Fine Arts
Click on a course name below to view more information.
Episcopal offers a broad variety of Fine Arts options in the Performing Arts (Dance, Music, Theater, Technical Theater) and the Visual Arts (Ceramics & Sculpture; Draw, Paint & Print; Photography & Digital Media). Students may fulfill their Fine Arts requirement via the Basic Requirement (1 credit) or the Fine Arts Track Requirement (2 credits).
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: (1 credit)
Completion of a semester of a survey of applied art course; either Survey of Performing Arts or Survey of Visual Arts; and completion of a semester academic art course; either Art History & Visual Literacy, Music History, or Theater History (Summer Only).
Please note that students who take a full year of a performing art and choose not to follow through with the track, need only to complete a semester of art or music history to fulfill their graduation requirements.
FINE ARTS TRACK REQUIREMENTS: (2 credits)
Completion of two years in one of the following disciplines: Dance; Choral Music; Instrumental Music; Theater; Technical Theater; Ceramics & Sculpture; Draw, Paint & Print; or Photography & Digital Media. Theater and Technical Theater classes may be combined to meet a track requirement. Two years of Media Production also satisfy this requirement. To be eligible for AP Ceramics & Sculpture, AP Draw, Paint & Print, AP Photography & Digital Media, Honors Theater 4, or Honors Media Production 4, students must begin those tracks during freshman year. Students who have pursued a visual arts track but are unable to continue as a result of program constraints may receive approval by the Head of Upper School for the fulfillment of their Fine Arts requirement. The Physical Education requirement is met with either the completion of Dance or participating in a dance ensemble for three years (usually 9th, 10th, & 11th).
PERFORMING ARTS
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Semester
Description: This introductory class in the performing arts is a hands-on participatory class that will include a broad look at dance, music, theater, and technical theater. Students may participate in instrumental performance and dance styles, scene work, working with tools and techniques of the trade in set building, lighting and sound design, and exploring instrumental music with a focus in percussion. This course will acquaint students with basic music theory and aural skills. Students in this class will āget their feet wetā in the world of performing. Building confidence and increasing appreciation for performance will be the two key components of this class.
DANCE
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year / Course can be taken more than once.
Description: This is a participation-based course that introduces students to beginning/intermediate levels of dance fundamentals. Students will develop skills in anatomical alignment, self-awareness, coordination, strength, movement memorization, stretching, terminology, and personal artistry. Students may participate in a variety of dance forms, such as jazz, modern, ballet, contemporary, tap, musical theater, cultural styles, improvisation, and hip-hop while discovering portions of the histories of each style. Supporting classes may be held periodically. These classes may include stretch and strengthening, anatomy/kinesiology, injury prevention, and dance history/theory.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year / Course can be taken more than once.
Prerequisites: Placement audition.
Description: This is a participation-based course that continues to develop studentsā dance techniques, at an intermediate-prep level. Students will develop skills in anatomical alignment, self-awareness, coordination, strength, movement memorization, stretching, terminology, and personal artistry. Students may participate in a variety of dance forms, such as jazz, modern, ballet, contemporary, tap, musical theater, cultural styles, improvisation, and hip-hop while discovering portions of the histories of each style. Supporting classes may be held periodically. These classes may include stretch and strengthening, anatomy/kinesiology, injury prevention, and dance history/theory.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year / Course can be taken more than once.
Prerequisites: Placement audition.
Description: This is a participation-based course that continues to develop studentsā dance techniques, at an advanced level. This course will focus on jazz, modern, ballet, contemporary, tap, musical theater, cultural styles, improvisation, and hip-hop techniques. Supporting classes may be held periodically. These classes may include stretch and strengthening, anatomy/kinesiology, injury prevention, and dance history/theory. Choreography will be set during class time for school and community performances. Students will develop critical analysis skills regarding dance and live performance, as well as participate in student choreography.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year / Course can be taken more than once.
Prerequisites: Application and placement audition.
Description: This is a participation-based course that continues to develop studentsā dance techniques, at an advanced, pre-professional level. This course will focus on dance forms including jazz, modern, ballet, contemporary, tap, musical theater, cultural styles, improvisation, and hip-hop. Supporting classes may be held periodically. These classes may include stretch and strengthening, anatomy/kinesiology, injury prevention, and dance history/theory. In class, we will work on choreography for school and community performances. Students will continue to develop their critical analysis skills regarding dance and live performance. They will choreograph their own pieces of work, as well cross-collaborate within the arts.
MUSIC
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year / Course can be taken more than once.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.
Description: Concert Chorale is a performance-based course for students who have prior choral experience or are new to singing and would love to learn. Students will focus on proper singing technique, four-part harmony, reading music notation, and best performance practices. Students will sing a variety of choral literature, representing all genres of music. This ensemble performs in the Christmas and spring concerts, school events, and the community.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year / Course can be taken more than once.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.
Description: Honors Chorale is an advanced performance ensemble for students with prior singing experience. Students will develop advanced music literacy and sight-reading skills, demonstrate a high-level of singing expression and technique, and perform in four-plus, part harmony. Students in this ensemble learn an abundance of music and have additional performance responsibilities. The year concludes with students performing solo pieces for a jury. There are additional requirements outside of class for this course.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year / Course can be taken more than once.
Prerequisite: Teacher approval.
Description: The Wind Ensemble performs high quality wind band literature with a curriculum centered on the development of upper-level musicianship skills. Students are required to have a basic understanding and fundamental knowledge of their applied instrument. Upper School students will perform a variety of literature that will acquaint them with basic and advanced concepts such as reading music, intonation, breath control, rhythm, time signatures, key signatures, conducting, musical terms, music theory and the art of performance.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year / Course can be taken more than once.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and entrance audition.
Description: This course requires an audition process for students to be eligible. The Honors Wind Ensemble performs high quality wind band literature with a curriculum centered on the development of upper-level musicianship skills. Students enrolled in this course perform frequently for internal and external performances, being the most visible instrumental ensemble. Upper School students will perform a variety of literature that will acquaint them with basic and advanced concepts such as reading music, intonation, breath control, rhythm, time signatures, key signatures, conducting, musical terms, music theory and the art of performance.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year / Course can be taken more than once.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and entrance audition.
Description: This course includes both the study and performance of chamber music repertoire for orchestral strings,Ā
piano, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Chamber Music is structured with a curriculum centered on the development of higher-level musicianship skills, with the incorporation of strings and piano into our instrumental studies.Ā Upper School students will perform a variety of literature that will acquaint them with basic and advanced concepts such as reading music, intonation, collaboration, breath control, rhythm, conducting, musical terms, music theory, and the art of performance. Students enrolled in Chamber Music Studies will be involved with various performances, with the expectation of performing on a regular basis. Students will perform and practice their individual music in and out of the classroom, providing opportunities for personal growth and development. As a performance-based course, students will experience times of challenge within the repertoire and will strive to achieve a high level of performance. This will also give students opportunities to receive critical feedback and grow from their soloistic and chamber performances.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Semester
Description: This course presents an overview of Western music history from the Middle Ages through the present. After completing the course, students will have a clearer understanding of stylistic developments and major figures of the time periods in question. This course will focus not only on composers and dates, but also on concepts such as the role of the performer, functions of music/music performance, and larger societal issues concerning the development of artistic expression through music.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Two years of music ensemble experience or significant study.
Description: AP Music Theory is a rigorous course which expands upon basic music theory fundamentals. It is designed to develop musical skills that lead to a thorough understanding of music composition and music theory through written, aural, and sight-singing skills. Upon completing this course, students are prepared to take the AP Music Theory Exam. This course provides a strong foundation for anyone needing to take a music theory course in college or who wants expanded knowledge in music theory and composition.
THEATRE
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Description: Students gain a basic understanding of theater history, improvisation, mime, and acting method. They work to develop characters externally and internally and learn that the interpretation of a play and in-depth character analysis are essential in portraying believability. Through scene work, young actors learn to work with others while building their own self-confidence.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: YearĀ
Prerequisite: Theater 1.
Description: In this class, students are exposed to advanced acting methods and basic directing skills. They learn stage areas, stage terms, and blocking techniques. Through workshops, students learn leadership skills by working with different personalities. They attempt to bring out the best in each actor and assist in character development as they direct scenes. Students direct and perform in duet scenes, ensemble scenes, and childrenās theater pieces. They also learn to problem-solve as they encounter production issues.
Level: 11th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Theater 2 and/or rising seniors invited to audition.
Description: This is a class for the theater student who wishes to continue studies beyond the basic acting and directing levels. This class explores various genres and theater styles in more depth including but not limited to ensemble-created original theater, Shakespeare, childrenās theater, musical theater, theater history, playwriting, and physical theater. Students participate in longer units with performance opportunities that allow them to explore the creation of a work for the stage from beginning to end.
Level: 12th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Honors Theater 3.
Description: This class is for the advanced theater arts senior who desires to continue performance study. In addition to furthering their knowledge of childrenās theater and touring performance, students may possibly participate in theater festivals, perform in a one-act play, and numerous other individual events. Students learn stage techniques; character analysis; and clear, concise, and crisp execution.
SPATIAL DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Description: This class is an introduction to the technical theater crafts of stage management, principles of theater lighting and sound, projection, set construction, event preparation, and stage properties. Students actively learn through units that focus on these topics as well as specifically prepare for the production events that occur on campus.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Technical Theater 1.
Description: This class takes a more in-depth look at stagecraft, lighting and sound, and stage management. Students in Technical Theater 2 work in production teams to turn their classroom learning into productive participation in the technical theater arts.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Technical Theater 2.
Description: This course is for the advanced technical theater student who wants to further their study in design and execution of live events. Students will explore challenges within a variety of events including concept, communication, leadership, time restraint and budget. This class will include an overview of the other discipline's design process for costume, lighting, props, sound and video. This course is the third stage of generating the self- sufficient technician, one who can lead a project from creation to execution focusing on problem solving, improvising, sharing knowledge and implementing experience.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
Description: This course is a hands-on class applying all aspects of technical theater. Students gain expertise in stage construction, terminology, lighting, sound, and an appreciation for the production process. This class meets after school on the days assigned by the Fine Arts Department and according to the department calendar. Students attend class after school twice a week for a total of five hours per week. Students also must sign up for one running crew position during the semester that the student is currently enrolled.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
Description: This course is a project-based class focusing on the needs of technical theater students who are strongly interested in expanding their knowledge and leadership. Advanced projects are assigned and completed. Ownership, initiative, creativity, and responsibility within the parameters of technical theater are the focus of this course. Students gain expertise in the area of technical theater that interests them, and they develop interpersonal skills needed to complete these projects.
VISUAL ARTS
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Semester
Description: This course is a survey of the western visual arts from pre-history to the present. Students develop a working knowledge of the development of painting, sculpture, and architecture in a historical context. Through the study of major works from each period, students gain an understanding of ancient to Gothic, Renaissance to the birth of the Modern era, and modern to contemporary art. Upon completion of the course, students have the vocabulary to describe works of art based on the elements and principles of design, as well as the ability to recognize historical content.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Semester
Description: Survey of Visual Arts is a course designed to give students an understanding and awareness of the multiple techniques and processes used in the visual arts. The course provides a design curriculum that includes classical and contemporary techniques. Students in the course are expected to devote every class period to the creation and discussion of art.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Description: AP Art History is an introductory college- level art history course. Students cultivate their understanding of art history through analyzing works of art and placing them in historical context as they explore concepts like culture and cultural interactions, theories and interpretations of art, the impact of materials, processes, and techniques on art and art making, and understanding purpose and audience in art historical analysis.
CERAMICS & SCULPTURE
Level: 9th grade
Length: Year
Description: This beginning, hands-on course introduces students to clay preparation, hand-building concepts, wheel-throwing, and glazing techniques. This course includes art production, criticism, and the history of ceramics. Technique, craftsmanship, and creative ability are emphasized. Projects challenge creative problem-solving skills as well as teach basic mechanics of forming clay.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Ceramics & Sculpture 1 and teacher recommendation.
Description: Ceramics & Sculpture 2 emphasizes advanced-level work in both hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Art production, art criticism, and the history of ceramics are explored. This course focuses on historical surface design from cultures around the world. Clay and glaze chemistry are introduced along with kiln design and operation.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Ceramics & Sculpture 2 and teacher recommendation.
Description: Honors Ceramics & Sculpture emphasizes advanced-level work in both hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Individual assignments are tailored to match studentsā area of interest. Students develop a meaningful body of work that emphasizes communicating relevant ideas.Ā Students also focus on developing their own personal aesthetic and writing artist statements.
Level: 12th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Honors Ceramics & Sculpture and teacher recommendation.
Description: This course is a culmination of techniques and content developed in Ceramics & Sculpture. Students complete a cohesive body of work expressing original ideas and learn to document and present their work in a professional manner.
DRAW, PAINT & PRINT
Level: 9th grade
Length: Year
Description: This is a foundation course focused on familiarizing students with historical and contemporary techniques, materials, and artists. Students are introduced to the elements and principles of art and experiment with various materials. An introduction to the rules of linear perspective, basic color theory, and observational skills are also incorporated.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Draw, Paint & Print 1 and teacher recommendation.
Description: Students develop art with an emphasis on composition, creative risk taking, and refining processes. Students further develop skills and learn to articulate the formal aspects of art through group critiques and design assignments. This course includes an introduction to the printing press, mixed media, as well as an exploration of realism versus abstraction.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Draw, Paint & Print 2 and teacher recommendation.
Description: Honors Draw, Paint, & Print focuses on discovery by developing the ability to think visually, conceptually, and critically. Through drawing, color, composition, and the use of materials, students explore different careers that incorporate art into their practice. Exploring pathways to these careers, artist studies, and hands-on experimentation with various mediums guide students through this course. Students also begin independent work relating to the AP curriculum.
Level: 12th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Honors Draw, Paint & Print, teacher recommendation, and portfolio review.
Description: AP Draw, Paint & Print provides ambitious art students an opportunity to work on art at the college level. Students are expected to design and create a cohesive body of work, as well as compile a variety of pieces to demonstrate mastery of creative, conceptual, and technical ability. Working independently outside of class is necessary.
PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL MEDIA
Level: 9th grade
Length: Year
Description: This is a survey course which is devoted to learning the fundamentals of digital photography. Students learn about composition in relation to the principles and elements of design as well as the history and aesthetics of photography. The year begins with point and shoot cameras and the basics of Adobe Photoshop and progresses to the digital SLR camera. As the year continues, the focus is on digital SLR camera controls, camera handling, proper exposure, and advanced post-production including, but not limited to, digital-image making and digital-image manipulation. Lastly, students are exposed to controlled lighting, inside and outside of the studio, for both still objects and portraiture. Students are challenged to explore personal means of creative expression.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Photography & Digital Media 1 and teacher recommendation.
Description: This course is an extension of the course Photography & Digital Media 1. Students complete exercises which expand their skills with Adobe Photoshop and the digital SLR. Experimental procedures are encouraged to provide a more personal, visual document. Students review exposure, camera controls, and begin working with film and print development as well as alternative processes.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Photography & Digital Media 2 and teacher recommendation.
Description: Honors Photography & Digital Media intends to push students to further develop technical and creative skills. Students complete projects and assignments in which content and concept are key. Students are expected to problem solve and create an outcome that exemplifies the conceptual intent. Many of the projects conclude in printed form. Students further develop their ability to sequence as they make handmade books and work on year-long documentary projects. Students continue to refine both analog and digital skills.
Level: 12th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Honors Photography & Digital Media and teacher recommendation.
Description: AP Photography & Digital Media affords the experienced photography student an opportunity to refine technical and creative skills. Students complete highly-conceptual projects typical of a professional photography studio.