FINE ARTS COURSES
BEGINNING DRAWING
The goal of this course is to encourage students to experience drawing as a way of "seeing", as opposed to looking. The ability to draw is not a gift, but a learned skill. Drawing records visual thinking and is a basis for developing any art form. Some of the basic drawing skills that will be introduced will involve gesture drawing, contour drawing, the use of negative and positive space, values and shading, portraiture, still life, landscape, and perspective drawing. Each student is recognized for the progress gained in developing these skills. Grading is based strictly on individual progress.
Beginning Drawing is a prerequisite for all other Seabury Hall studio art courses. Open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12. Semester course.
INTERMEDIATE DRAWING
The basic skills of rendering are taken a step further by fine tuning shading, composition, foreshortening, and some color work. There is a strong emphasis on learning to draw the human figure from models, still life, and conceptualization; learning to transform ideas into forms. Mixed media will be applied.
Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing. Open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12. Semester course.
BEGINNING PAINTING
The most important element for this class is the opportunity to paint and express oneself in this versatile medium. Learning to use materials as well as interpret them into personal investigation or meaning is primary. Students learn to manipulate and control the brush, color theory and exploration of different wet media, such as, acrylic, watercolor, watercolor crayon, pastel.
Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing. Open to grades 9,10,11,12. Semester course.
INTERMEDIATE PAINTING
By developing a visual vocabulary in painting students are able to incorporate a variety of wet media with self control and expression. Color and visual vocabulary is developed with the introduction of tertiary colors, abstraction, photo realism, and color combinations that challenge the eye. Students learn to use a variety of wet media together such as ink, oil paints, acrylics, watercolor, watercolor crayons, and soft pastels. Color concepts and brush work are expanded upon in intermediate painting.
Prerequisite: Beginning Painting. Grades 10, 11, 12 only. Semester course.
BEGINNING DESIGN
To "Design" is to plan and compose the form and structure of an object or work of art, whether it be functional (useful) or aesthetic (to be visually appreciated). Any design is a plan for order.
We design by making choices, involving the expression of material, selection of form, and fulfillment of purpose. All design begins with concept. A unified composition results when all the parts hold together to produce the best possible effect. The goal of a design course is to specifically and systematically introduce students to the fundamental elements and principles of art, which are the foundation skills necessary to then support students in all of their studio art courses. Mixed-media.
Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing. Grades 9, 10, 11, 12. Semester course.
INTERMEDIATE DESIGN
Intermediate Design is a natural extension of Beginning Design. Now that the introduction to the elements and principles of art have been made, the party really begins. Students have the opportunity to go deeper into their exploration of a single medium or concept. This course will begin with a survey of contemporary design artists, giving the students exposure to the vast spectrum of design that exists. Students are allowed personal choice in deciding which medium or concept to focus on. In contrast to Beginning Design, this intermediate course offers both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design opportunities. Mixed-media.
Beginning Design is a prerequisite for Intermediate Design. Open to Grades 9, 10, 11, 12. Semester course (spring semester only).
BEGINNING SCULPTURE
In this course, students are introduced to the aesthetic concepts of sculptural form, space, and content. Instructional guidelines are offered in various three-dimensional media, specifically selected for their technical range. The basic techniques of modeling, carving, fabricating, casting, and assembling are covered. Some of these techniques are additive, while others are subtractive. Students will come to understand how the physical properties of materials both limit and expand sculptural potential. They will experience for themselves that form is nothing unless it is well-executed with meaning. Likewise, content is nothing without shape and technique. Mixed-media (metal, wood, fiber, clay, and stone).
INTERMEDIATE SCULPTURE
In Intermediate Sculpture, students have the opportunity to select a specific medium or technique (previously introduced in Beginning Sculpture) to further explore and develop. This course is driven by the properties of the material, the process, the technique, and more importantly the dialogue between the student and the work. Intermediate level techniques are presented and practiced as students develop personally expressive sculptural pieces. Students investigate the expressive possibilities (and limitations) of a medium or technique and create a series of work that represents this new foundpassion. Students are expected to keep a journal and to complete critical studies of their sculptural works. Mixed-media (metal, wood, fiber, clay, and stone).
PRINTMAKING
Printmaking is an ancient form of art used for duplicating a piece of art work. An image of one material transferred to another material is called a print. In addition printmaking was chosen because of the particular desired effect created, which was not achieved in any other manner. The history of printmaking in various cultures will be explored by producing prints. Some of the printmaking techniques used will be monotypes, collographs, relief prints, and etchings.
Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing. Open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12.
BEGINNING CERAMICS
This class is an introduction to working with clay, and is intended to build basic skills as well as develop an awareness of form, and color. Students will be required to design their own projects within the guidelines of the assignments, developing technique while finding their own personal style. Students will focus on hand building, as they learn to work with techniques of pinching, coiling, and slab-building. Tooling, finishing, glazing, and firing will follow. Historical and cultural perspectives are introduced and serve as inspiration for student work. Each student must keep a sketchbook/journal. Students will have the opportunity to build their critical thinking skills in group critiques.
Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing. Open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12.
INTERMEDIATE CERAMICS
Students will continue to hone their hand building skills as intermediate-level challenges are presented. Students will be introduced to the wheel, where centering takes on a very literal meaning. Each student must keep a "clay" sketchbook/journal, in which they will be required to sketch their ideas along with drawings of other ceramic works and class notes. Historical and contemporary ceramic art will serve as inspiration for forms to be explored.
Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing & Beginning Ceramics.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDIO ART
This is a one-year program for seniors only who
have completed minimum of three art classes, preferably: basic drawing,
painting, and design, with the approval of the instructor. In addition,
one semester of Art History is required, but may be taken during the senior
year. Students must enter their senior year bringing with them ten to
twenty pieces of completed art. During their senior year they produce an
additional 20 pieces of art for their portfolio. The portfolios are submitted to
the National College Board for college credit to be rated. AP Art students have
an exhibition in the spring. There is a lab fee of $60 for slides.
The class experience is to develop personal visual vocabulary and an area of
concentration.
ART HISTORY I & II
Students use critical thinking skills to study the creative process of individual artists and the nature of creativity through art history and studio work. This course employs an experiential element as students have the opportunity to create works of art in the styles of the different art movements. By exploring techniques, media, and styles from various historical periods, students gain insight into artistic thought and creative problem solving. Students learn to recognize the distinguishing characteristics of each specific period, prominent artists of each period, and explore why the works were created in the particular manner selected. Mixed-media, slides, reading, oral discussion.
Art History I: Prehistoric European Art - Renaissance Art
Art History II: Baroque - 20th Century Art
Open to grades 10, 11, 12. Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing. Each course is an independent semester course. It is recommended that both courses are taken, but it is not required.
ADVANCED DESIGN
In the Advanced Design course, students are encouraged to continue in their personal exploration of a specific medium or concept. Advanced techniques are introduced, as well as Aesthetics, the philosophy of the value and nature of art. Students are expected to develop a series of work that reflects a clear sense of personal expression. This body of work will provide each student with a Design Portfolio that will serve to support them in their future interests. There is a lab fee of $45.
Prerequisites: Beginning Drawing, Beginning Design, & Intermediate Design.
ADVANCED SCULPTURE
In Advanced Sculpture, students may continue in their exploration of a specific medium or technique selected in the Intermediate Sculpture course, or they may elect to expand their horizons by combining mediums or techniques. Advanced techniques are introduced, as well as Aesthetics, the philosophy of the value and nature of art. Students create a series of work that reflects a clear sense of personal expression. Students are expected to keep a journal and to complete critical studies of their sculptural works. Mixed-media.
Prerequisites: Beginning Drawing, Beginning Sculpture, & Intermediate Sculpture.
INTERDISCIPLINARY ART
This class is to be taught by two teachers, one in art and one in an academic. The purpose of this class is to create a collaborative approach to a topic which supports both the intellectual and the aesthetic. The topic will be determined by the two teachers with research done to support the class. There will be opportunity for both teachers to teach together and independently. It is supported by many scholars that an interdisciplinary approach to a topic is deeply enriching because it addresses body, mind, and spirit. This class is not designed to simply create some art projects to support an academic class.
THEATER AND SPEECH COURSES
ACTING
Aspiring actors, beginner to more advanced, will gain the tools they need to create a role, including movement, voice technique, scene work and improvisation. A required lab lends practical experience to the theories discussed. Field trips to another Maui theater are possible.
Eligibility: Offered both semesters, grades 9-12
SPEECH
This course is designed to give courage and confidence to the speaker whether it is for an audience of one or one thousand. We will work on all aspects of speech from writing a convincing speech to dynamic delivery. There will also be an introduction to oral interpretation of poetry and prose. This course fulfills the 1/2 credit Expressive Arts graduation requirement.
STAGECRAFT AND DESIGN
Students will design and build scenery, props and projects for their own use. Instruction in the use of tools, basic carpentry, scenic painting, technical drawing, perspective drawing and electrical wiring. The number of class meetings per week will be reduced to allow for lab hours and tutorials.
MUSIC COURSES
UPPER SCHOOL SYMPHONIC BAND
Symphonic Band is composed of students who demonstrate proficiency in playing brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. Students learn to perform with technical accuracy and expression in a varied repertoire of music and to identify and define standard notation symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, and articulation. Strong emphasis are placed upon these general music skills as well as ensemble playing, however, the primary goal is to help the students develop skills needed to become thoughtful, confident, sensitive, and independent musicians and to foster a life-long interest in music. The Upper School Band performs in several public concerts and in assemblies and is a year-long course.
UPPER SCHOOL CHORUS
Upper School Chorus instills the students with they joy of singing. Along with this joy comes the discipline of learning basic singing techniques, as well as the spirit of team work and the challenge of public performance. Students learn proper breathing and breath control, vocal placement, clear diction, and musical interpretation as well as elementary music theory. The chorus sings a wide variety of music styles, both sacred and secular including classical, popular, musical theater, and Hawaiian. 50% of the grade is based on class participation and 25% is based on public performance. Included in the public performance schedule is Baccalaureate, assemblies, community performances, and some Eucharist services. This is a year-long course.
UKULELE
This course is well suited for students wishing to learn basic musical concepts. Students will learn strumming techniques, chord structure and progression, rhythmic patterns, tabulature, various styles of picking, some note-reading, scales and key signature, songs in both Hawaiian and English, history of the ukulele, and instrument care. Assistance in finding suitable instruments for those who do not own an ukulele can be provided.
MUSIC APPRECIATION
This course focuses on a deeper understanding and appreciation of music. Representative composers from each historical period will be discussed, along with styles and genres of music literature. Development of listening skills, by evaluating live performances and listening tomany different styles of music, will be emphasized. The students will become familiar with music terminology, music from other cultures, music in dance and film, and the importance of electronics in today's music. This is a semester course.
CHAMBER MUSIC
This class is designed to accommodate students who are interested in playing in smaller groups. It is open to anyone who has previous experience playing a musical instrument or singing serious music. Students should ideally be studying with a teacher privately to advance on their instruments. String players, pianists and other serious instrumentalists are encouraged to participate. This is a graded class if the students put in enough practice time to warrant a grade. It can also be an extracurricular activity. Two concerts per year are scheduled to give the students performance experience.
DANCE COURSES
DANCE I & II
These two courses teach the fundamentals of movement vocabulary, with a focus on stretching and placement. Students learn about rhythm, coordination and balance, while working on building strength and endurance. The courses include projects in which all students learn choreography performed at the end of each semester. Both levels meet twice a week after school. Upper-school students may take Dance in concert with regular physical education.
ADVANCED DANCE III
This course continues to develop the fundamentals of dance established in Levels I and II, with a stronger emphasis on choreography, composition, and performance skills. We also begin to work on partnering and material that depends on two or more dancers to execute correctly. This teaches students about team work and offers them an opportunity to work in smaller groups, with a greater focus on support and responsibility. This course meets twice a week after school. Upper-school students may take Dance in concert with regular physical education.
Eligibility: Open to grades 7-12 by audition only.
ADVANCED DANCE IV
This course is designed for students who have demonstrated a good understanding of dance fundamentals with a clear passion and dedication to continue to develop their artistic abilities. They will face many technical choreographic challenges at this level and will be asked to attend various extra rehearsals throughout the year (including some weekends). This course meets twice a week after school. Upper-school students may take Dance in concert with regular physical education.
Eligibility: Open to grades 8-12 by audition only.
DANCE LEVEL V
This is our most advanced level of training and requires a full commitment to the program, with a willingness to put in a great deal of extra rehearsal and performance time. At this level, students have many more opportunities to work with guest teachers and choreographers. They learn and perform several new and repertory dances throughout the year. This course meets four days a week during an extended period, which includes both the last block of the school day into after-school time. Upper School students may take Dance V in lieu of regular physical education.
Eligibility: Open to ninth through twelfth graders by audition only.
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