(semester course)

The Advanced Acting and Cinematic Arts class is a technique class that delineates the difference between acting for classical stage and acting for genre specific film. Students form specific skills for screen acting by examining techniques taught to film actors, and investigating how to transfer stage training into screen acting.  Students will additionally learn the technical nuances of producing film and television projects. Utilizing film making technology, students will be encouraged to create innovative original short narratives. Emphasis will be placed on directing and learning how to take direction to create a unique tone based on a variety of genres.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Acting and Cinematic Arts.
An elective course for students in grade ten.

(semester course)

Advanced Dance students are introduced to concepts of movement through the use of Advanced Level ballet barre work, alignment and conditioning exercises, traveling floor work, and jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and tap combinations. Students learn to observe, respond to, and critique their own dance performances as well as those of their classmates. Basic elements of dance, such as injury prevention, concentration, centering, control, precision, breath, time, space, effort, dynamics, self-expression, and projection are taught during the first lessons and reinforced throughout the semester. Concepts such as etiquette, elementary anatomy, self-discipline, and teamwork are addressed through the use of uniforms, lectures, partnering, group choreography, and required performances at school and community events.

Prerequisites: Intermediate Dance and teacher approval.
An elective course for students in grades ten through twelve. The course is repeatable for additional credit.

(semester course)

Advanced Dance and Composition Honors is designed for our most advanced and dedicated dance students that will be selected through an audition only process. Class is designed for junior and senior dancers who have successfully completed Advanced Dance. Students dance utilizing a wide variety of styles that will include ballet barre work, alignment and conditioning exercises, traveling floor work, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, tap, and world dance combinations. Weekly advanced technique classes continue to refine and develop student technique and vocabulary. Students learn to observe, respond to, and critique their own dance performances as well as those of their classmates. Advanced elements of dance, such as injury prevention, concentration, centering, control, precision, breath, time, space, effort, dynamics, self-expression, and projection are taught throughout the year. Honors dance students will demonstrate advanced technical skills in all genres, and a clear artistic vision and interpretation in performances and choreography they will create and produce. Collaboration activities include development of their pedagogical skills by preparing a first grade beginning dance class curriculum and teaching the class collaboratively, mentoring middle school students on their choreography projects, and representing the school at all dance functions including formal and informal shows and activities. It is in the expectation and level of performance, writing, thinking, technique, and overall choreographic composition skills that sets the Advanced Dance & Composition Honors apart from Advanced Dance. At the end of the year, students will create a final capstone dance for presentation in front of their friends and family for critique and grading.

Prerequisite: Advanced Dance and teacher approval.
An elective course for students in grades eleven and twelve. The course may be repeated for additional credit.

(semester course)

Advanced Theatre is a continuing theatre skills course which includes advanced level acting skills, audition skills, musical scene study, solo song technique, and performance. Through increasing proficiency in movement, vocal work, scene work, monologues, and improvisation, students will learn competencies that apply to all areas of employment as well as preparation to study theatre at the university level. Those skills include, but are not limited to: confidence, creativity, collaboration, communication, and commitment. With a concentration both on continuing the techniques of acting and the more practical side of preparation, this course is applicable for both those who want to audition for colleges and those who want to reach their maximum potential in their professional lives.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Theatre.
An elective course for students in grades eleven through twelve. The course may be repeated for additional credit.

(yearlong course)

The AP Music Theory course corresponds to one-to-two semesters of typical, introductory college music theory coursework that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, and musical materials and procedures. Musicianship skills, including dictation and listening skills, sight singing, and harmony, are an important part of the course. Through the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of tonal music that are heard or presented in a score. Development of aural (listening) skills is a primary objective. Performance is also part of the curriculum through the practice of sight-singing. Students learn basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are emphasized.

Prerequisite: 2 yearlong ensemble classes (Band, Choir or Orchestra) and department approval.
An elective course for students in grades eleven and twelve.

(yearlong course)

Choir Honors is a performance course that involves the musical and technical training of all vocal students. Choir Honors students work to refine unique skills in tone production, intonation, sight-reading, interpretation, diaphragmatic breath control, support and proper vocal posture, as well as a research and writing unit which involves the creation of a fifty source annotated bibliography presented in an online format to support an extensive research paper in an approved topic selected by the student. This course is the highest-level ensemble class in a comprehensive K-12 choral music program that develops singing skills for vocalists of all ages and ability levels, and aims to impart on young musicians the technical and musical fundamentals required to present creative realizations of works in the choral music repertory from Early music through the 21st century. Through regular rehearsals, performances, and research into music theory and history related to their works, students refine skills in rhythmic training, ear training, and ensemble unity as they discover how to connect their understanding of historical, social and artistic elements of music from a diverse range of cultures.

Prerequisite: Concert Choir and teacher approval.
An elective course for students in grades ten through twelve. The course is repeatable for additional credit.

(yearlong course)

Concert Band is a performing ensemble that studies level 3+ wind ensemble literature. Instrumentation includes flute/piccolo, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, string bass, mallet percussion, timpani and percussion. Students will study music theory, history and the musical vocabulary used in concert band literature, i.e., James Swearingen, Alfred Reed, Gustav Holst, etc. Students will also appreciate music as emotion, develop basic ear training skills and critique ensemble performances. This ensemble collaborates with the orchestra on a regular basis for exposure and experiences in diverse genres, ensemble balance and a differing conducting technique and approach. Attendance at extra rehearsals and all required performances is required.

Prerequisite: none.
An elective course for students in grades nine through twelve. The course may be repeated for additional credit.

(yearlong course)

Concert Band Honors is a performing ensemble that studies level 3+ wind ensemble literature. It meets during Concert Band but includes a final project at the end of the year for an Honors distinction. Instrumentation includes flute/piccolo, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, string bass, mallet percussion, timpani and percussion. Students will study music theory, history and the musical vocabulary used in concert band literature, i.e., James Swearingen, Alfred Reed, Gustav Holst, etc. Students will also appreciate music as emotion, develop basic ear training skills and critique ensemble performances. This ensemble collaborates with the orchestra on a regular basis for exposure and experiences in diverse genres, ensemble balance and a differing conducting technique and approach. Attendance at extra rehearsals and all required performances is required.

Prerequisite: Concert Band and teacher approval.
An elective course for students in grades ten through twelve. The course may be repeated for additional credit.

(yearlong course)

Concert Choir provides an opportunity for students to participate in varied vocal ensembles. In addition to scheduled concerts, students perform in chapel, the community, and in international festival competitions. Emphasis is placed upon proper vocal techniques, comprehension of basic music theory, and fundamentals. Students sing varied genres and languages.

Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
An elective course for students in grades nine through twelve. The course may be repeated for additional credit.

(yearlong course)

Dance introduces the basic technical and interpretive skill of various dance forms including but not limited to ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, Pilates, and lyrical jazz. Students will increase their coordination, concentration, flexibility, strength, postural alignment, self-discipline, musicality, and appreciation for dance as a live art form. Safe use of the body is emphasized in order to prevent injuries and assure a life-long ability to enjoy dance. Basic dance vocabulary and history are also taught. Students are required to perform at scheduled concerts. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to audition their own choreography to be presented in the concert. A repeatable elective course for Upper School students.

Prerequisite: none.
An elective course for students in grades nine through twelve. This course may be taken for Arts or Personal Fitness and Wellness credit. The course may be repeated for additional credit.

(yearlong course)

Students are introduced to cameras, microphones, tripods and lights with an emphasis on appropriate use in given situations. This will be a project-based class with quarterly projects. Students are expected to incorporate VA principles learned in Film Study and Production into their projects.

Prerequisite: none.
An elective course for students in grades nine through twelve. The course may be repeated for additional credit.

(yearlong course)

(semester course)

The Acting and Cinematic Arts class is a technique class that delineates the difference between acting for stage and acting for film. Students form specific skills for screen acting by examining techniques taught to film actors, and investigating how to transfer stage training into screen acting.  Students will additionally learn the technical nuances of producing film and television projects. Utilizing film-making technology, students will be encouraged to create innovative original short narratives. Emphasis will be placed on directing and learning how to take direction to create a unique tone based on a variety of genres.

(semester course)

Intermediate Dance introduces students to concepts of movement through the use of Intermediate Level ballet barre work, alignment and conditioning exercises, traveling floor work, and jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and tap combinations. Students learn to observe, respond to, and critique their own dance performances as well as those of their classmates. Basic elements of dance, such as injury prevention, concentration, centering, control, precision, breath, time, space, effort, dynamics, self-expression, and projection are taught during the first lessons and reinforced throughout the semester. Concepts such as etiquette, elementary anatomy, self-discipline, and teamwork are addressed through the use of uniforms, lectures, partnering, group choreography, and required performances at school and community events.

Prerequisites: Yearlong Dance, Dance I (PFW Credit), Dance II (PFW Credit) or Dance III (PFW Credit) course and teacher approval.
An elective course for students in grades ten through twelve. The course is repeatable for additional credit.

(semester course)

Intermediate Theatre is a continuing theatre skills course which includes intermediate level acting skills, play analysis, scene study, monologues, and performance. Through increasing proficiency in movement, vocal work, scene work, monologues, and improvisation, students will learn competencies that apply to all areas of employment. Those skills include, but are not limited to: confidence, creativity, collaboration, communication, and commitment. With a concentration both on continuing the techniques of acting and the more practical side of preparation, this course is applicable for both those who want to break into the acting world and those who want to reach their maximum potential in their professional lives.

Prerequisite: Theatre.
An elective course for students in grades eleven through twelve. The course may be repeated for additional credit.

(yearlong course)

Jazz Ensemble is a performing ensemble that studies big band, bebop, latin, funk and swing standards. Instrumentation includes piano, guitar, bass, and drum set students playing music in the jazz or big band styles. Students will study stylistically appropriate phrasings, articulations, jazz notation, harmonic structure, and approach to improvisation. Attendance at extra rehearsals and all required performances is required. With the exception of guitarists, all members are encouraged to be concurrently enrolled in one of the school bands or orchestras.

Prerequisite: Students must play a rhythm section instrument: piano, guitar, bass, and drums.
An elective course for students in grades eleven and twelve. Students who play rhythm section instruments (piano, guitar, bass, and drums) can audition to enter earlier than grade eleven. The course may be repeated for additional credit.

(yearlong course)

Jazz Ensemble Honors is a performance group that surveys jazz music throughout history. Styles include early jazz (New Orleans), swing, bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, and jazz fusion. Students will learn period-appropriate stylings/nuances when performing. Students will also focus on music theory and improvisation. There are three performances per year: Tartan Jam, Christmas Concert and Spring Band Concert (additional “gigs” come up from time to time).

Prerequisite: Jazz Ensemble and department approval.
An elective course for students in grade twelve.

(yearlong course)

Orchestra is an advanced-level symphonic ensemble that studies and performs repertoire from Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven to the present as well as contemporary repertoire, and is open to players of all standard orchestral instruments from the string, woodwind, brass, and percussion families. Members of the orchestra develop technical and musical skills in the interpretation of pieces for full orchestra through rehearsals, three major seasonal concert performances, and in collaborations with Drama and Dance. In addition, the Orchestra performs in support of the Arts Department and the School at numerous civic functions throughout the school year.

Prerequisites: Three years of ensemble music and/or equivalent ability. Private lessons are strongly recommended.
An elective course for students in grades nine through twelve. The course may be repeated for additional credit.

(yearlong course)

Orchestra Honors is a performance course for students in grades 10-12 that involves the musical and technical training of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion students. Orchestra Honors students work to refine unique skills in tone production, intonation, sight-reading, interpretation, and rehearsal methods, as well as conducting research and writing about the historical, social, and cultural context of composers, performers and musical works. The Honors component of this course is a research and writing unit which involves the creation of a fifty-source annotated bibliography presented in an online format to support an extensive research paper in an approved topic selected by the student. This course is the highest-level ensemble class in a comprehensive K-12 instrumental music program that develops playing skills for players of all ages and ability levels, and aims to impart on young musicians the technical and musical fundamentals required to present creative realizations of works in the string and symphonic repertory from the Baroque to the twenty-first century. Through regular rehearsals, performances, and research into music theory and history related to their works, students refine skills in rhythmic training, ear training, and ensemble unity, as they discover how to connect their understanding of historical, social, and artistic elements of music from a diverse range of cultures.

Prerequisite: Orchestra and teacher approval.
An elective course for students in grades ten through twelve. The course may be repeated for additional credit.

(yearlong course)

This course is an introduction to theatre that explores a wide range of theatre skills including acting, play analysis, scene study, monologues, and performance. Through movement, vocal work, scene work, monologues, and improvisation, students will learn competencies that apply to all areas of employment. Those skills include, but are not limited to: confidence, creativity, collaboration, communication, and commitment. With a concentration on the techniques of acting and voice and speech, this course is applicable for both those who want to break into the acting world and those who want to reach their maximum potential in their professional lives. Students will expand their imaginations, strengthen their communicative and interpretative skills, and gain an appreciation of the theatre as a living art form.

Prerequisite: none.
An elective course for students in grades nine through twelve. The course may be repeated for additional credit.

(yearlong course)

Theatre Honors is a culminating theatre skills course that includes advanced-level acting skills, play analysis, scene study, monologues, and performance. Through increasing proficiency in movement, vocal work, scene work, monologues, and improvisation, students will demonstrate competencies that apply to all areas of employment. Those skills include but are not limited to: confidence, creativity, collaboration, communication, and commitment. With a concentration both on continuing the techniques of acting and the more practical side of preparation, this course is applicable for both those who want to break into the acting world and those who want to reach their maximum potential in their professional lives.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Theatre and Advanced Theatre and teacher approval.
An elective course for students in grade twelve. 

(yearlong class)

The Theater Technical Arts course introduces students to design concepts through the use of staged productions. Students also learn and apply principles and knowledge of theater sound and lighting. Students will collaborate with show directors, other tech students, and actors to envision and create the entire context of actual School productions. Students will learn and refine their skills in carpentry, scenic painting for 3-D elements, and use of industry-standard technology such as Audacity, AutoCAD, Qlab, and Photoshop. Theater Tech students will also gain required stagehand and backstage management experiences. This course can be taken more than one year, permitting a student to create a professional portfolio to gain employment and to seek further education in Theater Arts.

Prerequisite: none.
An elective course for students in grades nine through twelve. The course may be repeated for additional credit.

(semester course*)

• How is cinema different from other storytelling mediums?
• How has cinema affected political and cultural change in the United States?
• Why did Hollywood become the movie capital of the world?
• How do Realism, Classical, and Formalism film styles affect the audience's perspective of story?
• Who are the major technical innovators in the evolution of American film history?
• What is subjective use of camera and how is it employed in the films of the 1940's?
• What factors have contributed to the diversification of American film genres?
• How have social, economic and political factors affected filmmaking in America?
• What are the major cinematic genres and what are their characteristics?
• Explain the influence of "The Hero's Journey" on modern epic films.