Through creation, collaboration, and performance, high school students in the fine and performing arts will grow their God-given talents as they strive for excellence in their craft, investigate and reflect beauty and truth, and use the arts as a means of worship and connection with God.
High school students at Portland Christian have a broad catalog of fine arts electives to choose from:
Music
Concert Choir
Members of the Concert Choir will have the opportunity to review the fundamentals of singing and progress to an advanced level of singing in a choir. Several opportunities for performance throughout the year enable each student to demonstrate their acquired knowledge and share in the privilege of presenting their gifts of praise to the Lord. The choir participates in various concerts and competitions, both local and those that require travel.
Choir – Vocal Ensemble
The Portland Christian High School Ensemble is typically composed of eight men and eight women chosen from the Concert Choir. The expectations for this singing group are the most rigorous of all performing groups at Portland Christian. While participating in the regular performing season of the Concert Choir, the Ensemble is generally scheduled to perform at additional concerts throughout the year.
- Concert Choir won the 2024 2A/1A State Championship competition
- Concert Choir has placed in 47 out of the last 62 All-State Choir and State Solo Competitions
- Individuals have opportunities to audition for All-State Choir and State Solo Competition each year
- Choir students participate in the ACSI Choral Festival as well as Christmas and Spring concerts
Concert Band
High School Concert Band gives the band instrument musician a traditional band performance experience. Its purpose is to teach comprehensive musicianship and musical excellence through playing musical exercises and the performance of band literature and transcriptions. The student will also demonstrate an understanding of music-related ideas. The Concert Band represents the school in local State competitions and festivals.
Students also have the opportunity to join the yearly spring musical as musicians in the pit orchestra. Individuals have audition opportunities for All-State and to compete in the State Solo Competition.
Visual Arts
All visual art electives incorporate art history at the beginning of each project with a look at work from The Masters of art history and contemporary artists to inspire students.
Students have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork at the PCS visual art show, awards night, and in the community.
Student artists participate in the Scholastic Art Awards and the Congressional Art Competition.
- PCS students have won Regional Scholastic Gold and Silver Keys in the visual arts
- PCS students have received first place in the Congressional Art Competition and have displayed their artwork in Washington, D.C.
Foundations in Art
This class begins with the laws of perspective and a focus on observational drawing using various drawing mediums, such as graphite, charcoal, pen and ink, scratchboard and colored pencil. Students will study facial proportions and features and then create a self portrait in graphite or charcoal. Art theory, basic color theory, watercolors, acrylic painting and an introduction to ceramic clay are also part of this foundations class.
Exploring Art
Students learn to use various mediums such as watercolor, charcoal, collage (cut paper), relief printmaking, plaster casting, and other sculptural techniques to create original works of art.
Ceramics
Students explore basic forming techniques, using coil building and slab building to create their own unique vessels.
Advanced Art – Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media, Printmaking and Sculpture
Students develop their creative voice through figure drawing, compositional theory and advanced color theory. Practice with various painting, drawing and sculptural mediums will allow students to broaden their knowledge of mediums, techniques and processes while creating meaningful work.
3-D Computer-Aided Design and Printing
Students are introduced to the 3D design process, measurement, 3D printing, teamwork, and technical documentation to develop skills and understanding of 3D graphic design and 3D printing concepts. Learning is through hands-on activities and problem-based learning projects.
Yearbook
Students learn the basics of journalism and incorporate desktop publishing and photography to design, create, and publish the Portland Christian High School yearbook, Sceptre.
Theater Arts
The Theater Arts Program at the High School offers students a wide variety of opportunities:
- Actors and crew members of all ability levels and interests have many performance and technical experience opportunities
- Qualifying students may join the school’s Thespian chapter
- Students have opportunities to compete in regional acting competitions as well as the Oregon State Thespian Competition