Classes

Art

Sixth Grade Art
Sixth grade art is designed as a rotational, one-quarter course. During this time, students learn basic drawing skills with their weekly sketchbook assignments and learn to use many different types of media such as colored pencils, design markers, watercolors, acrylics, chalk and oil pastels, printmaking and polymer clay. Learning to think creatively and apply color theory, different art styles/periods and all of the design elements are explored.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Art
Middle school art students attend Introduction to Art I & II class for an entire semester. Skills and techniques briefly touched on in grade 6 are intensified in each area of drawing, design, painting, mixed media, 2D and 3D projects. There is emphasis on learning to draw creatively from imagination and observation as well as emphasis on brainstorming techniques and how to acquire sources for research and development of ideas that are copyright free.

High School Art I, II, III
This curriculum begins with a foundation based on the principles and elements of design and color theory in all types of media which continues to teach students to develop observational and technical skills through experience with various approaches, styles and techniques. Nourishing the student’s creative ability, fostering useful communication skills, encouraging self-discipline, time management and persistence are all part of what students are challenged to do as they are encouraged to be creative and think outside the box. Within each class, there are opportunities for advanced students to work on independent studies appropriate for their skill level. Students also have the opportunity to enter many different types of art competitions (link to Competition Calendar) and exhibitions each year.

AP Studio Art
This is a class for high school students who wish to earn college credit to place out of the introductory class of drawing, 2D or 3D design at the university level. As an AP Studio Art student, student(s) will be asked to emphasize research, experimentation, discovery, inventive thinking and artmaking, critical analysis and problem-solving in their work. The AP Studio Art program consists of three different courses: 2-D Design, Drawing and 3-D Design. Students work toward submission of a portfolio exam for one of the three courses; the goal being to create a portfolio of college-level work and, at the end of the school year, submit it for evaluation.

Middle School and High School Cartooning
Students are introduced to art classes that teach techniques of basic cartooning. Students learn simple techniques and lessons to create cartoon characters that are accompanied by a well-chosen script and the media used for this. The course focuses on discovering character development, story lines and sample cartoon strips. Each level of instruction helps to form the foundation for further attitudes and the development of artistic skills and techniques. Students use their God-given talent for His pleasure and recognize the beauty of God’s creation. Overall, this course is designed to develop the creative process and to derive the meaning of art.

Drama

Sixth Grade Drama
Sixth grade drama is designed as a rotational, one-quarter course where students are introduced to the very basics of theatre arts. Students also work on building self-confidence and team work while preparing a short skit for public performance.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Drama
Middle school drama is an introductory, semester-long course that gives a foundation in the basics of theatre arts and drama performance. In this class, students prepare a play to perform at the end of the semester for peers, family and friends.

High School Drama I
Drama I is an introduction to theatre and acting as an art form. Students learn the basics of creating a character, scene work, working with a group, stage directions, writing a scene, production roles and some technical work. This class may or may not include a proper play performance, but there is an opportunity for students to perform.

High School Drama II
Drama II builds on the foundation students received in Drama I. Students dive further into creating a character by studying some of the well-known acting methods. Students work heavily on character and play analysis, delve into the aspect of dramaturgy, and explore script writing in more detail. This class may or may not include a proper play performance, but there is an opportunity for students to perform.

Drama III
Drama III is reserved for the advanced theatre arts student. Admittance to this class is by audition only. Students enrolled in this class are involved in the production of the TAPPS One Act Play in the fall semester. Then, in the spring semester, students prepare a piece for performance at the Drama & Desserts event and for consideration to compete at the TAPPS State Speech Meet.

Music

Sixth Grade Choir
Sixth grade choir is designed as a rotational, one-quarter course where students are introduced to the very basics of vocal music including music theory, sight singing, ear training, vocal pedagogy, Kodaly hand signs, performance and audience etiquette.

Middle School Choir
Middle school choir is a semester-long class, usually in the fall. This ensemble is open to any student in the seventh or eighth grade. They learn correct and healthy vocal techniques, understand aspects of music theory and sight-singing and have the opportunity to perform at concerts and events throughout the semester.

High School Choir
Students in the high school choir learn correct vocal technique, sight-singing methods and various styles of music. Each year, choir students prepare for a fall concert, the Christmas concert and participate in the TAPPS District Choral Competition in the spring. Also in the spring, the choir has the opportunity to travel and compete in the Heritage Music Festival. Other performances include singing the National Anthem for all home football games, concerts in the community, and performances at various Fine Arts Department events.

AP Music Theory
In this class, students learn and comprehend the information described in the AP Music Theory course description as well as other valuable information and skills that are essential for those students seeking a higher level of music study. At the conclusion of this music theory class, students are able to take the AP test to possibly exempt them from some entry level music theory courses in college.

Eighth Grade Introduction to Drumline
The middle school drumline course is a semester-long class, usually taken in the spring. This class is designed for students who anticipate auditioning for a spot in the high school drumline as ninth grade students. Students learn the basics of rhythm music theory, instrument etiquette and rehearsal etiquette.

High School Drumline
This class is open to students who have auditioned for and been placed on the Warrior Drumline for the current year. While not required, it is highly recommended that all drumline members be enrolled in this course. Snare leader(s) are required to be enrolled in this course.