Fine Arts

The Arts Education program provides curricular and professional development support in the areas of Dance, General Music, Instrumental Music (band and strings) Vocal Music, Theatre Arts and Visual Arts. The office also facilitates district-wide activities for students and teachers, including All-County performing festivals, adjudications, visual art displays and the annual Pieces of Gold event showcasing the creative excellence of Arts Education in the Wake County Public School System.

Arts Education challenges each student to develop and maintain a dynamic awareness of the importance of the arts in the human experience. The program is based on the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and the belief that the arts are basic to every classroom experience and life-long learning.  https://www.wcpss.net/domain/49

Visual Arts Exploratory

This course introduces students to the elements of art through a variety of media that may include: drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, pottery, and weaving. Application of these elements to the students’ own original art work is the major emphasis while being introduced to art history and critical analysis of master work as well as their own

Visual Composition I Available for grades 7-8 only

Students will engage in deep study of the elements and principles of art centered on the curriculum set forth in the North Carolina Essential Standards for Visual Art.  Two and three-dimensional techniques will be taught using a variety of media.  Students explore various cultures, art history and learn to think and write critically about master work as well as their own.

Drawing Available for grades 7 – 8 only

Students are taught drawing techniques using various media. They work with line, value, and basic perspective.  In addition, students will learn to think and write critically about master work as well as their own.

Painting Available for grades 7 – 8 only

This course introduces basic painting skills and concepts, and presents the painting process as a problem-solving exercise designed to promote fluency, flexibility, and elaboration.  In addition, students will learn to think and write critically about master work as well as their own.

Pottery/Sculpture Available for grades 7 – 8 only

Students will create their own work with a wide variety of media such as paper, wood, clay, plaster, papier mâché, or fabric.  Students explore various cultures, art history and learn to think and write critically about master work as well as their own.

Dramatics Available for grades 7 – 8 only

Students develop specific skills that allow them to study and create characters for the stage.  Activities include stage directions, simple set and costume design, prop collection, and play production.   Students should anticipate some after–‐school practices and evening performances.

Music Exploratory

Students are introduced to the skills necessary for singing and playing music with accuracy and expression, interpreting the sound and symbols of music. Through the study of various genres and cultures, students will analyze, evaluate and understand the music and concepts from other areas.

Chorus Available for grades 7 – 8 only

Students apply correct singing technique and various elements of musical expression through developmentally appropriate and historical vocal literature. Students learn how to use traditional notation in order to learn music, and to respond correctly to conductors’ gestures both in rehearsal and in public performance. Students will study vocal music and its relationship to other cultures, eras and geographical locations.

Concert Chorus Available for grades 7 – 8 only

Students will continue to apply correct singing technique, study vocal health issues and various elements of musical expression through developmentally appropriate and historical vocal literature. Students will use traditional notation in order to learn music, and to respond correctly to conductors’ gestures both in rehearsal and in public performance.  Students in this class may be asked to represent the school in public performances.

Beginning Band (year-long course)

Emphasis is on the acquisition of basic musical skills as students learn to play a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument.  Band classes prepare several concert compositions that are performed for an audience.   Students should anticipate some after-school practices and evening performances.

Intermediate Band (year-long course)

This class is a continuation of the skills taught in Beginning Band with further development of tone production, breath support, and music reading. Students are introduced to performance skills and techniques. They are encouraged to perform as individuals and as members of an ensemble.  Technical drills, scale studies, rhythm studies, and sight reading exercises are used to advance the student’s skills, knowledge, and reading ability in music. A wide variety of band literature is studied to give the students experience in various musical styles.  Students should anticipate some after-school practices and evening performances.