Fine & Performing Arts Department

Department Fine and Performing Arts

The ISB High School Fine & Performing Arts Department is composed of a body of specialized subject areas including design, jewelry, media arts, photography, visual arts, dance, music and theatre. Arts education benefits the student because it cultivates the whole child, gradually building many kinds of literacy while developing intuition, reasoning, imagination and dexterity into unique forms of expression and communication. An education in the arts helps students learn to identify, appreciate, and take part in the traditional art forms of their community. The arts are often an impetus for change, challenging old perspectives from fresh angles of vision, or offering original interpretations of familiar ideas. The High School Fine & Performing Arts Department seeks to engage students in a process that helps them develop the self-confidence, self-discipline, co-operation and self-motivation necessary for success in life, whilst equipping them with the skills that will enable them to enjoy, appreciate and participate in some aspect of the arts throughout their lives

ISB

ATTRIBUTES

“There is so much to love about this class. It has such a supportive and heartwarming learning environment. Everyone is so kind and happy to be there - they want to be there, they want to sing. The class focuses on improvement and attitude far beyond grade and skill. Above all, we get to sing! Everyday I leave that class in a good mood and a song in my head. It’s my one chance in the day to do something I truly love without any stress. We learn musical skills such as sight reading, music theory, and music comprehension. But, more importantly, we learn life lessons. As a student you learn to prioritize the things you love most. How to balance everything that comes with being a HS student, along with your passions. The class teaches you how to work with others and be empathetic, to try something new and get out of your comfort zone. These are the lessons I will use most in my adult life.”

VISUAL & PHOTOGRAPHY

ANIMATION

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: none (may be repeated for credit with teacher permission)

In this course, we will study animation techniques using Apple iPads and animation applications. We will create animations with drawings, cut paper, claymation, and other media. Scriptwriting, camera framing and movement, and storyboarding will be part of our process of making shorts. We will consider design, composition, pacing, and storytelling as we create. This course will give students a strong pathway into the IB Film course as well as adding another useful medium for IB Visual Art students to work with.

2D ART Drawing and Painting

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: none (may be repeated for credit with teacher permission)

This course focuses on drawing and painting. The approach is more traditional at the beginning of the semester, developing into more contemporary practice later. Students must develop supporting studies in an art journal, documenting and evaluating the art processes they are learning. They will also complete journal pages recording artist research and visual responses to these sources. The drawing will be taught both as an end in itself and as a part of the art-making process, feeding into painting work. Students will use a range of dry and wet media, including graphite, charcoal, pastel, pen and ink, watercolor and acrylic paint.

2D Art Printmaking

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: none (may be repeated for credit with teacher permission)

This course is an introduction to the elements and principles of design as they apply to printmaking. Students will work with a wide range of materials and processes from block printing and linoleum cut to drypoint, silkscreen, and relief printing. Both press and non-press techniques will be explored and students will produce limited edition prints on various types of paper. An emphasis will be placed on technical skill, aesthetics, and on traditional and contemporary expressions of this art form.

3D Art Sculpture

Grades: 9 – 12 Length: 1 semester Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: none (may be repeated for credit with teacher permission)

Sculpture is a studio experience designed to broaden the student’s concept of art media and creativity. A wide range of less familiar materials and techniques will be explored and utilized in the sculpture processes to encourage creative problem solving. Media will include clay/ceramics, wood, metal, plaster, foam and mold making. Emphasis is placed on individual idea development and inventive use of media. As in other art courses, studio work will develop and reinforce student understandings of the elements and principles of art and design, which is an integral part of a strong portfolio. There is an emphasis on developing creative thinking and personal expression as well as skills, techniques and understanding needed to create quality work.

3D Art Ceramics 1

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: none (may be repeated for credit with teacher permission)

Ceramics blends design ideas and studio experience in clay to provide an introductory experience in the Visual Arts. Elements and principles of design are emphasized as foundational ideas in ceramic media. Students will learn how to create, critique, evaluate, and appreciate works of art through beginning hand building techniques such as pinch, coil, slab and mould work; introductory forms on the potter’s wheel; and exploration of decorative techniques.

3D Art Ceramics 2

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: 3D Art Ceramics 1 (may be repeated for credit with teacher permission)

Ceramics blends design ideas and studio experience in clay to provide an introductory experience in the Visual Arts. Elements and principles of design are emphasized as foundational ideas in ceramic media. Students will learn how to create, critique, evaluate, and appreciate works of art through beginning hand building techniques such as pinch, coil, slab and mould work; introductory forms on the potter’s wheel; and exploration of decorative techniques.

DIGITAL ART Drawing and Painting

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: none (may be repeated for credit with teacher permission)

This course is designed for students who enjoy drawing and painting and would like to explore these techniques in the digital workspace. We will create artworks with digital drawing and painting, photography, text and other media using predominantly Adobe Photoshop. Graphic design elements of color, composition and font choice will be explored. Purpose, process, and meaning will be at the core of our works. This course will give students a strong pathway into the IB Visual Art course as well as adding another useful medium to the creative toolbox.

PHOTOGRAPHY 1 Traditional & Digital

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: noneEquipment Requirements: Students will be required to supply their own DSLR with full manual capabilities. (may be repeated for credit with teacher permission)

Students will learn the fundamentals and manual use of an SLR cameras. digital singlelens reflex (DSLR) camera. The course content will focus on techniques in photography such as flash, studio and long exposures, as well as digital asset management and photo editing with Adobe Lightroom and in the Darkroom.. We will explore the critical importance of “seeing light” and learn to understand and manipulate natural and artificial light (flashes and studio strobes) in creating images. Source material will include great photographers and historic periods in photography. Students will build a portfolio of their work that shows the development of their design ideas. Equipment Requirements: Students will be required to supply their own DSLR with full manual capabilities. Any Nikon DSLR is recommended, as ISB has Nikon accessories that can be used on loan. Canon DSLRs are acceptable as well. For all other cameras, please contact the instructor.

PHOTOGRAPHY 2 Traditional & Digital

Grades: 9 – 12 Length: 1 semester Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: Photography 1 Equipment Requirements: Students will be required to supply their own DSLR with full manual capabilities. (may be repeated for credit with teacher permission)

Students will learn the fundamentals and manual use of an SLR cameras. digital singlelens reflex (DSLR) camera. The course content will focus on techniques in photography such as flash, studio and long exposures, as well as digital asset management and photo editing with Adobe Lightroom and in the Darkroom.. We will explore the critical importance of “seeing light” and learn to understand and manipulate natural and artificial light (flashes and studio strobes) in creating images. Source material will include great photographers and historic periods in photography. Students will build a portfolio of their work that shows the development of their design ideas. Equipment Requirements: Students will be required to supply their own DSLR with full manual capabilities. Any Nikon DSLR is recommended, as ISB has Nikon accessories that can be used on loan. Canon DSLRs are acceptable as well. For all other cameras, please contact the instructor.

ADVANCED STUDIO ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

Grades: 10 – 12 | Length: 1 semester Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: 2 semesters of Visual Arts or Photography courses and/or permission of the instructor. (may be repeated for credit)

Advanced Studio Art & Photography is designed for committed and passionate student-artists who wish to explore and develop their art-making in a more independent and self-directed manner. Focused on creating a body of work, this course provides students with opportunities to explore and develop material and conceptual breadth and depth in and around an individually sourced theme/topic. In undertaking this course, students will also work across a range of traditional and contemporary approaches to art-making, with the overall aim of developing an individualistic approach to art-making. To support this, historical and contemporary issues in Studio Art/Photography will be discussed and explored via written and visual means, and the student will keep a portfolio to document their material and conceptual development. Students should expect their best work to be displayed for the school community, and offered for print in school publications.

IB VISUAL ARTS

(Standard & Higher Level)

Grades: 11 – 12 | Length: 2 years | Credits: 2

IB Visual Arts is a two-year course, with an emphasis on self-directed learning; students work independently and as individuals, planning their own projects with 1:1 support from their teacher. During the course, students will develop and extend their existing skills and develop their art-making capabilities through experimentation with new approaches to art media. The IB Visual Arts course is divided into three elements for assessment: Process Portfolio (evidence of experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of ideas, processes and media), Comparative Study (analysis and comparison of different artworks by different artists, and connections made with your own work) and Exhibition (presentation of final artworks). All students develop a visual art journal alongside their studio work. The final assessment is based on digital images of journal pages and studio outcomes – students select their best work and assemble it into digital presentations. IB Visual the artist and contextual research, and recording the development process of creating your own artworks, not just about producing final pieces.

IBDP Visual Arts Course Guide

FILM & MEDIA

FILM

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: none Credit: 0.5 (may be repeated for credit)

Film class gives you the tools you need to explore this unique medium of expression. The focus is on creating films of your own by analyzing, experimenting, and demonstrating techniques found in the early days of film history all the way to contemporary styles and important filmmakers. This course is for students of all levels and experience to

develop skills from your point of proficiency, whether you are a newcomer or a practiced filmmaker. “Film” covers writing, pre-production, cinematography, editing, sound, and more, including visualization, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Be a proficient interpreter and maker of Film with courage, passion, and curiosity.

IB FILM

(Standard & Higher Level) Grades: 11 – 12 | Length: 2 years | Credits: 2 Prerequisite: None; previous study in Photography, Theatre or Media is recommended

Film is a powerful communication medium and an art form. The IB Film course develops students into adept interpreters and creators of film texts through discovery of film history, critique, and practical filmmaking. We explore film history, theory, and a variety of critical contexts. Students practice critical-thinking abilities to analyse a range of cultural, historical, and contemporary films while exercising creativethinking skills including writing, directoring, editing, cinematography, and sound design. As a core Arts subject, the Film course achieves visual literacy, reflective analysis, and critical and creative synthesis through practical engagement in the art and craft of film. The key assessments are Textual Analysis (demonstrating understanding of how meaning is constructed in film), Comparative Study (personal research into a chosen area of film focus), and a Production Portfolio (showing development and experimentation of skills and techniques). Higher Level students create a Collaborative Project resulting in a complete film.

IBDP Film: Course Content Outline IBDP Film Course Guide

MEDIA STUDIES

Grades: 9-12 | Length: 1 year | Credit: 1 Prerequisite: None (may be repeated for credit)

Students in the Media Studies Elective design, produce and distributeMedia Publications under the flagship title PantherNation, our online school magazine. Publications are influenced by best practices and trends in journalism with a focus on news, events and issues relevant to high school students. Students develop the skills necessary to produce written and/ or video accounts of news stories, features articles, editorials, and sports coverage that are then published in both online and hard copy formats. Students also generate topics, identify and maintain sources, conduct interviews with various school personalities, peer edit each other’s work, and ‘keep a finger on the pulse’ of HS student life at ISB. Added to this, students will have the opportunity to use industry standard technologies in Layout, Design, HTML Coding, Java Scripting and many other technologies. Those who select this elective must be responsible enough to meet deadlines, creative enough to produce engaging stories, eloquent enough to write and speak with conviction, and be interested in the art of writing and video production to the point of seeking to continually improve the quality of both media platforms.

YEARBOOK

Grades: 9-12 | Length: 1 semester or 1 year Credit: 0.5 / 1

Prerequisite: None (may be repeated for credit)

The Yearbook stands as a testament of time for ISB, holding significant moments of High School life for our community. Students in the class will employ a number of different editorial and arts skills; including editing, graphic design, photography and photoshop. Interested students are encouraged to join this class for a semester, or for higher impact as a team leader, commiting yearlong to this important artefact.

MUSIC

DIGITAL MUSIC PRODUCTION

Grades: 9-12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: none

As contemporary music production continues to move towards digital creation, students should likewise be introduced to the fundamentals of arranging, recording and mixing a digital track from start to finish. This class is designed for both experienced and non-experienced musicians who are interested in music production and composition. In this course students will be working with a professionally used digital audio workstation (Logic Pro) to walk through the four stages of music production (Instrumental/ Vocal Recording, Editing, Mixing, Mastering/ EQ). Students will also learn about the history of musical production starting from the classical period to contemporary era. Assessments in this

course will be based on the creative process and the students ability to utilize the taught technical skills. At the end of the semester students will have an opportunity to publish their track on a digital music platform and finish the course with a final product. After this course students should know how to create, produce and publish a piece of music on their own.

CHAMBER CHOIR

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 year | Credit: 1 (may be repeated for credit)

Prerequisite: none; MS or other HS music ensemble experience appreciated.

Choir represents ISB through performances on campus and throughout the greater Bangkok community. This course provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential, self-confidence, and aesthetic understanding through ensemble singing in a healthy and supportive social network. Study includes vocal production, music literacy, communication, cultural and historical context, improvisation, composition, and artistry through a variety of genres from Gregorian Chant and Renaissance Madrigals to today’s popular hits! Students will hone their aural skills and enhance their ensemble singing through performance in the Bangkok International Choir Festival and several other concerts throughout the year. Members are eligible to participate in the IASAS Cultural Convention as well as AMIS honor groups. A uniform fee is required.

STRING ORCHESTRA

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 year | Credit: 1 (may be repeated for credit)

Prerequisite: MS orchestra experience or by audition with the HS orchestra director

String Orchestra is a course designed for students who already have experience in playing a string instrument and who wish to play more string ensemble/ orchestra music. The String Orchestra represents ISB in the community and demands high standards both of playing and dedication. There may be opportunities to play orchestral music and also to play with students from other schools. The repertoire of the String Orchestra is wide-ranging and encompasses many styles. Students should expect to practice extensively at home to prepare for performance assignments and concerts, both of which make up the main body of assessment. Students who participate in this class may be considered for Cultural Convention and also eligible to audition for AMIS. Students who have previously completed this course are encouraged to sign up again for further credit.

WIND ENSEMBLE

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 year | Credit: 1 (may be repeated for credit)

Prerequisite: MS band experience, recommendation by MS band director, or by approval from HS band director

Wind Ensemble represents ISB in the community and demands high standards both of playing and dedication. The repertoire of the band is wide-ranging and encompasses many styles; including jazz, marching band arrangement, pop music, contemporary and standard band repertoire, etc. Students should expect to practice at home to prepare for performance assignments and concerts, both of which make up the main body of assessment. Students should expect to play in concerts both on and off campus. Students who participate in this class may wish to audition for co-curricular groups such as AMIS Honor Band and IASAS Cultural Convention. Students are encouraged to sign up for wind ensemble to extend their band experiences each year in high school.

JAZZ BAND

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 year | Credit: 1 (may be repeated for credit)

Prerequisite: 2 years instruction on instrument; selection by audition

The jazz band is a course designed to familiarize students with the theory, styles, performance practices and repertoire associated with jazz music. One of the major components of jazz is improvisation. This class will cover basic technique needed to become a competent improviser. This will require much diligence and practice on the part of the student. When appropriate, aspects of jazz arranging, orchestration, and history will be presented to help the student gain a better understanding of the development of jazz style. Educational objectives will be accomplished through regular listening, analysis, and performance of various compositions for the big band jazz ensemble during weekly rehearsals and sectionals. The schedule placement for this class will depend upon the students selected and determined after auditions.

VOICE

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5 Prerequisite: None (may be repeated for credit)

Voice is open to anyone who wishes to learn to sing, as well as those wishing to pursue advanced voice training. Vocal technique and production, anatomy, music literacy, communication, improvisation, composition, cultural and historical context, and artistry will be the focus of this class. This class is highly recommended for those students planning to participate in events such as the school musical or Cultural Convention. The study includes vocal production and anatomy, music literacy, communication, improvisation, composition, cultural and historical context, and artistry.

GUITAR

Grades: 9-12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5 Prerequisite: none (may be repeated for credit)

This class is designed for guitar students who are interested in incorporating active musical participation in their daily life experience. Students will develop competency in functional guitar techniques, basic music theory fundamentals, and the use of the guitar as a solo, ensemble, and accompanying instrument. Guitar Techniques include proper sitting and hand positions, tuning a guitar, stringing a guitar, hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, vibrato, alternate picking, strumming patterns, fingerpicking patterns, movable bar chords, chording in open and first position, using a capo. Music Theory Fundamentals are noted reading, reading tablature, understanding and counting rhythmic values, chord qualities, and relationships, blues form, scales, scale patterns for soloing, time signatures, key signatures. The course requires students to have a tunable guitar, notebook folder for all handouts and a pencil, an electronic tuner is optional. A certain amount of dedication is needed to achieve our goals. In this case, that goal is to play well. This translates into practice time, which is about 30 minutes a day.

IB MUSIC

(Standard and Higher Level)

Grades: 11 – 12 | Length: 2 years | Credit: 2

Prerequisite: teacher recommendation (New 2020 Syllabus)

The IB Music course encourages inquiry into creative practices and performance processes. Music study develops listening, creative and analytical skills, as well as encouraging cultural understanding and international-mindedness. In this way, music is a catalyst for expanding critical thinking - a crucial life skill. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to explore music in varied and sometimes unfamiliar contexts and are challenged to engage practically with music as researchers, performers and creators. Students who have studied at GCSE/ABRSM/ Trinity level are well-prepared for the course and it will of course suit students who want to go on and study music in higher education as well as those who are seeking to broaden their musical and artistic perspectives. SL Music is adequate as a stand-alone music qualification for general higher education entry. For those seeking to study music as a major at university, HL is recommended.

The course consists of three, intrinsically linked aspects:

• Exploring music in context • Experimenting with music • Presenting music

Each of these components are studied in terms of the student as researcher, performer and creator.

IBDP Music Course Guide

DANCE & DRAMA

DANCE 1

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5

Prerequisite: none

This class is open for students at all levels of ability. Each semester we learn basic movement skills in three of the following dance styles: HipHop / K-Pop + Jazz, Contemporary Dance, Musical Theater, and World Dance Cultures. Basic steps, rhythm, coordination, and flexibility will be developed throughout the course. Students will also explore creating their own short dance sequences. This class is an Arts course, but may be used as 0.5 PE credit (may not replace Gr. 9 PE) if the student is pursuing the 4 year IB Dance stream and with approval provided by both PE and Fine Arts Departments.

DANCE 2

Grades: 9 – 12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5 (may be repeated for credit)

Prerequisite: Prior dance experience and/or teacher recommendation.

This course connects to prior dance/movement training, through completing Dance 1, and challenges students to develop more technique and stage performance skills. Students will enhance their individual expression, movement dynamic range, and artistic choices to practice and present dances in a different showcase each semester. Units of study will emphasize ensemble collaboration and performance skills in longer and more challenging dance sequences. Students will also explore their own sense of style and develop dance improvisation tools. This class is an Arts course, but it may be used as PE credit (may not replace Gr. 9 PE) if the student is pursuing the 4 year IB Dance stream and with approval provided by both PE and Fine Arts Departments.

IB DANCE

(Standard and Higher Level)

Grades: 11 – 12 | Length: 2 years | Credit: 2

Prerequisite: none; ideally, previous dance experience and/or teacher recommendation

IB Dance Year 1 is the first of a 2-year intensive dance class for students who want to study dance as an expressive art form and will require a higher level of commitment. The first year focuses on performance and choreography skills. Students learn movement skills appropriate to their ability while exploring the creative and expressive possibilities of dance. Students learn basic choreography and are expected to perform for an audience. This class also includes beginning investigations of “World Dance” – each semester there will be a historical introduction to dance traditions from different regions. The course will simultaneously develop critical-thinking skills in movement analysis and interpretation of dance/art aesthetics by comparing Western dance history (Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary) to that of another dance form.

Year 2 is a continuation of the Year 1 course. It focuses on three sections for the IB Dance portfolio assessment: Performance, Composition and Analysis, and World Dance Investigations. IB Dance students submit their examinations in the form of a digital portfolio and are expected to keep an artistic journal documenting the process of creating and training to perform dances.

IBDP Dance Course Guide

DRAMA

Grades: 9 - 12 | Length: 1 semester | Credit: 0.5 (may be repeated for credit)

Prerequisite: None

This course offers an introduction to drama as a performing art and builds off the skills acquired during MS Drama. Students will be involved in the group and individual activities that are geared towards performing both original and published texts. These may be chosen from a variety of styles, time periods and cultures. HS Drama offers experienced and nonexperienced drama students the opportunity to explore and create, as well as develop confidence and communication skills.

The course emphasizes supportive ensemble work while developing individual skills in the areas of improvisation, voice, movement, characterization, scene writing, textual analysis, and interpretation. Assessments in this course are mainly on performance and the process of creating a performance. Students will learn the techniques of theatre performance for the stage and will be expected to devise original performances using these skills. All units will require students to consider image and video applications, live and processed performances and technological applications suitable for mixed media, intermedia, and multimedia. Students will develop their responding skills through self and peer assessments both verbally in class as well as written and recorded analyses of their performed pieces.

IB THEATRE

(Higher and Standard Level)

Grade: 11-12 | Length: 2 year | Credit: 2

Prerequisite: teacher recommendation

Students will learn through participation in a range of theatrical activities and research. As ‘makers’ of theatre, students will explore and have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills in specific areas of performance and production by working as researchers, writers, designers, performers, and technicians. Every member of the class participates in theatrical productions that are directed, acted, and technically crafted by

the students themselves. Students develop the confidence to explore ideas in the presentation of creative, exciting projects either individually or in collaboration with others. Students attend and critique external theatrical productions and attend theatre workshops, both in and out of school as such opportunities present themselves. Students will complete reflective writing, rehearsal journals, production portfolios, and self/peer assessment.

During the first year of the course, the students will study a range of practitioners such as Artaud, Boal, Grotowski or Brecht, and a range of styles such as theatre of the absurd, physical theatre or naturalism. They will also look at different world theatre traditions and conduct individual and group research. They will devise original theatre, prepare scripted work, and start to consider how theatre can push beyond the traditional stage and utilize a range of multimedia and technical sources. They apply their learning to complete four IB assessments.

IBDP Theatre Course Guide