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DREW ARTS 2023-2024 COURSE CATALOG

DREW SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2023-2024

Visual and Performing Arts Graduation requirement Two years. The Drew Arts program empowers students to cultivate their personal voice by in-depth exploration in a wide variety of artistic mediums. Learning how aesthetic choices define how a work of art communicates meaning to an audience is at the heart of each creative process. Students rehearse, iterate, reflect, and critique to build the skills required for artistic practice and to explore a sense of self in the world. Between our traditional and digital studios, performance spaces, and an integration of the city as an extended lab, students pursue their own pathways through the program and add their unique perspectives to the community. Their works are celebrated each semester through gallery walks, displays, screenings, concerts, and theatrical productions.

Visual Arts The Visual Arts Department at Drew invites students to have authentic and engaging experiences in our studio spaces. Through a wide range of traditional and digital approaches, our courses are designed to help you to build skills, express your ideas, and share your point of view through imagery. Our main focus is on individual projects, where each student can examine how aesthetic choices and materials communicate. You will also integrate the city as an extended lab, offering locations for creative work and exposure to museums and artists. Whether you work in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, film, or other mediums, the visual arts will help you explore ways to interpret the world and develop a personal voice. There are many ways through the program and our course listings below will help you discover your path as an artist.

Drawing & Design 1 What fundamental skills and understandings help prepare you for success in the visual arts? In this class, you will explore how elements such as composition, line, shape, color, texture, value, and space become the building blocks of strong design across the arts. You will work with a range of materials, including pencil, acrylic, and watercolor. Units include drawing subjects from observation, painting, and creating personal design projects to express your own interests and perspectives. Daily focus will be on developing projects, developing studio skills, expanding aesthetic choices, and gathering feedback through critique. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events and school exhibits.

Drawing & Design 2 How are the objects, products, and experiences in our world made? Introduce yourself to the design world and the importance of drawing and imagination in developing ideas for actualization. Learn how designers and artists think and practice observational and interpretive drawing. Units may include fashion design, furniture design, architecture, and figure drawing. You will explore design-thinking issues such as understanding the needs and preferences of the end-user, developing empathy, prototyping, revision, and teamwork. After a variety of teacher-directed projects, you will complete a self-directed project. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events and school exhibits.

Prerequisite: Drawing & Design 1 or teacher approval

DREW SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2023-2024

Digital Filmmaking 1 How do movies tell a story and connect with viewers? How are films made? Students in this class will learn the camera, editing, and writing skills used by filmmakers to create short movies. Students will work on a number of narrative and experimental projects each semester. Our daily steps will focus on expression through cinematography and editing to build cohesive and atmospheric works. We will also look at samples of historic and international films in order to expand your own toolbox of styles and ideas as you develop your own voice as a filmmaker. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events and community screenings.

Prerequisite: Drawing & Design 1 or teacher approval

Digital Filmmaking 2 How do filmmakers combine cinematography, story structure, and character to create cohesive stories? Students in this class will deepen their writing, camera, and editing skills to build more complex projects. You will create a number of movies each semester in order to explore the aspects of visual poetry, character development, and plot that are essential to cinematic storytelling. Our daily steps will focus on advancing projects through screenwriting, production planning, cinematography, editing, and gathering feedback through critique. We will also look at samples of historic and international works to expand your own toolbox of styles and ideas as you develop your own voice as a filmmaker. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events and community screenings.

Prerequisite: Digital Filmmaking 1

Graphic Design 1 How do images and words combine to communicate? What are the elements of good design and what are the steps in the process? In this course you will explore how artists use graphic design to create messaging. Students will build foundational skills by exploring a range of projects, including logos, branding, infographics, posters, and laser cut products. Work will be done primarily with Adobe Suite and daily steps will focus on developing and advancing projects through the creative process of iteration and critique. We will also engage with professional work, visiting artists, and field trips to gather new ideas and awareness of the field. Projects culminate in a portfolio, two gallery walk events, and school exhibits.

Prerequisite: Drawing & Design 1 or teacher approval

Graphic Design 2 Students in this course will dive deeper into the design process to explore how artists approach projects by addressing communication goals, client needs, systematic analysis, problem solving, iteration, and implementation. Daily tasks focus on developing and advancing projects, including designs for a game board, yearbook, posters, and self-designed work. We will also engage with professional work, visiting artists, and field trips to gather new ideas and awareness of the field. Projects culminate in a portfolio, two gallery walk events, and school exhibits.

Prerequisite: Graphic Design 1

DREW SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2023-2024

Painting 1 Why has painting endured through human history even as humans have developed so many new digital media? Enjoy the respite and meditative aspects of the painting process as we balance these with creative and critical thinking skills. Painting has an immediacy that can give the artist access to multiple levels of self-expression, from gesture to detailed rendering of chosen subjects. Units are designed to juxtapose basic painting techniques and tips for accurate rendering with more abstract approaches. In an early unit you will render a constructed collage in order to practice color and proportion matching and in a later unit you will rely on your own instincts and mark-making impulses to create works inspired by abstract expressionism. After several teacher-led assignments, you will enjoy the freedom to develop and write about your own subjects and ideas. Critiques and field trips will deepen and broaden your understanding of this wide-ranging medium. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, and school exhibits.

Prerequisite: Drawing & Design 1 or teacher approval

Painting 2 Build on your foundation in painting while improving your creative and critical thinking skills. You will create a body of related work and learn how to sustain a creative practice through experimenting, developing your ideas, and curating your work with the help of the critique process. As you reflect on how you go about your painting practice, you will find painting can be about self-discovery and finding your voice as an artist. You will write and revise an artist statement, conduct research, explore exhibition venues, and present your work to audiences in and outside the classroom. In the end, you will reflect on both your intentions as a painter and understand how your work is perceived through feedback from peers. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, and school exhibits.

Prerequisite: Painting 1

Photography 1 How do photographers interpret ideas and emotions through pictures? How do aesthetic choices in camera work and editing influence how images communicate? Students in this class will learn the skills and techniques used by artists to create poetic imagery across a wide range of styles and genres. Foundation assignments will cover the building blocks of composition and design, while a number of personally-designed projects throughout the year will build an understanding of how artists use the creative process of iteration to create cohesive portfolios and books. Our daily steps will focus on advancing projects and gathering feedback. We will also look at samples of historic and international works in order to build your own toolbox of styles and ideas as you develop your own voice as a photographer. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, a book-publishing project, and school exhibits.

Prerequisite: Drawing & Design 1 or teacher approval

Photography 2 How do photographers build on their foundation and communicate personal vision? How do aesthetic choices in camera work and editing influence how images communicate? Advanced students in this course will expand their visual literacy by exploring a wider range of styles and techniques, such as abstraction, expressionism, design, studio lighting, collage, and multi-frame images. A number of personally-designed projects throughout the year will also continue to build an understanding of how artists use the creative process of iteration to create cohesive portfolios and books. Our daily steps will focus on advancing projects and gathering feedback. We will also look at samples of historic and international works in order to build your own toolbox of skills and ideas as you develop your own voice as a photographer. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, a book-publishing project, and school exhibits.

Prerequisite: Photography 1

DREW SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2023-2024

Printmaking 1 How are prints created and why? Prints are images made in multiples and when you make multiples of an image, it frees you to take risks and reiterate. You will explore a variety of media and techniques including linoleum, woodblock, transfers, and screen printing and learn how to pull editions and create a body of work using a press, screens, and handprinting. You will carve; use photographic techniques; paint; print on paper, canvas, and fabric; and experiment with color. Weekly sketchbook assignments will serve as an image bank to create your prints. You will explore and play with mixed media including transfer, collage, and mono-printing. Critiques, visiting artists, and field trips will deepen your understanding and build community. Projects culminate in creating your own portfolio, two gallery walk events, and school exhibits.

Prerequisite: Drawing & Design 1 or teacher approval

Printmaking 2 Build on your printmaking foundations and further your technical skills as you add complexity to your printmaking projects, including mixed media and large scale prints. Experimentation and risk are encouraged as you develop technical mastery and independent problem solving. You will deepen your voice through more independent, artistic investigations around thematic topics including nature, technology, identity, and place. Critiques, visiting artists, and field trips will deepen and broaden understanding. You will develop a body of work through a concentration project of your own design using your preferred printmaking techniques. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, and school exhibits.

Prerequisite: Printmaking 1

Sculpture 1 How do sculptors work with physical materials to create cohesive pieces? What are the main elements of three-dimensional design? Students in this course will explore a range of projects, including wire, wood, papier mâché, clay stop-motion, installation, and found objects. Daily tasks focus on using the creative process to develop and advance projects. We will also engage with professional work, visiting artists, and field trips to gather new ideas and awareness of the field. Projects culminate in a portfolio, two gallery walk events, and school exhibits.

Prerequisite: Drawing & Design 1 or teacher approval

Sculpture 2 Students in this course will build on their Sculpture 1 foundations to work on advanced projects, explore new ideas, and develop a portfolio of personal work. Daily tasks focus on using the creative process to develop and advance projects. We will also engage with professional work, visiting artists, and field trips to gather new ideas and awareness of the field. Projects culminate in a portfolio, two gallery walk events, and school exhibits.

Prerequisite: Sculpture 1

DREW SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2023-2024

Advanced Studio Art How do you make a project your own, find your voice, and show your unique perspective? You will hone these skills through both individual and group critique focusing on both technique and concept development through studio practice and by developing more advanced rendering skills. You will deepen your own point of view through related class and homework assignments to develop a cohesive body of work. Projects include selfportrait as a playing card, zoo poster, mythological hybrid animal, observational drawing of glass and metal, and political posters of social justice issues. You will design a concentration project at the end of the second semester. Critiques, participating in art contests, visiting artists, and field trips will build community and foster investigation. Projects culminate in portfolio presentation, two gallery walk events, school exhibits, and portfolio development.

Prerequisite: Drawing & Design 1 or teacher approval

Portfolio Development How do artists develop a body of work that expresses their personal ideas and style? How do artists prepare for projects like gallery exhibits, publishing, and applications? In this advanced class, you will go deeper into your chosen medium in order to create a capstone portfolio. Emphasis is placed on using studio skills, experimentation, and aesthetic choices to create more complex visual statements, cohesive vision, concept development, and intentional messaging. Class time will be focused on building your portfolio, honing skills, and gathering feedback through critique. We will also look at samples of historic and international works every week in order to build your own toolbox of ideas. You will also be invited to engage with exhibits, contests, and visiting artists in order to learn more about art in the world. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, school exhibits, and a completed portfolio.

Prerequisite: Advanced level visual art course and teacher approval

Topics in Art History Topics in Art History is a course framework for exposure to various art history concerns. Students are introduced to the complexities and vastness of human creativity and analysis. Students study a selection of artists, movements, the art of particular regions and cultures, and how art has been preserved and presented. Critical theory and understandings include several essential questions: How is “art history” created? How does the study of art from our past help us situate cultural understandings? How does the formal analysis of art objects inform us as much as the content? Before choosing an area for research and analysis, students dig into divergent areas within the vast scope of art history, learning how to reflect on and discuss not only the art objects themselves but also their contexts. They write and revise a pitch for their research topics; conduct research using books, websites, galleries, museum collections, and interviews, when possible; and share their work with an authentic audience.

Performing Arts Drew’s Performing Arts courses are an intentional departure from more traditional pedagogical models of study. Our classes are labs for experimentation and exploration of individual voice and the collaborative process. We aim to foster an inclusive environment in which everyone’s story and identity is valued. We also give students the opportunity to discover the sources, history, and sociocultural context of the popular forms they gravitate to on their own. Theater and Production courses at Drew are about learning to be seen, heard, understood, and believed. Students develop the confidence to tell their own stories and the empathy to appreciate different perspectives. Course work is focused on building skills in creativity and collaboration as students explore verbal and nonverbal modes of communication. They also engage in self evaluation and reflect on their artistic process through writing and discussion.

DREW SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2023-2024

Broadcast Media 1 Broadcast Media 1 is a collaborative, hands-on course where students learn and hone broadcast media skills in the context of a full-time class. Video is central to 21st century communication culture, and this is an opportunity to develop student voice and express individual points of view in the farthest-reaching medium, and we use industry standard software (Adobe Premiere and DaVinci) as our main tools for creating our work, in addition to cameras, microphones, and live-streaming equipment that gives a wide variety of possibilities. The various roles students will learn include: writer, producer, director, anchor, cameraperson, audio engineer, editor, live streaming set-up and support, and lighting design, and hair/make-up work. The students’ video-based work will generally be short-form pieces in a variety of genres including interviews, think pieces, investigative work, newscasts, documentaries, and humor and a few Drew-specific formats we’ve been developing. A significant portion of the content will center around the Drew Community, and will seek out interdisciplinary collaborations with classes that meet during the same period, as well as clubs and other groups. Crewing at least one livestream event outside of regular school hours is a requirement of this class.

Broadcast Media 2 In Broadcast Media 2, you will continue to explore and develop your fluency with the skill set you were introduced to in Broadcast Media 1. Leadership and collaboration are encouraged in this second year, as you progress into managing the crew on shoot days and offering your input, guidance, and experience with the collaborative process, our equipment, and our critique and feedback sessions in class. In addition full-class projects, you will be encouraged to delve deeper into the roles you learned in Broadcast Media 1, evolving from the functional skills of Broadcast 1 to stylistic and artistic choices in the context of more complex projects that focus on your interests and the collaborative support of your Broadcast Media classmates. We’ll also put time into developing and curating our online presence, in coordination and collaboration with the Communications team. Crewing at least two livestream events outside of regular school hours is a requirement of this class.

Theater Ensemble 1 Theater Ensemble 1 is a hands-on experience in the art of live theater, introducing and exploring theater from page to stage. The focus is on learning to be seen, heard, understood, and believed. You will develop the confidence to tell your own story and the empathy to appreciate different perspectives. Course work includes in-class journaling, analyzing text and character, rehearsing scenes and monologues, playing improv games, and exploring verbal and non-verbal modes of communication while building skills in creativity and collaboration. You will attend live performances in venues on and off the Drew campus, expanding your cultural literacy and acquiring a theater vocabulary. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the rehearsal process, engaging in self-evaluation through writing and discussion at the end of each unit. This course also examines the roles of various theater artists: actors, directors, technicians, designers, and playwrights.

Theater Ensemble 2/3/4 In Theater Ensemble 2/3/4, you will continue to explore the art of transformational performance and assume increasingly more responsibility for the creative process. This course is designed to expand your awareness of the actor’s creative and expressive abilities, specifically in developing fluency with character development, self-awareness, and communication skills. Self-discipline is emphasized, and voice and movement techniques are more exacting, including the introduction of dialect work, masks, and Shakespeare’s verse. The rehearsal process underscores the ability to listen with a willingness to change and to practice empathy. Leadership is highlighted as you take on the management of daily vocal and physical warm-ups. You are encouraged to support the growth of the ensemble as you collaborate on a variety of performance pieces—scripted, non-scripted, and original scenes and monologues. There is a continued focus on in-class journaling, discussion, and attending theatrical performances in order to enhance the experience of the ensemble.

Prerequisites: Theater Ensemble 1/2/3 or teacher approval

DREW SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2023-2024

Theater Ensemble Honors Theater Ensemble Honors is designed to prepare the serious student for life in the theater beyond high school. Participating in a progression of creative projects, an Honors student is challenged to work as an actor, artistic director, designer, technician, stage manager, and teacher. You are expected to take control of the entire production process as a master collaborator—from research and selection of material to casting, rehearsing, design, and production. You are also asked to explore the ways in which theater can be used to affect social/ cultural change or bring a community together through a shared experience. You must also engage in critical reflection about the process once it is over. As an honors-level student, you will also teach theater etiquette to your peers and lead improvisations, exercises, and class discussions.

Prerequisites: Theater 1, 2, 3 (or equivalents) and teacher approval

Theater Production 1 This is a hands-on course designed to foster understanding and appreciation of the theatrical production process by providing students with a foundation in basic stagecraft. You will be introduced to the skills and equipment needed to take a theatrical event from a conceptual design through mounting a production. Emphasis will be placed on learning about the stage and its equipment, materials, and construction of scenic, prop, and costume elements, lighting, sound, and design. Exploring these design and production elements, you will be provided the opportunity and framework to become well-rounded theater technicians. You will apply and hone your skills by working on the technical aspects of Drew’s productions in the performing arts department as you design and construct sets, costumes, and props; hang lights; create special effects; and learn the skills needed for sound design and production. You will also reflect on design elements found in theatrical productions with design analysis and critique. Crewing productions at least once each semester is a requirement of this class.

Theater Production 2/3 Theater Production 2 and 3 are designed specifically for students focused on preparing for higher education and life-long learning in the arts. This course advances and refines the stagecraft techniques introduced in Theater Production 1 as you further your foundation of both soft and hard skills in the practical application of stagecraft for Drew’s Performing Arts Department’s production needs. You will also assist in supervising new students with overseeing their basic safety skills, critical thinking in design, and troubleshooting issues related to production. At this level, you will actively monitor new students in adhering to the protocols and safety standards on the grid, in the booth, and on the stage. You will also work in leadership roles as crew leads on a service-oriented team that will produce and document performing arts department productions. Additionally, you will be encouraged to specialize in a focus area of your choosing: lighting design, stage management, costume design, sound/special effects design, scenic design, or prop design. Crewing productions at least once each semester is a requirement of this class.

Prerequisite: Theater Production 1 or 2

Music Music at Drew offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in vocal and instrumental musicianship. Whether you are a beginner interested in trying a new instrument or you are already proficient on one or more instruments, there is a place for you in our student-centered ensemble program that values the contributions of each individual. Drew’s Music Ensemble program fosters individual autonomy. Drew students learn from the outset to develop their musical voices through collaboration, authentic practice, and in developing leadership skills.

DREW SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2023-2024

Instrumental or Vocal Ensemble 1 Arrange and perform advanced literature from a variety of idioms from classical to contemporary. Working in a project-based, collaborative environment, you will practice choosing, arranging, and preparing musical selections for performance and recording in the context of a small ensemble setting. Learn the rituals of rehearsal designed to increase your musical fluency and musicianship/technical ability. Develop your reading skills and deepen your awareness of how scales, chords, and keys articulate the diatonic system which functions across boundaries of musical style and genre. Learn how to improvise an accompaniment or melody applying your knowledge of idiomatically appropriate musical ideas. Experiment, grow, and challenge yourself as you begin to develop your voice in an ensemble.

Instrumental or Vocal Ensemble 2/3 In years two and three, you will continue to develop your technical and musical skills as you begin to take on a leadership role in the ensemble. You will take more responsibility for the trajectory of the group over the course of each iteration of the preparation/performance process, making decisions about arrangements and approaches and the overall sound of the group. You will learn how to transcribe and arrange music to present to the ensemble in lead-sheet or score notation. Dive deeper into the history and context of music that is both new and familiar to you as you continue to widen your perspective and develop your musical voice.

Prerequisite: Instrumental or Vocal Ensemble 1 or 2 or teacher approval

Instrumental or Vocal Ensemble Honors Students who have demonstrated the desire and commitment to work at a high level in an ensemble are invited to take Honors Ensemble. In this class, you will take even greater responsibility for planning and executing the trajectory of the group over the course of the year. Honors students will be expected to work outside of class on personal assignments to include recordings, transcriptions and research into our repertoire’s cultural and social context. You will also be encouraged to take leadership roles in the performances that punctuate our school year, and potentially participate in local and regional solo/small ensemble or honor band ensembles and events as schedules allow. This course will be of particular interest to students who may be considering continuing their music studies beyond high school.

Prerequisites: Instrumental or Vocal Ensemble 1, 2 or 3 and teacher approval

Music Production 1 Learn how to record and edit sounds from different sources using a variety of microphones and audio equipment. In this class, students are introduced to the concept of transformation, where sounds can be manipulated using the basic five editing techniques to create rhythmic and melodic patterns. Practice layering, looping, chopping, and arranging using a professional digital audio workstation (DAW) and begin to create examples of musical form which can be developed and varied to make more complete musical experiences.

Music Production 2 Develop more complex and polished compositions using acoustic and electronic sources and work in a variety of environments as you further develop microphone techniques, sampling, editing, mixing, and mastering. Focus on uncovering your own personal workflow. Create and curate your personal sound libraries and sample banks. Apply your compositional skills to a variety of challenges including soundtracking, mashups, remixes, and covers. At Level 2, students have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers, work with different DAWs, and experiment with tracking and mixing live sessions on the 48-track console. In this course, you will work towards completion of a diverse portfolio which will include your own compositions as well as your analysis of other works.

Prerequisites: Music Production 1 or teacher approval