Course Offerings
Course ID
Course Title (click on title for course description)
Term
AM501
Chorus
1
Get in touch with your creative center through your singing voice. Learn singing techniques and the enjoyment of singing in a group. This class will also focus on rudimentary sight reading, ear training and style interpretation skills. There will be several occasions each semester during which the group will perform. This is an opportunity for beginner vocalists to become engaged in the artistic life of the Taft School community. Credit is given on a pass fail basis. Open to all students.
AM502
Class Piano I
2
This piano course is designed for students with no previous piano training. It emphasizes the necessary skills to play the piano long after the course has been completed. Music reading, counting, hand position, and rudimentary technical skills are stressed through the mastery of beginning piano repertoire. There are written quizzes and tests as well as playing quizzes. Open to all students, but limited to 9 per class section.
AM503
Class Piano I
1
This piano course is designed for students with no previous piano training. It emphasizes the necessary skills to play the piano long after the course has been completed. Music reading, counting, hand position, and rudimentary technical skills are stressed through the mastery of beginning piano repertoire. There are written quizzes and tests as well as playing quizzes. Open to all students, but limited to 9 per class section.
AM504
Music of the Stage
2
In this course, students will have the chance to understand and appreciate the history of the Broadway Musical through film. The class will trace this art form from its European roots, consider the importance of minstrelsy, vaudeville, operetta and burlesque in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and take a close look at the Golden Age of musicals on film, starting in the 1940s with such shows as Showboat(Kern), Oklahoma, Carousel(Rodgers & Hammerstein),West Side Story(Bernstein), Sweeney Todd(Sondheim), Hair, Chorus Line, and Miss Saigon. Finally, we will take an inside look at some of the musicals of Alan Menkin(Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Hunchback of Notre Dame), in which Mr.Fifer, the class teacher, performed as a singer for each of these Disney films. There will be trips to performances currently running on Broadway or in Equity regional theaters near Taft. Evaluation will be based on a journal, quizzes and class projects. Open to Middlers, Upper Middlers, and Seniors.
AM505
Electronic Music
1
No prior music training is necessary for this course. Students will learn basic principles of music theory and apply them towards original works using the midi studio. Evaluation will be based on quizzes, aural exams, efficient demonstration of technology in the lab, and several compositions, including a three to five minute final project. Open to all students, but limited to 10 per class section.
AM506
History of Rock Music
2
The course is based on a careful balance of musical and historical analysis from early minstrel shows and operettas through the beginnings of rock and roll and up to new wave, reggae, and rap bands. Students will trace the flow of popular musical styles that have evolved into today's diverse rock music forms. Besides styles, the course will examine major groups, rock bands, and soloists. Evaluation is based upon quizzes, projects, listening assignments, and papers. Open to all students.
AM520
Chamber Ensemble
Y
This course serves the advanced performers on any classical instrument by providing supervised study of their instrument in ensemble playing. Students are expected to practice daily on their own and to travel outside the school to play for various audiences. The course is graded on the basis of student performance of the pieces studied and may be taken more than once. Open to students by audition only.
AM530
Jazz Workshop
Y
Emphasis in this workshop is on interpreting music in the large jazz ensemble and increasing each student's personal skill in instrumental music, leading to several concerts presented both in and out of school. Commitment to excellence is expected. Students are required to practice daily on their own. The course is graded and may be taken more than once. Open to all students by audition only.
AM540
Collegium Musicum
Y
Taft's showcase choir rehearses as an advanced course in vocal and choral musicianship and is designed for the more serious student singer who is interested in performing the masterworks of the repertoire. Emphasis is on personal, musical, and intellectual responsibility. Critical thinking is stressed; students learn to draw technical and stylistic inferences from the music studied in class. Evaluation is based on both performance and preparation. The group performs often, both at school and away, and in recent years during spring break, has gone on concert tours to San Francisco, China, Spain, France and Italy. These tours, although not required, are an extremely important part of being a member of Collegium and it is suggested that members take advantage of these extraordinary opportunities. Open to all students by audition. New students should contact the Director of Vocal Music by the beginning of the school year to express their interest in auditioning.
AM591
Independent Tutorial in Music
1
This is an opportunity for a student to work with a member of the Department on a project in which they share a common interest. Open to Seniors by permission of the Department Head and the Dean of Academic Affairs. See page 2 for the application process and deadlines.
AM592
Independent Tutorial in Music
2
This is an opportunity for a student to work with a member of the Department on a project in which they share a common interest. Open to Seniors by permission of the Department Head and the Dean of Academic Affairs. See page 2 for the application process and deadlines.
AM830
AP Music: Theory
Y
Although designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Music Theory, this course may be taken by any student who wishes to have a good preparation in the fundamentals of using and manipulating musical notation. Beginning at an elementary level, the course soon has the student composing simple melodies, analyzing songs, and writing four-part chord progressions. Much time is spent upon ear training, learning to recognize by ear melodies and harmonies, and to write them correctly. The student is expected to spend time at the computer drilling himself or herself on the fundamentals of music. Open only to Upper Middlers and Seniors. Interested students must have wo years of ensemble participation,or pass an entrance exam.
AT501
Acting
1
This basic course introduces students to the fundamentals of concentration, observation, imagination, sense recall and improvisation. Theatre games lead to an introduction to scene work and characterization. Evaluation is based on daily exercises, homework, individual growth, and projects. Students interested in advanced work are urged to take this course. Open to all students.
AT502
Acting
2
This basic course introduces students to the fundamentals of concentration, observation, imagination, sense recall and improvisation. Theatre games lead to an introduction to scene work and characterization. Evaluation is based on daily exercises, homework, individual growth, and projects. Students interested in advanced work are urged to take this course. Open to all students
AT503
Public Speaking
1
The student learns to design and deliver prepared speeches, including descriptive, informative, demonstrative, persuasive, and humorous speeches. In addition, the student practices impromptu speeches and learns to listen critically and to analyze the speeches of his or her peers and public figures. Ideal for both the comfortable speaker and the shy student interested in improving confidence and oral communication skills.
Open to all students except Lower Middlers.
AT504
Public Speaking
2
The student learns to design and deliver prepared speeches, including descriptive, informative, demonstrative, persuasive, and humorous speeches. In addition, the student practices impromptu speeches and learns to listen critically and to analyze the speeches of his or her peers and public figures. Ideal for both the comfortable speaker and the shy student interested in improving confidence and oral communication skills. Open to all students except Lower Middlers.
AT505
Dance Appreciation
1
Never taken a dance class? Prefer the athletic field? This course will bring out the inner dancer in you. Through dance conditioning and technique, students will develop skills to promote their awareness of correct body alignment, muscle control, flexibility, and balance, all of which carry through to the athletic field and help lessen the chances of injury. Through problem solving and group interaction in dance improvisation students will discover there are no right or wrong moves, just fun ones. In dance technique class, the students will take part in the creative process of choreographing their final dance project, which they will perform as a group at the end of the semester. Open to all students.
AT506
Dance Appreciation
2
Never taken a dance class? Prefer the athletic field? This course will bring out the inner dancer in you. Through dance conditioning and technique, students will develop skills to promote their awareness of correct body alignment, muscle control, flexibility, and balance, all of which carry through to the athletic field and help lessen the chances of injury. Through problem solving and group interaction in dance improvisation students will discover there are no right or wrong moves, just fun ones. In dance technique class, the students will take part in the creative process of choreographing their final dance project, which they will perform as a group at the end of the semester. Open to all students.
AT511
Stage Craft
1
This course introduces the student to the foundation skills for the realization of stage scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, and properties. The student will learn fundamental construction methods, stage electrics, and theater-specific computer programs. Hands-on projects will be assigned to practice safe and effective technical theater techniques.
AT514
Theater Technology and Design
2
This course introduces the student to theater technology and stage design, by exploring the question: How is a theatrical production created? From conception to opening night, the student investigates the roles of the producer, director, designers, actors, stage managers, and theater technicians. Special attention is given to the four design fields of the modern theater: sets, costumes, lights, and sound. Projects will include model-making, costume rendering, drafting, and computer-controlled light and sound effects.
AT520
Intermediate Dance
Y
Open to students with previous dance experience, the course is designed to maintain and hone the dancer's technical skills and to develop an intellectual approach to dance. Technique classes focus on all styles of Classical Ballet as well as contemporary Modern and Jazz dance styles. The course introduces dance composition where the student develops an aesthetic and practical understanding of dance as an art form. Each student will choreograph one or more dance composition according to his or her level of experience. Students enrolled in Intermediate Dance who wish to extend their technical training to the performing stage are invited but not required to participate in Dance Ensemble by electing dance as an exercise/sport during the winter and either the fall or the spring term. Ensemble members perform year-round in a variety of venues, with the Fall Musical, Winter Dance Concert and Spring Choreography Showcase. Dance Ensemble is open to students by audition only and is limited to 15 dancers.
AT522
Intermediate/Advanced Acting: Drama
2
In the first half of this course, students will use various types of exercises to explore the idea of truthful acting--creating believable characters and circumstances on stage. During the second half, students will focus on one play, either a comedy or a drama, and work towards an ensemble performance of the play at the end of the spring. Evaluation will be based on journals, daily class work, and individual investment and growth. Open by permission of the instructor to students who have completed AT508 or by audition to students who have completed AT501 or AT502. Limited to 10 students.
AT523
Intermediate/Advanced Acting: Comedy
1
This course is designed for the students who have taken Acting and want to develop further comedic acting skills. Students will become adept improvisers and comedy scene writers. They will also take an in depth look at the techniques of scene study. Students will work independently, with partners, and as a performing ensemble, but will be evaluated in terms of individual growth and investment.Open by audition to students who have completed AT501 or AT502. Limited to 10 students.
AT530
Advanced Dance
Y
By audition only, the course is designed to maintain and hone the dancer's advanced technical skills and to develop an intellectual approach to dance. Technique classes focus on all styles of Classical Ballet and Pointe as well as contemporary Modern and Jazz dance styles. The course introduces dance composition where the student develops an aesthetic and practical understanding of dance as an art form. Each student will choreograph one or more dance composition according to his or her level of experience. Students enrolled in Advanced Dance who wish to extend their technical training to the performing stage are invited but not required to participate in Dance Ensemble by electing dance as an exercise/sport during the winter and either the fall or the spring term. Ensemble members perform year-round in a variety of venues, with the Fall Musical, Winter Dance Concert and Spring Choreography Showcase. Dance Ensemble is open to students by audition only and is limited to 15 dancers.
AT591
Independent Tutorial in Theater
1
This is an opportunity for a student to work with a member of the Department on a project in which they share a common interest. Open to Seniors by permission of the Department Head and the Dean of Academic Affairs. See page 2 for the application process and deadlines.
AT592
Independent Tutorial in Theater
2
This is an opportunity for a student to work with a member of the Department on a project in which they share a common interest. Open to Seniors by permission of the Department Head and the Dean of Academic Affairs. See page 2 for the application process and deadlines.
AV501
Drawing & Design
1
Drawing and Design teaches foundation skills in drawing: the properties of light on volume, drawing from life and imagination, and one- and two-point perspective. Also taught are basic color theory, and design and composition. Slide lectures are given on examining and interpreting works of art, and students practice those skills. Materials used are charcoal, pencil, watercolor, ink, collage, colored inks, colored pencils, oil pastel, and scratchboard.Open to all students, this course serves as the prerequisite for AV520, AV540 and AV840, except with teacher approval for students entering Taft as upper mids or seniors.
AV502
Drawing & Design
2
Drawing and Design teaches foundation skills in drawing: the properties of light on volume, drawing from life and imagination, and one- and two-point perspective. Also taught are basic color theory, and design and composition. Slide lectures are given on examining and interpreting works of art, and students practice those skills. Materials used are charcoal, pencil, watercolor, ink, collage, colored inks, colored pencils, oil pastel, and scratchboard. Open to all students, this course serves as the prerequisite for AV520, AV540 and AV840 except with teacher approval for students entering Taft as upper mids or seniors.
AV503
Beginning Ceramics
1
This course is an introduction to the basic techniques of clay forming: pinch, slab, and the potter's wheel. Students will create both functional and non-functional work. Evaluation is based on experimentation and development of skills.
Open to all students, but limited to 10 per class section.
AV504
Beginning Ceramics
2
This course is an introduction to the basic techniques of clay forming: pinch, slab, and the potter's wheel. Students will create both functional and non-functional work. Evaluation is based on experimentation and development of skills.
Open to all students, but limited to 10 per class section.
AV505
Video
1
In this comprehensive introductory course, students will explore the exciting new area of 3D modeling and special effects. With powerful new software and state of the art computer technology, students will learn what it takes to make a movie and produce computer generated special effects. Students will be responsible for producing sequences in 3D and 2D multi-layered formats. Students will explore the unlimited potential of "bluescreen" as they learn to combine live action with animation. Students will work with the following types of software: Maya 3D, Adobe After Effects, Commotion, Media 100 Nonlinear Editing, Final Cut Pro, and others. Open to all students.
AV506
Video
2
In this comprehensive introductory course, students will explore the exciting new area of 3D modeling and special effects. With powerful new software and state of the art computer technology, students will learn what it takes to make a movie and produce computer generated special effects. Students will be responsible for producing sequences in 3D and 2D multi-layered formats. Students will explore the unlimited potential of "bluescreen" as they learn to combine live action with animation. Students will work with the following types of software: Maya 3D, Adobe After Effects, Commotion, Media 100 Nonlinear Editing, Final Cut Pro, and others. Open to all students.
AV507
Photography I
1
This is an introductory course in black-and-white film photography. Topics will include the lensless techniques of photogram and pinhole photography, principles of film exposure and development, and fundamental darkroom printing procedures. Assignments will establish a foundation of seeing with the 35mm camera. Student work will be reviewed and discussed regularly. Slide lectures, books, critiques, and other sources will introduce students to photography history and photo-based artists. Evaluation is based on technical skills, quality and completion of assignments, and participation in class discussion. Open to all students, but limited to 10 per class section.
AV508
Photography I
2
This is an introductory course in black-and-white film photography. Topics will include the lensless techniques of photogram and pinhole photography, principles of film exposure and development, and fundamental darkroom printing procedures. Assignments will establish a foundation of seeing with the 35mm camera. Student work will be reviewed and discussed regularly. Slide lectures, books, critiques, and other sources will introduce students to photography history and photo-based artists. Evaluation is based on technical skills, quality and completion of assignments, and participation in class discussion. Open to all students, but limited to 10 per class section.
AV510
Intermediate Video
Y
This class will give students the opportunity to take on challenging projects in both filmmaking and computer-generated images and sequences. The advanced class will contribute to the creation of a large scale movie project that uses the special effect software MAYA and SHAKE, a compositing program that combines live action with CGI effect, as well as other applications that are used in major motion pictures such as "Lord of the Rings." Students will be given the opportunity to tailor their programs to reflect their specific interest in the movie-making process. Students must have completed the first year Digital Video class and know the basics of MAYA.
AV513
Glass
1
In this art class the student explore the possibilities of glass. They will learn techniques of warm glass such as fusing, slumping and some flame work. The student will learn to make functional bowls and plates as well as jewelry items and sculptural forms. Discover the beauty of this colorful transparent medium. The emphasis will be on the creative process. Limited to 8 students.
AV514
Beginning Sculpture
2
This course introduces students to the concepts and techniques of sculptural design. Students work in a variety of materials including but not limited to paper, plaster, wire, wood, a clay, metal, and glass. Work is completed from observational points of departure as well as non-objective design. Both additive and reductive processes are explored.
Open to all students but limited to 12 per class section.
AV520
Intermediate Painting and Drawing
Y
Intermediate Drawing and Painting is designed for students who have completed an introductory course to the visual arts. Drawing skills are refined through increasingly complex assignments, and painting techniques are taught in acrylics, watercolor, oil pastels, soft pastels, and monotype. Lessons focus on the manipulation of light, composition and color for personal expression. Assignments in landscape, still life, and portraiture are included. Students are expected to participate in classes aggressively, to be able to articulate their intentions in any given work, and to critique their own and others’ work sensitively and knowledgeably.
AV523
Digital / Intermediate Photography
1
Building on the technical skills of Photography I, this course will emphasize aesthetics and student will begin to develop personal visions. Student will continue to work in film based wet process in the first half of the semester but will transition to the digital process in the second half. Digital workflow will include scanning, color correction, layers, making selections, masks, and final output to printers. Student photographic work will be reviewed and discussed regularly. Specialized topics may include night photography, the use of flash, digital scanning, and monochrome printing techniques. Open to students who have completed AV507 or AV508 or who have the permission of the instructor. Both film and digital format cameras are required.
AV524
Digital / Intermediate Photography
2
Building on the technical skills of Photography I, this course will emphasize aesthetics and student will begin to develop personal visions. Student will continue to work in film based wet process in the first half of the semester but will transition to the digital process in the second half. Digital workflow will include scanning, color correction, layers, making selections, masks, and final output to printers. Student photographic work will be reviewed and discussed regularly. Specialized topics may include night photography, the use of flash, digital scanning, and monochrome printing techniques. Open to students who have completed AV508 or AV509 or who have the permission of the instructor. Both film and digital format cameras are required.
AV530
Advanced Video
Y
The advanced digital class applies the previous two years of study in 3D software and editing systems to produce an entire movie within the framework of the class. The class storyboards the entire production , designs and builds the characters and then animates them into a movie which premieres at the end of the year.
Requires Introduction Digital, Intermediate Digital class.
AV531
Advanced Ceramics
1
This course is designed for students who have taken beginning ceramics and wish to further develop their skills on the potter's wheel and with hand building techniques. Students should have experience with ceramics, or have completed the Beginning Ceramics course.
AV532
Advanced Ceramics
2
This course is designed for students who have taken beginning ceramics and wish to further develop their skills on the potter's wheel and with hand building techniques. Students should have experience with ceramics, or have completed the Beginning Ceramics course.
AV533
Advanced Photography
1
Without exception, this course is open only to students who have completed AV523 or AV524. This course is designed for the student who intends to continue photography seriously in college and beyond. Readings in art history will be required and each student will select an artist to study and to report on. Student photographic work will be thematic and presented for group critique on a weekly basis. Student will learn to prepare work for exhibition and learn to write an artist statement about his/her work. Student will participate in regional photography exhibitions. Culminating assessment will be based on the strength and quality of the final portfolio. Student may build the body of work using either or both film and digital process, black-and-white or color. A film or digital format camera is required.
AV535
Advanced Sculpture
1
Course description forthcoming
AV536
Advanced Sculpture
2
Course description forthcoming
AV540
Advanced Studio Art
Y
Advanced assignments in drawing and painting require students to be especially sensitive to the abstract qualities of form and content of their work and others and to be eloquent in class discussions and critiques. In the second term, each student designs and executes a body of work showing his/her commitment in depth to a particular artistic concern. Students who exhibit special interest and talent with a specific medium or in a particular area of study will be given personalized assignments to enable them to pursue that interest. Areas of study include portrait and figure painting, automatic drawing and abstract expressionism, mixed media and installation, illustration, cartooning, and an introduction to sculpture.
AV546
Making and Understanding Photographs
2
Serving as a continuation of Advanced Photography AV534, this studio course is intended for students who are serious about pursuing photography beyond Taft. This is a project-driven course requiring critical thinking on aesthetical and theoretical implications of photography. The connections among traditions of art, philosophy, history, science, literature and photography will be explored. The making and understanding of images will be central to this course, and students will produce a body of work in either film or digital format, or both. Appropriate text and books will be assigned to fit the projects.
AV830
AP Art History
Y
This survey course of the major artistic periods in sculpture, painting, and architecture from ancient to modern times will prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination in Art History. The focus will be on the Western European tradition, though non-western art will be studied. Open to Juniors and Seniors.
AV840
AP Studio Art
Y
This course is designed for juniors and seniors who wish to submit a portfolio for presentation to the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board and directly to colleges as part of applications. Students are given assignments which require considerable expenditure of time in their development. Admission to this course is only upon approval of the instructor: in preceding art classes, students must have exhibited excellent work habits as well as exceptional ambition. Assignments stress versatility with a wide range of media in several areas of study. In addition, each student chooses a "concentration" project, during which a theme is developed in twenty to thirty works that year.
AV991
Independent Tutorial in Visual Art
1
This is an opportunity for a student to work with a member of the Department on a project in which they share a common interest. Open to Seniors by permission of the Department Head and the Dean of Academic Affairs. See page 2 for the application process and deadlines.
AV992
Independent Tutorial in Visual Art
2
This is an opportunity for a student to work with a member of the Department on a project in which they share a common interest. Open to Seniors by permission of the Department Head and the Dean of Academic Affairs. See page 2 for the application process and deadlines.
RSS
LinkedIn
Twitter
Facebook
Print Page