Class I

All Class I students begin the year with a focus on singing, dancing, and learning to be part of an ensemble theater production, culminating in full class participation in the Class I Musical. Students in Class I spend the second half of the year with a full semester of visual arts study where the emphasis is on developing imagination and a creative disposition. In addition, all Class I students will build a foundation in music performance through required participation in the Performing Arts Block, by joining either the chorus or an instrumental ensemble.

Class II

All Class II students study a full semester of visual arts and a full semester of performing arts divided into six weeks each of dance, drama, and music, setting a foundation for more elective choice in Classes III and IV. Class II students will build a foundation in music and/or dance performance through required participation in the Performing Arts Block by joining either the chorus, dance ensemble, or an instrumental ensemble.

Classes III and IV

In Class III and the first semester of Class IV, students will begin an exciting elective program in the arts. Students will choose one arts course each semester from a variety of offerings in visual arts, music, dance and drama. Second semester, all Class IV students will participate in a grade level drama experience in the form of a Shakespeare play, supplemented by other performing arts opportunities in music, costuming, technical theater, and dance. Students in Class III and IV will also have the option to continue participation in the Performing Arts Block by joining the chorus, dance ensemble, or an instrumental ensemble.

Visual Arts

Class III Courses

Animation

In this class, students will explore several different methods of storytelling through a range of traditional and digital techniques of animation, from flipbooks to charcoal drawings and paper cutouts to Claymation and looping animated GIFs; students will learn how to use storyboarding, lighting effects, character design, audio editing, and composition to plan each frame of a story. Students will become familiar with different programs including iStopMotion, iMovie, and Procreate. Offered first semester. 

Sculpture

In this class, students will explore clay, plaster, wire, papier mache, and recycled materials, as well as a variety of techniques such as building, carving, and modeling. Completed sculptures will range in size from an egg to a life-size form. Papier mache animals, abstract wire, plaster forms inspired by artists such as Constantin Brancusi and Henry Moore, and wearable art will be completed. Offered first semester. 

Drawing and Design

Through assignments that range from sculpture to drawing, and from painting to printmaking, students learn to apply the elements of design and the principles of drawing both two- and three-dimensionally. Students will work from their imagination, from observation and from photographs on projects that include paper sculptures, celebrity portraits, tessellating patterns, and an introduction to oil painting. This course marks the beginning of a series of both Lower and Upper School courses that comprise our “Drawing and Painting” track, and is an excellent foundation for any further work in the visual arts. Offered second semester.

Ceramics

In this class, students will learn many hand-building techniques, including pinching, coiling, and slab construction. Throughout the semester, students will consider three-dimensional form and surface treatment as they develop craftsmanship and personal expression. Use of various tools and different glazing techniques will also be included. Offered second semester.

Printmaking

This course will provide students with an introduction to a wide range of traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques including relief, intaglio, monotype, and kitchen lithography, as well as revisit familiar techniques from Class I and Class II, like gelli plate monotypes and linoleum block carving. Students will have an opportunity to print by hand, with tiny etching presses, and with our large studio printing press. While drawing skills are always helpful, they are not necessary to create amazing prints! Offered second semester.

Class IV Courses

Introduction to Photography

In this course, students will explore a variety of image-making techniques, learn about the darkroom chemistry and equipment, and apply their understanding of the principles of photography to create compelling compositions. They will learn how to control and manipulate light to create the desired tone, mood, and atmosphere for their images. Starting with sunprints and cyanotypes and progressing to simple camera types including pinholes and 120mm film Holgas, students will complete assignments ranging from still life to portraits and landscapes. They will conclude the semester working with school-issued DSLR cameras and learning the basics of the exposure triangle. Offered first semester. 

Drawing and Painting

This course introduces students to a range of approaches for working with paint and other color media, such as pastel and colored pencil, while continuing to reinforce the fundamentals of drawing and design, including composition, line, color, form, and value. Technical approaches range from the traditional styles of underpainting used by the old masters to more experimental mixed media use favored by contemporary artists. Subjects include landscape, animals, and still life. While working from both photographs and observation, students will draw from their imagination in an attempt to transform their subject matter in a way that reflects their artistic voice. Offered first semester.

Performing Arts

Class III Courses

Dance

Broadway Bound

Students from beginner to advanced dance levels will learn musical theater choreography as seen on Broadway stages and in Hollywood movies while exploring the roots of this dance style. They will also build their strength, flexibility, coordination, and rhythm while dancing as an ensemble. Students will have the opportunity to perform pieces inspired by the works of legendary dancers and choreographers of the past and present. Offered first semester. 

Theater 

Acting: Drama Kweenz!

Students will be introduced to short form improvisation and learn how to create outrageous characters through fast-paced skits. Students will be introduced to mask work and clowning, exploring physical comedy and slapstick. The semester will finish with an introduction to comic Shakespeare scenes in preparation for the Class IV Shakespeare project. Offered first semester. 

Acting: Scene Stealers

Students will learn audition techniques by studying, rehearsing, and performing a monologue. They will discover how to create vivid and truthful characters using clues from the script, as well as how to increase their confidence onstage. Students will work on contemporary scenes in pairs, focusing on how to approach a scene in an emotionally truthful way. The semester will finish with an introduction to dramatic Shakespeare scenes in preparation for the Class IV Shakespeare project. Offered second semester. 

Music

Drum, Strum, and More 

For beginning to advanced musicians, students will learn to play ukulele, guitar, electric bass, drum kit, xylophone, marimba, and other instruments from our inspiring instrument collection. Students will have a say in what we play as they experiment, improvise, compose, and develop their performance skills. Students will develop their ability to read music more easily and with greater speed while experiencing how much fun it is being in a rock band with their peers. All levels of music experience are welcome. Offered first semester.

Treble Tones 

A new Class III vocal ensemble designed to give students experience singing a cappella and accompanied songs in styles including but not limited to pop, musical theater, rhythm and blues, and jazz in a welcoming environment. Students will develop confidence as they learn about vocal tone, breath control, pitch, harmonization, and sight reading skills. Singers will also utilize the digital pianos in the music lab during this class; beginning to advanced piano playing is welcome. Treble Tones will showcase its work in low-key performances throughout and at the end of the term. No experience necessary. Offered second semester.

Class IV Courses

Theater

Introduction to Costuming

Students will be introduced to the myriad of skills necessary to bring together the costume design of a production. The course will introduce concepts in script analysis, rendering, costume design, and technology. As a project-based course, students will work collaboratively to create costume pieces for characters from plays and literature. The course is an opportunity to learn practical sewing techniques, develop creativity, and practice problem solving skills. All levels of sewing and drawing experience are welcome. Offered first semester.

Stagecraft

In this course, students will be introduced to theater principles through an exploration of lighting, set, and sound. They will learn to operate the sound board and light board, to use a variety of tools in the scene shop, and to use various painting techniques. The students will be trained in a safe and collaborative environment that introduces aspects of professional theater. In addition, they will have ample opportunities to practice their skills in real time by assisting with assemblies and shows. Offered first semester.

Music

Rock On: A Survey of American Music 

Students will learn about and perform music from Little Richard to Taylor Swift, from Aretha Franklin to Olivia Rodriguez. They will explore the popular music of the United States, then choose specific songs to learn on instruments including guitar, bass, piano, drum kit, xylophone, and various percussion instruments. They will practice singing stylistically while developing harmony singing, microphone technique, stage presence, and personal expression. The semester will conclude with a final performance in January for the school community. Offered first semester.

Shakespeare Project (Semester 2)

All Class IV students participate in the annual Shakespeare Project which involves performing two adaptations of a Shakespeare play that students read in their first semester English class. In addition to acting in one of the shows, students will contribute to the project with their work in costume, music, or set design with the overall goal of exposing students to various aspects of the production process. The project will culminate in performances for Upper and Lower school students in May along with a separate parent performance.

Lower School Performing Arts Block (PAB)

The Lower School Performing Arts Block (PAB) occurs every Tuesday and Friday morning and is in addition to Performing Arts electives. PAB is a year-long course in chorus, dance, and instrumental ensembles, and is taught by Winsor Performing Arts teachers and professional adjunct teachers. Class I and Class II students are required to participate in PAB, and Class III and Class IV students are strongly encouraged to participate but have the option to attend a study instead.

Dance

PAB Dance provides an opportunity for students of all abilities to dance in an ensemble setting with their peers in Class I, Class II, and Class III/IV. Each ensemble will have a one-semester immersive training in one of the following genres: Afro-Haitian, jazz, modern, and South Asian dance. Students will rotate to a different genre in the second semester. The PAB dance ensembles will perform with the Upper School Winsor Dance Team in the annual winter and spring dance concert assemblies. No experience is necessary. (This is a year-long course.)

Music 

PAB Instrumental Ensembles provide an opportunity for instrumentalists to play in an ensemble setting with peers from other grade levels. Students of all abilities can participate in one of the following groups: String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra (by audition). Students will complete a brief audition in the spring of 2024 or the beginning of fall 2024 so they can be placed in the appropriate group. All groups will perform throughout the school year. Students will need to provide their own instruments.

• Lower School String Ensemble: This group is open to violin, viola, cello, and bass students with approximately zero to three years of playing experience. Students will develop fundamental skills such as tone and intonation, strengthen their note reading, and learn to play with others in a larger ensemble. Students will need to provide their own instrument. Classes I–III. (This is a year-long course.)
• Lower School Wind Ensemble: This group is open to woodwind and brass students with approximately zero to three years of playing experience. Students will build fundamental skills such as tone production and intonation, strengthen their note reading, and learn to play with others in a larger ensemble. Students will need to provide their own instrument. Classes I–III. (This is a year-long course.)
• Lower School Orchestra: This group is open to intermediate to advanced string (violin, viola, cello, bass, harp), woodwind (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon), brass, percussion, and piano students with at least three years of playing experience. All students must complete an audition. Students strengthen musicianship and ensemble skills while learning a diverse set of repertoire. All students should be comfortable playing in a variety of key signatures with up to four sharps and flats, and string players should be able to shift to different positions. Pianists may be asked to play percussion. All string, woodwind, and brass students need to provide their own instrument. Students will need to provide their own instrument. Classes I–IV. (This is a year-long course.)

PAB Singing Ensembles provide an opportunity for students to get to know their individual voices while experiencing the joy of singing with peers in other grade levels. Both groups will perform throughout the year.

• Chorus I/II: Chorus I/II provides students with a fun, supportive atmosphere to sing music in various styles while getting to know their own voice and what it can do. Students will sing in unison and two-parts and develop basic choral singing skills such as pitch matching, tone production, and breath control. They will also hone their sight-singing skills and learn to follow a conductor. Classes I–II. (This is a year-long course.)
• Descants: In Descants, singers will continue developing their skills while singing in unison, two-parts, and three-parts. They will work on intonation, ensemble balance, use of dynamics and phrasing, connecting emotionally with the text, and high level performance skills. Classes III–IV. (This is a year-long course.)