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Course Selection
Student First Name
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Grade in 2026-27
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Elective Selection
Indicate with a (1), (2), (3), and (4), which electives are your first choice, second choice, third choice, and fourth choice. Electives will be scheduled based on student request and scheduling availability.
cgfjcgf
First Choice
Second Choice
Third Choice
First Choice
(Required)
Select FIRST Choice
Music: Music Techniques (1 or 2 semesters) Music Techniques classes are collaborative musical workshops where students learn how to perform, analyze, compose, arrange, and improvise in a variety of settings and configurations. The repertoire, selected by the teacher with student input, is learned by transcribing a popular recording, reading sheet music, or playing from “fake book” lead sheets. Emphasis is on creating compelling musical arrangements and performing them with a high level of musicianship. Topics include instrumental and vocal techniques, ear training, music notation, harmony, and embodied awareness. Music Techniques students will perform in concert each semester.
Music: Vocal Techniques (1 or 2 semesters) The aim of this course is to work with students where they are, helping them to attain individual goals as singers and to become high-functioning members of an ensemble. Both ear training with interval recognition and sight reading methods will be taught. Working with a range of styles, musical periods, and difficulty levels, students will make meaningful music together, improve as individual singers, learn about how music works, and experience personal growth through the processes of rehearsal and public performance. Vocal Techniques students will perform in concert each semester.
Theater: Performance Lab (1 semester) A practical performance workshop focused on building versatile skills for auditions, shows, speeches, and confidence in front of an audience. Students will work on short scenes, monologues, and partner pieces with frequent coaching and multiple low-pressure performances throughout the semester. Emphasis is on presence, listening, clear choices, timing, and responding to direction. End-of-semester outcome: a polished showcase (scenes/monologues) or an “audition package” (live or recorded) depending on student interest and scheduling.
Theater: Sketch Comedy (1 semester) A creative writing course for theatre, centered on generating and performing original sketch comedy. Students will pitch ideas, draft scripts, revise through table reads, rehearse quickly, and perform often. The focus is storytelling through comedy: structure, escalation, character “games,” editing, and ensemble performance. This course functions as our playwriting offering, geared toward writing for performance rather than long-form plays. End-of-semester outcome: a sketch revue featuring student-written and student-performed pieces.
Theater: Stage Combat & Movement (1 semester) A performance course in physical storytelling, including safe, choreographed stage combat fundamentals and movement-based acting. Students will learn safety and consent practices, partner work, spacing, rhythm, reactions, and choreography, then apply these skills in staged sequences and short scenes. The course emphasizes discipline, physical awareness, and storytelling clarity. End-of-semester outcome: a staged combat and movement showcase (short sequences and scenes).
Theater: Theatresports (1 semester) A fast-paced, team-based improv course using the Theatresports approach (Keith Johnstone). Students develop strong ensemble habits and learn how to build scenes, characters, and stories in the moment. Classwork includes improv games, short-form and narrative formats, status work, physical comedy, and performance etiquette. This course is designed to be welcoming for both experienced performers and students new to theatre. End-of-semester outcome: a live Theatresports match for an audience (lunch crowd, peers, or evening showcase).
Visual Arts: Ceramics (1 semester) Ceramics is a comprehensive course designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the use of clay as an art medium. Many different techniques of clay modeling and decoration will be introduced through a series of challenging projects. In Ceramics, students become familiar with the possibilities and properties of clay, using their knowledge to arrive at individual and creative solutions to various prompts. Class critiques as well as the study of past and contemporary ceramics artists and trends are important elements of this course. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting
Visual Arts: Drawing (1 semester) Students will experiment with the media and techniques used to create a variety of two-dimensional (2-D)artworks through the development of skills in drawing. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art to improve mark making and/or the organizational principles of design in a composition from observation, research, and/or imagination. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers.
Visual Arts: Foundation of Art & Design (1 semester) Students experiment with the media and techniques used to create a variety of two-dimensional (2-D) artworks through the development of skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and/or design. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art (Elements and Principles of Art) to improve mark making and/or the organizational principles of design in a composition from observation, research, and/or imagination. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers.
Visual Arts: Maker’s Studio (1 semester) This course will explore art making techniques in various mediums and incorporate experimental and lesser known techniques to explore the creative process. Maker’s Studio is aimed at emphasizing the process over the product as we explore art that ranges from fusing & stained glass to felting to sculpture to painting. There will be multiple projects as individuals and as groups to investigate and push these techniques. The overall goal being to expand one’s conceptual art base and visual and critical thinking skills. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting, AND Ceramics OR Mixed Media, plus permission from instructor
Visual Arts: Mixed Media (1 semester) Students are exposed to a variety of artists who will inspire their work in sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and design. Students will practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art and principles of design to improve skills through observation, research, and/or imagination. During the critique process, students will evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers. Students will deepen their understanding of creative techniques in mixed media and imaginative design. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing
Visual Arts: Painting (1 semester) In Painting the student will develop skills and techniques in watercolor, acrylic paint, and mixed media. Activities will focus on two and three-dimensional painting skills and techniques, color theory and composition. This class will involve artist-based research and projects completed inside of class. During the critique process, students will evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers. Students will deepen their understanding of creative techniques in painting and imaginative design. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing
Visual Arts: Photography (1 semester) This course introduces students to the art of photography, providing a well-rounded foundation in digital photography. Students will develop skills in several areas, including composition, the exposure triangle (ISO, shutter speed, and aperture), the operating modes of a DSLR (digital camera), and photo editing using Adobe Photoshop. Students will receive instruction and demonstration, and will be presented examples of desired outcomes throughout the course. Many assignments will be hands-on experience outside of the classroom. Students will present and discuss their work to help their perspective on what makes a successful photograph. They will study the work of past and current photographers to gain an understanding of what has been done and what the possibilities are. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting
Visual Arts: Procreate 101 (1 semester) Students will learn art theory concepts to include the elements of art, principles of design, composition, and color theory through the application of Procreate. Students will learn to create digital illustrations and digital paintings, and to use typography through the creation of original works. Additional concepts may include photographic manipulation, graphic design theories, basic animation, and file management. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting
Visual Arts: Video Production 101 (1 semester) This introductory course will present the basic principles of shooting and editing digital video with the use of Adobe’s CC Premiere video editing software and Nikon DSLRs (digital cameras). Projects such as commercials, documentary shorts, and class group projects will be used to educate students in shooting and editing digital video to include audio editing, color correction, lighting, and the use of a green screen. Through the use of group critiques, students will learn how to analyze and describe their work and the work of their peers. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, AND Painting OR Mixed Media
Visual Arts: Wood, Forest, & Form: Sustainable Woodworking & Design (1 semester) This course explores the intersection of craftsmanship, sustainability, and design through traditional and modern woodworking practices.Students will learn to create both functional and sculptural wooden pieces—ranging from hand-carved spoons and chairs to turned objects and contemporary designs—while developing an understanding of wood as a renewable natural resource. Emphasis is placed on understanding wood as a living, renewable resource and examining the environmental and ethical dimensions of forestry and material use. Coursework integrates research on sustainable forestry practices, responsible sourcing, and lifecycle design with studio-based problem solving and craftsmanship with a blend of classroom/studio time between Long Trail School and the Merck Forest and Farmland Center. Through hands-on projects, students will gain experience in techniques such as carving, joinery, and lathe turning, as well as surface treatments like shou sugi ban (Japanese wood charring). Discussions and research will connect woodworking traditions to modern sustainable design thinking. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of unique wood projects and a deeper appreciation of how art, ecology, and craft can coexist as well as an understanding of basic woodworking tools and safety. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, permission from instructor
Second Choice
(Required)
Select SECOND Choice
Music: Music Techniques (1 or 2 semesters) Music Techniques classes are collaborative musical workshops where students learn how to perform, analyze, compose, arrange, and improvise in a variety of settings and configurations. The repertoire, selected by the teacher with student input, is learned by transcribing a popular recording, reading sheet music, or playing from “fake book” lead sheets. Emphasis is on creating compelling musical arrangements and performing them with a high level of musicianship. Topics include instrumental and vocal techniques, ear training, music notation, harmony, and embodied awareness. Music Techniques students will perform in concert each semester.
Music: Vocal Techniques (1 or 2 semesters) The aim of this course is to work with students where they are, helping them to attain individual goals as singers and to become high-functioning members of an ensemble. Both ear training with interval recognition and sight reading methods will be taught. Working with a range of styles, musical periods, and difficulty levels, students will make meaningful music together, improve as individual singers, learn about how music works, and experience personal growth through the processes of rehearsal and public performance. Vocal Techniques students will perform in concert each semester.
Theater: Performance Lab (1 semester) A practical performance workshop focused on building versatile skills for auditions, shows, speeches, and confidence in front of an audience. Students will work on short scenes, monologues, and partner pieces with frequent coaching and multiple low-pressure performances throughout the semester. Emphasis is on presence, listening, clear choices, timing, and responding to direction. End-of-semester outcome: a polished showcase (scenes/monologues) or an “audition package” (live or recorded) depending on student interest and scheduling.
Theater: Sketch Comedy (1 semester) A creative writing course for theatre, centered on generating and performing original sketch comedy. Students will pitch ideas, draft scripts, revise through table reads, rehearse quickly, and perform often. The focus is storytelling through comedy: structure, escalation, character “games,” editing, and ensemble performance. This course functions as our playwriting offering, geared toward writing for performance rather than long-form plays. End-of-semester outcome: a sketch revue featuring student-written and student-performed pieces.
Theater: Stage Combat & Movement (1 semester) A performance course in physical storytelling, including safe, choreographed stage combat fundamentals and movement-based acting. Students will learn safety and consent practices, partner work, spacing, rhythm, reactions, and choreography, then apply these skills in staged sequences and short scenes. The course emphasizes discipline, physical awareness, and storytelling clarity. End-of-semester outcome: a staged combat and movement showcase (short sequences and scenes).
Theater: Theatresports (1 semester) A fast-paced, team-based improv course using the Theatresports approach (Keith Johnstone). Students develop strong ensemble habits and learn how to build scenes, characters, and stories in the moment. Classwork includes improv games, short-form and narrative formats, status work, physical comedy, and performance etiquette. This course is designed to be welcoming for both experienced performers and students new to theatre. End-of-semester outcome: a live Theatresports match for an audience (lunch crowd, peers, or evening showcase).
Visual Arts: Ceramics (1 semester) Ceramics is a comprehensive course designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the use of clay as an art medium. Many different techniques of clay modeling and decoration will be introduced through a series of challenging projects. In Ceramics, students become familiar with the possibilities and properties of clay, using their knowledge to arrive at individual and creative solutions to various prompts. Class critiques as well as the study of past and contemporary ceramics artists and trends are important elements of this course. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting
Visual Arts: Drawing (1 semester) Students will experiment with the media and techniques used to create a variety of two-dimensional (2-D)artworks through the development of skills in drawing. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art to improve mark making and/or the organizational principles of design in a composition from observation, research, and/or imagination. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers.
Visual Arts: Foundation of Art & Design (1 semester) Students experiment with the media and techniques used to create a variety of two-dimensional (2-D) artworks through the development of skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and/or design. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art (Elements and Principles of Art) to improve mark making and/or the organizational principles of design in a composition from observation, research, and/or imagination. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers.
Visual Arts: Maker’s Studio (1 semester) This course will explore art making techniques in various mediums and incorporate experimental and lesser known techniques to explore the creative process. Maker’s Studio is aimed at emphasizing the process over the product as we explore art that ranges from fusing & stained glass to felting to sculpture to painting. There will be multiple projects as individuals and as groups to investigate and push these techniques. The overall goal being to expand one’s conceptual art base and visual and critical thinking skills. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting, AND Ceramics OR Mixed Media, plus permission from instructor
Visual Arts: Mixed Media (1 semester) Students are exposed to a variety of artists who will inspire their work in sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and design. Students will practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art and principles of design to improve skills through observation, research, and/or imagination. During the critique process, students will evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers. Students will deepen their understanding of creative techniques in mixed media and imaginative design. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing
Visual Arts: Painting (1 semester) In Painting the student will develop skills and techniques in watercolor, acrylic paint, and mixed media. Activities will focus on two and three-dimensional painting skills and techniques, color theory and composition. This class will involve artist-based research and projects completed inside of class. During the critique process, students will evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers. Students will deepen their understanding of creative techniques in painting and imaginative design. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing
Visual Arts: Photography (1 semester) This course introduces students to the art of photography, providing a well-rounded foundation in digital photography. Students will develop skills in several areas, including composition, the exposure triangle (ISO, shutter speed, and aperture), the operating modes of a DSLR (digital camera), and photo editing using Adobe Photoshop. Students will receive instruction and demonstration, and will be presented examples of desired outcomes throughout the course. Many assignments will be hands-on experience outside of the classroom. Students will present and discuss their work to help their perspective on what makes a successful photograph. They will study the work of past and current photographers to gain an understanding of what has been done and what the possibilities are. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting
Visual Arts: Procreate 101 (1 semester) Students will learn art theory concepts to include the elements of art, principles of design, composition, and color theory through the application of Procreate. Students will learn to create digital illustrations and digital paintings, and to use typography through the creation of original works. Additional concepts may include photographic manipulation, graphic design theories, basic animation, and file management. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting
Visual Arts: Video Production 101 (1 semester) This introductory course will present the basic principles of shooting and editing digital video with the use of Adobe’s CC Premiere video editing software and Nikon DSLRs (digital cameras). Projects such as commercials, documentary shorts, and class group projects will be used to educate students in shooting and editing digital video to include audio editing, color correction, lighting, and the use of a green screen. Through the use of group critiques, students will learn how to analyze and describe their work and the work of their peers. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, AND Painting OR Mixed Media
Visual Arts: Wood, Forest, & Form: Sustainable Woodworking & Design (1 semester) This course explores the intersection of craftsmanship, sustainability, and design through traditional and modern woodworking practices.Students will learn to create both functional and sculptural wooden pieces—ranging from hand-carved spoons and chairs to turned objects and contemporary designs—while developing an understanding of wood as a renewable natural resource. Emphasis is placed on understanding wood as a living, renewable resource and examining the environmental and ethical dimensions of forestry and material use. Coursework integrates research on sustainable forestry practices, responsible sourcing, and lifecycle design with studio-based problem solving and craftsmanship with a blend of classroom/studio time between Long Trail School and the Merck Forest and Farmland Center. Through hands-on projects, students will gain experience in techniques such as carving, joinery, and lathe turning, as well as surface treatments like shou sugi ban (Japanese wood charring). Discussions and research will connect woodworking traditions to modern sustainable design thinking. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of unique wood projects and a deeper appreciation of how art, ecology, and craft can coexist as well as an understanding of basic woodworking tools and safety. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, permission from instructor
Third Choice
(Required)
Select THIRD Choice
Music: Music Techniques (1 or 2 semesters) Music Techniques classes are collaborative musical workshops where students learn how to perform, analyze, compose, arrange, and improvise in a variety of settings and configurations. The repertoire, selected by the teacher with student input, is learned by transcribing a popular recording, reading sheet music, or playing from “fake book” lead sheets. Emphasis is on creating compelling musical arrangements and performing them with a high level of musicianship. Topics include instrumental and vocal techniques, ear training, music notation, harmony, and embodied awareness. Music Techniques students will perform in concert each semester.
Music: Vocal Techniques (1 or 2 semesters) The aim of this course is to work with students where they are, helping them to attain individual goals as singers and to become high-functioning members of an ensemble. Both ear training with interval recognition and sight reading methods will be taught. Working with a range of styles, musical periods, and difficulty levels, students will make meaningful music together, improve as individual singers, learn about how music works, and experience personal growth through the processes of rehearsal and public performance. Vocal Techniques students will perform in concert each semester.
Theater: Performance Lab (1 semester) A practical performance workshop focused on building versatile skills for auditions, shows, speeches, and confidence in front of an audience. Students will work on short scenes, monologues, and partner pieces with frequent coaching and multiple low-pressure performances throughout the semester. Emphasis is on presence, listening, clear choices, timing, and responding to direction. End-of-semester outcome: a polished showcase (scenes/monologues) or an “audition package” (live or recorded) depending on student interest and scheduling.
Theater: Sketch Comedy (1 semester) A creative writing course for theatre, centered on generating and performing original sketch comedy. Students will pitch ideas, draft scripts, revise through table reads, rehearse quickly, and perform often. The focus is storytelling through comedy: structure, escalation, character “games,” editing, and ensemble performance. This course functions as our playwriting offering, geared toward writing for performance rather than long-form plays. End-of-semester outcome: a sketch revue featuring student-written and student-performed pieces.
Theater: Stage Combat & Movement (1 semester) A performance course in physical storytelling, including safe, choreographed stage combat fundamentals and movement-based acting. Students will learn safety and consent practices, partner work, spacing, rhythm, reactions, and choreography, then apply these skills in staged sequences and short scenes. The course emphasizes discipline, physical awareness, and storytelling clarity. End-of-semester outcome: a staged combat and movement showcase (short sequences and scenes).
Theater: Theatresports (1 semester) A fast-paced, team-based improv course using the Theatresports approach (Keith Johnstone). Students develop strong ensemble habits and learn how to build scenes, characters, and stories in the moment. Classwork includes improv games, short-form and narrative formats, status work, physical comedy, and performance etiquette. This course is designed to be welcoming for both experienced performers and students new to theatre. End-of-semester outcome: a live Theatresports match for an audience (lunch crowd, peers, or evening showcase).
Visual Arts: Ceramics (1 semester) Ceramics is a comprehensive course designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the use of clay as an art medium. Many different techniques of clay modeling and decoration will be introduced through a series of challenging projects. In Ceramics, students become familiar with the possibilities and properties of clay, using their knowledge to arrive at individual and creative solutions to various prompts. Class critiques as well as the study of past and contemporary ceramics artists and trends are important elements of this course. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting
Visual Arts: Drawing (1 semester) Students will experiment with the media and techniques used to create a variety of two-dimensional (2-D)artworks through the development of skills in drawing. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art to improve mark making and/or the organizational principles of design in a composition from observation, research, and/or imagination. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers.
Visual Arts: Foundation of Art & Design (1 semester) Students experiment with the media and techniques used to create a variety of two-dimensional (2-D) artworks through the development of skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and/or design. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art (Elements and Principles of Art) to improve mark making and/or the organizational principles of design in a composition from observation, research, and/or imagination. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers.
Visual Arts: Maker’s Studio (1 semester) This course will explore art making techniques in various mediums and incorporate experimental and lesser known techniques to explore the creative process. Maker’s Studio is aimed at emphasizing the process over the product as we explore art that ranges from fusing & stained glass to felting to sculpture to painting. There will be multiple projects as individuals and as groups to investigate and push these techniques. The overall goal being to expand one’s conceptual art base and visual and critical thinking skills. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting, AND Ceramics OR Mixed Media, plus permission from instructor
Visual Arts: Mixed Media (1 semester) Students are exposed to a variety of artists who will inspire their work in sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and design. Students will practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art and principles of design to improve skills through observation, research, and/or imagination. During the critique process, students will evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers. Students will deepen their understanding of creative techniques in mixed media and imaginative design. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing
Visual Arts: Painting (1 semester) In Painting the student will develop skills and techniques in watercolor, acrylic paint, and mixed media. Activities will focus on two and three-dimensional painting skills and techniques, color theory and composition. This class will involve artist-based research and projects completed inside of class. During the critique process, students will evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers. Students will deepen their understanding of creative techniques in painting and imaginative design. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing
Visual Arts: Photography (1 semester) This course introduces students to the art of photography, providing a well-rounded foundation in digital photography. Students will develop skills in several areas, including composition, the exposure triangle (ISO, shutter speed, and aperture), the operating modes of a DSLR (digital camera), and photo editing using Adobe Photoshop. Students will receive instruction and demonstration, and will be presented examples of desired outcomes throughout the course. Many assignments will be hands-on experience outside of the classroom. Students will present and discuss their work to help their perspective on what makes a successful photograph. They will study the work of past and current photographers to gain an understanding of what has been done and what the possibilities are. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting
Visual Arts: Procreate 101 (1 semester) Students will learn art theory concepts to include the elements of art, principles of design, composition, and color theory through the application of Procreate. Students will learn to create digital illustrations and digital paintings, and to use typography through the creation of original works. Additional concepts may include photographic manipulation, graphic design theories, basic animation, and file management. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting
Visual Arts: Video Production 101 (1 semester) This introductory course will present the basic principles of shooting and editing digital video with the use of Adobe’s CC Premiere video editing software and Nikon DSLRs (digital cameras). Projects such as commercials, documentary shorts, and class group projects will be used to educate students in shooting and editing digital video to include audio editing, color correction, lighting, and the use of a green screen. Through the use of group critiques, students will learn how to analyze and describe their work and the work of their peers. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, AND Painting OR Mixed Media
Visual Arts: Wood, Forest, & Form: Sustainable Woodworking & Design (1 semester) This course explores the intersection of craftsmanship, sustainability, and design through traditional and modern woodworking practices.Students will learn to create both functional and sculptural wooden pieces—ranging from hand-carved spoons and chairs to turned objects and contemporary designs—while developing an understanding of wood as a renewable natural resource. Emphasis is placed on understanding wood as a living, renewable resource and examining the environmental and ethical dimensions of forestry and material use. Coursework integrates research on sustainable forestry practices, responsible sourcing, and lifecycle design with studio-based problem solving and craftsmanship with a blend of classroom/studio time between Long Trail School and the Merck Forest and Farmland Center. Through hands-on projects, students will gain experience in techniques such as carving, joinery, and lathe turning, as well as surface treatments like shou sugi ban (Japanese wood charring). Discussions and research will connect woodworking traditions to modern sustainable design thinking. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of unique wood projects and a deeper appreciation of how art, ecology, and craft can coexist as well as an understanding of basic woodworking tools and safety. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, permission from instructor
Fourth Choice
(Required)
Select FOURTH Choice
Music: Music Techniques (1 or 2 semesters) Music Techniques classes are collaborative musical workshops where students learn how to perform, analyze, compose, arrange, and improvise in a variety of settings and configurations. The repertoire, selected by the teacher with student input, is learned by transcribing a popular recording, reading sheet music, or playing from “fake book” lead sheets. Emphasis is on creating compelling musical arrangements and performing them with a high level of musicianship. Topics include instrumental and vocal techniques, ear training, music notation, harmony, and embodied awareness. Music Techniques students will perform in concert each semester.
Music: Vocal Techniques (1 or 2 semesters) The aim of this course is to work with students where they are, helping them to attain individual goals as singers and to become high-functioning members of an ensemble. Both ear training with interval recognition and sight reading methods will be taught. Working with a range of styles, musical periods, and difficulty levels, students will make meaningful music together, improve as individual singers, learn about how music works, and experience personal growth through the processes of rehearsal and public performance. Vocal Techniques students will perform in concert each semester.
Theater: Performance Lab (1 semester) A practical performance workshop focused on building versatile skills for auditions, shows, speeches, and confidence in front of an audience. Students will work on short scenes, monologues, and partner pieces with frequent coaching and multiple low-pressure performances throughout the semester. Emphasis is on presence, listening, clear choices, timing, and responding to direction. End-of-semester outcome: a polished showcase (scenes/monologues) or an “audition package” (live or recorded) depending on student interest and scheduling.
Theater: Sketch Comedy (1 semester) A creative writing course for theatre, centered on generating and performing original sketch comedy. Students will pitch ideas, draft scripts, revise through table reads, rehearse quickly, and perform often. The focus is storytelling through comedy: structure, escalation, character “games,” editing, and ensemble performance. This course functions as our playwriting offering, geared toward writing for performance rather than long-form plays. End-of-semester outcome: a sketch revue featuring student-written and student-performed pieces.
Theater: Stage Combat & Movement (1 semester) A performance course in physical storytelling, including safe, choreographed stage combat fundamentals and movement-based acting. Students will learn safety and consent practices, partner work, spacing, rhythm, reactions, and choreography, then apply these skills in staged sequences and short scenes. The course emphasizes discipline, physical awareness, and storytelling clarity. End-of-semester outcome: a staged combat and movement showcase (short sequences and scenes).
Theater: Theatresports (1 semester) A fast-paced, team-based improv course using the Theatresports approach (Keith Johnstone). Students develop strong ensemble habits and learn how to build scenes, characters, and stories in the moment. Classwork includes improv games, short-form and narrative formats, status work, physical comedy, and performance etiquette. This course is designed to be welcoming for both experienced performers and students new to theatre. End-of-semester outcome: a live Theatresports match for an audience (lunch crowd, peers, or evening showcase).
Visual Arts: Ceramics (1 semester) Ceramics is a comprehensive course designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the use of clay as an art medium. Many different techniques of clay modeling and decoration will be introduced through a series of challenging projects. In Ceramics, students become familiar with the possibilities and properties of clay, using their knowledge to arrive at individual and creative solutions to various prompts. Class critiques as well as the study of past and contemporary ceramics artists and trends are important elements of this course. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting
Visual Arts: Drawing (1 semester) Students will experiment with the media and techniques used to create a variety of two-dimensional (2-D)artworks through the development of skills in drawing. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art to improve mark making and/or the organizational principles of design in a composition from observation, research, and/or imagination. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers.
Visual Arts: Foundation of Art & Design (1 semester) Students experiment with the media and techniques used to create a variety of two-dimensional (2-D) artworks through the development of skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and/or design. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art (Elements and Principles of Art) to improve mark making and/or the organizational principles of design in a composition from observation, research, and/or imagination. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers.
Visual Arts: Maker’s Studio (1 semester) This course will explore art making techniques in various mediums and incorporate experimental and lesser known techniques to explore the creative process. Maker’s Studio is aimed at emphasizing the process over the product as we explore art that ranges from fusing & stained glass to felting to sculpture to painting. There will be multiple projects as individuals and as groups to investigate and push these techniques. The overall goal being to expand one’s conceptual art base and visual and critical thinking skills. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting, AND Ceramics OR Mixed Media, plus permission from instructor
Visual Arts: Mixed Media (1 semester) Students are exposed to a variety of artists who will inspire their work in sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and design. Students will practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art and principles of design to improve skills through observation, research, and/or imagination. During the critique process, students will evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers. Students will deepen their understanding of creative techniques in mixed media and imaginative design. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing
Visual Arts: Painting (1 semester) In Painting the student will develop skills and techniques in watercolor, acrylic paint, and mixed media. Activities will focus on two and three-dimensional painting skills and techniques, color theory and composition. This class will involve artist-based research and projects completed inside of class. During the critique process, students will evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers. Students will deepen their understanding of creative techniques in painting and imaginative design. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing
Visual Arts: Photography (1 semester) This course introduces students to the art of photography, providing a well-rounded foundation in digital photography. Students will develop skills in several areas, including composition, the exposure triangle (ISO, shutter speed, and aperture), the operating modes of a DSLR (digital camera), and photo editing using Adobe Photoshop. Students will receive instruction and demonstration, and will be presented examples of desired outcomes throughout the course. Many assignments will be hands-on experience outside of the classroom. Students will present and discuss their work to help their perspective on what makes a successful photograph. They will study the work of past and current photographers to gain an understanding of what has been done and what the possibilities are. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting
Visual Arts: Procreate 101 (1 semester) Students will learn art theory concepts to include the elements of art, principles of design, composition, and color theory through the application of Procreate. Students will learn to create digital illustrations and digital paintings, and to use typography through the creation of original works. Additional concepts may include photographic manipulation, graphic design theories, basic animation, and file management. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, Painting
Visual Arts: Video Production 101 (1 semester) This introductory course will present the basic principles of shooting and editing digital video with the use of Adobe’s CC Premiere video editing software and Nikon DSLRs (digital cameras). Projects such as commercials, documentary shorts, and class group projects will be used to educate students in shooting and editing digital video to include audio editing, color correction, lighting, and the use of a green screen. Through the use of group critiques, students will learn how to analyze and describe their work and the work of their peers. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, AND Painting OR Mixed Media
Visual Arts: Wood, Forest, & Form: Sustainable Woodworking & Design (1 semester) This course explores the intersection of craftsmanship, sustainability, and design through traditional and modern woodworking practices.Students will learn to create both functional and sculptural wooden pieces—ranging from hand-carved spoons and chairs to turned objects and contemporary designs—while developing an understanding of wood as a renewable natural resource. Emphasis is placed on understanding wood as a living, renewable resource and examining the environmental and ethical dimensions of forestry and material use. Coursework integrates research on sustainable forestry practices, responsible sourcing, and lifecycle design with studio-based problem solving and craftsmanship with a blend of classroom/studio time between Long Trail School and the Merck Forest and Farmland Center. Through hands-on projects, students will gain experience in techniques such as carving, joinery, and lathe turning, as well as surface treatments like shou sugi ban (Japanese wood charring). Discussions and research will connect woodworking traditions to modern sustainable design thinking. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of unique wood projects and a deeper appreciation of how art, ecology, and craft can coexist as well as an understanding of basic woodworking tools and safety. Prerequisite: Foundations of Art & Design, Drawing, permission from instructor
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