Fine Arts Description
The Fine Arts department emphasizes the power of the arts to illustrate the human experience, foster empathy, and develop creativity as an infinite resource. The courses are broadly split into Music, Theatre, and Dance, offering a robust, progressive, and performance-oriented curriculum.
An introduction to theatre fundamentals, providing basic skills in acting, monologues, scene work, and the ability to use "self" (body, mind, imagination) to create honest characters.
Explore the primary tools of improvisational theatre to build confidence, spontaneity, and creative abilities by learning to create compelling theatre by being present with other performers.
A collaborative class where actors and student directors study characterization, dramatic action, and actor-director dynamics by directing scenes for various small-scale productions.
A process-dedicated course that encourages students to write quickly and fearlessly, introducing the traditional approach to theatre rooted in character and narrative structure.
Build a comprehensive acting toolbox by studying classical techniques (Stanislavski, Hagen, Meisner) and performing scenes from modern and classic plays (full year, 1/2 Fine Arts credit).
The most advanced acting class, emphasizing greater depth, strength, and stylistic nuance in character work, preparing serious actors for college-level study and beyond (full year, 1/2 Fine Arts credit).
Learn the basics of stage lighting, sound engineering, and properties through hands-on projects, directly applying your work to the context of the Upper School production.
Build on foundational skills with increased emphasis on managing self-directed, hands-on projects in lighting and sound engineering for staging a production.
Focus on pre-production organization and planning, using your technical skills to implement a plan of action for stage lighting, sound reinforcement, and rigging for events and productions.
An opportunity for students to try making a personal statement through dance by learning specific choreographic structures and principles (requires concurrent enrollment in Modern Dance).
An introduction to the contemporary program, focusing on basic modern dance technique, proper skeletal alignment, dance history, and performance skills.
Aims to significantly improve movement technique, strength, and musicality through continued technique class and required performances.
An intermediate-level class designed to advance technical abilities, consistency of execution, and artistic expression, preparing students for lead roles and college auditions.
An advanced class for technically proficient dancers, focusing on further development of artistic expression, stylistic nuance, and choreographic form.
Develop fundamental skills in articulation, sight-reading, and tone quality on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments in a concert ensemble environment.
A select, audition-based ensemble that develops independent singing confidence and advanced musical expression through the rehearsal of small choral music (requires concurrent enrollment in Concert Chorus).
Open to all students, this course develops basic vocal production, ensemble singing, and sight singing through the performance of diverse music literature.
A small ensemble course designed to develop the technical skills necessary for small ensemble or solo performance opportunities (requires concurrent enrollment in String Orchestra).
Develop musical expression and growth through the rehearsal and performance of a wide variety of music literature from all musical periods.
An audition-based ensemble focused on big band styles, combo performance, improvisation, and advanced musicianship (requires concurrent enrollment in Concert Band or String Orchestra).
Students build on foundational drawing skills to master techniques in acrylics, oils, and watercolors. Building toward conceptual development and their unique artistic vision.
A full-year capstone for seniors that focuses on individual mastery and portfolio refinement. Students prepare for professional exhibitions and final presentations in their chosen medium.
This course introduces the Digital SLR camera as a tool for self-expression and cultural interpretation. Students master digital capture, inkjet printing, and professional mounting techniques for exhibition.
Moving beyond digital, students are introduced to 35mm film photography and the traditional wet darkroom. The curriculum emphasizes creative communication, strength in design, and advanced image-making skills.
Investigate sculpture, installation, and interactive media. Using a broad palette of materials—from wood and steel to digital video—students create multifaceted works that transcend traditional boundaries.
This introductory course develops essential skills in pencil techniques, focusing on perspective, shading, and composition. Students learn to use line and selective viewing to translate three-dimensional concepts into technical drawings.
Designed for students refining their individual style, this course emphasizes a critical eye and sophisticated composition. Through group critiques and complex assignments, artists transition from basic technique to personal expression.
The Ceramics program transitions students from foundational hand-building and wheel-throwing to professional studio practice. Through four levels, participants master technical surfacing and structural design while evolving a personal visual language inspired by historical and contemporary artists. Advanced students operate as independent makers, focusing on portfolio development, research-driven self-expression, and the articulation of their creative process.
The first of a three-semester sequence where students work as practicing artists. Focus is placed on professional documentation, artist statements, and the transition toward independent studio work.
A high-level intensive covering fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry with an emphasis on diverse perspectives. Students engage in brainstorming, peer workshops, and revision to develop a professional portfolio for possible publication.
