Fine and Performing Arts Department

In this course students are introduced to the fundamental characteristics and function of the theatre. The students will learn basic roles of the playwright, director, actor, designer, and technicians. Work on the set of the three main stage productions will also be included as part of the curriculum. Attending Coffeehouse, the musical, and the drama is required.

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Acting

2 Semesters, ½ Credit

Students continue their study of acting through a variety of exercises and projects. We will explore basic relaxation techniques, improvisation, vocalization, and characterization through scenes and theatre games. Focus on the physicality of the actor will also play a large part of this course. The class will culminate with a showcase performance of their work. Work on the set of the three main stage productions will also be included as part of the curriculum. Attending Coffeehouse, the musical, and the drama is required.

Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Theatre, or permission of the instructor.

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One Act Plays	Fall Semester, ½ Credit
This course focuses on the selection, preparation, and performance of one-act plays. Special attention is given to characterization, scene analysis, and a deeper understanding of acting technique as applied to the dramatic structure of the one-act. Plays are presented at the end of the semester in a Showcase of One-Acts. This opportunity enables the actor to grow and develop in a way that only a major performance challenge can provide. Work on the set of the main stage productions will also be included as part of the curriculum. Attending one of the main stage productions is required. Prerequisite: Completion of Acting, or permission of the instructor.
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Playwriting	Spring Semester, ½ Credit
This course is designed to familiarize students with the dramatic art, examining plot, characterization, theatricality, and other elements of the playwright’s craft. The course functions as a playwriting workshop as students present exercises in class to be discussed by their peers. Utilizing techniques learned, students will begin work on a one-act play. Work on the set of the main stage productions will also be included as part of the curriculum. Attending one of the main stage productions is required. Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Theatre course, or permission of the instructor.
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Theatre Craft	2 Semesters, ½ Credit
In this course students (grades 10, 11, and 12) will learn aspects of technical theatre. This will include set design and construction, creating make-up special effects (such as aging, bruising, scars, and bleeding on stage), manufacturing props, special effect painting, lighting and sound. The students will be expected to participate in the designing and building of the sets for the school's productions. Work gloves and safety goggles will be required when using the power tools. Students are required to work three hours outside of the class periods on Coffeehouse, the musical, and the drama. They are also required to attend one performance of each of these productions.
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Chorale	2 Semesters, ½ Credit
The Chorale is the principle choral performing ensemble of Moravian Academy. It is open to students in grades 9-12 who demonstrate musical ability and an interest in singing. A wide variety of choral literature will be prepared for public performances at "Coffeehouse," the Moravian Academy Christmas Vespers, and the Academy's Spring Concert. Members are required to participate in all performances to receive credit. An audition may be required by the instructor for all students new to the group.
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Moravian Academy Chamber Singers	2 Semesters, ½ Credit
The Moravian Academy Chamber Singers is a small select vocal ensemble chosen by audition from members of the Chorale. Emphasis will be given to the preparation of more advanced choral literature in an appropriate musical style, and the perfection of group vocal technique through ensemble, sectional, and individual rehearsal. The Moravian Academy Chamber Singers are the musical ambassadors of Moravian Academy and perform at both school functions and throughout the community.
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Construction of Music	2 Semesters, 1 Credit
Students are introduced to the primary elements of music theory, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and form. These concepts are reinforced through the development of practical skills such as ear training and music notation, and eventually through experiencing the compositional process from beginning to end as the students generate original musical ideas. The emphasis will be on practical analytical and compositional skills as experienced through the work of other composers as well as through their own compositional endeavors.
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Orchestra	2 Semesters, ½ Credit
Students learn and perform music chosen from a wide variety of orchestral and band literature. This group is comprised of standard orchestral instruments: woodwinds, brass, string, and percussion. Up to two pianists, two bass guitarists and two standard guitarists can participate in the orchestra. They must be approved by audition or permission of the instructor. The orchestra performs for various school and social functions. Open to all students with previous musical instruction and ability to read musical notation.
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String Quartet	2 Semesters, ½ Credit
The string quartet is an ensemble that will provide the school's more advanced string instrumentalists with an opportunity to work on more advanced music and to perform in public with greater frequency. Among the topics to be covered are rehearsal techniques (the group will be expected to rehearse on its own from time to time), Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century repertoire, intonation, balance, and musical independence. Admission to this musical group is by audition only. In order to be eligible for this group, students must be enrolled in the upper school orchestra.
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Jazz History	2 Semesters, ½ Credit
In this course, students will study the evolution of American Jazz music from ragtime to 21st century jazz. Included will be units on the blues, Dixieland, and 20th Century popular music. Students will also be introduced to the basic elements of improvisation. Ability to read musical notation is not required, but recommended. Open to qualified juniors and seniors.
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Jazz Band	2 Semesters, ½ Credit
The Jazz Band is a special ensemble for instrumentalists interested in playing jazz in a group setting, with a strong focus on improvisation. Members are required to participate in all performances to receive credit. Students must audition or have permission of the instructor to take this course, and must be current members of the Orchestra. The Jazz Band meets twice a week.
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MA Handbell Ensemble	2 Semesters, ½ Credit
This ensemble serves as an introduction to handbell ringing at the Upper School. Students will learn a variety of ringing skills and techniques while exploring repertoire to be performed at the Christmas Vespers service and the Spring Concert, as well as some chapel services during the year. Important concepts in musicianship and music theory will be addressed as well. Performances are mandatory and comprise a major portion of the grade for the class. Beginning ringers with some musical background are encouraged to join this group. Handbell experience, while not necessary, would be of great value to a member of this ensemble.
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Moravian Academy Ringers	2 Semesters, ½ Credit
Handbell ringing is the ultimate in ensemble performance experiences, as each performer has sole responsibility for the notes which are assigned to them. The Moravian Academy Ringers perform for upper school chapels, Christmas Vespers, and the Spring Concert as well as for occasional concerts in the community. Their repertoire is comprised of arrangements of music written for other instruments as well as original music written especially for handbells. Membership is restricted to those students with prior handbell experience or permission of the instructor.
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Introduction to Art	2 Semesters, ½ Credit
Offers a variety of 2 and 3 dimensional art experiences which build upon the formal qualities of making art. Multi-cultural, discipline-based and computer technology supported lessons are the foundation for the studio components such as charcoal and pastel drawings and hand building with firing clay. This course is a prerequisite for all art courses. Required for ninth graders.
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Design: Thinking and Innovation	1 semester (five days a week), ½ Credit
Do you like to think “outside the box”? Are you a natural born designer seeking to create a more successful solution to an existing design problem? Can shifting your current approach in thinking offer innovative ideas for objects yet to be created? In this class, students will observe human behavior and quickly identify a design problem in modern life. They will research any existing solutions to the problem, rethink/redesign that solution (or start fresh), research materials (with a special emphasis on enviro-friendly methods and materials), and build and test their own prototype. Students will complete both individual and group projects. Within this course’s framework, move your idea from thought to three dimensional form and explore how working on your own as well as within a team will assist you in discovering your design potential. Prerequisite: Intro to Art or permission of teacher
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Introduction to Ceramics/Pottery	1 semester (five days a week), ½ Credit
This Fine Arts offering is designed to introduce students to the excitement of working with clay in a variety of ways: functional, nonfunctional and sculptural. Techniques taught will include both hand-building and an introduction to the potter’s wheel. Emphasis will be on the technical and aesthetic considerations as well as historic and cultural perspectives. Prerequisite: Intro to Art or permission of teacher
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Photography I	2 Semesters, ½ Credit
Open to tenth (by permission of the instructor), eleventh and twelfth graders who have completed Introduction to Art, this course is the foundation course in photography. Students are introduced to basic techniques in handling the camera, shooting and developing film, and printing techniques. In addition, they will develop an awareness of the aesthetic aspects of modern photography. A lab fee of $150 is required.
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Photography II	2 Semesters, ½ Credit
Students who enjoyed Photo I will benefit from this more creative approach to photography. It is assumed, in this selection, that students have mastered the basics and are now prepared to develop their own style in their photographic projects. Computer and digital imagery will also be introduced at this level. A lab fee of $150 is required.
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Digital Publications	2 Semesters (meeting three times per week), ½ Credit
Digital Publications is a course where students learn industry standard software, graphic design, journalism, in addition to photography and layout techniques. Students will use InDesign CS3 and Adobe Photoshop to create an original yearbook for the community. Time permitting, students will design and produce brochures, playbills, flyers, etc. regarding productions and activities at the school. Students need to be highly self-motivated, creative, inventive, imaginative individuals who can meet deadlines, stay organized and enthusiastic! The primary task of the class will be to plan, design, layout, and produce the 2008-2009 edition of The Legacy, Moravian Academy’s yearbook. After completion of the last deadline, students will focus on planning the next edition of The Legacy. The goal of the course is to develop life skills that will last beyond the completion of the main project, a memory book of the year.
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Artforms	2 Semesters, ½ Credit
Building upon the basic art making foundations studied in Intro to Art, this course is designed for those students interested in further developing their skills, knowledge and appreciation for a wide breadth of processes found within the fine arts. Projects most likely will include: observational drawing, atmospheric and linear perspective, painting, collage and printmaking. If time allows or general demand dictates, working three dimensionally will also be included.
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Portfolio II, III	2 Semesters, ½ Credit , 1 Credit
Art work created through observation is the focus of this course. Students study the art forms of drawing, printmaking, painting and multi-media. Lessons are sequentially advanced year by year. Projects such as drawing from a model to create etchings and lithographs, setting up still lifes, painting landscapes and monotypes provide students with a body of work with which to build a portfolio. Hands on assignments take full advantage of dovetailing beautifully with current computer software programs and technological support. Portfolio II is a ½ credit course which meets 3 times per week. Portfolio III is a one credit course which meets 5 times per week. Prerequisite: Portfolio I
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Introduction to Woodworking	2 Semesters, ½ Credit (satisfies the fine arts requirement)
This course introduces students to the basic elements of woodworking. The course includes studying the types, characteristics, properties, and uses of both softwoods and hardwoods. Students learn the proper safe techniques for the use of both power tools and hand tools including various saws, planer, router, lathe, chisels, rasps, and sanders. Students learn the proper sanding and finishing techniques, including the advantages of various finishes such as stains, varnishes and polyurethanes. Students design and create both group projects and individual projects throughout the year. Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
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Woodworking: A Community Service Project	2 Semesters (meeting three times per week), ½ Credit
Students as a group will identify a specific need, one that can be adequately addressed by the woodworking students, within the local community. Once an appropriate need is identified and agreed upon the students will work with the organization best equipped to handle that particular need and will work as a group to complete a project to address that need. Students will learn not only how to identify and address a need but also how to design as a group and how to do production runs in a woodshop environment. Prerequisite: Introduction to Woodworking
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Advanced Woodworking	2 Semesters, ½ credit
This class will build on the lessons learned in the Introduction to Woodworking course. Students will learn how to hone their burgeoning skills to design and build more complex and involved wood projects from furniture to sculpture. Emphasis will be placed on originality and the skills necessary to bring a level of sophistication to the ideas themselves and the finished product. Prerequisite: Introduction to Woodworking
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