(One-semester, Class III elective) This course requires no prior experience with watercolor; the Class IV Visual Art course provides the necessary background. Watercolor is the oldest painting method and represents the fundamental nature of painting as we know it. The elusive nature of combining water and pigment makes it an alluring and challenging medium. Students develop an understanding of the medium and an appreciation of its history as an artistic expression. They are challenged to balance their desire to control the medium while taking advantage of the fluid and often unpredictable nature of water. The course teaches formal concepts of design and composition as well as dry- and wet-brush techniques to help students express themselves artistically and competently. Students are guided through the creation of several paintings, exploring subjects of landscape and still life. Materials are provided.

(One-semester, Class III elective). Many contemporary artists work to combine art materials in new and exciting ways, pushing the boundaries of form and function. In this course, students will explore how artists activate 3-dimensional space and utilize both traditional and non-traditional materials to engage with the viewer. Students will create both functional and sculptural art objects through a variety of approaches to art-making, including ceramics, mixed media, and more.

(One-semester, Class III elective) Woodworking is a craft that produces pieces both beautiful and functional, requiring an eye for design as well as a consideration of structure and engineering. As woodworking success depends upon a knowledge and understanding of the natural properties of the medium, this elective focuses on both the theory and practice of woodcraft. Students are introduced to traditional tools and techniques as well as machine woodworking practices. With opportunities to build guided projects, students are encouraged to customize their pieces based on their own skills and creativity. The course covers the history and evolution of furniture design with a focus on American styles. No prior knowledge of woodworking is required. Students, however, are expected to practice and develop proper woodworking techniques diligently so as to use tools safely and effectively.

(Full-year elective open to boys in Classes I and II) Applied Art is a studio-based art course, emphasizing the discovery and development of the artist. Students will utilize the Studio Habits of Mind philosophy to expand and evolve their practice while deepening their critical eye. Through critiques, the study of art history, and art show installations, students broaden their artistic thinking. This course allows freedom of choice in medium, subject matter, and experimentation. Students can expect to be continually creating and improving their art.

Topics in Art is a yearlong, half-credit course open to boys in Class I, with approval from a member of the Arts Department. Topics in Art is an independently-driven study in a specific area of artistic passion. The topic is chosen by the student and then worked on throughout the year with the appropriate faculty member. Though not an exhaustive list, potential topics include woodworking, digital arts, studio arts, music composition, production or performance, technical theater arts, and theater arts. This course is designed for boys of varying experience with a desire to advance in a particular area of the arts; students are encouraged, however, to take art electives in their junior year in preparation. A student may take Topics in Art in addition to his five major courses.

(One-semester, Class III elective) This is a hands-on class in the elements of theatrical performance. We begin the semester with simple circle exercises, improvisation games, status scenes, and vocal work using the Prologue from Shakespeare’s Henry V or other texts from Shakespeare. We follow this with “story theater” exercises focusing on character and “given circumstances,” in particular narratives based on the familiar styles of crime dramas and dream narratives. The first performance project involves a monologue which all students take part in choosing, rehearsing, and performing. Chosen from a variety of sources, the monologues are drawn from a variety of contemporary, classic or Shakespearean plays. These individual projects are followed by an introduction to stage combat in which students prepare scenes with brief dialogue and then extend them with carefully choreographed sequences of stage combat. Two types of stage combat have been offered over the years: rapier and dagger (using dowels in the place of authentic weapons), and hand-to-hand combat. The course concludes with the rehearsal and performance of two- and three-person scenes, and if time allows scenes may be performed before a small audience of classmates.

(One-semester, Class III elective) In this course, students investigate a variety of ways in which music has an impact on our lives. Students begin by researching an artist of their choice in preparation for in-class presentations. The relationship between music and images is explored in units on music videos and movie soundtracks. The course also provides students at all levels of musical ability with opportunities to compose and perform their own works, including a unit on songwriting, with an emphasis on lyrics, melodies, chord progressions, and beats.

Advanced Music Theory is an elective course in composition, analysis, and history offered to Classes I and II. Harmony and counterpoint, the principal elements of Western music theory, are explored in depth, and also placed within the context of the development of Western musical thought from the Middle Ages to the present day. Individual as well as group projects are aimed at exploring the relationships among music theory, composition, and performance. To this end, students compose a number of pieces, including a major work at the end of the year. In addition to forming sound analytical and compositional techniques, students are expected to develop keen aural perception, sight singing, and score reading skills.