Fine Art Department
Art and Photography
The atmosphere of a class in the Art Department is different from any other class in school. There is a relaxed feeling as students quietly and enthusiastically work at their own projects: pottery, jewelry, drawing, painting, sculpting, jewelry-making, and crafts. This studio atmosphere offers a break from the traditional classroom scene.
Music plays in the background in some art classes, and students busily go their own way, working in a number of creative areas. Lectures and demonstrations bring the class together on some days, and guest artists or audiovisual shows offer students a large group learning experience.
Art is an elective program at Helena High, and students can take one, two, three, four, or a number of years of art classes. Students with a serious interest can get into some highly in-depth artistic experiences. Many classes work on local shows and exhibits.
Photography, which focuses on creativity and relaxed yet dynamic art experiences, is also a part of this department.
With so many different kinds and levels of classes offered, the Art Department encourages all students to take at least one course and try their hand at a creative experience. Guaranteed to please!
Music
If singing, or playing an instrument is your thing, then music is the program for you! For those who enjoy singing, Chorus is the place to start. From there, girls and boys can audition for Philharmonic, Starlighters, or Ambiance. Performances both in and outside the school are the focus of all singing programs.
For the instrumentalist, there are also a number of exciting, varied opportunities at Helena High. Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Concert Orchestra and Chamber. Orchestra offer a broad range of musical choices, experiences, and performing styles. Auditions are required for most performance groups.
Music classes are all elective, but students are encouraged to get involved in some aspect of the arts and into some course in the program, which prides itself on building confidence and performance skills and success.
Follow these steps to get to our Music Department YouTube channel:
- Go to YouTube.com
- Type in “Helena High School Music Department”
- You will see our logo
- Click on that channel
- Click on the choir concert to begin watching
- Here is the direct link to our channel. It currently has HHS Band and Orchestra concerts saved if you missed those!
- This will be saved so if you miss it, you can watch it later!
Theatre and Technical Theatre
For those who enjoy Theatre performance or Technical Theatre – the Theater department offers a variety of classes.
Theatre 1 is an introduction to the stage and acting. Students will work with improvisation, acting techniques, theatre games, scripts, and much more as they explore the wonderful world of Theatre. The class will explore the history of theatre and “life upon the wicked stage!”
Theatre 2 goes beyond the basic acting and stage skills to help interested thespians (theatre students) explore various avenues of theatre such as Acting, Directing, and Stage Managing. Previous Theatre experience is encouraged. This is a performance-oriented class.
Theatre 3 (Musical Theatre) is an introduction to Musical Theatre through observation, research, and performance. This is an advanced Theatre class and will explore the magic of the Musical Theatre world through observing performances, analyzing musical scripts, and performing musical numbers (including staging / choreography) – including solo musical audition pieces. Previous Theatre experience is encouraged. This is a performance-oriented class.
Technical Theatre is a broad view of the jobs that are needed backstage for theatrical productions. The course focuses on stagecraft techniques in lighting, sound, and set building. Students also have the opportunity to build props and costumes.
Technical Theatre Production (CTE / Vocational): Is a focused vocational credit class. Students must create a portfolio of their work though the class to obtain a vocational / CTE credit. Course work is approved by the teacher – and can focus on Scenic Design / Implementation, Stagecraft, Prop Artistry, Costuming, Sound Design, Lighting Design / Programming, or other approved areas.
Thespian Officers are expected to be registered in a Theatre Class in order to maintain their eligibility as a Thespian Officers.
The International Thespian Society is a globally recognized honors / service club. https://schooltheatre.org. Helena High School Thespian Troupe #745 is the oldest troupe in the state! We are history, present and future!