Fine Arts

The Fine Arts Department at St. Pius X Catholic High School fosters aesthetic growth and self-expression in students while offering a comprehensive understanding of various art forms and their historical contexts. Through basic skills, performance, and individual creativity, students gain personal insight and mastery in the arts. We celebrate each student's unique talents and share them with the community, enhancing appreciation through study, analysis, and enrichment programs. Our curriculum connects the arts with history, culture, and theology, promoting teamwork and community service. We encourage students to explore their faith and personal identity through their artistic talents, understanding the emotional, social, and spiritual impact of the arts.

COURSES

BAND

Concert Band
Open to all band instrument players, focusing on basic musicianship and instrumental techniques. Performances include fall concerts.

Marching Band
Focuses on marching and playing techniques with performances at football games and community events.

Symphonic Band
Ability-based ensemble for advanced musicianship. Performances include concerts and GMEA events.

Concert Jazz Band
Performs Jazz and Pop music. Studies Jazz history and performance techniques. Performances include concerts and outreach events.

Beginning Drums and Percussion
Designed for students with little or no drumming experience, focusing on rhythm audits and percussion performance. No marching band requirement.

Percussion Ensemble
For percussionists of all levels, focusing on musicianship and techniques. Performances include school concerts and GMEA events.

CHORUS

GUITAR

MUSIC

Music Appreciation
Explores music history from the Middle Ages to Rock & Roll. Engages students in discussions and listening sessions.

Music Production I
Introduces music production techniques and audio technology. Projects include creating advertisements and recording music. Final project involves creating a commercially viable composition.

Music Production Lab
Builds on Music Production I with advanced recording projects and live sound production. Requires work outside of class.

AP Music Theory
Prepares students for the AP exam with a focus on music notation, part-writing, and aural skills. Mandatory AP exam in May.

DANCE

Intro to Dance
Teaches fundamentals of various dance styles at the beginner level. Focus on technique, history, and choreography. No participation in annual dance performances.

Dance I
Beginner-level course teaching fundamentals of ballet, jazz, hip hop, and conditioning. Includes performance in the annual dance concert.

Dance II
Intermediate-level course focusing on ballet, jazz, hip hop, and modern techniques. Includes performance in the annual dance concert.

Dance III
Advanced-level course teaching advanced techniques in various dance styles. Includes performances in the annual dance concert and Christmas concert.

Advanced Dance
For experienced dancers, focusing on advanced techniques and performance quality. Includes multiple performance opportunities.

Dance Company
For students proficient in ballet, jazz, and modern techniques. Includes advanced and pre-professional training with after-school rehearsals. Multiple performance opportunities.

THEATER

Acting I CP
Introduction to acting with an emphasis on performance skills and theater history. Includes participation in one in-class production and attendance at school productions.

Advanced Drama
In-depth study of theater performance and production, including acting, directing, and technical elements.

Introduction to Theater Arts
Survey of acting techniques, audience etiquette, and basic theater design.

Survey of Musical Theater
Exploration of musical theater focusing on singing, acting, and dancing.

Theater Technology
Practical course in theater equipment and operation, including lighting, sound, and stage management.

VISUAL ARTS

Advanced Studio Art
For serious art students to develop technical skills and prepare for AP art courses. Pre-Requisite: Drawing I and Exploring Painting or Design Fundamentals.

Ceramics I
Introduction to working with clay, including hand building and glazing techniques. Includes a field trip to the Carlos Museum.

Ceramics II
Advanced techniques in hand building and wheel throwing.

Design Fundamentals
Application of design principles in various mediums, including graphic art and architecture. Studies art movements from the 1880s to the Modern era.

Drawing I
Exploration of drawing fundamentals using various mediums. Emphasis on technical skills and understanding art principles.

Exploring Painting
Focus on color theory and painting techniques through historical context.

Graphic Design I
Concentrates on graphic design elements and real-world applications using Adobe Creative Suite. Includes a visit to a graphic design firm.

Printmaking CP
Introduction to traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques. Includes field trips to SCAD Atlanta and Atlanta Printmakers Studio.

Sculpture CP
Construction of three-dimensional pieces using various media and techniques. Studies the history of sculpture.

Survey of Visual Arts
Introductory course providing experience in a wide range of art forms, including design, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and crafts.

Watercolor CP
Introduction to watercolor techniques and history. Emphasizes traditional and contemporary methods and includes opportunities for live painting.

AP Studio Art: 2D
For self-motivated art students to develop a portfolio for AP evaluation.

AP Studio Art: 3D
For self-motivated art students to develop a portfolio for AP evaluation.

AP Studio Art: Drawing
For self-motivated art students to develop a portfolio for AP evaluation.