CHS offers a four-year curriculum in visual art (Art I – Art IV). Student art at all four levels is exhibited locally and regionally in competitions and shows. Assignments build sequentially in technical difficulty and in complexity. Therefore, students must have Art I (or its equivalent) before taking Art II, etc. If transferring from another high school, students are encouraged to bring examples of their previous artwork for proper placement.

Visual Arts

Art I

Students explore a wide variety of traditional media, building skills and enlarging their acquaintance with art elements (e.g., line, shape, value) and the principles of good design. Accurate observation is emphasized. Both two- and three-dimensional work is produced, including gesture and contour drawing, white charcoal, glueline relief, collage, paper-mache, watercolor, and colored pencil.

One Credit

Art II

Experience in drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture is expanded and further developed. Additional media are introduced including black charcoal, clay modeling, linoleum and woodblock printmaking. Career-minded students begin preparing work for inclusion in a portfolio.

Prerequisite: Art I

One Credit

Art III

Students research the wide range of career opportunities in art. Added media include, advanced painting, advanced printmaking, and color and gray-scale soft pastels. Students planning to major in art in college assemble portfolios of their best work and are invited to attend National Portfolio Day sponsored by NACAD (National Association of Colleges of Art and Design) in the fall.

Prerequisite: Art II

One Credit

Art IV

Art students continue to develop drawing skills, with emphasis on life drawing and the human figure. They work on advanced assignments in oil painting and printmaking. They plan and supervise production of an annual "Senior Project." Students with specific art interests are allowed to incorporate selected independent studies into their assignments for the year. 

Prerequisite: Art III

One Credit

Performing Arts

Vocal Music I

Vocal music class provides training in proper vocal technique and studies in music theory and sight-reading. The ensemble performs at two major concerts: the Christmas concert and the Spring concert. The group also performs at such events as school liturgies, masses at local parishes, and concerts at area schools. In addition, students have many optional opportunities to perform including the Alabama All-State Chorus, Honor Choir, and Solo/Ensemble contest. 

One Credit

Vocal Music II

Vocal music II provides more advanced training in proper vocal technique and studies in music theory and sight-reading. The ensemble performs at two major concerts: the Christmas concert and the Spring concert. The group also performs at such events as school liturgies, masses at local parishes, and concerts at area schools. In addition, students have many optional opportunities to perform including the Alabama All-State Chorus, Honor Choir, and Solo/Ensemble contest. 

One credit

Intro to Drama

This course offers study in many aspects of “the theatre,” including theatre designs, theatre history, improvisation, stagecraft, stage lighting, theatrical makeup, scene design, props, and costumes. Students also study the body and voice and develop the skills necessary to perform before an audience. Students have the opportunity to perform in the community and at school functions.

One credit

Play Production

This course will provide the student with practical experience in the production of a dramatic presentation with assignments in acting and stage management.  It will also include the study of style/movement, and the study of voice for the performer.  The class will rehearse and perform a play and a musical.                                                

Prerequisite:  Intro to Drama

 One Credit

Concert Band

Concert band provides training in instrumental music and theory. Performances throughout the year include: Sacred Arts Concert, Graduation and participation in the Huntsville Christmas Parade.  The band also competes at the district, state and occasionally at the national level.                                                                                                                                   One Credit