High School Fine Arts

High School Visual Arts Program

Our High School Visual Arts program offers students a rich, sequential pathway that nurtures creativity, technical skill, and personal artistic voice. Whether students are exploring art for the first time or preparing a professional‑level portfolio for college, the program provides meaningful opportunities for growth across multiple disciplines—2D art, 3D art, sculpture, and advanced AP Studio Art courses.

Visual Arts I: Foundations in Art & Design

Visual Arts I serves as the introductory course for high school artists.
In this class, students:

Learn the fundamental elements and principles of design
Explore a variety of materials and techniques
Practice drawing, painting, mixed media, and basic 3D work
Build essential studio habits such as artistic planning, craftsmanship, and creative problem‑solving

This course sets the foundation for success in all upper‑level art classes.

Visual Arts II & III: Expanding Skills & Personal Style

Visual Arts II and III allow students to deepen and refine the skills they began developing in the introductory course.

Students move into:

More advanced drawing and painting techniques
Conceptual thinking and personal expression
Multi-step projects that require planning, revision, and craftsmanship
Building a cohesive body of work that reflects developing style and skill

These courses prepare students for specialized study, including AP Studio Art.

Sculpture I, II & III: 3D Art & Creative Construction

Our Sculpture pathway allows students to explore the exciting world of three‑dimensional artmaking.

Students work with a variety of 3D media such as:

Clay
Plaster
Metal
Wood
Found objects
Wire and mixed media

As students advance from Sculpture I to II and III, they take on more sophisticated projects, explore conceptual themes, and gain increased creative independence. Upper‑level sculpture students often create portfolio‑ready, exhibition‑quality pieces.

Advanced Placement (AP) Visual Arts: 2D, 3D & Drawing

AP Visual Arts courses are designed for highly motivated, skilled, and independent artists who are ready for a college‑level experience.

We offer:

AP 2D Art & Design (drawing, painting, digital art, photography, mixed media)
AP 3D Art & Design (sculpture, installation, models, ceramics)
AP Drawing (advanced mark‑making, observational excellence, personal voice)

AP courses require:

Strong craftsmanship
Self‑motivation
The ability to develop and refine concepts
A portfolio demonstrating inquiry, experimentation, and revision

These courses are invitation‑only and require completion of at least two prior art classes.

Students finish the year by preparing an AP Portfolio for submission and participating in a student art exhibition that showcases their body of work.

Art Shows & Exhibition Opportunities

Throughout the year, high school visual arts students participate in schoolwide and community art shows that celebrate their hard work and artistic achievement. Exhibitions not only build confidence, but also give students valuable experience presenting work to an authentic audience.

High School Instrumental Music Program

Our High School Instrumental Music program is designed to help students grow into skilled, confident, and independent musicians. Whether they are new to band or preparing for advanced performance opportunities, students develop strong technical skills, a deep understanding of musical concepts, and the ability to perform expressively in a variety of settings. Through classroom study, ensemble participation, and real‑world musical experiences, students gain the tools they need to succeed as performers, creators, and informed listeners.

What Students Learn in High School Instrumental Music

1. Advanced Music Literacy & Theory

Students develop a strong foundation in music reading and analysis, including key signatures, intervals, chord structures, musical form, tempo and dynamic markings, notation symbols, and the ability to interpret complex written music.

2. Rhythm & Meter Mastery

Students learn to perform advanced rhythmic patterns—from dotted rhythms and triplets to 32nd and 64th notes—and gain experience with simple, compound, odd, and multi‑meter music.

3. Technical Growth on Their Instrument

Through scale work, extended ranges, advanced articulation, alternate fingerings, and vibrato (where appropriate), students expand their technical abilities and learn to meet full-range expectations for their instrument.

4. Tone Quality, Posture & Fundamental Playing Skills

Students learn how to assemble their instrument, hold it correctly, maintain proper posture, and produce a characteristic tone. They also study the physical aspects of sound creation.

5. Intonation & Ear Training Development

Students practice tuning, pitch discrimination, instrument‑specific intonation tendencies, and the “three parts of the note”—initiation, sustain, and release.

6. Creative Musicianship & Composition

Students create original melodies and rhythms, explore ornamentation, experiment with scale patterns, and participate in improvisation‑style activities.

7. Performance Skills & Ensemble Musicianship

Students develop audition techniques, rehearse with intention, and perform with artistic expression. All students participate in solo performance as well as chamber or full ensemble music opportunities.

8. Listening, Critiquing & Self‑Assessment

Through guided listening, sight‑reading practice, music notation writing, and reflective evaluation, students learn to listen critically and improve continuously.

9. Cultural, Historical & Cross‑Curricular Connections

Students explore music from diverse genres, cultures, and time periods and learn about music’s role in society. They also make connections between music and other subjects.

10. Real‑World Musical Experiences

Students attend concerts, explore music careers, use digital resources such as theory apps and tuners, and participate in authentic performance settings that prepare them for life‑long engagement with the arts.

Ensembles Offered

Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of performance groups, each offering unique challenges and experiences:

Concert Band
Symphonic Band
Percussion Ensemble
Marching Band
Chamber Ensembles
Jazz Band

These ensembles allow students to explore different styles of music, collaborate with peers, and perform in both school and community settings.

Honor Opportunities

Motivated and dedicated students may audition for prestigious honor ensembles beyond the school setting, including:

District Honor Band
All‑State Band
University of Georgia Honor Bands
Reinhardt University Honor Band
Honor Band of America
Northwest Georgia Youth Wind Symphony
Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra
Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony
Atlanta Youth Percussion Ensemble

These experiences allow students to challenge themselves, work with renowned conductors, and perform at an elite level.

High School Vocal Music Program

Our High School Vocal Music program is designed to help students grow as confident, expressive musicians through a rich blend of performance, music literacy, vocal technique, and artistic collaboration. Whether students are singing in chorus or learning piano keyboarding for the first time, the program nurtures well‑rounded musicianship and provides meaningful opportunities for students of all experience levels.

Chorus Classes

Chorus students develop strong vocal skills and learn to perform a wide variety of musical styles. Throughout the year, students receive instruction in:

Healthy and expressive vocal technique
Ensemble singing and part‑independence
Performing choral literature from diverse cultures, time periods, and genres
Musicianship skills that support confident, expressive performance

Students participate in concerts, school events, and community performances, helping them grow not only as musicians, but also as leaders within the performing arts program.

Piano Keyboarding

Our Piano Keyboarding classes provide students with an essential foundation in musicianship. Students learn:

Proper keyboard technique and hand position
How to read and perform music notation
Basic and intermediate music theory
Chord progressions, scales, and repertoire appropriate to their skill level

These classes strengthen musical independence and support success in both vocal and instrumental pathways.

Music Literacy, Sight‑Reading & Theory

Across all vocal music courses, students deepen their understanding of:

Sight‑reading
Rhythmic and melodic dictation
Music theory and terminology
Vocal technique and rehearsal skills

This well‑rounded training helps students become confident, literate musicians who can excel in any future musical setting.

Honor Choirs & Performance Opportunities

Motivated students may audition for a variety of prestigious honor ensembles and competitions, including:

District and All‑State Chorus
Literary Competition (vocal solo, ensemble, trio, and quartet events)
Regional and statewide honor choirs

These opportunities allow students to collaborate with top musicians from across the state, work with distinguished conductors, and challenge themselves artistically.