Fine Arts

The Greenville Senior High School Fine Arts Program offers many opportunities for our students to become involved.  From the Chorus Room to the Auditorium to the Art Room, you will find our students enjoying and creating beautiful music, lively drama, and exciting art pieces.

Symphonic Band 1, 2 and Symphonic Band 3,4 Honors

The Greenville High School Symphonic Band has earned a reputation as one of the best bands in the district. It is comprised of the most advanced musicians in the band program and performs literature of the highest quality, with the ensemble’s approach to music making modeled after the leading collegiate wind bands. The Symphonic Band has performed in such unique and prestigious places as Busch Gardens, Virginia, Walt Disney World, Carowinds, SCBDA Concert Festivals, The Greenville Drive, and many local events as well.  The band consistently performs with the orchestra and the top students are selected to perform with the Chamber Orchestra. The Symphonic Band represents every background, academic pursuit, and scope of the diverse student body at Greenville High School.

Jazz Band 1,2 and Jazz Band 3,4 Honors

Jazz Band is our percussion and color guard class.  We have students that are involved in Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Percussion Ensemble, Full Orchestra, Chamber orchestra, Indoor Percussion, and Winter Guard.  This class represents many different areas of the band program as a whole.  Students have the unique opportunity to have a lot of individual attention, and still be involved in the band and orchestra as a whole as well.

Orchestra

The Greenville High School Orchestra is one of the premier performance groups of Greenville High. Classes are offered on the regular and honors levels. Prior experience on a string instrument is required to register for the course.

In addition to a Fall Fantasy Concert with other area schools, a holiday and spring concert, the orchestra performs at a variety of school and community functions. In the spring of each year the orchestra travels to a fantastic location such as Disney World, Universal Studios, Los Angeles or to the Caribbean on a cruise to participate in an adjudicated music festival.

Members of the Greenville High Orchestra have been selected for both Region and State Honors orchestras throughout the past four years.. Many Greenville High Orchestra members have graduated to the university level where they now perform, many on scholarship

Theatre I

Course Description: This foundational class is designed for students with little or no theatre experience that promotes enjoyment and appreciation for all aspects of theatre. Most of class work consists of exploration of theatre literature, performance, historical and cultural connections, and technical requirements. Improvisation, playwriting, and beginning scene work are used to introduce students to acting and character development. Incorporation of other art forms in theatre also helps students gain appreciation for other art forms. Theatre I provides opportunities for students to develop skills in critical listening and thinking, as well as stage presence, ensemble work, and aesthetic awareness culminating in periodic classroom and/or public performances. Through the exploration of Theatre, students learn group and self-assessment skills, problem-solving skills, how to make connections with culture, history, and literature, public speaking, and other important skills that will help assist students after high school. Students may also audition for the fall and/or spring show which will help assist to their understanding of the class.

Theatre II

Course Description: This is an intermediate-level class, designed for students with a year of experience or more, promotes enjoyment and appreciation for all aspects of theatre through opportunities to build significantly on existing skills. Class work focuses on characterization, playwriting, and playwrights’ contributions to theatre; while improvisation, creative dramatics, and scene work are used to help students challenge and strengthen their acting skills and explore the technical aspect of scene work. As students gain skills and experience, they explore the relationships among technology, theatre and other art forms. Theatre II provides opportunities for students to strengthen skills in critical listening and thinking, as well as stage presence, ensemble work, and public speaking. Through the exploration of Theatre, students will continue to grow in group and self-assessment skills, problem-solving skills, how to make connections with culture, history, and literature, public speaking, and other important skills that will help assist students after high school. Students may also audition for the fall and/or spring show which will help assist to their understanding of the class.

Chorus

The Greenville High School Chorus is a growing ensemble offered both semesters of the school year.  Students enrolled in Chorus for the fourth time will receive honors credit.  No prior experience is required.  In addition to vocal instruction, students will also receive exposure to piano skills and music reading development.

Students will perform in a Winter Concert, a CPA (Concert Performance Assessment) Preview Concert, and a Spring Concert. Select students will have the opportunity to sing in the Region Choir, District Honors Choir, and to audition for the All-State Choir. There are also opportunities for community performances and involvement in school events (spring musical, holiday caroling, etc.).  

Music Appreciation

Music Appreciation is an introductory class which provides a basic understanding of the mechanics, origins, and various purposes of music. There are no prerequisites required.  Students will participate in listening-based activities and create projects to demonstrate their knowledge.

Piano

Piano instruction in a group setting is offered both fall and spring semesters.  The self-paced course contains both whole-class instruction as well as individual coaching.  Attention is given to technique, music theory, music history and background, and performance skills.  

Students present their learning in an "in-class" recital setting with opportunities for performance in the community.  Students enrolled in Piano for the fourth time will receive honors credit.  No prior experience is required.

ART 1 

Art I is an introductory course that provides students with problem-solving experiences in two and three dimensional media, stressing design elements (line, shape, form, value, color, space, and texture) and design principles (proportion, emphasis, harmony, balance, rhythm, movement, contrast, repetition, and variety).

Each unit is based on the four components of DBAE (discipline based art education). They are historical and cultural heritage, aesthetic perception, aesthetic valuing, and creative expression (production). Each unit will begin with the study of a period of art history and a focus on one or more of the elements or principles of art. Students will then do project based on what they have learned. Each unit will end with a critique of student artwork by students.

Advanced Art

Art II is a class that provides students with two and three-dimensional design experiences and opportunities to apply these principles in individual artistic expressions. Drawing from observation and developing technical competency are emphasized. Students maintain a sketchbook of outside drawings and a portfolio. Class critiques are utilized in helping provide students with information about their own art work.

Art III is an advanced level course for in-depth approaches to solving design problems. Emphasis is on the individual development of craftsmanship and personal expression. Advanced approaches to drawing are stressed.