Fine Arts

The curriculum is designed to promote the visual and performing arts as a vital part of a well-rounded education and to motivate students to reach the highest level of their individual creative ability through diligence, discipline, and an understanding of aesthetic principles.

Visual Arts: Semester Courses

Visual Studies
An introduction to the elements and principles of design in a variety of media and techniques. Primary emphasis is given to the development of observational drawing skills. It serves as the prerequisite for other courses in the visual arts curriculum.

Advanced Drawing
An exploration of drawing as a means of expression. Includes drawing in various media from life and from the imagination with emphasis on the development of skills in rendering and modeling form and in controlling the illusion of space. (Prerequisite: Visual Studies)

Painting I
An exploration of the use of watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting. Freedom of style and content are encouraged as students learn about the evolution of styles in modern painting. (Prerequisite: Visual Studies)

Photography I
An introduction to film processing, and dark room techniques in black-and-white. (Prerequisite: Visual Studies)

Ceramics I
An introduction to the basic methods and techniques of working with clay. Progresses from hand-built pieces to wheel work. Students learn clay's properties when dried, fired, and glazed. (Prerequisite: Visual Studies)

3D Design
An introduction to thinking in three dimensions. Students are introduced to various media to create sculpture. Wood burning, metal inlay, and wood variegation techniques are some of the processes explored. (Prerequisite: Visual Studies)

Computer Graphics
An introduction to computer software including Adobe Illustrator, Rhino 3D, and Photo Shop. (Prerequisite: Visual Studies)

Printmaking
An introduction to basic methods in linoleum, wood block, monotype, lithography, etching, and silk screen printing techniques. A variety of materials, tools, and processes will be explored. (Prerequisite: Visual Studies)

Jewelry and Metals
An exploration of jewelry and metal techniques that is based on metal fabrication, soldering, chaining, resin casting, and the integration of fibers. Sculpture and fine jewelry pieces will be produced. (Prerequisite: Visual Studies)

Painting II
Designed for students who wish to further develop their painting techniques in watercolor, acrylic, or oil, this course culminates with the opportunity for students to develop a series of paintings centered on a self-selected theme. Individual research, reflection, and the development of a personal painting style are highly encouraged. Investigation of modern and contemporary painting movements supplement the studio portion of the course. (Prerequisite: Painting I)

Photography II
This course gives students the opportunity to continue to develop photographic know-how. Understanding elements of composition as well as developing ideas on which to base images will be emphasized. ( Prerequisite: Photography I)

Ceramics II
A course of study that emphasizes design and development of personal style in ceramics. Includes a focus on glazing and the exploration of surface decoration. Students will investigate the work of contemporary artists as well as the ceramics of selected periods. (Prerequisite: Ceramics I)

Visual Arts: Year Courses

IB Art
This course is structured on the guidelines of the IB program and culminates with an art show of student work. (Prerequisite: IB approval)

AP Studio Art
This course is for students who are ready for a college-level art experience. Students prepare a portfolio of artwork which shows breadth of experience with different media and techniques, as well as work resulting from sustained personal interest and focus on one area of artistic endeavor. Concentrations may be on drawing, two-dimensional design, or three-dimensional design. (Prerequisite: departmental approval)

AP Art History
This course is designed to introduce students to works of art and promote understanding and enjoyment of art. It develops students' abilities to examine works of art intelligently, acquainting them with the major forms of artistic expression in their own time and engendering an understanding of art from other times and cultures. (Prerequisite: departmental approval)

Dance: Semester Courses

Dance Workshop
Students with previous training in any dance style will explore how to create their own dances and learn the dances of others. The format of the class will include opportunities to develop traditional aspects of technique, but it will also offer experiences in improvisation and choreography. There will be opportunities to work both as an individual and as a member of a group. This course is available both Fall and Spring semesters and students may elect to participate either one or both semester each year. Each semester of this course fulfills one Physical Education requirement.

Music: Year Courses

Mixed/Women's Ensemble
Formerly known as Honors Choir, this ensemble offers choral students an opportunity to learn and perform various styles of music in a choral ensemble. This course emphasizes the value of performance. This group will perform in concert at least twice during the school year, as well as, in regional competitions. (Prerequisite: Mixed Choir or by audition or permission of the instructor)

Chamber Choir
Offers talented and advanced choral students an opportunity to learn and perform various styles of music in a mixed choral ensemble. This choir continues the strong tradition of the Mixed Choir and Women's Ensemble. They will perform in a variety of settings both on and off campus including regional and national competitions. (Prerequisite: Mixed Choir and/or Women's Ensemble, audition/permission of the instructor)

Honors Chamber Choir
This year course option is offered to junior and senior choral students who demonstrate exceptional ability in their knowledge of music and in performance both in daily classroom work and in public venues. In addition to requirements of Chamber Choir, students choosing the honors option must meet higher performance goals and broader, more rigorous expectations including fundamentals of music theory and music history. Details are available in the spring each year from the instructor. Students must apply and successfully complete an audition and interview in order to be accepted into this program. During the course selection process students should select Chamber Choir. Rosters for honors or IB credit will be determined during the course selection process each spring. This course prepares students to take the IB music exam. (Prerequisite: for juniors, two semesters of choral music in Mixed Ensemble or Chamber Choir in 10th grade and audition; for seniors, two semesters of choral music experience in Chamber Choir in 11th grade and audition)

Honors Concert Band
This year course is offered to junior or senior band students who demonstrate exceptional ability in their knowledge of music and in performance both in daily classroom work and in public venues. In addition to the requirements of Concert Band, students choosing the honors option must meet higher performance goals and broader, more rigorous expectations including fundamentals of music theory and music history. Details are available in the spring each year from the instructor. Students must apply and successfully complete an audition and interview in order to be accepted into this program. During the course selection process students should select Concert Band. Rosters for honors or IB credit are determined during the course selection process each spring. This course prepares students to take the IB music exam. (Prerequisite: For juniors, two semesters of choral music in Mixed Ensemble or Chamber Choir in 10th grade and audition; for seniors, two semesters of choral music experience in Chamber Choir in 11th grade and audition)

Honors String Orchestra
This year course is offered to junior or senior orchestra students who demonstrate exceptional ability in their knowledge of music and in performance both in daily classroom work and in public venues. In addition to the requirements of String Orchestra, students choosing the honors option must meet higher performance goals and broader, more rigorous expectations including fundamentals of music theory and music history. Details are available in the spring each year from the instructor. Students must apply and successfully complete an audition and interview in order to be accepted into this program. During the course selection process students should select String Orchestra. Rosters for honors or IB credit are determined during the course selection process each spring. This course prepares students to take the IB music exam. (Prerequisite: For juniors, two semesters of String Orchestra in 10th grade and audition; for seniors, two semesters of String Orchestra in 11th grade and audition)

AP Music Theory
The goal of AP Music Theory is to develop the student's ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. This goal will be achieved by integrating aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, and to some extent, history and style, while using both listening and written exercises. Students should have basic performance skills in voice or on a musical instrument to enroll in this course. This course prepares students to take the IB music exam.(Prerequisite: Departmental approval)

Music: Semester Courses

Mixed Choir
Offers qualifies students an opportunity to learn vocal, choral, and musical fundamentals in a mixed choral ensemble setting. Topics covered will include vocal techniques, basic music theory, sight-singing skills, and elements of blend and balance necessary in achieving good ensemble singing. Although not a performance-oriented group, this choir normally performs twice during the school year. (Prerequisite: 2 years previous musical experience, i.e. choral, piano, guitar, etc.)

Concert Band
A performing ensemble of brass, woodwind, and percussion players. A variety of styles will be explored in the selection of music literature for this group. (Prerequisite: 3 years previous instrumental experience)

String Orchestra
A performing ensemble that includes violin, viola, cello, bass, and keyboard. A variety of music literatures for chamber ensembles will be studied. (Prerequisite: 3 years previous instrumental experience)

Theatre Arts: Semester Courses

Drama Production
A study of theater as a unique and truly collaborative form of play production. Both acting and technical production concepts are explored in this class. Students may choose to work on the main stage production running concurrently with the class or to develop a substantial project within the framework of the class. The commitment to substantial time working outside of the class with production responsibilities for acting or technical work will be reflected in the class meeting schedule for those who choose this option.

Actor's Workshop
This course is designed to introduce students to acting as a craft. Instruction is given in a group setting with opportunities for students to work as individuals, with a partner, or in a small group. Beginners, as well as experienced students, are welcome.

Theater Arts: Year Course

IB Theatre Arts
The aim of this course is to help students understand the nature of theatre. This understanding is developed through a variety of approaches which include experiences in performance, production and theatre history and analysis. Students not enrolled in the IB program are welcome.

Theatre Arts: Quarter Course

Theatre Lab
This course is available to students who have an interest in play production, but who either do not wish to enroll in Drama Production or who may wish to go beyond the requirements of Drama Production by pursuing work in theatrical performance as actors or technicians. Students enrolled in this course will receive ¼ credit for their participation in either the Fall Production or the Spring Musical Production. Students may sign up for this class for either or both productions each year. Graded on an Honors/Credit/No Credit basis.

Interdisciplinary Arts Appreciation

Modern Forms
At the turn of the 20th century, new approaches in design and the arts began to spread rapidly, especially in Europe and the United States. These new ideas were fueled by the discovery of ancient rites and ritual as well as the philosophical and relgious traditions of the Far East. Why were these new forms often so puzzling? In this course students explore the nature of art, music, and dance of the 20th century which includes the nature of collaborations that produced some of the most provocative works of the century. (Prerequisite: junior or senior status)