Fine Arts

2008-2009

ALL Fine Arts courses have a lab fee, unless otherwise stated.

(Availability of all Fine arts courses are based upon number of requests and available teaching staff)


ART:
ART I - This course is an introduction to elements and principles of art. Units include design, sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking, pen and ink, and art history. This course must be taken prior to any other art course.

Return to top.


DRAWING - This course is designed to further the student's skills and understanding of drawing. Emphasis is on personal growth and expression. Subjects include figures, portraits, architecture, nature, and still-life in a wide variety of drawing media. A sketch book is required. Pre-requisite: Art I

Return to top.


SCULPTURE AND 3-D DESIGN - This course allows students to explore the designing and making of three dimensional objects; both functional and decorative, in a variety of media. Media will include paper mache, clay, wire, and others. A sketchbook is required. Pre-requisite: Art I

Return to top.


CRAFTS AND DECORATIVE ARTS - This course is designed to further a student's understanding of crafts and the decorative arts. Students will explore calligraphy, mosaics, papermaking, silk screening, jewelry, and other decorative arts. Students will also study world cultures associated with these crafts. A sketchbook is required. Pre-requisite: Art I

Return to top.


PHOTOGRAPHY - This is an introduction to the photograph. Students will study the history of photography, functions of the parts of the camera, composition of photographs, and adjustable camera. Students need to provide a 35 mm camera with adjustable shutter and aperture. Pre-requisite: Art I

Return to top.


PAINTING - This course includes basic techniques in opaque and transparent media such as acrylic and watercolor as well as mixed media. The student will experiment and explore painting media as he/she studies techniques, composition, colors, and various materials used by painters. Artists of the past and present will be studied. Pre-requisite: Art I

Return to top.


COMPUTER GRAPHICS - This course is designed to introduce students to the use of the computer as an art tool. This is an introductory course covering terms and techniques for creating and altering digital images. We will be using Photoshop and Illustrator software. A sketchbook is required. Pre-requisite - Art I

Return to top.


COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2 - This course takes the basic skills learned in Computer Graphics to the next level and applies them to real-life projects from the commercial art world. Projects will include logo and letterhead design, type design, package and product design, posters, ads, and illustrations. This course will use Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign software. A sketchbook is required. Pre-requisite: Art I and Computer Graphics I

Return to top.


AP ART - This is a full year course with the first semester being Portfolio Preparation for the college board. Only the highly motivated student is encouraged to enroll in this course as a lot of outside time is required. Pre-requisite: Art I

Return to top.

MUSIC:

YEAR
FALL
SPRING
CREDITS
9th Guitar/Piano
Campus choir
2
10th Adv Guitar/Piano
Varsity Singers or Velvet Voices
2
11th Music Tech
Varsity Singers or Madrigal
2
12th PVCC Music App
Madrigal
2

 

ADVANCED GUITAR/PIANO/KEYBOARDING – A continuation of the introductory course in learning to play either the guitar or piano.

Return to top.

GUITAR/PIANO/KEYBOARDING - Students will select to learn to play either the guitar or keyboard. Students will have to provide their own instrument to take this course.

Return to top.


CAMPUS CHOIR - This course focuses on singing and singing techniques with an emphasis on fundamental music theory and sight singing.

Return to top.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY - This course will focus on the development and use of computer aided music. Through class/group projects and assignments students will learn the terminology and varied use of music software. Using notation, MIDI and digital recording, and audio processing, students will learn to compose, record, edit, and master their own compositions. Pre-requisite: Guitar/keyboarding

Return to top.

SMALL VOCAL ENSEMBLE (MODERN MADRIGALS) - This class will represent the high level of choral music at FCHS. Open to only juniors and seniors this ensemble will be comprised of the most motivated and musically talented singers. Students will focus and perform primarily a capella repertoire in a variety of music styles. Students will also perform solo literature. Public performances will be a major part of grading and evaluation. Pre-requisite: Teacher Recommendation.

Return to top.


VARSITY SINGERS - Auditioned and selected performers work on serious music and focus on music careers; music literature, history, and theory explored and integrated into study of performance pieces; competition also a part of eligible student activity; school performance is a part of the program.Pre-requisite: Teacher Recommendation.

Return to top.


PVCC MUSIC APPRECIATION - This class will be a dual enrollment course with Piedmont Virginia Community College.  The course of study will focus on music history, major style periods, and composers.  American styles and historical figures will also be discussed.  Class discussions will also center around current trends in music and the music industry.  Audio-visual and live performances will enhance the class experience.  Prerequisite: beginning Piano/guitar and/or Advanced Chorus

Return to top.


SYMPHONIC BAND - This course will be offered during the Spring Semester.  This course will provide advanced band students with the opportunity to perform a variety of concert band literature as well as transcriptions.  Symphonic band may also participate in a spring trip or festival, which may require fundraising.  This class may require some after school rehearsals.  This class will focus on improving individual musicianship, and will offer performance opportunities including concerts and festivals.  This class or concert band is recommended for 9th grade instrumentalists enrolling in fall marching band.

Return to top.


CONCERT BAND - Concert Band will be offered during Spring Semester.  This course will allow students to focus on technical skills, while performing standard band repertoire.  Concert band may also participate in a spring trip or festival, which may require fundraising.  This class may require some after school rehearsals.  The class will focus on improving individual musicianship, and will offer performance opportunities including concert, and festivals.  This class or symphonic band is recommended for 9th grade instrumentalist enrolling in fall marching band.

Return to top.


PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE - This specialized ensemble will be offered during Spring Semester. In addition, will focus on the many facets of the percussive arts.  This course is open to all music students and will provide performance opportunities as well as the chance to experiment with different instruments.  Towards the end of the semester, some emphasis will be placed on Indoor Drumline, which will offer a unique performance opportunity to percussionists who wish to continue the art of marching percussion.  The students will be expected to participate in practice after school hours for this band.
Return to top.


JAZZ BAND - This class will be offered in the Fall Semester. This course will be offered by audition. It will explore the American art form of Jazz, and will offer students an opportunity to develop improvisational skills. The Jazz Band may perform at Concerts, Community Functions, and festivals.

Return to top.


MARCHING BAND - Marching Band requires the physical training needed to develop some strength, as well as physical and mental endurance. The Marching Band is comprised of wind instruments, percussion, and color guard. The Marching Flucos will perform at home football games, marching contests, and some parades. Rising 9th grade students enrolling in Marching Band should make every effort to enroll in Symphonic Band or concert Band. This course is offered in the Fall semester.

Return to top.


COLOR GUARD - This course will be offered in the Spring and Fall Semesters to all students. This class will focus on the basics of movement as related to color guard, as well as the basic equipment skills needed to manipulate Rifles, Sabres, and Flags. A survey of the history of color guard will also be included. Color Guard necessitates the physical training to develop strength, flexibility, and endurance. The art form also requires an understanding of performance skills, expression, and subtlety.

Return to top.

 

DRAMATIC ARTS:


DRAMA I - - An introductory course designed for the beginning drama student.  Improvisation, pantomime, speech, and stage movement are integral parts of the program.  Through daily participation in a variety of activities, students will be encouraged to explore their own creative potential in a supportive, yet challenging, learning environment.  Students will be required to perform in a One-Act production. Grades 9-12

Return to top.


ACTING - An advanced course designed for the second-year drama student.  This is a performance-based course, focusing on the Fall One-Act for the VHSL Theatre Festival.  Students will be afforded the opportunity to further develop basic skills through class work in movement, voice, improvisation, and scene study.  Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation (VHSL regulations do not apply to this course however participation in the Theatre Festival does) Grades 10-12

Return to top.

THEATRE PRODUCTION - An advanced course designed for the second-year drama student offered in the spring.  This is a performance-based course, focusing on all aspects of producing the Spring Play.  Theatre Production students hone their skills as designer and technicians for theatre.  Activities include sound design, costuming, lighting, make-up, directing, stage managing set design and construction.  Drama or equivalent is recommended.  Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation  Grade 10-12

Return to top.

ADVANCED THEATRE - A course designed to allow serious students of theatre an outlet for sharing their skills.  Advanced Theatre students develop workshops and plays that are performed at county schools.  Activities include college portfolio and audition planning, scripting, workshops and demonstrations, and one-act play rehearsal and performance.  Prerequisite:  Drama I, Acting, Theatre Production, in addition to teacher recommendation. Grade 12
Return to top.