Middle School
Brass and Percussion Techniques (year long elective)
Brass and Percussion Techniques will choose one of the following instruments with the teacher’s help: trumpet, trombone or percussion. Those who wish to play the French Horn must first start on trumpet, and those wanting to play Tuba or Baritone will begin on trombone. They will learn proper posture, breathing technique, playing techniques, and instrument care for their respective instrument. They will also review and/or learn how to read music notation. The musicians will be able to demonstrate contribution in a positive manner to the group effort of making music including attending class regularly with music and equipment, completing homework assignments, actively participating in class and all performances. Students will be able to respond to conducting patterns, cues, and interpretive gestures, and will be able to demonstrate the ability to physically tune their instrument aurally with a sounding pitch. They will also be able to demonstrate appropriate concert etiquette as an actively involved performer.
Woodwinds and Strings Techniques (year long elective)
Woodwinds and String Techniques will choose one of the following instruments with the teacher’s help: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone or piano. They will learn proper posture, breathing technique, playing techniques, and instrument care for their respective instrument. They will also review and/or learn how to read music notation. The musicians will be able to demonstrate contribution in a positive manner to the group effort of making music including attending class regularly with music and equipment, completing homework assignments, actively participating in class and all performances. Students will be able to respond to conducting patterns, cues, and interpretive gestures, and will be able to demonstrate the ability to physically tune their instrument aurally with a sounding pitch. They will also be able to demonstrate appropriate concert etiquette as an actively involved performer.
Introduction to Theatre (semester elective)
This course introduces students to a vast array of theatre techniques and provides consistent performance opportunities to exercise these techniques. Students study character development, stage movement, script interpretation, audition techniques, on-camera acting, improvisation, stage combat and mime. They work on in-depth performance projects to present in class; becoming the 'story-tellers' and developing clear plot lines.
Mixed Middle School Show Chorus (semester elective)
Students Mixed Middle School Chorus will learn to perform musical theater and other popular styles of music, while also incorporating some movement into a few numbers for a “show choir” type feel. Students will learn to demonstrate correct singing posture, breathing technique, and vocal production, and will also learn the basics to reading music. Teamwork activities and learning to self-monitor vocal health are emphasized in this course. Middle School Chorus is a great introduction to getting involved in musical theater or chorus once in PreUpper. Public performances are scheduled throughout the year and students are required to participate. Students are encouraged to enroll in chorus for all semesters, as musical skills will build on themselves and teamwork will be best achieved with a consistent group of performers.
Theatre Production (spring semester elective)
Prerequisite: Audition
This course produces a full- scale musical during Spring semester from auditions through performance. Students must audition and be cast in the musical and will work closely with a director, musical director and choreographer to learn the music, dances and to develop their characters. The students are also divided into production teams to handle various elements of theatre production including promotions, set design and construction, props, lighting and sound design, costumes, stage management and house management. The students gain a well- rounded theatrical experience both on stage and behind the scenes.
PreUpper School
Note: Students are required to take one semester of either a Visual or Performance elective
Brass and Percussion Techniques (year long elective)
Brass and Percussion Techniques will choose one of the following instruments with the teacher’s help: trumpet, trombone or percussion. Those who wish to play the French Horn must first start on trumpet, and those wanting to play Tuba or Baritone will begin on trombone. They will learn proper posture, breathing technique, playing techniques, and instrument care for their respective instrument. They will also review and/or learn how to read music notation. The musicians will be able to demonstrate contribution in a positive manner to the group effort of making music including attending class regularly with music and equipment, completing homework assignments, actively participating in class and all performances. Students will be able to respond to conducting patterns, cues, and interpretive gestures, and will be able to demonstrate the ability to physically tune their instrument aurally with a sounding pitch. They will also be able to demonstrate appropriate concert etiquette as an actively involved performer.
Woodwinds and Strings Techniques (year long elective)
Woodwinds and String Techniques will choose one of the following instruments with the teacher’s help: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone or piano. They will learn proper posture, breathing technique, playing techniques, and instrument care for their respective instrument. They will also review and/or learn how to read music notation. The musicians will be able to demonstrate contribution in a positive manner to the group effort of making music including attending class regularly with music and equipment, completing homework assignments, actively participating in class and all performances. Students will be able to respond to conducting patterns, cues, and interpretive gestures, and will be able to demonstrate the ability to physically tune their instrument aurally with a sounding pitch. They will also be able to demonstrate appropriate concert etiquette as an actively involved performer.
Communication Breakdown (semester elective)
Tired of arguing with your parents? Does it seem like your girlfriend/boyfriend speaks an alien language? Do you feel like no one understands you? Then this is the class for you! In Communication Breakdown we will use the mediums of THEATRE, PHOTOGRAPHY, FILM, MIME, ART and MUSIC to explore why none of us really speak the same language! We will speak in gibberish, in numbers, in letters, in one word, in sentence fragments…in sign language, in facial expressions…and we will learn how to communicate (or else dying trying and laughing!!!!). Come join the fun and see what communication breakdown is all about!
Introduction to Television Production I (semester elective)
This course introduces students to the basics of broadcast television production. Students will design and build a set for a weekly news show. The students will serve as the show director, and/or the camera, sound, lights, videotape operators, computer graphics operators, video editors and line producers for the news show at WMSA Studios.
Students will also film MSA sports events as well as other campus activities.
Introduction to Theatre (semester elective)
This course introduces students to a vast array of theatre techniques and provides consistent performance opportunities to exercise these techniques. Students study character development, stage movement, script interpretation, audition techniques, on-camera acting, improvisation, stage combat and mime. They work on in-depth performance projects to present in class; becoming the 'story-tellers' and developing clear plot lines.
Mixed Show Chorus (semester elective)
Students Mixed Chorus will learn to perform musical theater and other popular styles of music, while also incorporating some movement and dance into a few numbers for a “show choir” type feel. Students will learn to demonstrate correct singing posture, breathing technique, and vocal production, and will also learn the basics to reading music. Teamwork activities and learning to self-monitor vocal health are emphasized in this course. Leadership skills are also nurtured by giving students chances to learn to lead portions of class and help choose selections through careful study. Public performances are scheduled throughout the year and students are required to participate. Students are encouraged to enroll in chorus for all semesters, 7th-12th grade, as musical skills will build on themselves and teamwork will be best achieved with a consistent group of performers.
Stage Movement (semester elective)
In this course, students are introduced to the power and importance of 'non-verbal communication'. Students discover how body language communicates emotion and attitudes. The class explores space work, creates environments, depicts mood, experiences the elements, expresses needs and communicates various physical conditions non-verbally. Students also learn safe stage combat skills and mime technique.
Symphonic Band I (year long elective)
Prerequisite: Audition and Director recommendation
Students in Symphonic I Band will continue to progress on their chosen instrument using proper posture, breathing technique, playing techniques, and demonstrating the proper care for their instrument. They will continue to progress in their reading of music notation and will compare, contrast, and critique music performed in class and will give suggestions for improvement. Students will also be responsible for some performance obligations with the band at Mill Springs, and may be required to perform in other venues. Performers will be able to demonstrate contribution in a positive manner to the group effort of making music including attending class regularly with music and equipment, completing homework assignments, actively participating in class and all performances. They will be able to respond to conducting patterns, cues, and interpretive gestures. The musicians will also be able to demonstrate appropriate concert etiquette as an actively involved performer. Participants will be able to demonstrate the ability to adjust intonation either individually or within the ensemble by compensating harmonic structure or melodic lines through embouchure or fingering manipulations with director or technological assistance and will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the instrument being studied by identifying and repairing minor instrument problems. They will be able to prepare and perform repertoire representing diverse world cultures, historical periods, and styles. Students will be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of musicality through the use of correct phrasing, shaping, and direction of musical line, dynamics, and expressive nuance throughout a performance. Students will be able to identify and define standard notations and non-traditional symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, articulation, and expression. They will be able to describe similarities and differences in the meanings of common terms used in music, art, dance, and drama. Music terminology could include the following: color, movement, line, expression, rhythm, style, symmetry, form, interpretation, texture, harmony, patterns and sequence, repetition, history, and culture.
Symphonic Band II (year long elective)
Prerequisite: Audition and Director recommendation
Participants in Symphonic Band II will continue to progress on their chosen instrument using proper posture, breathing technique, playing techniques, and demonstrating the proper care for their instrument. They will continue to progress in their reading of music notation, and will compare, contrast, and critique music performed in class and will give suggestions for improvement. Students will also be responsible for some performance obligations with the band at Mill Springs, and may be required to perform in other venues. The musicians will be able to demonstrate contribution in a positive manner to the group effort of making music including attending class regularly with music and equipment, completing homework assignments, actively participating in class and all performances. They will be able to respond to conducting patterns, cues, and interpretive gestures, and will also be able to demonstrate appropriate concert etiquette as an actively involved performer. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to adjust intonation either individually or within the ensemble by compensating harmonic structure or melodic lines through embouchure or fingering manipulations with director or technological assistance. They will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the instrument being studied by identifying and repairing minor instrument problems, and will be able to prepare and perform repertoire representing diverse world cultures, historical periods, and styles.
Technical Theatre (semester elective)
This course is designed to give students a good foundational understanding of technical theatre practices and procedures. Students will learn about the different areas of technical theatre and how they all work together to make performances possible. Topics covered include: set construction, scenic painting, lighting and sound equipment maintenance, safety procedures, and stage management. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in assisting with tech for Mill Springs performance events.
Theatre Design I (semester elective)
This course takes the skills learned in the Elements class to the next level. Students will learn how to design elements for the stage, including set, sound, lighting, costume, and makeup. Students will begin with the written script and go through the process of creating a comprehensive design, including how to make all the elements work together to achieve the most effective design possible. Students may also take a field trip to see how these elements come together in a professional setting.
Theatre Production (Spring semester elective)
Prerequisite: Audition
This course produces a full- scale musical during Spring semester from auditions through performance. Students must audition and be cast in the musical and will work closely with a director, musical director and choreographer to learn the music, dances and to develop their characters. The students are also divided into production teams to handle various elements of theatre production including promotions, set design and construction, props, lighting and sound design, costumes, stage management and house management. The students gain a well- rounded theatrical experience both on stage and behind the scenes.
TV and Film (semester elective)
This course helps students develop artistic skills both on-screen and behind the camera. Students study on-camera acting techniques and develop audition skills. Film, television and commercial scripts are utilized in the training. An important part of the course involves exploring camera techniques and utilizing various camera angles to enhance the mood and emotion of a scene. Students write public service announcements, commercials and "mini-movies". They cast the roles, scout locations, develop story boards, plan their shots, tape the project and then edit and add musical underscoring to create a finished product.
Video Production (semester elective)
Students will work to create videos for entertainment and education. Students will experience the different styles of video production including original fiction, documentary, and broadcast journalism. Students will write, produce, shoot, edit, and present videos based around different styles and themes. As an ongoing part of the class, students will work together to produce a weekly news broadcast that will be available to the entire school.
Communication Arts/Upper School
Brass and Percussion Techniques (year long elective)
Brass and Percussion Techniques will choose one of the following instruments with the teacher’s help: trumpet, trombone or percussion. Those who wish to play the French Horn must first start on trumpet, and those wanting to play Tuba or Baritone will begin on trombone. They will learn proper posture, breathing technique, playing techniques, and instrument care for their respective instrument. They will also review and/or learn how to read music notation. The musicians will be able to demonstrate contribution in a positive manner to the group effort of making music including attending class regularly with music and equipment, completing homework assignments, actively participating in class and all performances. Students will be able to respond to conducting patterns, cues, and interpretive gestures, and will be able to demonstrate the ability to physically tune their instrument aurally with a sounding pitch. They will also be able to demonstrate appropriate concert etiquette as an actively involved performer.
Woodwinds and Strings Techniques (year long elective)
Woodwinds and String Techniques will choose one of the following instruments with the teacher’s help: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone or piano. They will learn proper posture, breathing technique, playing techniques, and instrument care for their respective instrument. They will also review and/or learn how to read music notation. The musicians will be able to demonstrate contribution in a positive manner to the group effort of making music including attending class regularly with music and equipment, completing homework assignments, actively participating in class and all performances. Students will be able to respond to conducting patterns, cues, and interpretive gestures, and will be able to demonstrate the ability to physically tune their instrument aurally with a sounding pitch. They will also be able to demonstrate appropriate concert etiquette as an actively involved performer.
Communication Breakdown (semester elective)
Tired of arguing with your parents? Does it seem like your girlfriend/boyfriend speaks an alien language? Do you feel like no one understands you? Then this is the class for you! In Communication Breakdown we will use the mediums of THEATRE, PHOTOGRAPHY, FILM, MIME, ART and MUSIC to explore why none of us really speak the same language! We will speak in gibberish, in numbers, in letters, in one word, in sentence fragments…in sign language, in facial expressions…and we will learn how to communicate (or else dying trying and laughing!!!!). Come join the fun and see what communication breakdown is all about!
Introduction to Television Production I (semester elective)
This course introduces students to the basics of broadcast television production. Students will design and build a set for a weekly news show. The students will serve as the show director, and/or the camera, sound, lights, videotape operators, computer graphics operators, video editors and line producers for the news show at WMSA Studios.
Students will also film MSA sports events as well as other campus activities.
Introduction to Theatre (semester elective)
This course introduces students to a vast array of theatre techniques and provides consistent performance opportunities to exercise these techniques. Students study character development, stage movement, script interpretation, audition techniques, on-camera acting, improvisation, stage combat and mime. They work on in-depth performance projects to present in class; becoming the 'story-tellers' and developing clear plot lines.
Mixed Show Chorus (semester elective)
Students Mixed Chorus will learn to perform musical theater and other popular styles of music, while also incorporating some movement and dance into a few numbers for a “show choir” type feel. Students will learn to demonstrate correct singing posture, breathing technique, and vocal production, and will also learn the basics to reading music. Teamwork activities and learning to self-monitor vocal health are emphasized in this course. Leadership skills are also nurtured by giving students chances to learn to lead portions of class and help choose selections through careful study. Public performances are scheduled throughout the year and students are required to participate. Students are encouraged to enroll in chorus for all semesters, 7th-12th grade, as musical skills will build on themselves and teamwork will be best achieved with a consistent group of performers.
Music History (semester elective)
This course traces the history of Western Music from its first extant traces (liturgical chant) to the music of the 20th century. The course investigates many of the significant music-historical developments over this extensive period, focusing on key composers and repertoire. Along with the traditional history of genres and styles, students learn about the historical and cultural contest of music and music making at various times and places. This course is not only to introduce students to the earlier history of their own artistic tradition, but also to expand their conceptions of the nature and purposes of music itself by exposing them to less familiar music and cultures.
Stage Movement (semester elective)
In this course, students are introduced to the power and importance of 'non-verbal communication'. Students discover how body language communicates emotion and attitudes. The class explores space work, creates environments, depicts mood, experiences the elements, expresses needs and communicates various physical conditions non-verbally. Students also learn safe stage combat skills and mime technique.
Symphonic Band I (year long elective)
Prerequisite: Audition and Director recommendation
Students in Symphonic I Band will continue to progress on their chosen instrument using proper posture, breathing technique, playing techniques, and demonstrating the proper care for their instrument. They will continue to progress in their reading of music notation and will compare, contrast, and critique music performed in class and will give suggestions for improvement. Students will also be responsible for some performance obligations with the band at Mill Springs, and may be required to perform in other venues. Performers will be able to demonstrate contribution in a positive manner to the group effort of making music including attending class regularly with music and equipment, completing homework assignments, actively participating in class and all performances. They will be able to respond to conducting patterns, cues, and interpretive gestures. The musicians will also be able to demonstrate appropriate concert etiquette as an actively involved performer. Participants will be able to demonstrate the ability to adjust intonation either individually or within the ensemble by compensating harmonic structure or melodic lines through embouchure or fingering manipulations with director or technological assistance and will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the instrument being studied by identifying and repairing minor instrument problems. They will be able to prepare and perform repertoire representing diverse world cultures, historical periods, and styles. Students will be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of musicality through the use of correct phrasing, shaping, and direction of musical line, dynamics, and expressive nuance throughout a performance. Students will be able to identify and define standard notations and non-traditional symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, articulation, and expression. They will be able to describe similarities and differences in the meanings of common terms used in music, art, dance, and drama. Music terminology could include the following: color, movement, line, expression, rhythm, style, symmetry, form, interpretation, texture, harmony, patterns and sequence, repetition, history, and culture.
Symphonic Band II (year long elective)
Prerequisite: Audition and Director recommendation
Participants in Symphonic Band II will continue to progress on their chosen instrument using proper posture, breathing technique, playing techniques, and demonstrating the proper care for their instrument. They will continue to progress in their reading of music notation, and will compare, contrast, and critique music performed in class and will give suggestions for improvement. Students will also be responsible for some performance obligations with the band at Mill Springs, and may be required to perform in other venues. The musicians will be able to demonstrate contribution in a positive manner to the group effort of making music including attending class regularly with music and equipment, completing homework assignments, actively participating in class and all performances. They will be able to respond to conducting patterns, cues, and interpretive gestures, and will also be able to demonstrate appropriate concert etiquette as an actively involved performer. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to adjust intonation either individually or within the ensemble by compensating harmonic structure or melodic lines through embouchure or fingering manipulations with director or technological assistance. They will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the instrument being studied by identifying and repairing minor instrument problems, and will be able to prepare and perform repertoire representing diverse world cultures, historical periods, and styles.
Technical Theatre (semester elective)
This course is designed to give students a good foundational understanding of technical theatre practices and procedures. Students will learn about the different areas of technical theatre and how they all work together to make performances possible. Topics covered include: set construction, scenic painting, lighting and sound equipment maintenance, safety procedures, and stage management. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in assisting with tech for Mill Springs performance events.
Teen Writes (semester elective, Grades 9 - 12)
This class will explore issues that are important to today's teens---meaning it will focus on what YOU are interested in, and what you are concerned with. Using basic improvisation exercises, acting, movement, acting, art, music and photography we will explore all and any issues concerning the students in the class. We will begin to create an artistic "collage" based on these issues. This collage will include the different ways students approach the topics we discuss, it may be a combination of performance, art work, photography and music, or spoken word, poetry, written work...this is a class in which to explore your world and express yourself. The class will conclude with a final exhibition/performance of the "collage". All students will aide in the creation of this collage, but will not have to "perform" in it.
Theatre Design I (semester elective)
This course takes the skills learned in the Elements class to the next level. Students will learn how to design elements for the stage, including set, sound, lighting, costume, and makeup. Students will begin with the written script and go through the process of creating a comprehensive design, including how to make all the elements work together to achieve the most effective design possible. Students may also take a field trip to see how these elements come together in a professional setting.
Theatre Production (Spring semester elective)
Prerequisite: Audition
This course produces a full- scale musical during Spring semester from auditions through performance. Students must audition and be cast in the musical and will work closely with a director, musical director and choreographer to learn the music, dances and to develop their characters. The students are also divided into production teams to handle various elements of theatre production including promotions, set design and construction, props, lighting and sound design, costumes, stage management and house management. The students gain a well- rounded theatrical experience both on stage and behind the scenes.
TV and Film (semester elective)
This course helps students develop artistic skills both on-screen and behind the camera. Students study on-camera acting techniques and develop audition skills. Film, television and commercial scripts are utilized in the training. An important part of the course involves exploring camera techniques and utilizing various camera angles to enhance the mood and emotion of a scene. Students write public service announcements, commercials and "mini-movies". They cast the roles, scout locations, develop story boards, plan their shots, tape the project and then edit and add musical underscoring to create a finished product.
Video Production (semester elective)
Students will work to create videos for entertainment and education. Students will experience the different styles of video production including original fiction, documentary, and broadcast journalism. Students will write, produce, shoot, edit, and present videos based around different styles and themes. As an ongoing part of the class, students will work together to produce a weekly news broadcast that will be available to the entire school.