AHA cappella is an auditioned singing group that performs on campus and in the community as frequently as possible. Make-up of the group will depend upon the students who audition. It may be a traditional quartet, a men’s or women’s quartet or a women’s trio. Ideally, it will be an octet with 2 people on each part. Literature sung includes traditional, pop, and folk music, both in English and Hebrew.
Chorus is designed for the development of personal character and high ethical standards through the development of skills in vocal technique, sight-reading, proper breathing and posture, musical vocabulary enrichment, and performance skills. It is designed to develop small ensemble skills, which require advanced listening and vocal skills and personal commitment to quality rehearsal. Literature sung includes traditional, pop, and folk music, both in English and Hebrew.
Voice Class is offered as a way for students to receive private voice instruction in a group setting at no additional cost. The class is limited to 5 students. Students will be offered instruction on proper posture, breathing, and relaxation. Instruction will also be given on lyric and musical interpretation, correct sound production, understand and expressing rhythm. Training will also be given on elements of music theory. Students enrolling in the class must commit to rehearsing on their own every day in preparation for the class.
This class is open to all levels of players. Practice outside of class is encouraged but not required. Students will work on pieces to improve performance skills. Each student will initially meet with the instructor to assess skills and decide on goals for the semester. Students are required to pay for any new books or music, and may also bring music from home. Class members will have opportunities to perform at an AHA event.
Students will learn the basics of songwriting through guided group discussion and sharing of creative ideas. Although a general knowledge of music theory will be helpful, it is not required. Experience playing guitar and/or keyboard will also be helpful but also is not required. Students will have an opportunity to perform at an AHA event.
Students will continue learning the basics of songwriting. They will also explore the “how to’s” of copyrighting music and getting songs published. Song collaboration will also be explored and guest artists will visit class to share songwriting tips. Students will perform songs for an AHA event this year.
Songwriting 1 is a prerequisite for this course. This may be waived with permission from the instructor.
Students of any level, who have had previous instrumental study, will receive musical coaching and have opportunities to perform for each other and for AHA students during each trimester. Students may choose to perform any style of music and should also consider that practice time will be involved.
Students will be introduced to the basics elements of music. They will also study various styles of music, including music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th century. Students also will also learn about Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Swing and Bebop. Creative participation will be encourage as that students may begin to understand the creative process and music as a form of self-expression. Concert Attendance is required.
Students will learn the basics of music, including rhythm, pitch, Major and Minor scales, key signatures, intervals, blues scales, modes, triads, etc. Students will participate in sight singing exercises and also attain a basic understanding of the keyboard.
Students may sign up each semester for private instrumental or vocal lessons. Students are responsible for working with individual teachers concerning practice and lesson times. Students receive ½ credit per trimester. Lessons are arranged through private pay. Students will have the opportunity to perform at AHA events.
Students may sign up each trimester for private vocal lessons. Students are responsible for working with Student Life concerning practice times and lesson times. Credit may be received per trimester if so desired. Lessons are arranged through private pay. Students will have the opportunity to perform at AHA events.
Acting 1 offers a variety of exercises and techniques that use scripts and scene work, and improvisational techniques to learn about stage performance. This class does not result in a performance, except in front of others enrolled in the class, and is an excellent way to get a performance credit without being in a show.
In Playwriting, students will learn all the tricks of the trade as well as proper formatting for writing a play, including monologues, dialogues, a one-page play, a ten-minute play, and a one-act. Your completed play/s will be given a “staged reading” at the end of the class.
Students will develop individual and cast performance skills and to learn and develop tech skills associated with the production of a live performance. . Actors receive one-on-one and group acting instruction and direction and are expected to do character analysis, take blocking notes, and be responsible for all aspects of their performance in partnership with each other. Other skills learned are teamwork, and cognitive decision-making skills relating to acting live.
The Winter Musical is performed on parents’ weekend and includes singing, dancing, and a storyline. Skills learned are teamwork, character interpretation and development, and cognitive skills relating to acting and singing live. . Actors receive one-on-one and group acting instruction and direction and are expected to do character analysis, take blocking notes, and be responsible for all aspects of their performance in partnership with each other. Past musicals have included Leader of the Pack: The Ellie Greenwich Story, Little Shop of Horrors, Working, and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. Of all the mainstage performances, the Winter Musical takes the most time and commitment.
Spring Performance allows students to assist with or perform in a dramatic or comedic play. In the process, they learn how to work in their field in a professional manner. Actors receive one-on-one and group acting instruction and direction and are expected to do character analysis, take blocking notes, and be responsible for all aspects of their performance in partnership with each other. Technicians manage all facets of stage management, sound, lights, sets, and properties and learn to run the show independently. The course culminates in a set of performances for the school and Greensboro community.
In this introduction to theatrical improvisation, students will learn about different types of improv, including Playback Theatre, comedy improv games and unscripted monologues/scenes. Students will become more comfortable in speaking and acting in front of others. Creativity and spontaneity will be heightened, as will group skills, such as listening carefully and offering constructive feedback. Students in this elective will perform for classmates/teacher only; there is not a public performance scheduled for this class.
Members of the AHA Cheesewagon troupe will be selected by audition. Students will learn, practice and perform a wide variety of comedy improv games and structures. Team-building, listening skills, leadership and creativity are a big focus in this elective, as students learn to support each other to create a successful show. Public performances will take place on- and off-campus, with audiences ranging from elementary-school children to AHA peers/families to senior citizens.
In this elective, students will work together to create a play based on their own life experiences. Students will participate in theatre exercises that create a foundation and trust and collaboration within the group while teaching drama techniques. In a series of creative writing exercises, students will be given a chance to share pivotal life experiences with the group. Using these stories, students will work with the teacher to create a script. In the final stages if the course, students will learn and practice theatre skills such as projection, playing various characters, stage directions, and memorization and they rehearse the play. The class culminates in a production.
In Beginning Swing Dancing, students gain basic lead and follow techniques applicable to all forms of partnered dance. They learn the fundamentals and history of various American dance forms of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, including Blues, Jitterbug, Charleston, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and Balboa as well as their connections to Jewish history and the history of other minorities in America. Students practice routines incorporating jazz dance steps on which swing dance forms are based. Dips, tricks, and musicality are also taught. Students apply their skills both in performance and on the social dance floor.
In Intermediate or Advanced Swing Dancing, students build on the fundamentals of various American dance forms of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, including Blues, Jitterbug, Charleston, Lindy Hop, and Balboa. Students learn how to add pizzazz to their basic skills and advance their lead and follow techniques applicable to all forms of partnered dance. They continue to learn routines incorporating jazz dance steps on which swing dance forms are based. Dips, tricks, and musicality are also taught. Students apply their skills both in performance and on the social dance floor.
The class examines the following: How do filmmakers want us to see their films? What are the artistic devices they use? What do they look for in a good story? How are plotlines and characters developed? How is comedy, tragedy, horror, or everyday events used? How are symbols, colors, forms incorporated? Students will learn how to look for answer to these questions while watching a variety of films both classic and contemporary.
Students view contemporary films through the eyes of philosophers. This class introduces student to the main ideas of several philosophers, and to cutting edge filmmakers and their stories, philosophies, and art. The final project is a three page paper in which students engage one of the philosophers studied, and the issues of some of the films viewed.
Students learn the basics of drawing, including perspective, shading, sketching people, nature and objects. Next, they learn to combine techniques of watercolor with their drawing skills. This class is a must for students who are considering art or architecture as a college major or minor.
Students learn methods of painting, beginning with acrylics and moving on to oils. The activities and exercises focus on exploration through several small pieces rather than on one large “masterpiece.”
Students learn methods and techniques for creating 3-D sculptural pieces using a variety of media: paper, clay, wood, wire and stone-carving.
Students experiment with a variety of design activities and techniques in this art class, including printmaking, color work, the use of photographs in art, sculpture and even performance art. This is an excellent class for those who will major or minor in art or graphic design in college.
This entry-level course is for those who want to learn effec¬tive camera operation and covers everything from loading a 35mm camera to proper exposure, depth of field, composi¬tion and selection of lenses. Students will learn the differences between 35mm film, digital SLR, digital point and shoot and larger formatted cameras. Students will learn the fundamentals of creating good photographic images using creative self-expression. Camera with adjustable settings is required. Students will have an introduction to digital imaging, photos on floppy/CD and photo-editing software. With an emphasis on digital cameras, students will explore how all of the above tie together. There is a $50 supply fee for taking this course.
This course bridges the gap between Photo 1 – Basic Camera & Photo Techniques and Photo 3 - Photography as Art. Students will learn to see "pho¬tographically" by exploring in-depth the camera's features and results and how to capture what you see in your mind's eye. You'll also learn how various lenses and other equipment, including a variety of lighting situations can be used as tools for self-expression. Learn how to adjust and improve existing images. Students will become familiar with image-manipulation programs to correct and manage their digital files. Printers and printing options will also be discussed. Photo 1 is a pre¬requisite.
There is a $50 supply fee for taking this course.
For those who have learned the basics, this class offers a creative way to expand your photographic capabilities. Some exercises may include the following aspects of photographic use: modeling, life events, portraits, performances, sports, photojournalism, and photography as art. Students hone their skills and take them to a new level by learning photographic processes to create unique one of a kind images that express their creativity. Learn special techniques including night photography, painting with light and transparency lighting. Photo 1& 2 is a pre¬requisite. There is a $50 supply fee for taking this course.
Studio Art is designed for accomplished, self-motivated artists (juniors and seniors only, by approval of instructor). The class is an extended art period that incorporates the fundamentals of design, color, and technique through in-class projects and sketchbook work with more time for additional projects and creative experimentation. Students must be able to work on their own with time in class completely devoted to art-making. All art must be photographed and assembled in an on-line portfolio.
A class taught according to AP Studio Art standards that results in a student portfolio as the final exam. For seniors only, with permission. Students use a college art textbook, keep a sketchbook for the entire year, and create 24 pieces for submission to AP judges.
Student study fashion’s purposes and appearances through the centuries. They complete such activities as: draw simple human forms on which to design clothing; design a week’s worth of clothing for an imaginary trip; create a fashion line and name it; create and drape dress designs on manikins. The basics of good design, color and style are emphasized.
Students will explore the creative possibilities of clay without using a potter's wheel. Beginners will learn pinch, slab and coil techniques to create various projects. Decorating and glazing techniques will also be explored.
There is a $50 supply fee for taking this course.
Students view the Holocaust through theological and artistic understanding. They engage with material through their own art and journaling as well as classroom debates, articles and artwork. Students write artist’s statements for each work they produce that engages the ideas of theologians and artists studied, as well as their personal views.
Students explore selected biblical texts for imagery and meanings, engage the wisdom Talmudic and midrashic texts, intersect it with contemporary interpretations, then view historical and contemporary art inspired from the texts. Students create their own artistic interpretations of selected stories or texts and write artist’s statements to accompany each piece.
Return to the Front Page of the Course Catalog