Visual & Performing Arts

Advanced Dance

Advanced Dance class is designed for students looking to develop an advanced understanding of the concepts of Modern Dance including additional dance styles: jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and cultural dance forms. Students will further practice choreography techniques and learn to develop a personal choreographic style. Performance opportunities will be available each term for interested students.

Prerequisite: A minimum of one term of Beginning Dance and Intermediate Dance or admittance by teacher approval.

Advanced Studio Art

The Advanced Studio portion of this class can be begun in the student’s sophomore or junior year. In this class students are given focused assignments that are open to a high level of personal creativity. Some of the work completed in this course can be used in the students’ AP portfolio.

Prerequisite: at least two first level classes and one second level course, or permission of the instructor

Advanced Studio Art II

No course description available at this time.

AP Studio Art

The Advanced Placement portion of this course involves artistically advanced students developing a portfolio that shows the breadth of their artistic experience as well as their ability to explore, in a series, one particular concentration. Over the course of the year AP students work on building this portfolio, and in the spring their work is sent to the College Board of Advanced Placement for evaluation.

Prerequisite: Advanced Studio Art

Arch Dance

The Arch Dance Company supports the school and extended community by scheduling numerous performances throughout the year with a repertoire that includes a wide variety of dance styles. The group enjoys visits from touring companies, takes master classes from guest artists, and performs off campus at various venues. Additionally, on campus performances are given several times each year. Additional, after-school rehearsals fulfill the boarding student co-curricular activity requirement.

Prerequisite: By audition only

Ballet I

(one term course)
Because ballet is necessary for a strong dance foundation, it is offered each term. This course is for beginning dancers. It emphasizes proper ballet technique, alignment, and flexibility. Students who are interested may have performance opportunities each term.

Ballet II

In Intermediate Ballet, students will continue to develop their ballet technique. Students will learn to approach Ballet from an anatomically sound point of view – increasing their awareness of correct alignment, and efficient muscle use. Every week we will devote one day of the week to Yoga/Pilates for increased stretch and strength, and part of every Friday will be devoted to in class journal writing to process dance information in writing.

Throughout the term students will

Complete occasional reading, research and writing assignments
Perform in an end of term Dance Concert
Participate fully in each days activities
Attend one live dance performance and write a paper about their experience
Write a Mid-Term and End of Term Self evaluation paper
Expect to be challenged Physically and Mentally

Prerequisite: Students in Intermediate Ballet must have completed DFA or Dance I in order to participate (or be placed by audition).

Beginning Dance

No course description available at this time.

Beginning Strings

The Beginner Strings class will give students a foundation in playing cello. Great emphasis is given to the relationship between the body and the instrument. Grades are heavily based on progress and effort. Course literature is the Suzuki Cello books.

Digital Photography I

Students in this course learn the basics of how to take and manipulate digital photographs. Using Adobe® Photoshop Elements, students alter, modify, and creatively layer photographic images into single compositions. Scanning, printing basics, digital photography and the various file types and their uses are also covered.

Prerequisite: basic computer experience in Windows® XP. Minimum 2 megapixel digital camera is required.

Students will be required to buy their own Epson photo paper from the school store ($20); in addition, they must purchase a copy of Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 or higher. They may get this program online or at an electronics store ($70-90).

A laptop computer is highly recommended (Mac or PC).

Digital Photography II

These courses are designed for students who are either committed to the arts as a subject of study or are just interested in continuing to explore their options in a certain medium. All of the second level classes in these areas stress greater latitude in materials used, greater mastery of techniques, and most importantly a higher level of intellectual involvement in planning, designing and evaluating of the artworks created. (Graded courses)

Digital Video

This course gives students the opportunity to explore several genres of filmmaking In this class students rethink the moving image as not only a form of entertainment, but also a versatile means of documentation, communication and expression. Students learn how to use digital video equipment and how to edit and prepare their projects for presentation on laptop computers using video editing software. Projects include a video safari, which helps familiarize students with digital video tools; an in-camera edit project which requires deliberate planned shooting; a music video, a narrative film and a documentary film. A wide variety of films and videos are viewed and discussed to become familiar with the history of film. The films screened serve to inform and inspire a students own work. Students will also be encouraged to draw from their own personal experience and perspective. At the end of the term students organize and promote a red carpet premiere of their films that the school is invited to attend. The strongest work in the class will be selected and presented at the film festival.

Theater Arts I

The focus of this class is on communication, creativity, and a good understanding of theater basics. Our goal is to develop skills to effectively communicate thoughts, feelings and personality in diverse settings and before groups of people. The class will reflect on oratory, basic acting, improvisation, movement, character analysis and theater vocabulary. Students will gain a greater understanding of theater in general, build their “instrument” (body, mind, voice), expand their creativity and develop a better understanding of presentation and acting skills.

Theater Arts II

Students will examine the essentials of various aspects of theater arts. Theatre history, improvisation, script reading, auditions, acting with monologues and scenes will be covered. We will explore and examine works of drama, comedy and musical theater. Additionally students will be introduced to stage craft, costumes, and make up.

Prerequisite: Drama I or interview and approval from the instructor.

Theater Arts III

Drama 3 takes students to a more sophisticated level, refining skills they have already acquired. Students will work to refine their acting techniques and constructively evaluate their own performances and those of others. In addition, they will learn the essentials of playwrighting, directing and theater management. Career opportunities will be explored. This class culminates with a public performance piece.

Prerequisite: Drama II.

Drawing I

Drawing I is a beginning level course covering the basics of drawing: line quality, perspective, and methods of shading will be stressed throughout the term. Through the use of still-life, real life models, photographs and natural settings, students learn how to render proportionally correct, naturalistic drawings in graphite pencil and charcoal. All assignments build on one another and the term typically culminates with a large scale self-portrait assignment.

Drawing II

Prerequisites: Drawing I, Painting I and Pottery I.

Elements of Sound

Elements of Sound, a vocal ensemble, performs a wide variety of musical styles including pop, jazz and musical theater. Participation in concerts, festivals, and all tours is required to maintain membership. Elements of Sound has performed in England, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Poland, as well as many cities in the United States. Admission to the group is by vocal audition only. Parents will be responsible for the purchase of a concert dress for female students and a tuxedo for male students who will be participating in this class.

Guitar I

These courses are designed to teach the students the basics in playing the guitar. The instructor covers music literacy by educating students to learn to read notes on a staff, (tab) tablature, and chord symbols. The students are given the opportunity to learn and perform several basic and intermediate chords which will allow them to play a variety of songs. The students also learn several short songs, melodies, and riffs used in classical, blues, rock, and popular music. Students are encouraged to bring songs to class that they want to learn. These one term courses are pass/fail and are graded on attendance, effort, and completion of in-class performances.

Guitar II

Intermediate Dance

No course description available at this time.

Middle School: Art A

The focus of Middle School Art A is drawing, painting, illustration and book arts. Art historical background is provided to give artwork a broader cultural context. Students will learn how to use line and value to draw what they see. Making drawings from observation will help strengthen this foundation. They will develop an understanding of color theory that will help them make paintings. Collage and mixed media techniques will introduce playfulness and juxtaposition. Illustration is introduced when students are asked to illustrate a story visually using three collages. We will explore the history of illustration and book arts as we create illustrations for stories. The final project is an illustrated book that students write, illustrate and bind themselves.

Middle School: Art B

The focus of MS Art B is the exploration of sculpture and three-dimensional design. Students will develop skill in utilizing line in a 3 dimensional context with a wire sculpture project. The wire sculpture is presented as a three-dimensional line drawing. For the assemblage project, found objects and other materials will be transformed into sculpture, giving new meaning to unique combinations of things. Students will use hand-building techniques to create ceramic sculptures and pottery. The final project will be a three-dimensional design project ranging from architecture to product design to fashion design. Students will use drawing, words and modelmaking to communicate their concepts.

We will also investigate relevant connections between the fine arts and design.

Middle School: Art C

Students in MS Art C have the opportunity to explore a variety of printmaking processes. Four major printmaking techniques including silkscreen, monotype, relief printing and lithography will be introduced. Students will design patterns and use batik techniques to dye fabric. Batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique used on textile, is a printmaking process applied to cloth. For a silkscreen project, students will develop simple graphics and print in several colors using separate screens. The process of lithography will be explored using Xerox photocopies coated with a resist that are inked and run through a press. Students will ink plates by hand and transfer several layers of color from the same plate to paper for a Monotype project. Relief printing will be explored by making linocut reduction prints, a process similar to woodcut. Students will also have the opportunity to discover the Japanese art of fish printing

Middle School: Chorus

The Middle School Chorus is an ensemble made up of students with varying degrees of singing experience. A variety of musical styles is utilized in learning vocal technique, music reading, and other skills necessary to become an independent musician. There are several performance opportunities for this chorus throughout the school year as well as opportunities for travel.

Middle School: Theater Arts I

Students in this Middle School theater arts class are given the opportunity to discover their creative abilities in acting and the theater. Through acting exercises, improvisations, and film study, students are introduced to the world of plot, setting, and characterization and taught how all three combine to create an effective and memorable performance. Aside from mastering elementary stagecraft, students will also have the opportunity to perform short monologues and scenes for their peers.

Middle School: Orchestra I

This is a beginning level course open to all sixth, seventh and eighth graders who would like to play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass). Note reading, a wide range of bowing and fingering techniques, and solo and ensemble skills are taught.

Middle School: Orchestra II

Any Middle School student who has played a string instrument for at least one year is eligible to participate in this orchestra. Great attention is given to posture and the use of the bow and the left hand. Students develop their musicality and widen their range of expression through a varied selection of music. Performance opportunities are offered both on the Shattuck Campus and side-by-side with area Youth Orchestras.
Private instruction is available for an additional fee.

MS Wind/Percussion Ensembles

The Middle School Wind & Percussion Ensemble focuses on the fundamentals of music theory, ear training, and large and small ensemble playing. Rehearsal and performance etiquette are also taught. Repertoire is tailored to meet the needs of the students, and small ensemble playing is emphasized throughout. Occasional written homework is assigned to reinforce music history and theory. Students are given opportunities to perform throughout the year in concerts, recitals and at various assemblies and functions. Students are expected to practice outside of class, both for their individual development and to prepare ensemble music before rehearsal.

Music Theory

Music Theory is an intermediate to advanced level course designed for the student who wants to pursue further study in the area of music. The course will emphasize material in the areas of musical notation, major and minor key signatures, musical styles, sight singing, musical dictation, and figured bass four-part voice leading. After completing the course the students can elect to take the MMTA theory exams. Music theory is designed to introduce elements of music through reading, writing, listening and analyzing music of all styles. This class meets twice a week year round.

Prerequisites: currently enrolled in pre- conservatory or vocal performance program

Painting I

Students use water-mixable oil paints and learn the various techniques possible in this flexible medium. After basic techniques are practiced, students continue with full scale projects that grow from and are influenced by famous artists and their art.

Prerequisite: It is recommended that students who plan to enroll in this course have already completed one term of drawing.

Painting II

Piano I

Topics covered include: introducing the piano (acoustic and digital), orientation to the staff, bass clef notes: middle C, B, A, G, F; 3rds (skips) on the staff, eighth notes; bass C position: C, D, E, F, G; treble space notes: F, A, C, E; treble C position: treble C, D, E, F, G; intervals: 4th and 5th; sharps and flats; I and V7 chords; three G positions. Accelerated piano will meet daily for one class period. This is an introductory course and no previous experience is necessary.

Piano II

Topics covered include: review of book 1, major pentascales: C, F, G, D, A, E; tempo marks, major pentascales, minor pentascales, ledger line C’s, cross-hand arpeggios, the sixth, the C major scale, primary chords in C major (I, IV, and V7), pedaling, eighth rest, dotted quarter note, the G major scale, the F major scale. Accelerated piano will meet daily for one class period.

Prerequisite: Beginning Accelerated Piano, Accelerated Piano Level I or instructor permission.

Players

This year-long commitment is for students who are truly attracted to the theater. The focus of this class is on both acting and the theater production as a whole. We will have the opportunity to explore in depth important aspects of the theater such as auditioning, character development, creative expression, stage presence, improvisation, script analysis, directing, marketing, playwriting and critique. We will also be able to explore new avenues as desired by the class, such as puppetry, stage combat, masked theater and/or children’s theater. Players will produce/perform at least one off-campus community service project in relation to the skills learned in class. We will produce a small show from start to finish, covering all the essential aspects. Students will also serve as MC/host or perform for a variety of on-campus events. Players participate in each school play/musical in some capacity. Players have the opportunity to travel to other theaters to encounter, analyze and learn from their productions.

Prerequisite: Drama I and interview and approval from the instructor.

Pottery I

In this course, students learn how to utilize the potter’s wheel to make several vessel forms, including but not restricted to: cylinders, bowls, and cups with handles. In addition to those skills, students learn the basics of electric kiln firing and methods of glazing and finishing pottery.

Pottery II

These courses are designed for students who are either committed to the arts as a subject of study or are just interested in continuing to explore their options in a certain medium. All of the second level classes in these areas stress greater latitude in materials used, greater mastery of techniques, and most importantly a higher level of intellectual involvement in planning, design and evaluation of the artworks created. Prerequisites: Drawing I, Painting I and Pottery I.

Pre-Conservatory Class

The pre-conservatory class is a high level, driven group of student musicians from a diverse pool of international countries. Enrollment is by application including musical recommendations and, if possible, a DVD of personal performance.

Individual and ensemble work is built into each class day with time to practice being a top priority. Performance opportunities including competitions, master classes and festivals are offered. Students work with top private instructors from the Greater Twin Cities area with transportation provided. A rich and essential potpourri of musical exposure is offered through attendance of performances by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, and other performance ensembles.

Public Speaking

This one term introductory public speaking course guides students into building a strong foundation in the art of public performance and oral presentation. Moreover, it helps students gain confidence and learn how to project the best possible public image, capitalizing on their own best character traits and making the most of interpersonal interactions. Beginning with the fundamental elements of voice, diction, and gesture, students become well-grounded in a variety of presentation techniques. They also learn how to harness the fear of public speaking and transfer it into raw energy of performance, projecting an image of confidence and style. Key projects include poetry readings, story jokes, anecdotes, personal statements of identity, dramatic monologues, and formal presentations on topics of their own choosing.

Sculpture I

Students learn how to produce sculptures using reductive and additive methods. In this course the basic principles and elements of three dimensional art are covered extensively, as well as techniques and materials used to create sculpture.

Shattuck – St. Mary’s Chamber Choir

The Shattuck-St. Mary’s School Chorus is a non-audition ensemble made up of students, in grades 9-12 with varying degrees of musical experience. Students study choral literature encompassing all musical styles while developing good vocal technique, music reading skills, and other skills necessary to become an independent musician. The Choir performs regularly at Chapel, and at community, alumni, and student activities. Attendance at concerts is required.

Shattuck – St. Mary’s Chamber Orchestra

Any student who has played an orchestral instrument for at least one year is eligible to participate in the orchestra. The core repertoire is taken from composers Bach, Handel, and Mozart, among others. Great attention is given to musical expression and orchestral precision. Each student is expected to maintain a consistent rate of progress through personal practice

US Wind and Percussion Ensembles

The Shattuck-St. Mary’s Instrumental Ensembles are open to any student, grades 6-12, with at least one year of experience. Placement will be determined by experience, skill level and student goals. Emphasis is placed on performing a wide variety of ensemble repertoire. Participation at concerts, festivals, and tours are required to maintain membership. Each student is expected to maintain a consistent rate of progress as a solo player, therefore, private lessons are recommended.

Vocal Performance Program

Parents will be responsible for the purchase of a concert dress for female students and a tuxedo for male students who will be participating in this class.

Winds & Percussion for Beginners

(one-term course)
This course is offered in the fall term to all Middle and Upper School students who are beginners, or who have had less than one year of experience playing their instrument. Musicians who auditioned for an upper school ensemble but did not gain admittance may use this class to improve their playing skills. Students completing the course may audition again at the beginning of winter term. Individual and group instruction is provided on all instruments. Duets and trios are formed early in the term to develop listening skills. Some music theory and ear training are integrated into the instrumental instruction to ensure development of a well rounded musician.

Additional Expenses: Instrument, Supplies, Method Book (price varies by instrument)