US Visual and Performing Arts

The purpose of this course is to learn the fundamental skills and terminology necessary to comprehend and apply basic acting techniques. Students will develop an appreciation for the artistry of acting through practical experience, theatrical exercises, class discussions, assignments and journals.

The purpose of this course is to further develop and solidify the skills learned in the Fundamentals of Acting class. Students work through challenging theatrical exercises, scene work and audition techniques. Students are encouraged to perform in after-school drama productions as well as in competition. This course is for the dedicated acting student who demonstrates creativity, commitment and passion for the theatre.

Advanced Studio is a course for seniors who have shown a great deal of growth in visual art throughout their career at Pace. They are selected in the spring of their last semester of their junior year by the visual arts faculty. They work to create a collection of work that will be on display in the following spring of their senior year.  Students will start in the fall with three assignments that will not only challenge their skills, but will stretch their abilities and help them to explore other styles and media. After completing these assignments, the students will begin work on their concentration. After picking their concentration, they will work on a series of at least seven pieces that work together cohesively in idea, style and/or subject matter. The course culminates with an exhibition in the spring. 

This yearlong course provides the senior student with an overview of painting, sculpture and architecture which reflects the interests, anxieties and concerns of people throughout the world and throughout the centuries. Although the focus is on Western art, we will also study the non-European world including Indian, Chinese, Japanese, African, Native-American and Pre-Columbian cultures. The student will develop a very specific vocabulary that is in constant use for written and spoken analyses of the aesthetic and technical aspects of works

This course provides students with a basic understanding of the practice and theory of Western music as is defined in the music from the late 17th century to the present. The course will focus on understanding all elements of pitch; the elements of rhythm; triads and seventh chords with their inversions; diatonic chords in major and minor keys; basic principles of voice leading; harmonic progression; cadences and phrases; non-chord tones; dominant seven-chord functions; and secondary functions. The course culminates with the AP examination and an original composition by the student.

Band is a daily class that combines the talents of its members to rehearse and perform concerts throughout the year. Concepts to be developed are: proper articulation of musical passages; good breathing techniques and placement; effective dynamics with regard to both melodic shape and overall interpretation; and clear understanding of simple and compound meters.

This course provides the student with an understanding of the elements and principles of design as they relate to the aesthetic and technical concerns of ceramics. All forms of ceramic techniques such as pinch pots, slab building, coiling, wheel work, glazing and firing of electric and raku kilns will be explored.

These courses expand on concepts and techniques covered in Ceramics I with a review of previous methods of construction and a development of more complex forms. Students will continue their study of ceramics of different cultures. Emphasis will be placed on combining influences from previous cultures while developing a more personal style.

Chorus is a choral experience that presents musical literature in diverse styles (classical, jazz, musical theater, pop) by significant composers. Work in this course allows for the enhancement of the voice: its projection, tuning and richness. The course will also increase students’ musical skills: self-confidence in part reading, application of interpretive markings and accuracy in language pronunciation. Students perform in concerts on campus and on tour.

These courses will investigate the role of technology as a form of artistic expression. We will begin with the history and evolution of graphic art and with the creation of a final project merging technology and art. Students will learn how to cut and paste from existing images and create original images while building their artistic vocabulary and comprehension. Students will also be introduced to some practical knowledge about the computer: how it works and how to keep it working. Students will be assessed by projects involving the manipulation of graphics software, scanners, the Internet, digital cameras and comprehension of some basic technological knowledge. Grades will consist of various assessments of related topics with the final product demonstrating proficiency with the above-mentioned equipment. The software programs that will be used are Photoshop, Fireworks and Dreamweaver. These applications are used by professional graphic artists for different types of print and web media.

Students are introduced to materials, techniques and compositional structure, such as design principles and elements. Students are encouraged to develop a personal style, while learning to observe acutely. Critical thinking and analysis are taught, as students learn vocabulary and participate in critiques. Students develop complex problems in reflection, three-dimensional illusion, portraiture and imagination, while they explore styles of major artists throughout history.

This course provides a foundation for Upper School visual arts and introduces different approaches to creating art. Emphasis is placed on a heightened awareness of one’s surroundings and careful consideration of the elements and principles of art, which are the basis of carefully planned compositions. Students work with three teachers in the disciplines of drawing, ceramics, sculpture and photography.

Strings in the Upper School is designed for the advanced strings player. Students will explore and perform music of many styles and genres. Students should be able to use vibrato, shift into third position, self-tune, determine proper fingerings and bowings and practice effectively. The music level for this class will be on-par with Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) grade-levels 4, 5 and 6. Students are encouraged to audition for All-State orchestra and enroll in private lessons. All students enrolled in this course must clear their schedules on the rehearsal and performance dates listed for Upper School Strings in the Strings Handbook.

Painting explores color, content and technical skills with water-based media such as water color, gauche and acrylic paint. Students investigate color theory and mix paint to complete their color studies. Participants implement light and shadow, creating representational works. Nontraditional materials are utilized to examine the abstract and experimental realms. Students will visit a gallery exhibit during the semester.

In this course, students will focus more on content and concepts, along with the exploration of different painting media. Students will work on a variety of projects of varying subject matter. Students will be asked to answer the question, "what is art?" and use that question as motivation to create an identity for themselves throughout the semester. Each student will work toward creating a portfolio for the National Scholastic Art competition in the fall.

This course explores both techniques and aesthetics related to art photography. Students explore the creative use of the camera, film processing, analysis of negatives, composition and the making of a fine art print. Interpretation and evaluation through critiques and a brief history of photography are explored.

Students continue the pursuit of both the technical and aesthetic aspects of art photography. Students have input as to how these subjects are studied by choosing and relating specific aesthetic goals to appropriate photographic techniques. Color in photography is introduced in several ways, as are other experimental techniques.

These courses provide hands-on experience in all areas of theater production and maintenance. Students will learn the proper use of shop tools and the basics of theater carpentry. They will build props and scenery, learn about lighting and set painting and delve into other aspects of technical work.