Academics

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS  - GROUP 6

Verde Valley School has a long and distinguished history in arts education.  Arts have always been an integral part of our curriculum and essential to our program, as creative expression is one of the elements of the VVS mission statement.  Freshmen and sophomores are required to take a variety of visual and performing arts, choosing from theater arts, music and visual arts, in order to expose them to a wide range of media and styles, and a variety of experiences.

The Visual Arts are presented to freshmen and sophomores in introductory courses covering various media:  graphic arts, ceramics, and photography.  The IB classes for juniors and seniors comprise a two year, team-taught sequence in visual arts and art history.  The focus of the course is to develop mastery of the critical vocabulary of visual arts and creative expression, across various forms and media, while also providing students the opportunity to concentrate, or “major” in a chosen medium. Students are encouraged to experience and interpret their environment through familiar and unfamiliar cultural “filters.” Verde Valley students benefit from a school program which exposes them to extensive intercultural experiences, both on and off-campus. These experiences provide excellent source material for the arts.

The Performing Arts have been an integral part of the Verde Valley School curriculum since its inception. Brady Hall, our performing arts center, houses a full theater, music recording studio, and a space for dance classes.  Students are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the creative process, learning the skills and crafts necessary to mount full-scale productions, whether it be through our dance and music concerts, or our theater productions.

Introduction to Theater Arts will expose freshmen and sophomores to all aspects of theater production.  IB Standard Level Theater Arts allows juniors and seniors the opportunity to concentrate their arts studies on the theater. Students have the opportunity to not only perform, but also to work on costumes, lighting, sound, set construction, stage management, and marketing. This intimate involvement with each production fosters a sense of pride, investment, self-esteem, and community.  The theater program mounts two main stage productions each year, including plays and musicals in the genres of both comedy and drama.

Freshmen and sophomores may elect to take the Introduction to Music course, and IB Standard Level Music offers to juniors and seniors concentrations in solo performance, group performance, and composition. The music program presents several performances during the year and allows students to concentrate on composition, or solo or group performance.  Depending on their interest and talents, students polish individual and group performance skills and learn the vocabulary and history of music, music theory, arranging, and structure.  Presentations vary, based on the students’ style and training.  Performances have featured singers, guitarists, drummers, pianists, and others.

While not an academic program, dance is offered as a sport/activity.  The dance program surveys jazz, modern, hip-hop, and ballet. Students study technique, experiment with improvisation, learn dances, and explore their own creativity by choreographing solos, duets, and small group numbers, in preparation for performance.  They are able both to improve individual technique and gain the experience of working in an ensemble.

2008 VISUAL ARTS COURSES

 

The Visual Arts HL course is an advanced, team-taught, interdisciplinary, multi-media course in two and three dimensional visual arts and art history. It will be taught over two years. The focus of the course is to develop mastery of the visual language and creative expression across a wide range of media and styles, while also providing students the opportunity to concentrate, or “major” in a chosen medium. Students are encouraged to experience and interpret their environment through familiar and unfamiliar cultural “filters.” Verde Valley students benefit from a school program which exposes them to extensive intercultural experiences, both on and off-campus. These experiences provide excellent source material for the arts.

9th and 10th Grade Visual Arts Courses:

Introduction to Drawing - Semester course
Using a wide range of materials, students work independently on assignments suggested by the teacher but based on their own areas of interest. In this class, students can also suggest projects that the entire class may pursue. Students learn from the teacher, from each other, and from experience. A portfolio is due at the end of the term that must show progress, creativity, craftsmanship, a variety of challenges, an understanding of the elements of design, and the thoughts and feelings of the artist.

Introduction to Black and White Photography - Semester course
Students start by learning the basic workings of the camera, particularly about the camera lens and its component parts, the aperture and shutter, and how these work together to get the correct exposure. They explore what depth of field is and how to use it effectively in composing a picture. The course teaches students how to develop film to get the best possible negative, and how to use the enlarger to make high quality prints. Some assignments include reflections, blurred images, soft focus, self-portraits, and maximum depth of field. Students learn to strive for final print quality as well as creativity in visualization. Students may repeat this course at a higher level of expectation (Level 2).

Introduction to Ceramics -  Semester couse
In this course, the students learn basic throwing and hand-building techniques and a variety of firing processes, including high-fire stoneware, low-fire electric, raku, saggar, and pit firing. The student starts with the basic cylinder form, then progresses to different techniques and forms. Assignments vary from very simple forms, such as mugs, to very difficult lidded forms (teapots) and forms with handles. In the second half of the semester students concentrate on hand-building. Assignments vary and include animals, masks, and wall plaques. Students also learn glazing techniques – pouring, dipping, spraying, and brush work. The course stresses imagination and creativity. Students may repeat this course at a higher level of expectation (Level 2).

Introduction to Digital Arts - Semester course
This course focuses on using digital cameras and scanners, and processing images with Photoshop. After six weeks of basic lessons students begin to diversify, using the various tools built into Photoshop to achieve an assortment of visual goals. After ten weeks students begin work with parts of the “digital hub” – Web production tools, cross-platform tools, Illustrator, DreamWeaver, and iMovie. Some students may explore one of these programs in more depth while others continue progressing with Photoshop.

11th and 12th Grade IB Group VI Visual Arts Courses:

STANDARD LEVEL VISUAL ARTS – Two-year sequence
The Visual Arts SL-A course is a team taught, interdisciplinary, multi-media course in two and three dimensional visual arts. It will be taught over two years. The focus of the course is to develop a command of the visual language and creative expression across a wide range of media and styles, while also providing students the opportunity to concentrate, or “major” in one medium. Students are encouraged to experience and interpret their environment and their views through familiar and unfamiliar cultural “filters.” Verde Valley students benefit from a school program which exposes them to extensive intercultural experiences, both on and off-campus. These experiences provide excellent source material for the arts.

The Visual Arts SL-A course will be taught in four semester-long, discipline-specific modules: 1) drawing and painting, 2) graphic arts, combining digital media and screen printing, 3) photography, and 4) ceramics. Students will take three of the four modules, a semester each, and may focus on their personal choice in the fourth semester.  The intention of the course is to provide students with the opportunity to explore several disciplines. The studio modules will be taught by two different faculty members, so students will benefit from different approaches as they move among the module blocks. The Visual Arts SL-A course will be taught in VVS’s traditional “studio” environment, which places groups of no more than 14 students of varying abilities and experience levels in the studio together, working individually on teacher-guided and self-guided projects. This arrangement provides rich cross-fertilization of ideas among VVS’s international student community.

HIGHER LEVEL VISUAL ARTS – Two-year sequence
The Visual Arts HL course will be taught in four semester-long, discipline-specific modules, and differs from the SL-A course in the degree of mastery expected, the degree of self-directed creativity and research expected, and in the quantity and quality of work produced.  Successful completion of the Visual Arts HL course would prepare students quite well to apply for admission to art colleges or university majors.  Four modules are available: 1) in ceramics, 2) photography, 3) painting and drawing studio, and 4) graphic arts studio.  Students will take a minimum of two modules before declaring a “major” in one discipline and completing two additional modules in that area.  In addition to these semester long studio modules – which include extensive use of the research workbook component to explore student and teacher-directed themes for independent work – students will complete a survey of art history module over the two years, through evening lectures.

The intention of the course is to provide students with the opportunity to continue to explore media and disciplines, but to concentrate extensively in one area as well.  The studio modules will be taught by two different faculty members, so students will benefit from different approaches as they move among the module blocks, in addition to the comprehensive survey of art history course, which will be given by a third instructor.  The Visual Arts HL course will be taught in Verde Valley’s traditional “studio” environment, which places small groups of students of varying ability (HL and SL students working together), working individually on teacher-guided and self-guided projects.  The art history component will be taught in larger lecture format with students from all IB modules together.  This arrangement will provide ample cross-fertilization of ideas among Verde Valley’s international student community.

Performing Arts:

The Performing Arts have been an integral part of the Verde Valley School curriculum since its inception. Brady Hall, our performing arts center, houses a full theater, music recording studio, and a space for dance classes. Students at VVS are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the creative process. By providing this opportunity, VVS allows students to develop a greater appreciation of the arts as a whole.

Within the Performing Arts Curriculum, students learn the skills and crafts necessary to mount full-scale productions, whether it be through our dance and music concerts, or our theater productions. Students have the opportunity to not only perform but also work on costumes, lighting, sound, set construction, stage managing, and marketing. This intimate involvement with each production fosters a sense of pride, investment, self-esteem, and community.  

The dance program surveys jazz, modern, hip-hop, and ballet. Students study technique, experiment with improvisation, learn dances, and explore their own creativity by choreographing solos, duets, and small group numbers in preparation for performance.  

The theater program mounts two main stage productions each year. These productions consist of plays and musicals in the genre of both comedy and drama. The students audition and have the opportunity to perform, and must also participate in production crews. Plays are performed for the school community as well as for the local Sedona community.

The music program presents several performances during the year and consists of the New Music Ensemble. Students must audition for the ensemble and have the opportunity to compose, arrange, and perform original works for the VVS school community. Presentations vary based on the students’ style and training. Performances have featured singers, guitarists, drummers, pianists, and others.

9th and 10th Grade Performing Arts Courses:

INTRODUCTION TO THEATER ARTS – Semester course
This course introduces the student to theater fundamentals. Students will learn basic theater terminology, a brief history of the theater, and an overview of our theater’s technical capabilities. Students will also explore basic acting techniques using theater games and improvisation; two-partner scene work and monologues. The semester will end with a performance piece presented by the students.

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC – Semester course
This course will introduce the principles of rhythm, melody, and harmony. Also covered will be reading and writing music notation, stylistic analysis, and music history. Student will also learn to apply what they learn to their given instrument or voice. The course is open to students regardless of previous experience. VVS has guitars, keyboards and percussion instruments available for use. Students wishing to study other instruments must provide them.

GUITAR– Semester course
This one semester course will cover a range of skills and concepts for the guitar. Beginning to advanced students are welcome to participate. Students will apply their skills and learning in individual and ensemble settings. Also covered: history of the guitar, stylistic analysis of important artists, and basic music theory.  Student must have a guitar to participate. VVS has a limited number of instruments available for students.

 

11th and 12th Grade IB Group 6 Performing Arts Courses:

STANDARD LEVEL and HIGHER LEVEL THEATRE ARTS – Two-year sequence
The Theatre Arts Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) courses consist of four semesters taught over a two-year period. The purpose of these courses is to foster a deep appreciation of theater in all its varying aspects. This Group 6 Arts program will provide students with an opportunity to discover their particular area of passion within the many skills and crafts of theater production. Through this discovery, the students are encouraged to explore their own creativity, and develop a sense of community within the student group which can then be extended into the larger world.

The SL and HL program will consist of an in depth introduction to theater from the perspective of actor, director, and the rolls of various designers. Students will gain a working understanding of theater as an art form through “physicalization;” learning the basics of the inner and outer world of the self for use in theatrical presentation; script analysis; historical perspectives; and critical reviews of the work of others. Assessment will be based on the students’ participation in classroom exercises, on their journals, written work, and positive interaction with others. These separate components will then culminate in an experiential format through the students’ participation in two full-scale productions in front of an audience.

Topics which may be covered in the SL and HL courses include:

• Performance Skills – Acting techniques using theater games and improvisation; two-partner scene work; monologues; introduction to styles; European clowning; mime and movement.
• World Theater Studies – Ancient Greece, Commedia dell‘arte, American Theater, Kabuki Theater, Augusto
• Boal’s Theater of the Oppressed
• Practical Play Analysis – Excerpts from Shakespearean comedy and tragedy; Early American Theater
• Children’s Theater

In their final semester, HL Students must participate in an Individual Project such as a solo performance, playwriting, directing, technical design, costume design, etc.

11th and 12th Grade IB Group 6 Music Courses:

STANDARD LEVEL MUSIC – two-year sequence

Music Composition –SL-C
Musical Performance –SL-Group
Musical Performance –SL-Solo
The Music Composition course, and the Musical Performance - Group and Solo - are comprehensive investigations into the elements, theory, functions, and cultural/historical contexts of music. They are taught over two years. The courses are structured in four supportive areas: an in-depth study of a prescribed work representing a significant musical development in its genre, era and social-cultural context, the study of musical genres and styles, an independent investigation into the relationships of music from distinct musical genres, traditions, cultures or regions of the world and an in depth study of musical composition in theory as well as application/creation.

Through the use of intensive listening and study students have the opportunity to develop their aural skills and musical understanding. Students learn to recognize and identify musical elements. This allows them to analyze (and therefore) speculate or hypothesize as to the function and structure of music from any given genre. Students are able to make connection between music of different times and cultures as well. All students will participate in a course of study focused on the creation, performance and recording of original works. These courses allow students to engage in both rigorous study and creative exploration through the development of their own musical ideas.

These courses provide the student of music with the theoretical understanding of how music is created, the practical and applied skills for creating scores, and an understanding that music can not be created in a void and must be understood within the culture from which it was created.   

Topics which may be covered include:

• Musical Structure:  The function of melodic, harmonic and compositional devices in music- binary and ternary forms, multi movement compositions, cadence use and quality.
• Musical Elements:   Melody, harmony, rhythm, texture
• Musical Terminology and Notation:  Figured bass, harmonic nomenclature, transposing instruments, score reduction
• Music History: A survey of the rise of polyphony in the western art music tradition and its developments from the early middle ages through the twentieth century           
• Music of the World:    An investigation through music of people and cultures not in the western art music tradition emphasizing music as a means of studying internationalism.
• Creation of Compositional Portfolio:  consisting of exercises, experiments, and original works
• Arranging:  Applied use of notational systems, exploration of differing musical timbres, instrumentation, recording techniques, MIDI and digital audio applications, and orchestration
• Composition Journal: A record of ideas and reflections on the compositional process

HIGHER LEVEL MUSIC – two-year sequence
Music Composition –HL-Composition
Musical Performance –HL-Solo
Conducted simultaneously with SL Music, Higher Level Music is designed for the student who specializes in music and has a background in musical performance and composition, and who may pursue music at the university or music conservatoire level.  It includes three compulsory parts:  music perception and analysis; solo performance; and composition.  Higher Level Music will meet at least one more time per week than SL music, and will involve more challenging material.