Photography 9

Students learn the basics of 35mm film camera operation, film development, and darkroom skills, while exploring the language of black and white photography. Field trips help to provide visual stimuli and content for work in the lab. Students wishing for a deeper exploration of darkroom and digital photography should take the full-year course offered in Grades 10 – 12.

Visual Arts 9

This course provides an opportunity for students to explore their creative imagination through various ways and means of art-making that encourage discovery, creative problem solving, and personal expression. Students experience drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and mixed media while developing the ability to think visually. Emphasis is on process while developing basic skills in a variety of media. 

Woodworking 9

Students in this course design and build a variety of woodworking projects such as wood boxes with hand-cut joinery, clocks, and lathe-turned bowls. Student become proficient in the safe and proper use of both hand tools and power tools such as the lathe, scroll saw, and drill press. This course offers a unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of woodworking.

Chorus 9

The Grade 9 Chorus sings a repertoire that includes songs from the American musical theater tradition, folk songs from American, Latin American, Eastern European, and Asian cultures, as well as repertoire from the Western music tradition. Students sing in unison as well as in parts, and there are several opportunities for solos. Class rehearsals focus on breathing, diction, intonation, and sight-reading skills. Students learn the basics of music theory, which provide excellent preparation for participation in the BB&N Chorale or an a cappella ensemble.

Freshmen who are advanced singers may audition in the spring or during the first week of school to participate in Chorale in lieu of taking both a visual arts and a performing arts course during the freshman year. Freshmen who participate in Chorale continue with Chorale for the entire year and earn a full credit for the yearlong course. Freshmen who are enrolled in Chorus 9 for either the fall or spring semester or in Chorale may also audition to participate in one of the School’s a cappella ensembles for the entire year.

Dance 9

This course exposes students to a variety of dance styles and choreographers from the twentieth century. Students learn about classical jazz, contemporary hip hop, swing, and musical theater dance while completing progressions across the floor and short routines based on the style being studied. Beginning and experienced dancers are welcome.

Film and Video 9

In this course, students are introduced to the basics of cinematic and narrative form through short group projects. Using digital cameras as paintbrushes, students explore the language of cinema, developing short personal pieces that focus on artistry and personal voice. Every student gets a chance to be a camera operator, director, performer, and editor. Media literacy is promoted through in-class viewings and discussions in combination with students’ hands-on projects.

Jazz 9

The emphasis of the Grade 9 Jazz Ensemble is on improvisational techniques and group playing, with musical selections composed by jazz greats. In addition, students will explore the history of jazz music and various jazz styles. There are at least two performances per year. Admission to Jazz 9 is based on audition (held during spring or during the first week of school), as well as on the specific instrumental needs of the ensemble. The maximum size of this ensemble is fifteen, and there is a limit of two on the number of guitarists, pianists, bassists, and drummers. Freshmen participating in Jazz 9 continue with the course for the entire year.

Orchestra 9

The Upper School Orchestra is an ensemble for string, woodwind, and brass players. Comprised of 30 – 35 players from Grades 9 – 12, the Orchestra focuses on music written between 1700 and 1940. Past performances of complete works have included Mozart Symphonies Nos. 25, 35, 39, 40, 41; Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7; Schubert Symphonies Nos. 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. Admission to Orchestra is based on audition (held during the first week of school). Orchestra is not open to pianists. Freshmen participating in Orchestra 9 continue with the course for the entire year. Orchestra 9 meets two times per week with the entire Orchestra and in the third meeting each week, students participate in a small ensemble.

Theater Studies 9

Theater Studies 9 is an opportunity for students to study the world of the theater through a creative, energetic, and interactive exploration of the key skills required to create stories for the stage. Over the length of the course, students explore character and story development through the lens of actor, director, and playwright. The course provides an entry point to further theatrical electives as well as a wonderful opportunity to develop communication and interpersonal skills.

Advanced Placement Art History / Art History (Honors) (Grade 12 only)

This course tells the story of painting, sculpture, architecture, and the decorative arts by focusing on 250 specific works of art spanning human history from antiquity to the present. It meets three times each week, with a Friday afternoon double-block in the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA); we will also visit the Harvard Art Museum, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and several other sites. During MFA visits, three students each week lead class by giving presentations about individual masterpieces in the museum’s collection that supplement the material studied earlier in the week. The course may include a trip to Florence during the first week of Spring Break. Enrollment is limited.

Students who wish to take the Advanced Placement exam may remain enrolled in the course during Senior Spring Project or prepare the final unit, on contemporary art, independently. A student who chooses not to continue in this course during Senior Spring Project and does not complete the final unit receives credit on the transcript for completion of Art History (Honors).

This course fulfills one year of the two-year History and Social Science graduation requirement but does not fulfill the required second year of the Arts Department graduation requirement. This course fulfills the Modern Global History requirement. 

Architecture (Grades 10 – 12)  

This introduction to architecture uses design as a creative process to understand and explore architectural principles. As students progress through a sequence of individual and collaborative projects that address a variety of design questions, they learn the basic tools of drafting and model making. Emphasis in the latter half of the course is on identifying real-world architectural problems and addressing them in an imaginative and creative way. Projects will include both residential and public space design. Coursework is complemented by viewing, and possibly visiting, important local architectural sites and design firms.

Advanced Architecture (Grades 11 – 12)

In this advanced level study of architecture, students explore increasingly complex relationships between space, form, function, and site. Greater emphasis is on spatial design in the context of culture, technology, and sustainability of the built and natural environment. Course studies include an introduction to landscape architecture and urban design. Using technical drawings and models, students develop and present a final project in a specific area of their interest. Enrollment is limited.

Seniors have the option of enrolling in this course for Trimesters 1 and 2 or for Trimesters 2 and 3. Seniors enrolling in this course during Trimesters 2 and 3 earn 0.5 credits for completion of Trimester 2 and Senior Spring Project hours for completion of Trimester 3. Enrollment in both trimesters is required. This course may run concurrently with Architecture.

Prerequisite: Architecture

Ceramics (Grades 10 – 12)

This course provides students with a formal introduction to traditional and contemporary ceramic forms and processes, using a variety of hand-building techniques, including pinch, coil, and slab. Students refine skills and learn advanced modeling techniques such as throwing and mold making. They develop aesthetic ideas through intermediate and advanced ceramic practices. Students are introduced to clay bodies, mold making, stamp making, glazing, and firing processes. Critiques are held to discuss design/creation, aesthetics, art history, and art criticism.

Advanced Ceramics (Grades 11 – 12)

This course is a continuation of the introductory ceramics course with an emphasis on skill, techniques, and form. A variety of hand-building techniques will be used to create advanced forms. Students are also introduced to more advanced techniques and forms on the pottery wheel. Students practice the development of aesthetic ideas through intermediate to advanced ceramic hand-building practices. Students gain knowledge of ceramics (historical and contemporary) and an appreciation of the aesthetics of three-dimensional form as manifested in ceramics objects. A portfolio of work will be completed by the end of the year.

Prerequisite: Ceramics

Advanced Ceramics II (Grade 12)

While Advanced Ceramics focuses on form, perfecting craftsmanship, and technique, Advanced Ceramics II requires students to concentrate on motif and the overall design of their work, as well as documenting their work. Students are asked to take into consideration and defend the conceptual elements of their work. At the culmination of the year, students in Advanced Ceramics II give a source presentation to the class showing their influences and the path they have followed over the last three years. Enrollment is limited.

This course is offered during Trimesters 2 and 3, is open to seniors only, and runs concurrently with Advanced Ceramics. Enrollment in both trimesters is required. Students earn 0.5 credits for completion of Trimester 2 and Senior Spring Project hours for completion of Trimester 3.

Prerequisite: Ceramics and Advanced Ceramics                    

Drawing and Painting (Grades 10 – 12)

This is an introductory-level course designed to familiarize students with the basic elements of drawing and painting. Students work primarily from observation. While concentrating on the formal visual elements such as line, shape, value, and color, students explore such concepts as figure/ground, proportion, scale, positive and negative space, perspective, volume, light, compositional issues, and pictorial unity. Students use a wide range of materials and a variety of sources, with the class consisting of work sessions, lectures, discussions, and critiques.

Advanced Drawing and Painting (Grades 11 – 12)

This is an advanced drawing and painting course designed to move students beyond the formal skills covered in the introductory course. Students are given open-ended prompts dealing with narrative and figuration with the goal of becoming more independent in their choice of imagery. Students work from a combination of direct observation and photography and are encouraged to explore what interests them visually and create a unique body of work. Class consists of work sessions, lectures, discussions, and critiques.

Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting

Advanced Drawing and Painting II (Grade 12)

In the Advanced Painting and Drawing II course, students create unique imagery, including at least one large-scale painting, through open-ended prompts. Students are guided on the technical aspects of art-making, as well as the more amorphous, but equally important work of finding one’s own voice and path. Students are required to challenge assumptions, develop critical thinking skills, further develop their personal concepts, and continue to find their appreciation for visual concerns and aesthetic values. Students are also required to write and workshop individual artist statements and artist resumes. The goal is to encourage innovation and provide a platform for students to grow as artists. It is in this manner that the lessons learned in class transcend art-making and become applicable to other life situations. Enrollment is limited.

This course is offered during Trimesters 2 and 3, is open to seniors only, and runs concurrently with Advanced Drawing and Painting. Enrollment in both trimesters is required. Students earn 0.5 credits for completion of Trimester 2 and Senior Spring Project hours for completion of Trimester 3.

Prerequisite: Advanced Drawing and Painting

Film and Video (Grades 10 – 12)

Film and Video combines elements of film history and appreciation with a hands-on approach to the cinematic arts. Using cameras as paintbrushes, students work both individually and in collaborative groups to plan, shoot, and edit short personal works. The program uses the Adobe creative suite of applications, with emphasis on Premiere, Photoshop, and After Effects. A primary goal of media literacy is achieved through a combination of hands-on projects and in-class viewings and discussions. Enrollment is limited.

Advanced Film and Video (Grades 11 – 12)

Advanced Film and Video takes a deeper dive into the world of cinema, building on the knowledge gained in the introductory Film and Video course. This course focuses on developing one’s individual voice within the medium. What do you have to say? Who needs to hear it? Students focus on developing unique stories for film pulled from their own experiences. Students further their media literacy by having open, candid discussions about media, how it manipulates, and how to be both an effective content creator as well as a critical thinker. Between these discussions and creating their own content, students develop a critical approach to filmmaking. Enrollment is limited.

Seniors have the option of enrolling in this course for Trimesters 1 and 2 or for Trimesters 2 and 3. Seniors enrolling in this course during Trimesters 2 and 3 earn 0.5 credits for completion of Trimester 2 and Senior Spring Project hours for completion of Trimester 3. Enrollment in both trimesters is required. This course may run concurrently with Film and Video.

Prerequisite: Film and Video

Photography (Grades 10 – 12)

This course explores the art of black and white photography, beginning with basic 35mm single-lens reflex camera and darkroom techniques, then moving farther 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 and a sense of the history of photography. In the second trimester, students are introduced to digital imaging and color photography. An extended project of the student’s own choosing concludes the year.

Advanced Photography (Grades 11 – 12)

This course is for students who are serious about extending their exploration of the photographic medium. Students enhance their skill in fine printing, including split filtering and myriad photographic papers and sizes. Medium format and alternative cameras are introduced as a means of inspiring new and creative ways of seeing. In addition to exploring color photography, students complete a portfolio of their work by the end of the year, as well as possible book sequencing. Throughout the course, the focus is on deepening personal vision and extending technical mastery.

Prerequisite: Photography

Advanced Photography II (Grade 12)

This course builds upon the work students completed in the Photography and Advanced Photography courses, taking students to the next step of seeing their artwork in the context of the history of photography. Students create a number of extended photographic projects in several genres of photography. Emphasis is placed on identifying the intention of each project and committing to one’s own passions, curiosities, and visions. Through readings, slide talks, and museum trips, students learn about the history of photography, become aware of the vast range of contemporary approaches to photography, and are better able to define their own photographic directions.

This course is offered during Trimesters 2 and 3, is open to seniors only, and runs concurrently with Advanced Photography. Enrollment in both trimesters is required. Students earn 0.5 credits for completion of Trimester 2 and Senior Spring Project hours for completion of Trimester 3. Enrollment is limited.

Prerequisite: Advanced Photography

Printmaking (Grades 10 – 12)

Printmaking is a group of techniques with an unparalleled wealth of potential. Essentially, it is the process of using one surface, a matrix, to make an image on another surface, in this case, paper. Using their own experiences and imagination, nature, and abstraction as source materials, students explore their personal expressive potential. In this one-semester course, students develop a foundation of knowledge about various printmaking techniques, possibly including monoprint, relief, silkscreen, and intaglio. Tools used to aid the creation of the matrix may include the vinyl cutter, the laser cutter, and the photocopier. This course receives 0.5 credit for each semester of participation, and may be taken in the fall and/or spring.

Studio Arts: Afternoon (Grades 9 – 12)

In this visual arts course, students work independently and amongst peers to realize projects of their own design. Whether seeking an extended opportunity to explore ideas initiated in other arts classes or interested in learning a new skill twice a week, students find an opportunity to pursue personal expressive ambitions with guidance and support. Work in the following media is available: drawing, painting, printmaking, and with permission of the instructor, photography, and ceramics. All skill levels are welcome in this course. Students attend two afternoons per week (Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.). This course runs during the fall, winter, and spring athletics seasons, and students can enroll in one or more seasons per year. For students in Grade 9, this course is only available during the winter or spring season. This course receives 0.25 arts credits for each trimester of participation and must be taken in conjunction with two Health and Fitness classes per week to meet the athletics requirement for that season.   

Woodworking (Grades 10 – 12)

This course provides a unique opportunity to gain a solid foundation in woodworking and design skills. Students design 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 woodturning and cabinet- making, to the construction of large furniture pieces. Some of the projects made by students include bowls, stereo cabinets, jewelry boxes, chairs, mirrors, frames, tables, and baseball bats. This course is a great option for those who like to work with their hands.

Advanced Woodworking (Grades 11 – 12)

This course is open to students who wish to develop their design, artistic, and woodworking skills through a series of individual 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.

Prerequisite: Woodworking

Advanced Woodworking II (Grade 12)

In Advanced Woodworking II, students design and construct a variety of increasingly complex and sophisticated woodworking projects that build on skills practiced in Advanced Woodworking. Students learn more advanced carving and woodworking techniques through the construction of their individual projects. The additional studio time in the spring allows students to further refine their woodworking skills and explore woodworking techniques in greater depth. Enrollment is limited.

This course is offered during Trimesters 2 and 3, is open to seniors only, and runs concurrently with Advanced Woodworking. Enrollment in both trimesters is required. Students earn 0.5 credits for completion of Trimester 2 and Senior Spring Project hours for completion of Trimester 3.

Prerequisite: Advanced Woodworking. Seniors who have not yet taken Advanced Woodworking but have taken Woodworking may be eligible to take Advanced Woodworking during Trimesters 2 and 3, with permission of the instructor.

Independent Study (Grades 11 – 12)

Independent Study within the Arts Department may be available for students who have a passion for art and a strong commitment to a specific performing or visual art. Students must apply for the Independent Study Program, be highly motivated, capable of working independently, secure an Independent Study teacher, and receive approval from the Arts Department. The Independent Study Program is generally only available to seniors who have completed the advanced course in their area of interest.

A Cappella Ensemble (Grades 9 – 12)

The Knightingales and the Voices of the Knight are male and female a cappella close-harmony groups whose members are auditioned from Chorale and Chorus 9 each year. Admission to one of the a cappella ensembles is by audition only (held during the fall). This course meets one time per week (Monday or Thursday evening) and receives 0.5 arts credit for each year of participation.

Corequisite: Enrollment in Chorale or either the fall or spring semester of Chorus 9

Chorale (Grades 9 – 12)

The Chorale is a select performing ensemble of approximately 25 – 40 students. The repertoire includes spirituals, gospel, jazz folk songs, musical theater, and standard choral music from the Renaissance period through contemporary music. Students sing in four to eight parts depending on the size and experience of the group, and occasionally perform all-male or all-female part songs. The group gives formal concerts twice annually as well as numerous performances at school functions, in neighboring communities, and at high school choral events. The ensemble tours internationally every two to three years and produces a CD of the best performances. Admission to Chorale is based on audition (held during the spring, or, for new students and those returning from semester-away programs, during the first week of school). This course meets two times per week and receives 0.5 arts credit for each year of participation.

Jazz Ensemble (Grades 10 – 12)

Participating within a small jazz ensemble, students rehearse and perform compositions by jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, and others. The art of ensemble playing and improvisation is the primary focus of this course. Students with the appropriate backgrounds may also contribute as composers or arrangers. There are at least two performances per year. Admission to the Jazz Ensemble is by audition only (held during the first week of school). This course meets one time per week (Monday or Tuesday evening) and receives 0.5 arts credit for each year of participation.

Orchestra (Grades 10 – 12)

The Upper School Orchestra is an ensemble for string, woodwind, and brass players. Comprised of 30 – 35 players from Grades 9 – 12, the Orchestra focuses on music written between 1700 and 1940. Past performances of complete works have included Mozart Symphonies Nos. 25, 35, 39, 40, 41; Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7; Schubert Symphonies Nos. 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. Admission to Orchestra is based on audition (held during the first week of school). Orchestra is not open to pianists. This course meets two times per week and receives 0.5 arts credit for each year of participation.

Chamber Music (Grades 10 – 12)

Advanced instrumentalists may elect to participate in smaller music ensembles, called Chamber Music Ensembles. String, woodwind, and brass players can participate four days per week in Chamber Music Ensembles and receive 1.0 arts credit for each year of participation. Alternatively, students may choose to participate in the Orchestra for two days per week and in Chamber Music Ensembles for two days per week, which also receives 1.0 arts credit for each year of participation. Pianists can participate in Chorale two days per week and Chamber Music Ensembles two days per week and receive 1.0 arts credit for each year of participation. Students who only participate in Chamber Music for two days per week (without another music commitment at BB&N) earn 0.5 arts credit for each year of participation. Admission to the Chamber Music Ensembles is by audition only.

Theater Studies (Grades 10 – 12)

This course provides students with a wide and varied exploration of both the theater and the performing arts in general. Studies include script analysis, character development, improvisation, acting for the stage, techniques for the actor, as well as notable theater creators and methodologies. Students are encouraged to develop not only performance skills for the actor but also the skills required of playwrights, directors, and designers. The course culminates in a student presentation of either something studied during the course or of a piece of work created by the group.

Advanced Theater Studies (Grades 11 – 12)

Advanced Theater Studies includes an intensive study of William Shakespeare, one American Playwright, one international playwright, a theater creator, and one notable development to the theater world since 1900. Students have the opportunity to work with their peers in an ensemble setting towards performing a piece built around their studies or directing a main stage play during the Spring.

Prerequisite: Theater Studies

Theatrical Production (Grades 9 – 12)

Students who participate in one of the School’s theatrical productions through acting, stagecraft, or costume design may elect to participate in this Theatrical Production course. Satisfactory completion of this course includes full participation in the show (play or musical) along with the completion of a rehearsal journal. The rehearsal journal documents the student’s weekly activity, the development of skills and knowledge in the role, and includes research and critical observations of the process. Additionally, students regularly meet with the show’s Director to discuss progression and goals. This course receives 0.25 arts credit for each season of participation.

Advanced Theatrical Production (Grades 10 – 12)

Students who participate in one of the School’s theatrical productions through acting, stagecraft, or costume design may elect to participate in this Advanced Theatrical Production course after the successful completion of at least two seasons of Theatrical Production. Satisfactory completion of the course includes full participation in the show (play or musical) along with the completion of a rehearsal journal. The rehearsal journal documents the student’s weekly activity, the development of skills and knowledge in the role, and includes research and critical observations of the process. Additionally, students completing this course at the advanced level write a final paper on the production. The final paper discusses their personal progression through the process, includes a critical examination of the production performed at BB&N, and compares BB&N’s production to previous productions of the show. Students also regularly meet with the show’s Director to discuss progression and goals. This course receives 0.25 arts credit for each season of participation.

Prerequisite: Completion of two trimesters of Theatrical Production

Independent Study (Grades 11 – 12)

Independent Study within the Arts Department may be available for students who have a passion for art and a strong commitment to a specific performing or visual art. Students must apply for the Independent Study Program, be highly motivated, capable of working independently, secure an Independent Study teacher, and receive approval from the Arts Department. The Independent Study Program is generally only available to seniors who have completed the advanced course in their area of interest.