2015 2016 fine arts courses

PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS 2015-2016 Five semesters in drama, music, art and/or photography are required. The first four semesters of the requirement will be taken in Class V and VI; the fifth semester must be taken in either Class VII or Class VIII. Students are encouraged but not required to fulfill their Upper School Performing and Visual Arts requirement with courses from more than one division.

Performing and Visual Arts courses meet two 60-minute periods and one 75-minute period per cycle unless otherwise noted.

When choosing Performing and Visual Arts electives, please be sure to indicate a first, second and third choice, as it may not be possible to schedule all of the courses listed.

Please refer to the following tables to see what courses are open to each grade level. Class V students will choose from several full year courses, while Class VI students can choose to take either a full year course or two semester courses. Class VII and VIII students have full year and semester course options from which to choose. All courses that are asterisked have no prerequisite. Most of these courses are half credit courses.

Those that are full-credit are listed as such. Course descriptions are listed alphabetically by division right after the tables.

The Performing Arts Department encourages participation in extracurricular activities but only gives graduation credit for the courses listed in this catalog.

Full Year Courses Open to Class V Art Foundations of Visual Art*

Dance Foundations of Dance*

Foundations in Photography and Imaging*

Drama Foundations of Theatre*

Music Chamber Music I/Chamber Music II Percussion Ensemble I/Guitar I*

Full Year Courses Open to Class VI Art Foundations of Visual Art*

Dance Foundations of Dance*

Foundations in Photography and Imaging*

Full Year Courses Open to Classes VII-VIII Art

Music

AP Studio Art (full credit) Small Chorus

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Drama

Music

Foundations of Theatre*

Small Chorus

Semester Courses Open to Class VI Art Fall Semester

Ceramics: Handbuilding*

Drama

Music

Advanced Scene Study Chamber Music I

Figure*

Music Technology*

Video*

Percussion Ensemble I*

Photography I*

Percussion Ensemble II

Spring Semester Architecture*

Directing

Chamber Music II

Ceramics: Wheelthrowing

Guitar I*

Painting

Guitar II

Photography II

Piano*

Printmaking*

Semester Courses Open to Classes VII-VIII

Fall Semester

Art

Drama/Dance

Art History* (full-credit)

Advanced Scene Study

Chamber Music I

Ceramics: Handbuilding*

Dance (fall)

Music Technology*

Figure* Video*

Music

Percussion Ensemble I* Foundations of Dance 1

Percussion Ensemble II

Photography I* Photography III Portfolio Spring Semester Architecture* Art History* (full credit)

Directing

Chamber Music II

Dance (spring)

Guitar I*

Ceramics: Wheelthrowing Foundations of Dance 2 Guitar II Painting Photography II Portfolio Printmaking*

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Piano*

Art Studio AP Studio Art Advanced Placement Studio Art is a full-year and full-credit course intended for advanced and motivated students who have already shown a serious commitment in art, already have familiarity with the techniques, processes and ideas that they intend to use, have taken a number of Upper School art electives and who are prepared to work intensively to prepare a portfolio to submit for the AP Studio Art Portfolio. There are three different focuses for the portfolio including: AP Studio Art Drawing, AP Studio Art 2D, and AP Studio Art 3D; each encompassing three different categories: Quality, Concentration, and Breadth. Open to Classes VIIVIII. Full year course. Prerequisite: Four semesters of art and permission of instructor.

Architecture Through a variety of different projects and media, this course will provide students with the fundamentals of architectural design. Sketches, scaled drawings, models, and computer programs such as SketchUp will be used to explore the issues involved in designing a well-thought-out structure. Open to Classes VI-VIII. Spring semester.

Ceramics: Handbuilding and Wheelthrowing These two semesters of ceramics are designed to provide a foundation for work in clay. The first semester will focus on several different handbuilding techniques including pinch, slab, coil, and paddle. Assignments will incorporate these different techniques and focus on three-dimensional form, function, scale, surface texture, good craftsmanship, and glazing. The second semester will focus on the acquisition of basic wheelthrowing skills, and students will learn to center clay, to throw cylinders and bowls, and to trim and finish the piece. Students will also explore surface treatments and enhancing the form and function of a thrown piece by adding handles and spouts and also by studying glazing effects. Open to Classes VI-VIII. Fall semester is handbuilding and spring semester is wheelthrowing. Class size is limited to ten students in Wheelthrowing Prerequisite for Wheelthrowing: Handbuilding or permission of instructor.

The Figure This course is designed to teach the concepts of gesture, structure and proportion as they relate to the human figure to give students the tools they need to make decisions on how to draw the human form. Working from models, students will draw, paint and sculpt the figure to learn the body’s structures, basic anatomy and proportions. Students will explore form, space and composition through the complexity of human anatomy.

Some time will be devoted to portrait as well. Open to Classes VI-VIII. Fall semester.

Foundations in Photography and Imaging Students will be introduced to a broad range of basic photographic and digital imaging techniques with an emphasis on the aesthetics of shooting and editing. The principles of photography will be introduced, including composition, focal point, content and story-telling, visual impact, and creating mood. This course develops students’ photography and imaging skills through hands-on production experience including shooting and developing film and enlarging prints in the analog darkroom; working with digital cameras and Photoshop; small format video-making and editing; and alternative image-making processes including transfers. Open to Classes V and VI. Full year course.

Foundations of Visual Art Students will be introduced to different techniques and the aesthetics of art-making with an emphasis on the principles of design, including composition, positive shape and negative space, line, color, and form. An emphasis will be placed on the development of perceptual skills using a number of different techniques and media including drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking with the intent of beginning to build a portfolio of work. Open to Classes V and VI. Full year course.

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Painting For students interested in learning the techniques of oil and watercolor painting, and for those with experience who would like to continue to develop their skills, this course will focus primarily on painting from observation. The first part of the semester will focus on still life and the later part will be spent painting Winsor and its surroundings. Open to Classes VI-VIII. Spring semester. Prerequisite: Foundations of Visual Art or The Figure or permission of instructor.

Photography I This course will emphasize essential camera skills and photographic principles that allow students to transform their excitement and passion for photography into a more intentional and sophisticated image making process. Using both analog and digital camera technologies as part of a fully integrated curriculum, students will gain a highly functional understanding of camera skills and photographic principles. Students will learn to shoot fully manual while maintaining proper exposure and creative control over the camera.

Students will also build a foundation of essential skills in the digital and analog darkrooms including: processing 35mm negatives; printing using traditional silver gelatin processes; scanning images on a high resolution flatbed scanner; importing and managing digital files; essential Photoshop techniques for photographers; basic inkjet printing methods; the basics of photography critique; and methods for presenting and sharing finished works. Open to Classes VI-VIII. Fall semester. Class size is limited to ten students. It is recommended but not required that students take Foundations of Photography and Imaging.

Photography II This course will build on the skills, techniques, and understandings obtained in Photography I and is designed to challenge students to go beyond technical skills and photographic principles, and develop their voice as artist photographers and storytellers. Through hands-on practice, critique, and research, students will develop more content-based narrative and a stronger aesthetic sense. In-class learning exercises will continue to challenge students to build their analog and digital camera and darkroom skills, while out-of-studio assignments will become increasingly more independent and student-driven. By researching and reflecting upon artist photographers past and present and sharing their work with peers through group critique, students will develop an understanding of narrative storytelling, photojournalism, and the five elements of the photo essay: sense of place, scenes, moments, portraits, and details. Students will gain greater creative control over the medium by learning to see photography holistically; a series of skills and understandings aimed at unlocking greater self-expression and creativity. Open to Classes VI-VIII. Spring semester. Class size is limited to ten students. Prerequisite: Photography I Photography III This is an advanced photography course that emphasizes content and aesthetics, and challenges students to create photographs that open conversations. This course is guided by the questions: What do you want your photographs to say? What are you trying to convey to the viewer? Using either digital or analog camera and darkroom technologies available at the school, students will develop and complete a series of independent projects guided by the instructor. Students will seek inspiration for their independent work through research and reflection of artist photographers past and present, and regular presentation and critique of student work.

Participation in regular class critiques is integral to this course and works to improve aesthetic awareness and understanding, build key photographic vocabulary, and sharpen students’ ability to identify and compose compelling images. Throughout the semester students will maintain an online digital portfolio of their work.

Open to Classes VII and VIII. Fall semester. Class size is limited to ten students. Prerequisite: Photography I and II.

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Portfolio Class This course is for advanced students who already have familiarity with the techniques, processes and ideas that they intend to use, who have taken a number of Upper School art electives and who are prepared to work intensively to prepare a portfolio either for art school or as a supplement to their college application. Open to Classes VII-VIII. Fall and/or spring semester. Prerequisite: Four semesters of art and permission of instructor.

Printmaking This course is designed to give students a chance to explore several different techniques in printmaking, including additive and reductive approaches to traditional printmaking techniques and experimental, indirect image-making methods. Exposure to different processes and materials will give students experience in wiping and printing, stamping, stenciling, and the ghost imagery of overprinting, as well as a variety of offset transfers. Assignments will be both art and design-based. Open to Classes VI-VIII. Spring semester.

Video This course will allow students to further explore the techniques and the aesthetics of video production including lighting, sequencing, sound, color, and composition as well as the craft of writing for film or video.

Students will use handheld video cameras and the emphasis will be on video as an art form and digital editing techniques (advanced tools of iMovie as well as having the option to explore editing with Final Cut), effects, audio, graphics, and titling. Open to Classes VI-VIII. Fall semester.

Art History Art History The art history courses provide students with an initial experience in art history as they are taught the scholarly methods associated with the study of the history of art. Art history may be taken for one or two semesters and is considered a full academic course, meeting 4 periods per week. Fall and/or spring semester.

Open to Classes VII and VIII. Offered in 2015-2016: The Renaissance: What Came Before and After A thorough understanding of the Renaissance leads to the ability to understand, appreciate and analyze the eras which influenced and were influenced by the Renaissance. The Renaissance is therefore used as the center line, looking back to Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome to provide a framework for understanding the Renaissance. The course looks forward to Mannerism, Baroque and the Pre-Raphaelites and shows how these periods reflect Renaissance influence. In the spring of 2016, Winsor will offer a trip to Italy for Latin and Art History students. The spring semester of this course will look at the Roman, Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture that will be seen on the trip through an interdisciplinary lens and will be supplemented by primary sources read either in translation or, for Latin students, in the original language.

Offered in 2014-2015: Artists of the Modern Era This course will explore the development of modern and contemporary art by looking in depth at the most innovative and, in some cases, outrageous artists of the past 150 years in Europe and the United States.

Dance Foundations of Dance Different dance techniques, improvisation, and choreography will be explored and will culminate in performances several times during the year. Open to both beginning and more advanced students. Students in classes VII and VIII have the option of taking this course by semester.

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Drama Advanced Scene Study This class is for students who would like to explore several different styles and genres of theater through the preparation and performance of many different scenes throughout the semester. Students will be exposed to a range of different genres and styles that will include comedy, drama, absurdism, classical, farce, magical, and contemporary realism while also incorporating script analysis, character development and multiple acting approaches. We will use Shurtleff’s “Audition” text to more deeply explore how to create specific and exciting scenes and vibrant, well-drawn characters. Open to Classes VI-VIII. Fall semester. Prerequisite: Foundations of Theatre I or by permission of instructor.

Directing Students will explore scene work and plays from the perspective of both the actor and director in an extremely “hands on” experience. They will be introduced to several aspects of directing including script analysis, creating a concept, staging, rehearsal management, and effective communication. Each student will have the opportunity to direct student actors in scenes as well as continuing their own acting training by rehearsing and performing in other students' directing projects. Prerequisite: Foundations of Theatre I or by permission of instructor. Advanced Scene Study strongly recommended.

Foundations of Theatre Acting and Technical Theatre: Throughout the year students will practice comedic short term and dramatic long term improvisation, scene-building, and character development. Students will learn audition techniques and fully produce a classic monologue and selected scenes from a contemporary play. The students will also be introduced to theatre design principles through an exploration of lighting, set, and sound. Open to Classes V and VI. Full year course.

Independent Study in Drama A student wishing to direct a piece either for credit or non-credit (extra-curricular), will need to submit her chosen script to the Drama Division for approval. Projects can be done in the spring or fall. Rehearsal and performance dates must be approved and then coordinated with Winsor’s performing arts calendar. This option is available to seniors only, fall or spring semester; no more than two students per semester.

Prerequisite: Foundations of Theatre I and Acting and Directing and by permission of instructor.

Music Chamber Music I and II This course can be taken as a full year course or by semester, and is designed for intermediate-advanced instrumental musicians who enjoy playing classical music in trios, quartets, quintets and as part of a larger ensemble. Music will be selected from the standard chamber music/chamber orchestra repertoire and will be geared specifically toward the instrument combination and level of the students enrolled. Students who play flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, piano, percussion, violin, viola, cello or bass are encouraged to play. For those who would like to join the course, a brief audition will be scheduled in the spring to indicate eligibility and/or by express permission of the instructor. Performance opportunities will also be arranged. Open to Class V as a full year course and as a full year or by semester for Classes VI-VIII. Fall and Spring semesters. Prerequisite: Audition in the spring and/or by permission of instructor.

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Guitar I In Class Guitar students will learn beginning guitar technique and basic music theory. Students will master chords and several strumming, fingering and picking techniques. They will also learn to read and switch chords while singing and playing simultaneously. Guitars are available for in-school use. A guitar at home for practicing is encouraged but not required. Regular practice outside of class for this course is required as homework. Open to Class V as the spring semester of a full year course and to Classes VI-VIII as a spring semester course.

Guitar II In Guitar II, students will develop a deeper understanding and application of chords, technique, theory, and music notation. The goal of this class is to improve overall musicianship and playing skills by learning songs in the styles of blues, country, pop, and folk. Strumming, finger picking, and soloing will be practiced and musical independence will be emphasized. Students will improvise, compose, and perform during class.

Regular practice outside of class is required. Open to Classes VI-VIII. Spring Semester. Prerequisite: Guitar I or by permission of the instructor.

Music Technology Students will use digital music technology, digital keyboards, and computer workstations to blend music and technology. Students will learn the basics of creating, composing, recording, and editing music using Garageband, Noteflight, and other software programs. Students will learn basic music concepts through tutorial electronic assignments, small skill based projects, and larger comprehensive creative projects. Open to students in Classes VI-VIII. Fall semester.

Percussion Ensemble I This course is designed to cover the fundamentals of playing percussion instruments and the application of artistry and expression in performing music. Students will develop skills and knowledge in the areas of world drumming, stick work, drum pad, drum set, intermediate rhythmic reading, ensemble playing, sight-reading, and composing. Techniques of sound production, practice methods, musical styles, and interpretation will be covered. An appreciation for the complexity involved in performing music at a high level will be gained.

Students will work towards a final performance at the end of the semester. Open to Class V as the fall semester of a full year course and to Classes VI-VIII as a fall semester course.

Percussion Ensemble II Refinement of concepts and techniques from the previous level will be covered. Students will advance to a higher level by learning more complicated rhythms and musical scores, mastering additional stick rudiments, playing more difficult rhythm combinations on drum kit, and performing world drumming ensembles.

Interpretation of styles, artistic expression, and performance skills will be practiced through improvisation, solo, and ensemble work. Students will work towards a final performance at the end of the semester. Open to Classes VI-VIII. Fall semester. Prerequisite: Percussion Ensemble I. Piano Class Students from beginning to intermediate levels will develop piano playing skills and techniques. Topics covered will include music reading skills, keyboard technique, music theory, practice strategies, and developing artistic expression. Students will work individually at their own pace with teacher supervision and instruction. They will also have opportunities to do ensemble work. Students will work toward a performance at the end of the semester. Open to students in Classes VI-VIII. Spring semester.

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Winsor Small Chorus This is a select vocal ensemble of approximately 22 voices which performs a wide and varied repertoire of music from Gregorian Chant to 21st century literature in 10-15 concerts and special events annually. The group sings at Winsor and beyond and has performed at the Gardner Museum, at Symphony and Carnegie Halls, at other schools, hospitals and nursing homes and in conjunction with the Boston Ballet. The group has participated in music festivals and competitions in the U.S. and abroad, and has done concert tours to twelve countries. Small Chorus is scheduled as a half credit course during the school day. Classes VI-VIII by audition only. Full year. Prerequisite: By permission of instructor. Note: Class VI-VII Small Chorus members will also participate in Chorale, which will meet during the Performing Arts Blocks, although those members who play an instrument may opt to participate in the Orchestra instead. Class VIII members will participate in “Senior Small.�

Independent Project in Music Students may elect to study in a particular area of interest not offered by the music curriculum by submitting a written proposal one semester in advance. Advanced musicians may choose to do work in the following areas: preparing music for a final recital, doing research for a project in music history or theory, writing an original composition and/or learning and applying new music software programs to their own work. A final public recital or presentation is required for all IP music students. Fall and/or Spring semester. Open to Class VIII, with consideration given to outstanding students in Class VII. Prerequisite: Demonstration of advanced level of musicianship and completion of Fine Arts requirement and/or permission of instructor.

Upper School Performing Arts Block Offerings New for 2015-16, these offerings will be Pass/Fail. Students will receive .25 credits for a year’s worth of participation in the Performing Arts Block, but it will not satisfy the Performing and Visual Arts requirement Dance Contemporary dance techniques, improvisation, and choreography will be explored and will culminate in performances at different times during the year. Open to both beginning and more advanced students.

Winsor Chorale This large choral group will sing a broad range of female choral literature in two and three parts, concentrating on developing the singing voice and basic choral skills. Repertoire selections will include folk songs, world music, spirituals, gospel, pop, a cappella and excerpts from choral masterworks. The group will perform several times each year at Winsor and in coordination with other schools. Open to classes V-VIII. Singers who are interested in being part of this group will need to schedule a brief audition for voice placement.

Upper School Orchestra This instrumental group will play a broad range of music from the standard classical string/orchestral literature as well as arrangements of global, folk and more popular repertoire, concentrating on developing good ensemble playing skills. The group is open to any student in V-VIII with an intermediate to advanced level of playing in violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French Horn, trumpet, trombone and percussion. The orchestra will have several opportunities to perform during the year.

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