Visual & Performing Arts

The chorus, which has earned numerous awards in regional competitions, performs concerts and at chapel services on campus, in addition to competing in contests and festivals off-campus each year.  The chorus makes a spring tour, performing in such locales as Virginia Beach, Florida, and North Carolina.

Students learn how to develop or improve their singing voices. One of the first things we learn to do as humans is communicate with our voice. Singing is an integral part in the first few years of childhood development. For the growing adolescent, singing can build confidence, teach determination, and give shy students a voice. Vocal repertoire ranges from traditional choral music to Broadway show tunes to pop hits. As part of the class, singers have the opportunity to perform both on and off campus.

Introduction to Graphic Design:
In this course, students will be given challenging real-world projects and assignments typical of the graphic design industry. Graphic design is a form of visual communication using type, image, form, space, and color. Students learn the principles of great design and typography while using professional-grade Adobe design software to create digital drawings, logos, advertisements, magazine layouts, and more. This course emphasizes The Principles of Design and the integration of the Elements of Art. Students complete the course by creating a digital portfolio to showcase their work. No prior art or design experience is necessary for this course.

Throughout the eastern United States, R-MA’s award-winning band has earned a reputation for excellence. The band performs several concerts each year and plays for sporting events and parades. The band travels throughout the region to perform in parades and takes at least one extended tour each year. Recent tours have included Orlando, Florida, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. Performance on a frequent basis is expected, which further develops the talent of individual players. 

Students have the opportunity to make music using traditional “band” instruments (brass, woodwind, and percussion). Learning to play various musical styles such as marching band, concert band, jazz band, and pep band gives students a chance to explore other genres. 

In an ever-growing technological world, the Music Production & Technology class provides students a way to use their devices to create music. Beginning with a basic foundation in traditional music theory and piano skills, students progress to learning music notation and recording skills. The recording studio becomes the setting for making podcasts, writing music, and creating unique sounds. Learning to use apps/programs such as Sibelius, BandLab, GarageBand, and Logic Pro provide students with a solid music tech foundation.

Studio Art I:
This Studio Art course is a choice-based art practice through which students learn to think like artists. It develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills. The end goal of the course will be for the students to be able to independently conceive, create, visually/verbally communicate about their artwork, and develop art practice and time management skills to incorporate a successful art workflow. A full range of art processes will be covered to include drawing, painting, design, mixed media, and sculpture. Students will learn a variety of skills and techniques to help further with their art-making practice. The students will be exposed to a variety of local artists, contemporary artists, and artists from the past. They will learn about a variety of art movements and understand their place in the world through an art lens.

Studio Art II:
Studio Art II will be for advanced art students interested in pursuing art further and possibly taking an AP Art Class. The class will build on what was previously learned from Studio Art I. Prerequisite: Studio Art I or permission from the teacher based on a portfolio review.

Yearbook:
In this course, students will gain skills in one or more of the following areas: page design, graphic design, advanced publishing techniques, copywriting, editing, and photography. Students will work together to produce a creative, innovative yearbook that records school memories and events. There is an emphasis on journalism skills in this class.

Participants gain useful, real-world skills in time management, organization, teamwork, and design principles. Students will completely design, construct, and publish R-MA’s yearbook. The course is student-led, but high-quality work is expected, and students will be given opportunities to redo work until it meets standards specified during instruction.

Classroom activities will include reading, research, projects, interviewing, designing, editing, and problem-solving. Students will often work in teams but will be expected to complete individual assignments in relation to the team’s work. Students will be assessed according to their area of work.