Courses & Requirements

Prerequisite/s: Digital Music 1: Make Your Beats and Introduction to DJing
Graded or Non-graded

This yearlong course advances students' skills in digital music production and DJing, focusing primarily on professional techniques in Logic Pro and industry-standard DJ software. Students will develop advanced production skills through projects focusing on: 

• Sound design using professional synthesizers and custom patch creation 
• Advanced MIDI editing and automation techniques 
• Studio-quality mixing and arrangement practices 
• Complex music theory application in original compositions 
• Multi-track recording and audio manipulation 
• Creation of original sound libraries and presets 

Students will master advanced DJ techniques, including: 

• Harmonic mixing and live remixing techniques 
• Live performance effects and creative transitions 
• Live looping and performance sampling 
• Integration of original productions in DJ sets 

Equipment note: students will need professional-grade DJ controller interface, MIDI controllers, and audio interface. Specific requirements will be provided upon enrollment. 

Graded or Non-graded

Focusing heavily on the difference between acting techniques utilized for film and television versus the techniques used in live theater; this yearlong course aims to instill, strengthen, and qualify the skills needed to properly convey a successful film-level performance. The course is taught through a series of Weekly projects. Each week, students will be immersed in the world of film and television performance through project-based assignments. The students will present their mini television series or short film at the end of each term. This class may be taken as a seventh non-graded class.

Graded or Non-graded

Acting for TV and Film 2 will pick up where the intro course left off and dive deeper into not only acting techniques but also writing and directing for film. Students participating in this yearlong course will take on a leadership role in the final project serving as director, writer, or producer as well as an actor. This class may be taken as a seventh non-graded class.

Graded or Non-graded
Prerequisite: Chorus and an audition. New or third form students wishing to audition for this group should contact the instructor to schedule an audition during the summer.

Chamber Choir is an advanced mixed choral ensemble which requires an audition. This year-long course is intended for singers who have demonstrated considerable vocal ability and musical knowledge. Chamber Choir provides opportunities for the further development of a mature singing voice and an extensive involvement in classical choral music. Chamber Choir also introduces singers to a more complex theory, sight singing, dictation, and solo repertoire. Singers seeking additional challenge and mastery are given the opportunity to receive a grade by electing to prepare a performance jury each term. This also course requires summer assignments. 

Graded or Non-graded
Term Course: Fall, Winter, Spring (students may enroll in one, two, or three terms)

Chorus is a non-auditioned mixed ensemble. The curriculum is designed to develop the singing voice, ear training, sight singing skills, and competency in reading three- and four-part voicing. Phonetics of various languages and a variety of musical styles are presented. Class work includes singing a variety of choral repertoire, singing exercises to build and strengthen the voice, improve diction, breath support, and resonance. Music theory and music history are also included in the curriculum. Students will participate in performances each term. Singers seeking additional challenge and mastery are given the opportunity to receive a grade by electing to prepare a performance jury each term. 

Term Course: Fall, Winter, Spring (students may enroll in one, two, or three terms)

This piano course is designed for beginning students. It emphasizes the necessary skills to play the piano long after the course has been completed. Music reading, counting, hand position, and rudimentary technical skills are stressed through the mastery of the beginning piano repertoire. 

Prerequisite: Class Piano 1 or by instructor approval
Graded or non-graded

This yearlong piano course is designed for intermediate students who have completed Class Piano 1 or by permission from the instructor. It continues emphasizing the necessary skills to play the piano. Music reading, counting, hand position, and rudimentary skills are stressed through the mastery of intermediate piano repertoire.

Prerequisite: Class Piano 2 or by instructor approval
Graded or Non-graded

This yearlong piano course is designed for advanced students who have completed Class Piano 2 or by permission from the instructor. It continues emphasizing the necessary skills to play the piano. Music reading, counting, hand position, and rudimentary skills are stressed through the mastery of intermediate and advanced piano repertoire.

Graded or Non-graded
Term Course: Fall, Winter, Spring (students may enroll in one, two, or three terms)

This term course will provide students with the opportunity to explore dance and movement regardless of previous training or background. From the athlete looking to improve coordination, balance, and flexibility to the student with prior experience and knowledge of the art form, this course is designed to benefit all skill levels. Students will explore ballet, modern, jazz, musical theater, and tap techniques with two rotating styles studied each term. Students will gain skills in coordination, flexibility, movement memory and vocabulary, choreography, and stage directions. Each term will conclude with a performance. This course may be taken as a seventh non-graded class.

Graded or Non-graded
Prerequisite: Dance 1 or instructor approval

Dancers with experience are encouraged to broaden and develop their technical and performance abilities through this yearlong course. Ballet (with optional pointe work), Jazz, and Modern techniques will be studied throughout the school year. Students will gain knowledge in the choreographic process by creating their own compositions while exploring improvisational skills and expanding their knowledge of dance theory and history. This course may be taken as a seventh non-graded class.

This yearlong course introduces students to digital music creation and DJing, utilizing industry-standard software including Soundtrap, GarageBand, Logic, Rekordbox, and Traktor.

Students will develop musical skills and create music through projects focusing on:

• Original song creation using loops and samples
• Recording fundamentals (MIDI and audio)
• Podcasting and film scoring techniques
• Professional audio mixing practices
• Multimedia music composition
• Music theory to understand fundamental elements including melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre, texture, and form

In the second half of the year, students will be introduced to DJing, where students will learn:

• Beat and key matching techniques
• Pioneer and Traktor DJ controller operations
• Rekordbox/Traktor Pro interface for live DJing

Equipment note: students will be required to purchase a DJ controller interface and audio gear. Specific requirements will be provided upon enrollment.

Graded or Non-graded

This yearlong course is a performance class combining the instrumentation of trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and a rhythm section. Students acquire a working knowledge of scales, rhythmic patterns, melodic patterns, and listening skills. A variety of genres is explored, exposing students to music from the Swing Era to Modern Rock. Students also experience the educational benefits of touring. The Jazz Ensemble has represented The Hill School locally, as well as throughout the United States.

Prerequisite: Music reading and some prior study of music is recommended

This yearlong course focuses on written music theory and aural skills. Students explore the elements of music (i.e., pitch, rhythm, harmony, etc.) and build on written and aural skills, such as sight-reading, interval recognition, chordal and formal analysis, melodic and harmonic dictation, four-part choral harmonization, counterpoint, songwriting, and arranging. Students also learn how to use music notation and music production programs. 

Requires departmental approval
Prerequisite: Music Theory and Harmony 1

In this yearlong course, students will complete a series of lessons and projects that aim to both prepare them for participation in music at the collegiate or professional level as well as prepare them to take the AP Music Theory examination in the spring.

Because students who take this class already possess an advanced knowledge of music theory and performance skills, the course places a significant focus on individual and group work completed outside of the classroom. Throughout the course, students will have access to both the technology lab and the school’s recording studio. Students will also gain knowledge and experience working with advanced ear-training, compositional, and recording software. Topics covered include advanced formal analysis, musical form and structure, refining the compositional process; arranging for varied instrumentation; advanced ear-training and sight-singing techniques; and an introduction to sound theory and the recording process. This course requires summer reading assignments.

Graded or non-graded

This is a project-based, yearlong course that invites students to explore the dynamic intersection of practical performance, historical evolution, creative process, and social impact within the captivating world of theatre. This comprehensive journey begins with the development of foundational skills in singing, dancing, and acting, providing students with hands-on experience in the art of musical performance. Through interactive workshops, and rehearsals, participants will refine their abilities and culminate their learning in a final performance that showcases their newfound talents. Beyond the stage, this course delves into the rich history of musical theatre, providing students an understanding of how cultural and artistic movements have shaped this vibrant genre.

This class may be taken as a seventh period class non-graded.

Graded or Non-graded

This yearlong performance class combines the instrumentation of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Students acquire a working knowledge of scales, rhythmic patterns, melodic patterns, and listening skills. A variety of genres is explored, exposing students to music from the Baroque Period to the Modern. Students also experience the educational benefits of touring. The Orchestra has represented The Hill School locally, as well as throughout the United States.

Term Course: Fall, Winter, Spring (students may enroll in one, two, or three terms)

This is a series of three, term courses that will introduce students to the major facets of oral communication; public speaking, oral interpretation, one-to-one communication, group discussions, and developing critical thinking and reasoning skills. Students have an opportunity to present and practice different types of speeches throughout the term. 

Primary focus of each term:

• Fall: Informative speeches
• Winter: Persuasive speeches
• Spring: TEDTALK – Hill Forum/Demonstrative Speech / Ceremonial Speech 

Term Course: Fall, Winter, Spring (students may enroll in one, two, or three terms)

This course focuses on public speaking and introduces students to the principles of public forum debate. Students will learn from great historical speeches and debates. Students will learn how to research information to make a persuasive argument or point of view. At the same time, students will learn how to use active listening skills and critical thinking skills to navigate this course. Students will have a greater understanding of public speaking and debate while understanding how to speak persuasively and use vocal projection and body language. 

Students enrolled in Chorus or Chamber Choir are eligible to audition for the select A Cappella ensembles, The Hilltones or The Hilltrebles. The Hilltones and the Hilltrebles rehearse outside of class throughout the week, learning a variety of contemporary a cappella songs. They perform both on and off campus, locally, and abroad. Auditions are held throughout the academic year.

Vocal ensemble classes can be taken as a seventh non-graded class.

Term Course: fall, winter, or spring (students may enroll in one, two, or three terms- however this is a repeat course)

No experience in photography is needed for this course. Alternative process photography is a whole universe filled with interesting printing methods and techniques. Using historical methods students will learn how to create art in an experimental way. This will give students a deeper understanding of abstract art and chemical reactions. These processes will utilize traditional methods in the dark room. In this course students will focus on the practice of making photographic prints from natural elements such as plants and various objects. This class does NOT rely on taking photos or knowing how to use a camera. Processes such as cyanotypes, lumen, phytogram, chemigrams, and making pinhole cameras will be explored. 

Graded or Non-graded

Woodworking 2 is the next level course open to students who have demonstrated the ability to work in a safe and focused manner in this studio. This yearlong course builds on the basic skillsets learned in Woodworking 1 to develop more complex design such as dovetail joinery. Students will learn how to mill the lumber to create their designs. As a level 2 course, students will need to spend outside of class to plan, research, and mockup their designs. Some projects from the previous year may be explored with a way to challenge to the student using hardwoods.

Requires departmental approval

The goal of this yearlong, college-level course is to offer advanced students an opportunity to explore the history of art through a lens of selected artistic themes. By way of a thematic and cross-cultural emphasis, students will make connections among seemingly diverse time periods, locations and peoples. Students will practice various modes of analysis to aid in interpreting and understanding works of art. This course will include topics such as Art & Community, Spirituality & Art, Art & Illusion, Art & Social Conscience, The Body in Art, and Art & Gender. Various outcomes (essays, oral presentations, and research projects) will be used to assess student learning. The course will require reading over the summer and the two major school breaks within the year as a means of supplementing the in-class material. Placement into this course requires permission by the instructor and is based on competencies in both English and history courses. 

Prerequisite: Studio Art 4 (AP)

This yearlong course is an intensive studio class designed for students interested in investigating advanced methods and concepts central to the visual arts. Students will concentrate on hands-on studio work in one of the visual arts disciplines (painting, drawing, or sculpture). In addition to studio time where demonstrations will occur, students will be introduced to the work of artists and will be encouraged to participate in the discussions focusing on contemporary art issues Students will be taught critical skills in portfolio development through individual and class critiques. This year-long student will culminate in the presentation of a final artist statement and participation in a year-end art exhibition.  Homework will be required during the prior summer, H-term, and major school breaks.

Requires departmental approval

This yearlong, college-level course is designed for advanced Studio Art students who have had at least three years of visual arts experience. Students will learn to use 2-D design principles to organize an image on a picture plane to communicate content. They will demonstrate mastery through a variety of two-dimensional mediums or processes, such as graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, and fabric design. Students will develop technical skills and familiarize themselves with the functions of visual elements as they create portfolios for evaluation at the end of the course. Homework will be required during the prior summer, H-term, and major school breaks.

Requires departmental approval

This yearlong, college-level course is designed for advanced Studio Art students who have had at least three years of visual arts experience. Students will explore sculptural issues and understand 3-D design principles as they relate to the integration of depth and space, volume and surface. Students will demonstrate mastery through a variety of three-dimensional approaches, such as figurative or nonfigurative sculpture, architectural models, ceramics, installation, assemblage, and fine woodworking. Students will develop technical skills and become familiar with the functions of visual elements as they create portfolios for evaluation at the end of the course.   Homework will be required during the prior summer, H-term, and major school breaks.

Requires departmental approval

This yearlong, college-level course is designed for advanced Studio Art students who have had at least three years of visual arts experience. Students will explore drawing issues including line quality, light and shade, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, the illusion of depth, and mark-making through a variety of means, such as painting, printmaking, and/or mixed media. They will develop technical skills and familiarize themselves with the functions of visual elements as they create portfolios for evaluation at the end of the course. This course requires summer preparatory work.

Term course: fall, winter, spring (students are encouraged to enroll in all 3 terms)

Through fun, hands-on experiences, this course (formerly Video Production) familiarizes students with the concepts, equipment, and technical skills needed to provide a basic understanding of the filmmaking process, from script to screen. Students will learn how to use moving images in conjunction with sound, text, and narrative structure as a basis for communicating ideas and stories on video. The course will explore different film genres through readings, film viewings, guest lectures, and most importantly, student-produced projects. All advanced video equipment and software is provided, including Adobe Premiere. Enrolled students also will have access to the state-of-the art Jonathan P. Silverstein ‘09 Electronic Media Studio and Visual Communications Lab in the Shirley Quadrivium.

• Narrative Filmmaking (fall) – This course will focus on narrative, or fiction, filmmaking. Skills that will be covered include screenwriting, storyboarding, directing, cinematography, and editing. The class will explore genres such as drama, comedy, science fiction, and the thriller.
   
• Animation/Experimental (winter) – This course will focus on animation and other non-traditional filmmaking techniques. Skills that will be covered are stop-motion, Claymation, two-dimensional animating, and rotoscoping.
   
• Documentary Filmmaking (spring) - This course will focus on documentary style filmmaking. Through workshops, screenings, and field work, students will learn the basics of being a documentarian and produce their own documentary projects.

Prerequisite: three terms of Filmmaking and Visual Storytelling 1 or equivalent

This yearlong course is a continuation of Filmmaking and Visual Storytelling. Students will explore topics introduced in F&VS at a more in-depth level, as well as continue the development of their production and post-production skills. Motion Graphics, VFX, live-streaming, and multi-cam recording may also be explored. 

This yearlong course students in Digital Photography will develop and expand their skills in producing artistic photographs using Sony digital DSLR cameras (provided) and equipment. In the fall, students will become aware of the fundamentals of digital photography. In the winter, we move into studio practices using a variety of lightning and technical features of the camera. In the spring, students will use their knowledge to start to develop their own body of work with emphasis on editing skills. Students will learn how to use Adobe Lightroom, Bridge, and Photoshop.

Prerequisite: 3 terms of Photography and department approval

This yearlong course will build on the skills and techniques students gained in Photography 1 with an increased emphasis on individual creation of students’ portfolios, exploring a variety of genres of photography. Introduction to alternative photographic darkroom practices along with advanced digital image manipulation. Students explore methods for creating imagery in both the darkroom setting and computer studio. 

Term Course: Fall, Winter, Spring (students may enroll in one, two, or three terms)

Through drawing and painting, these three one-term courses encourage students to experiment with different art materials and techniques. These include transparent and opaque media such as watercolor, tempera, acrylics, and mixed media. With each assignment, the instructor and classmates analyze the relationships of the elements and principles of design, as well as explore ways in which one represents depth on a two-dimensional picture plane.

Prerequisite: Studio Art 1 or permission from instructor
Term Course: Fall, Winter, Spring (students may enroll in one, two, or three terms)

These three, term courses are a continuation of Studio Art 1 that heighten the students’ ability to observe and intensify their visual awareness and activate their imagination and inner vision. Students are encouraged on an individual basis to further develop their skills. The students are urged to approach a given theme in an experimental and original way. Each assignment is critiqued regarding composition, form, space, and color/value.

Prerequisite: Studio Art 1, Studio Art 2 and departmental approval

This yearlong course is designed for advanced Studio Art students. One of the main objectives of this course is portfolio preparation. Early assessment of weaknesses and strengths of the portfolio forms a basis for the individual progression by the student. Once a focus is established, the instructor sets up deadlines and requirements. Individual and group critiques are vital to the learning process and for the growth and strength of the portfolio. The concentration and breadth of the work are weighed heavily during the final assessment.

Term course: fall, winter, spring (students may enroll in one, two, or three terms)

This course is designed to expose students to the art of fine woodworking. Students will have an opportunity to develop the skills to safely and efficiently join wood while also learning the basic techniques of carving, burnishing, and finishing wood. The course combines discussions of wood sculpture history with experimentation of the individual artist’s creative process. Some projects will be done as 2-dimensional artwork, while also exploring 3-D sculptural art. In either case, the principles of art and design will be explored through each project; such as proportions, weight, mass, rhythm, composition, spatial arrangement, balance, and structure. In addition, students will learn tool identification and care as well as shop safety and protocol.