• At PWBHS, we are fortunate to be the home of the Tuscaloosa Fine Arts Academy.  To find out more about this wonderful program available at Bryant to all TCS students who meet the qualifications, please visit the TCS district webpage at this link.

  • Art

    student with art

    Program Information: The Fine Art track for TFAA is designed to expose the art students to a variety of areas of study in Art. We provide opportunities for our students with visiting artists, college exposures, and exposure to unique mediums.

    Instructors:

    • Natalie Roig-McKnight
    • Kaysha Moore-Davis
    • Olivia Williams

    Course Offerings

    Visual Art TFAA Major BOLD=required

    Year

    Fall

    Spring

    1

    Art I

    Art II

    2

    Drawing II or Painting II

    Intro to Photography

    3

    Art III

    Visual Art Elective

    4

    Visual Art Elective

    AP Art

    Visual Art TFAA Electives

    3D

    Drawing II

    Ceramics II

    Painting II

    Drawing III

    Painting III

    Intro to Photography

    Graphic Design I

    Photography II

    Fashion Design I

    Photography III

    Graphic Design II

    Awards and Recognition

    • Congress Women Terry Sewell State Art Competition Winner
    • Scholastic Art and Writing Gold Winner Photography
    • AP Credit Achieving 

    Audition Requirements - Students will submit a digital portfolio of three or more artwork pieces. 

    Additional Information: All TFAA Art students will be required to take and participate in the AP Art course in their senior year.

  • Choir

    student choir

    Program Information: TFAA choir students focus on developing singing skills in sight-reading and vocal technique, as well as exploring languages, styles of music, theory, history, and pedagogy. These students participate in All-State festivals, honors choir, state assessments, and community performances.

    Instructors: Hilen Wilson

    Course Offerings: Mixed Chorus 1-4, Chamber Chorus 1-4

    Awards and Recognition

      1. Alabama Vocal Association District II Outstanding Choral Student Competition: 
        1. 3 students participants, 2017
        2. 2 student participants, 2018
        3. District II Winner, 2019
        4. 4 student participants, 2020
      2. Alabama Vocal Association District II Music Education Scholarship Competition:
        1. District II Winner, 2018
      3. University of Alabama Honor Choir:
        1. 10 student participants, 2017
        2. 9 student participants, 2019
      4. University of Alabama at Birmingham Honor Choir:
        1. 9 student participants, 2019
        2. 9 student participants, 2020
      5. Alabama All-State Choral Festival:
        1. 3 student participants, 2017
        2. 7 student participants, 2018
        3. 10 student participants, 2019
        4. 7 student participants, 2020
        5. 4 student participants, 2021
      6. Alabama Vocal Association State Choral Performance Assessment:
        1. Excellent Rating, 2018
        2. Superior Rating with Distinction, 2019
        3. Superior Rating with Distinction, 2020
      7. Alabama Vocal Association Honor Choir:
        1. 8 student participants, 2018
        2. 8 student participants, 2020
      8. Alabama Bicentennial Capitol Performing Group, 2018
      9. Alabama Music Educators Association Conference Lobby Performance Group, 2018
      10. Alabama Association of School Boards Conference Choir, 2019
      11. University of Montevallo Men's Honor Choir
        1. 4 student participants, 2019
      12. Alabama Vocal Association Solo & Ensemble Festival: 
        1. 7 solo superior ratings, 2019
        2. 4 solo excellent ratings, 2019
        3. 7 solo superior ratings, 2020
        4. 5 solo excellent ratings, 2020
        5. 3 solo superior ratings, 2021

    Audition Requirements: Prepared piece of your choice (with or without accompaniment), pitch retention, range check

  • Commercial Music

    hands playing keyboardng

    Program Information:  Commercial music is the business of music. The ultimate goal of the Commercial Music program is to teach students how to create, perform, respond, and connect to all types of music, with the focus being on the Popular Music (rock/hip-hop/R&B/pop) of today. At the conclusion of the program, students should have both a portfolio of work as well as relevant experience for entrance into a post-secondary program or employment in the field.

    Instructors:  Thomas Furlough and Michelle McDonald 

    Course Offerings:  Levels 1-4: Guitar, Bass, Drum Set, Keyboard, Performing Ensemble known as Studio 106, Music Productions (Levels 1, 2), Song Writing (Levels 1.2) 

    Awards and Recognition:  Student work showcased at music industry conferences.

    1. Alabama Vocal Association District II Outstanding Choral Student Competition: 
      1. 3 students participants, 2017
      2. 2 student participants, 2018
      3. District II Winner, 2019
      4. 4 student participants, 2020
    2. Alabama Vocal Association District II Music Education Scholarship Competition:
      1. District II Winner, 2018
    3. University of Alabama Honor Choir:
      1. 10 student participants, 2017
      2. 9 student participants, 2019
    4. University of Alabama at Birmingham Honor Choir:
      1. 9 student participants, 2019
      2. 9 student participants, 2020
    5. Alabama All-State Choral Festival:
      1. 3 student participants, 2017
      2. 7 student participants, 2018
      3. 10 student participants, 2019
      4. 7 student participants, 2020
      5. 4 student participants, 2021
    6. Alabama Vocal Association State Choral Performance Assessment:
      1. Excellent Rating, 2018
      2. Superior Rating with Distinction, 2019
      3. Superior Rating with Distinction, 2020
    7. Alabama Vocal Association Honor Choir:
      1. 8 student participants, 2018
      2. 8 student participants, 2020
    8. Alabama Bicentennial Capitol Performing Group, 2018
    9. Alabama Music Educators Association Conference Lobby Performance Group, 2018
    10. Alabama Association of School Boards Conference Choir, 2019
    11. University of Montevallo Men's Honor Choir
      1. 4 student participants, 2019
    12. Alabama Vocal Association Solo & Ensemble Festival: 
      1. 7 solo superior ratings, 2019
      2. 4 solo excellent ratings, 2019
      3. 7 solo superior ratings, 2020
      4. 5 solo excellent ratings, 2020
      5. 3 solo superior ratings, 2021

    Audition Requirements:  Successful completion of a level one instrumental course or a performance audition on guitar, bass, drum set, or keyboard.

  • Dance

    students in dance class rehearsing

    Program Information: TFFA Dance Mission: The mission of the Tuscaloosa Fine Arts Academy Dance Program is to prepare and inspire young individuals for college and professional careers in dance though consistent dance training, high expectations, literacy through the arts, exposure to various dance styles, and performance opportunities.”

    Instructors: Ms. Celeste Crawford

    Course Offerings: 

      1. Introduction to Dance I
      2. Intro to Jazz Dance I
      3. Dance II, 
      4. Ballet II,
      5. Dance III - Advanced, 
      6. Modern III
      7. Choreography/ Dance Composition I
      8. Choreography/ Dance Composition II

    Awards and Recognition

    Audition Requirements: Arrive early to sign in & warm- up, dress properly (preferably all black dance attire), hair secured out of the face, positive attitude.

    Additional Information:  National Dance Honor Society 

  • Instrumental Music

    student playing guitar

    Selwyn W. Reed, Director

    The TFAA instrumental music program exists to develop enrolled students in grades 9-12 in mastering the Art of instrumental performance through private instrumental  study, music theory, music history and practical instrumental experiences.   

    Recent graduates of the TFAA Instrumental Music Program have accumulated scholarships in excess of 3 million dollars. Several of these students have chosen music as their college major or minor. We are excited about the opportunities that our graduates are afforded and we would like to think that their exposure to instrumental music here is partly to blame.

    To be admitted to the TFAA, students first apply by the deadline date which is posted by the Tuscaloosa City Schools  early spring semester each year. Once an application has been submitted, students interested in instrumental music are required to complete an audition with the  I.M. director.

    Audition Requirements are as follows:

    • Being enrolled in an instrumental prior to submitting the application.
    • Perform a minimum of 7 major scales with related Arpeggios.
    • Sight Read Music Level 1-5.
    • Perform a short prepared piece.

    Students who have successfully completed the audition process are eligible to participate in any of the following instrumental ensembles listed below:

    • Concert Band (1-4)
    • Symphonic Band 
    • Marching Band (1-4)
    • Jazz Band (1-4) (TFAA Elite Ensemble) 

    Each of the above ensembles has participated in state-sanctioned events and has received a Superior Rating. They have all participated in various community functions, school and district events. The I.M program has hosted the Marine Band, Alabama A&M University WInd Ensemble, Stillman College Jazz Band, Shelton State Community College Jazz Ensemble, The University of Alabama School of Music Professors (Performance Group) and a host of professional musicians who sometimes drop in to share their talents with students of TFAA.

  • Orchestra

    Orchestra

    1. Program Information:  The orchestra program at the Tuscaloosa Fine Arts Academy is home to student performers on the violin, viola, cello, and string bass.  Students perform on instruments in large and small ensembles as well as pursuing solo and chamber music opportunities. In addition to the performing opportunities offered, students engage in music theory, composing and arranging, exploring western and non-western musical experiences as well as developing lifelong musicianship skills appropriate to continue making music beyond high school.

     

    1. Instructors:  Mr. Stephen Finley is the instructor for this course.

     

    1. Course Offerings:  The course is offered in four levels over two semesters per year. In the fall semester students enroll in Orchestra 1, Orchestra 2, Orchestra 3, and Orchestra 4.  In the spring semesters students will enroll in Chamber ensemble 1, Chamber ensemble 2, Chamber ensemble 3, and Chamber ensemble 4

     

    1. Awards and Recognition:  Students in this program have participated in local music performance assessments and consistently earned superior status.  Every two years, students are given an opportunity to travel to a national music festival.  

     

    1. Audition Requirements:  Students entering the performing arts program must show a willingness to excel at music through dedicated practice and continued participation at advanced levels.  Students who enter the program will be required to complete 2 solo recitals, 2 chamber music recitals, complete a digital portfolio, and audition for Alabama's All State Orchestra each year before graduation.

     

    Other Program Information:  Students entering this program should have adequate control over performing pitches in first position, have a comfortable bow grip, and be comfortable reading music in the first position.  It is highly encouraged that students in this program have a disposition to continue to practice their instrument outside of formal class settings.

  • Theatre

    students performing on stage

    Program Information:  PWB High School’s Theatre Program continues to accomplish the journey that all young artists must realize – the continuous journey to make your art your own. To put it more plainly, PWB artists will always strive to “Make it You.” These three words embolden our program and our students to focus on their own personal journey through the arts. Much like life, you cannot look at anyone else and compare journeys. Our Theatre Program must continue to grow by glancing at the past while reaching for the future. We will create and nurture our most authentic self. This program will look to produce honest and truthful work that allows students to not get trapped in a box – but rather allow them to acknowledge their own “box” and learn to make it their own through artistic challenges and personal growth.

    Instructors:  Theron Taylor Montgomery - Mr. Montgomery was born in Troy, Alabama and fell in love with Theatre his junior year of high school and never turned back! He received his Bachelors’ Degree in Theatre with a minor in Performance Techniques from Troy University in the summer of 2020. During his time at Troy, he was lucky enough to perform in multiple shows, win second place in the Irene Ryan acting competition for Region IV at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and perform in Pietrasanta, Italy for the DAP Festival during his study abroad. While he has been performing collegiately, professionally, and touring for seven years, he has zero experience of teaching! So, he is very excited about this new challenge to help grow young artists and give back to the art form that has given him so much!

    Courses:  Theatre Lab, Theatre I, Acting Techniques II, Musical Theatre, Theatre II, Technical/Production Class

    Awards - Best Studio Performance

    Audition materials to get into the program:  30 Second Monologue, 30 Second song, A Funny Story from Your Life, Clear Understanding of Professionalism, Clear Understanding of Theatre Etiquette