Course Descriptions

All music students (vocal and instrumental) select a musicianship section which meets for part of the morning each weekday. All theatre students select a project group in which to focus their study for the month.

M-01 Musicianship I

Taught by Michelle Gulick or Mark Greenawalt

This class is for students with a beginning knowledge of music theory but seeking a better foundation to become a more equipped musician. Through practical application of music history, sight singing, rhythmic and melodic dictation, the student will develop essential skills to think about and perform music at a higher level.

M-02 Musicianship II

Taught by Eric Ruple or Sarah Tomasewski

This class is for students with a moderate knowledge of music theory. We will build on previous concepts including the circle of fifths, key signatures, and intervals in relationship to larger musical forms. We will investigate tonality, chords, and cadences. This course will also examine music in the context in which it written through listening examples, analysis, graphic representation, and group activities.

M-03 Musicianship III: Composition/Improvisation

Taught by Alexandra Caldwell or Bryan Hooten

We will create group and individual compositions and improvisations. Students will need an advanced understanding of music theory, including chords, intervals, counterpoint, clefs (treble, bass, and alto/tenor) as well as sight-reading ability. Basic conducting and music communication will also be addressed. Students may bring their own batons.

T-01 What s Your Act?

Let s put the play back into playacting! In this class we will experiment with original storytelling. Exploring the universality of emotions, we will investigate different ways of creating powerful personal performances. Sources for the work include (but are not limited to) Anna Deveare Smith, Uta Hagen, Stanislavski, and Rudolf Laban.

T-02 Mining The Text

Playwrights incorporate coded instructions for actors, and the actor who knows how to decipher the code will have a sure and steady guide to character development. Learn to discover your character s given circumstances and objectives, psychological life, and patterns of behavior by breaking down the text. Scenes and characters to be explored may come from (but not be limited to) Shakespeare, Wilder, Mamet, and David Auburn. Prerequisites include imagination and creativity.

T-03 The Basic Actor s Toolkit: A Comprehensive Vocal/Physical Approach to Character Development

Bring your character to life. Develop an understanding and appreciation for the craft of acting through an exposure to a variety of vocal and physical techniques, including but not limited to: Berry, Linklater, Skinner, Steiner, Alexander, Decroux, and Michael Chekov. Discover the importance of integrating voice and gesture in creating a character through the application of essential techniques and the power of imagination. Included are special sessions devoted to industry tips such as: headshots, auditions, and even dressing room etiquette. Enjoy yourself, gain confidence on stage, and strengthen your creativity.