Visual & Performing Arts
Bullis School’s visual and performing arts program is designed to advance students’ ability to discover and develop their own voice through artistic expression. A student-centered, interdisciplinary approach balances the exploration of artistic traditions, the development of concepts and the building of skills. Using new vocabulary, students learn to express themselves, create and problem solve. The Visual and Performing Arts Department aspires to cultivate culturally literate, inquisitive and independent thinkers who synthesize the greater world through the Arts.
“Our programs support the most advanced artistic skills, while giving everyone a chance to excel. Students find their niche and rise to a new level of achievement. They discover things about themselves that neither they nor anyone else knew they had in them.” — Cheryl Terwilliger, Chair, Visual and Performing Arts Department
The Visual and Performing Arts Department curriculum utilizes three sequential levels of skill development, offering a varied program in Visual Art, Dance, Music and Theater. Level I (Discovering Your Own Voice) focuses on establishing basic skills inherent in and common to all four artistic disciplines and on creative invention and discovering the creative voice. Levels II (Compositional Craft) and III (Application) build on this voice and develop the compositional techniques specific to each discipline.
The Upper School offerings in the Visual and Performing Arts are all electives. Students are required to earn a minimum of two credits in Visual and Performing Arts to graduate. This requirement may be fulfilled by earning any combination of credits in the arts disciplines: Visual Art, Dance, Music or Theater. All Visual and Performing Arts courses receive academic credit and are regarded as one of the five academic subjects required each trimester. Ninth graders must select a yearlong course of study in the arts, either a music ensemble or Arts Foundations, a series of three classes: Intro to Dance, Intro to Visual Art and Intro to Acting or Basic Stagecraft.
Dance
Level I: Introduction to Dance
This course is designed for students who have had little or no dance background. Students have the opportunity to explore and practice the principles of dance technique, improvisation, and composition, working toward developing awareness, freedom and control in the use of the body as an instrument of expression. Students learn basic technical skills and creative aspects relative to a variety of dance styles. Technical expertise and artistic expression are enhanced through reflective practice, study and evaluation of one’s own work. Students focus on building the skills of coordination, balance, body alignment, flexibility, strength, endurance, musical awareness, phrasing, precision and rhythmic accuracy. Credit: 1/3
Level II: Jazz, Hip Hop, and Funk
This course is geared to dancers interested in learning jazz, hip hop and funk technique. Students begin by learning a jazz dance vocabulary and basic combinations that are gradually developed into larger movement combinations, allowing dancers to explore expression, dynamics and rhythmic patterns. This unit includes a mixture of jazz styles and jazz influences (African and Latin dances). The style of the hip hop and funk class choreography has an urban street dance flavor with the underpinning of jazz technique. (Prerequisite: Intro to Dance) Credit: 1/3
Level III: Advanced Topics in Dance
This option allows advanced students to explore additional topics as an extension beyond the current departmental offerings. Areas of special interest, with teacher guidance and direction, may be developed into trimester courses of study.
Credit: 1/3
Music
Level I: Concert Choir (yearlong)
The Bullis Concert Choir is a mixed performance chorus that is comprised of singers from all of the choral ensembles. The Concert Choir is devoted to the study and performance of music from a wide spectrum of styles, from Renaissance to contemporary, with an emphasis on learning to express and respond to different musical styles and on developing sensitivity to the relationship between the four vocal lines. The curriculum also focuses on developing vocal technique, expanding vocal range and cultivating ensemble skills. Singers work to develop the skills of sight-reading, sight-singing, basic ear training and part-singing and are also instructed in fundamental elements of music theory. The Concert Choir meets once weekly with some extra rehearsals prior to performances. (Prerequisite: an audition) Credit: 1 (with concurrent membership in Chorale, Caprice or Chamber Singers)
Level I: Concert Band (yearlong)
Upper School Concert Band class is designed to help students progress toward the attainment of the advanced woodwind, brass and percussion objectives. The emphasis is on the concept of large ensemble playing. Instrumentation of the group will be at the discretion of the instructor. (Prerequisite: attainment of intermediate woodwind, brass, string, and percussion objectives and audition) Credit: 1
Level I: Digital Music I and II
These courses are designed to introduce students to the constantly evolving world of electronic and digital technology. Students will explore music through synthesizer keyboards, computers, digital sound design and written composition using a direct, hands-on-approach. These courses cover the physics of sound, the history of electronic music, sound synthesis, functions and operations of synthesizers, music composition and sequencing software, and digital recording and editing. Students will be required to create compositions, manipulate sequencing software and edit recordings of live performances. Credit: 1/3
Level I: Percussion Ensemble (yearlong)
The Percussion Ensemble is designed to teach the fundamentals of percussion technique to beginning and intermediate students through the study of the standard percussion repertoire. Members of the class also will function together as an independent ensemble that will present their own repertoire on and off campus in concerts and events. Students may participate in the Percussion Ensemble for multiple years; some also may be invited to participate in Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Workshop. Credit: 1
Level II: Caprice/Concert Choir (yearlong)
Caprice is a select women’s ensemble of 20-24 voices that expands the vocal training and musicality of each member. The women of this ensemble are exposed to high standards of creativity, education and research in treble music from across the musical eras. Further attention is given to the research and performance of the works of an annually highlighted woman composer. Performance opportunities exist both on and off campus. (Prerequisite: audition/interview, participation in Concert Choir) Credit: 1 (with concurrent enrollment in Concert Choir)
Level II: Chorale/Concert Choir (yearlong)
Chorale is a select mixed choir that seeks to expand the musical knowledge of students while enriching cross-curriculum study. Using standard choral repertoire from across the musical eras, as well as newly discovered ethnic pieces, this ensemble explores literary devices, cultural and historical settings, scientific and mathematical implications, performance practices and team building. This ensemble serves as its own entity, as well as a part of the Concert Choir, and performs both on and off campus. (Prerequisite: audition/interview, participation in Concert Choir) Credit: 1 (with concurrent enrollment in Concert Choir)
Level II: Jazz Ensemble (yearlong)
Upper School Jazz Ensemble is designed to help students progress toward the attainment of the advanced woodwind, brass and percussion objectives in relation to the musical study of Jazz. The emphasis is on the concept of large ensemble playing. Instrumentation of the group will be at the discretion of the instructor. (Prerequisite: attainment of advanced woodwind, brass, string and percussion objectives, audition by the instructor, concurrent membership in Concert Band or Concert Band/Jazz Workshop) Credit: 1 (with concurrent membership in Concert Band or Concert Band/Jazz Workshop)
Level II: String Ensemble (yearlong)
The String Ensemble is designed to assist students in the development of advanced string objectives. Students perform a variety of works written for smaller ensembles with the goal of developing greater independence, facility and group skills. Instrumentation of the group will be at the discretion of the instructor. (Prerequisite: attainment of advanced string objectives and audition by the instructor) Credit: 2/3
Level III: Chamber Singers/Concert Choir (yearlong)
Chamber Singers is a highly select, mixed ensemble of 12-16 voices that are chosen through a rigorous audition process. This ensemble explores the chamber music from the Renaissance era through the vocal jazz idiom of the current age. Throughout the course, attention is paid to historical context, artistry, language, performance practice and the theoretical foundations of a given piece. Performing both on and off campus, the group serves as ambassadors for Bullis School. (Prerequisite: audition/interview; one year of service in an Upper School choral ensemble, participation in Concert Choir) Credit: 1 (with concurrent enrollment in Concert Choir)
Level III: Jazz Workshop (yearlong)
Upper School Jazz Workshop class is designed to help students progress toward the attainment of the advanced woodwind, brass and percussion objectives in relation to the musical study of jazz. This group is intended to provide the very advanced student with additional playing and performance opportunities, as well as the development of small ensemble and improvisational skills. (Prerequisite: attainment of advanced woodwind, brass and percussion objectives, audition by instructor and concurrent membership in Concert Band/Jazz Ensemble) Credit: 1 (with concurrent enrollment in Concert Band/Jazz Ensemble)
Level III: String Workshop (yearlong)
Upper School String Workshop class is designed to help students progress toward the attainment of the advanced string objectives in relation to the musical study of chamber music. This group is intended to provide the very advanced student with additional playing and performance opportunities, as well as the development of small ensemble skills. The offering of this group may vary from year to year and will be based on the discretion of the instructor. The String Workshop is a performance group where emphasis is placed on individual growth and good ensemble playing. Works studied range throughout the standard classical repertoire. (Prerequisite: attainment of advanced string objectives, audition by instructor and concurrent membership in String Ensemble) Credit: 1 (with concurrent enrollment in String Ensemble)
Level III: Advanced Placement Music Theory (yearlong)
AP Music Theory is an exciting and demanding course, equivalent in content, scope and work requirements to an introductory music theory course at the college level. This course is intended for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of music. Through the AP program, instrumentalists, singers and composers will build a solid foundation in their musical understanding. This course requires a commitment by the student to practice and work diligently to reach the instructional goals set forth by The College Board. The primary educational objectives of AP Music Theory are to gain and increase aural and visual skills in music reading and sight singing, to excel in dictation and keyboard harmony, to develop writing skills through composition and to acquire a broad perspective of music by the study of the literature. The course carefully follows the prescribed content required to prepare students for the AP Music Theory examination. After the exam in May, individual research projects will be assigned. An assessment test and interview with the instructor will determine the eligibility of juniors and seniors who wish to take the course. (Prerequisite: advanced musical study and departmental approval) Credit: 1 Offered in alternate years, beginning in 2008–09.
Theater
Level I: Basic Stagecraft
This course is an introduction to the fundamental elements and technology of theatrical production. Emphasis is placed on concepts related to technical theater, including stagecraft, scenic design, lighting design and set construction. Topics include history, theater organization, tools and materials, design and construction basics, scenery construction, lighting, rigging, sound, scene shop safety, stage management and the collaborative process. Students divide their time between regular classes and practical, hands-on work in the scene shop and work spaces. Students apply what they are learning by developing and constructing the actual elements of the current production and/or one-act production. Credit: 1/3
Level I: Introduction to Acting
This course is an introduction to the fundamental elements and technology of theatrical production. Emphasis is placed on concepts related to technical theater, including stagecraft, scenic design, lighting design and set construction. Topics include history, theater organization, tools and materials, design and construction basics, scenery construction, lighting, rigging, sound, scene shop safety, stage management and the collaborative process. Students divide their time between regular classes and practical, hands-on work in the scene shop and work spaces. Students apply what they are learning by developing and constructing the actual elements of the current production and/or one-act production. Credit: 1/3
Level II: Advanced Acting
This advanced-level acting class assumes that students already have a working knowledge of basic acting techniques. Through exploring a variety of acting styles and techniques in character development, students are able to distill a personal system that enables them to create and communicate unique characters. Specific topics covered include: selecting and developing suitable material for auditions; preparing and analyzing a monologue or scene; using observations and personal experiences to create believable characters; searching for the truth in an action, a situation or a character; creating a score to activate the physical life of a character; creating an environment out of empty space; writing a resume; guideposts to creating an organized and functional approach to acting. The first trimester focuses on monologues, the second trimester on scene study and the third trimester on performance improvisation. (Prerequisites: Introduction to Acting) Credit: 1
Level II: Advanced Stagecraft Techniques
This course offers an opportunity for students to learn and apply intermediate design theory in one of three major technical areas: scenic design, lighting design and sound design. Classroom theory is applied first to conceptual design projects in the student’s chosen area of concentration; this work culminates in a practical project, perhaps one as ambitious as creating the actual design of a major production. Concentration is on concept, design and communication of ideas through rendering, drafting and model making. Areas explored include color theory, lighting, fabrics and application to theater and dance. The class also explores the collaborative process between the designer, the director and the entire artistic team. Students apply what they are learning by developing and constructing the actual elements of the current production and/or one-act production. (Prerequisite: Basic Stagecraft Techniques) Credit: 1/3
Level III: Advanced Topics in Theater
This option allows advanced students to explore additional topics as an extension beyond the current departmental offerings. Areas of special interest, with teacher guidance and direction, may be developed into trimester courses of study.
Credit: 1/3
Level III: Theatrical Design and Production (yearlong)
This course continues the work introduced in Advanced Stagecraft Techniques with additional focus on design theory and practicality. Topics include set, light and sound design, and technical direction of all elements. Students work on and present projects consisting of complete designs and working drawings of scenery and lighting from selected works of theater. The emphasis is on the implementation of concepts and ideas in physical production. Students are paired with student directors to produce a one-act play. Students build a finished portfolio and resume including picture designs and other production elements. (Prerequisite: Advanced Stagecraft Techniques and approval of the instructor) Credit: 1
Visual Art
Level I: Introduction to Visual Art
The focus of the introduction to art course will enable the student to learn a variety of drawing and painting techniques, the elements and principles of design and introductory color theory. The student will become familiar with tools, mediums and ways of thinking about art. Students will discover how people use a common visual language to express their own unique perspectives. The class explores the elements of both two- and three-dimensional art, which can be applied to any media or art form. Credit: 1/3
Level II: Digital Art
This foundation course focuses on using the computer and digital technology as a creative tool. Students are introduced to digital software such as Adobe Photoshop using photography and Web imagery for use in artistic and design-based projects. Students explore scope and sequence via projects that include photo manipulation, collage and special-effects imagery. Understanding the “basics of design,” aid students in their use of type and photo-based imagery for a variety of projects and creative applications. Students develop design skills, creativity and imagination through the use of a very modern media. Credit: 1/3
Level II: Digital Art II
This advanced course expands on the foundation skills and knowledge gained in Digital Arts I. Students continue to explore and develop creative skills using Adobe Photoshop plus Adobe Illustrator, as a new creative software tool. More in-depth creative skills are explored and developed in projects that include photo-based and hand drawn imagery for use as both fine art and graphic applications. Projects include creating photographs, graphics and illustration art for use in poster, brochure and book design. Credit: 1/3
Level II: Digital Video
This one-term course introduces the art and science of digital video production. Students will learn to plan, shoot, edit and compress digital video for distribution through the World Wide Web. Proper operation of a video camera to produce video that maintains visual continuity is emphasized. Students will create individual as well as group video projects. Credit: 1/3
Level II: Drawing
Drawing is the foundation for all artistic expression. This course emphasizes the fundamental drawing techniques and skills needed for further work in various media. In it, students develop a visual vocabulary that they will utilize in exploration of literal, visual and expressive qualities of drawings. Students learn about line, proportion, perspective and chiaroscuro, as well as about the variety of materials and techniques used in drawing. Credit: 1/3
Level II: Ceramics I and II
Ceramics is a short introduction to working with our most basic elements: earth, water, fire and air. Students work with clay in all its forms and experiment with both functional and ornamental designs. Students are introduced to fundamental methods of forming clay and the age-old hand building processes of pinch, coil building and slab construction. After the hand-building repertoire is learned, the basic techniques of wedging, centering and throwing clay on the potter’s wheel are developed. Finally, students become familiar with the process of firing the electric kiln and, when possible, are introduced to the primitive pit-fire method of firing in the Native American tradition. Credit: 1/3
Level II: Painting
This course is designed to introduce students to painting through the use of a variety of materials and techniques. Students learn about tone, color intensity and basic color theory, with examples from the history of art. Mediums investigated include acrylic and watercolor, as well as surface preparation. Students learn and discuss the principles of design and find practical uses for them in their work. Credit: 1/3
Level II: Photography I & II
Photography focuses on the use of the photographic medium as a means of personal expression and communication. Students gain a thorough understanding of the camera and how it can be used as a creative tool. They learn the technical aspects of photography, including the different parts of the 35mm SLR camera, how to properly expose and develop film, how to create good black and white prints and how to make contact sheets and black and white enlargements. Students have extensive opportunity to work with basic darkroom processes and techniques. The second-level course emphasizes the creative aspects and the aesthetics of good photographic composition. Emphasis shifts from photographic craft to the artful capture and strong composition of a variety of subject matter. Students are encouraged to experiment with different film formats and printing techniques. All students are asked to maintain a portfolio of their work and to keep a journal as a way of illustrating their ideas and writing critiques. Credit: 1/3
Level III: Advanced Placement Art History (Consortium Course)
AP Art History is designed to provide an understanding and enjoyment of architecture, sculpture, painting and other art forms within historical and cultural contexts. Students examine major forms of artistic expression from the past and present and from a variety of cultures. They learn to look at works of art critically, with intelligence and sensitivity, and to articulate what they see or experience. The course includes visits to various local museums and galleries. No prior exposure to art history is required. This course prepares successful students to take the College Board Advanced Placement exam in art history, which is required. (Taught at St. Andrew’s) Credit: 1
Level III: AP Studio Art/Advanced Studio Art
In this studio course, intermediate and advanced students develop technical proficiency, awareness of artistic sensitivity and sensibility and an understanding of the process of making art. Based on the interaction of the elements and principles of design, students will create a range of artworks. Through various studio projects, students develop their own voices, utilizing skills attained in earlier art courses. Drawing from observation will be practiced on a regular basis. Emphasis will be on the creation of a body of work that conveys the student’s investigation, growth and discovery. Projects will utilize a variety of techniques and materials in the areas of drawing, painting, collage, digital imaging and mixed media. Students who choose the AP option will also work to develop and submit a portfolio based on the requirements of the College Board. (Prerequisite: two Level II visual art courses and departmental approval) Credit: 1
