PERFORMING ARTS COURSES PERFORMING ARTS COURSES

Philosophy And Placement

Dance

- Middle School Dance Lab (7-8)

- Middle School Repertory Dance Ensemble* (7-8)

- Middle School Dance Technique (Period 8, 7-8)

- Upper School Dance 1-4 (9-12)

- Honors Dance 4 (Dance Company)* (9-12)

- Dance Master Class (11-12)

Vocal Music

- Middle School Vocal Ensemble (period 8, 7-8)

- Upper School Vocal Ensemble (Period 8, 9-12)

- Honors Advanced Vocal Ensemble: Windward Chromatics* (10-12)

- AP Music Theory (11-12)

- Middle School Music Production (7-8)

Honors Capstone

- Collaborative Arts

Theatre

- Middle School Acting Core 1 (7-8)

- Middle School Acting Core 2 (8)

- Middle School Improvisation and Sketch Comedy (Period 8, 7-8)

- Introduction to Acting (9-12)

- Acting Techniques and Scene Study (10-12)

- Honors Advanced Ensemble* (10-12)

- Performing Arts Technology and Design 1-4 (9-12)

- Introduction to Improvisation (Period 8, 9-12)

- W!T (Periods 8-9, 9-12)

There is a deep understanding that learning through the arts imparts a diversity of skills that are inextricably linked to Windward School’s mission and the core values we hold dear as a community. The arts education we value is about inquiry, possibility, creative problem-solving, discipline, respect, community building, and expansion.

At the heart of the Performing Arts Department is a commitment to process; to helping students learn and experience what it is to be an artist. The Performing Arts Department offers a variety of courses in dance, instrumental music, vocal music, theatre and production design to demonstrate the breadth and depth of each discipline and to supply opportunities in the arts for the wide range of Windward students attracted to our programs. Ensemble building, creativity and discovery, artistic rigor and contribution, and the development of a clearly articulated voice are at the core of our philosophy.

With enviable facilities, a growing body of full-time and guest faculty working professionally at the top of their fields, and a steady influx of skilled new student-artists, Windward Performing Arts seeks to provide a creative, challenging, and nurturing environment that offers the highest quality of instruction to every student; for both the bright and curious student coming to experience the pure enjoyment and appreciation of the arts and those seeking unparalleled preparation for higher education and beyond.

In the Performing Arts, classes are open to students of all grade levels. The exceptions are those courses that are available either via audition or invitation. Questions about enrollment in these classes should be directed either to the Performing Arts Department Chair or the individual teacher. In addition to the classes offered by the Performing Arts Department, a number of co-curricular performance opportunities are available to students throughout the year. Middle School Performing Arts courses are trimester-long and year-long. All 9-12 courses are year-long, with the exception of Dance Master Class: Dancing at the College Level, which is offered for the first half of the year only.

Requirements

Middle School students choose a Visual and Media Arts Course, a Performing Arts Course, or Robotics to fill the Arts requirement. For graduation, Windward requires two years of Visual and Media Arts or Performing Arts in grades 9-12. The UC requirement is one year of either visual or performing arts.