2008-2009 Arts Courses

Students are required to take three years (six semesters) of arts for graduation, including Arts and Ideas I and II. Students must take arts courses in at least two disciplines: drama, dance, music, or fine arts. However, students may typically repeat arts courses in order to gain additional mastery.

Full Year Arts Courses

DESKTOP PUBLISHING AND YEARBOOK
Students will learn the basics of page layout and design and apply these skills in the creation of the school's yearbook. Along with the Jostens Year Tech plug-ins, we will be using Adobe's InDesign to create our pages, and Photoshop to digitally enhance electronic photos and images that will be placed on the pages. We will cover design, typography, and layout skills, as well as digital photography and optimizing high-resolution images for print publication. Students must have the maturity to work independently and responsibly.

ART HISTORY (Advanced Placement)
This course is a year-long, college level course in the history of visual art. AP Art History traces the evolution of art from the Greek and Romans to Modernism. Students will also engage in the study of other world cultures, including the arts of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Students will learn how the arts are a reflection of society and culture and how art serves many functions, including religious, political, and expressive. Although extensive prior knowledge of art history is not required, it is recommended that students take Arts and Ideas I and II before enrolling in AP Art History. Students should be recommended by a visual art/Arts and Ideas teacher for this course. Students who take this course will be expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

MUSIC THEORY (Advanced Placement)
This course will introduce the students to the craft of harmonic music writing and analysis on a rigorous, individualized level. While the primary goal is to cover instructional material in preparation for the AP Music Theory examination given in May, there are no prerequisites for enrollment; beginners as well as accomplished music students alike are welcome to take this course. Taking the AP examination will be optional and students will work at their own pace and progress as mastery of material is accomplished.

Arts courses offered each semester

FOUNDATIONS OF ART: 2-D and 3-D Design
This course will enable students to work in both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional media. Students will develop drawing and painting techniques and then complete complementary projects in three dimensions. Students will learn to combine drawing and painting into sculptural works of art. This course provides a solid foundation in many different media, including pencil, charcoal, acrylic, watercolor, wood, plaster, found objects, clay, etc.

PRINT SHOP
This hands-on class will work with the "nuts and bolts" of the School publication productions. Students will have the opportunity to work with photography, printing, layout design for various School functions, including dramatic and musical productions, development office, yearbook, newspaper, etc.

STAGECRAFT
Students will develop technical theatre knowledge relating to lighting, sets, sound and costumes through hands on experience. All students will be required to actively participate in the preparation and running crews of all school performances.

CERAMICS
Students will have an introduction to the potter's wheel; wedging, centering, opening, throwing, shaping, recentering, trimming, drying, and glazing. Handbuilding and decorating will also be covered.

MODERN DANCE
No dance experience is necessary for this course which is co ed. Technique study draws from various sources including Graham, Cunningham, Limon, Hawkins and Horowitz. Composition will be solo work. Improvisation is experimental with emphasis on fun.

ADVANCED MODERN DANCE
This class will offer students an opportunity to continue their dance studies at the next level. Students with an established knowledge of technique will explore more difficult Modern Dance styles, such as Horton and Dunham. There will be a greater emphasis on principles of alignment, connectivity, and expression. Class material will also include studying the current Modern Dance scene, level II partnering and choreography. The class will aim to model a dance company and perform repertoire. Prerequisite: Modern Dance I and II or consent of instructor.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: Orchestra
Any student with a good playing proficiency on an instrument is encouraged to enroll in Instrumental Music. Whether the interest is jazz, rock, or classical, this class will give students the opportunity to work in small ensembles each day in preparation for several performance opportunities throughout the year.

HANDBELLS
Handbell ringing is the ideal medium to develop excellent music reading and performance skills, regardless of past experience. Any student may enroll, as classroom rehearsal experience is all that is necessary for success in this course as we work towards several public performances throughout the year.

WOODWORKING
This class is designed to give students the opportunity to develop good basic woodworking skills and to enjoy the pleasures of creating projects primarily made out of wood. Students will learn to identify and use various traditional hand tools and power tools. Each student will design and construct projects utilizing woodworking techniques covered in the course. No prior woodworking experience is necessary.

WEAVING AND FIBERS
This course will explore the use of the four harness floor loom. Students will warp a loom and weave a sampler which will expose them to a variety of weaves. Next they will plan and measure a project of their choice. This class will also explore various fibers, colors, textures and weaving patterns. Students can weave as many projects as time will allow. Students are encouraged to enter their finished projects at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival in May.

PHOTOGRAPHY (Wet to Dry Lab)
Students will have an opportunity to learn how to play with light and shadow. Both black and white and color images will be developed over the course of the semester. Students will be introduced to the basic workings of the camera and dark room procedures (wet lab). Working on their own level, students will have the opportunity to develop their technical and creative skills in photography. After learning to develop images in a wet lab, students will learn to capture and manipulate digital images through computer technology (dry lab). They will learn to use Photoshop CS2 and Corel Painter 9 to create original graphic images. Students will need to purchase photography paper, film, mounting board, and other materials that will be available in the school bookstore (minimum cost: $60.00).

1st Semester Arts Courses

ARTS AND IDEAS I
This one-half credit semester course will explore the development of music, fine art, architecture, literature and dance in Western civilization from the fall of Rome to 1750. Following the outline of the Fleming text, Arts and Ideas, this survey course will give students a foundation of familiarity and understanding of the arts in Western civilization. Successful completion of both Arts and Ideas I and Arts and Ideas II is required for graduation.

DRAWING
This course will focus on various drawing techniques to develop students' drawing skills. Students will experiment with different media, including pencil, charcoal, ink, oil pastels, and colored pencil. Students will learn the basics of two-dimensional design and learn how to create the illusion of depth and volume. Projects will include drawing from life as well as incorporating personal expression. Prior experience is not necessary.

DRAMA - VIDEO PRODUCTION/ONE ACTS
This course will give students the opportunity to study acting techniques and the elements of video and theatrical productions. Students will learn about and develop acting techniques through monologue and scene study and improvisation exercises. Students will also work with a student run crew to create and direct a one act play or an original video production. This is a one-semester course.

CHORUS
Any student may take Chorus. Students are expected to participate in performances. However, they need not be accomplished singers, they just need to attend and try their best. The chorus performs at school assemblies, Friends House and other places at various times during the semester, including the holidays.

2nd Semester Arts Courses

ARTS AND IDEAS II
This one-half credit semester course will explore the development of music, fine art, architecture, literature and dance in Western civilization from 1750 to the present. Following the outline of the Fleming text Arts and Ideas, this survey course will give students a foundation of familiarity and understanding of the arts in Western civilization. Successful completion of both Arts and Ideas I and Arts and Ideas II is required for graduation.
Prerequisite: Arts and Ideas I.

PAINTING
This course will continue to build upon skills and ideas developed in the Drawing course. Students will be introduced to color theory, mixing paint, and proper use of paint media, including watercolor, acrylic, gouache, tempera, etc. Students will be encouraged to develop problem-solving skills by coming up with original solutions to projects. Projects will foster technical ability as well as personal expression.

MUSICAL PRODUCTION
The annual Sandy Spring musical is a full-length, staged production that culminates several months of musical and dramatic rehearsal. While students have the opportunity to audition for lead roles, the work selected each year clearly focuses on the chorus as the primary dramatic force. No audition is required for participation in the chorus. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

DRAMA - PLAY PRODUCTION
This course will give students the opportunity to experience the process of developing and producing a live theatrical performance. The main focus of this course will be the rehearsal process and performance of the Upper School play. Students will also learn and develop acting techniques through monologue work, scene study, and improvisation exercises in preparation for the production rehearsal process. Only students who have previously taken Drama-Video Production/One Acts at SSFS may sign up for this course, unless otherwise approved by the teacher.

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