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The focus of the Fine & Performing Arts (FPA) Department at Smithfield High School is to increase academic achievement levels for all students through the introduction of basic, intermediate, advanced, honors and Advanced Placement curricula.
Our main goal is to build relationships with students that inspire them to attend, actively participate and contribute to the school community. Through Theater, Visual Arts, Chorus and Instrumental Music, the FPA Department provides daily stimuli that influences and inspires academic and emotional interests that extend across the curriculum.
Our strategy for success is to:
Our main goal is to build relationships with students that inspire them to attend, actively participate and contribute to the school community. Through Theater, Visual Arts, Chorus and Instrumental Music, the FPA Department provides daily stimuli that influences and inspires academic and emotional interests that extend across the curriculum.
Our strategy for success is to:
- Provide a safe, open learning environment conducive to all learning groups.
- Create daily opportunities to perform to mastery various skill sets that extend beyond FPA classes.
- Make a personal connection each day by expressing interest in the well being of all students.
FINE ARTS includes music and band, art, chorus, and theater/drama.
Note: Most performing arts courses, (Theatre, Band, and Chorus) have mandatory performance requirements that include out-of-school hours and appropriate apparel. Students who have other commitments which would prohibit meeting these expectations should not enroll in these particular courses.
Theater Arts I: Introduction to Theatre 14100G
This course is designed to provide students with a survey of theatre arts. Students are provided opportunities to experience and appreciate dramatic literature and participate in the creative processes of performance and production. The course emphasizes skill development and provides theatrical opportunities that enable students to determine areas of interest.
Technical Theatre (Performance Based) 14350G
Prerequisite: Theater Arts I or Art I
This course focuses on the skills of technical production work for theatrical performances, including state management, set construction, lighting and sound operation and design, backstage running crews, and house management. The students will be responsible for serving as the technical crew for productions of the theater arts classes; therefore, additional after-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students.
Theater Arts II: Dramatic Literature and Theatre History (Performance Based) 14200G
Prerequisite: Theater Arts I
This course is designed to help students integrate and build upon concepts and skills acquired in Theatre Arts I. Students will investigate dramatic literature, theatrical styles, and historical periods through various modes of expression and performance. Students will study and respond to a variety of theatre experiences that will refine communicative, collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills. Students will expand artistic abilities and appreciation of theatrical arts.
Theater Arts III: Intermediate Acting and Playwriting (Performance Based) 14230G
Prerequisite: Theater Arts II
This course is designed to help students integrate and build upon concepts and skills acquired in Theatre Arts II. Students will investigate acting styles and the process of playwriting, which includes character development, research, dramatic structure, conflict, and resolution. Students will study and respond to a variety of theatre experiences that will refine collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills. Students will expand artistic abilities and appreciation of the theatrical arts.
Theater Arts IV: Advanced Acting and Directing (Performance Based) 14260G
Prerequisite: Theater Arts III
This course is designed to help students refine the concepts and skills acquired in Theatre Arts III while reinforcing the principles learned in Theatre Arts I and II. Students will use research, performance, and evaluation to develop artistic criteria that will be applied to performance and directing. Students will study and respond to a variety of theatre experiences, showcasing collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills.
AP Music Theory 92260AP or 92260VA
Prerequisite: Intermediate Band II
Recommended: Strong background in musical concepts, entry exam, and audition
Assessment: In order to receive weighted credit, students are required to take the AP exam.
The ultimate goal of an Advanced Placement Music Theory course is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. The achievement of this goal may be best promoted by integrated approaches to the student’s development of: aural skills listening exercises, sight-singing skills performance exercises, written skills through written exercises, compositional skills creative exercises, and analytical skills analytical exercises. The course should seek first to instill mastery of the rudiments and terminology of music, including hearing and notating: pitches, intervals, scales and keys, chords, meter, and rhythm. Students will learn these basic concepts through listening to a wide variety of music, including not only music from standard Western tonal repertoire but also twentieth-century art music, jazz, popular music, and the music of non-Western cultures. Students will work on the acquisition of correct notational skills, as well as developing speed and fluency with basic materials. Students will be required to read, notate, write, sing, and listen to music. Performance – using singing, keyboard, and students’ primary performance media – will also be a part of the learning process. This class receives advanced placement weighted credit.
Intermediate Band I (Performance Based) 92331G
Intermediate Band II (Performance Based) 92332G
Intermediate Band III (Performance Based) 92333G
Intermediate Band IV (Performance Based) 92334G
Advanced Band I (Performance Based) 92341G
Advanced Band II (Performance Based) 92342G
Advanced Band III (Performance Based) 92343G
Advanced Band IV (Performance Based) 92344G
Honors Advanced Band V (Performance Based) 92345H
Honors Advanced Band VI (Performance Based) 92346H
Jazz Band (Performance Based) 92501G
Jazz Band (Performance Based) 92502G
(Students eligible for enrollment in honors courses will have completed at least four semesters of band prior to enrollment and/or successfully passed a rigorous audition on advanced instrumental and music theory concepts. The specific standards follow the course descriptions.)
WIND & PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE - Open to all students (grades 9 -12) with beginning or prior band experience, this class will concentrate on developing basic playing skills such as tone production, rhythmic proficiency, intonation, and technical ability, as well as preparation and performance of basic-level concert band literature. This ensemble is developmental and will concentrate on learning the essential fundamentals and skills necessary for performance. Members of the WPE will perform in concert as a group or as a blended entity with an upper-level performing group. There will be out-of- school time required for rehearsals and performances. In addition, WPE students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Marching Band. Note: All 9th-grade students are assigned to this band class, with some exceptions.
CONCERT BAND - Open to students in grades 9 – 12, with Director of Bands approval. After WPE, this class concentrates on the further development of individual and ensemble playing skills, with emphasis on the performance aspects of wind band music and the preparation of the finest band literature available at this level. At times, members of the Concert Band will be called to perform with the Symphonic Band in rehearsal and performance. There will be required out- of-school time for rehearsals and performances. Students in this class are most strongly encouraged to participate in the SHS Marching Band.
SYMPHONIC BAND - Open to students in grades 9 - 12, selected by the Director of Bands. This ensemble comprises the most outstanding instrumental musicians, and will have as a primary focus the preparation and performance of the finest literature for the modern wind band. While students will already possess a high degree of ability, the further advancement of musical skills, both individual and ensemble will be paramount to the success of the student and the organization. Great emphasis is placed on individual musical responsibility, in that students are one or two- on-a part. Members of the Symphonic Band are expected to perform with the WPE and Concert Band as needed in rehearsal and performance. Students in this class are expected to perform with the Marching Band, perform on several concert programs and festivals, and audition for District Honor Band. There will be out-of-school time required for rehearsals and performances.
JAZZ BAND - Open to students in grades 9 - 12, selected by the Director of Bands. This ensemble comprises the most outstanding instrumental musicians in Smithfield High School, and will have as a primary focus the preparation and performance of the finest jazz and popular literature. The further advancement of musical skills, both individual and ensemble will be paramount to the success of the student and the organization. Great emphasis is placed on individual musical responsibility and the development of the jazz idiom and improvisation. Members of the Jazz Band are expected to prepare and perform as the pit orchestra for the school musical. Students in this class are expected to perform with all other performing groups as needed. There will be out-of-school time required for rehearsals and performances.
Beginning Chorus I (Performance Based) 92601G
This class focuses on beginning vocal techniques, reading and writing basic musical notation, critiquing musical events, following conducting, and singing unison and harmony. Students will perform selections representing contrasting periods and styles.
Beginning Chorus II (Performance Based) 92602G
Prerequisite: Beginning Chorus I or audition
The study of beginning vocal techniques is continued. Students also incorporate expressive qualities into their singing, and learn the importance of contributing to group goals.
Intermediate Chorus I (Performance Based) 92851G
Prerequisite: Beginning Chorus II or audition
Students will develop tone quality and intonation, and will read and sight-sing notation of simple patterns. They will demonstrate expected rehearsal decorum and appropriate attitude. Students will use expressive qualities of dynamics, tempo, blend, and balance in group performance. Placement in this course will be based on skill level and teacher recommendation.
Intermediate Chorus II (Performance Based) 92852G
Prerequisite: Intermediate Chorus I or audition
Students will sing music containing three or more parts. They will identify phonal textures, basic musical terms, and simple structural forms. Students will demonstrate improvisational skills and develop an awareness of career and vocational opportunities in music. Placement in this course will be based on skill level and teacher recommendation.
Advanced Chorus I (Performance Based) 92891G
Prerequisite: Intermediate Chorus II or audition
Students will develop a command of vocal production and intonation appropriate for the level of music being studied. They will refine expression and interpretive skills. Students will demonstrate appropriate posture and breathing techniques.
Advanced Chorus II (Performance Based) 92892G
Prerequisite: Advanced Chorus I or audition
Students will sight-sing in a variety of keys and meters. They will write pitch and rhythmic notation of melodies of two or more phrases. Students will sing music containing four or more parts.
Advanced Chorus III (Performance Based) 92893G
Prerequisite: Advanced Chorus II or audition
Students will respond to complex conducting patterns and interpretive gestures. They will name various compositional devices in music. Students will perform selections of all major periods and make informed choices of music from varied cultural and ethnic origins. Placement in this course will be based on skill level and teacher recommendation.
Advanced Chorus IV (Performance Based) 92894G
Prerequisite: Advanced Chorus III or audition
Students will use appropriate musical vocabulary, and critique a variety of musical performances. They will demonstrate knowledge of form and structure in a given choral score. Students will explore and discuss careers and vocational opportunities in music. Placement in this course will be based on skill level and teacher recommendation.
Art I (Foundations) 91200G
Students will study the elements and principals of art. They will develop skills using a variety of media. The students will expand their imagination and work on observation skills. Students will learn to analyze and critique artwork, in addition to exploring art history and aesthetics. Students will be required to maintain an art notebook.
Art II (Intermediate) 91300G
Prerequisite: Art I (Foundations)
This class will focus on two dimensional art. Prior knowledge of the elements of art and the principles of design is expected. The students will expand their technical drawing skills, while using a wide variety of two-dimensional media. There will be an emphasis on applying and developing compositional skills while creating and using a variety of styles and techniques. Students will expand their vocabulary and writing skills to enhance their abilities to critique works of art. They will develop interpretive skills as they study art history and analyze historical artwork. The students will begin to create a body of artwork for a portfolio. The students in this class will be required to maintain an art notebook.
Art III (Advanced Intermediate) 91400G
Prerequisite: Art I (Foundations) and Art II (Intermediate)
This class will focus on three-dimensional art. Prior knowledge of the elements of art and the principles of design is expected of the students. There will be an emphasis on applying the design principles to further develop compositional skills in creating three-dimensional artwork. The students will explore a variety of three-dimensional art media. They will further expand their vocabulary and writing skills through the exploration of art history and three-dimensional artists. They will create three-dimensional artwork suitable for a portfolio. This class will require maintaining an art notebook.
Art IV (Advanced) 91450G
Prerequisite: Art I (Foundations), Art II (Intermediate), and Art III (Advanced Intermediate)
Art Students should be aware that this class is designed for the motivated art student who wants to prepare a body of work for a college portfolio or to prepare for AP Studio Art. There should be a commitment to rigorous completion of quality artwork and to create artwork outside the class. Students will determine and explore an area of concentration focusing on a personal visual interest or problem. The students will be expected to demonstrate a proficiency in formal, technical, and expressive means within the artwork. They will expand vocabulary and writing skills, while applying analytical skills. This class will require maintaining an art notebook. In addition, the students will create and maintain a body of work for a portfolio.
Art V – Studio Art 91470G
Prerequisite: 3 Art Classes
This class is designed as an independent study in which students continue to reinforce competence and confidence in their artwork. Students will be required to demonstrate mastery through a portfolio that shows concentration, breadth of experience, and technical skills. Students who enroll in Art V are generally planning to pursue visual arts as a major in college. This class will provide the students an opportunity to build a portfolio that includes some of the expectations of the college or university in which they plan to attend.
AP Studio Art: Students choose from one of these three approaches
AP Studio Art: 2-D Design Concentration, or 91480AP or 91480VA
AP Studio Art: 3-D Design Concentration, or 91490AP or 91490VA
AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio 91500AP or 91500VA
Prerequisite: Art I (Foundations), Art II (Intermediate), Art III (Advanced Intermediate), and Art IV
(Advanced)
AP Studio Art is a yearlong, two-credit course designed to provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that of an introductory college course in studio art foundation. The course enables students to develop a body of work investigating a strong underlying visual idea in Drawing, 2-D Design, or 3-D Design that grows out of a coherent plan of action or investigation (i.e., a “concentration”). Students should be aware that this class requires advanced artistic technical knowledge and skills. There should be a commitment to rigorous completion of quality artwork inside and outside of class. Students will explore areas of personal quality within the artwork. They will determine and explore an area of concentration focusing on a personal visual interest or problem. The students will be expected to demonstrate a proficiency in formal, technical, and expressive means within the artwork. They will expand vocabulary and writing skills, while applying analytical skills. This class will require maintaining an art notebook. In addition, the students will complete a body of work for the required AP Portfolio. Students will submit a portfolio to the College Board that demonstrates mastery of the skills and concepts in the area of concentration. This class receives advanced placement weighted credit.
Note: Most performing arts courses, (Theatre, Band, and Chorus) have mandatory performance requirements that include out-of-school hours and appropriate apparel. Students who have other commitments which would prohibit meeting these expectations should not enroll in these particular courses.
Theater Arts I: Introduction to Theatre 14100G
This course is designed to provide students with a survey of theatre arts. Students are provided opportunities to experience and appreciate dramatic literature and participate in the creative processes of performance and production. The course emphasizes skill development and provides theatrical opportunities that enable students to determine areas of interest.
Technical Theatre (Performance Based) 14350G
Prerequisite: Theater Arts I or Art I
This course focuses on the skills of technical production work for theatrical performances, including state management, set construction, lighting and sound operation and design, backstage running crews, and house management. The students will be responsible for serving as the technical crew for productions of the theater arts classes; therefore, additional after-school rehearsals and performances are required of all students.
Theater Arts II: Dramatic Literature and Theatre History (Performance Based) 14200G
Prerequisite: Theater Arts I
This course is designed to help students integrate and build upon concepts and skills acquired in Theatre Arts I. Students will investigate dramatic literature, theatrical styles, and historical periods through various modes of expression and performance. Students will study and respond to a variety of theatre experiences that will refine communicative, collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills. Students will expand artistic abilities and appreciation of theatrical arts.
Theater Arts III: Intermediate Acting and Playwriting (Performance Based) 14230G
Prerequisite: Theater Arts II
This course is designed to help students integrate and build upon concepts and skills acquired in Theatre Arts II. Students will investigate acting styles and the process of playwriting, which includes character development, research, dramatic structure, conflict, and resolution. Students will study and respond to a variety of theatre experiences that will refine collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills. Students will expand artistic abilities and appreciation of the theatrical arts.
Theater Arts IV: Advanced Acting and Directing (Performance Based) 14260G
Prerequisite: Theater Arts III
This course is designed to help students refine the concepts and skills acquired in Theatre Arts III while reinforcing the principles learned in Theatre Arts I and II. Students will use research, performance, and evaluation to develop artistic criteria that will be applied to performance and directing. Students will study and respond to a variety of theatre experiences, showcasing collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills.
AP Music Theory 92260AP or 92260VA
Prerequisite: Intermediate Band II
Recommended: Strong background in musical concepts, entry exam, and audition
Assessment: In order to receive weighted credit, students are required to take the AP exam.
The ultimate goal of an Advanced Placement Music Theory course is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. The achievement of this goal may be best promoted by integrated approaches to the student’s development of: aural skills listening exercises, sight-singing skills performance exercises, written skills through written exercises, compositional skills creative exercises, and analytical skills analytical exercises. The course should seek first to instill mastery of the rudiments and terminology of music, including hearing and notating: pitches, intervals, scales and keys, chords, meter, and rhythm. Students will learn these basic concepts through listening to a wide variety of music, including not only music from standard Western tonal repertoire but also twentieth-century art music, jazz, popular music, and the music of non-Western cultures. Students will work on the acquisition of correct notational skills, as well as developing speed and fluency with basic materials. Students will be required to read, notate, write, sing, and listen to music. Performance – using singing, keyboard, and students’ primary performance media – will also be a part of the learning process. This class receives advanced placement weighted credit.
Intermediate Band I (Performance Based) 92331G
Intermediate Band II (Performance Based) 92332G
Intermediate Band III (Performance Based) 92333G
Intermediate Band IV (Performance Based) 92334G
Advanced Band I (Performance Based) 92341G
Advanced Band II (Performance Based) 92342G
Advanced Band III (Performance Based) 92343G
Advanced Band IV (Performance Based) 92344G
Honors Advanced Band V (Performance Based) 92345H
Honors Advanced Band VI (Performance Based) 92346H
Jazz Band (Performance Based) 92501G
Jazz Band (Performance Based) 92502G
(Students eligible for enrollment in honors courses will have completed at least four semesters of band prior to enrollment and/or successfully passed a rigorous audition on advanced instrumental and music theory concepts. The specific standards follow the course descriptions.)
WIND & PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE - Open to all students (grades 9 -12) with beginning or prior band experience, this class will concentrate on developing basic playing skills such as tone production, rhythmic proficiency, intonation, and technical ability, as well as preparation and performance of basic-level concert band literature. This ensemble is developmental and will concentrate on learning the essential fundamentals and skills necessary for performance. Members of the WPE will perform in concert as a group or as a blended entity with an upper-level performing group. There will be out-of- school time required for rehearsals and performances. In addition, WPE students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Marching Band. Note: All 9th-grade students are assigned to this band class, with some exceptions.
CONCERT BAND - Open to students in grades 9 – 12, with Director of Bands approval. After WPE, this class concentrates on the further development of individual and ensemble playing skills, with emphasis on the performance aspects of wind band music and the preparation of the finest band literature available at this level. At times, members of the Concert Band will be called to perform with the Symphonic Band in rehearsal and performance. There will be required out- of-school time for rehearsals and performances. Students in this class are most strongly encouraged to participate in the SHS Marching Band.
SYMPHONIC BAND - Open to students in grades 9 - 12, selected by the Director of Bands. This ensemble comprises the most outstanding instrumental musicians, and will have as a primary focus the preparation and performance of the finest literature for the modern wind band. While students will already possess a high degree of ability, the further advancement of musical skills, both individual and ensemble will be paramount to the success of the student and the organization. Great emphasis is placed on individual musical responsibility, in that students are one or two- on-a part. Members of the Symphonic Band are expected to perform with the WPE and Concert Band as needed in rehearsal and performance. Students in this class are expected to perform with the Marching Band, perform on several concert programs and festivals, and audition for District Honor Band. There will be out-of-school time required for rehearsals and performances.
JAZZ BAND - Open to students in grades 9 - 12, selected by the Director of Bands. This ensemble comprises the most outstanding instrumental musicians in Smithfield High School, and will have as a primary focus the preparation and performance of the finest jazz and popular literature. The further advancement of musical skills, both individual and ensemble will be paramount to the success of the student and the organization. Great emphasis is placed on individual musical responsibility and the development of the jazz idiom and improvisation. Members of the Jazz Band are expected to prepare and perform as the pit orchestra for the school musical. Students in this class are expected to perform with all other performing groups as needed. There will be out-of-school time required for rehearsals and performances.
Beginning Chorus I (Performance Based) 92601G
This class focuses on beginning vocal techniques, reading and writing basic musical notation, critiquing musical events, following conducting, and singing unison and harmony. Students will perform selections representing contrasting periods and styles.
Beginning Chorus II (Performance Based) 92602G
Prerequisite: Beginning Chorus I or audition
The study of beginning vocal techniques is continued. Students also incorporate expressive qualities into their singing, and learn the importance of contributing to group goals.
Intermediate Chorus I (Performance Based) 92851G
Prerequisite: Beginning Chorus II or audition
Students will develop tone quality and intonation, and will read and sight-sing notation of simple patterns. They will demonstrate expected rehearsal decorum and appropriate attitude. Students will use expressive qualities of dynamics, tempo, blend, and balance in group performance. Placement in this course will be based on skill level and teacher recommendation.
Intermediate Chorus II (Performance Based) 92852G
Prerequisite: Intermediate Chorus I or audition
Students will sing music containing three or more parts. They will identify phonal textures, basic musical terms, and simple structural forms. Students will demonstrate improvisational skills and develop an awareness of career and vocational opportunities in music. Placement in this course will be based on skill level and teacher recommendation.
Advanced Chorus I (Performance Based) 92891G
Prerequisite: Intermediate Chorus II or audition
Students will develop a command of vocal production and intonation appropriate for the level of music being studied. They will refine expression and interpretive skills. Students will demonstrate appropriate posture and breathing techniques.
Advanced Chorus II (Performance Based) 92892G
Prerequisite: Advanced Chorus I or audition
Students will sight-sing in a variety of keys and meters. They will write pitch and rhythmic notation of melodies of two or more phrases. Students will sing music containing four or more parts.
Advanced Chorus III (Performance Based) 92893G
Prerequisite: Advanced Chorus II or audition
Students will respond to complex conducting patterns and interpretive gestures. They will name various compositional devices in music. Students will perform selections of all major periods and make informed choices of music from varied cultural and ethnic origins. Placement in this course will be based on skill level and teacher recommendation.
Advanced Chorus IV (Performance Based) 92894G
Prerequisite: Advanced Chorus III or audition
Students will use appropriate musical vocabulary, and critique a variety of musical performances. They will demonstrate knowledge of form and structure in a given choral score. Students will explore and discuss careers and vocational opportunities in music. Placement in this course will be based on skill level and teacher recommendation.
Art I (Foundations) 91200G
Students will study the elements and principals of art. They will develop skills using a variety of media. The students will expand their imagination and work on observation skills. Students will learn to analyze and critique artwork, in addition to exploring art history and aesthetics. Students will be required to maintain an art notebook.
Art II (Intermediate) 91300G
Prerequisite: Art I (Foundations)
This class will focus on two dimensional art. Prior knowledge of the elements of art and the principles of design is expected. The students will expand their technical drawing skills, while using a wide variety of two-dimensional media. There will be an emphasis on applying and developing compositional skills while creating and using a variety of styles and techniques. Students will expand their vocabulary and writing skills to enhance their abilities to critique works of art. They will develop interpretive skills as they study art history and analyze historical artwork. The students will begin to create a body of artwork for a portfolio. The students in this class will be required to maintain an art notebook.
Art III (Advanced Intermediate) 91400G
Prerequisite: Art I (Foundations) and Art II (Intermediate)
This class will focus on three-dimensional art. Prior knowledge of the elements of art and the principles of design is expected of the students. There will be an emphasis on applying the design principles to further develop compositional skills in creating three-dimensional artwork. The students will explore a variety of three-dimensional art media. They will further expand their vocabulary and writing skills through the exploration of art history and three-dimensional artists. They will create three-dimensional artwork suitable for a portfolio. This class will require maintaining an art notebook.
Art IV (Advanced) 91450G
Prerequisite: Art I (Foundations), Art II (Intermediate), and Art III (Advanced Intermediate)
Art Students should be aware that this class is designed for the motivated art student who wants to prepare a body of work for a college portfolio or to prepare for AP Studio Art. There should be a commitment to rigorous completion of quality artwork and to create artwork outside the class. Students will determine and explore an area of concentration focusing on a personal visual interest or problem. The students will be expected to demonstrate a proficiency in formal, technical, and expressive means within the artwork. They will expand vocabulary and writing skills, while applying analytical skills. This class will require maintaining an art notebook. In addition, the students will create and maintain a body of work for a portfolio.
Art V – Studio Art 91470G
Prerequisite: 3 Art Classes
This class is designed as an independent study in which students continue to reinforce competence and confidence in their artwork. Students will be required to demonstrate mastery through a portfolio that shows concentration, breadth of experience, and technical skills. Students who enroll in Art V are generally planning to pursue visual arts as a major in college. This class will provide the students an opportunity to build a portfolio that includes some of the expectations of the college or university in which they plan to attend.
AP Studio Art: Students choose from one of these three approaches
AP Studio Art: 2-D Design Concentration, or 91480AP or 91480VA
AP Studio Art: 3-D Design Concentration, or 91490AP or 91490VA
AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio 91500AP or 91500VA
Prerequisite: Art I (Foundations), Art II (Intermediate), Art III (Advanced Intermediate), and Art IV
(Advanced)
AP Studio Art is a yearlong, two-credit course designed to provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that of an introductory college course in studio art foundation. The course enables students to develop a body of work investigating a strong underlying visual idea in Drawing, 2-D Design, or 3-D Design that grows out of a coherent plan of action or investigation (i.e., a “concentration”). Students should be aware that this class requires advanced artistic technical knowledge and skills. There should be a commitment to rigorous completion of quality artwork inside and outside of class. Students will explore areas of personal quality within the artwork. They will determine and explore an area of concentration focusing on a personal visual interest or problem. The students will be expected to demonstrate a proficiency in formal, technical, and expressive means within the artwork. They will expand vocabulary and writing skills, while applying analytical skills. This class will require maintaining an art notebook. In addition, the students will complete a body of work for the required AP Portfolio. Students will submit a portfolio to the College Board that demonstrates mastery of the skills and concepts in the area of concentration. This class receives advanced placement weighted credit.