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Arts

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY

The Arts Department instills in students a lifelong commitment to the creative arts and the world of imagination. Through a common core of arts in the curriculum, extracurricular opportunities for developing individual talents, and a consistent exposure to the rich cultural resources of the nation’s capital, students work toward a comprehensive understanding and appreciation for all the arts, and the ability to communicate proficiently in at least one art form.

Students who wish to focus their talents and energies toward serious training in the arts over four years are able to prepare for an arts major or studies at the college level. Knowing and understanding the arts, through active participation and experience, are vital to the development of students' minds and values—inseparable from the rest of their Episcopal education.

REQUIREMENTS

The Arts Department has a one-credit requirement for all students entering in the ninth grade. Entering 10th and 11th graders must earn one-half credit. All ninth graders must take an introductory level arts elective. Another one-half credit in the performing or applied visual arts is required for graduation. Artistically talented ninth graders may take an additional arts course in their first year.

OBJECTIVES

All graduates should:
  • Be able to discuss arts disciplines using their knowledge of appropriate concepts and vocabulary;
  • Approach proficiency in at least one art form, including the ability to problem- solve through reason and creativity;
  • Be able to analyze works of art through perceptual discovery and historical/cultural placement; and
  • Be aware of the interdisciplinary connections between the arts disciplines, including shared knowledge and common skills.

  • Advanced Audio Engineering 4

    This is a capstone course allowing students to capitalize on their experiences in the previous classes. Students embark on individual projects, allowing them to create an EP from start to finish. Students have access to professional musicians and can produce original or covered music. Prerequisite: Honors Audio Engineering, plus instructor approval. (One-half credit)

  • Advanced Music Theory

    This course builds and solidifies skills typical of a freshman college course and enables students to create and perform their own compositions. This course will prepare the student for the AP exam. Prerequisite: Intro to Music Theory. By department permission. (One-Half Credit)

  • Advanced Studio Art: 2D Design (Drawing/Painting)

    This course will prepare the student for the AP exam. It addresses a very broad interpretation of two-dimensional design issues. This type of design involves purposeful decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. Artists use the elements of design (line, shape, illusion of motion, pattern, texture, value, and color) to express themselves. By department permission. Prerequisites: Drawing 1 and Painting 1 OR Photography 1 & 2 (One-half Credit)

  • Advanced Studio Art: 2D Design (Photography)

    This course will prepare the student for the AP exam. It addresses a very broad interpretation of two-dimensional design issues. This type of design involves purposeful decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. Artists use the elements of design (line, shape, illusion of motion, pattern, texture, value, and color) to express themselves. By department permission. Prerequisites: Drawing 1 and Painting 1 OR Photography 1 & 2 (One-half Credit)

  • Advanced Studio Art: 3D Design

    This course will prepare the student for the AP exam. It addresses a broad interpretation of sculptural issues in depth and space. These may include mass, volume, form, plane, light and texture. Such elements and concepts can be articulated through additive, subtractive and/or fabrication processes. A variety of approaches to representation, abstraction and expression may be part of the student’s portfolio. By department permission. Prerequisites: Ceramics 1 and 2. (One Credit)

  • Advanced Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio

    This course will prepare the student for the AP exam. It addresses a very broad interpretation of drawing issues and media. Light and shade, line quality, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, and illusion of depth are drawing issues that can be addressed through a variety of means. Many works of painting, printmaking and mixed media, as well as abstract, observational and inventive works may qualify. Students will generate 30 original art works. By department permission. Prerequisites: Drawing 1 and Painting 1. (One Credit)

  • Audio Engineering 1

    This course focuses on digital music production utilizing MIDI, Virtual Instruments, Loops, and Sound Effects. Students explore the basics of music theory and the physics of sound, as well as master a Digital Audio Workstation to provide the tools for high-quality audio production. This class features a hybrid assessment approach allowing students to experience both traditional and project-based assessments. Musical experience is unnecessary, but a love of music is highly encouraged. (One-half credit)

  • Audio Engineering 2

    This course is designed as a continuation of the concepts discussed in Audio Engineering 1. Students focus on the role of Mixing Engineers, focusing on mixing techniques such as balancing, panning, equalization, compression, and reverb. Classes utilize project-oriented assignments focusing on sound analysis, manipulation, correction, and creative uses of mixing resources. Students use the skills and techniques studied in the preliminary course and continue to develop skills relative to their individual musical interests. Prerequisite: Audio Engineering 1. (One-half credit)

  • Ceramics 1

    This course introduces students to the basic principles of working with clay. Experiences include hand building, wheel-throwing, clay sculpture, and kiln firing. (One-half credit)

  • Ceramics 2

    This course continues a student’s development of the principles and techniques introduced in Ceramics 1. Students investigate design aspects of wheel-thrown pottery and create hand-built sculptural work. Ceramics 2 emphasizes attention to craftsmanship and encourages the exploration of glaze application. Prerequisite: Ceramics 1. (One-half credit)

  • Concert Choir

    Concert Choir is a mixed chorus comprised largely of students new to singing in an ensemble. This group is open to students from all grade levels and focuses daily on developing skills in listening and singing as part of an ensemble. Students work to develop healthy vocal technique and express text and musical ideas clearly and effectively in several languages through the exploration of choral repertoire from a wide variety of periods, styles, and genres. Singers perform throughout the year as part of chapel services, concerts, and other school functions, as well as occasional off-campus events. Concert Choir often collaborates with the Chamber Singers for performances throughout the year. Students develop confidence as musicians while enjoying a unique experience of camaraderie and shared musical enjoyment. No audition required. (One Credit)

  • Concert Choir

    Concert Choir is a mixed chorus comprised largely of students new to singing in an ensemble. This group is open to students from all grade levels and focuses daily on developing skills in listening and singing as part of an ensemble. Students work to develop healthy vocal technique and express text and musical ideas clearly and effectively in several languages through the exploration of choral repertoire from a wide variety of periods, styles, and genres. Singers perform throughout the year as part of chapel services, concerts, and other school functions, as well as occasional off-campus events. Concert Choir often collaborates with the Chamber Singers for performances throughout the year. Students develop confidence as musicians while enjoying a unique experience of camaraderie and shared musical enjoyment. No audition required. (One Credit)

  • Digital Graphics

    In Digital Graphics, students will learn how to create engaging and attractive visual designs that communicate their ideas with purpose and panache. The class emphasizes graphic design fundamentals, including composition, color theory, and typography, while also striving to cultivate an awareness of one’s audience and marketing target. Using two professional software programs from Adobe (Photoshop® and Illustrator®), students will create a variety of designs in a project-based curriculum, including posters, T-shirts, logos, and short animation. (One-half credit)

  • Digital Graphics 2

    This course focuses on further development of the technical and design skills acquired in our Digital Graphics I course. It assists students in increasing their understanding of digital design/art, and developing the technical and conceptual aspect of their work. Each project explores different technical and stylistic approaches that target a specific marketing audience, a specific theme, and the student’s own ability to “think outside the box”, as they pursue a higher level of proficiency in the design details. Students may take on design commission work, competitions, and work on projects that are of interest to them. (One-half credit)

  • Digital Video Production

    This course will serve as an introduction into the art of video production. Students will learn the basics of script writing and development, videography, acting/directing for the Camera, basic graphics and animation and video editing. We will focus on quality and not quantity in film creation. Projects will include experimentations in "cuts", short news reports and a final short film project (among others). No previous experience is necessary, and no acting-for-the-camera is required (you can act in projects or find actors to work with.) (One-half credit)

  • Drawing 1

    “Drawing from life” whereby you take view of an object, place, or person and transfer that vision of the real onto a two-dimensional work, is a challenging task. This course first helps students to “see” their world, and then we train their hand to work off of that critical observation. The students will work through ideas of line and value using a variety of media that include pen and ink, pencil, charcoal, and chalk. During this one-semester course, specific areas of study are the human figure, still life, landscape, and perspective. Students also study master artists’ works. Course work is supplemented with tours to area museums and galleries. Students will generate 5-10 original works of art. (One-half credit)

  • Guitar 1

    This class is geared for the novice guitarist and for the student who has some experience with guitar but who has never had formal training. It includes the study of guitar as it relates to music history, note reading and basic theory, and instruction in guitar playing and techniques. Students will see and hear accomplished guitarists in a variety of settings. The students may bring their own instruments, but class guitars are available. Students should also expect to participate in group public performances during the semester. (One-half credit)

  • Honors Audio Engineering 3

    This course is designed as a continuation of the concepts discussed in Audio Engineering 1 and 2. Students focus on the role of Recording Engineers, exploring microphones, microphone placement, studio recording techniques, and overall recording session logistics. Classes utilize project-oriented assignments focusing on the creation of quality recordings and the utilization of advanced post-production techniques. Prerequisite: Audio Engineering 2, plus instructor approval. (One-half credit)

  • Instrumental Ensemble: Percussion

    This course is designed for the beginner/experienced musician. In addition to the daily school class schedule, enrolled students participate in a weekly private lesson with an adjunct faculty member. Students perform and learn a wide array of music and progress incrementally in basic understanding of music theory, music history, improvisation, analytical listening and instrumental technique. (Additional fee required, financial aid available.) (One Credit)

  • Instrumental Ensemble: Strings

    This course is designed for the beginner/experienced musician. In addition to the daily school class schedule, enrolled students participate in a weekly private lesson with an adjunct faculty member. Students perform and learn a wide array of music and progress incrementally in basic understanding of music theory, music history, improvisation, analytical listening and instrumental technique. (Additional fee required, financial aid available.) (One Credit)

  • Instrumental Ensemble: Woodwinds & Brass

    This course is designed for the beginner/experienced musician. In addition to the daily school class schedule, enrolled students participate in a weekly private lesson with an adjunct faculty member. Students perform and learn a wide array of music and progress incrementally in basic understanding of music theory, music history, improvisation, analytical listening and instrumental technique. (Additional fee required, financial aid available.) (One Credit)

  • Motion Graphics

    Students will develop an augmented reality, interactive tour around our campus that highlights displays across the school. The course introduces students to creative techniques by which they can communicate ideas, messages, and information in the exciting medium of motion graphics. While our primary focus is on producing innovative, informative, and engaging graphics for Augmented Reality around campus, students will also cultivate the technical and visual-organization skills needed for integrating design, photo imaging, video, sound, and animation. This course is open to students who have taken a Digital Graphics I or Digital Video Production course, or students with equivalent skills/experience.

  • Movement for the Athlete

    This course is for athletes who want to increase muscular strength and endurance, boost motor fitness, tone muscles, and help manage body weight. We introduce fundamental strength training through Yoga/Pilates, hands-on bodywork and basic movement sequences designed to help prevent injury as well as build core strength, coordination and overall physical mobility and stability. (One-half Credit)

  • Painting 1

    This course is designed to teach students about color and composition using the medium of painting. During this one-semester course, students will learn about color concepts and relationships through formal study and color-mixing exercises that resolve into finished works. Painting from life, students will tackle a variety of subjects including, but not limited to, still-life, portraiture, landscape, and abstraction. Art history components are incorporated into class assignments. Course work is supplemented with tours to area museums and galleries. (One-half credit)

  • Photography 1

    This basic course provides students with a working knowledge of the 35-mm camera and the processes for developing black and white film and photographs. It includes the technical aspects of exposure, lenses and metering, and artistic considerations of composition and lighting. Digital imagery is incorporated into all aspects of the class. The course includes Web page construction. Off-campus photo opportunity trips are part of the course. Students need a 35-mm camera, preferably adjustable. (One-half credit)

  • Photography 2

    This course goes beyond the basic skills learned in Photo 1. Students begin with analyzing formalism in composition and then take that information into each successive project. The students will investigate documentary photography, digital mixed-media Photoshop techniques, and portrait work (to name a few). With each unit covered, a companion essay is composed. All of the work created during the semester is made into a photo-essay coffee-table style book. Additionally, the class will tour and relate historical works as they apply to studio assignments. Prerequisites: Photo 1 (One-half credit)

  • Portfolio: Ceramics

    This course is for serious ceramics students only. Elements of wheel-throwing and hand-building from the two previous levels will be pursued. Students are encouraged to develop their own interests in ceramics and glaze application. Additionally, students are expected to produce work during and outside of scheduled class periods. By department permission. Prerequisites: Ceramics 1 and 2. (One-half credit)

  • Portfolio: Photography

    This course is for serious photography students only. Elements of photography introduced in the previous two levels will be pursued. With an emphasis on independently explored subject matter, students are given the freedom to create work that interests them. By department permission. Prerequisites: Photography 1 and 2. (One-half credit)

  • Survey of Dance

    This course is intended as a dance sampler. Students are exposed to a variety of dance styles such as ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop and a variety of movement theories appropriate for students in the performing arts. (One-half credit)

  • Theatre Arts 1: Introduction to Theatre

    Students will analyze, interpret, and evaluate dramatic literature and theatrical works. The course emphasizes foundational concepts, ensemble work, and skill development and provides theatrical opportunities for students to determine areas of personal interest. This course serves as an introduction to the theatre arts. Students investigate theatre as a whole by exploring the techniques and origins of a wide variety of theatre arts in various cultures and periods. (One-half credit)

  • Theatre Arts 2: Dramatic Literature and Theatre History

    Through various modes of expression and performance, students investigate dramatic literature, theatrical styles, and historical periods. They study and respond to a variety of theatrical experiences that refine their communicative, collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills. Students expand their artistic abilities by examining a variety of creative and technical roles in performance and production. (One-half Credit)

  • Theatre Arts 3: Honors Theatre

    Studies the artistic, technical, management, and performance elements of a live theatre production. As a part of the planning, rehearsal, and performance, students assume positions of responsibility and demonstrate basic knowledge and skills in acting, directing, artistic criticism, script analysis, staging, character creation, vocal techniques, and physical movement. Students recognize the responsibilities of the producer, director, actors, designers, technicians, and managers through collaboration in the creation of a theatre performance. (One-half Credit)

  • Theatre Arts 4: Advanced Acting and Directing

    Enhances Level-three skills, focusing on student direction, playwriting, and design. (One-half Credit)

Department Faculty

1200 North Quaker Lane
Alexandria, Virginia 22302
703-933-3000