Upper School Visual and Performing Arts
Visual Design (Required - Grade 9) Trimester
The ninth grade art program works in sequence with the seventh and eighth
grade program to provide students with a basic understanding of the elements
and principles of design plus a sound understanding of basic color theory
and skills in perception. The underlying goal is to help students develop
creative problem solving and spatial skills as well as giving them the
opportunity to display their ingenuity through hands-on experiences.
Success with composition and design skills is dependent on developing
good aesthetic judgment. These concepts and skills are taught by incorporating
art history and art appreciation into the everyday curriculum.
FINE ART ELECTIVES
Not all electives are available in the same school year. Each year
the department identifies those to be offered.
2007-08 Art Offerings by Linda Kretzler
Zen
Pottery
Visual Design
Figure Drawing
Ukranian Eggs
Beads in Glass
Ukranian Eggs- This class will study the ancient art of making eggs using a wax resist and dyes. After looking at eggs from different parts of the Ukrane and different time periods, students will try their hand at the age old art form.
Glass - “Beads and Beyond” This course is an investigation into techniques of making beads in glass, then taking the techniques one step beyond into arranging beads into simple jewelry. Open to all
Drawing- “Zen and the Art of Drawing” - Trimester
This course is aimed at learning to draw, shade, and render forms realistically on a two dimensional surface. You will learn to draw or improve your drawing by learning techniques and tricks of the trade. You will learn to use pencils effectively and add contrast, perspective, shading, line quality and composition to your work. (Beginners to advanced students are invited to join.) fall only
Figure Drawing - “Man is the Measure of all Things”
Using pencil and ink washes, this class will learn to figure draw and learn Renaissance perspective. This course is an investigation into attitudes about the human form and how the Renaissance affected ways in which we see and draw
today. (Drawing interest required) fall only or winter if sign ups require
Design 9- (2 to 4 sections) This course covers the basics in drawing and the elements and principles of design and how to apply them and recognize them in all forms of art. It is a prerequisite to all upper level electives and required for all students. ( Winter term only)
Pottery - (3 sections of 6 with hand built big) or (4 sections of 5 with hand built small) Beginning and advanced potters will learn to use the wheel and consider form and sound technique in an age-old craft. The basics of sound pottery throwing and surface treatments to create finished pieces of pottery will be taught.
(Spring term and possibly one section fall depending on sign up)
Furniture IS Art - 2 trimesters, fall and winter
Furniture IS Art is an in depth exploration into the design and construction
of a personal and functional work of art. Students will have the opportunity
to explore a wide variety of tools in our ever expanding wood shop and
can count on taking at least one field trip.
Abstract, Non-objective, and Experimental Painting
We will focus on the physical action of painting rather than on landscape,
figure or object. Inspiration will be provided by the greats of mid 20th
century art, such as Picasso, Pollack, and Miro. More important than individual
drawing skill is an open mind and creativity.
Sound Sculpture: Making Musical Instruments
Students will collaborate and work independently to create artworks which
are both visually exciting and make sounds.
Painting Without Paint: Three dimensional wall relief sculptures.
Students will become acquainted with a wide variety of tools in the creation
of relief sculptures. Artists such as Joseph Cornell and Louise Nevelson
will provide inspiration as many different building materials are explored
including: wood, plastic, metal, junk, photos (collage) etc.
It's Not Doll Furniture, Darnit! Designing and Building Furniture Machetes
This class is similar to Furniture IS Art only on a small scale. Students
will learn to use many tools and work with a wide range of materials.
Since weight bearing and function are not an issue, students can concentrate
on design and form.
The Art of Assemblage (Mendelson's 101) Trimester
This course will explore various construction and sculpture techniques.
Students will become proficient in the use of simple non-threatening hand
tools. Emphasis will be on the unique methods of connecting incongruous
materials. We will look at contemporary artists for inspiration and visit
a museum or artist studio.
Printmaking Trimester
The process of applying ink to the surface of a form or printing plate
to create an impression. This beginning course will investigate unusual
and standard printing techniques. We will print actual objects; create
a collaborative installation; make a collaborative print; and even learn
to use carving tools to create a wood block print.
Oil Painting: This is a chance to learn the skills that create
the illusion of Reality in Paint! Using the NEW water soluble oil paints,
pastels & opaque water color, students will learn the art of painting
what they see. Whether they like a painterly Rubens technique or a modeled
Leonardo DaVinci technique students will amaze themselves with realism.
Contemporary Art History: Students will investigate art happening
today by living artists. We may visit art galleries, see artists at work
in their studio, and even try our hand at creating cutting edge art.
Installation Art: This is the process by which an artist transforms
a particular space. Students will look at installation artists from the
past fifty years, and design and build their own installation.
Basic Carving: A beginning class in woodcarving, including both
relief and three dimensional pieces. Students will design their own projects
as they learn to use chisels, palm and mallet gouges, and carving knives.
2007-08 Music Electives by Ross Williams
Jazz Ensemble
This class will focus on the performance of jazz literature, the rhythm
section, various styles of jazz, jazz history as it applies, nomenclature,
and vocabulary. The class will listen to a variety of jazz recordings
in order to learn and reinforce concepts and to develop a deeper understanding
of the art form. In order to participate in the class, students must audition
and demonstrate that they have developed a level of proficiency consistent
with the ensemble. Instrumentalists and vocalists are all welcome to try
out. If a student is not at the proper proficiency level, ways in which
they can improve and courses of action to take will be offered.
US Choir
This class will focus on proper singing technique, developing good ensemble
skills, and the learning and performance of varied choral literature.
There will be school concerts throughout the year in addition to community
performances. This class is open to all US students.
Music Technology - Fall Term (new course for 2007-08)
Taught by Mr. Lakatos and Mr. Williams
This exciting new course will include an introduction to the physical aspects of sound, microphone techniques, and an overview of the recording studio. Students will learn to understand the workings of electric/electronic sound signal routing, from source to speakers and every step between. We will explore multi-channel mixing and multi-track recording techniques and ear training for engineering, both live and in a recording environment. An introduction to MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), MIDI sequencing, recording, production and arranging techniques are also incorporated into the course. Please Note: Students who are non-musicians are welcome, though musicians might have a slight advantage.
Music Technology - Winter and Spring Term (new course for 2007-08)
Taught by Mr. Williams
An advanced Music Technology course for students who have successfully completed the Fall Term. This course will focus on full production recording techniques, MIDI composing and film scoring. In-depth digital audio skills will be learned such as plug-ins, looping and synchronization for audio and video.
Music Theory I (will be offered every other year - will be offered again in 2008-09 school year)
This class is designed to teach students the fundamentals of the music
language. Topics covered are key signatures, scales, intervals, triads,
basic harmony, form, rhythm, and ear training. Students are encouraged
to reinforce what they learn conceptually on an instrument. The class
will listen to a wide variety of musical recordings in order to observe
the concepts in which they are learning.
Music Theory II (will be offered every other year - will be offered again in 2008-09 school year)
The class will focus on seventh chords, harmonic analysis, four-part choral
writing and analysis, and ear training. The class listens to a wide variety
of musical recordings in order to observe the concepts in which they are
learning.
This class is a natural continuation of Music Theory I. A prerequisite
for Music Theory II is the successful completion of Music Theory I, or
the passing of a placement exam.
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