Grades: 9-10-11-12
1 credit, One Semester

Art Foundations serves as the essential prerequisite to Art 1 and Ceramics and is a semester-long course. This course is designed to focus on honing crucial skills in drawing, painting, sculpting, and design. Students will explore the fundamentals of art and visual expression while experiencing a hands-on experience to discover their unique artistic styles. Students will analyze art history, movements, and the works of master artists throughout this course while empowering students to unleash their creativity and communicate through art.

Grades: 9-10-11-12
1 credit, One Semester

Art 1 is an instructional course centered on the elements and principles of design and color in which many new techniques and materials are introduced. Experimentation in all of the following areas will be provided: drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and computer art. Students are also expected to build and use a vocabulary, which helps them with art criticism and art appreciation.

Grades: 10-11-12
1 credit, One Semester

Art 2 continues the study of design and color and their application to drawing, design, painting, sculpture, lettering, and poster design. The projects presented in the course should stimulate the student to think creatively and to develop an alert, interested attitude. Students will continue to build an art vocabulary, which will help them with art criticism and art appreciation.  There will be a focus on major art movements in history.

Grades: 10-11-12
1 credit, One Semester

Emphasis is placed on the improvement of skills, techniques, and the creative interpretation of subject matter in all art forms. Most assignments are lengthy, requiring the student to thoroughly explore and understand the media being studied. An emphasis will be placed on developing the students’ skill in art criticism and aesthetics as well as studio art. Only those students who have demonstrated above average artistic ability or interest should elect the third year of art.

Grades: 11-12
1 credit, One Semester

Only those who understand the basic art principles and who have a talent in drawing and painting should complete a major in art. The objective of the fourth year student is to satisfactorily complete a portfolio displaying samples of their art projects completed throughout their four years of art. Students are expected to challenge themselves by selecting projects that will increase their skills and appreciation.

Grades: 11-12
1 credit weighted, One Semester

The AP Studio Art Portfolios are designed for students who are interested in the practical experience of art. The quality and breadth of the work in the portfolios should reflect first-year college-level standards. This will include home hours as well as classroom hours. AP Studio Art is based on visual works and written documentation for evaluation at the end of the school year. The AP Art and Design course framework is composed of course skills, big ideas, essential questions and enduring understandings, learning objectives, and essential knowledge. AP Art and Design skill categories delineate overarching understandings central to the study and practice of art and design. Each of the three skill categories consists of skills that encompass foundational to advanced learning over the span of the course. Students need to develop, practice, and apply these skills in a variety of contexts. The framework for the AP Art and Design courses is made up of three big ideas: (1) investigate materials, processes, and ideas;(2) make art and design; and (3) present art and design.

The drawing portfolio is designed to address a very broad interpretation of drawing issues and media. Light and shade, line quality, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, and illusion of depth are drawing issues to be addressed through a variety of media, as well as abstract observational, and inventive works, may qualify. A total of 20 works will make up the portfolio, divided into two categories: Sustained Investigation (15 works) and Selected Works (5 works). (1) Sustained Investigation: works that demonstrate practice, experimentation, revision, and drawing skills through materials, processes, and ideas. This includes writing documentation of how the sustained investigation shows evidence of practice, experimentation, and revision.  (2) Selected Works: works that demonstrate drawing skills, synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas. This includes writing documentation of your ideas, the materials you used, and the processes you used. Further information about the course can be found at www.apcentral.com. Students are expected to register and participate in the Advanced Placement Examination for this course. Perry Local Schools will pay for exam fees.

Grades: 9-10-11-12
1 credit, One Semester

This course is for anyone interested in learning how to build projects out of ceramic clay.  It will involve students in a variety of hand building techniques as well as wheel thrown forms. Students will also study and practice surface decoration, glazing, and firing of pottery and sculpture.  Students may be beginners with clay or advanced to participate in this class.  This course will allow students the opportunity to explore and develop their creative and technical skills in a three-dimensional medium.

Grades: 9-10-11-12
1 credit, One Semester

Students in this course have the passion to work independently in order to make ceramics of the highest quality.  These students work independently and continue to master the skills and learning that were developed in Ceramics.  Students will undertake creative projects that push their artistic abilities.

Grades: 9-10-11-12
1 credit, One Year Skinny

During the fall, the high school band performs as a marching band. The “Pride of the Pirates” performs at all varsity football games and other select community events. Concert band begins immediately upon completion of the regular football season and continues through the remainder of the school year, performing various concerts including the winter and spring concerts, commencement and OMEA Large Group AE. Required performances take place outside normal school hours and are graded as summative assessments. Band students also have an opportunity to participate in Solo and Ensemble, area honors ensembles, and other extracurricular ensembles such as Jazz Band and Basketball Pep Band. Every two to four years, the band takes a performance tour over Spring Break. A high level of musicianship and citizenship is expected of all participants. Students participating in performing ensembles at PHS are required to wear a specific uniform for all performances. Class will be held in the band room, Goodwin Theatre and Alumni Stadium. Band fees for new marchers are approximately $180 which includes: Camp Fee $70, Uniform Cleaning Fee $20, Band Shoes $35, Gloves $3, Polo $40, Lyres and Flip Folders $15. All students are required to wear a concert uniform for performance. The two options are: black pants, black dress shirt and solid black necktie or a standard concert dress available for purchase $69 or yearly rental $18. (Note: pricing is subject to change and gently used equipment may be available to students to borrow if requested when there is a financial need.) High School Band is a full-year course and marching and concert band cannot be taken individually or separated by semester.

Grades: 9-10-11-12
1 credit, One Year Skinny

Chorale is intended for students who wish to further their experience and skills in vocal music. A high level of musicianship is expected of all choir members. Emphasis is placed on balance and quality vocal production through the performance of SATB literature. The choir performs at the winter and spring concerts, and the LCMEA Choir Festival each year. These performances, often taking place outside normal school hours, are required for those registered for the course and are graded as summative assessments. Students are encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble contests. Students participating in performing ensembles at PHS are required to wear a specific uniform.  The two options are: black dress pants, black dress shirt, black long tie OR standard concert dress, available for purchase or yearly rental.

Grades: 9-10-11-12
1 credit, One Year Skinny

Treble Choir is intended for treble singers who desire to improve individual singing technique. Emphasis is placed on musical literacy and producing a quality tone through the performance of SSA and SSAA literature. The choir performs at the winter and spring concerts, and 1 other event through the course of the year. These performances, often taking place outside normal school hours, are required for those registered for the course and are graded as summative assessments. Students are encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble contests. Students participating in performing ensembles at PHS are required to wear a specific uniform.  The two options are: black dress pants, black dress shirt, black long tie OR standard concert dress, available for purchase or yearly rental.

Grades: 9-10-11-12
1 credit, One Year (4 year rotation) Skinny

This course will focus on the history of Western Art Music (classical music) from approximately 1100-1950 and include an in-depth study of music of the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classic, Romantic and Modern eras.  Students will listen to and study music of composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Strauss, Stravinsky, Schoenberg, as well as many others.  The second half of the course will be a study of the history of Jazz Music, and include the origins of early jazz, as well as the eras of Swing, Bebop, Cool, Hard Bop, and Fusion.  Both halves of this course will tie the progression of historical world events to the development of music across the years.  Students do not have to have band or choir experience to take this course.

Grades: 9-10-11-12
1 credit, One Year (4 year rotation) Skinny

This course focuses on the creation and editing of music with computers using music notation and music sequencing software. Students produce various audio & visual projects demonstrating basic understandings of music notation, MIDI, and the editing of sounds.  The course also explores the latest developments in music technology including online music sources, multimedia technologies, and audio recording equipment. (Offered every third school year)

1 credit, One Year (4 year rotation) Skinny

This course will focus on the history of popular music from 1900 to current, with the majority of the course covering the growth and development of Rock and Roll.  Through listening examples, analysis, discussion, readings, and film, students will explore the music of each time period and the social and cultural contexts behind the creation of this music, as well as how it was experienced by its listeners. Class assignments will be organized around song analysis, small group discussions, and course readings. Students will listen to a large amount of music and work toward an understanding of important topics including, but not limited to, the Roots of Rock and Roll, Folk Music, Motown Music, Rhythm and Blues, Protest Music, The British Invasion, Hard Rock/Heavy Metal, Punk Rock, and Modern/Contemporary Rock.  Pending approval, the class will conclude with a field trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in late April or May.  (Offered every third school year)

Grades: 9-10-11-12
1 credit, One Year (4 year rotation) Skinny

Music theory class provides an opportunity to learn the basic elements of musical theory. Contents of the course include studies of musical notation, pitch, rhythm, intervals, major and minor scales, major and minor key signatures, harmonic system, voicing, chord structure, basic harmony, cadential design, and the study of musical examples.  Students who are interested in learning the “nuts and bolts” of how music works should consider taking this course. (Offered every third school year)