature will enable the student to gain music literacy and train the voice for an acceptable level of proficiency and performance. This course may focus on the exploration and performance of music from the vocal jazz, barbershop, and acappella idioms. Students will perform outside the regular class period. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Students demonstrate strong vocal production, music theory, and aesthetics. This group studies and performs advanced levels of choral literature. Emphasis is on tone quality, balance, intonation, interpretation, and ear-training. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Students who have demonstrated advanced skill level and serious commitment are eligible to take honors level concert chorus. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in performance, extensive knowledge of all areas of music including music theory, and an in-depth study of a variety of advanced music literature. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Students develop vocal skills through an extensive study of three-and-four part music literature. Music literacy, vocal proficiency, and presentation skills are demonstrated at an advanced level. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Students who have demonstrated advanced skill level and serious commitment are eligible to take honors level special choral ensemble. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in performance, extensive knowledge of all areas of music including music theory, and an in-depth study of a variety of advanced music literature. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

This course further develops technical skills studied in middle school. Emphasis is placed on improvement in the areas of tuning, shifting, vibrato, bowing, and ensemble performance. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

This course continues the development of basic instrumental music skills. Students focus on the fundamentals of music, correct tone production, balance, intonation, and ensemble playing through the study of simple band literature. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Students continue to study the fundamentals of music while performing more advanced literature. Aesthetic awareness and technical ability is developed through a variety of performance opportunities. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Students develop their ability to play with increased technical accuracy and expression. Students play more advanced literature representing diverse genres, styles, and cultures. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Students who have demonstrated advanced skill level and serious commitment are eligible to take honors level Band III. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in performance, extensive knowledge of all areas of music including music theory, and an in-depth study of a variety of advanced music literature. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Students demonstrate a high level of technical proficiency through a variety of advanced instrumental literature. An understanding of the broad aspects of music (theory, history, tone production, interpretation) are necessary for success in this advanced level course. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected

Students who have demonstrated advanced skill level and serious commitment are eligible to take honors level Band IV. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in performance, extensive knowledge of all areas of music including music theory, and an in-depth study of a variety of advanced music literature. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

This group studies jazz phrasing and articulation as well as the technique of improvisation and playing in correct jazz style. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

An introduction to the hardware and software used in recording and editing digital audio. Students learn digital recording, computer-based mixing, and digital input/output. Basic audio, music theory, acoustics, and use of equipment will also be discussed.

This course trains students in basic aspects of body movement and vocal expression. Class activities include improvisation, individual and group presentation of oral reading, and solo and ensemble acting. The course culminates in selected presentations before an audience.

Students explore theatre as a comprehensive performing art. The production aspects of stage management and directing enhance the study of acting, primarily through scenework. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

This course provides intensive acting study for the advanced theatre student. Students refine character development, vocal expression, and improvisation skills, studying master acting techniques. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances, and mentoring Theatre Arts I students is expected.

Students who have demonstrated exceptional skill level in the dramatic arts are eligible to take honors level Theatre Arts III. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in performance, and extensive knowledge of all areas of theatre including production and directing, and an in-depth study of a variety of dramatic literature. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Students who have extensive performance experience develop their skills in producing a quality, aesthetic theatrical experience. This course provides leadership opportunities for the advanced students in the theatre department and supports a variety of productions including classical and contemporary works. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances, and mentoring Theatre Arts I students is expected.

Students who have demonstrated advanced skill levels in theatre are eligible to take honors level Theatre Arts IV. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in performance, and extensive knowledge of all areas of theatre including production and directing, and an in-depth study of a variety of dramatic literature. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of theatrical styles and audition techniques, also studying the professional aspects of pursuing a career in Theatre. Students will work with others to produce experimental culturally significant works of art. Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.

Students explore the various aspects of design for theatre. Areas of study may include scenery, lighting, sound, makeup, properties, costumes, and stage management.

Students develop technical skills from design to implementation and production. Technical support for school productions requires participation in after-school rehearsals and performances.

This course introduces the elements and principles of design through an exploration of a broad range of media. Activities emphasize skills and techniques in the following areas: drawing, painting, graphics, fibers, ceramics, art history, and three-dimensional design.

This course offers an in-depth study of design through repeated use of art elements (i.e., color, line, texture, value, and shape), while expanding technical abilities. Design is taught through experiences in the following areas: drawing and painting, art history and survey, three-dimensional design using materials such as wood, clay, graphics with processes involving silk screening and/or woodcuts, and fibers (loom weaving and batik).

This course offers a concentrated study in areas selected cooperatively between the art teacher and the student. Students are challenged by the teacher to evaluate their art products, to solve problems in terms of the chosen art media, and to learn concepts and skills as these relate to personal art expressions.

Students who have demonstrated advanced skill levels in visual arts are eligible to take honors level Visual Arts III. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in design and production, and extensive knowledge of a variety of art forms. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of media, to produce experimental culturally significant works of art, and to gain an extensive knowledge of art history.

This level of advanced art involves more in-depth knowledge of processes, media, history, and the development of art. Students understand and apply all skills through a variety of media.

Students who have demonstrated advanced skill levels in previous visual arts courses are eligible to take honors level Visual Arts IV. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in design and production, and extensive knowledge of a variety of art forms. Students initiate, define, and solve challenging visual arts problems independently using intellectual skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students have in-depth experiences in reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others.

Students expand their knowledge and technical abilities in three-dimensional design through the medium of clay and other sculptural materials. All types of construction, glaze formulation, and firing techniques are explored. Form and shape are stressed using materials appropriate to sculpting.

Students expand their knowledge and technical abilities in three-dimensional design through the medium of clay and other sculptural materials. All types of construction, glaze formulation, and firing techniques are explored. Form and shape are stressed using materials appropriate to sculpting.

This course is designed for the student who has completed at least one credit of high school art and has a special interest in printmaking and textiles. Some of the following processes are taught in printmaking: block printing, silk screen, intaglio, relief printing, and etching. In textiles students expand their knowledge and technical skills in two- and three-dimensional design. Areas explored include macrame, batik, soft sculpture, and weaving.

Students use technology to design and create art for visual communication. This course emphasizes the changing needs of the commercial art industry and allows students to practice composition and design principles with the assistance of the computer. Prior experience in visual art is not necessary but will facilitate success in this course. Students will develop an understanding of composition, design, color theory and basic drawing skills including perspective. This course is not recommended for 9th graders.

This course is a continuation of Computer Graphics. It is intended for the serious, motivated design students interested in independent research and development of graphic design concepts. Professional quality, finished products will be the goal as students begin to develop individual technique through the study of prominent Computer Graphic Artists.

This course prepares students to earn the World Organization of Webmasters' CWDSA certification. The curriculum covers principles and practices of good, effective web design. Students will use the Adobe Creative Suite in hands-on web design exercises.

This is is an introductory course that is designed to teach students the key concepts in digital imaging basics and the importance of digital photography in news publications. Students will learn to operate a variety of digital imaging hardware including digital cameras, digital SLR cameras, pro-level photo printers, image editing and authoring software (such as Adobe Photoshop CS), film and flatbed scanners, light meters, studio and portable electronic lighting, and related accessories.

An advanced course that is continues the concepts and skills learned in Digital Photography. This class takes the student from intermediate skill levels through advanced levels in digital photography, digital darkroom, and advanced digital capture of all types and requires the student to have taken Digital Art Fundamentals and Digital Photography courses at SRMHS.

This course sets the historical and aesthetic foundation for responsible interpretation, usage, and application of television production. The student develops screen experience from a critical standpoint, progresses to understanding the technical aspects, and finally uses professional equipment to create video productions.

Students continue to develop the basic academic skills and concepts in many short written exercises as well as longer script writing projects. The student's own ideas are used in developing studio productions which they direct, record, and edit utilizing color cameras, professional lighting, and sound equipment as well as a special effects generator. This course may be taken for 1 or 2 credits.

This course challenges students who have prior television experience. Students take on the total responsibility of writing, producing, directing, recording, and editing a daily news program for the school. Students may spend an average of five hours each week videotaping events after school

Students experience the elements of design through the electronic medium. Projects involve simple optical design, illustrations, contour line, drawings, perspective, paintings, composition involved in the production of 2D animation.

Through project-based, "hands-on" learning, students will explore the emerging fields in the digital arts. They will examine the basics of digital publishing, study digital formats and learn to manipulate, store, convert and transfer data. Students will investigate the areas of digital publishing, digital design, digital video and digital music. This course is needed to enter the Digital Arts CFLC.

This course is a comprehensive study of art through the ages. Students explore works of famous artists within the cultural context of each time period. This integrated approach encourages understanding of humanity from a visual arts perspective.

This advanced art history course requires students to make extensive connections between the art of each time period and its relationship to culture. It is expected that students enrolled in this course will take the College Board Advanced Placement Test.

The student works independently in a special area of concentration selected by the student with the visual arts teacher's approval. A student must have a sponsoring Visual Art teacher and must have arranged a program of study prior to registering for this course