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Gifted & Talented After School Programs

Program Overview

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For students who have been identified as Artistically Gifted and Talented (GTR), the Charleston County School District offers a slate of after school programs each semester in Dance, Drama, Music, and Visual Art. Class offerings, dates, and locations vary depending on the availability of teachers as well as student interest. Information about these classes and registration forms are shared with families of eligible students in the fall and winter prior to the beginning of each class session.  

Classes will meet once a week and run from the week of January 27 through the week April 28 (with the week of April 14 off for Spring Break). These classes are open to students who have already been identified as Artistically Gifted & Talented. Before registering your student for a class, please note the course's grade range and Arts area to make sure they're eligible to enroll.

If your child has not been identified as Artistically Gifted & Talented and you are interested in them being nominated/tested, please click here.


Gifted & Talented After School Course Offerings (Spring 2025)

DANCE




 

drama

 

Acting A-Part  

Instructor: Heather Todd-Schlieper
Location: Buist Academy Gym
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 4-8
Date/Time: Wednesdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

The spring session of Ms. Todd-Schlieper's Gifted & Talented Theatre class will have two components:

Part 1: From Monologues to Scene Study
Whether you’re stepping into a scene or making one, what is the reason for YOUR part from the moment you step onto the stage or in front of the camera?

Part 2: The Performance
We'll put everything you have learned into our showcase presentation of 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse by Don Zolids!
 

Introduction to Puppetry

Instructor: Jill Goodman
Location: Lucy Beckham High School, Room 118
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 4-9
Date/Time: Tuesdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

During this class, we will explore different styles of puppetry from around the globe. From shadow puppets to something you might see on the Muppets, students are in for a treat!
 

 

Music

 
Charleston Children’s Chorus 

Instructors: Justin Watkins & Anna Reid 
Location: West Ashley High School, Room 606
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 4-12
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM 

The Charleston Children's Chorus consists of vocalists in Grades 4-12 from across the Charleston County School District. In addition to Winter and Spring Concerts, the group often performs at community events, as well.  

For questions about eligibility, please contact the Visual and Performing Arts Office at 843-937-6456.

 

District Jazz Band

Instructor: Jack Pettit
Location: Camp Road Middle School, Room 169 (Band Room)
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 7-12
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Band students from across the Charleston County School District are invited to participate in our first ever District Jazz Band! Participants must have at least 1 year of classroom experience on the following instruments to be part of the ensemble:

  • Flute
  • Clarinet
  • Alto, Tenor, or Baritone Saxophone
  • Trumpet
  • Horn
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium
  • Tuba
  • Percussion/Drum Set
  • Electric Guitar
  • Electric Bass
  • Upright Bass
  • Piano

For questions about eligibility, please contact the Visual and Performing Arts Office at 843-937-6456.

 

District Orchestra

Instructors: Ian Errandonea, Dominik Fields, Buddy Huckabee, and Jessica Zhou Seymour
Location: School of the Arts Fine Arts Wing
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 4-12
Day/Time: Mondays, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

The Charleston County District Orchestra consists of three performance ensembles made up of Strings students in Grades 4-12 from across the Charleston County School District:

  • Preparatory Orchestra
  • Intermezzo Orchestra
  • Honors Orchestra

Ensemble members must be on at least a beginner level with one of the following instruments:

  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Bass

For questions about eligibility, please contact the Visual and Performing Arts Office at 843-937-6456.
 

Steel Drums Class

Instructor: Justin Brooks
Location: R.B. Stall High School, Room B119
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 6-12
Day/Time: Thursdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Students will explore the vibrant sounds of Caribbean music, learning to play melodies, harmonies, and rhythms on authentic steel pan instruments. The course will cover basic techniques, group performances, and the cultural significance of steel drums music. 

 

 

 visual arts

 
The Artist's Sketchbook Section 1  (WAITLIST - CLASS FULL)

Instructor: Mimi Tierney
Location: West Ashley High School, Room 603
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 4-8
Day/Time: Thursdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Please Note: This class is geared toward younger students. Older students (Grades 9-12) interested in this course should sign up for The Artist's Sketchbook Section 2. 

The Artist's Sketchbook
will explore various skill builders to develop artistic habits in sketchbook making. This class will take a mixed media approach exploring drawing, collage, painting, and printmaking. 
 

The Artist's Sketchbook Section 2 

Instructor: Mimi Tierney
Location: West Ashley High School, Room 603
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 9-12
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Please Note: This class is geared toward older students. Younger students (Grades 4-8) interested in this course should sign up for The Artist's Sketchbook Section 1. 

The Artist's Sketchbook
will explore various skill builders to develop artistic habits in sketchbook making. This class will take a mixed media approach exploring drawing, collage, painting, and printmaking. 

 

Ceramics- 3D at Its Best! 

Instructor: Jennifer Goodall
Location: Whitesides Elementary School, Room 605
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 4-6
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

It's so fun to create with clay! Learn how to use handbuilding to create your own ceramic pieces. Projects will include creating functional pieces and decorative artworks. Pottery will then be glazed and fired in a kiln. 

 
 
Ceramics: Using Hand Building Techniques 

Instructor: Tracy Harler
Location: Goodwin Elementary School, Room 303
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 4-8
Day/Time: Mondays, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Students in this class will learn, review, and practice basic hand building techniques such as pinch pots, coils and slabs. We will also discuss and experiment with some different glaze techniques. We will then sketch out our ideas for our final big project, determine the best techniques to accomplish our design, and use those techniques to create it.

 

Exploring Printmaking!  (WAITLIST - CLASS FULL)

Instructor: Maggie Feyko
Location: West Ashley High School, Room 601
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 4-8
Day/Time: Thursdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

In this hands-on printmaking class, students will explore a variety of print techniques, from traditional methods to modern approaches. They'll learn how to create their own unique designs, experiment with color, and develop an understanding of how prints can tell stories and express creativity in diverse ways. This fun, interactive class encourages artistic expression while introducing the fascinating world of printmaking!

 

Fiber Arts Around the World

Instructor: Heather Carey
Location: A.C. Corcoran Elementary, Trailer #5
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 4-8
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

This course will focus on various textile and fiber arts from different cultures and countries. We will explore weaving, batik and Shibori dyeing, and many other art styles.
 


Jewelry Making and Metal Techniques  (WAITLIST - CLASS FULL)

Instructor: Julianna McRae
Location: St. Andrew's Elementary, Room 111
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 4-6
Day/Time: Mondays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

In this class, students will explore various techniques that can be used to create jewelry or small sculptures. We will use paper, found objects, beads, string, and clay. Students will also practice metal embossing and working with wire. 

 

Visual Identity Self Portrait Studio  (WAITLIST - CLASS FULL)

Instructor: Brenda Reyes
Location: Mt. Zion Elementary, Trailer 203
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 4-8
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Self-portrait class focusing on creating visual representation through drawing, painting, collage, mixed media allowing students to learn basics of how to draw the face. And allowing students to explore personality traits, interest, and symbolic elements into their artwork.

 

Tackling Textiles Section 1  

Instructor: Angelica D'Antonio
Location: Lucy Beckham High School, Room 105
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 4-6
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Please Note: This class is geared toward younger students. Older students (Grades 7-9) interested in this course should sign up for Tackling Textiles Section 2. 

This semester in Tackling Textiles, students will work in felt and fabric collage, basket weaving with crochet yarn, and embroidery utilizing hand-beaded embellishments to accent their designs. Our goal will be to accomplish between 3 and 4 projects this semester while learning the nontraditional art of working with textiles! 
 

Tackling Textiles Section 2

Instructor: Angelica D'Antonio
Location: Lucy Beckham High School, Room 105
Eligible Grade Levels: Grades 7-10
Day/Time: Thursdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM 

Please Note: This class is geared toward older students. Younger students (Grades 4-6) interested in this course should sign up for Tackling Textiles Section 1. 

This semester in Tackling Textiles, students will work in felt and fabric collage, basket weaving with crochet yarn, and embroidery utilizing hand-beaded embellishments to accent their designs. Our goal will be to accomplish between 3 and 4 projects this semester while learning the nontraditional art of working with textiles! 


Contact Us

Charleston County School District
Visual & Performing Arts Office

75 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29401


General Inquiries
843-937-6423

marjorie_clark@charleston.k12.sc.us


Gifted & Talented Programs
843-937-6456
nicholas_nafpliot@charleston.k12.sc.us    
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