PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS

INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCAL MUSIC ENSEMBLES

The Instrumental and Vocal Music Program is designed to extend the boundaries of the Oxbridge student beyond the limits of the standard high school curriculum. Both Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles share a similar core.

Instruction includes a significant Music Literacy component (somewhat similar to the traditional music theory), music technologies, and interdisciplinary connections with mathematics, physics, language, history, etc. We derive contexts for music making from classical, folk, traditional, and popular music of the United States of America and beyond. Additionally, emphasis is given to sight-reading and aural skill development. Lastly, our students receive instruction in computer hardware and software for digital sound and digital media, including the fundamentals of MIDI sequencing and techniques for producing electroacoustic music and their own compositions.

As a student-centered institution, the specific types of string, woodwind, brass, percussion, piano, and vocal groups, may vary from year to year. During our first year of Oxbridge life, we have formed a very active Instrumental Ensemble, which performs unique arrangements of classical and popular works, a Vocal Ensemble, focusing on both traditional and modern repertoire (i.e. Glee). Next spring, in cooperation with out Theater students, we will be presenting the Broadway hit Spelling Bee, performed by our school-wide musical theater group called Oxbridge Players.

AP MUSIC THEORY
PREREQUISITE: Instrumental or Vocal Music

The AP Music Theory course roughly parallels the content of a college freshman year theory course although some of the topics included are usually covered quite late in the undergraduate course of study. Significant critical/analytical/ creative thinking skills are fostered in most parts of the course, and especially in considerations of texture, harmonic progression, formal structuring, and style. AP Examination questions emphasize the synthesis of musical knowledge into usable musical understanding; the final question on the test asks students to compose music in an 18th century idiom. It is the goal of this course to gain knowledge of musical elements (melody, harmony, form, rhythm, meter, texture, timbre, etc.) and use this knowledge through various listening, singing, writing, analytical, and creative activities to develop various speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills associated with the language of music. Students are expected to achieve fluency with the terminology and symbols used to describe musical elements, including their interaction.

ACTING 1
PREREQUISITES: None

This course is about using the students’ imaginations and acting skills to achieve a performance and gain a greater sense of self. We will explore the concept of “Who Am I” and “Who Are We” as a group and use theatrical tools to help achieve this. The class will focus on technique, explore each actor’s imagination and personal experiences, and ultimately harness these energies into their own process of working. The basic tenet of the class is that each student brings themselves to their work. Even though this sounds simple, this is one of the hardest things to teach and one of the hardest things for a student to achieve. Through this basic tenet, we will make sure each student knows that they can be simple, honest, themselves and theatrically viable. The class will utilize exercises in writing, self awareness and confidence, improvisation, singing, scene work, audition technique, interviewing, cold readings and will culminate in a student written performance. By the end of the course, each student will be able to better understand their own process of working, and will gain more self-confidence that they can utilize in all aspects of their lives.

ACTING 2
PREREQUISITE: Acting 1

This class is suitable for students who have had theater classes before, as well as having stage experience and want to continue their love of theater. This class will result in a performance-based piece. 

INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS

This semester course provides opportunities for authentic learning experiences that help students make connections within the arts and across disciplines. Through the discovery of the interconnectivity of concepts between and among disciplines, students will develop a depth of understanding of concepts not achieved through discipline-specific study. The Interdisciplinary Arts curriculum allows for students to combine cognitive and creative aspects of learning through creative expression of interdisciplinary concepts. Students will discover connections across disciplines through the arts and have opportunities for creative expression of their learning through the arts. They will be asked to take artistic risks and interpret and communicate their discoveries through the visual, musical, and theatrical arts.

STUDIO ART 1
PREREQUISITES: None

In Studio Art students will develop their visual and conceptual skills by using visual art as an essential means of communication. Students will develop a practical and theoretical understanding of various art media through studio work, research, discussion and critiques. A wide range of materials and techniques will be studied, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media. Students will be encouraged to investigate art from various cultural, social and historical backgrounds, and to be aware of the arts in the contemporary world. The pursuit of ideas and creative thinking will be continually developed, in tandem with the development of sound technical skills.

STUDIO ART 2
PREREQUISITES: Studio Art 1

In Studio Art 2, students can follow multiple media tracks or specialize in one or more media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, architectural modeling, and printmaking.

ADVANCED STUDIO ART
PREREQUISITES: Studio Art 2

In Advanced Studio Art, students can follow multiple media tracks or specialize in one or more media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, architectural modeling, and printmaking.

DIRECTED STUDY: VISUAL ART
PREREQUISITE: Advanced Studio Art/Advanced Photography/Other art courses

This advanced topics course is a self-directed course in student’s chosen media/content, including portfolio development for art school candidates.

ART HISTORY

Art History is offered as such with the option of a supplemental curriculum to prepare the student for the AP Exam.

PHOTOGRAPHY 1
PREREQUISITES: None

Photography I explores the practical and conceptual fundamentals of photography through field and studio assignments, research, readings and discussions. The history of photography and contemporary applications will be introduced, leading to a broad understanding of photography and its possibilities. Both traditional and digital photography techniques will be explored, including an introduction to the film and digital camera and related printing processes.

PHOTOGRAPHY 2
PREREQUISITE: Photography 1

This course further explores the photographic image using traditional and digital photography. Students will consider the role of lens-based vision, along with issues of scale, editing, and presentation. They will be encouraged to experiment with alterative processes and approaches to photography, and gain a critical understanding of vernacular, fine art, documentary, journalistic and commercial photography applications. Historical and contemporary photography will be studied in relation to student research, photography practice and interests.

ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY
PREREQUISITE: Photography 2

ARCHITECTURAL MODELING
PREREQUISITES: None

This course builds on the fundamental principals of three-dimensional thinking that inform the design, planning and building of architectural forms in real space. Architectural history, mechanical drawing, and model construction will be studied. Students will be encouraged to explore architectural space as it relates to environment, materials, function and atmosphere. Architectural design concepts will be expressed through innovative three-dimensional models constructed with appropriate materials. Students will be encouraged to investigate historical and contemporary architecture from around the world, and develop an understanding of its practical and aesthetic values.

DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION
PREREQUISITES: None

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts, technologies and methods of digital media production. Particular attention will be given to the role and value of the creative design process in the development of visual thought and communication. Training in Adobe Creative Suite software, visual logic and typography, HTML, web design and build, motion graphics, film and video, 3D graphics, sound editing and digital project management will be combined with readings on the historical, political and cultural significance of digital media. During the course each student will design and build a personal web site to showcase their digital coursework.