This course introduces beginning technique, warm-up exercises, in-class choreography, movement in space, and improvisation. Students will study ballet, jazz, and social dance forms including Charleston, swing, and hip hop. As a final project, students will create a dance in small groups and will research the history of a style of dance.
Drama 1A: Intro to Theatre
In Drama 1A, we will explore various approaches to acting. We will begin by playing a series of theatre games, move to improvisations, then perform professionally scripted and student-written monologues. Students will develop an approach to enact short monologues from professional play scripts for final presentation. Students will receive an overview of the major historical periods of theatre history throughout the world from Ancient Greece to the 19th Century using student projects and teacher presentations. By the end of the course, students will have developed an appreciation for the art of the theatre, a respect for working within an ensemble of artists, and an appreciation for the variety of approaches to actor training.
Multimedia Design 1A
This is an introductory computer art and design course with a focus on 2D and 3D graphics, sound and video-editing software. Coursework includes a variety of design projects created with software programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, Logic, FL Studio, Garageband, Soundtrap, Final Cut Pro, Premiere, TinkerCAD, OnShape, and Blender. The learning of traditional art and design principles will be integrated into students’ creative work and the course will culminate with a digital portfolio.
Music Appreciation A: Survey of Western Music
Music Appreciation A is designed for non-musicians and develops the art of perceptive listening and performance in musical composition through experiential activities. Lectures and experiential learning will cover the instruments of the orchestra, composers, performance practice, musical composition techniques, major compositions of the era, baroque, classical, romantic and 20th century eras, and Broadway musicals. Students will have practice in playing instruments, creating, listening to, analyzing, and describing music. They will evolve specific criteria for making informed critical evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of performances and compositions. Students will identify, explain and perform stylistic features of a given musical work. This is an introductory level course, meeting three times per week with extensive participation in musical activities, class projects, demonstrations and live performances.
Sculpture A
A studio-based problem-solving course that uses a variety of materials: paper, wood, plaster, found objects, and wire to explore the design process in 3 dimensions. Study of historical examples of sculpture will serve as a “spring board” for inspiration directed toward solutions to design projects. The work of 20th century sculptors such as Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson and Henry Moore will challenge the student to understand their own creativity. Field trips to local museums and some written work will complement the original work created by the student in the studio and at home.
*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.
Studio Art A
This course is a “hands-on” class designed to develop skills in design and composition, a variety of drawing styles, and acrylic painting. Students will receive instruction in a variety of media and will be required to use each of them in the creation of original work. The study of historical examples will be a springboard for the student’s creative expression. No previous drawing skills are required to take this class; just come with an open mind!
Art and Architecture 1A
Designed to offer students the chance to learn about the art of architectural design in society and its effect on our sense of culture. Particularly interesting for students who plan to major in architecture and/or design of any kind, the class will provide field trips, involvement with our rich cultural environment, and an introduction to “hands-on” skills involving design and composition. Coursework will include short papers, a non-written final project, and opportunity for original creative expression. Students do not need to have experience in drawing in order to take this course.
Drama 1C: Advanced Theater Workshop (Fall)
This course is an after-school workshop in acting, rehearsal, performance, and technical/design skills culminating in the production of a full-length play in the fall semester. Students are admitted on the basis of a competitive audition held at the beginning of the semester. Four additional students may be selected to the positions of stage manager, stage crew chief, lighting designer on the basis of in-depth interviews. These students will work alongside professionals over the course of the production developing knowledge and skills in each specialized area and their application in performance.
This course is offered outside of the 9:00 am – 2:45 pm school day. Meets 3-5 times per week, afternoons or evenings, 3 hours per meeting.
*This class is not counted in the student’s SI GPA
Drama 1C: Advanced Musical Theater Workshop (Spring)
Drama 1C: Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop is an after-school workshop exploring drama, dance and music theories and their application in performance. To that end, students will explore acting, singing, dancing, rehearsal, performance, and technical/design skills culminating in the production of a full-length Broadway musical in the Spring semester. Students will also learn about the historical and cultural significance of the selected piece of musical theatre. Students are admitted on the basis of a competitive audition and interviews held at the beginning of the semester.
This course is offered outside of the 2:45 am – 3:00 pm school day. Meets 3-5 times per week, afternoons or evenings, 3 hours per meeting.
*This class is not counted in the student’s SI GPA
Dance Workshop C
This course is designed for students with significant dance experience. Emphasis will be on building techniques necessary for presentation and performance of ballet, jazz, and modern dance styles. Students will present a final project of dances at the Dance Concerts in December and/or May.
This course is offered outside of the 9:00 am – 2:45 pm school day. Meets 1-2 afternoons per week, 3 hours per meeting, plus performances.
*This class is not counted in the student’s SI GPA