Fine Arts Department

Students learn the elements and principles of design along with basic methods of creating art.  They also learn to solve an artistic problem and carry their idea through to a finished product.  In addition, they gain an appreciation for various artistic styles, as well as a working knowledge of a variety of two and three-dimensional media.

Students practice more in-depth art techniques that require higher creative thinking skills.  Students focus on a variety of projects using different mediums as they develop their own style.  The essence of this course is for students to develop their own artistic voice while increasing their knowledge of technique.  Students earn to critique their own work as well as the work of others.  This course requires motivated students who are willing to stretch themselves creatively. Prerequisite: Art Foundations and teacher approval

Students develop a complete portfolio for entrance into college.  They continue to develop skill level, knowledge of art history, and technique in various media, but the essence of the course is to prepare students who intend to pursue art in college. Students participate in a portfolio review, i.e. National Portfolio Day or equivalent.  Prerequisites: Art Foundations, Honors Studio Art, and teacher approval

The AP Art and Design course framework presents an inquiry-based approach to learning about and making art and design. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, and ideas. The framework focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design foundations courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to articulate information about their work. AP Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection. All students taking this course are required to submit an AP Art Exam Portfolio. The cost to submit an AP Art Portfolio is $100 per student. Prerequisites: Art Foundations, Advanced Studio Art or Honors Portfolio, and teacher approval

The DCA Band is an active performing ensemble all year long. In the fall, the Wildcat Marching Band performs for all football games and travels the state for competitions. During the winter and spring months, the Concert Band performs both at school and throughout the community. These students are also eligible to audition for Mid-State Band and Orchestra, sponsored by the Middle Tennessee Band and Orchestra Association. Honors credit is available through completion of required projects. Prerequisite: Student must know how to play an instrument.

This course is open to those students who are interested in performing in a concert setting as well as musical productions.  These students are also eligible to audition for Freshman Honors, Mid-State and All-State Choir sponsored by the Middle TN Vocal Association.  The emphasis is on excelling in vocal technique and choral standards.  Students are graded on daily participation, musical skills and rehearsal/performance participation. 

This course focuses on vocal techniques, choreography and showmanship.  Acceptance for this course is based upon an audition in the preceding spring semester. These students are also eligible to audition for Freshman Honors, Mid-State and All-State Choir sponsored by the Middle TN Vocal Association. Students are graded on daily participation, musical skills and performance/competition participation. There are some required rehearsal times after school and weekends for this group as well as a participation fee. Prerequisite: audition and teacher approval

This is a beginning course for the student interested in acting and the theatre. It is designed to accommodate a student who has no experience in theater and/or one who may have previously been involved in the performance arts. Activities and projects will focus on achieving objectives in the following areas: acting & performing; analysis of character, performance, and dramatic literature; technical & visual design; and theatre culture. Students are introduced to various acting techniques and styles including both classical and modern methods. The course places an emphasis on creativity and problem-solving through ensemble and individual work using scenes, monologues, and various other performance exercises.

This advanced theatre class is designed to be performance based. Its primary objective is to expand and deepen the students’ skills as artists. They will do so by building and expanding on material covered in the Introduction to Theatre Arts course with units in Technical Theatre & Design, Acting & Character Analysis, Monologue Analysis and Writing, and Shakespeare Performance. Students are introduced to key philosophies and practitioners to understand how the form of theatre has developed throughout history. Development of voice, movement, concentration, and ensemble work continue through monologues and scene work with an emphasis on observation and self-awareness. Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre Arts and teacher approval

1 semester, 0.5 credit

This unique course teaches basic rhythmic and composition techniques through using “found” sounds and instruments. Students learn to read, play, and compose music. No previous band or music experience is required.