Courses

This is a select, "by audition" group of student musicians who perform on saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, and drumset at several events during the year. They perform in a minimum of one "graded" public concert each semester. Many varieties of American popular music are studied and performed. In the process of participating in this class/rehearsal, students will continue to develop their improvisational skills. The Jazz Ensemble rehearses Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM. If possible, the band participates each March in the International Association of Jazz Educator's Festival held at the Flynn Theatre in Burlington. District and All-State Festival participation is also available for our outstanding jazz musicians. The goal of this group is to play level III to V charts (I=beginner, VI= professional). 0.5 Fine Arts unit
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The marching band is comprised of all members of the Junior and Senior Bands (and, as soon as playing skills allow, the Seventh Grade band). The band participates in parades organized to celebrate Halloween, All-state Music Festival, Loyalty Day, Memorial Day, and other special events. Members must provide certain parts of the uniform (i.e. black dress shoes and white knee socks). Participation in this group helps develop skills in coordinated movement and outdoor performance skills. As the marching band is a significant visible representative of MRUHS, each member therefore is required to perform, act, and dress with appropriate respect and genuine pride.
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This class is designed to give a beginning student with little or no acting background the basics of performing. Concentrating on both the physical work an actor does with the body, and on the use of voice, students in this first level acting class will learn and have fun using improvisation and theater games. Particularly appropriate for ninth and tenth grade students. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts unit
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Concentrating on scripted performance, this class will work on creating characters through script analysis and scene work, building the role by using objectives and motivation. Research in acting styles and theater history will also be required. This class is designed for students who have some acting background. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts unit
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Art making is what makes us human. What has driven humans to make art throughout the millennia? Over two semesters students will investigate art from the beginning of time to the present. Through reading, writing and researching art works, students will become familiar with stylistic traits and methods which will allow them to simulate thought processes and techniques of particular cultures throughout time in hands-on studio projects. A hand-bound journal will help students document their discoveries during their exploration of humanity on a weekly basis. Enrolled students may choose the option of following the Advanced Placement curriculum in preparation for the AP Art History Exam in the Spring. This course may be used to fulfill either a Fine Arts OR Social Studies elective graduation requirement. (semester) 0.5 Unit
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In this class students explore the sculptural applications of different types of clay. Their study of the development of sculpture throughout history helps them form an understanding of present day materials and techniques. Experimentation with various surface treatments and subject matter helps students create a personal style. Reading assignments, weekly sketches and current events abstracts help students develop a well-rounded understanding of clay sculpture. Students will complete at least two sculptural pieces per marking period. A craft or pottery course is recommended before taking this class. Students must be willing to get dusty and dirty to participate in this course. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts Unit
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Students will experience first hand the basic elements of physical someday. Stage combat, slaps, falls,, and comic timing will be integrated into this class. Clips from classic comedy sciences throughout history, including Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Abbot and Costello, the Three Stooges, and Monty Python will be studied. Students will crate and perform their own short sciences incorporating the skills they've learned. 0.5 Fine Arts unit
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Students in grade 9-12 who are in chorus may audition for Chamber Singers. A balanced ensemble of voices will be chosen. (Occasionally a younger student might be placed, if needed, to balance the ensemble.) Students in Chamber Singers will have the opportunity not only to sing in the school concerts but a variety of public events as well, such as Singing Valentines and the Madrigal Festival. The class meets Mondays and Tuesdays from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM. 0.5 Fine Arts unit
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Acting styles and methods of text analysis will be the center of the acting work done in this class. Students will be required to work in pairs on scenes which will be analyzed and then performed. Video analysis will be used by both teacher and students. Students will also read critical works by directors and will direct scenes using class members as actors as they explore multiple styles of theatre. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts unit
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This semester course is dedicated to the study of the designer in the theatre. The major emphasis is on set design, but all elements from lighting to costumes are studied. This course proceeds on the theory of style and design in the theatre as support for the language and the actors in the play. Students will sketch set and costume designs for selected plays and do watercolor renderings. Each student will keep a class design portfolio. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts unit
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The first semester is focused on playwriting. Each student will write and explore through class reading three scenes in which they develop an inciting incident, explore characterization and work from the development of scenarios. Several major theatrical styles are explored. The major project is the development and production of a ten-minute play. Each playwright is expected to work with a director to guide the play to a public performance. This process is often done in collaboration with the Vermont Young Playwrights Program. Two scripts are selected to be read or performed in the spring at the University of Vermont. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts unit
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This class stretches the students’ power of visual perception while familiarizing then with basic drawing methods and tools. Students explore a variety of media and approaches to drawing while honing their perceptual skills in their search for their own artistic style. Through studying drawings throughout art history students develop skills with which to discuss their own art. Drawing real objects in natural situations is stressed. Students complete two to three finished drawings per marking period as well as doing reading assignment study guides, weekly sketches and current events abstracts to help then develop a well-rounded understanding of drawing. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts unit
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These courses are designed for motivated students who wish to strengthen their skills in artistic expression. Students build upon skills developed in Drawing I, Painting I, or Figure Drawing I, concentrating on composition, color theory, technique and the study of historic movements and personalities in the art world. Intensive studio work involving at least two finished pieces per marking period helps students to form their own artistic identity and to explore conceptual ideas of image-making. Weekly sketches, current events abstracts and an independent studio project are required in this course. (semester each) 0.5 Fine Arts Unit Prerequisite: Completion of Drawing I, Painting I or figure Drawing I and one other art course or instructors permission.
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The human figure is the most popular and intriguing subject in the history of art. Through careful observation, students will stud composition, anatomy, contour drawing, value, and gesture drawing and portraiture. Students will experiment with both wet and dry drawing media as well as bas-relief and print-making in learning to render the figure. Studio experience will be enhanced by a study of the figure throughout the art history and the technical advancements made in figure drawing. Students complete two or three finished pieces per marking period as well as reading assignments, weekly sketches, current events abstract to help them develop a well rounded understanding of figure drawing. Students may be required to model on a rotating basis. This is an advanced course. Prerequisite: Completion of Drawing I or Visual Experience course or instructor’s permission. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts Unit
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Time and space is made available for student musicians to develop his/her own personal band abilities. Arrangements will be made for each student at no charge to have at least half of a period per week for individual development (on a rotating schedule if necessary so as to minimize any disruption of studies in other classes). Along with additional guided practice, ensemble rehearsal, and public performance, individual development is an important element or improvement for all band members. It may include personal practice, chamber ensemble work, peer tutoring, and/or increasing from public or private music teacher. All activities will be directed toward increasing the student’s personal knowledge and skills in performing on his/her instrument.
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The workshop is open to all students interested in developing their abilities in improvisation (spontaneously creating melody according to a provided harmonic structure). These classes will be scheduled as time and space are available, Monday though Friday from 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM. no credit
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This is a jazz studies ensemble for the developing jazz musician. It is open to all students in grades 7 though 12 who wish to explore the jazz idiom while gaining knowledge in developing musical abilities. The course meets Mondays and/or Tuesdays from 2:20 PM to 3:20 PM. Students are expected to attend consistently either every Monday, or every Tuesday (both days, if they are able). Students who miss more than two classes during a marking period may be dropped from the class. The group will be involved in a minimum of two public performances each year. no credit
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Any students in grades 8-9 may enroll in Junior Chorus. Students will study a variety of music literature, mostly in three part harmony, from different styles and world cultures. Vocal production, sight reading and music theory will continue to be developed by the students’ practice while in chorus. The Junior Chorus will perform at least two concerts per year. 1.0 Fine Arts unit
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This is a concert band for students in grades eight and nine. In the process of participating in this class/rehearsal, students will continue to develop individual skills including assembly and maintenance of their instruments, tone production, pitch and intonation control, control of length of sound and silence (rhythm), volume control and effective use of music notations. Members will also continue material of many styles appropriate for this level. The band will perform at least one public concert each semester as well as at community and school activities throughout the year. The members of this ensemble are included in the marching band. Efforts are made to provide participation skills. Opportunities are also provided for advanced musicians to participate in New England Music Festivals. A minimum of one year’s experience on a band instrument is a prerequisite for enrollment in this class. The goal of this band is to perform music at the II and III level (I= beginner, VI= professional). 1.0 Fine Arts unit
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Boys in grade 9-12 who are in chorus may audition for Men's Vocal Ensemble. (Occasionally a younger student may be placed.) This ensemble meets Friday from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM. Members of this ensemble will have an opportunity to sing a variety of literature written or arranged for male voices. This ensemble will have the opportunity to sing in school concerts with the possibility of other performances as they arise. .25 Fine Arts unit
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Students in grade 7-9 who are in chorus may audition for middle tones. This ensemble meets on Thursday from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM. Selected students must be able to attend that one rehearsal. In this ensemble, students begin to learn about gaining independence as a singer in a small ensemble. no credit
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Any student in grades 9-12 may enroll in this class. Students will learn a foundation of music theory, which includes key signatures, time signatures, music construction, and four-part writing. The level of proficiency of the students in the class will determine exactly what level of these elements will be taught. One half to one full credit will be offered depending on the time spent in the class. (semester or year) .5 or 1.0 Fine Arts unit
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This course is appropriate for the beginning as well as the experienced painter. Oil pastels, tempera, and acrylic paints will be used as students explore color theory, still-life and landscape painting, and abstraction. Students study historical and contemporary art movements and learn to recognize and discuss the development of personal styles in their own work. Weekly sketches encourage students to explore subject matter for their paintings. Critical essays and current events abstracts allow students to investigate artists and aspects of painting that interest them. Two or three finished paintings each marking period help students to develop their own painting style. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts Unit Prerequisite: Completion of Drawing I or Visual Experience course or instructor’s permission.
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Students will explore the three dimensional qualities of clay through hand-building and sculptural techniques. Through the study of historical trends in pot-making and glazing, students develop an understanding of present day materials and techniques. During their experimentations with various surface treatments and finishes, participants develop a personal style. Interested students may also have the opportunity to work with the potter’s wheel, depending upon class size. Students complete two to three finished pieces per marking period as well as completing textbook study guides, weekly sketches, and current events abstracts which allow students to explore an area of interest in more depth while developing a well-rounded understanding of pottery. Students must be willing to get dusty and dirty and share in the studio maintenance responsibility to participate in this course. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts Unit
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Students continuing to an advanced level in Pottery must be highly self-motivated and interested in strengthening their skills in artistic expression. Students build upon skills developed in Pottery I concentrating on pushing the possibilities of the medium of clay beyond an introductory level. Students also get the opportunity to concentrate on wheel throwing skills. Intensive studio work helps students to form their own artistic identity and to explore conceptual ideas of pottery while producing two or three finished works per marking period. Homework, weekly sketches, current events abstracts and an independent studio project are required in this course. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts Unit Prerequisite: Completion of Pottery I and the instructor’s permission.
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In this class students will explore many different ways of creating three dimensional forms in art. Their study of the development of sculpture throughout history gives them a foundation from which to materialize their own ideas as they explore various sculpture media. Experimentation with clay, plaster, stone, wood, metal, paper and found objects helps students create a personal style. Students complete two or three projects each marking period. Reading assignments, weekly sketches and current events abstracts help students develop a well-rounded understanding of sculpture. A crafts or pottery course is recommended before taking this class. Students must be willing to get dusty and dirty, to spend extra time in the art room working on projects, and share in the studio maintenance responsibilities to participate in this course. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts Unit
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Any students in grades 10-12 may enroll in Senior Chorus. No prior experience is needed, just an interest in singing. In chorus, students will advance in the skill levels of music: music theory, sight reading, and vocal productions. Students will sing music literature chosen from world cultures, spirituals, major choral works, and a variety of time periods. The Senior Chorus will perform in at least two concerts per year. 1.0 Fine Arts unit
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This concert band is for students in grades 10-12. Though the process of participating in this class/rehearsal, students will continue to advance in the development of individual skills and group musical skills as described for Junior Concert Band. In addition to playing at occasional community and school events, this band will perform at least one public concert each semester. All members of this band will include in the “Minutemen” Marching Band. District, All-State and New England Music Festival participation is also available to our advanced student musicians. A minimum of two years’ ability on a band is to perform music at the III – V level (I= beginner, VI= Professional). 1.0 Fine Arts unit
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The fall semester class is for serious seniors who have exhausted the current visual arts opportunities and are ready to develop a polished portfolio. Working independently, students will evaluate their work and decide on areas of concentration which will reflect both depth of development and breadth of skills. Frequent critiques will help students clarify their ideas and create more powerful personal works. Students complete two or three projects per marking period, which combined with previous works, will give students a body of 15 to 20 works for formal presentation at the end of the semester. Students, who so desire, may follow the AP Studio Art guidelines and submit their portfolio for College Board jurying in May. The spring semester includes motivated sophomores and juniors as well as seniors interested in exploring new media to further develop their artistic voice. Students also complete reading assignments, weekly sketches and current events abstracts which help them continue to connect with the larger world of contemporary art. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts Unit Prerequisite: Completion of Drawing I and Painting I, or Visual Experience I, and at least one level two class, or instructor’s permission.
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Make ordinary artwork into outstanding artwork! Learn how to design visually powerful statements. From posters to greeting cards, from advertisements to CD or DVD art, you will use your creativity to organize visual ingredients on a two dimensional surface. You will study images from both popular culture and enduring masterworks of art. Using a variety of processes including, but not limited to, drawing, painting, printmaking and collage, you will complete six major projects. You will also complete reading assignments, weekly sketches, and current events abstracts that help you develop a well-rounded understanding of design. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts Unit
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Students will learn to appreciate art through practicing and understanding visual experiences in life and art. They sample a variety of media and techniques: drawing cartooning, painting, pastels, collage, clay, wood and print-making. Through the use of a textbook, students explore the visual vocabulary of art, learn about historical trends, and develop an understanding of their own artistic tastes. Each chapter is enriched with two or three projects which help students experience being artists as well as learning about them. Reading assignments with study guides, weekly sketches, current events abstracts and critical essays help students develop a well informed, educated understanding of the visual arts. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts Unit
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Personal development is offered as a student’s schedule allows. The lessons may be individual or in a small group.
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Girls in grade 9-12 who are in chorus may audition for Women's Vocal Ensemble. (Occasionally a younger student may be placed.) This ensemble meets Wednesday from 2:20 PM to 3:30 PM. Singers chosen for this ensemble will have an opportunity to sing a variety of literature arranged for female voices. This ensemble will have the opportunity to sing in school concerts with the possibility of other performances as they arise. .25 Fine Arts unit
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"Fear not the foreign word - - or even the subtitle!" This class will introduce student to films form around the world, from Australia to Africa and Paris to Peru. A wide range of directors and films will be viewed and discussed./ World famous directors will include Fellini, Truffau, Bergman, and others. Basic elements of editing, cinematography and sound will also be discussed in this fun, fascinating global trek through film. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts unit
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This is a hands-on immersion into the history, culture and craft of Mexico and Latin America from the ancient Aztecs to present day. Festivals and regional crafts will be explored in-depth while creating art work with paper crafts, fibre arts, and three-dimensional media. Six major projects will be completed during the semester, culminating in a final exam project in which you will connect the knowledge and skills you have acquired. Reading assignments, weekly sketches and current events abstracts help you to develop a well-rounded understanding of the Latin American and Mexican history and cultures. (semester) 0.5 Fine Arts Unit
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Take part in the creation of the Mill River yearbook. Participants will be involved in every aspect of the books production including: theme development, advertising sales of the book production, event photography, meeting deadlines, desktop publication production, etc. Participants will use the professional-level publishing program Adobe PageMaker and other design programs. Yearbook staff members are expected to participate in after school production meetings in addition to class time. 0.5 or 1.0 Fine Arts unit
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