Arts Course Catalog

Term: Year

Dance I, the first level of intensive dance training at the Taft School, is designed for incoming students with prior experience in dance and/or an interest in beginning intensive training. While students will primarily train in ballet and modern dance, they will also be exposed to styles such as hip hop, jazz, african and kathak and will learn the basics of composition and choreography. The class will culminate in an end of semester showcase where students will present collaborative choreographed pieces. Through consistent physical practice and feedback, guest teachers and student-led lessons, students will grow as dancers and artists and gain a greater understanding of the art form.

Term: Semester 1

No prior music training is necessary for this course. Students will learn basic principles of music theory and apply them toward 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.

Term: Semester 1

This beginner level course is designed for those who would like to learn how to play the piano.  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 at the beginner level, but limited to 9 per class section.

Term: Semester 2

This beginner level course is designed for those who would like to learn how to play the piano.  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 at the beginner level, but limited to 9 per class section.

Term: Year

Dance II, the second level of intensive dance training at the Taft School, is open to students who have previously completed Dance I. While students will primarily train in ballet and modern dance, they will also be exposed to styles such as hip hop, jazz, african and kathak and will continue building skill, collaboration and artistry in composition and choreography. The class will culminate in an end of semester showcase where students will present choreographed pieces. Through consistent physical practice and feedback, guest teachers and student-led lessons, students will grow as dancers and artists and gain a greater understanding of the art form.

Term: Semester 2

No prior music training is necessary for this course. Students will learn basic principles of music theory and apply them toward 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 8 per class section.

Term: Semester 1

Dance For Everyone is the study of dance at the introductory level. Through viewing of curated video footage, physical investigation of the styles, discussion, assigned projects and movement quizzes, students will learn about various genres of dance from around the world and throughout time. The class will culminate in an end of semester showcase where students will perform in a group dance, gaining an experience in public performance and a greater appreciation for the art form.

Term: Semester 2

Dance For Everyone is the study of dance at the introductory level. Through viewing of curated video footage, physical investigation of the styles, discussion, assigned projects and movement quizzes, students will learn about various genres of dance from around the world and throughout time. The class will culminate in an end of semester showcase where students will perform in a group dance, gaining an experience in public performance and a greater appreciation for the art form.

Term: Year

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.

Term: Year

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.

Term: Year

Taft's showcase choir rehearses at an advanced level in vocal and choral musicianship, and is designed for the student singer who is interested in performing classical masterworks. 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 has gone on concert tours to Italy, England, Spain, France, China and San Francisco. These tours, although not required, are an important part of being a member of Collegium and are a chance for the choristers to live the school motto, in that members actively give their singular and collective talents back to the community (and the global community). It is strongly 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.

Term: Year

Dance III, the third level of intensive dance training at the Taft School, is open to students who have previously completed Dance I and II. While students will primarily train in ballet and modern dance, they will also be exposed to styles such as hip hop, jazz, african and kathak and will continue building skill, collaboration and artistry in composition and choreography. The class will culminate in an end of semester showcase, where students will present their own choreographed pieces. Through consistent physical practice and feedback, guest teachers and student-led lessons, students will grow as dancers and artists and gain a deeper understanding of the art form.

Term: Year

Dance IV, the final level of intensive dance training at the Taft School, is open to senior students who have previously completed Dance I, II and III. While students will primarily train in ballet and modern dance, they will also be exposed to styles such as hip hop, jazz, african and kathak and will continue building skill, artistry and personal voice in composition and choreography. The class will culminate in an end of semester showcase, where students will present their own choreographed pieces and solo work. Through consistent physical practice and feedback, guest teachers and student-led lessons, students will grow as dancers and artists and gain a deeper understanding of the art form.

Term: Semester 1

Students interested in pursuing a topic in which they share a common interest with a member of a department can apply to do an Independent Tutorial (IT). Students must demonstrate the ability to work independently, creatively, and be in good academic standing. Students will meet twice a week formally with a teacher and must obtain the approval of the teacher, the Department Head, and finally the Dean of Academic Affairs. The deadline for an IT in the 1st semester is May 1 of the previous spring, and Nov 1 for a 2nd semester IT.

Term: Semester 2

Students interested in pursuing a topic in which they share a common interest with a member of a department can apply to do an Independent Tutorial (IT). Students must demonstrate the ability to work independently, creatively, and be in good academic standing. Students will meet twice a week formally with a teacher and must obtain the approval of the teacher, the Department Head, and finally the Dean of Academic Affairs. The deadline for an IT in the 1st semester is May 1 of the previous spring, and Nov 1 for a 2nd semester IT.

Term: Year

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 two years of ensemble participation, or pass an entrance exam.

Term: Semester 1

This course focuses on the study and application of basic theater vocabulary, as well as in developing skills in observation, improvisation, process and performance. Theater games lead into character and scene work. Evaluation is based on daily exercises, individual and group projects, scene writing and scene study. Students interested in advanced work are urged to take this course. Open to all students.

Term: Semester 2

This basic course introduces students to the fundamentals of concentration, observation, imagination, sense recall, and improvisation. Theater 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.

Term: Semester 1

Students will learn to craft and deliver both impromptu and prepared speeches in this public speaking class. Because students are encouraged to find topics that interest them, each student quickly develops the skills and confidence needed to be comfortable at the podium. They also develop skill as active listeners in order to evaluate the speeches of their peers as well as those of public figures. This course is beneficial for both skilled speakers and those students interested in improving their confidence and oral communication skills. Open to all students.

Term: Semester 2

Students will learn to craft and deliver both impromptu and prepared speeches in this public speaking class. Because students are encouraged to find topics that interest them, each student quickly develops the skills and confidence needed to be comfortable at the podium. They also develop skill as active listeners in order to evaluate the speeches of their peers as well as those of public figures. This course is beneficial for both skilled speakers and those students interested in improving their confidence and oral communication skills. Open to all students.

Term: Semester 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.

Term: Semester 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.

Term: Semester 2

In the first half of this course, students will engage in various 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 toward an ensemble performance of the play at the end of the spring. Evaluation will be based on daily class work and partnered projects, as well as individual investment and growth. Open by permission of the instructor to students who have completed AT501 or AT502.
 

Term: Semester 2

This course is designed for students with prior acting experience who want to develop further comedic acting skills. Students will become adept improvisers and comedy scene writers. In addition, through independent study students will develop basic knowledge of the roots of comedy, as well as an appreciation for the comedy masters. Students will work independently, with partners, and as a performing ensemble, but will be evaluated in terms of individual growth and investment. Open to those who have completed AT501 or AT502, or permission of the instructor.

Term: Semester 1

Students interested in pursuing a topic in which they share a common interest with a member of a department can apply to do an Independent Tutorial (IT). Students must demonstrate the ability to work independently, creatively, and be in good academic standing. Students will meet twice a week formally with a teacher and must obtain the approval of the teacher, the Department Head, and finally the Dean of Academic Affairs. The deadline for an IT in the 1st semester is May 1 of the previous spring, and Nov 1 for a 2nd semester IT.

Term: Semester 2

Students interested in pursuing a topic in which they share a common interest with a member of a department can apply to do an Independent Tutorial (IT). Students must demonstrate the ability to work independently, creatively, and be in good academic standing. Students will meet twice a week formally with a teacher and must obtain the approval of the teacher, the Department Head, and finally the Dean of Academic Affairs. The deadline for an IT in the 1st semester is May 1 of the previous spring, and Nov 1 for a 2nd semester IT.

Term: Semester 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.

Term: Semester 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.

Term: Semester 1

The first activities of this introductory course will focus on learning the tools of video production: software, cameras, tripods and microphones. From there we will cover composition, shot types, camera angles and scripting. Once the basics are mastered, students will complete a series of “shoot-to-edit” projects, which become their building blocks for video story telling. Students will be introduced to storyboarding and shot mapping. Working in small groups, they will use a single camera, take multiple shots, and edit them together to tell a story.

Term: Semester 2

The first activities of this introductory course will focus on learning the tools of video production: software, cameras, tripods and microphones. From there we will cover composition, shot types, camera angles and scripting. Once the basics are mastered, students will complete a series of “shoot-to-edit” projects, which become their building blocks for video story telling. Students will be introduced to storyboarding and shot mapping. Working in small groups, they will use a single camera, take multiple shots, and edit them together to tell a story.

Term: Semester 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.

Term: Semester 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.

Term: Semester 1

In this art class, the student explores 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 eight students.

Term: Semester 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, 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.

Term: Semester 2

The prerequisite for this class is Video or a comparable experience at another school, or permission from the instructor. A continuation of Video, this class will introduce the art of movie making and some of the specialty software including but not limited to: Final Cut Pro X, Adobe After Effects (special effects) and Garage Band (sound effects and music). Students will further their knowledge by experiencing the following aspects of video production:

• Chroma key (green screen)
• Script writing and storyboarding
• Advanced audio recording and voice over
• Lighting techniques
• Shot types and shot angles

Students in this class will primarily create original videos including but not limited to: stories, documentaries, music videos, and advertising.

Term: Year

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.

Term: Semester 1

Building on the technical skills of Photography I, this course will emphasize aesthetics and students will begin to develop personal visions. Students 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.

Term: Semester 2

Building on the technical skills of Photography I, this course will emphasize aesthetics and students will begin to develop personal visions. Students 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.

Term: Year

The prerequisite for this course is Intermediate Video or a comparable experience at another school. Advanced Video is a year long course in which students are responsible for outside video projects including community service projects, producing high quality recordings for school events and performances, as well as their own creative work. Students will focus on both narrative and documentary filmmaking and are expected to complete a ten minute final thesis project at the end of the school year .

Term: Year

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.

Term: Semester 1

Introduction to Clay: Students learn the basic hand building skills such as pinch, slab and rolling coils to work in clay. There is a concentration on forming primarily functional pieces. Specific assignments are designed to practice those skills. By mid-term there is an opportunity to design work of the student’s choice. They will also be introduced to decorative finishing techniques with glazes and colored slips

Term: Semester 2

Introduction to Clay: Students learn the basic hand building skills such as pinch, slab and rolling coils to work in clay. There is a concentration on forming primarily functional pieces. Specific assignments are designed to practice those skills. By mid-term there is an opportunity to design work of the student’s choice. They will also be introduced to decorative finishing techniques with glazes and colored slips

Term: Semester 1

Introduction to the Potter’s Wheel.: Students who have been successful in ceramics 1 will be invited to continue to work in clay and will learn to use the potter’s wheel. Developing control of the creation of the form on the wheel will be emphasized with cylinders, bowls and cups. They will also continue to develop their hand building skills with an emphasis on craftsmanship and inventiveness. There will be more exploration of slips in inlay and sgraffito.

Term: Semester 2

Introduction to the Potter’s Wheel.: Students who have been successful in ceramics 1 will be invited to continue to work in clay and will learn to use the potter’s wheel. Developing control of the creation of the form on the wheel will be emphasized with cylinders, bowls and cups. They will also continue to develop their hand building skills with an emphasis on craftsmanship and inventiveness. There will be more exploration of slips in inlay and sgraffito.

Term: Semester 2

Serving as a continuation of Advanced Photography AV548.1, this studio art course is intended for students who are serious about pursuing photography beyond Taft. The inter-connection amongst the various traditions of art, philosophy, history of art and literature, and fiction will be explored. Course syllabus will include relevant reading assignments followed by class discussions. This is a project-driven course requiring critical thinking on aesthetical and theoretical implications of photography. The making of the invented images will be central to this course, and students will produce a body of work in either film or digital format, or both.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Photography

Term: Semester 1

Intermediate Clay Production: Students who decide to continue in clay will further develop their wheel work. They will learn to throw some more complex forms such as lidded jars and bottles. They will learn to combine hand building and wheel throwing techniques to create ware and will learn to “pull” handles.

Term: Semester 2

Intermediate Clay Production: Students who decide to continue in clay will further develop their wheel work. They will learn to throw some more complex forms such as lidded jars and bottles. They will learn to combine hand building and wheel throwing techniques to create ware and will learn to “pull” handles.

Term: Semester 1

Advanced Clay Production: Students in their 4th semester of ceramics will continue to develop more complex thrown forms as well as hand-built ware. They will be required to complete a thrown, as well as’ a hand-built teapot. They should further explore glaze application and finishing techniques.

Term: Semester 2

Advanced Clay Production: Students in their 4th semester of ceramics will continue to develop more complex thrown forms as well as hand-built ware. They will be required to complete a thrown, as well as’ a hand-built teapot. They should further explore glaze application and finishing techniques.

Term: Semester 1

More Advanced Ceramics: Students will continue to develop their skills on the wheel and hand building. They will be required to create a set. They will be encouraged to alter some of their thrown pieces. There will be an emphasis on creating original work.

Term: Semester 2

More Advanced Ceramics: Students will continue to develop their skills on the wheel and hand building. They will be required to create a set. They will be encouraged to alter some of their thrown pieces. There will be an emphasis on creating original work.

Term: Semester 1

Continuing Ceramics: Students will begin to design their own study. They will choose and request a direction of emphasis which may include wheel or hand-built work. They may choose between functional and nonfunctional sculptural pieces. They will select a potter whose work they admire and use the work as inspiration for their own creative process.

Term: Semester 2

Continuing Ceramics: Students will begin to design their own study. They will choose and request a direction of emphasis which may include wheel or hand-built work. They may choose between functional and nonfunctional sculptural pieces. They will select a potter whose work they admire and use the work as inspiration for their own creative process.

Term: Semester 1

Students interested in pursuing a topic in which they share a common interest with a member of a department can apply to do an Independent Tutorial (IT). Students must demonstrate the ability to work independently, creatively, and be in good academic standing. Students will meet twice a week formally with a teacher and must obtain the approval of the teacher, the Department Head, and finally the Dean of Academic Affairs. The deadline for an IT in the 1st semester is May 1 of the previous spring, and Nov 1 for a 2nd semester IT.

Term: Semester 2

Students interested in pursuing a topic in which they share a common interest with a member of a department can apply to do an Independent Tutorial (IT). Students must demonstrate the ability to work independently, creatively, and be in good academic standing. Students will meet twice a week formally with a teacher and must obtain the approval of the teacher, the Department Head, and finally the Dean of Academic Affairs. The deadline for an IT in the 1st semester is May 1 of the previous spring, and Nov 1 for a 2nd semester IT.

Term: Year

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.

Term: Year

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 20 to 30 works that year.