Fine Arts Department

Click here to view suggested course sequencing for art offerings.

Grades: 9-12

Craft and Design is an introductory course that exposes students to various art & craft materials and projects. Although students are introduced to 2D design projects, greater emphasis is placed on 3D sculptural work. Students may work with ceramics & glazes, various paper arts, and various media to create sculptural pieces. Through the use of the elements of design, students will develop skills to design and create aesthetically pleasing works of art that can be utilized in everyday life.

Grades: 9-12

Art 1 is an introductory course that explores the elements and principles of art and how they are used in the art-making process. Students will experience a wide range of two-dimensional art through drawing and painting that are both aesthetically and visually creative. Projects are explored through diversified art history and visual examples ranging from student work to contemporary artists. Students develop higher-level problem-solving skills and creative works through practicing techniques and creating art studies. Students experience a variety of 2D materials ranging from ink, colored pencils, charcoal, and painting while demonstrating techniques such as line art, shading, perspective, and color theory.

Grades: 11-12 or by counselor placement

Prerequisite: 5 credits in Art

TEAM Art is designed with an inclusion model in mind. Both Special and General Education students will work together through a curriculum designed to cultivate and promote student leadership, peer mentoring, collaboration, and creativity in the Art environment. The focus of this class will be to provide students with a variety of creative experiences in drawing, painting, ceramics, crafts, and other art forms. Peer-assisted learning will be used to cultivate partner and “team” relationships focused on self-expression. General Education students will apply, interview, and be selected to participate in this course, while Special Education students will be able to elect this course as their initial high school art experience. The course is ultimately designed to foster an inclusive environment for all students in Art Education.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: #711 Art 1

Having demonstrated success in the prerequisite course, students undertake the advanced nature of the content. Art 2 represents a shift from the design-based curriculum of Art 1 to a fine arts approach. Students develop skills in the techniques of various media in order to create drawings, paintings, and sculptures that are appreciated for their aesthetic value rather than serving a useful function. At the Art 2 level, concentration in the practice of art expression is emphasized. The common thread of each experience is the method of transforming original images into aesthetic material form.

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: #711 Art 1

Advanced Drawing 1 is a foundation course that concentrates on the aspects of composition and developing skill with different media. Students explore still life, landscape, perspective and abstract drawing. Students complete daily sketchbook assignments to help develop drawing skills.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: #711 Art 1

Students explore various traditional and experimental techniques and processes using value and color to create original works of art. Themes may include surrealism, abstraction, realism, and portraits. Drawings will be created using pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, and pastels. Printmaking techniques include linoleum, drypoint, and monotype. A weekly sketchbook is required.

Grades: 9-12

In Digital Photography 1, students explore the foundations of digital photography as a visual fine art.

Students are welcome to use their own digital cameras, their phones, or sign-out cameras from the school. Students will be required to take photographs off campus for many of the projects. This course guides students through the basics of digital photography, focusing on how to use a digital camera and learn compositional skills. Students will explore introductory photo editing software techniques to enrich the quality of their images. Basic printing skills will be introduced to create high-quality photographic images. Students will use studio lighting equipment to learn a variety of techniques while using light modifiers. At the conclusion of each project, students will critique, evaluate, and reflect upon the techniques they have learned and the photographs they have produced. At the end of the course, students create a portfolio exemplifying their best photographs.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: #710 Digital Photography 1

Digital Photography 2 builds upon the knowledge and skills gained during Digital Photography 1. Students are not required to supply their own camera, but are encouraged to use their camera if they have one. Students will be required to take photographs off campus for many of the projects. Advanced digital camera controls will be explored and used to enhance the quality of the student’s photographs. Digital Photography 2 uses cutting-edge photo manipulation in photo editing software to create both conventional and innovative photographs. Students explore advanced studio photography while also independently creating images off campus. Students will critique each other's work offering feedback and suggestions. At the end of the course, students create a digital portfolio showcasing their best work.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: #711 Art 1

In this course, exercises in composition and color theory are conducted in preparation for painting projects. Creative thinking and innovative approaches are encouraged. In addition to oils, other media including acrylics and watercolors are explored, which will expand the range of the painting experience. Artists, as they relate to paintings, are studied.

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Equivalent of two years (7.5 credits) of Art instruction (#700 Craft and Design does not count toward the 7.5 credit prerequisite).

Offerings in this course include portfolio development, art career direction, and advanced studies in specialized areas. Students will focus on utilizing a range of materials and ideas, observational studies, school-specific portfolio requirements, and developing a personal voice in their art. Students will offer and receive feedback on their work in the form of class critiques. The culminating project is a body of artwork that would satisfy the portfolio requirements for art college admissions. It is recommended that students who are interested in applying for admission to an art school take this course in their Junior year.

Grades: 10-12

Note: This course serves as a prerequisite for #720 Ceramics 2 and #718 Sculpture; it does not serve as a prerequisite for other Art courses.

A variety of hand-built and wheel-throwing techniques are explored by the students in this course. Hand-built methods include pinch, coil, and slab vessels, as well as bas-relief and in-the-round sculpture. Students design and build ceramic objects that are intended for use in the home or for aesthetic purposes. Various decorating and glazing skills are learned to enhance the original clay works.

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: #715 Ceramics 1

The Ceramics 2 course is designed for those students who are highly motivated, self-directed, and have excelled in ceramics 1. Building upon the techniques learned in Ceramics 1 which include handbuilding, potter’s wheel and sculpture, Ceramics 2 students will learn further techniques in these areas through cultural and historical references as inspiration. Students will have the opportunity to create an independent body of work at the conclusion of the course. Exploration of different clay bodies, firing methods and surface decoration may be part of the course. The culminating project requires students to create a portfolio of their work.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: 2.5 credits of Art

The sculpture course is designed to acquaint students with subtractive and additive means of creating in-the-round and bas-relief sculpture. A variety of techniques and media are introduced and practiced. Sculpture is based on the study of natural and artistic forms and objects. Student-produced objects are created in terms of the aesthetics relating to the principles and elements of design and composition.

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: Students interested in the Gifted & Talented Art program must apply. Students will have to complete a test on drawing skills and submit photographs of two pieces of art. Students can contact the Art supervisor for more information.

Honors G&T Art 1 is designed to develop students' skills in the creation of expressive/conceptual artwork. In addition to developing technical skills, students develop creative and critical thinking skills through problem-solving and peer critiques. In a nurturing and challenging environment, students work with a variety of media to create conceptual artwork that expresses ideas, emotions and/or makes a statement of a political/humorous/philosophical nature. In order to develop technical skills, students are required to keep a journal of observational drawings.

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: #731 G & T ART 1 or Permission of the Art supervisor based on application.

The second level course further advances creative and critical thinking skills and provides structured opportunities to forward student self-discipline and independent behavior. The first semester includes a battery of anatomical drawing activities culminating in a reflective self-awareness/self-portrait. The second semester is devoted to self-initiated independent studies. In addition to class work, journal keeping is required.

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: #732 G & T Art 2

G&T 3 is for highly motivated students who demonstrate exceptional ability, interest, and dedication to the study and creation of art. There is a focus on all aspects of art, from 2D to 3D to digital design, while utilizing a wide range of different media and styles. Emphasis will be on the development of higher-level art techniques and styles that will culminate in creating a well-rounded body of work. Students will demonstrate self-expression, higher-level problem-solving skills, critical thinking, technical achievement, appreciation of diversified art through art history, and mature use of the Elements and Principles of Art.

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: An additional 7.5 credits of Art Instruction OR Honors G&T Art 2 OR Honors G&T Art 3 OR Portfolio Preparation.

Advanced Placement Art & Design is a rigorous course intended for students who wish to explore complex ideas and methods in Art. Students will be required to pursue an artistic investigation throughout the year and create art on an overarching theme. The focus will be on the refinement of a student's personal voice and style through the exploration of their chosen investigation. This is a highly independent course with expectations that students will be able to plan, prep, and execute projects by the deadlines.
Students will be required to: complete homework, keep a sketchbook throughout the course, attend and participate in all critiques and class discussions, submit a digital portfolio, and complete a final project. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take either the AP 2-D Art and Design, AP Drawing, or AP 3-D Art and Design exam, depending on their style of artwork and material choices. Students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply. This course may be taken multiple times with a focus on AP content and corresponding exam.

Grades: 11-12

Note: This course will be offered only during school years that begin with an odd year (2025, 2027). Please plan accordingly.

Art history emphasizes understanding works of art within their historical context by examining issues such as politics, class, religion, patronage, audience, gender, function, and ethnicity. The AP Art History course teaches students visual and contextual analysis of works of art. This course is suitable for students interested in exploring art from a historical perspective as well as students interested in studying art at the post-secondary level. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. Students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

Grades: 9-12

Do you like movies? Find out how they get produced, and learn the language of film. Students view and discuss a number of excellent classic Hollywood films, many of which appear on lists of the best films of all time. Students cultivate the ability to write concisely, articulate reviews of films and explore the concept of what it means to be a classic, with regard to film.

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: #722 Introduction to Film Studies

This course builds upon the knowledge and skills learned in Introduction to Film Studies. Students analyze film and study the directors' narrative. A final research project requires students to select a director, investigate written sources about their subject, critically view at least two of the director's films, and complete an analysis of the films based on the literature.

Grades: 9-12

What is involved in theater? In this entry-level drama class, students will explore the world of theater arts through theater games, improvisation, monologues, acting scenes, play analysis, and career exploration. This class is for students with no or limited stage experience. In Exploring Theater class, interest is necessary - experience is not!

Grades: 9-12

This course is for the student with previous stage experience in lead roles, supporting character roles, backstage crew experience, or the highly motivated student without stage experience. Students memorize and perform 4-5 page scenes for peers and invited audiences. Students study script analysis, acting, directing and stage production. This class is designed for the highly motivated theater student.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: #707 Theater Studies

Advanced Theater Studies is a course designed for those students who have demonstrated an interest in pursuing intensive work in the performing arts. This course provides students with the opportunity to study advanced acting and design techniques through hands-on projects, workshop assignments, and research. It is highly recommended that students take this class as a junior or senior. Research into theater history and character subtext is geared to the advanced student.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: #708 Advanced Theater Studies

Honors Theater explores the study of physical acting in voice and body. Serious scene work with intense character development will join the work of physical acting. Students will study technical theater needs to support production work. This may include set design, costumes, props, lighting and sound.

Grade: 9

Concert Band is designed for freshman band students who play a brass or woodwind instrument. Students should recognize that this ensemble - although the entry-level ensemble at the high school - is not designed for beginning band students. The music performed in this class is designed for students with three to four years of instrumental music training. Focus is placed on the study of traditional and contemporary concert band music, with emphasis on training musicianship skills. Students are not required to attend after-school rehearsals, as this ensemble rehearses during the school day. Concerts are performed annually in December, March, and May. Students enrolled in this instrumental ensemble can audition for regional and all-state bands. Although not a requirement of Freshman Concert Band, it is recommended that all band students consider enrolling in marching band. An audition is held for students interested in being considered for the advanced Wind Symphony for their sophomore year. All students who successfully complete Freshman Concert Band are eligible for the Symphonic Band, the next level concert band for students in grades 10-12. This ensemble meets the criteria of a 5 credit music ensemble class required for acceptance to the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Junior and Senior students are eligible to apply for the Tri-M Music Honor Society at the start of their third year of enrollment in a 5 credit music ensemble course at HCRHS.

Grade: 9

This course is designed for freshman band students who play a percussion instrument. Students should recognize that this ensemble, although the entry-level ensemble at the high school, is not designed for beginning percussion students. The music performed in this class is designed for students with three to four years of instrumental music training. Students are not required to attend after-school rehearsals, as this ensemble rehearses during the school day. Students perform as a percussion ensemble as well as part of the Freshman Concert Band. Concerts are performed annually in December, March, and May/June. Students enrolled in this course will have the opportunity to audition for region and all-state bands. It is highly recommended that all students enrolled in Freshman Percussion Ensemble also audition for the marching band. This ensemble meets the criteria of a 5 credit music ensemble class required for acceptance to the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Junior and Senior students are eligible to apply for the Tri-M Music Honor Society at the start of their third year of enrollment in a 5 credit music ensemble course at HCRHS.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: #751 Concert Band or #752 Freshman Percussion Ensemble

Symphonic Band is designed for grades 10-12 students with prior instrumental music ensemble experience. Focus is placed on studying traditional and contemporary concert band music with emphasis on training musicianship skills. In addition to the traditional rehearsal process, students are encouraged to participate in small chamber ensembles, and in combined rehearsals with the Symphonic String Orchestra. Students enrolling in the Symphonic Band must have successfully completed Freshman Concert Band and/or pass an audition with the band director. Due to musical limitations, percussion students must pass an audition. Students enrolled in this instrumental ensemble can audition for region and all-state bands. Concerts are performed annually in December, March, and May/June. Although not a requirement of Symphonic Band, it is recommended that all band students consider enrolling in marching band. This ensemble meets the criteria of a 5 credit music ensemble class required for acceptance to the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Junior and Senior students are eligible to apply for the Tri-M Music Honor Society at the start of their third year of enrollment in a 5 credit music ensemble course at HCRHS.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Audition

Wind Symphony is an advanced level curricular instrumental music ensemble, therefore students enrolling in Wind Symphony must pass an audition with the band director. Focus is placed on studying traditional and contemporary concert band music with emphasis on training musicianship skills. In addition to the traditional rehearsal process, students are encouraged to participate in small chamber ensembles, and in combined rehearsals with the Advanced String Orchestra. Students enrolled in this instrumental ensemble can audition for region and all-state bands. Concerts are performed annually in December, March, and May/June. Although not a requirement of Symphonic Band, it is recommended that all band students consider enrolling in marching band. This ensemble meets the criteria of a 5 credit music ensemble class required for acceptance to the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Junior and Senior students are eligible to apply for the Tri-M Music Honor Society at the start of their third year of enrollment in a 5 credit music ensemble course at HCRHS.

Grades: 9-12

This course is an option available to students willing to participate in a for-credit, curricular program while performing with the Marching Band and its supporting units. Students are required to participate in all events throughout the school year, including football games, parades and community events. Subjective and objective evaluation of student progress in the attainment of group goals, as well as individual musical growth, is the basis of course structure. Because of the group’s very visible role in various community functions, level of performance is a critical factor in determining student progress. In addition to signing up for the course, students are required to submit a separate registration packet in the spring (incoming freshmen should see their middle school band directors for the registration packet). Marching Band is an optional course.

Grade: 9

Freshman String Orchestra is designed for freshman students who play a string instrument: violin, viola, cello or string bass (piano spots are available in limited numbers). Students should recognize that this ensemble, although the entry-level ensemble at the high school, is not designed for beginning orchestra students. The music performed in this class is designed for students with three to four years of instrumental music training. In this course, students learn individual techniques, as well as ensemble proficiencies. Students are also encouraged to participate in small chamber ensembles. Focus is placed on the study of traditional and contemporary orchestral music, with an emphasis on training musicianship skills. Prior experience in large ensemble performance is recommended. Students are not required to attend after-school rehearsals, as this ensemble rehearses during the school day. Concerts are performed annually in December, March, and May/June. Students enrolled in this instrumental ensemble can audition for regional and all-state orchestras. This ensemble meets the criteria of a 5 credit music ensemble class required for acceptance to the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Junior and Senior students are eligible to apply for the Tri-M Music Honor Society at the start of their third year of enrollment in a 5 credit music ensemble course at HCRHS.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: #741 Freshman String Orchestra or Audition

Symphonic String Orchestra is designed for grades 10-12 students with prior instrumental music ensemble experience. In addition to the traditional rehearsal process, students are encouraged to participate in small chamber ensembles, and in combined rehearsals with the Symphonic Band. Students enrolling in the symphonic orchestra must have successfully completed Freshman String Orchestra and/or pass an audition with the orchestra director. Focus is placed on the study of traditional and contemporary orchestral music, with emphasis on training musicianship skills. Prior experience in large ensemble performance is recommended. Students are not required to attend after-school rehearsals, as this ensemble rehearses during the school day. Concerts are performed annually in December, March, and May/June. Students enrolled in this instrumental ensemble can audition for regional and all-state ensembles. This ensemble meets the criteria of a 5 credit music ensemble class required for acceptance to the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Junior and Senior students are eligible to apply for the Tri-M Music Honor Society at the start of their third year of enrollment in a 5 credit music ensemble course at HCRHS.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Audition

Advanced String Orchestra is the advanced level curricular string ensemble. In addition to the traditional rehearsal process, students are encouraged to participate in small chamber ensembles, and in combined rehearsals with the Wind Symphony Band. Students enrolling in Advanced String Orchestra must pass an audition with the orchestra director. Focus is placed on the study of traditional and contemporary orchestral music, with emphasis on training musicianship skills. Prior experience in large ensemble performance is recommended. Students are not required to attend after-school rehearsals, as this ensemble rehearses during the school day. Concerts are performed annually in December, March, and May/June. Students enrolled in this instrumental ensemble can audition for regional and all-state ensembles. This ensemble meets the criteria of a 5 credit music ensemble class required for acceptance to the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Junior and Senior students are eligible to apply for the Tri-M Music Honor Society at the start of their third year of enrollment in a 5 credit music ensemble course at HCRHS.

Grade: 9

Freshman Chorus is an elective open to all freshmen interested in singing and who wish to improve their vocal skills. Students learn proper vocal production, sight-reading, diction, correct phrasing, dynamics, good intonation, and proper blend. Through concert performances, students learn techniques of stage presence and the spirit of cooperation essential to this performing art. This ensemble meets the criteria of a 5 credit music ensemble class required for acceptance to the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Junior and Senior students are eligible to apply for the Tri-M Music Honor Society at the start of their third year of enrollment in a 5 credit music ensemble course at HCRHS.

Grades: 10-12

Treble Choir is an elective open to sophomore, junior, and senior students who are interested in singing. This course offers the student vocalist a continuing musical experience. Music from various historical periods, styles, and cultures is performed. Through repertoire and vocal exercises, the student’s musical knowledge is expanded to include proper usage of vowel techniques, good diction, correct phrasing, proper dynamics, intonation, and blend. Through concert performances, the student learns techniques of stage presence and the spirit of cooperation essential to the performing arts. This ensemble meets the criteria of a 5 credit music ensemble class required for acceptance to the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Junior and Senior students are eligible to apply for the Tri-M Music Honor Society at the start of their third year of enrollment in a 5 credit music ensemble course at HCRHS.

Grades: 10-12

Concert Choir is an elective open to all sophomore, junior, and senior students interested in singing. This course offers the student vocalist a continuing musical experience. Music from various historical periods, styles, and cultures is performed. Through repertoire and vocal exercises, the student’s musical knowledge is expanded to include proper usage of vowel techniques, good diction, correct phrasing, proper dynamics, intonation, and blend. Through concert performances, the student learns techniques of stage presence and the spirit of cooperation essential to the performing arts. This ensemble meets the criteria of a 5 credit music ensemble class required for acceptance to the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Junior and Senior students are eligible to apply for the Tri-M Music Honor Society at the start of their third year of enrollment in a 5 credit music ensemble course at HCRHS.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: Enrollment in a large group ensemble (Concert Choir, Treble Choir, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Wind Symphony, String Orchestra)

Students enrolled in the Jazz/Pop Choir study jazz and contemporary popular vocal music. There may be opportunities for community outreach through singing as part of the class. Students must be enrolled in an additional five (5) credit music ensemble class.

Grades: 9-12

This elective course is designed for the student who wishes to become a better musician by understanding the basic principles of musical composition. Included in the curriculum is the study of major and minor keys, meter, rhythm, chord progressions, elementary form and basic harmonization of melodies. Students will have the opportunity to create music utilizing the principles being learned.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: #771 Music Theory and Composition 1

This elective course is an extension of Music Theory and Composition I and expands upon the techniques of writing and harmonizing melodies in a variety of music forms. Emphasis is placed on music composition.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: #772 Honors Music Theory and Composition 2

This is a rigorous course intended for students who wish to expand upon the curriculum of Honors Music Theory and Composition 2. Emphasis is placed on aural skills (ear-training and sight-singing skills, plus melodic and rhythmic dictation) and on further study of composition techniques. Students will analyze music by past and present day composers. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

Grades: 9-12

Group instruction using the music MIDI lab is offered for those students who desire to learn basic piano skills. The course is designed so that each student can learn to play the piano at his/her own pace. No previous background is required.

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: #775 Piano Keyboard 1

Group instruction using the music MIDI lab is offered for those students who desire to enhance their piano skills. Students who have taken Piano Keyboard 1 will continue to learn at their own pace.

Grades: 9-12

Exploring Music 1 is designed to teach students the essential value of music as seen through various cultures and how it reflects on their life and society. Students examine their own musical tastes and those of other cultures.

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: #778 Exploring Music 1

This course traces the evolution of music in our society and focuses on the origin of rock and pop music. Students learn to identify major artists and typical sounds of each new style of music.

Grades: 10-12 or by counselor placement

Prerequisite: 5 credits in Music

TEAM Music is designed with an inclusion model in mind. Both Special and General Education students will work together through a curriculum designed to cultivate and promote student leadership, peer mentoring, collaboration, and creativity in the Music environment. The focus of this class will be to provide students with various creative experiences in singing, moving, and playing musical instruments. Additionally, students will learn to develop critical listening skills allowing them to respond and react to music in new ways. Peer-assisted learning will be used to cultivate partner and “team” relationships focused on self-expression. General Education students will apply, interview, and be selected to participate in this course, while Special Education students will be able to elect this course as their initial high school music experience. The course is ultimately designed to foster an inclusive environment for all students in Music Education.

Grades: 10-12

This course traces the history of the American musical theater from the late 1800's to the present day Broadway "blockbusters". Topics covered include historical importance, influences on the day's culture, and prominent people involved in each musical. Students will view approximately 15 musicals through the ages. The course is augmented by a field trip to see a current Broadway musical, as well as video and audio highlights of previous "hits."