Program of Studies Program of Studies 2018-19 | Page 15

Orchestra will perform a wide
variety of literature, from traditional
to contemporary, in twice yearly
performances. Opportunities for
other seasonal and community
performances exist, such as the
themed concert series scheduled
in February. Members are eligible
to audition for and participate in
MMEA District II and statewide
festivals. Outside practice is
required, as are after-school and
evening rehearsals, concerts and
special performances.
String Orchestra (1 credit)
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Ability to play violin,
viola, cello or string bass at any
level; placement audition required
This instrumental performance
group is made up of strings and
combines with other classes to
perform. See Symphony Orchestra
for more information.
Orchestra (1 credit)
Grades 9,10,11, 12
Prerequisite: By audition only
This select group of strings will
study and perform more advanced
orchestral literature, as well as
advanced string techniques.
THEATER
Acting I – Performance and
Design (1 credit)
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Acting I students will focus on the
beginning of language, history
and practice of theater and
performance. Through class work,
viewings and improvisations, each
student will develop a set of skills
that will help him/her more fully
appreciate the processes of theater
and performance. Class work
will include improvisation acting
basics, script reading and writing,
public performance opportunities
and a focus on story and how the
story is performed. Student goals
for Acting I include increased
VISUAL ARTS
Artists begin their journey in the TA
Arts Department with Visual Arts I.
This course is the prerequisite for
all other visual art classes* and
gives the artist a solid foundation in
the elements and principles of art
that are necessary for success in
the advanced art courses.
confidence in public presentation
and performance. On the design
side, students will employ a hands-
on overview of what is required
to support stage productions.
Primarily: lighting design, set
design and construction, stage
management, house management,
props design and construction.
A brief introduction to sound,
costuming and make-up combine
for support of most productions.
Acting II (1 credit)
Grades 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Acting I or approval by
instructor
This workshop-based course is
for the more serious performance
student and is designed for those
interested in advancing their
acting skills. Class will consist
of exploratory exercises in scene
study, monologue, improvisation
and acting technique. Focus will
be given to acting styles and
character work using a variety
of scripts, both professional and
student-written. Both classroom
performance and participation and
public performance is required. A
variety of live and technological
performance venues will be
explored.
www.thorntonacademy.org
* Transfer or residential students
with equivalent introductory visual
arts course(s) may have this
requirement waived by the registrar
or counselor.
Visual Arts I (1 credit)
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Students will learn the elements
and principles of design, and
develop skills and perception
through drawing, painting, collage
and other media. Learning about a
variety of artists and their work will
be embedded in the curriculum.
This class stresses creative
problem solving as an important
part of an artist’s work. Written
work and sketchbook homework
will be assigned on a regular basis.
Students will develop a portfolio of
work, which will be considered part
of the final grade.
Art History: 19th—21st Century
(1 credit)
(alternate years, offered ‘18-’19)
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Note: This course does not serve as
a prerequisite for other visual art
electives.
Beginning with Romanticism,
students will investigate human
creativity through visual art, music,
historical events, inventions and
writing. This is an image-based,
survey class that will also include
group work. Participants will learn
the vocabulary of art, learn how
to critique, and gain information
about art while viewing painting,
drawing and sculpture. Homework
will include reading and research,
and occasionally creating an
artwork.
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