Ruffner School

Fine and Performing Arts

Course Descriptions 

Beginning Chorus

This is a preparatory class for the middle school choral program. No previous choral experience is necessary. Emphasis is placed on learning to use the voice correctly and strengthening the use of voice during choral performances. Instruction includes development of basic music skills and choral techniques. Performances are scheduled during each semester. These performances include classroom performances, school assemblies, annual winter and spring concerts, and any other concert dates which the group accepts. Special uniforms may be necessary and performance requirements may include in-school and out-of-school hours.

Intermediate Chorus

This is an intermediate level of middle school chorus. Students without choral experience may be scheduled into this course with instructor approval. Emphasis is placed on expanding vocal technique and strengthening part-singing. Instruction includes further development of music skills and choral techniques, including sight reading. Performances are scheduled during each semester. These performances include classroom performances, school assemblies, annual winter and spring concerts, and any other concert dates which the group accepts. On recommendation of the instructor, students may be eligible to audition for District Chorus. Special uniforms may be necessary and performance requirements may include in-school and out-of-school hours. 

Advanced Chorus

This is the advanced level of middle school chorus. Students without choral experience may be scheduled into this course with instructor approval. Classroom instruction includes continued development of music notation, vocal technique, choral disciplines and group deportment. This chorus participates in school performances as designated by the teacher. Performances are scheduled during each semester. These performances Include classroom performances, school assemblies, annual winter and spring concerts, and any other concert dates which the group accepts. Members may be eligible to audition for District Chorus. Special uniforms may be necessary and performance requirements may include in-school and out-of-school hours. 

Beginning Band

This class provides the entry point for all students entering the band program. Instruction includes basic elements of music and basic brass, woodwind, and percussion instrument techniques. Performances are scheduled during each semester. These performances include classroom performances, school assemblies, annual winter and spring concerts, and any other concert dates which the group accepts. Norfolk Public Schools has instruments available for rental. Students may furnish their own instrument or rent from a local vendor if they choose.

Intermediate Band

This class provides an opportunity for students to continue their development of skills and understanding of music fundamentals which will prepare them for participation in the school's advanced performing groups. Performances are scheduled during each semester. These performances include classroom performances, school assemblies, annual winter and spring concerts, and any other concert dates which the group accepts. Special uniforms may be necessary and performance requirements may include in-school and out-of-school hours. Students are eligible to audition for All City and/or District Band with instructor approval. Norfolk Public Schools has instruments available for rental. Students may furnish their own instrument or rent from a local vendor if they choose.

Advanced Band

This class consists of the advanced performers in the school. Students in this group have demonstrated knowledge of the basic skills necessary for performance and have been recommended by their instrumental music teacher. The class will provide an opportunity for students to participate in the musical activities of their school, city, and throughout the Tidewater area. Additional performances are scheduled during each semester. These performances include classroom performances, school assemblies, annual winter and spring concerts, and any other concert dates which the group accepts. Attendance of performances outside of school hours is required. Students are eligible to audition for All City and/or District Band with instructor approval. Norfolk Public Schools has instruments available for rental. Students may furnish their own instrument or rent from a local vendor if they choose. 

Beginning Orchestra

This class provides an opportunity for students who have had fifth grade strings to continue in their development. Instruction includes elements of music and intermediate string instrument techniques. Performances are scheduled during each semester. These performances include classroom performances, school assemblies, annual winter and spring concerts, and any other concert dates which the group accepts. Special uniforms may be necessary and performance requirements may include in school and out-of-school hours. Practice outside of school hours ls necessary in order to be successful. Norfolk Public Schools has instruments available for rental. Students may furnish their own instrument or rent from a local vendor if they choose. 

Intermediate Orchestra 

A more challenging level of orchestral music is studied and performed. Students may audition for All City and Regional Orchestra with instructor approval. Performances are scheduled during each semester. These performances include classroom performances, school assemblies, annual winter and spring concerts, and any other concert dates which the group accepts. Special uniforms may be necessary and performance requirements may include in-school and out-of-school hours. Practice outside of school hours is necessary in order to be successful. Norfolk Public Schools has instruments available for rental. Students may furnish their own instrument or rent from a local vendor if they choose.

Advanced Orchestra

This is an advanced performing ensemble and students must be able to exhibit rehearsal skills above that of an intermediate level. These students are expected to exhibit motivation, self-discipline, and responsibility to the group. The Advanced Orchestra may have opportunities to perform for community and civic organizations. Performances are scheduled during each semester. These performances include classroom performances, school assemblies, annual winter and spring concerts, and any other concert dates which the group accepts. Special uniforms may be necessary. Practice outside of school hours is necessary in order to be successful. Norfolk Public Schools has instruments available for rental. Students may furnish their own instrument or rent from a local vendor if they choose. 

Exploratory Theater Arts (1 semester)

This semester-long course provides opportunities for students to explore various aspects of informal drama and theatre through the basic skills of expression and communication.

Introduction to Theater (1 semester)

This semester-long course provides opportunities for students to explore various aspects of drama including forensic techniques, dramatic interpretation, audience etiquette, and theater terminology.

Theater (Full Year)

In this course, students will examine the historical framework of theater and of selected plays. Students will be involved in performance activities, participate in production activities to mount the plays, and write about varied aspects of theater, including reviews of plays. 

Art 6

This full-year course is designed to provide students with opportunities to explore art media and techniques, build skills in a variety of 2- and 3-dimensional media and develop their understanding of the artistic process and building on skills learned in the sequential K-5 art program. Students will also build their capacity for visual literacy by examining the relationship of art and cultures and responding to a variety of works of art. 

Art 7 

This year-long course focuses on developing techniques and skills in a variety of 2- and 3-dimensional media while assisting students in developing their understanding of the artistic process. Students will also enhance their visual literacy skills by analyzing, critiquing and responding to works of art from a variety of cultures. Students will build art criticism knowledge when reflecting on the cultural, and historical impact of artworks, the artists that created them and the artistic processes used.

Intro to Art (Full Year)

This preparatory course exposes the student to a variety of artistic techniques and theories. The course content includes journal writing/sketchbook, drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts, printmaking, art history and art criticism. This course may be used to satisfy the graduation requirement of one standard unit in Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education. It may also be used to partially satisfy the standard diploma requirement of two sequential electives.