Students must complete 1.25 credits of performing and/or visual arts by the middle of Class VIII, with at least .75 credits completed by the end of Class VI. In order to fulfill the arts requirement for graduation, students must engage in hands-on creative pursuits and the process of creating; therefore students will earn academic rather than arts credit for Intellectual Property and the Law and History of Art. When choosing performing and visual arts electives, please be sure to indicate first, second, and third choices for each semester during which you would like to take arts.

Please refer to the following tables to see which courses are open to each grade level. All courses that are asterisked have a prerequisite or require an audition/permission from the instructor. Full course descriptions are listed by department, directly after the tables.

Visual Arts Minor Electives

While the arts requirement is 1.25 credits, Visual Arts courses are mostly 0.5-credit minor courses meeting every other day. Second-semester sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have fulfilled the prerequisites may choose to take Advanced Portfolio Development as a 0.25 or 0.5 credit minor course. 

Advanced Drawing and Painting (0.5 credits, fall)

In this studio, students will approach painting both traditionally and more experimentally in oils and other media while exploring pattern, figure-ground, line, relative size, light and shade, texture, and color through a wide array of subjects and techniques. Throughout the semester, students are expected to pursue the development of a personal style of expression and a command of both technical and conceptual means in drawing, painting, and mixed media. Some experience with painting, while not required, is helpful. Open to students in Classes VI–VIII. Prerequisite: Drawing Studio or Painting Studio, or permission of the instructor. 

Advanced Portfolio Development (0.25 or 0.5 credits, fall and/or spring)

Advanced Portfolio Development is intended for advanced and motivated students who have already shown a serious commitment in art, already have familiarity with the techniques, processes and ideas that they intend to use, have taken a number of Upper School art electives and who are prepared to work intensively to develop a body of work which could be submitted as an art portfolio or supplement to their college application. Alternatively, this studio offers the opportunity for students to work intensively from a live model in order to develop the tools needed to draw and paint the human form. Interested students should reach out to the department head about the proposal guidelines and process for the course. The submission and approval of a proposal is required for enrollment in this course. Open to students in Classes VI–VIII. Prerequisite: Two semesters of full-credit art electives or the equivalent, and permission of the instructor. 

Ceramics: Hand Building (0.5 credits, fall)

This course will focus on several different handbuilding techniques including pinch, slab, coil, and paddle. The aesthetics of form and surface will be the principal focus throughout the course as students learn about different traditions of functional clayware from ancient to contemporary times, and focus on developing craftsmanship and their own personal style of expression. The main goal of the course is to develop a creative understanding of ceramic forms and processes, including the use of various tools and glazing techniques. Assignments will focus on three-dimensional form, functionality, scale, surface texture, good craftsmanship, and glazing. Open to students in Classes V–VIII.

Ceramics: Wheel Throwing (0.5 credits, spring)

This course will focus on the development of the basic techniques and skills needed for throwing on the potter’s wheel. Students will learn to center clay, to throw cylinders, bowls, and plates, and to trim and finish the bases of their pieces. Treatments that enhance the form and function of a thrown piece will be explored, including added handles, formed spouts, surface texture, and hand altering the overall shape. The main goal of the course is to develop a creative understanding of ceramic forms and processes, including the use of various tools and glazing techniques. Students will develop a practice that focuses on three-dimensional form, functionality, scale, surface texture, good craftsmanship, and glazing. Open to students in Classes V–VIII. Prerequisite: Hand Building, starting with the Class of 2027.

Darkroom Photography: The Art of Seeing (0.5 credits, fall)

In this class, students will hone their photographers’ eye and sharpen their creative vision to make images with impact. Using a variety of film cameras, students will gain an understanding of camera skills, photographic principles, and an intentional image-making process. Students will also build a foundation of essential skills in the darkroom including how to load a camera with film, develop black and white film, and enlarge and print photographs. Open to students in Classes V–VIII.

Digital Photography: The Art of Seeing (0.5 credits, fall or spring)

In this class, students will hone their photographers’ eye and sharpen their creative vision to make images with impact. Using digital cameras, students will gain an understanding of camera skills, photographic principles, and an intentional image-making process. Students will also build a foundation of essential skills in the digital studio including fundamental Photoshop techniques for photographers. Open to students in Classes V–VIII.

Drawing Studio (0.5 credits, fall)

Drawing is a tool for visualization and description that allows us to convert our observations of three-dimensional experience into a two-dimensional record. Drawing Studio introduces drawing as a practice of observation, expression, and experimentation as well as a means of giving form to ideas. Students will learn how to articulate visual form using line, tone, pattern, texture, volume and mass, shape, and space. This class is for those who feel challenged by drawing and need more time and practice to develop their ability, and for those who have already acquired certain drawing skills but want to develop these further and more intensely. After exploring the range of approaches and media introduced in this course, students will be better suited to choose which aspects of drawing resonate most for them. Open to students in Classes V–VIII.

Film and Video: The Art of Seeing (0.5 credits, spring)

In this class, students will be introduced to visual storytelling, develop technical skills, and sharpen their visual awareness and appreciation for the expressive potential of the moving image. Using found footage as well as DSLR cameras, students will learn basic camera operations, editing, lighting, and post-production. In addition to making films and videos, watching and discussing films and videos will serve to introduce students to historical and contemporary film and video art and teach them to recognize different types of framing and editing techniques. Open to students in Classes V–VIII. 

Further Explorations in Darkroom Photography (0.5 credits, fall)

Building on the technical and conceptual understanding learned in the prerequisite course, this elective is designed to challenge students to go beyond technical skills and photographic principles and to focus on production and high-quality craftsmanship of imagery in darkroom photography. Students will continue to develop their camera skills with assignments that are largely self-driven and increasingly more in-depth and conceptual. A range of tools can be used including alternative printing processes, painting with developer, mixed media, and image transferring. Students will pay special attention to ways in which their technical decisions can enhance their artistic intentions. Open to students in Classes VI–VIII. Prerequisite: Darkroom Photography: The Art of Seeing. 

Further Explorations in Digital Photography (0.5 credits, spring)

Building on the technical and conceptual understanding learned in the prerequisite course, this elective is designed to challenge students to go beyond technical skills and photographic principles, and to focus on production and high-quality craftsmanship of imagery in digital photography. Students will continue to develop their camera skills with assignments that are largely self-driven and increasingly more in-depth and conceptual. A range of tools can be used in the digital studio, including working with RAW files, Photoshop, and large-scale color ink-jet printing. Students will pay special attention to ways in which their technical decisions can enhance their artistic intentions. Open to students in Classes V–VIII. Prerequisite: Digital Photography: The Art of Seeing.

Further Explorations in Wheel Throwing (0.5 credits, spring)

Building on the skills learned in Ceramics: Wheel Throwing, this course is designed to challenge students to go beyond the basics of centering, forming and trimming and will focus on production and high quality output of functional and/or sculptural forms. Students will refine their skills and work on vessels of different sizes, as well as experiment with surface texture and glazing techniques. Open to students in Classes VI–VIII. Prerequisite: Ceramics: Wheel Throwing.

Painting Studio (0.5 credits, spring)

Working with a wide array of media, including pastels and paint, surfaces including paper and board, and different approaches to painting, students will explore fundamental painting techniques. This studio introduces basic principles of drawing, composition, and color theory, and emphasizes direct painting in oil. Some experience with drawing, while not required, is helpful. Open to students in Classes V–VIII.

Printmaking (0.5 credits), not offered in the 2024–25 academic year

This course is designed to give students a chance to explore several different techniques in printmaking, including additive and reductive approaches to traditional printmaking techniques and experimental, indirect image-making methods. Exposure to different processes and materials will give students experience in block printing, engraving, monoprinting, and woodcut, as well as a variety of off-set transfers. Assignments will be both art and design-based. While drawing skills are helpful, they are not necessary. Open to students in Classes V–VIII. This course will be offered next in the 2025–26 school year. 

Sculpture (0.5 credits), not offered in the 2024–25 academic year

This course offers an introduction to and practical experience in developing sculptural work. Students will explore additive and subtractive techniques, and a variety of tools and materials including clay, papier mache, plaster, wire and found materials. Open to students in Classes V–VIII. This course will be offered next in the 2026–27 school year.

Visual Arts Major Electives

Intellectual Property and the Law, History of Art and AP Art and Design can be taken by students in Classes VII and VIII as one of their five major courses. AP Art and Design requires the permission of the instructor. Please refer to the table above to see the full offering of courses.

AP Art and Design (1 credit, yearlong)

AP Art and Design is a full-year and full-credit course intended for advanced and motivated students who have already shown a serious commitment in art, already have familiarity with the techniques, processes, and ideas that they intend to use, have taken a number of Upper School art electives, and who are prepared to work intensively to prepare and submit an AP Art and Design Portfolio. There are three different focuses for the portfolio including: AP Drawing, AP 2D Design, and AP 3D Design. Open to students in Classes VII–VIII. Prerequisite: Two semesters of full-credit art electives in the discipline(s) of anticipated portfolio work and permission of the instructor.

History of Art (0.5 credits, spring)

In this course, students examine major forms of artistic expression from diverse cultures spanning 27,000 years and develop a contextual understanding of art history from a global perspective. Influences such as patronage, politics, class, belief systems, gender, ethnicity, and cross-cultural interactions are explored. Emphasis is placed on analytical writing and critical-thinking skills, the language of art history, and the methods used by art historians to interpret art objects. Students experience, research, discuss, and write about art, artists, and art making, supported by our regular visits to the MFA. Upon completion of this course, students will have the tools to recognize important works of art and historical styles as well as understand historical and cultural context. Open to students in Classes VII–VIII. 

Intellectual Property and the Law (0.5 credits, fall)

Intellectual property law encompasses the body of law applied to fine art objects, collections, and artists. In this course, students will learn how to read and analyze legal cases. The primary focus will be on cases which discuss visual arts, including sculpture, painting, photography and film, and music. By reading and discussing case law, students will gain an understanding of relevant legal issues in the arts, including Copyright, Trademark, Fair Use, Free Speech, the Right to Privacy, the Visual Artists Rights Act, and more. Students will analyze specific cases involving intellectual property rights and the reproduction of works of art, misappropriation of artwork and design, free speech and censorship. There will be class discussions and readings about both the philosophical ideas behind the creation of specific laws, the rationale for judicial decisions, and the complexities of their practical applications to the art world. This class will be conducted as a discussion-based seminar. Assignments include written case analysis, collaborative projects, presentations and debates as well as assessments in which students will be asked to analyze an artwork, case, or legal document by applying the legal theories learned in class. Open to students in Classes VII–VIII.

Performing Arts Minor Electives

Dance Electives

Winsor Dance Team (0.5 credits, fall and/or spring)

Winsor Dance Team is for dancers and choreographers selected by audition. Dancers will expand their skills by learning and performing intermediate-advanced repertoire from a range of contemporary and pop cultures. They will also work collaboratively to choreograph and produce informal and formal performances for Winsor events such as the Under the Lights pep rally, assembly programs, and more. Students will take on different leadership or production roles and will gain skills to produce programming with high production value (lighting, costumes, sound, technical direction, etcetera). Guest artists from different dance genres will be invited to teach classes. Students must have intermediate to advanced technical, performance and/or choreographic skills. This course may be taken more than once with the permission of the instructor and the head of Performing Arts. Open to students in Classes V–VIII. Prerequisite: Audition in the late spring of 2024 or permission of the instructor.

Music Electives

Advanced Rock On (0.5 credits, spring)

Advanced Rock On is designed for experienced instrumental and vocal musicians to hone their performance skills in a variety of styles including but not limited to rock, pop, indie, hip hop, jazz, and Latin music. Students will deepen their understanding of reading chord charts, tabs, and notation while forging a dynamic, interdependent, top-level band. Students can focus on a particular instrument, including voice, but will also be asked to try other instruments. Music theory will be integrated into the course with an emphasis on scales, chords, and song analysis. The course will culminate with an all-school performance and playing for the Commencement ceremony. This course may be taken more than once with the permission of the instructor and the head of Performing Arts. Open to students in Classes VI–VIII. Prerequisite: Audition in the late spring or fall of 2024 or permission of the instructor.

Chamber Players (0.5 credits, fall)

Chamber Players is a classical ensemble for intermediate and advanced musicians of all instruments. There is no audition, but students will be asked to complete a brief playing evaluation at the beginning of the semester to determine their level. The course will give students an opportunity to further develop their ensemble and performance skills by playing as a full ensemble or in small chamber groups, depending on class size and instrumentation. Students will learn music from Western classical literature, folk traditions, and film scores, with an emphasis on music by women, BIPOC, and other underrepresented composers. Musicians must have proficient note-reading and technical skills on one of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn, tuba, piano, or percussion (mallet instruments, and/or auxiliary percussion). Students will take a leadership role in repertoire selection, rehearsals, and performance opportunities. In addition to performances at Winsor, the group may perform in several community concerts around Boston. This course may be taken more than once with the permission of the instructor and the head of Performing Arts. Open to students in Classes V–VIII.

Guitar Intensive (0.5 credits, fall), not offered in the 2024–25 academic year

Guitar Intensive combines beginning guitar instruction, song-writing, and exploration of instruments used in a contemporary band including electric guitar, bass, drum kit, and keyboard. This class uses songs by artists including Taylor Swift, the Beatles, and Joy Oladokun to teach chords, strumming patterns, singing while playing, proper technique, artistry, and self-expression. There will be a songwriting unit where students will use their knowledge of chord progressions and writing prompts to create original songs. In addition, students will learn basic music theory as it applies to guitar playing, especially scales, chords, and song analysis. Guitars are available for in-school use. A guitar at home for practicing is encouraged but not required. No experience necessary. Open to students in Classes V–VIII. This class is on an annual rotation with Songwriting Explorations.

Illumina (1 credit, yearlong)

“Illumina” means “radiant ones” and “to give light to.” Referencing Winsor’s Lamp of Learning and the brightness of experienced voices, Illumina is Winsor’s select chorus. Singers will expand their vocal skills by learning and performing advanced repertoire from a broad range of cultures, languages, and traditions from classical to contemporary. Students need to have intermediate to advanced note-reading and technical skills. An appreciation for the complexity involved in performing music at a high level will be gained. The seniors in Illumina will carry on the tradition of being the student-led a cappella group Senior Small which requires 60–90 minutes of work outside of class per cycle. Open to students in Classes V–VIII. Prerequisite: Audition in the late spring of 2024.

Intermediate Rock On (0.5 credits, spring)

Designed for students who are interested in learning to play and/or sing in a rock band, Intermediate Rock On covers acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, keys, auxiliary percussion, and singing lead and harmonies. A variety of genres will be taught and students will choose many of the songs they learn. Reading chord charts, tabs, notation and basic music theory will be covered as well as writing original songs. Students will learn how to form a cohesive ensemble and to feel comfortable performing. There is no audition or prerequisite. Open to students in Classes V–VIII.

Master Class for Advanced Classical Musicians (0.5 credits, spring)

Master Class is an audition-based performance course for advanced classical musicians. Students will spend the majority of class time practicing individual solo music in preparation for in-class performances for guest professional musicians. Those students who wish to may also choose to play chamber music with classmates. Students will hone their performance and audition skills, deepen their ability to interpret music from different time periods, develop strategies for more effective practice, and learn to give and receive feedback in a performance setting. In addition, students will study composers, sonata form, and relevant music theory. This course may be taken more than once with the permission of the instructor and the head of Performing Arts. Open to students in Classes V–VIII. Prerequisite: Audition in the late spring or fall of 2024.  

Songwriting Exploration (0.5 credits, fall)

Songwriting Exploration will give students an opportunity to experiment with lyric writing and composing music. We will listen to and learn from iconic songs while exploring song form, arranging, and instrumental accompaniment. Students will work independently or in small groups to write several original songs. Using Winsor’s vast instrument inventory to accompany their songs, students will learn to play instruments of their choice including but not limited to ukulele, acoustic and electric guitar, piano, and computers for arranging and beat-making. We will use DAWs such as GarageBand to record multi-track versions of students’ original songs. Students with extensive music experience or none at all are welcome. Open to students in Classes V–VIII. No prerequisites. This class is on an annual rotation with Guitar Intensive.

Vermillion: A Cappella Ensemble (0.5 credits, fall)

Vermillion, meaning “a deep red,” is a new vocal ensemble designed to give students experience singing a cappella songs and to provide solo opportunities singing contemporary songs in styles including but not limited to pop, R&B, and jazz. Students will develop tone, breath control, pitch, harmonization, and sight reading skills. They will also perform music in smaller group subsets and in solo capacities with live accompaniment or with fully produced accompaniment tracks. Singers who possess piano skills will also utilize their abilities during this class. Vermillion will showcase its work in low-key performances throughout and at the end of the term. There is no audition or prerequisite for this class, and it may be repeated with the permission of the instructor and the head of Performing Arts. Open to students in Classes V–VIII. 

Theater Electives

Acting Studio (0.5 credits, fall)

Students will be introduced to the fundamental building blocks of acting: objectives, obstacles, tactics, stakes, creating a character, and using the voice and body effectively onstage. We will use Declan Donellan’s The Actor and the Target book to create specific, exciting scenes and vibrant, well-drawn characters. Students will learn audition techniques and work both individually and in pairs on monologues and selected contemporary scenes. Learning proper stage vocabulary and how to critique fellow actors’ work as well as local professional productions will be a major part of the course. Open to students in Classes V–VIII.

Directing (0.5 credits, fall), not offered in the 2024–25 academic year 

Students will explore staging, communication, original scenarios, and short scenes from the perspective of both the actor and director in an extremely “hands on” experience. We will use Katie Mitchell’s The Director’s Craft to explore how to approach the text in a play. Students will be introduced to several aspects of directing including script analysis, talking to actors, staging a scene effectively, creating a concept, and rehearsal management. Each student will have the opportunity to direct student actors in scenes as well as to continue their own acting training by rehearsing and performing in other students’ directing projects. Open to students in Classes VI–VIII. Prerequisite: Acting Studio or Making a Scene or permission of the instructor. This class is on an annual rotation with Musical Theater and Words & Weapons.

Making a Scene (0.5 credits, spring) 

This class is for students who would like to explore several different styles and genres of theater through the preparation and performance of a variety of scenes throughout the semester. Students will be exposed to a range of plays by major playwrights and will cover realistic drama, absurdism, farce, and classical theater while also incorporating script analysis, character development, and multiple acting approaches. We will use Jory’s Teaching the Actor Craft text to explore various exercises and coaching tips for more effective performance. Learning proper stage vocabulary and how to critique fellow actors’ work will also be a major part of the class. Taking Acting Studio is strongly recommended but not required. Open to students in Classes V–VIII. 

Musical Theater (0.5 credits, fall)

Students will study the origins of American musical theater from operetta and vaudeville, through the “Golden Age” and the “British Invasion” to contemporary Broadway musicals. Students will have the opportunity to study and perform scenes, songs, and musical numbers from a variety of styles. We will learn how to act a song, learn how to transition from dialogue to song, and learn the specific functions of each type of song in a show’s structure. Although there is some singing involved, it is not the main focus of the class! Open to students in Classes VI–VIII. Prerequisite: Acting Studio or Making a Scene or permission of the instructor. This class is on an annual rotation with Words & Weapons and Directing. 

Technical Theater (0.5 credits, fall)

In this course, students will be introduced to theater principles through an exploration of lighting, set, and sound. This will include learning how to operate the sound and light boards, how to use a variety of tools in the scene shop, and how to use different painting techniques. The students will practice their skills by running assemblies and concerts during the school day. A requirement of this course, and in lieu of homework, is that students must commit to being on the tech crew for one production, which is generally five after-school tech days and two evening performances. Students may choose from four different productions that run throughout the semester. Schedules for these required responsibilities will be determined at the beginning of the semester. No prior experience necessary. This course may be taken more than once with the permission of the instructor and the head of Performing Arts. Open to students in Classes V–VIII.

Theater Design (0.5 credits, spring)

In this course, students will deepen their knowledge of technical theater by exploring the choices behind lights placement, the use of acoustic shells, and theories behind design work. Students will learn the fundamentals of manipulating stage mechanisms for productions as well as create their own set, light, and sound designs. In addition, students will practice running shows in a professional manner while collaborating as backstage crew members. A requirement of this course, and in lieu of homework, is that students must commit to being on the tech crew for one production, which is generally five after-school tech days and two evening performances. Students may choose from four different productions that run throughout the semester. Schedules for these required responsibilities will be determined at the beginning of the semester. No prior experience necessary. This course may be taken more than once with the permission of the instructor and the head of Performing Arts. Open to students in Classes V–VIII.

Words & Weapons (0.5 credits, fall), not offered in the 2024–25 academic year 

Students will have the opportunity to explore the use of both hand-to-hand and armed combat skills in conjunction with text, allowing for the chance to perform high stakes, emotional scenes that also involve complex physical movement. We will also explore “the actor as athlete,” or the idea that an actor should be trained and ready to engage safely at a high physical level onstage. The class will culminate with several famous combat scenes from Shakespeare, from a sword fight to a full-scale battle scene, with a focus on maintaining the integrity of the text, while also fully physicalizing the demands of the scene. Open to students in Classes VI–VIII. Prerequisite: Acting Studio or Making a Scene or permission of the instructor. This class is on an annual rotation with Musical Theater and Directing.