Fine Arts

The Central High School Red Devil Regiment Marching Band is a premier ensemble that brings together members of the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Percussion Class, and Visual Ensemble. The band performs at parades, pep rallies, and community events, as well as competing in contests. Students refine their musical talent through rehearsals and performances while gaining the discipline and teamwork skills needed to succeed in high-level music programs.

• Concert Band and Symphonic Band students are selected through auditions and must meet high standards of musicianship and behavior. These ensembles perform multiple concerts throughout the year and participate in Music Performance Assessments, All-State Band, and other concerts.
• Percussion Ensemble members are part of the Marching Band and receive extensive training in both rudimental techniques and keyboard instruments.
• The Visual Ensemble (Color Guard/Majorettes) performs with the Red Devil Regiment Marching Band, requiring skilled dancers, twirlers, and performers who showcase their talents in multiple competitions, including Winter Guard.
• Band students also have the opportunity to participate in Solo & Ensemble, where they refine individual skills and compete in solo performances.

Each student in the band program is provided with opportunities to perform at high-profile events, compete, and grow as a musician through consistent practice, collaboration, and performance opportunities.

Band Director: Calvin Scott, cscott@pcboe.net

Central High School’s Theater Program, CHS Encore, offers students the chance to explore all aspects of acting, stage production, and theater history. The program starts with Introduction to Theatre I, where students study acting techniques, monologue performance, and the basics of stagecraft. As students progress through Acting Technique II and III, they refine their skills in character analysis, text interpretation, and performance, preparing for more advanced productions and college-level theater work.

The Musical Theatre program allows students to integrate acting, singing, and dancing into dynamic performances. Starting with Musical Theatre I, students engage in both historical study and performance-based practice. Students audition for solos, duets, and group performances, and they gain hands-on experience through participation in live shows.

For students interested in the technical side of theater, Introduction to Technical Theatre and advanced Scenic Design and Construction courses provide a foundation in set design, lighting, sound, and costuming. Students work behind the scenes to create the visual and technical elements that bring theatrical productions to life. The program also offers Independent Study courses for students who wish to delve deeper into specific aspects of theater arts under the guidance of instructors and professional mentors.

CHS Encore Teacher: Emily McVey, emitchell@pcboe.net

The Visual Arts Program at Central High School prepares students for postsecondary education and careers in the visual arts through a sequential series of courses.

• Introduction to Visual Arts I (Grades 9-12) serves as a novice-level course, where students are introduced to a variety of traditional and contemporary art-making processes. Through exploration of different media, students learn to make connections between art, life, and career opportunities. The course emphasizes aesthetic judgment, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving while also focusing on the development of visual and verbal communication skills.

• Visual Arts II, III, and IV (Grades 10-12) are intermediate to advanced courses where students expand their understanding of art techniques and processes. They create original works using different media while also studying art history and criticism. By the time students reach Visual Arts IV, they are working independently on projects, developing a digital portfolio to showcase their work and ideas.

The Visual Arts program encourages students to experiment with a range of art styles, from traditional painting and drawing to modern media techniques, while also preparing them for potential careers in the arts.

Visual Arts Teacher: Kimberly Kroehling, kkroehling@pcboe.net

The Choir Program at Central High School offers students a wide range of vocal music experiences, from beginning to advanced levels. The program is designed to help students explore their musical talents, develop vocal skills, and perform in various ensembles.

• Mixed Chorus and Women’s Chorus provide foundational choral experiences for all students interested in singing. Students study and perform music from different cultures and time periods, learning sight-reading techniques, vocal control, and music theory. These ensembles perform throughout the year, and participation is open to all students with a passion for singing.

• Chamber Choir is an audition-based ensemble for advanced students who wish to perform in a smaller, more specialized group. Students in Chamber Choir engage in more challenging repertoire and develop refined vocal techniques, preparing for high-level performances.

• Show Choir (Red Devil Resonance) integrates singing with choreography, allowing students to explore popular vocal styles and movement. This audition-only group performs dynamic shows throughout the year, combining music, dance, and theatrical elements.

Through participation in the choir program, students gain confidence in performance, collaboration, and self-expression, preparing them for both academic and personal growth in music.

CHS Choir Teacher: John Rogers, jrogers@pcboe.net