Visual & Performing Arts

MIDDLE SCHOOL PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS

Middle School Visual Arts Program Grades 6-8 (one-term course)
Middle School students at Shattuck-St. Mary’s have the opportunity to explore three different art forms during the course of three years. Art C was offered in 2010-11; therefore, the cycle begins again with Art A in the 2011-12 school year. This new Middle School Art curriculum is not sequential (there are no pre-requisites), but it expands course offerings while allowing students an in-depth experience of different art forms each year.

MS Art A (Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Book Arts) (one-term course)
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.

MS Art B (Sculpture, Ceramics and Three-Dimensional Design) (one-term course)
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 model-making to communicate their concepts. We will also investigate relevant connections between the fine arts and design.

MS Art C (Printmaking) (one-term course)
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 Visual Art Electives for Grade 9

Introduction to Digital Video (one-term course)
Introduction to Digital Video provides a hands-on, age-appropriate introduction to digital video production. Students will produce a variety of projects including a fake newscast, a video poem, a pixilation project, and a one minute narrative film. Students will experience all phases of video production from the Pre-production stages of proposal writing and storyboarding to the Production stage, which includes learning about lighting and composition and operating digital video equipment. The Post-production stage will give students the opportunity to explore video editing. This video course exercises planning and organizational skills and stresses collaboration and resourcefulness. It is intended to prepare students to excel in the Upper School Digital Video 1 elective and offers valuable skills that can be applied to creative projects in other classes. The course will give students the opportunity to analyze a variety of films, advertisements, and television content which will serve to develop media literacy and provide a new vocabulary for critiquing visual culture.

Introduction to Drawing and Painting (one-term course)
The focus of an Introduction to Drawing and Painting course is developing basic drawing and painting skills and techniques. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of two-dimensional media, including drawing pencils, colored pencils, charcoal, watercolors, and acrylic painting. Students in Drawing and Painting will be engaged in several art and design projects that demonstrate their understanding of the Elements and Principles of Art. The elements of art include Form, Line, Shape, Color, Texture, Space, and Value. The principles include Emphasis, Balance, Harmony, Variety, Movement, Rhythm, Proportion, and Unity. Students develop a new vocabulary for talking and writing about the visual arts and visual culture. Students will be introduced to a wide variety of artists as they explore and analyze relevant art movements and significant art works.

Middle School Performing Arts Electives for Grade 6 – 9

Chorus 1- Grades 6-9 (one-term or year-long course)
Chorus 1 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.

Wind & Percussion Ensemble, Grades 6-9 (year-long course)
The Winds and Percussion class 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. Private instruction is available for an additional fee.
Additional Expenses: Text, Instruments, Supplies, Private lessons

String Ensemble I, Grades 6-9 (year-long course)
This is a beginning level course open to all students, grades 6-9, who would like to play a string instrument (i.e., violin, viola, cello, bass). Students will explore note reading, playing position, pizzicato, bowing techniques, and left hand techniques. Repertoire will include music form a vast array of styles. Students will participate in a concert during the year as they progress.
Private instruction is available for an additional fee.

String Ensemble II, Grades 6-9 (year-long course)
Any Middle School student who has played a string instrument for at least one year is eligible to participate in this ensemble. 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 array of music encompassing many styles. Performance opportunities are offered throughout the year. Private instruction is available for an additional fee.

Private Lessons, Instrumental and Vocal, Grades 6-9
Lessons can be arranged in voice, piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, bass, and guitar. There is an additional fee for private lessons, and highly qualified instructors are drawn from a wide region including nearby St. Olaf College, the Twin Cities area, and the Shattuck-St. Mary’s School community. No credit is received for private lessons.

Theatre Arts 1, Grades 6-9 (one-term course)
Introduction to Theatre Arts will give students the opportunity to discover their creative abilities in acting, while being given an overall appreciation of the theatre space and process. Through acting exercises, improvisations, and film study, students will be introduced to the world of the actor, including physical and vocal warm-ups, stage direction, character analysis, theatre vocabulary and history, and basic stage combat. We will explore and examine works of drama, comedy, and musical theatre. Students will also have the opportunity to perform short scenes and monologues for their peers. The focus of this class will be on creativity and communication.

Beginning Dance, Grades 6-9 (one-term course)
Beginning dance will introduce the student to a variety of dance forms through movement, performance viewing, group work, and corresponding history and terminology. Class will include a warm-up, locomotors, and a movement combination, also called a phrase. Students will further be encouraged and challenged to express themselves through writing, class discussions and student choreography. All enrolled students will be required to perform in the term Performing Arts or Dance Showcase.

Prerequisite: None. Students are encouraged to take more than one term of Beginning Dance before advancing to Intermediate Dance

Ballet I, Grade 6-9 (one term course)
Ballet is necessary for a strong dance foundation, it is offered each term. This course is for beginning dancers and emphasizes proper ballet technique, alignment, and flexibility. Class will further include a base knowledge of ballet history and famous ballets. Students who are interested may have performance opportunities each term.

Prerequisite: None

UPPER SCHOOL PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS
Standard Graduation Requirement: 1 credit per year of attendance

DANCE
Arch Dance Company (year-long course)
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 are required and fulfill the boarding student co-curricular activity requirement. By audition only

Ballet I (one term course)
Ballet is necessary for a strong dance foundation, it is offered each term. This course is for beginning dancers and emphasizes proper ballet technique, alignment, and flexibility. Class will further include a base knowledge of ballet history and famous ballets. Students who are interested may have performance opportunities each term.

Prerequisite: None

Ballet II (one-term course)
Students enrolled in Ballet II will continue to develop their ballet technique from an anatomically sound point of view – increasing their awareness of correct alignment, and efficient muscle use. Every week we will devote one day to Yoga/Pilates for increased strength and flexibility. Additionally, Fridays will include journal writing to process class material. Students who are interested may have performance opportunities each term.

Prerequisite: Ballet I or instructor permission

Beginning Dance (one-term course)
Beginning dance will introduce the student to a variety of dance forms through movement, performance viewing, group work, and corresponding history and terminology. Class will include a warm-up, locomotors, and a movement combination, also called a phrase. Students will further be encouraged and challenged to express themselves through writing, class discussions and student choreography. All enrolled students will be required to perform in the term Performing Arts or Dance Showcase.

Prerequisite: None. Students are encouraged to take more than one term of Beginning Dance before advancing to Intermediate Dance

Intermediate Dance (one-term course)
Intermediate Dance is a continuation of Beginning Dance. Students will further develop their understanding of different dance styles and corresponding backgrounds through daily technique, improvisation, performance viewing and choreography. Additionally, we will explore the importance of dance in different cultures. All enrolled students will be required to perform in the term Performing Arts or Dance Showcase.

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

Advanced Dance (one-term course, may be taken multiple terms)
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, practice improvisation and be introduced to creating dance for video. All enrolled students will be required to perform in the term Performing Arts or Dance Showcase.

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

THEATRE ARTS

Theatre Arts 1 (one-term course)
Introduction to Theatre Arts will give students the opportunity to discover their creative abilities in acting, while being given an overall appreciation of the theatre space and process. Through acting exercises, improvisations, and film study, students will be introduced to the world of the actor, including physical and vocal warm-ups, stage direction, character analysis, theatre vocabulary and history, and basic stage combat. We will explore and examine works of drama, comedy, and musical theatre. Students will also have the opportunity to perform short scenes and monologues for their peers. The focus of this class will be on creativity and communication.

Theatre Arts II (one-term course)
Theatre Arts 2 will take students to a more sophisticated level of the theatre world, while continuing to refine skills they have already acquired. Students will work to home their acting techniques and constructively evaluate their own performances and those of others. They will continue to explore scene work, as well as various other forms of theatrical presentation, including acting for the camera and auditioning. Furthermore, students will explore areas related to theatre history, playwriting, and directing.

Prerequisite: Theatre Arts I or previous experience and approval from instructor.

Scenes and the Stage (Formerly Theatre Arts III) (one-term course)
Scenes and the Stage will offer a theatre opportunity to students whose exhaustive time commitments don’t afford them the time to be involved in the school’s larger main stage
productions. Students will learn the craft of acting through general theatre process, theatre vocabulary, and improvisation. They will also explore character development through scene work, from the realms of theatre, TV, and film. This class culminates in public performance pieces, either in the WeCreate Center or in Newhall, depending on availability.

Players (year-long course)
This year-long commitment is for students who are truly attracted to all aspects of theatre arts. The focus of this class will be on acting, as well as on overall theatre production. Players will have the opportunity to explore, in depth, important aspects of theatre such as auditioning, character development, improvisation, script writing and analysis, playwriting, directing, marketing, and acting for the camera. They will also explore, in the form of independent studies, new and personal avenues of interest such as set construction, puppetry, stage combat, masked theater, children’s theater, lighting, and sound. Players will produce a small show from start to finish, covering all the essential aspects. Students will also serve as MC/hosts, or perform, for a variety of on-campus events. Players participate in each school play/musical in some capacity, and will have the opportunity to travel to other theaters to encounter, analyze, and learn from their productions, as well.

Prerequisite: Previous experience, interview and/or approval from the instructor.

Introduction to Screenwriting/Film Making (one-term course. Not offered every year.)
Introduction to Screenwriting/Film Making is for students interested in the craft of writing, shooting, and editing a film. Students can expect to complete between 15 and 20 pages of an original screenplay, workshop their writing in class, view a variety of films, and participate in class discussions regarding story and scene structure, dialogue, character development, and cinematic conventions. Students will study a variety of filming techniques, including shot composition and scene transitions, for the purposes of filming and editing a short film, either independently or collaboratively, with the goal of submitting it to a short film festival. Students will be able to use the many school resources at hand to complete their work.

MUSIC
Upper School Choir (year-long course)
The Shattuck-St. Mary’s Upper School Choir 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 Choir (formerly Elements of Sound) (year-long course)
Shattuck-St. Mary’s Chamber Choir is an extension of the Upper School choir and members are selected through an audition process. The Chamber Choir performs a wide variety of musical styles including pop, jazz and musical theater. Participation in concerts and school wide events is mandatory. 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.

Shattuck-St. Mary’s Chamber Orchestra (year-long course)
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. The students in Chamber Orchestra have the opportunity to perform small ensemble chamber music, string orchestra music, and full symphonic orchestral music when combined with the Wind Ensemble. Great attention is given to musical expression and orchestral precision. Performance opportunities are offered on the Shattuck Campus, honors orchestras, and Twin Cities Youth Orchestras. Students are expected to practice outside of class, both for their individual development and to prepare ensemble music before rehearsal. Private instruction is available for an additional fee.

Upper School Wind Ensemble (year-long course)
The Shattuck-St. Mary’s Wind Ensemble is open to any student, grades 9-12, 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. The Wind Ensemble class focuses on the fundamentals of music theory, ear training, and large and small ensemble playing. Rehearsal and performance etiquette are also taught. Students in the Wind Ensemble play a large variety of music genres including, standard wind repertoire, jazz, and orchestral works when combined with the Chamber Orchestra. Students are given opportunities to perform throughout the year in concerts, recitals and at various assemblies and functions. The students have the opportunity to audition for various honor bands and youth orchestras throughout the Twin Cities. Students are expected to practice outside of class, both for their individual development and to prepare ensemble music before rehearsal. Private instruction is available for an additional fee.

Music Theory (year-long course)
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.

Prerequisite: currently enrolled in pre- conservatory or vocal performance program.

Piano I (one-term course)
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 (one-term course)
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.

Guitar I (one-term course)
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. This course is graded on attendance, effort, and completion of in-class performances.

Guitar II (one-term course)
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.

Prerequisite: Guitar 1 or instructor’s permission.

Private Instruction Lessons can be arranged in voice, piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, bass, and guitar. There is an additional fee for private lessons. No credit is received for private lessons

CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC
Pre-Conservatory Class (year-long course)
Shattuck-St. Mary’s Pre-conservatory Music program is designed for students interested in pursuing their passion for music while engaging in a college-preparatory academic program. This program is designed for both the student and his or her personal instructor. It is designed to offer a serious string or piano musician ample practice time, weekly lessons with a private instructor, ensemble work, music theory, performing opportunities as a soloist and ensemble member, and a college preparatory academic program.

Vocal Performance Program (year-long course)
The Vocal Performance Program is an auditioned program designed to give passionate music students extensive training in being a vocal performing artist. Students are enrolled in US Choir or Chamber Choir and Players or Arch Dance to give the students the “triple-threat” education. In addition, students receive 1-2 private vocal lessons or coaching per week and group classes in yoga and physical training. Lectures in song-writing, web design, performances classes, marketing and music business are offered throughout the year too and guest lecturers and artists come in often to work with students in the program. Students put an emphasis towards classical music, musical theater or commercial music. Students with an emphasis in classical singing participate in Project Opera, a Saturday training program with Minnesota Opera Company in Minneapolis. Transportation is provided. As a SSM Center of Excellence, students are constantly working on the next show or performance and may be traveling for the program.

VISUAL ARTS

Advanced Studio Art I (year-long course)
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 (year-long course)
Advanced Studio Art II is a precursor to AP Studio Art or can be taken as a final level art class instead of AP Studio Art. In this course the students are required to work on two series of works. The first series has four artworks developed around a concept. The second, and final series, has five artworks developed around a different concept than the first. This course is an excellent way to build a college portfolio or to build a body of work which can be used in the AP portfolio the next year.

AP Studio Art (year-long course)
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 1 or II

Digital Photography I (one-term blended course)
In Digital Photography I students learn how to use their cameras effectively under varying lighting circumstances and with varying subject matter. The digital darkroom (Photoshop Elements) will be covered extensively giving the students the ability to alter and adjust their pictures for optimum quality. Students will be required to buy their own Epson photo paper from the school store ($20); in addition, they are responsible for purchasing AA batteries for their school camera.

Digital Photography II (one-term courses)
This course is 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 Digital Photography. All of the second level classes 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. 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 9.0 or higher. They may get this program online or at an online store ($80-100).

Prerequisites: Digital Photo 1

Drawing I (one-term course)
Students in Drawing I will learn observational drawing. They will learn how to “draw what they see, not what they know”. Drawing is a challenging exercise in perception. Students must train their eyes to record what they actually perceive, not what they think they see. We will learn how to effectively use line and value to make dynamic and expressive drawings from life. Subject matter will include still life, landscape, portraiture, and self-portraiture. Becoming a skilled draftsman has much to do with actively learning from mistakes on a regular basis and practicing new skills. Students will learn how to use different drawing tools and will become familiar with the process of drawing, gaining confidence along the way.

Drawing II (one-term course)
This course is designed to be an exciting sequel to Drawing I. Students will apply knowledge, experiences and skills acquired in Drawing I to complete creative drawing projects in Drawing II. Students are expected to exercise their imaginations as they further expand their technical skills. Both content and formal concerns will be addressed. Drawing II stresses 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.

Prerequisite: Drawing I

Painting I (one-term course)
Painters are in the business of light and color. Good painters must have a broad understanding of color relationships and also must consider lighting conditions and their effects. Students will use the color wheel as a tool for color mixing and will study color schemes. There will be opportunities to explore a variety of transparent and opaque painting processes such as acrylic, watercolor, and oil. The course’s emphasis is on studio production, but art criticism, art history, and aesthetics will also be explored. The development of technical skills and artistic vocabulary is emphasized as students create artwork, which often begins in the sketching and drawing stages, then progresses into final paintings. Drawing is a creative tool that will be utilized often to develop skills and ideas. Painting students should be prepared to question and critique their own work as well as the work of other artists and are expected to approach each painting process with an open mind and positive attitude.

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

Painting II (one-term course)
This course is 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 Painting. All of the second level classes 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.

Prerequisites: Painting I

Pottery I (one-term course)
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 (one-term course)
Students will begin this course by learning the skill of creating tall cylinders. These tall cylinders will then become pitchers or vase forms. For the second project, students will learn how to create lidded forms of various types and the course culminates with the multi-faceted challenge of creating teapots.

Prerequisite: Pottery 1

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

Digital Video (one-term course)
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 student’s 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.