Fine Arts

At Fort Pierce Central High School, creativity takes center stage. Our Fine Arts Department offers a vibrant selection of programs designed to inspire, challenge, and empower students to express themselves through visual, musical, theatrical, and digital forms of art. Whether performing on stage, creating in the studio, or designing in the digital space, our Cobras cultivate skills that spark imagination, confidence, and lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Explore our programs below to see how Fort Pierce Central is shaping the next generation of artists, performers, and creators.

🏺 Ceramics & AICE Art and Design

Instructor: Dr. Katie Avra
The Ceramics and AICE Art and Design program encourages students to explore both traditional and advanced art techniques. From sculpting and pottery to the analytical and creative demands of AICE coursework, students develop craftsmanship, originality, and a deep appreciation for visual design.

🏺 Ceramics I

An introduction to the art of sculpting with clay. Students explore the elements of art and principles of design through hand-building techniques, tools, and materials while developing artistic expression and personal style.

🎯 Ceramics II

An intermediate course focused on wheel-throwing and refinement of artistic techniques. Students expand on the foundations of Ceramics I, deepening their creative expression, personal voice, and understanding of form and design.

🌟 Ceramics III Honors

An advanced, honors-level course emphasizing major projects and complex techniques in wheel-throwing and hand-building. Students develop a distinct artistic vision, experiment with new visual challenges, and create meaningful, innovative works of art.

🖌️ AICE Art & Design

The highest-level art course offered at FPC, this Cambridge international program empowers independent artists to create portfolio-quality work. Students explore personal concepts through diverse media in semester one, then respond to global topics in semester two, culminating in a 15-hour practical exam. Successful completion contributes toward the prestigious AICE Diploma.

📸 Creative Photography

Instructor: Ms. Jaela Davis
The Creative Photography program empowers students to capture the world through their own lens. Students learn composition, lighting, editing, and storytelling techniques to produce striking images that express creativity and perspective.

📸 Creative Photography I

Students explore photography as an art form and communication tool, learning to compose and edit images using digital cameras and design principles while building foundational technical and creative skills.

🎞️ Creative Photography II

This course refines students’ technical and artistic abilities through advanced projects in lighting, photo editing, and visual storytelling, culminating in a professional digital portfolio.

🖼️ Creative Photography III Honors

An advanced, honors-level experience where students develop a personal artistic vision, create exhibition-ready work, and prepare for college or careers in photography and digital media.

💻 Digital Art

Instructor: Ms. Amy Montabana
Blending technology with creativity, the Digital Art program introduces students to the world of graphic design, digital illustration, and visual communication. Using industry-standard software, students craft professional-quality designs that inform, inspire, and engage audiences.

💻 Digital Art I

Students are introduced to the world of digital design through hands-on projects that explore imaging, layout, color, typography, and design principles. Using professional software, they learn to create original digital art while practicing ethical and safe online research and developing essential visual communication skills.

🖱️ Digital Art II

Building on foundational design skills, students take on more complex digital projects that integrate typography, vector and raster graphics, and motion design. Emphasis is placed on creative problem-solving, promotional design, and the use of industry-standard software to produce visually compelling work.

🏆 Digital Art III Honors

This advanced, honors-level course challenges students to demonstrate mastery in digital media creation, layout design, photography, and multimedia presentation. Learners work independently and collaboratively to produce a professional digital portfolio showcasing their technical skill, artistic vision, and readiness for college or careers in digital design and communication.

✏️ Drawing I

In Drawing I, students learn fundamental drawing skills through studies in line, shape, value, texture, and composition. Using a variety of media and techniques, they explore observational and creative drawing to develop personal expression and visual accuracy. The course emphasizes the elements and principles of design, art criticism, and connections between visual art and culture—building a strong foundation for advanced art courses.

🖌️ Drawing & Yearbook

Instructor: Ms. Emily Royo-Yeno
The Drawing and Yearbook program blends artistic creativity with storytelling and design. Students strengthen their foundational art skills while also contributing to the school’s visual legacy through layout, photography, and publication design for the yearbook.

✏️ Drawing Pathway

🎨 Drawing 1

Students learn the fundamentals of drawing through hands-on exploration of line, shape, value, texture, and composition. Emphasis is placed on observational skills, art vocabulary, and the use of design principles to create expressive and accurate works of art.

🖋️ Drawing 2

Building on foundational techniques, students refine their drawing abilities through advanced studies in proportion, perspective, and shading. They analyze the work of major artists, incorporate symbolism and personal experiences into their art, and use critique to improve their creative outcomes.

🏆 Drawing 3 Honors

This advanced, honors-level course challenges students to produce a cohesive body of work demonstrating mastery in technique, composition, and creative intent. Students develop portfolios for exhibition or college submission, explore historical and cultural influences, and engage in independent artistic research and critique.

📰 Yearbook Program

📚 Yearbook 1

Students gain hands-on experience in the fundamentals of yearbook production—writing, photography, design, and layout. They learn to use professional publishing software, practice responsible journalism, and collaborate to capture the school year’s most memorable moments.

🏅 Yearbook 2 Honors

As part of Fort Pierce Central’s award-winning yearbook program, students take on leadership roles in editing, photography, design, and production management. Emphasis is placed on advanced layout design, storytelling, and meeting publication deadlines with professionalism. This honors-level course fosters teamwork, creativity, and real-world communication skills valued in media and design careers.

💃 Dance

Instructor: Ms. Leonie Barron
The Fort Pierce Central Dance Program is dedicated to developing confident, disciplined, and creative student artists through performance, technique, collaboration, and artistic expression. Students explore a variety of dance styles while building skills in choreography, stage production, teamwork, and leadership. Through performances, showcases, pep rallies, and community events, dancers gain valuable experience both on and off the stage in a positive and inclusive environment.

🩰 Dance Techniques I

An introduction to the foundations of dance technique and performance. Students explore basic movement skills, rhythm, coordination, flexibility, choreography, and dance terminology through a variety of dance styles.

🎶 Dance Techniques II

This course builds upon foundational dance skills with increased focus on technique, performance quality, strength, musicality, and movement combinations. Students continue developing choreography and performance abilities through collaborative projects and performances.

🌟 Dance Techniques III

An advanced-level course emphasizing technical training, artistry, choreography, conditioning, and dance composition. Students participate in more complex performances while refining creative expression and stage presence.

🏆 Dance Techniques IV / Honors

A pre-professional level course focused on leadership, advanced technique, creative expression, and performance production. Students take on mentorship opportunities while assisting with choreography, collaboration, and program leadership responsibilities.

🎭 Dance Repertory / Performance Ensemble

A performance-based course designed for students participating in showcases, school productions, pep rallies, and special events. Students rehearse and perform choreographed works across multiple dance genres while developing professionalism, teamwork, and stage performance skills.

✨ Performance & Leadership Opportunities

Students in the Dance Program have opportunities to participate in:

• School and community performances
• Dance showcases and recitals
• Cultural and themed productions
• Collaborative performances
• Leadership and mentorship experiences
• Choreography and creative projects

🎭 Drama & Theatre

Instructor: Ms. Asia Downing
The Theatre program brings stories to life through acting, directing, stagecraft, and design. Students gain hands-on experience in live performance, script analysis, and technical production while building confidence, teamwork, and creativity. From school plays to district showcases, our performers shine both on and off the stage.

🎬 Theatre 1

An introduction to the fundamentals of acting, including improvisation, scene work, and character development. Students build confidence, communication skills, and stage presence while exploring the foundations of performance.

🎭 Theatre 2

This advanced-level course builds upon the skills developed in Theatre 1. Students focus on refined acting techniques, in-depth script analysis, and live performance preparation. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, character study, and storytelling through movement and voice.

🎨 Technical Theatre & Production

Learn the behind-the-scenes magic of theatre! This course explores set design, lighting, sound, costumes, and stage management. Students gain practical experience in production design and teamwork while contributing to school performances.

🌟 Competition Theatre (Honors & Musical Theatre)

A combined, performance-driven class designed for students passionate about acting, singing, and competing. Participants hone their skills for the Florida Thespians District and State Competitions, gaining real-world experience in performance, critique, and creative collaboration.

📢 Note: An AICE Theatre class may be offered in the future — stay tuned for updates!

🎺 Instrumental Music & Band

Instructor: Mr. Stephen Gabin
The Fort Pierce Central Instrumental Music Program offers a dynamic range of ensembles designed to support every student’s musical growth—from beginning performers to advanced musicians representing FPC at the highest levels of competition. Through year-round performances, festivals, and community events, students develop musicianship, leadership, discipline, and lasting school pride.

🐍 Marching Band

The FPC Marching Cobras represent the school at football games, parades, and marching competitions throughout Florida. Students combine musical performance with visual movement while building teamwork, discipline, and school spirit during the fall marching season.

🎶 Concert Band

Concert Band serves as the foundational concert ensemble where students develop tone quality, musicianship, and ensemble performance skills. Members perform engaging concert literature at school performances and district evaluations.

🎼 Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band focuses on intermediate and advanced concert literature while refining musical interpretation, phrasing, balance, and technical proficiency. Students prepare for district and state-level performance assessments through challenging repertoire and collaborative performance experiences.

🌟 Wind Ensemble

The Wind Ensemble is the premier concert ensemble at FPC, featuring advanced musicians selected through audition or director placement. Students perform sophisticated wind literature, explore diverse musical styles, and consistently represent the program with superior performances at festivals and adjudicated events.

🎷 Jazz Band I & II

The Jazz Band program introduces students to jazz performance, improvisation, and contemporary styles.

• Jazz Band I focuses on foundational jazz techniques and ensemble skills.
• Jazz Band II is the advanced ensemble performing challenging repertoire at district and state jazz festivals, consistently earning superior ratings.

🥁 Percussion Ensemble / Indoor Percussion

This ensemble provides specialized instruction in concert and marching percussion techniques. Students perform a wide variety of percussion literature and compete during the winter season as Indoor Percussion in the FFCC regional and state competitive circuits.

🚩 Eurythmics / Color Guard / Winter Guard

FPC’s visual performance ensemble combines dance, flag, rifle, and sabre choreography to enhance marching band productions. During the spring semester, the group competes independently as Winter Guard, representing FPC in the FFCC competitive circuit with award-winning performances.

🏆 A Tradition of Excellence

Together, these ensembles create a comprehensive, superior-rated instrumental music program that celebrates artistry, excellence, leadership, and Cobra pride through performance and competition opportunities throughout the year.

🎶 Vocal Music & Chorus

Instructor: Mr. Elker Harris
The Fort Pierce Central Vocal Department is dedicated to nurturing the talent and passion of every student through a variety of choral experiences. Designed for singers of all levels—from beginners to advanced performers—each ensemble offers opportunities to enhance vocal skills, foster teamwork, and express creativity through performance.

🎵 FPC Advanced Concert Choir

An ensemble for experienced singers seeking to refine their vocal technique and expand their repertoire. Students explore advanced harmonies, diverse musical styles, and performance skills while engaging with complex choral works. Members perform at concerts, competitions, and community events, and are encouraged to pursue solo opportunities to develop individual artistry.

🌟 FPC Show Choir

Combining singing and choreography, this high-energy ensemble brings music to life through dynamic performance. Students learn popular arrangements with integrated dance, focusing on expression, stage presence, and teamwork. Regular performances at school events, community showcases, and competitions make this group a crowd favorite.

🎤 FPC Mixed Concert Choir

Open to all voice parts—soprano, alto, tenor, and bass—this ensemble provides a collaborative environment for developing vocal and ensemble skills. Students perform a wide variety of music, from classical to contemporary pieces, emphasizing blend, tone, and musicianship. Regular concerts highlight the choir’s growth and love for music.

🎶 FPC Men’s Ensemble

A supportive group for male singers to strengthen vocal range, tone, and harmony. Students perform repertoire designed to highlight the male voice across genres and styles. The ensemble fosters confidence, camaraderie, and musical growth through performance and collaboration.

🎼 FPC Women’s Choir

Designed for female singers, this ensemble focuses on vocal health, blending, and harmonization through music suited for women’s voices. With a repertoire ranging from traditional to modern, the Women’s Choir celebrates the power and beauty of the female voice through expressive performances.

🔔 FPC Handbell Choir

An ensemble offering a unique musical experience through handbell performance. Students learn ringing techniques, rhythm, and coordination while working together to produce intricate, harmonious pieces. The Handbell Choir adds a distinctive sound to the vocal department’s performances and events.

🎓 Join the Cobra Creative Community

At Fort Pierce Central High School, the Fine Arts are more than classes—they’re a community. Our students don’t just learn art; they live it. Through collaboration, performance, and creative expression, Cobras discover their voices, share their talents, and make lasting memories. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, performer, or designer, there’s a place for you to shine in the Fine Arts at Fort Pierce Central.