Performing arts

1 credit; full year
Prerequisite: departmental recommendation

This university-level course develops the student's ability to recognize, understand and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. Students develop skills in listening, sight-singing, composition and analysis. The theoretical fundamentals of notation, intervals, scales and keys, chords, meter and rhythm are the basis for performance and written work. All enrolled students take the Advanced Placement Music Theory exam.

1 credit; full year

Chamber Orchestra is the top string orchestra at ASL, and the musical home for experienced violin, viola, cello and string bass players in the High School. Chamber Orchestra is the main ensemble, where we work to develop ensemble and interpretive skills with a high degree of musical subtlety and historical context. Repertoire includes a variety of music spanning from the baroque to contemporary, giving special attention to stylistic playing. Rehearsals address the refinement of advanced technical skills through exercises for shifting, rhythm, keys around the circle of fifths, dexterity and overall facility. Students develop various aspects of their musicianship through rehearsals, regular home practice, short projects and ensemble performances. Chamber Orchestra offers additional special opportunities such as small chamber ensembles (trios, quartets, etc.), a student leadership council, service activities and eligibility to audition for the High School International Honor Orchestra, part of the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS).

1 credit; full year

Concert Band is the most advanced wind and percussion ensemble in the School. Emphasis is placed on the high-quality performance of outstanding literature written for the modern American wind band. Membership is open to any high school student with previous woodwind, brass or percussion experience. Concert Band students function within a “pool-of-players” concept that allows for various performance opportunities including Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble and various chamber ensembles. The development of appropriate technical skills is emphasized, and advanced students are encouraged to audition for the International Honor Band via the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS).

1 credit; full year

Concert Choir specializes in the rehearsal and performance of outstanding choral literature representing a broad variety of cultures, time periods, languages and musical styles. Students develop a functional understanding of musical notation and its application to sight singing. Concert Choir is open to all students in Grades 9-12, regardless of prior experience or singing ability, and requires no audition to participate. All members of Concert Choir are encouraged to audition for the International Honor Choir via the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) and/or to participate in the Chamber Choir, which is an extracurricular activity. 

2 credits; full year

Prerequisite: departmental selection

This course is provided as an opportunity for highly motivated ASL singer-string players who have already demonstrated that they are strong musicians, independent learners and reliable ensemble members with a commitment to personal practice. “Doublers” alternate days between the two ensembles’ rehearsals during the same block, attending two choir classes and two orchestra classes per eight-day cycle. These students fulfill all the learning targets for both high school ensemble courses and earn two credits with one combined letter grade. Students are only enrolled as “doublers” with the individual advice and permission of the teacher-directors of both ensembles. For the full description of the two ensembles in this doubler track, please read the individual course descriptions for concert choir and chamber orchestra.

½ credit; semester II

This course allows students the opportunity to explore music composition, audio design and manipulation, and music production through a variety of digital interfaces and tools. Through project-based units, students learn to use digital tools via mac and web-based software to investigate, explore and create their own original compositions. Initial coursework and projects focus on the elements of music, using loops, midi, recording and remixing. Units that follow explore original composition, through recording techniques, found-sound, studio production, and film scoring, alongside the digital filmmaking drama course and art department. The course culminates in a final project that each student must design and carry out, using the methods and tools explored in the course.

½ credit; semester I

Music Appreciation provides students with the foundation for listening to music intelligently. The course explores the historical, theoretical and cultural aspects of different musical styles and genres. Students learn the basics of reading music, identify a wide variety of musical forms and instruments, examine Western music history through musical forms and time periods, explore how music reflects the values of the culture that creates it, then apply this knowledge to the music they listen to daily.

1 credit; full year

This course introduces students to acting through performance and criticism of rehearsed material, primarily scene study. The course concentrates on specific areas such as spontaneity through improvisation, movement, mime and masque as seen in the tradition of commedia dell'arte and technical vocal production. Students also learn the technical aspects of production, including staging and lighting. This is the preferred course for the student who wishes to obtain the training required to move on to either Advanced Acting: Television and Film or Advanced Acting: Play Production. Progression of training: Students who complete Acting should be able to move on to Advanced Acting: Television and Film or semester electives.

½ credit; semester I

This semester course concentrates on stage performance skills. The course focuses on script analysis and the principles of character development through the rehearsal process of scene work resulting in further believability of character. Students train in movement, with the assistance of a guest dance instructor. They also learn skills in technical voice production with an emphasis on projection, range, clarity and vocal strength. All work is filmed and critiqued.

½ credit; semester II

Acting: Physical Theater encourages student expression using the power of the human body within a theatrical context and increases student confidence in the physical life of the actor. Students study aspects of physical theater beginning with commedia dell'arte, applying the skills of precise masque work to the creation of acting scenarios using large and comedic characters. Mime is also examined, enabling students to create illusionary life through physical movement in the tradition of Marcel Marceau. Circus skills are taught as a form of entertainment and in a manner that encourages agility and coordination, individually and with an ensemble. Instruction in stage combat helps actors explore physical conflict and develop links between physical dialog and the acting process.

1 credit; full year
Prerequisite: Acting or equivalent, and departmental recommendation

This course, the most intensive course in the theater arts curriculum, is designed for students who have discipline and a genuine dedication to acting. The actors' work is geared to performance and advanced professional training. This includes individual analysis of acting problems, specifically voice, movement, and depth and definition of character creation. The business aspects of career acting are examined: learning how to audition, types of professional schools, theater companies and actors' agencies. The course culminates in the preparation and production of a play to be performed before an audience during semester II. Progression of training: students who complete Advanced Acting: Play Production can take the course for a second year (no audition necessary) or they can take Advanced Acting: Television and Film or semester electives.

1 credit; full year
Prerequisite: Acting or a similar elective in high school drama, and departmental recommendation

The subject matter of this course introduces an important strand in training the actor for both stage and film. Students study and perform in contemporary film and television scripts and screenplays submitted by those taking the Film and Literature course to develop acting skills relevant to these media. Students also learn the technical use of camera, including terms used during film production. The final project, a short film, is presented to the School. A section of the course looks at radio performance and the vocal and technical skills necessary to bring about convincing radio dramas. This course highlights the role of the solo performer, looking at performance techniques needed for the production of one-person shows. The course also gives students training in improvisation; the performance of stand-up comedy material includes comic sketch writing. Students attend various performance venues in London throughout the year. Progression of training: students who complete Advanced Acting: Television and Film should be able to move on to Advanced Acting: Play Production with no audition necessary. Alternative options include a second year of Advanced Acting: Television and Film or semester electives.

½ performing arts credit or ½ physical education; semester I or II

The study of dance addresses the use of the human body and physical movement as an expressive art form, and as a skill-based discipline. Students explore the art of dance through observation, technique and choreography. An emphasis is placed on reflection and critical thinking, as well as skill development. Through the study of dance, students learn to analyze, synthesize and integrate both theoretical and applied knowledge into their creation of movement. The dance program emphasizes risk taking, and developing the combination of the physical and the artistic.

Through physical activities, technical exercises, improvisation and choreography, students develop their understanding of the elements of dance, including body, effort, shape and space. Well-being is an important component, with students developing plans for healthful practices, including nutrition and injury prevention. Classwork directs students toward advanced practice and creative understanding of dance as a performing art form. Class requirements include: engagement with technical exercises; development of interpretative skills; leadership and collaboration; discussion and analysis of professional work; creation of performance material; and rehearsal for a public performance. The course requires attendance at two professional dance events in London. The course can be taken more than once.