With the first semester soon coming to a close, Middlesex students are eagerly anticipating the new slate of arts courses available at the end of January. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the courses our students are looking forward to:
Middlesex Jazz Ensemble. Open to all instrumentalists with some degree of proficiency on their instruments; no audition necessary. The Jazz Ensemble offers music students the opportunity to play and learn about jazz and jazz improvisation. By working on standard compositions from the jazz repertoire, from lead sheets and written arrangements, students can experience both a small group setting (with emphasis on improvisation) and big band ensemble playing. Students are expected to attend three rehearsals, take one private music lesson, and practice regularly each week. Students will be charged the School’s usual fee for lessons.
Steel Pan Ensemble. This course is designed for students who have an interest in learning to play the steel pan and being part of a fun performance band, performing at the Spring Instrumental Concert. Beyond learning to play the steel pans in class, students will learn basic music theory and study the culture and music of the Caribbean. Music experience is not a prerequisite. The group is also open to students who play drums, guitar, or bass.
Technical Theatre. This course is a survey of basic technical theater techniques from script analysis, and concept development and design, to choosing and using tools, hardware, and theatre equipment. Students will learn and use various technical theatre skills including building and painting sets and props, hanging and focusing lights, and programming the light board. This course will use script-analysis techniques used by designers and directors to develop a clear production concept by reading a play and creating and presenting individual designs to the class. Students will exercise creative and practical skills through in-class projects of set, lighting, sound and costume design. Each student will be required to give and receive peer feedback and work collaboratively and safely.
Sculpture: Art of The Puppet. Puppetry is an art of contrasts, simultaneously ancient and avant-garde, primitive and sophisticated, children’s entertainment and serious art form. In this class students will explore the mysterious and magical world of puppetry. We will experiment with a variety of simple methods of puppet design and construction before engineering a more complex long-term project. Depending on the preferences of each particular class, the final project could either be an individual or a group endeavor.
3D Explorations In this course students will explore a variety of traditional and nontraditional 3 dimensional media including, but not limited to; wire, fabric, cardboard, papier mache, plaster, polymer clay, mold making and casting. Assignments will address sculptural and design concerns, as well as figurative techniques. Puppetry, large scale constructions, kinetic sculptures, mobiles, doll making, polymer clay jewelry and polymer clay modeling are all possible areas of concentration. No previous sculpture experience necessary.
Art and Life in Nineteenth-Century France. From Courbet’s Burial at Ornans to Monet’s Waterlilies and from the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower, many of France’s most recognizable cultural contributions were executed during the nineteenth century. In this course, we will consider the historical backdrop against which these monuments were created, gaining insight into the unique conditions that led to a flourishing of culture and, ultimately, to a radical reconsideration of France’s established institutions. Making use of scholarly secondary sources and a wide range of primary sources—including art, essays and works of fiction—we will pursue an in-depth investigation of this period and its persistent impacts on the conditions of modern life.
Advanced Placement Studio Art: Drawing, 2-D or 3-D Portfolio. Advanced Placement Studio Art is a rigorous college-level course where students produce an extensive art portfolio of 24 works of art. Students who enroll in this course should do so with the understanding that they plan to participate in the Advanced Placement evaluation in early May. This course has been designed to meet the external criteria established by the College Board, and will address all three sections of the Portfolio development: breadth, quality and concentration. Through direct teacher instruction (4 classes per week plus figure drawing), individual and group critiques, and independent focused studio research and practice, students will acquire the conceptual, technical and critical abilities to execute their personal ideas and complete a portfolio, which demonstrates mastery in concept, composition and execution. A major gallery exhibition will be presented in late spring featuring the art completed during the previous two semesters.
Advanced Studio Projects: Ceramics. Students committed to mastering their skills in sculptural form in clay are offered the opportunity to tailor a course program to further explore areas of interest. This might include alternative firing techniques, jewelry making, clay sculpture or advanced decorative techniques. Each student will design, create, and host his/her own final exhibit at the close of the semester.