xii. visual art
Visual Art The Visual Art Faculty helps students learn to use and manipulate a wide range of media and techniques to express themselves and develop their personal artistic vision. Through the development of skills and good craftsmanship, the enhancement of nuance and intuition, the seeking of alternative answers to problems, deep involvement in the artistic process, and the respect for and understanding of human creative endeavors from other cultures and points of view, students learn to view the world through the eyes of the artist. Requirement: .50 credit of Foundations of Art for Beginners FUNDAMENTALS OF ART FOR BEGINNERS – FAB! (ART 105 – GRaduation requirement)
This course is the foundation course and prerequisite for all other Visual Art electives, with the exception of Themes in Art History, (ART 333) It consists of a series of problems and projects designed to teach skills and techniques leading to the understanding and application of the elements of art and the principles of design to both two dimensional and three dimensional images. These basic principles and elements are enhanced further by examination of the art and artists of different periods and cultures. This course may be waived only by portfolio review and assessment by members of the Department. (Full Year, Pass/Fail grading, .50 credit)
graph. Understanding the uses of light, shadow, shape, and space is included. The fundamentals of using a digital camera are adressed as needed, depending on the needs of each students. The techniques and applications of Adobe Photoshop are examined and used as tools for making good photographs better, and for editing photographs and creating interesting, original images. Using Adobe Photoshop in and of itself is not the goal. A digital camera is necessary. There are homework assignments, usually involving shooting or printing pictures, and student are expected to complete these assignments on time. It is recommended that students purchase their own cameras. The School does have cameras available for sign-out. (Semester, Pass/Fail grading, .25 credit) DRAWING (ART 211)
Drawing is studied using a variety of subjects, media, and techniques. Students do observational drawings of the human figure, still life, and landscapes. A sense of proportion, scale, depth, form, and composition is explored. Pencil, charcoal, markers, and paints, as well as unconventional materials such as sticks are used. Class critiques explore ways to look at drawing, as well as the works of other artists. (Semester, Pass/Fail grading, .25 credit) EXPLORATIONS IN CLAY (ART 317)
CLAY WORKSHOP (ART 215)
In this course, students are exposed to a variety of techniques and forms using clay as the basic medium. Hand building, pinch, coil, and slab are employed methods. Instruction in wheel-thrown pottery is included. This is a class that explores clay as a medium that can surprise us with its many possibilities. Instruction includes glazing and firing the pieces. This course is a prerequisite for Explorations in Clay (ART 317). (Semester, Pass/Fail grading, .25 credit) DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP (ART 225)
This course is primarily a photography course, in which the elements of art and the principles of design and composition are applied to making a good photo-
2011-2012 Upper School Program Guide
In this course, students work toward improving skill in the major techniques for forming both functional and sculptural clay pieces. Emphasis in the first quarter is on mastering technique, refining craftsmanship, and using and experimenting with glazes, with the goal of producing an interesting and varied body of work determined by the student. Students also examine the work of both ancient and contemporary clay artists. The instructor and student evaluate together the student’s body of work at the quarter and semester. Clay Workshop (ART 215) is a prerequisite for this course. (Semester, .50 credit)
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PAINTING (ART 214)
ADVANCED ART 1 (ART 205)
Students experiment in tempera, watercolor, and acrylic paints. Drawing is an important part of this course. The work of other artists is viewed and discussed to gain a perspective on the vast variety of ways to paint. (Semester, Pass/Fail grading, .25 credit)
This course is for those who have completed the Fundamentals of Art for Beginners course, (ART 105) and wish to begin building a portfolio, and/or who love art and are motivated to learn and experience more in the discipline. Projects range from structured problem solving to projects that require more independent work. A variety of mediums and techniques are covered, and developing more original, inventive, and imaginative approaches is stressed. Group critiques and self-assessments are integral parts of the course. (Full year, 1 credit)
PRINTMAKING (ART 213)
In this course, the student is exposed to a variety of techniques, some of which may be stamping, collage, linoleum, and monoprints. Work is created by hand as well as on the large printing press. Graphic design is discussed as students critique their work and that of other professionals. (Second semester, Pass/Fail grading, .25 credit) SCULPTURE 1 (ART 221)
This course continues the principles learned and applied in Fundamentals of Art for Beginners, (ART 105) but with exposure to additional mediums and concepts, such as construction, assemblage, and carving. Conceptual projects and problem solving are an important part of the course. (Semester, Pass/Fail grading, .25 credit) Digital Studio: Photoshop (Art 229)
Are you captivated by images you see on the computer? Do you want to learn how to express your artistic side using a computer? Well, then take this class. You will learn how to use the creative workhorse, Adobe Photoshop, and manipulate images on the computer and create completely new pieces. So, if you have even the slightest creative urge and would like to learn how to express it digitally, or if you simply want to finally learn how to use Photoshop, take Digital Studio. You won’t regret it. (Semester, Pass/Fail grading, .25 credit)
ADVANCED ART 2 (ART 305)
This advanced art course is for students who are motivated to continue more frequent involvement in art and are/or preparing a portfolio. Juniors or seniors who wish to continue in Advanced Art 3 are encouraged to take this course. In addition to studio projects and portfolio preparation, field trips are taken to museums as time allows. Students are expected to use sketchbooks on a regular basis. Students learn to critique their own artwork and the work of others, experiment with a variety of materials and techniques, and push themselves beyond the conventional by developing imaginative and original pieces. Selfassessments are an integral part of the course. Advanced Art 1 (ART 205) is a prerequisite to this course. (Full year, 1 credit)
THEMES IN ART HISTORY (ART 333)
This course is a team-taught, discussion-based Art History course consisting of themes offered each semester for examination. Themes may include “The Human Figure in Art,” “Art of the 1920s and 1930s,” “The Landscape,” “Aboriginal Art,” or “Animal Imagery Throughout Art History.” Class participation is essential and in-class writing is included on occasion. This course has no prerequisite. (Semester, Pass/Fail grading, .25 credit)
2011-2012 Upper School Program Guide
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xii. visual arts
ADVANCED ART 3 (ART 405)
This advanced art course is for motivated students who want more frequent and serious involvement in art and/or are preparing a portfolio, or who wish to continue a deeper exploration of the discipline. A range of projects and problems in different mediums is presented and students are expected to work independently toward developing imaginative and original ideas. Experimentation is encouraged. Group critiques and self-assessment and evaluation are integral parts of the course. Advanced Art 2 (ART 305) is a prerequisite to this course. (Full year, 1 credit)
POSSIBLE VISUAL ART SEQUENCING PATHS
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Fund for Beginners
Advanced Art 1
Advanced Art 2
Advanced Art 3
Fund for Beginners
Clay Workshop
Explor in Clay
Tutorial
Fund for Beginners
Sculpture 1
Clay Workshop
Explor in Clay
Fund for Beginners
Drawing
Printmaking Painting
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xiii. performing arts
Performing Arts The Performing Arts Faculty engages students in the use of their voices, hands, and/or bodies to express themselves and their ideas in the disciplines of vocal music, instrumental music, theater, and dance. Experiences in this program cultivate the development of intuition, reasoning, imagination, and self-confidence in ways and at a level not found in the traditional classroom setting. (Requirement: .50 credit) MUSIC CHAMBER MUSIC (MUS 213)
This course is intended for students who are interested in playing in a small ensemble for string and woodwind instruments. Instrumentalists who sign up for the class should have experience with the violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, clarinet, oboe, French horn, or bassoon. This course should be a complement to continued outside private lessons. The literature in this class represents baroque, classical, romantic, and modern pieces for small ensemble. (Full year, .50 credit) BEGINNING GUITAR (MUS 216)
This course is designed for students brand new to the guitar or with minimal knowledge of the instrument. Students are taught all the open chords, beginning with bar chords, basic note reading, major and pentatonic scales. This knowledge is applied to as many pieces of music as possible. Students are required to have their own guitar to use for practice. (Full year, .50 credit) GUITAR WORKSHOP (MUS 217)
This course is designed for students who have taken the Beginning Guitar course, (MUS 216) or who have attained equivalent proficiency. Students in this course work on more advanced pieces of music in many different styles. Students explore jazz, classical, rock, folk, and other styles that may arise during class discussion. Students are required to have their own guitar to use for practice. (Full year, .50 credit) DANCE (MUS 221)
Dance is a semester-long course that allows students to explore their creativity and encourages their artistic expression. Whether students are experienced dancers or are dancing for the first time, the class will be geared toward each student’s individual ability 2011-2012 Upper School Program Guide
level. They will have the opportunity to build their strength, flexibility, and coordination while discovering various styles of dance through choreography. Students will have an opportunity to perform at the end of the semester. Dance is a semester-long course that allows students to explore their creativity and encourages their artistic expression. Whether students are experienced dancers or are dancing for the first time, the class will be geared toward each student’s individual ability level. They will have the opportunity to build their strength, flexibility, and coordination while discovering various styles of dance through choreography. Students will have an opportunity to perform at the end of the semester. (Semester, .25 credit) Percussion Class (MUS 222)
The purpose of the class is to promote a better understanding of rhythm and the world of percussion. Students cover the rudiments of a variety of percussion instruments, giving them the ability to better read percussion notation. Students also learn the finer points of the tuning and maintenance of drums. Students perform percussion music from Africa, Latin America, and Brazil. Open to all ability levels. (Full year, Pass/Fail grading, .50 credit) Jazz Rock Ensemble (MUS 226)
This course creates small ensembles designed to help students find self-expression and a creative outlet by performing a variety of music styles ranging from jazz, funk, blues, rock, and other multicultural music that is centered on improvisation. In this course, students will form ensembles that range from standard jazz combos to rock ensembles. Students who play piano, bass, guitar, brass, woodwind, strings, or who sing are eligible to participate in these ensembles. These smaller ensembles allow students to develop their ability to read, perform, and compose music from a variety of styles by studying the forms and structures of the music they perform. Students have direct input into the music that they perform. Ensembles will be formed by instrumentation and ability level. (Full year, .50 credit)
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xiii. performing arts
CHOIR (MUS 237)
MUSIC THEORY (MUS 361)
This course is open to anyone interested in singing in a choral setting. Students have the opportunity to sing in four or more parts. Students study the Kodaly method of sight-reading, using solfege to develop their ear training. Other topics include proper breathing, vocal health, and mouth position. The repertoire for the course ranges from classical to contemporary. The choir has many performance opportunities throughout the year. (Full year, .50 credit)
This course is designed for students who wish to learn the theoretical aspects of music. Students learn about the basics of music such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and apply these concepts to many different pieces of music. Students learn to write chords and melody in different situations to demonstrate the various devices they have learned. The course culminates with a composition project that uses many of the concepts learned during the year. (Full year, .50 credit)
MUSIC COMPOSITION (MUS 303)
CHORAL AND MUSICAL THEATER PERFORMANCE (MUS 403)
This course is designed for students who have interest in writing their own songs and understanding the craft of song-writing. The course has grown out of the Music Composition club, started Fall 2003. Topics to be covered include melody, harmony, lyric writing, music theory, and analysis. The class culminates with either a recording of the original work or a live performance. Prerequisite for the course is two years of proficiency on a musical instrument, Music Theory (MUS 361), or permission from the Instructor. (Semester, .25 credit) PIANO KEYBOARD (MUS 333)
This course is designed for students who would like to learn how to play the piano. Students are taught how to read music and learn how the notes translate to the keyboard. Students are required to practice outside of class. Topics covered include rhythm drills, melody phrasing, and playing chords and various styles of music. There is no prerequisite for this course, though enrollment is limited to the number of keyboards the School has available for the semester. (Semester, .25 credit; Full year, .50 credit) INTERMEDIATE PIANO KEYBOARD (MUS 336)
Students explore advanced harmony, scales, and intricate rhythm patterns. Students are required to practice outside of class. Prerequisite for this course is Piano Keyboard (MUS 333) or permission from the instructor. (Semester, .25 credit; Full year, .50 credit)
2011-2012 Upper School Program Guide
This course is intended for students who would like to take Choir concurrently with a minor course in Musical Theater. In Musical Theater, students study acting, dance, and learn a variety of musical theater works. Students have many performance opportunities throughout the year. Prerequisite for this course is Introduction to Acting (DRA 101) or permission from the Instructor. (Full year, 1 credit) DRAMA INTRODUCTION TO ACTING (DRA 101)
This course is open to any student who has interest in learning the beginning techniques of acting. The syllabus includes physical warm-ups, pantomime, improvisation, theater games, and repetition exercises based on the Sanford Meisner system of acting. The primary text of this course is Hagen’s “Respect for Acting.” (Semester, Pass/Fail grading, .25 credit) ACTING (DRA 111)
This course is the next level of study from the Introduction to Acting course. The syllabus includes physical warm-ups, pantomime, improvisation, and also includes beginning scene and monologue work. Some of the texts in the course are Stanislavski’s “An Actor Prepares,” and Hagen’s “A Challenge to the Actor.” Students have an opportunity to perform their scene/monologue at the end of the semester. Prerequisite for the course is Introduction to Acting (DRA 101) or permission from the instructor. (Semester, Pass/Fail grading, .25 credit)
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xiii. performing arts
TECHNICAL THEATER 1 (DRA 115)
SCENE STUDY (DRA 311)
This introductory course focuses on set construction, assuming no prior experience with tools or building techniques. After an introduction to the theatrical production process, each student builds one flat as an introduction to construction concepts and tool usage. They then spend several classes building the set for that semester’s productions. They are required to see a performance of the Upper School play. The last portion of the semester is spent on individual projects, for which students research, design, draw, and build an object chosen from a list provided by the Instructor. (Semester, Pass/Fail grading, .25 credit)
This course concentrates on “taking apart” a scene. Students are paired with a partner to apply all that was learned in their previous acting courses. Students examine many different scenes, ranging from classic to contemporary. Topics include objectives, intentions, and character development. Students have the opportunity to perform their scenes as a culmination of their efforts in the course. Prerequisite for the course is Introduction to Acting (DRA 101), Acting (DRA 111), or permission from the Instructor. (Semester, .25 credit)
TECHNICAL THEATER 2 (DRA 117)
This course assumes that students have a basic knowledge of the construction techniques and tool usage taught in Technical Theater 1 (DRA 115). Students spend the first part of the semester building and painting the set for that semester’s productions, reviewing and reinforcing previously learned skills. Students are allowed to work with more advanced tools and techniques depending on their ability level and the needs of the shows. They are required to see the Upper School production. The last part of the semester is spent exploring other aspects of technical theater, based on the desire of the students. (Semester, Pass/Fail grading, .25 credit) PRODUCING AND DIRECTING THEATER (DRA 301)
This course is for students who have a strong interest in directing. In the first semester, students examine a particular play or musical that they have an interest in directing. Students examine acting techniques and rehearsal procedures, analyze a play, cast the play, and consider technical requirements. In the second semester, each student applies these skills to produce and direct the show they have chosen. Students concentrate on the actual rehearsal process, and on preparation of a live performance of the work in front of an audience. Prerequisite is Scene Study (DRA 311) or permission from the Instructor. This course has limited enrollment, and is only open to seniors and juniors. (Full year, .50 credit)
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xvi. the theater arts program
The Theater Arts Program The School has a long history of strong commitment to the theater arts. Opportunities exist for all students to explore their talents in this area. Students in the Upper School are required to participate in at least two theater performances during their time here. Participation runs the gamut from all aspects of preproduction (set design and construction) to production (lights, sound, stage management) to performance (acting, singing, dancing). Typically, a full-length play is presented in the fall, a full-scale musical in the winter, and student-directed plays in the spring. Though all performances are supervised by members of the Performing Arts Department, most aspects of these performances are student-run. Leadership roles thus abound during the process of creating and presenting a theatrical performance. The teamwork and spirit of camaraderie evident in all phases of this process provide opportunities for character development not typically found in the traditional classroom. Though participation in only two productions is required, students often become involved in several more before they graduate. Over the past several years, US students have presented a wide variety of shows, including: “Once on this Island” (2011) “The Diary of Anne Frank” (2010) “The Wiz” (2010) “The Skin of Our Teeth” (2009) “Into the Woods” (2009) “Arsenic & Old Lace” (2008) “Pippin” (2008) “The Laramie Project” (2007) “Urinetown” (2007) “The Mousetrap” (2006) “Cabaret” (2006) “The Importance of Being Earnest” (2005) “Hair” (2005) “The Grass Harp” (2004) “Ragtime” (2004) “Dinner at Eight” (2003) “Peter Pan” (2003) “The Comedy of Errors” (2002) “The Sound of Music” (2002) “Great Expectations” (2001)
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