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Photography I
Introduces basic photographic, compositional, and lighting principles using a 35mm SLR camera. Teaches students how to capture images with BW film, process, and print. Student photographs are mounted and showcased in a student art show at the end of the semester.
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Photography 2
Builds on Photography I, teaching students how to capture images on color C41 film and print them using archival materials, Fiber Base BW and Endura Metallic RA 4 papers. Student photographs are mounted and showcased in a student art show at the end of the semester.
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Introduction to B&W Photography
Introduces students to the process of shooting on BW film. Teaches custom, professional printing techniques in the darkroom to achieve optimum image quality.
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Digital Photography
Builds on Photography I and II, teaching students how to capture images with a Digital SLR camera. Student photographs will be printed using archival paper and ink, mounted, and showcased in a student art show at the end of the semester.
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Yearbook Layout & Design
A second-semester course, teaching students to use the Balfour program to create unique pages to be published in the school yearbook. Encourages students to choose page backgrounds, content, and themes, as well as text and captions for the pages.
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Art History
Employs critical, theoretical, and methodological perspectives and approaches to examining visual arts from the Paleolithic era to the present. Equips students with the visual literacy necessary to navigate the contemporary experience. Requires writing and class participation.
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2D Design
Comprises research, design, fabrication, documentation, and exhibition. Explores the design process through various approaches to drawing and painting still lifes, landscapes, portraits, and the human figure. Teaches through historical examples and student production.
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3D Design
Comprises research, design, fabrication, documentation, and exhibition. Invites students to explore a number of materials from fiberboard and hot glue, to virtual design and 3D printing, to traditional ceramic hand-building techniques of pinch, coil, and slab.
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Illustration
Comprises research, design, fabrication, documentation, and exhibition. Explores the illustration of texts ranging from tweets to novels. Uses the history of illustration as an anchor but incorporates digital as well as traditional media. Introduces professionals in the illustration field.
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Drawing Methods
Comprises research, design, fabrication, documentation, and exhibition. Explores the definition and methods of drawing and the design process through various media and techniques. Teaches how to create space and form through mark making, value, perspective, and color.
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Painting Methods
Comprises research, design, fabrication, documentation, and exhibition. Explores the definition and methods of painting through various painting media and techniques. Uses contemporary and historical examples and design process to gain understanding and skill mastery.
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Sculpture Methods
Comprises research, design, fabrication, documentation, and exhibition. Presents students with technical and conceptual problems to solve through sculpture, using a number of materials.
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AP Studio Art
Functions within the structure of the College Board’s AP portfolio requirements, but develops differently for each student. Designed for group critique and dialogue. Includes field trips to local and regional studios and institutions. Requires teacher approval.
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Drama
Teaches basic skills in communication, time management, writing, and theater etiquette.
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Acting I
Introduces the basics of acting (concentration, relaxation, observation, and characterization) through daily improvisations and theater games. Culminates in the performance of short scenes in an Acting Showcase. Encourages students to attend local theater performances.
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Acting II
Builds on the basics learned in Acting I, encouraging students to continue developing their acting skills. Delves into classical and modern material, comedy and drama. Requires students to create a monologue book to serve as audition material. May be repeated.
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Stagecraft
Introduces the basics of set construction, scenery, and lighting design. Gives students the opportunity to build, paint, light a set, and serve as stage crew for a major production during the semester. Students also set up lights, sounds, and media for Town Meetings. May be repeated.
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Play Production
Students spend the first semester reading and critiquing one act plays, and the second directing a one act play of their choice in the annual One Act Play Festival. They are expected to hold auditions, cast roles, lead rehearsals, and organize production.
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Musical Theater
Introduces musical theater, encouraging students to establish a book of musical numbers appropriate for college, community, and professional auditions. Culminates in a Musical Theatre Showcase at the end of the semester. May be repeated.
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Music History
Examines the unique composers associated with each historical time period in Western Art music, ranging from Medieval to present day. Teaches the specific musical devices used by composers, and develops critical listening skills that enable consideration of classical music.
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Musical Ensemble
Encourages students to hone their instrumental skills and to perform selected classical musical works for chamber music ensemble. Requires completion of research and listening assignments, class presentations, and self-evaluations. Private lessons are encouraged.
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Contemporary Music Ensemble
Provides students an opportunity to rehearse and perform selections from popular genres with an ensemble (i.e. guitar, bass, drums, keys, vocals) of classmates. Teaches basic music fundamentals, ear training, and popular music history. May be repeated multiple semesters.
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Advanced Contemporary Music Ensemble
Builds on the skills learned in Contemporary Music Ensemble, requiring a high level of proficiency in the areas of reading, improvisation, execution, and ear development. Challenges student ensembles to perform difficult selections of music with accuracy and consistency.
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Recording Arts
Teaches the fundamentals and physical properties of sound related to the process of achieving “studio quality” recordings. Challenges students to use computer-based recording technology (MIDI) and analog based recording technology to produce digital and acoustic music.
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Choral Literature & Conducting
For second-semester juniors and seniors who have taken Music History. Examines masterworks of the choral repertoire, requiring students to use both a conductor’s approach and a musicological approach to considering various pieces presented in class.
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Introduction to Music Theory
Introduces essential and fundamental skills of music theory, including intervals, chords, harmonizations, musical terminologies, standard musical notations, and four-part writing. Also teaches sight-singing, ear-training, and music dictation. Prepares students for AP Music Theory.
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AP Music Theory
Develops understanding of theory, harmony, composition, musicianship, and score analysis. Requires students to listen, perform, create, and analyze music from the Common Practice Period (1600-1900) and other styles/genres. Prepares students for the AP Music Theory exam.