VISUAL ART

• A continuum of Art courses for students in grades 9-12 is available for both the student artist as well as the student who wishes to study only certain aspects of visual art.
  
  
• In addition to Art I, II, III, and IV, elective courses in Visual and Performing Arts Foundations, Jewelry and Metals, Drawing (Introductory and Advanced levels), Painting (Introductory and Advanced levels), Art Appreciation, Art as Expression, World Crafts (Introductory, Intermediate & Advanced levels), Pottery, Sculpture, Creative Technical Art, and Animation 1 & 2 are offered.
  
  
• Advanced Placement courses in History of Art and Studio Art are offered.
  
  
• Students' artwork is displayed in the foyer of the core facility and student created murals can be found in the cafeteria.
  
  
• Visual art instruction focuses on art appreciation, studio art, as well as elements of critique and design.
  
  
• Students' work is exhibited at the District Art Night in early Spring and at the High School Showcase Night in June. As well, students participate in various local and area competitions.
  
  
• Staff work closely with junior and senior students to develop portfolios for those pursuing advanced study in art after high school.
  

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DANCE

• Dance I - this course will develop the physical skills and movement associated with dance performance. Students will study the terminology, form and structures in dance, as well as the history of dance and it's importance in various cultures. Students will view, analyze and evaluate the work of acclaimed choreographers and dance artists. Students will learn and recognize basic choreographic techniques. Participation in public performances will be a part of the course requirements.
  
  
• Dance II - this course is designed to further refine and develop skills Developed in Dance I. Students will study an advanced level of dance techniques from Ballet, Jazz, and Modern dance, and will begin to Develop artistry in their movement skills. Students will also expand their knowledge of dance history and dance terminology. Advanced studies in composition and choreography, including the creative process, will be emphasized. Participation in public performances will be a part of the course requirements.
  
  
• Dance III - this course is designed for students desiring an in-depth study in the art of dance. Students will refine their technical skills in the advanced technical levels of Ballet, Jazz and Modern Dance, and will enhance their level of artistry. Advanced units in dance history and terminology will prepare students for college course work. Students will have the opportunity to create choreography and gain personal experience in the role of choreographer and director. Students will participate in a dance production during the school year.
  

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THEATER

• Exploring the Theater - this course is an introduction to all phases of the theater experience, including pantomime, improvisation, basic acting techniques, body movement, audition techniques, stagecraft, make-up, theater history and play production.
  
  
• Actor's Studio - this course offers intensive exercises in voice, movement, imagination, concentration and character Development. Examination of various acting theories prepares the student for practical application of the art of acting. Technical theater is introduced with the study of scenery, lighting, costume, make-up, and other design techniques. As a culminating activity, the class will present a complete dramatic production.
  
  
• Theater Production - students in this class will learn the various aspects of producing a theatrical production, from the beginning organizational details to final product. Scenery design and construction, props and use of color, style and compositional techniques will be studied. Students will also gain practical experience in the technical aspects of lighting and sound design, costume design and production, and application of make-up.
  

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MUSIC

Washington Township was selected as one of the top 100 communities in the nation for Music Education in 2001. This award was given by the American Music Conference (AMC) and was a joint survey project of the AMC, Music Teachers National Association, National School Boards Association, VH-1 Save the Music Foundation and Yamaha Corporation. During the 2002-03 school year, Washington Township High School was recognized as a Grammy Signature School by the NARAS Foundation, for its extensive music program.

• Music Theory I - this course will give students a basic understanding of the principles surrounding the creation of music. Units of study include the fundamentals of music, structural elements of music, harmonization and analysis, and aural skills development. The course emphasizes compositional skills through in-class and independent writing using both traditional and computer-assisted notation.
  
  
• Advanced Placement Music Theory II - in addition to the study of advanced harmony, melodic and rhythmic concepts, in established or original music, students will be assigned a variety of composition and arrangement projects individually and in small groups. Analysis of complex harmonic structures and the development of aural skills through sight-singing and dictation will be integral to the course. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to take the Advanced Placement Music Theory Test as administered by the College Board.
  
  
• Music Technology/MIDI - this course introduces students to the modern methods of music production, using a variety of computer and MIDI keyboard technologies in a sixteen-station computer lab with state-of-the-art hardware and software. Students will be able to utilize computer-based sequencers, music notation and play-along programs. Students will learn to create, publish and record their own musical projects.
  
  
• MIDI 2/Digital Recording - The skills learned in Music Technology/MIDI are refined and improved in this course. In addition, students will learn to use state-of-the-art digital recording equipment and software to record, edit and produce recordings in a hands-on environment. Recording and editing of school events for large scale distribution will be integral to the course.
  
  
• Guitar I - This course is an introductory beginning level course for students interested in learning how to play the most popular of all folk instruments. Music reading skills will be emphasized and practiced on a daily basis. Students will also learn the concepts of reading chord notation and tablature.
  
  
• Guitar II - Students taking this course will continue to refine the skills learned in Guitar I. More advanced music reading skills will be learned through daily classroom practice and instruction. Guitar ensemble music will be integral to the course and include outside performance opportunities.
  
  
• Guitar III - Further refinement of the skills learned in the earlier guitar courses will be the focus of this course. Students will develop advanced playing abilities that include solo and ensemble work. Performance opportunities in and outside of the school setting will be encouraged.
  
  
• Band - Three classes of band are offered for students wishing to play traditional band instruments. All band instrumentalists must audition for placement in a band class. The Concert Band is for developing musicians, the Symphonic Band is for the more advanced players, and the Wind Ensemble is for the musically accelerated students. Instrumental technique, ensemble technique, music literacy, music history, critical listening and etiquette as a performer will be covered in these classes. Daily rehearsals will prepare students for a number of concert and festival performances during the year. Weekly small group lessons supplement the daily classroom instruction.
  
  
• Marching Band - This is an elective course for students that wish to participate in Marching Band. Students must complete an audition and be concurrently placed in one of the three band courses that meet during the school day. Students in this course will develop their musical talents and abilities both as an individual performer and as a group participant in the marching band genre, as presented during the academic school year. This course includes after school rehearsals and performances to develop the following: instrumental technique, ensemble technique, marching/movement skills, music literacy/history, critical listening/evaluation skills, etiquette as a performer, and musicianship. The Marching Band performs at all football games, a number of competitive events including the Chapter One Championships and Atlantic Coast Championships of the Tournament of Bands. Every two years, the band travels to a national level festival or performance. Past trips have taken the band to Virginia, Canada, Florida, Kentucky, and in 1996, the band participated in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.
  
  
• Chorus - Students interested in vocal instruction have a number of opportunities for participation. The high school offers two Mixed Choruses, two Women's Choruses, Concert Choir and Chamber Choir. Students are placed in the vocal ensembles through audition. Vocal technique, ensemble technique, music literacy, music history, critical listening and etiquette as a performer will be covered in these classes. Daily rehearsals will prepare students for a number of concert and festival performances during the year. Weekly small group vocal lessons supplement the daily classroom instruction. Every two years, the vocal ensembles travel to national festivals. Past trips have included festivals in Virginia, Georgia, Canada and Massachusetts.
  
  
• Orchestra - String students are given the opportunity to participate in two classes, String Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. The String Ensemble is for developing string player and the Symphony Orchestra is designed for the accomplished string player. The Symphony Orchestra teams up with members of the Wind Ensemble to present full orchestra performances. Instrumental technique, ensemble technique, music literacy, music history, critical listening and etiquette as a performer will be covered in these classes. Daily rehearsals will prepare students for a number of concert and festival performances during the year. Weekly small group lessons supplement the daily classroom instruction. Chamber music instruction is an integral part of the small group instruction. All orchestra students participate in the annual American String Teachers Association (ASTA) Festival held on the high school campus. Every two years, the orchestra ensembles travel to national level festivals. Past trips have included festivals in Virginia, Georgia, Canada and Massachusetts.
  
  
• Applied Music - Students enrolled in any of the music courses are given the opportunity to obtain credit for private study outside of school. Applied Music students are required to attend and document a minimum number of lessons during a semester, maintain records of their study material, and perform in a jury for the music faculty at the end of each semester.
  

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