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The Performing Arts department recognizes the importance of artistic development in the individual and society. This development includes creative artistic expression, technique, knowledge of the classics, a contemporary perspective, understanding of the forms, and the discipline required of all artists. It implies also an understanding and appreciation of an integrated arts program as well as of the arts of various cultures and peoples.
The program provides a training environment for beginning and experienced students in music, drama, and dance. Courses include a selection of introductory classes together with those that fulfill the needs of highly talented young artists. The program creates a close relationship between courses offered in the middle school and upper school.
THEATER ARTS
| Stagecraft |
1110-1 | 1110-2 |
| Two identical semesters — Grades
8 and 9 — Meets 3 times per cycle |
This course introduces students to the basics of play production. Students develop an increased awareness of theatrical design and learn the technical elements needed for different types of performing arts productions. Through hands-on workshops and demonstrations, students study the fundamentals of scenic and costume design, theatrical lighting, sound design, and prop building. Students learn how to become a part of a production team and are required to participate as crew members for a Performing Arts department production or complete an equivalent project.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. |
| Advanced Stagecraft |
1112-1 | 1112-2 |
| Two identical semesters — Grades
9 — Meets 3 times per cycle |
This course continues to build upon the principles learned in Stagecraft. In addition to further developing skills in scenic and costume design, students have opportunities to work on theatrical lighting designs and live-sound reinforcement. Students enrolled in this course are actively involved in school productions from start to finish and are expected to lead student crews for Performing Arts department events.
Prerequisite: Stagecraft. |
| Drama Workshop |
1100-1 | 1100-2 |
|
Two identical semesters —
Grades 8 and 9 —
Meets 3 times per cycle |
Designed as a beginning and intermediate level of performance study, this course concentrates on developing the stage presence, imagination, and self-confidence of the individual student. The workshop focuses on basic stage skills, body awareness, and vocal technique. Students are encouraged to develop their instincts through improvisation, storytelling, cold readings, and prepared scenes. |
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Acting
|
1000-1 | 1000-2
|
| Two identical semesters— Grade 9 —
Meets 3 times per cycle |
This course is designed to teach students the advanced mechanics of acting. The course creates opportunities to explore script analysis and performance techniques through a variety of scenes and monologues, ranging from ancient Greek to contemporary stage and film literature. |
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DANCE
Students in eighth or ninth grade are eligible to fulfill at least some of their physical education requirement by taking dance classes. To find out more about this option, please refer to the Middle School Physical Education section, Dance subsection, of this guide.
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Introduction to Contemporary Dance |
1200-0
|
| Full year —
Grades 7, 8, and 9 —
Meets 3 times per cycle |
Students need not have any prior dance experience, just the desire to study the art of dance. This course introduces students to the technical and creative elements of contemporary dance. Designed to develop skills including coordination, agility, flexibility, confidence, proper alignment, creative expression, and movement analysis, students work toward developing an understanding of movement vocabulary and choreographic process. In culmination of their work, students have the opportunity to perform in a Dance Showcase toward the end of the year. |
Contemporary
Dance Workshop
|
1210-1 | 1210-2
|
| Two independent semesters —
Grades 7, 8, and 9 —
Meets 4 times per cycle |
This course is designed for students who have previous dance training and the desire to expand their technical and creative skills. Students continue to strengthen their movement capabilities through a contemporary perspective while developing choreographic and analytic skills specifically tailored to dance criticism. In culmination of their efforts, students have the opportunity to perform in a Dance Showcase at the end of each semester.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Contemporary Dance or permission of the instructor. |
| Dance Production
|
1220-0
|
| Full year —
Grades 8 and 9 —
Meets 5 times per cycle |
This course is designed for technically and creatively advanced dancers who are provided with a nurturing environment in which to develop their choreographic skills. The focus of the course is on creative movement explorations and improvisations; choreographic design, shape, form, and development; critical and analytical thinking about choreography; and practical experience in rehearsal and performance. This course provides the tools for the skilled dancer to choreograph, produce, and perform his or her work in the annual dance concert. In culmination of these efforts, students effectively communicate their voices through the art of dance.
Prerequisite: Audition. |
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CHORAL
MUSIC
|
Chorus
|
1300-0
|
| Full year —
Grade 7 —
Meets 5 times per cycle |
This course is designed for all students who love to sing. The curriculum focuses on the specific needs of young male and female voices. Boys and girls at all stages of the voice maturation process are encouraged to join. A widely varied repertoire is explored, with an emphasis on sight reading and vocal technique. The boys’ chorus meets independently two times per cycle as does the girls’ chorus. These choruses practice together two times per cycle to form a larger mixed-voice ensemble. Additionally, the boys’ chorus participates in concert with the Harvard-Westlake seventh- through twelfth-grade men’s chorus and the girls’ with the seventh- through twelfth-grade women’s chorus. |
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Vocal Ensemble
|
1310-0
|
| Full year —
Grades 8 and 9 —
Meets 5 times per cycle |
This advanced performance ensemble is designed for choral singers with some previous choral experience, although music-reading skills are not required. This ensemble, comprised entirely of young women, encourages equally intermediate and more advanced singers. The repertoire is varied and includes a cappella, classical, jazz, and “pop” literature. Independent a cappella groups may be derived from this ensemble. This ensemble represents the school in the community.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. |
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Madrigals
|
1315-0 |
| Full year —
Grades 8 and 9— Meets 5 times per cycle |
This advanced choral ensemble is designed for experienced singers who are dedicated to the choral art. This ensemble consists of boys and girls and encourages equally the unchanged, the changed, and the changing voice. Singers must possess some sight-singing skills. The repertoire is drawn from a cappella as well as accompanied styles of all genres, ranging from classical to contemporary. Independent a cappella groups of all girls or all boys may be derived from this ensemble. This ensemble represents the school in the community.
Prerequisite: Audition and/or permission of the instructor. |
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Voice Class |
1320-1 | 1320-2
|
| Independent study —
Grade 9 —
Meets 1 time per cycle |
This class is designed for advanced singers with vocal experience who wish to further explore vocal technique. Individual instruction is given in breathing, vocal production, and interpretation. The repertoire is chosen primarily from classical literature, although other genres are considered. The course meets one time per cycle as arranged by the instructor. Each member of the class performs at least one time as a soloist during the course of the semester.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and membership in Vocal Ensemble or Madrigals. |
Sight Singing
|
1325-1 | 1325-2 |
| Two identical semesters —
Grades 8 and 9 —
Meets 3 times per cycle |
This class is designed for students who wish to learn how to read music. The basic elements of music are covered, with a primary focus on rhythm and melody. Students gain an understanding of the grand staff, the keyboard, and a mastery of sight singing in the treble and bass clefs in the keys of C, F, and G major. This class benefits the instrumentalist as well as the vocalist and is recommended for students who plan to continue their involvement in music at Harvard‑Westlake. |
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INSTRUMENTAL
MUSIC
Pianists: Because of limited performance opportunities for pianists, students with keyboard skills are encouraged to consider studies in beginning instrumental music, vocal music, or electronic music. Advanced pianists may have the opportunity to audition at the end of the first semester for the annual chamber music concert.
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Beginning Strings
|
1400-0
|
| Full year — Grade 7 (Grades 8
and 9 by permission of instructor) — Meets 5 times
per cycle |
Beginning Strings provides an opportunity for any student to become acquainted with the violin, viola, cello, or bass. This class is for students who have no prior experience playing a stringed instrument. Students are provided with a school instrument and daily group instruction. By the end of the first year of study, students will be proficient readers of music written in a variety of styles. Intensive studies of music literature, technique, ear training, and music theory make possible a lifelong involvement and appreciation for the discipline of instrumental music. |
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Beginning Band
|
1500-0
|
| Full year — Grade 7 (Grades 8
and 9 by permission of instructor) — Meets 5 times
per cycle |
Beginning Band provides an opportunity for any student to learn how to play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. These instruments include the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. Students learn to play and care for their instruments. They also learn the fundamentals of music theory and how to read music. Students enrolled in this class are provided with a school instrument, texts for the class, and daily group instruction. This class is for students who have no prior experience playing a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. By the end of the first year of study, students will be proficient readers of music, and they will have acquired the proper technique that ensures a lifelong appreciation of and involvement in the discipline of instrumental music. |
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Concert Strings
|
1405-0
|
| Full year —
Grades 7, 8, and 9 —
Meets 5 times per cycle |
Concert Strings provides an opportunity for students with previous playing experience on a stringed instrument to further develop both technical and musicianship skills. Students concentrate on more advanced technique, including shifting, tuning instruments, vibrato, ensemble playing, altered fingerings, bowing styles, and expressive playing. Technique is taught through carefully sequenced orchestral repertoire. Students learn about many different eras and styles of music. Activities are planned throughout the school year so students are always engaged and challenged. Professional conduct and careful listening are stressed in order to achieve these goals and to prepare for future participation in more advanced orchestras.
Prerequisite: Audition and/or permission of the instructor. |
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Concert Band
|
1505-0
|
| Full year —
Grades 7, 8, and 9— Meets 5 times per cycle |
Concert Band provides an opportunity for students with at least one year of previous playing experience on a wind, brass, or percussion instrument to further develop both technical and musicianship skills. Auditions for this ensemble are held in the spring of every school year. Students learn about what is involved in playing an instrument with a large ensemble, from how to follow a conductor to what it means to be part of a musical team. Students are exposed to a wide variety of musical styles, ranging from classical to popular. The repertoire is carefully sequenced so that all concepts learned in class are continually reinforced, and students are constantly engaged and challenged. All students in this class participate in bi-annual school concerts.
Prerequisite: Audition and/or permission of the instructor. |
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Symphonic Band
|
1510-0
|
| Full year —
Grades 7, 8, and 9 —
Meets 5 times per cycle |
Symphonic Band is open to advanced wind, brass, and percussion players whose skill level is beyond the intermediate stages of learning how to play an instrument. Students must have at least two years of playing experience, and one of these must have been spent as a member of a large ensemble. Auditions for Symphonic Band are held in the spring of every school year. There is an emphasis on learning how to adjust one’s intonation in relationship to others, as well as interpreting the music beyond the notes printed on the page. Musical expression, phrasing, tone quality, challenging technical passages, and the opportunity to become familiar with the classic Symphonic Band repertoire are all elements of learning to be covered in this performing ensemble. All students in this class participate in bi-annual concerts.
Prerequisite: Audition and/or permission of the instructor. |
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Middle School
Symphony
|
1420-0
|
| Full year —
Grades 7, 8, and 9 —
Meets 5 times per cycle |
Middle School Symphony is the most advanced symphonic music ensemble on the middle school campus. This course provides an opportunity for students with advanced playing experience to rehearse and perform music of various styles and periods. Auditions for this ensemble are held in the spring of every school year. Students are exposed to string, wind, and symphonic literature throughout the course of the year. Classwork provides appropriate challenge and technical difficulty to all members, and the orchestra presents performances throughout the year.
Prerequisite: Audition and/or permission of the instructor. |
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Jazz Band |
1515-0
|
| Full year —
Grades 8 and 9 —
Meets 5 times per cycle |
This course provides an opportunity for students to rehearse and perform jazz and blues in a big band and jazz combo setting. The instrumentation for this class includes piano, guitar, bass, drums, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. The coursework also covers some music theory and basic improvisation skills. Because class time is spent on ensemble work, a strong commitment to individual practice outside of class is essential for all students.
Prerequisite: Audition and/or permission of the instructor. |
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Rhythm Section
Workshop
|
1530-0
|
| Full year —
Grades 8 and 9 —
Meets 3 times per cycle |
This class teaches guitarists, electric bassists, and drummers the fundamental techniques of ensemble rehearsal. Curriculum topics include basic instrument maintenance, intonation, rehearsal techniques, music theory, and playing from written arrangements, as well as learning music aurally (i.e., from recordings). This class may be repeated at the discretion of the instructor.
Prerequisite: Audition and/or permission of the instructor. |
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Electronic Music
I
|
1600-0
|
| Full year —
Grades 8 and 9 —
Meets 3 times per cycle |
In this class, students create and program electronic music compositions using musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) sequencers, Power Mac G5 computers, and music software programs such as Logic Pro. Emphasis is on developing basic keyboard technique while also developing compositional skills in the areas of melody, rhythm, harmony, and form. In addition, students learn the basics of film scoring. Computer literacy on the Macintosh and knowledge of music theory are strongly recommended.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. |
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Electronic Music
II
|
1610-0
|
| Full year —
Grades 9 —
Meets 3 times per cycle |
Students in this class take their composition skills and knowledge of musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) to the next level by developing more advanced keyboard harmony and music theory and by taking a deeper look into MIDI and music software. Students further their skills in film scoring and are encouraged to continue developing their individual creativity.
Prerequisite: Electronic Music I. |
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COMMUNICATIONS
Communications courses promote clear written and verbal communication. These courses address contemporary issues as they relate to the public speaker and focus on a functional understanding of the relationship between communicator and audience. This relationship requires an appreciation of: the ethics of investigation, reporting, and advocacy; listening and observation skills and attitudes; interviewing and questioning skills and strategies; presentation skills in terms of delivery and content; and the importance of leadership and responsibility of public communicators within the community.
Public Speaking
|
7300-1 | 7300-2
|
| Two identical semesters —
Grade 8 —
Meets 3 times per cycle |
In this required class, students learn to express themselves with greater confidence and clarity. The course is designed to help students develop critical thinking skills such as creating logical arguments, presentation skills such as enunciating and maintaining eye contact, and listening skills so they may provide constructive feedback to their peers. Students have the opportunity to present both impromptu and prepared speeches, including biographical introductions, informative “how-to” explanations, and persuasive arguments. Students also become familiar with the basics of good public speaking by viewing and critiquing famous speeches. |
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Persuasion and
Argument |
7301-1 | 7310-2 |
| Two identical semesters —
Grade 9 —
Meets 3 times per cycle |
This elective course focuses on the development of thinking, speaking, and listening skills through the consideration of controversial contemporary issues. Students are introduced to basic techniques designed to develop clarity of thought. Students select topics developed by teachers; research, write, and present persuasive speeches; participate in discussions and debates; and assist in evaluating speeches and debates.
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(from the 2008-2009 Curriculum Guide) |
