Middle School Performing Arts

Middle School Performing Arts Camp

This two week summer immersion in the performing arts offers a variety of artistic experiences for students in grades 7-9 (for the Fall 2010 school year).  A “full time” student may take classes in all four of the disciplines offered:  Acting, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music and Dance.  Students dedicated to one discipline may take classes solely in their area of emphasis, and “double” or “triple” threats may choose their own mixture of classes.  Structured like a professional workshop, students will study up to two disciplines during the morning Technique sessions, and up to two disciplines in the afternoon during the Rehearsal and Performance sessions.  All classes provide a positive, focused, professional atmosphere.  Students will perform in a Conservatory Showcase that will serve as a culmination of their work in the Rehearsal and Performance blocks.  A half-time (2 courses) option is also available.

In an effort to encourage students to draw from multiple disciplines, classes in each art form will be offered twice, in an “A” and “B” structure.  Students can enroll in a single discipline and will still learn new material for our Showcase Performance, but warm-ups and lesson plans may overlap between sections. Instrumental Music will be the only discipline not to follow this structure.  Students should sign up for each individual class they would like to take on-line.  Please call Carrie Green with any questions, 310-288-3288. 

PERIODS 1 & 3:

Contemporary Dance Technique & Composition (Periods 1 & 3):

Ever heard of the Hyper Physical Technique? Well, then come take this class and learn all about it!  Starting with a floor based warm-up incorporating inversions, arm balances and yoga, this class will challenge your balance and deepen your relationship with the floor.  Learn how to fall, recover and fly! Then, be a part of an original dance composition and perform!  Through various improvisational and choreographic exercises, students will create their own choreographic phrases to be incorporated in the piece as well as learn original choreography.  Bring your imagination as the sky is the limit with what we will create together!   Please wear comfortable, fitted, tasteful apparel to class.  Jazz or ballet shoes permitted, but bare feet preferred.  Knee pads optional, but recommended.  At least one year experience in dance recommended.

Sing Solo, Sing Harmony, and Sing with a Microphone (Periods 1 & 3):

This multi-dimensional workshop will focus on the skills needed to develop self-confidence in vocal performance. Students will learn basic harmonization skills needed to sing back-up vocals for popular music and then learn to apply those techniques on stage while using performance microphones. Students who wish to do solo work will have an opportunity to work on vocal technique, breathing, resonance, physical structure and articulation as they prepare their solo.  Summer repertoire is taken predominantly from popular music and musical theatre genres.  Student work from this session will be highlighted in the summer conservatory’s final show.

Acting: Essential Technique For The Actor (Periods 1 & 3):

Stand on the stage with confidence and learn how to command attention. Students learn essential technique and training for the actor’s voice and body through improv games and exercises.  Students will work on character development and physical expression and how to improve the actor’s overall stage focus and stage presence.

Chamber Music (Period 1 Only)

Students enrolled in Chamber Music will perform in small instrumental ensembles such as duets, trios, and quartets. Participants will work with a chamber music coach and their same small ensemble(s) for the two weeks session, culminating in a performance at the end of session showcase. Students will be placed in Chamber Music Ensembles with students of similar playing abilities.

Composition (Period 3 Only):

Learn how to write your own original music! Students enrolled in this class will be taught the basics of composition (chord progressions, note and rhythm accuracy, composing for multiple instruments, writing in different styles, etc.). Using the software program Logic Pro, students will create 2-3 original compositions that will be shared with their classmates throughout the session. Students will be able to put these compositions on a CD to bring home at the end of the session. This class is open to any student who can read music.

PERIODS 2 & 4:

Acting: Interpretation and Preparation for the Performer (Period 2 & 4):  

This class focuses on preparation and performance of scenes and monologues from prose, poetry, plays and film.  Students will learn how to develop “cold reading” skills; how to interpret a character through script analysis and present that character instantly in performance.  Students will work on individual and group scene work and will have the opportunity to present their work in performance at the end of the two week session.  Memorization of material will be required.

“Get Your Glee On!” (Periods 2 & 4)

What more fun can you have than singing and dancing the afternoon away?  This session is devoted to creating an artistic and expressive ensemble experience for singers who love to dance and dancers who love to sing.  Drawing on the popular “Glee!” television series, students will plan, help choreograph, and produce a final show number for the summer conservatory.

Instrumental Music Ensemble (Period 2 Only)

The Instrumental Music Ensemble is made up of students who play string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Instrumental music students in this course will work with a conductor to prepare at least 2 larger scale works to be performed as an orchestra at the end of session showcase. Participants in the Instrumental Music Ensemble must have at least one year of experience on their instrument to enroll in the course, but multiple years of study are recommended.

Music Theory and Ear Training (Period 4 Only):

Ever wonder what goes behind creating the music that you perform? Want to learn how to listen to different pieces of music and identify the time period they were written in? Want to develop a sensitive musical ear that can identify musical intervals and rhythms? Then this course is for you! This class is open to any student who can read music.