Arts

Here at BB&N, we welcome the novice artist; we encourage the experienced artist. We make a deep commitment to including arts experiences across all four yeas of high school. We believe adolescents need and benefit from getting their hands on materials, projecting their voices on stage, or taking their commitment to music further. Below is a listing of courses. Students can also try out for any of our theatrical productions (three per year, plus plays directed by seniors). Our studios are open at any time to students with proper knowledge of special equipment.

Courses

Ninth Grade Introduction to the Arts (Grade 9)
As a requirement for the ninth grade, these courses introduce students to the elements and techniques in two broad areas of the arts. Students choose a one-semester course in the Visual Arts and a one semester in the Performing Arts for the year. We try to give every student at least one “first choice.”

Visual Arts (for 9th Grade):
Intro to Photography: Go into the roots of photography with the use of light sensitive materials in the darkroom of our new Photo Lab. We teach the fundamentals of two-dimensional art with our attention to composition, light, moment, and evocative interpretation of subjects.
Intro to Wood: Students will be exposed to the tools and techniques in the making of art with the beautiful medium of wood.
Art Across Boundaries:This course is an opportunity to explore the imagination. Students will cut across boundaries to experience drawing, painting, printmaking, collage and mixed media. Projects might include expressive self-portraits, telling stories with images, painting fantasy landscapes, or building a world in a box.

Performing Arts (for 9th Grade):
Drama: Introduction to the craft of acting
Dance: Get out there and move! For anyone at any level who would like to explore Jazz, dance for musical theater, and even a little Hip Hop.
Choral Music: Ensemble work for anyone who likes to sing.
Video/Film: An introduction to this complex medium using IMovie.
Orchestra*, Chamber Music*, Jazz*: For students with a strong instrumental music background.
*Students electing these musical ensembles continue with them for the full year.

Advanced Placement History of Art (Grade 12, limited to 12 students)
A chronological survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture, from their beginnings through the Post-Modern era. The class will meet three times weekly, including a 105-minute double block during which the class will make weekly visits to local museums. The focus of these visits will be student presentations on masterpieces in these collections that illustrate the history of art. In general, on-campus classes will provide breadth, on-site presentations, depth, in attempting to understand the richness and complexity of the course content. On a secondary level, the course will also provide an introduction to the cultural riches of the Greater Boston area. Students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. Enrollment requires being free during G block on Friday.

The Art of Design and Architecture (Grades 10-12)
Design is essential to understanding the way the world works. This course will give you a basic understanding of how things that we use every day are made and also how designers think when they work. Hopefully, it will also give you better insight into your own unique creative design process. Whether it is a personal logo, a persuasive political poster or a 100-square-foot living unit, the only skills necessary to succeed are an open mind and the ability to focus on the task at hand. Initially the course will cover the “language of design” as it relates to the art of visual communication. The second part of the course will focus on three dimensional design projects including the basics of environmental design and architecture. Field trips in the past have included seeing a poster design exhibit at Massachusetts College of Art, a tour of the ICA, and a visit to a local design firm planning the 2008 Olympics in China.

Ceramics (Grades 10-12)
In the first semester students will focus on learning various techniques of hand building to create both functional and sculptural forms. Projects will encourage the development of technical skills, imagination and conceptual thinking. Students will be introduced to a variety of approaches to surface such as carving, relief, slip trailing, and multiple ways of applying glaze to develop depth and color. In the second term, students will be encouraged to define and pursue an area of personal interest and vision.

Drama/Theatre (Grades 10-12)
First Semester: An exploration of theatre performance. Dramatic works are studied as scripts to be brought to life by actors and designers. Monologue and scene work from the plays are supplemented by exercises to develop physical and vocal technique.
Second Semester: A continuation of the work of the first semester with a focus on contemporary dramatic works created since 1970. Scene work and vocal and physical training continue accompanied by a more extensive use of improvisation.

Advanced Drama/Theatre (Grades 11 and 12)
First Semester: Acting Shakespeare. A continuation of the acting work/script analysis of Drama/Theatre with an emphasis on period acting and the challenges of style.
Second Semester: Student director/performer project. Students choose either to direct a main stage play in the spring term or to prepare a series of scenes and monologues for public presentation. Drama/Theatre is a pre-requisite for this course.

Drawing and Painting (Grades 10-12)
Whether you are experienced or a beginner in the studio, this is the course for you if you are interested in mastering the basics of drawing and painting in a single year. You will first learn how to draw from observation, learning to see the world the way artists do in terms of lines, tones, shapes, pattern, texture and space. Using pencil, charcoal, oil pastel, cut paper, and pen and ink, you will create a wide range of images with confidence and learn how to develop a sense of personal imagination in your art. Subjects will vary from still-life objects to living portraits to spatial landscapes. You will also work outside of the studio in a sketchbook journal. The second semester explores painting through an in-depth study of color and more self-directed projects. Drawing with a brush and working large will be emphasized using ink wash, watercolor, acrylic paint and, in some cases, oil paints. In addition, there usually is a studio directed project related to art history and one field trip per semester to a local art show or museum. This course is a pre-requisite for Advanced Studio Art.

Advanced Studio Art (Grades 11 and 12)
Open to a limited number of experienced drawing and painting students, this course will be theme oriented, with strong emphasis on the development of a sense of the student’s personal vision. The course usually includes a variety of field trips, outside readings and class discussions. The basic course in Drawing and Painting or a portfolio review is a pre-requisite. Work completed in this course can be used as a portfolio for college applications.

Film and Video (Grades 10-12)
Through discussion, observation, research, and creation, this course will focus on the student developing an appreciation of the complexities of the multi-media art forms of film and video. Using digital equipment and Final Cut Pro, students will develop an understanding of both the technological and the artistic elements that compose a film or video. Class projects are collaboratively organized and will use digital audio and video to create short studies, documentary, commercial, and narrative pieces. Enrollment limited to 12 students.

Multi-Media Sculpture (Grades 10-12)
This is a course for students who love to build and get their hands around things. We will utilize construction, assemblage, carving, and molding to create three-dimensional forms of art. Students will get to work with a variety of materials such as wire, wood, wax, foam core, and handmade paper in new and unusual combinations. We will also explore different ways of achieving colored and textured surfaces. Students at any level of experience in art are welcome to take this course.

Multimedia Art (Grades 10-12)
In this course we will work with diverse materials and found objects to create two and three-dimensional art works with an eye towards combining materials in unusual ways. Projects will include functional and sculptural forms such as collaged boxes, one-of-a-kind books, cast paper objects, and wire sculptures. Open to all who want to keep their hands in art but don't have the time to commit to a full, four times per week class.
This course meets twice a week and receives one-half credit for the year.

Photography (Grades 10-12)
This course explores the art of Black and White photography, beginning with basic camera and darkroom techniques, and moving deeply into the expressive power of the medium. Regular shooting assignments encourage students to explore form, abstraction, portraiture, documentary, and subjective photography. Periodic critiques and slide presentations focus on developing a critical vocabulary in the visual arts. Second semester students are introduced to digital imaging and have the choice thereafter of working in the chemical or digital labs. The year ends with time for each student to explore a subject of his or her own choosing for an extended project. The estimated lab fee will be $140. (Scholarship funds available.)

Advanced Photography (Grades 11 and 12)
This full year course is for students serious about extending their exploration of the photographic medium. We will begin with advanced techniques in fine printing, including exposure control, different film and paper developers, selective bleaching, and toning. We will move on to explore the many ways these traditional methods can be altered, including digital manipulation, painting on photographs, collage, sequencing, and montage. We will study several alternative processes, including cyanotype, liquid light, and Van Dyke Brown prints. During second semester, in addition to a study of color photography, students will build a professional portfolio of their work. Throughout the course, the interrelationships among personal vision, subject matter, concept and technical decisions will be our central concern. Completion of Photography is a pre-requisite.

From Printmaking to Painting: Daytime Course (Grades 10-12)
Printmaking is a magical process that lets you combine a vast number of techniques like drawing, collage, painting watercolor, and charcoal. It allows you to explore many subjects and to express many ideas. The printmaking process allows you to create an image and reproduce it in an edition of as many prints as you wish, each with the possibility of subtle variations. You can manipulate colors, transparencies, textures and content of each print. From deeply exploring printmaking, we will move on to painting, taking all you have learned about color, form, and creativity onto paper and canvas in new kinds of explorations.

Afternoon Art: Printmaking (Grades 9-12, by season)
All students are welcome to take this course. The only requirement is that you are honestly interested in exploring printmaking. You will work with woodblocks, linocuts, monotypes, and special multiple printing techniques that allow for extremely subtle variations. Students must sign up for any two days, Monday through Thursday from 3:30-5:00. Offered Fall, Winter and Spring. This course does not fulfill the Arts Requirement. Taken in combination with two sessions of Health and Fitness, you will have fulfilled your Athletic requirement for the season.

Woodworking & Design (Grades 10-12)
This course provides a unique opportunity to gain a solid foundation in woodworking and design skills. Students design all of their own projects while developing a repertoire of standard and advanced woodworking techniques including the safe and proper use of the power tools in the studio. Projects range from wood turning and cabinet making, to the construction of large furniture pieces. Some of the projects made by first-year students are: bowls, stereo cabinets, jewelry boxes, chairs, mirrors, frames, tables, even baseball bats.This course is a great opportunity for those that like to work with their hands.

Wood Sculpture & Design (Grades 10-12)
This course is open to both beginning and advanced students who wish to develop their design, artistic, and woodworking skills through a series of individualized projects. Students explore lathe turning, carving, steam bending, and other woodworking and cabinet making techniques to create a portfolio of individualized projects. Students also become proficient in the safe and proper use of hand and power tools. Projects can include: sculpture, shadow boxes, secret compartments, cabinets, chairs, tables, jewelry, carvings, and a variety of lathe turned projects.

Chorale (Grades 10-12) – Arts Credit
The Chorale is a performing ensemble of approximately 50 students that meets twice weekly during G block. Ensemble members learn basic vocal technique and reading skills, which are reinforced with a series of elementary music theory quizzes. Repertoire is varied and includes standard choral music from the Renaissance through the current century in languages ranging from English, Latin, and Hebrew to Italian, German, Spanish, and French. Both sacred and secular music are studied and performed. Repertoire also includes American music ranging from musical theater to jazz and spirituals. In the past, the Chorus and Orchestra have combined forces to perform Mozart's Coronation Mass and Faure's Requiem. The ensemble performs at the Winter and Spring Concerts as well as informal performances at school functions and in the Cambridge community. The ensemble tours internationally every few years and produces a CD of all the concerts. Past concert tours have included Italy, Spain, England, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Chorale members may fulfill their arts requirement by participating for two years. Open by audition. Participation in Chorale is a requirement for those wishing to audition for the smaller vocal ensembles.

Orchestra (Grades 9-12) - Arts Credit
The Upper School Orchestra is an audition ensemble for string, woodwind, and brass players. The group is comprised of 30-35 players from Grades 9-12, and rehearses twice a week (Monday G-Block and Thursday G-Block). The group focuses on music written between 1700-1940, and has given performances of a number of complete works, including Mozart Symphonies No. 25, 35, 39, 40, 41; Beethoven Symphonies No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7; Schubert Symphonies 5 & 8; overtures by Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, concerto movements by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and Chopin, as well as individual pieces ranging from J.S. and C.P.E. Bach to Fauré, Bartok, and Copland. The group gives two formal performances per year. Additionally, members of the orchestra participate "in the pit" for the annual Winter Musical drama production. Pre-requisite: audition and departmental approval. (NOTE: Orchestra is not open to pianists).

Chamber Music (Grades 10-12) - Academic Credit
Advanced instrumentalists may elect to receive academic credit for their participation in music groups at BB&N. For string, woodwind and brass players, this would include four sessions per week of chamber music (i.e., trio for violin, cello and piano; string quartets; etc.) or two sessions of chamber music and two sessions of orchestra per week. For pianists, academic credit may be earned in Grades 10-12 for playing in chamber groups and/or chorus for a total of four times per week. Prerequisite: audition and departmental approval. Note: Ninth grade string and wind players may participate in a chamber group once or twice per week in addition to orchestra.

Chamber Music (Grades 10-12) - Arts Credit
This course is designed for students who wish to continue playing throughout the year, without the full commitment to Chamber Music for Academic Credit. Two years of participation in this activity will satisfy the arts requirement. Groups meet for two chamber sessions per week. Pre-requisite: audition and departmental approval.

Jazz Ensemble (Grade 9)
The jazz ensemble is a performing group of 5-10 members that meets three times a week for two semesters during G Block. The emphasis is on improvisational techniques and group playing. Musical selections vary, but mostly consist of compositions by jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, and others. There is at least one performance per semester. A few classes per year are devoted to a comprehensive discussion of jazz history and styles. Admission to this course is based on audition (during the first week of classes). The specific instrumental needs of the ensemble will also determine who can participate. Parallel private instrumental instruction is strongly encouraged but not required.

Jazz Ensembles (Grades 10, 11, 12)
Two groups meet evenings once a week on Monday or Tuesday. We engage in deeper explorations of jazz, jazz history, and jazz style. We perform several times a year. Three years of participation in Jazz Ensemble meets the Arts requirement.