Visual and Performing Arts 2016-17

visual & performing arts education through the arts The visual and performing arts are an integral part of the Castilleja experience, weaving together knowledge, skill development, and self-expression while enriching the cultural life of our community.

Through an exploration of each arts discipline— dance, music, theatre arts, and visual art—students learn to be creators, collaborators, leaders, and risk takers. Students have numerous opportunities to develop abilities, pursue passions, and put their best work on stage or on display.

castilleja.org/vpa

“The Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) curriculum at Castilleja teaches students far more than basic art and performance skills. The arts also teach them design thinking, aesthetic literacy, and problem solving abilities. Connections are constantly being made between our curricular and co-curricular programs to reinforce student learning.”

—Helen Shanks, VPA Department Head

Theatre Arts In the classroom In classes that explore the many forms of theatre—from one-act plays and monologues to improvisation and musical theatre to Upper School electives that put the great dramatists into a historical context—students find many reasons to “act up” at Casti. Students jump behind the curtains to write, direct, and produce—or even move from stage to screen!

On the stage and outside the Circle • Middle School Musical Stage managed by Upper School students who also assist in direction, choreography, and design • Upper School Musical • Upper School Play • Upper School Student Directed One Act Plays

casti is ...

Visual Art In the studio Our 2D and 3D art studios and 1000 square foot gallery offer space to explore painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and collage as well as color theory, form, and design. Our Bourn Idea Lab also provides space to build and create using cutting edge tools and technology like a 3D printer!

In the Anita Seipp Gallery and beyond the Circle • • • • • • •

Rotating exhibits by students and professionals Film Screenings Gallery Leadership Program Artist-in-Residence Program Gifts of the Arts AP Studio Art show Interdisciplinary Junior Class Art Show

Music In the practice rooms Vocal and instrumental sounds carry from the practice rooms as middle school students get an introduction to a wide range of music styles as well as theory and composition. Students can continue to pursue choral and chamber music at an advanced level in the Upper School.

On the stage and beyond the Circle • • • • • • • • •

Winter Concert Middle School Orchestra Upper School Orchestra Spring Concert Glee Club Show Choir Music for the Community Pop-up Professional Artist and Student Shows MUSE (Middle and Upper School Ensemble)

taking center stage!

Dance In the dance studio From Middle School movement classes that explore the breadth of dance forms while putting them in a cultural and social context to Upper School production classes that offer hands-on opportunities to be choreographers, stage managers, directors, and producers—you’ll find an opportunity to leap high at Casti.

On the stage • Arts with a Heart All school multi-media arts extravaganza • Middle School Musical • Upper School Musical

Create your Own special events! Every year our students envision their own performance opportunities, for example: Music

Dance

Visual Art

Theatre Arts

A Cappella Fest

Annual Arts Benefit for the Day Workers Center

Ongoing Student Shows

Shakespeare’s Birthday

Casti Coffee House

Global Art Show

“Actors at Castilleja learn that there are no limits to what we can do–and we learn this simply by doing. Many of my favorite Castilleja memories were formed within the strong theatre community here: cracking up at cast parties, wielding drills to build sets, frantically learning how to tap dance, getting through sleep-deprived tech weeks, and of course, taking our final bows. Acting at Castilleja has opened up so many opportunities for me to push myself and become a more dedicated actor, to be an example for younger students, and to realize how much I love this art form. I would not be the student, person, or actor that I am today without my involvement in and love for this program.”

—Allison Z., ’16

scope and sequence of visual and performing arts curriculum Middle School – 3 years required Grades 6 and 7

Grades 6 and 7 focus on giving students broad experience in and exposure to different disciplines throughout each year.

Grade 8

Grade 8 offers students One Semester Electives • Art the opportunity to • Fashion and Print narrow their focus • Ceramics based on personal • Choreography interests, allowing • One Act Plays them to choose two • Digital Movie Making 1-semester elective • Instrumental Chamber Music courses.

• Show Choir

Required Courses • Art • Dance • Drama • Choral or Instrumental Music

Upper School – Grades 9 and 10 required Grade 9

Grade 9 offers a multidisciplinary arts survey course that challenges students to create and analyze art in its multiple forms and make links across the curriculum with science, English, history, math, and computer science.

Core Arts Includes units in art, dance, design, drama, film, music, and photography.

The course culminates with a joint long-term project with English.

Grades 10, 11 and 12

Grade 10 offers students the opportunity to specialize and choose one full-year elective in a single discipline.

Dance • Dance Production Workshop I and II • Advanced Dance Production Workshop Music • Instrumental Music Workshop I and II • Honors Vocal Music • Vocal Music Workshop I and II • Advanced Vocal Music Workshop • Advanced Topics in Music: Theory and Musicianship Theatre Arts • Theatre I and II • The Actor and The Director Visual Art • Ceramic Design I and II • Design and Sculpture I and II • Drawing and Painting I and II • Film I and II • Photography I and II • Advanced Visual Art I and II • AP Studio Art (Drawing & Painting, Photography, Design, and Ceramics)

Grades 11 and 12 courses allow students to deepen connections and go beyond skill building by choosing from a variety of electives.*

*Some courses are not offered every year

“Our arts curriculum increases students’ understanding of the arts across diverse cultures. Interdisciplinary art projects bring concepts to life and help students make connections across subject areas.”

—Nanci Kauffman, Head of School

The Visual & Performing Arts Department designs and presents courses and co-curricular opportunities to challenge and encourage each student to develop her abilities in five arts disciplines: dance, music, film, theatre arts, and visual art.

Beyond learning art skills, students have the opportunity to compose music, choreograph dances, produce films, and direct plays. Field trips, partnerships with visiting professionals, and collaboration with Artists-in-Residence are key elements of all arts classes and make learning more authentic.

Students also have many opportunities to develop and refine their skills throughout the year by participating in full scale productions, student-led organizations, and community action activities.

C R E AT E

COLLABORATE • INNOVATE • LEAD

CHALLENGE • COMPOSE

CHOREOGRAPH DANCE • PERFORM • CURATE • EXHIBIT CONNECT • DIRECT • IMAGINE • INSPIRE