ART
Art I: Art Foundations (9120) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: None) Art Foundations emphasizes the development of abilities to recognize visual arts content, concepts, and skills to create, discuss, and understand original works of art. The standards represent a thematic approach to visual communication and production, cultural context and art history, judgment and criticism and aesthetics through which students will develop understanding and appreciation for the visual arts. At this level, studio production involves beginning experiences utilizing a variety of media.
Art II: Intermediate (9130) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Art I: Art Foundations) This course extends and refines abilities to investigate and respond to the visual arts. The standards emphasize the importance of content, concepts, and skills involved in the creation of original works of art. The standards introduce a chronological approach to visual communication and production, cultural context and art history, judgment and criticism, and aesthetics that enhance student understanding of the ways in which art functions within a multicultural society. Areas covered are drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, printing and various crafts. Students are encouraged to develop self-expression through their individual works.
Art III: Advanced Intermediate (9140) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Art II: Intermediate) Advanced Intermediate Art continues the emphasis on development of abilities to organize and analyze visual arts content, concepts, and skills in creating works of art. The focus on art history, critical evaluation and aesthetics is increased, and includes cultural and stylistic issues and creative problem solving. At the advanced level, previous understandings and skills are further emphasized and developed while the students are allowed and encouraged to pursue individual projects and to plan and execute creative products by using a variety of techniques and visual concepts.
Art IV: Advanced (9145) – 1 credit (Prerequisite: Art III: Advanced Intermediate) Advanced Art reinforces competence and confidence in skills of analysis evaluation, and creation of works of art. Content and concepts associated with art criticism and aesthetics are central to the refinement of art production skills, and the student-directed approach at this level richly enhances personal expressive abilities. Visual communication and production, cultural context and art history, judgment and criticism, and aesthetics remain the foundation areas of standards. Students pursue independent projects that allow then to expand their unique talents and interests. Students conduct research that is related to their studio production and are given opportunities to exhibit and develop portfolios for college or employment review.
MUSIC
General Music Grade 8/Beginning Band (Year) (9213, 9232) (Prerequisite: Enrolled in Elementary Band) Developing basic musicianship skills are a priority at the eighth grade level. Students will begin to use articulations, and perform scales and music at a more difficult level. Ensemble skills will become more developed as students participate in band and concert settings. Students will describe concepts common to music and other disciplines, and will be involved in discussing various cultures, styles, composers, and historical periods. After-school
opportunities will be available for such activities as All District Band and small group ensembles. Participation in public performances is required, as is uniform dress.
Marching Band I—IV (9234, 92342, 92343, 93344) - 1 credit each (Prerequisite: Offered in Grades 9-12, (Fall Semester) Elementary Band or Beginning Band) Marching Band is an in-depth study of instrumental music. Music designed and composed for band will be explored. Emphasis is placed upon the student’s ability to play the instrument. The class will learn marching techniques and will perform at football games, marching competitions and parades,
holiday concerts and other public performances. Theory, technique, style and musicality will be stressed in the preparation and performance of all genres of music. Students enrolled in Marching Band will be issued a uniform. Students will assume responsibility for proper care and condition of the uniform. Students will also be required to purchase black marching shoes, black cotton gloves, and a “Marching Cougar Shirt.” Marching band is a performance-
based class; therefore attendance at all functions is required. Attendance at Summer Band Camp is mandatory. Note: Participation in the band is recommended both semesters unless the band director grants special permission. Exceptions will be reviewed and accommodated on an individual basis when possible.
Flag Corp I—IV (93211, 9323, 9325, 9319) - 1 credit each (Prerequisites: Offered in Grades 9-12 (Fall Semester) Audition Required) Flag Corp is an extension of the Marching Band. Students are responsible for all costs of uniforms and band camp, and are required to attend summer band camp. An intense weekly rehearsal schedule (including after school practice), football games, frequent band performances, weekend competitions, and participation in all band trips are mandatory during the semester. Grading is based upon performance in competitions and football games, as well as practices. Individual performances, skills and attitudes demonstrated in rehearsal and performances will also be considered in grading.
Concert Band I—IV (9241, 9237, 9238, 9239) - 1 credit each (Prerequisites: Offered in Grades 9-12 (Spring Semester) Elementary Band or (Beginning Band) The Concert Band will investigate music from the Renaissance to Jazz and 20th Century styles. Emphasis will be placed on intonation, blend rhythm and dynamics. Students will be tested on the above standards through playing tests as well as written assignments. The group will perform for competitions, concerts, or other special events. Concert band is a performance-based class; therefore attendance at all functions is required. Note: Participation in the band is recommended both semesters. Exceptions will be reviewed and accommodated on an individual basis when possible.
Concert Band III-IV Advanced (9238A, 9239A) – 1 credit each (Prerequisites: Concert Band II; Marching Band III; teacher recommendation) This course will prove to be more rigorous than regular Concert Band III & IV. Students will follow the day to day curriculum of regular Concert
Band, but will go a little deeper intothe music curriculum. Students will learn and be able to perform the various forms of minor scales that correspond with the 12 major scales. Students
in this course will be required to audition for All-District Band, Solo & Ensemble, All-Virginia Band & Orchestra and be a member of the basketball pep band.
Beginning Chorus 8 (9271) (Prerequisites: None) This course is designed to introduce students to a study of choral music and prepare students for participation in Concert Choir and Honors Choir. Emphasis will be placed on vocal development, music theory and reading, and performance technique. Participation in public performance is required, as is uniform dress.
Concert Choir I—IV (9289, 92892, 92893, 92894) - 1 credit each (Prerequisites: Offered in Grades 9-12) This course is designed to: a) introduce students to a study of choral music, b) prepare students for participation in Honors Choir, and c) provide an enjoyable method to expand the students’ musical knowledge. This course will emphasize proper vocal technique, familiarity with basic music theory and learning about a wide variety of musical styles. Participation in public performances is required, as is a uniform dress. Concert choir is a performance-based class; therefore attendance at all functions is required.
Honors Choir I—IV (9296, 92962, 92963, 92964) -1 credit each (Prerequisites: Offered in Grades 9-12—Audition Required) Honors Choir continues to develop the voice and proper vocal technique learned in Intermediate Choir or Concert Choir. Knowledge of music theory and
sight-reading will be expanded. Participation in public performances is required, as is uniform dress. Students will be expected to be able to rehearse and perform after school hours on a limited base. Honors choir is a performance based class: therefore attendance at all functions is required.Student will compete in different contests at the district, state, and national levels. Auditions will be required for participation in All- District Choir.
DRAMA
Theatre Arts Exploration (Drama I) (1410) - 1 credit (Prerequisites: Offered in grades 8-2) This course is an introduction to theatre arts through practical application. The course will include theater safety, stage etiquette, basics of sound and lighting design and application, improvisation, physical and vocal preparation, storytelling, theatrical history and acting techniques. Students will participate in an end-of-term demonstration of course skills presented in an after school setting.
Theatre Production (Drama II) (1430) - 1 credit (Prerequisites: Offered in grades 9-12, Theatre Arts Exploration) This course continues to build on previous skills through practical application. Building on skills introduced in Drama I this course includes continuing studies in sound and lighting application, theatre history, jobs involved in play production, music, movement, direction and stage management. Evaluation of live production and motion pictures is included. Students will participate in an end-of-term demonstration of course skills presented in an after school setting.
Technical Theatre/PracticalTheatre Applications (Drama III) (1435) -1 credit (Prerequisites: Offered in Grades 9-12, Theatre Production). This is an advanced elective course with an emphasis on directing, play writing and selecting, stage management and advanced acting projects. It is designed for those students who wish to pursue advanced techniques in drama and who may wish to pursue the study of theatre arts. Students will participate in an end-of-term demonstration of course skills presented in an after school setting.
Advanced Acting/Directing (Drama IV) (1426) - 1 credit (Prerequisites: Offered in grades 11-12, Drama III) This course is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced techniques in drama, auditioning, technical theatre, rehearsal process and performance and who wish to continue this pursuit beyond high school. The fourth year student is expected to assimilate the acquired skills learned in Theatre I, II, and II and demonstrate practical knowledge through participation in the rehearsal/performance process. Students will participate in an end-
of-term demonstration of course skills presented in an after school setting. Further involvement in extracurricular theatrical work is encouraged.
Directing/Advanced Theatre Studies (Drama V) (1440) – 1 credit (Prerequisites: All four previous levels and an interview with the instructor prior to acceptance; Offered in grades 11-12)
Drama V is designed to give students hands on experience in the direction of a one act play, stage management, lighting and sound design and all finishing aspects of a production. Including the skills learned in Theatre Arts I, II, III and IV, this course requires participation in an extra-curricular theatre production at PCHS under the supervision of the Theatre Arts instructor as well as end-of-term demonstration of course skills as noted in levels I-IV.