Fine Arts
While learning perspective and the basics of composition, students develop their own personal styles.
With guidance, beginners gain self-confidence while serious artists work to build portfolios.
Music is an integrated aspect of the humanities. Students are exposed to a wide range of music and encouraged to broaden their perspectives. They listen and work with elements of music in order to understand how these elements are shared by music throughout the world.
Studio Art I
As part of the humanities curriculum, Studio Art I offers a unique learning experience focusing on exposure to historical and cultural traditions. This course introduces Fourth Form students to visual arts from around the world through cross-curricular lessons. While developing an appreciation for art and understanding of fundamental art principles, students work with a wide range of media like graphite, paint, charcoal, mixed media, photography and ceramics. Above all, this course focuses on creative problem solving, effective communication and building visual awareness.
Studio Art II
This course is designed for a studio experience filled with personal initiative, perseverance and solid work ethic. Students are encouraged to work independently, participate in critique and learn from failure. Building upon the idea of art as a problem-solving discipline, students develop increasingly sophisticated critical thinking skills as they study and create art.
Students explore new visual concepts and more advanced presentations. Students are taught to examine their surroundings closely, analyze artwork insightfully and develop their artistic voice. Innovation is essential as students pursue a concentrated study of art including ceramics, painting, illustration, mixed media, and more.
Studio Art III - IV
These courses are intensive studio classes tailored to individual students. These advanced courses refine artistic skills and theories while continuing to investigate advanced methods and concepts integral in the arts.
Students prepare portfolios, present their work, participate in critiques and research aesthetic theory and art history. Through the continuing development of technique and perspective--as well as patience and discipline--students learn to effectively communicate through their art.
Studio Art: 2-D Portfolio (AP)
Advanced Placement Studio Art is for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of art. The program demands significant time, commitment to deadlines and dedication to the quality of work. Students address a broad interpretation of two-dimensional media. They demonstrate mastery of the elements and principles of two-dimensional design through varied mediums. The purpose of the course is to create and a culminating portfolio, which is submitted for unbiased adjudication based on use of elements and principles, quality of craftsmanship, variety of media and theme.
Applied Music
Applied Music is a course designed for students who have a strong desire and ability to pursue music at the post secondary level. The course is designed to allow Sixth Form students a daily opportunity to work on mastering their chosen instrument. It is understood that a student accepted into Applied Music intends to major or minor in music at the college level. Students must meet rigorous guidelines in order to qualify for this course. Their growth throughout the year is measured through private lessons and graded public performances.
Previous students who have taken this course have used their fall semester to prepare for college auditions or in the production of a supplemental recording for college applications. The second semester culminates in a public recital or a private juried performance before a panel of qualified adjudicators.
Music Theory (AP)
In this Advanced Placement course on the elements of musical structure, students are taught pitch, duration, intervals and dynamics. An in-depth study of four-part harmony, form and analysis is also included in the course. More challenging aspects of the course require students to master melodic and harmonic dictation as well as the ability to sing a melody at sight.
Chorus
Chorus is Asheville School’s largest choral group. Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome. In addition to performing at our annual Thanksgiving Service, Christmas Candlelight Services and Spring Concert, this organization also learns about choral singing and the voice. Repertoire ranges from sacred to secular. Members have the opportunity to audition for and attend several regional choral festivals as well. Membership in this group is required for membership consideration in our other smaller choral groups.
Chamber Choir
Chamber Choir is a group of between 12 and 16 members who perform a weekly selection for our chapel program. Their repertoire is predominately sacred in nature.
Handbell Ensemble
Handbell Ensemble is a five-octave handbell and handchime group that performs both on and off campus at various venues and for a variety of functions. This auditioned group performs a wide variety of music from sacred to secular and is often joined by instrumentalists as well as choral groups.
Instrumental Ensemble
Instrumental Ensemble is open to anyone with instrumental experience. In addition to playing as a larger ensemble including all members, instrumental ensemble members also work in small chamber music groups. Members are often featured soloists with both the Handbell Ensemble and our choral groups. They also provide music for our chapel program.
