Fine Arts

Grades 9-10  
Elective 
Full Year (4x per rotation) 
1 credit 
Prerequisites: none

This male and female ensemble works to develop good vocal technique for each singer and an understanding of good choral sound. Basic musical skills are emphasized, including proper tone production and theory. Many styles of music are introduced from the Renaissance period to the present, including classical, jazz, Pop and Broadway. Additional emphasis is placed on sight-reading, critical listening skills, and stage movement. The group performs in two major concerts each year and occasionally performs in the community and for other school functions. The limited class meetings per rotation is designed to allow students to take Applied Music during this track. Applied Music students receive small group and private instruction designed to develop vocal solo performance skills. The class structure is designed so that students are enabled to critique, connect, integrate music study into other subject areas, and gain confidence in front of others. A variety of music methods and repertoire, including art songs, musical theater, pop and jazz, is utilized to refine students’ abilities in listening, analyzing, interpreting and performing. Instruction is offered in basic vocal technique, musical theater history, microphone technique and audition skills. A weekend workshop and Broadway show tour in New York City occurs during the second semester and is optional for each student. The year culminates in a cabaret performance for the public.

Grades 11-12 
Elective 
Full Year (5x per rotation) 
1 credit 
Prerequisites: none

The Park Tudor Singers is an ensemble that sings music from the Renaissance period to the present, including classical, jazz, Pop and Broadway. Past participation in New Edition or 20th-Century Music is encouraged, but not required. Members of this all-junior and senior group continue to build on established vocal skills through more advanced repertoire than in other choral ensembles. Proper tone production, vowel shaping, and consonant production are studied in depth. Stage etiquette and mature stage presence are utilized when the Park Tudor Singers perform in two major concerts each year and also for the commencement ceremony. The choir is occasionally asked to sing in the community or for school functions. Members of this group are eligible to participate in the Madrigal Singers.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
1st Semester 9x/ per rotation 
1 credit 
Prerequisites: none

The chief goal of the study of music theory is to acquire a set of aural and notational skills that will facilitate and enhance the ability to assimilate and learn a piece of music, whether sung or played on an instrument. This chief goal is achieved primarily through the development of audiation skills; that is, the ability to “hear” with the eye (through sight-singing), and to “see” with the ear (through dictation). Music literacy is developed, including the ability to read and identify groups of notes in terms of intervals, chords and progressions. Phrase structure and larger forms can be both heard and written. This course lays the groundwork for the second semester (AP) and the AP Music Theory exam.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
2nd Semester 9x/ per rotation 
1 credit 
Prerequisites: Music Theory

The AP Music Theory course corresponds to one-to-two semesters of typical, introductory college music theory and aural skills coursework. Students learn to recognize, understand, describe, and produce the basic elements and processes of performed and notated music. Course content extends from the fundamentals of pitch, rhythm, timbre, and expression to concepts of harmonic function, phrase relationships, and tonicization. Students study these concepts in heard and notated music, with emphasis on identification and analysis of musical features, relationships, and procedures in full musical contexts. Repertoire for analysis on the AP Music Theory Exam ranges from European Baroque pieces to folk and popular music from across the globe. Students develop musicianship skills through melodic and harmonic dictation, sight singing, and error detection exercises. Writing exercises further emphasize the foundational harmonic and voiceleading procedures of Western art music. This course completes the preparation for the AP Music Theory Exam.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
Full-Year / 5x per rotation
1 credit 
Prerequisites: none

This course aspires to keep the legacy, and celebrate the central role African Americans played in creating the American soundtrack. Students in this class will explore the history of different genres of American popular music through listening and performing spirituals, blues, jazz, soul, jack swing, hip hop, and rap. With encouragement and guidance, students will develop their voices and be given the opportunity to cultivate their musical talents. Participants will have the opportunity to perform in a concert at the end of each semester. Other performance and travel opportunities may be cultivated.

Grades 9-12Grades 9-12 
Elective 
Full Year / 9x per rotation 
Prerequisites: none 
2 credits

Our Park Tudor Upper School Orchestra works as a cooperative ensemble as musicians enjoy their collective musical strengths to progress in their study of orchestral literature with their violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students make music together as they grow individually with their development of string technique, music reading abilities, and ensemble musicianship. An integral part of this program is the fun and enjoyment of making music with friends!

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
Full Year / 9x per rotation 
Prerequisites: 2 Years of Instruction 
2 credits

The Park Tudor Upper School Band works together as a group to grow as young musicians through the study and preparation of quality concert band literature. The band includes all standard woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. Students experience the joy of making music together as an ensemble and also develop as young musicians individually through the development of instrumental skills and music reading.

Grades 9-12
Required
Semester (5x/rotation)
.5 credit
Prerequisites: none

Students will learn how to organize speeches clearly, write them memorably, and deliver them confidently. Students will experiment with public speaking, use rehearsal techniques to develop their unique speaking voice, and perform speeches with dynamic movement and gestures. Using library databases, students will research and select sources to inform their writing. The speech model that we’ll practice is useful for interviews, presentations, in school and professional settings.

Grades 9-12
Elective S1
.5 credit
Prerequisites: none

This semester long course will build on fundamental skills learned in previous drama courses, giving learners the opportunity for more in depth study of character and script. Students develop confidence in using Stanislavski and Max Stafford Clarke’s rehearsal methods, which hone in on truthful and unique interpretations of role. Students will perform contrasting monologues and scene studies from exciting scripts. Through studio work, performance opportunities, and one-on-one coaching, student artists develop the professional skills and attitudes needed to excel in performance, public speaking, college or university conservatory training.

Grades 9-12
Elective 
Semester
.5 credit
Prerequisites: Acting: Text in Performance

This semester-long course is intended for advanced acting students. Students will learn the skills necessary to become theatre-makers, taking on the role of director, producer, and actor to create original performance work. This course combines scene study and improvisation with creative investigation into how original works are created in theatre. Rigorous exploration of theatrical styles and exploring contemporary theatre practice is the primary focus. Practical techniques in the selection, preparation, and performance of audition pieces are also covered. By exploring new ways of telling stories and communicating ideas theatrically, students will deepen their search for their own artistic voice.

Grades 11-12
Elective
Full Year
1 credit
Prerequisites: Acting: Text in Performance & Contemporary Theatre Practice

In Repertory Theatre, students will create their own theatre company, selecting the shows they want to produce for performance. They choose scripts for a target audience and learn the process of production from page to stage, aiming to perform two ‘black-box theatre’ one-act plays a year, using curriculum time to rehearse. Students explore the potential of each piece of theatre to determine an audience and find opportunities to perform outside of the classroom. They examine the role of director in today’s theatre through the analysis of live performance. Students concentrate on concept determination and development, auditions, scene staging, and the collaborative process of working with actors and designers.

Grade 9
Elective
Full Year
2 credits
Prerequisites: none
Class Limit 16

Technical Theater I is for students who want to continue or begin their practical education in technical theater. They will become well versed in stagecraft, lighting, and sound for the theater by participating in crews and work calls for a variety of plays, musicals, and concerts. This is a hands-on active class where students get in touch with real-world, state-of-the-art equipment, with emphasis on safety and training. Our course content is dependent on the Park Tudor Theater season. Our students start each semester by reading the play or musical that we will be working on. Plays and musicals are selected to create a breadth and depth of theatrical style and genre over a student’s 4 years.

Grade 10
Elective
Full Year
2 credits
Prerequisites: Technical Theater I
Class Limit 16

Technical Theater II is for students who want to continue or begin their practical education in technical theater. They will become well versed in stagecraft, lighting, and sound for the theater by participating in crews and work calls for a variety of plays, musicals, and concerts. This is a hands-on active class where students get in touch with real-world, state-of-the-art equipment, with emphasis on safety and training. Our course content is dependent on the Park Tudor Theater season. Our students start each semester by reading the play or musical that we will be working on. Plays and musicals are selected to create a breadth and depth of theatrical style and genre over a student’s 4 years.

Grades 11-12
Elective
Full Year
2 credits
Prerequisites: Technical Theatre II
Class Limit 16

Technical Theater III is for students who want to continue their practical education in technical theater and begin to take on leadership roles. Tech III students will be the crew heads for the Middle School Musical. They will become well versed in stagecraft, lighting, and sound for the theater by participating in crews and work calls for a variety of plays, musicals, and concerts. This is a hands on active class where students get in touch with real world state of the art equipment, with emphasis on safety and training. Our course content is dependent on the Park Tudor Theater season. Our students start each semester with reading the play or musical that we will be working on. Plays and musicals are selected to create a breadth and depth of theatrical style and genre over a student’s 4 years.

Grade 12
Elective
Full Year
2 credits
Prerequisites: Technical Theatre III
Class Limit 16

Technical Theater IV is for students who want to continue their practical education in technical theater and production work. They will be the leaders in the crew positions for the fall play and spring musical. They will become well versed in stagecraft, lighting and sound for the theater by participating and leading crews for a variety of plays, musicals, and concerts. This is a hands-on active class where students get in touch with real-world state-of-the-art equipment, with emphasis on safety and training. Our course content is dependent on the Park Tudor Theater season. Our students start each semester by reading the play or musical that we will be working on. Plays and musicals are selected to create a breadth and depth of theatrical style and genre over a student’s 4 years.

Grade 12
Elective
One Semester
.5 or 1 credit; arranged
Prerequisites: Students must have exhausted all available course work in their area of interest.

Independent Study in Theatre is designed for advanced students with keen interest in an area within the Theatre Arts. Each student, with the guidance of a theatre faculty member, will design his/her own course of study. Students must have exhausted all available course work in their area of interest and have a plan for an inquiry project to develop their individual artistic voice. The student must work with the theatre faculty mentor to coordinate scheduled meeting times.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
S1,S2; 9x/rotation 
1 credit 
Prerequisites: none

Get creative, have fun and learn how to take creative photographs. With this course you will learn fundamentals that will engage your mind and change the way you see the world around you. Understanding the true art of photography means you will learn manual camera operations and utilize the aperture and shutter creatively. Various assignments will teach you skills in composition and personal expression all while you learn the amazing editing power of Adobe Photoshop. The course will culminate in a capstone project in which you will prepare a portfolio and design a personal artist website.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
S1,S2; 9x/rotation 
1 credit 
Prerequisites: Photography I

Ever wonder how to take professional looking portraits and learn how to use studio equipment lighting? Photography II continues the development of perceptual awareness and technical skills of Photo I with a concentration on portrait photography, photojournalism, nighttime and abstract photography. From learning tricks of the trade to mastering low-light at nighttime and enjoying the magical wonder of aqueous photography, you will enjoy both the breadth and depth of creative approaches. The course will culminate in a capstone project in which you will prepare a portfolio and design a personal artist website.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
S1,S2; 9x/rotation 
1 credit 
Prerequisites: Photography I or II 

Hoping to expand your photography knowledge with more advanced techniques and ideas? Aside from improving your technical expertise the main aim with this course is to challenge you and open your eyes to new possibilities! Emphasis is placed on commercial photography, product photography, photojournalism and fine-art alternative processes. You will also enjoy the wonders of street photography with on-site locations, as well as a trip to Chicago in April. A concentration on the development of your artistic voice will be incorporated into the development of your portfolio. You will also have the option to enjoy a trip to New York City, with our Performing Arts students in February. With photographing on the streets of New York; trips to art museums; art galleries and more, you will also enjoy attending Broadway shows that will both inspire and amaze you with the culmination of all the arts in these amazing productions!*

The course will culminate in a capstone project in which you will prepare a portfolio and design a personal artist website.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
One Semester; 9x/rotation 
1 credit 
Prerequisites: none

Designed to familiarize the student with the graphic design industry, this computer-based course approaches technology and graphics software through a design aesthetic. Emphasis will be placed on design fundamentals such as typography, layout and digital illustration. Basic methods of concept development and decision making relevant to visual communication are explored through, but not limited to: poster design, advertisements, logos and other commercial print media. The software learned in the semester is mainly Adobe Illustrator® as well as some Adobe InDesign® and Adobe Photoshop®.

In the middle of each project, students print their work in whatever stage it is in for a mid-way critique. Students talk about each other’s work and help flesh out new ideas through communal feedback. This can be especially helpful for a student who is feeling stuck at the moment. At the end of each project, students participate in a final critique of each other’s work. This allows students to review the designs that they created and see what they did especially well and things that they may have improved upon.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
One Semester, 9x/rotation 
1 credit 
Prerequisites: Graphic Design

Designed to continue to familiarize the student with the graphic design industry, this computer-based course approaches technology and graphics software through a design aesthetic. Emphasis will be placed on design fundamentals such as typography, layout, and digital illustration. Basic methods of concept development and decision-making relevant to visual communication are explored through, but not limited to: poster design, advertisements, logos, and other commercial print media. The software learned in the semester is mainly Adobe Illustrator® as well as some Adobe InDesign® and Adobe Photoshop®.

In the middle of each project, students print their work in whatever stage it is in for a mid-way critique. Students talk about each other’s work and help flesh out new ideas. This can be especially helpful for a student who is feeling stuck at the moment. At the end of each project, students participate in a final critique of each other’s work. This allows students to review the designs that they created and see what they did especially well and things that they may have improved upon.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
S1, 5x/rotation 
.5 credit 
Prerequisites: none

Students use a variety of wet and dry media while training their eyes, minds, and hands to take advantage of the richness of the visual material in the world around us. Our sources will include still life, landscape, interiors, and portraiture. This course is designed for anyone who wishes to sharpen their powers of observation, and would also be useful for students developing portfolios for art or architecture school applications. Students learn to describe how drawings work as they evaluate their own pieces and provide constructive feedback to classmates. The course is intended as a springboard to future exploration, the process is emphasized over product, and no one style is valued over others.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
S2, 5x/rotation 
.5 credit 
Prerequisites: Drawing I

Students in this class explore drawing as a means of communication, learning various methods of making their emotions and ideas visible and using drawing to enhance understanding of various topics. Students select from several options for each project during the semester. They use materials of their choosing and expand their understanding of what drawing is.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
S1, 5x/rotation 
.5 credit 
Prerequisites: none

This class provides training in the effective use of watercolor, gouache, and acrylic paint. Students learn the mechanics of transparent and opaque paint application, color mixing, and surface preparation while working with a variety of subject matter. Students learn to describe how paintings work as they evaluate their own pieces and provide constructive feedback to classmates. The course is intended as a springboard to future exploration, process is emphasized over product, and no one style is valued over others.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
S2, 5x/rotation 
.5 credit 
Prerequisites: Painting I

Students explore the descriptive, theoretical, and expressive uses of color in 2-D art using collage, painting, and printmaking techniques. Additional topics may include unconventional painting surfaces and mixed media. Students are encouraged to employ personal styles.

Grades 10-12 
Elective 
S1 and/or S2, 9x/rotation 
1 credit per semester 
Prerequisites: Two Semesters of any Drawing OR Painting class

The Advanced Studio Art course inspires students to deepen their technical skills and personal expressive voices and learn artistic behavior while working within an enthusiastic community that provides feedback, motivation, and encouragement. Portfolio building, particularly for Junior and Senior students, is addressed according to the students’ individual needs and goals. Students are supported and strongly encouraged to participate in exhibitions and competitions in the greater local, regional, and national community. Interested students receive guidance toward the successful completion of the rigorous AP 2-D Art and Design portfolio.

Grades 9-12  
Elective 
S1, S2; 9x/rotation 
1 credit 
Prerequisites: none 

If you love animation or enjoy storytelling and visuals that enchant viewers, you will want to take this class and let your imagination take you to exciting worlds! In this course, you will bring characters or graphic ideas to life with fundamental 2D animation techniques. Don’t shy away if you are intimidated by drawing, as you will learn the basics of various Adobe programs such as Adobe Animate, Adobe Photoshop, and more that provide you the flexibility to animate your ideas. And if you love drawing, you will enjoy transferring your skills to the digital world. All projects are hands-on, and you will have fun creating animation shorts, everyday animated GIFs, or interesting motion art. The semester will conclude with a capstone project in which you will create a final portfolio to showcase your animated creations.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
One Semester 9x/ per rotation 
1 credit 
Prerequisites: none

This course focuses on learning to throw clay on the potter’s wheel and hand-built clay construction. Various surface decoration, glazing, and firing techniques will be included. Students will be familiarized with clay forms from a variety of cultures. Students will learn to manage on-going projects at various stages. Students are encouraged to come up with ideas for projects as well. May be repeated for credit for intermediate to advanced study, which may include hand-building techniques and ceramic sculpture.

Prerequisites: World Civ I and II, US History

AP® Art History follows the College Board curriculum to prepare students to take the AP® Art History exam in May. Other goals of the course include reinforcing students’ knowledge of history and writing skills and instilling a lifelong love of the art of the world.

Grades 9-12 
Elective 
Full Year; 5x/rotation 
1 credit, may be repeated for credit multiple years 
Prerequisites: None

Students will learn the essentials of digital storytelling, reporting and ethics in journalism as part of 21st-century communications. The course is largely project-based, requiring both independent work and group management skills for success. Students will work in teams using critical thinking skills to conceive, develop, report and design all aspects of The Chronicle publication.

Grades 11-12 
Elective 
One Semester 
.5 or 1 credit; arranged 
Prerequisites: Completion of Highest-Level course offered in area of interest

Independent Study in Visual Arts is designed for advanced students with keen interest in an area within the visual arts. Each student, with the guidance of a visual arts faculty member, will design his/her own course of study in ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting or photography. Students must have exhausted all available course work in their area of interest and have a plan for an inquiry project to develop their individual artistic voice. Students wishing to submit an AP Art Portfolio to the College Board may choose this course to receive guidance in their project. The student must work with the visual arts faculty mentor to coordinate scheduled meeting times. It is preferred that students conduct their Independent Study during the same meeting time as another course offered in their chosen area of interest.