Non-Credit Required Courses major historical events and tensions like feudalism and modernization, colonialism and independence, communism and capitalism, dictatorship and democracy, and separation and unification, we will examine how the Chinese people have been searching for a “new” China that they envision. Since 1949, China has evolved into two testing grounds, and both societies have been developing in parallel. After examining the development of two societies culturally, politically, and economically, students will be able to understand and analyze some current issues in the Chinese world through the historical perspective.
Introduction to the Arts Class IV All students in Class IV are required to take the Introduction to the Arts course in Visual Arts for one semester in one or two meetings a week, in Performing Arts for the alternate semester in one or two meetings a week, and Music all year long for one or two meetings a week. All Class IV students take the same Performing Arts and Visual Arts courses, and choose between several course options in Music. All courses are studio- or performance-based classes and graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. After the Class IV Introduction to the Arts, students may take any Arts Program course, normally in Class III or II, in the Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music, or Creative Writing to fulfill their graduation requirement regardless of the course taken in Class IV.
Introductory Performing Arts Class IV Students explore their creativity in the contexts of movement, speech, role-playing, and dramatic imagination. Participation in a range of activities and exercises is aimed at developing focus and concentration, physical fluency, vocal variety, spontaneity, collaborative skills, and the confidence that allows students to take creative risks. This course meets weekly for a semester and is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. It provides a preview of the Arts Program offerings in the performing arts, which are available in Classes III, II and I.
Introductory Visual Arts Class IV Students explore the foundations of twodimensional design, three-dimensional design, and digital design in studio-based coursework, about making and creating, challenging students to develop traditional skills for artistic expression, and to develop creative problem-solving and design-thinking skills. The courses provide a preview of the year-long Arts Program graduationrequirement offerings in Visual Arts, normally taken in Class III or II. Each course meets weekly for a semester and is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Introductory Music Options Students in Class IV may elect one course to fulfill their requirement in music. Students may elect to sing in the Class IV Glee Club, play in the Orchestra, play in the Class IV Jazz Combo, learn Fundamentals of Guitar, 26 Milton Academy
or enroll in Class IV General Music. All classes will continue for both semesters. All are performance-based classes and graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. A short description of each offering is below. Students electing either Orchestra or Jazz Combo typically will have their own instruments and experience in playing them. Please contact Music Department Chair Adrian Anantawan with any questions.
Class IV Glee Club Students electing Class IV Glee Club will perform a wide variety of pieces, including Western and non-Western choral pieces from various historical periods. There will be two major performances a year. No prior experience is needed.
Orchestra Students electing Orchestra will also perform two concerts each year, playing orchestral music from a wide range of historical periods. Students electing Orchestra typically will have their own instruments and experience in playing them.
Jazz Combo Class IV Jazz Combo offers an introductory experience in improvisation skills and small-ensemble playing. Students electing Jazz Combo typically will have their own instruments and experience in playing them
General Music General Music surveys musical cultures and includes a performance and music technology element. No prior experience is needed.
Fundamentals of Guitar In Fundamentals of Guitar, students will learn the fundamentals of guitar playing, with no prior experience of instrumental music learning required. Students will learn basic notation, chord symbols, songwriting, and ensemble playing, culminating in endof-semester performances for the school community. Emphasis will be placed on learning basic skills through classic and modern pop songs. Guitar ownership is encouraged, however, a guitar will be provided, if needed.
Affective Education Starting in 2021–2022, with the exception of Health and Project Adventure, Affective Education will shift from holding singlesection classes to collaborating with teachers across the academic program to embed the curriculum in courses and co-curricular activities school-wide. The curriculum
