Arts

Involvement in the arts is one of the central Putney experiences. The academic arts program, encompassing a diverse range of disciplines in the visual and performing arts, forms the core of the arts program. Students in visual art courses increase their awareness of the visual world, develop skills to creatively translate their ideas into visible form, and gain an understanding of the context and language of each discipline. Music courses introduce students to the art of music, from both an academic and an aesthetic viewpoint. Many students continue their work in the arts during Project Week to delve into their media in greater depth and concentration.

Acting

.5 credit
How do you know characters deeply enough to inhabit them and portray their point of view? How do you get inside their words and make them your own? This course will help you build skills in acting and theatrical styles through scenes, monologues, and research. In order to act well, one needs to read well, study cultural context, understand multiple points of view — all skills that inform your own way of speaking, listening and acting in the world. Acting is about making choices in collaboration with a text, its context and the other people in the room.

Advanced Ceramics

.5 credit
Students will learn to work with a variety of hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques with an emphasis on functional ceramics. Design elements of form, proportion and surface will be explored. Historical and contemporary ceramics will be investigated. Along with different construction methods, students are introduced to a variety of surface decoration possibilities, such as texturing, carving, and working with slips. There will be a focus on good craftsmanship and attention to detail. Innovation and experimentation are highly encouraged. Basic glaze chemistry and how a gas kiln is fired will be covered. In the winter trimester there will be a focus on electric/oxidation firing: We will take advantage of firing clay work in the electric kiln to achieve effects particular to that method of firing. The possibility for bright colors and a variety of detailed and layered decorative techniques will be explored. The electric kiln is located in the comfort of the ceramics studio for more ease of loading, firing and unloading rather than the outdoor gas/reduction kiln which is used in the fall and spring. In the spring trimester there is a section on collecting local clay, learning about the geology of it, making pots and pit-firing them. Prerequisite for Ceramics II, III: Ceramics I, II, or permission of the instructor.

Advanced Drawing And Painting

.5 Credit
This course is designed to allow motivated art students to develop their skills and interests in drawing and painting further. Students will expand their artistic understanding of drawing and painting through a deeper inquiry into foundational skills such as composition, mark-making, value, and color while exploring experimental approaches to artistic expression. Students will engage in a process of investigation and research into contemporary practices of drawing and painting aimed at allowing them to refine their ability to communicate complex ideas through visual language. This course aims to empower students as skilled practitioners of drawing and painting and as thoughtful and informed contributors to the evolving dialogue of contemporary art. This course will allow Seniors to focus on their work in drawing and painting in preparation for their college portfolios. Participation in the weekly evening figure drawing evening arts course is encouraged.
Prerequisite: Drawing 1, Painting 1 and permission of the instructor.

Advanced Fiber Arts

.5 Credit
Students expand their knowledge of fiber arts through designing projects in their areas of interest. These can include weaving on four and eight-harness floor looms, exploring color through dyeing cellulose and animal fibers, papermaking, knitting by hand and machine, and clothing design and construction. Students maintain a journal that includes a record of projects, skills learned, inspiration and reflections. They will also research an area of interest and give a presentation to the class. A modest lab fee covers basic materials. Prerequisite for Fiber Arts II: Fiber Arts I and permission of the instructor.

Adv Photography

.5 Credit
Students in advanced level photography classes build upon the foundations learned in the Photography I through independently designed projects and focused portfolios. They have the opportunity to do in-depth exploration of a genre or learn new photographic techniques such as large format cameras,19th century processes, and digital photography. Students gain a deeper understanding of the power of image making and the development of the art form through research projects and presentations on photographers. Cameras are available for students to borrow and supplies are purchased through the school store. Prerequisite: Photography I or permission of the instructor.

Advanced Sculpture

.5 Credit This course is designed for students who have a foundation in sculpture, tool use, and safety and are ready to delve into the realm of conceptual exploration. Building upon the fundamental skills acquired in Sculpture I, this advanced course shifts the focus from material-based techniques to conceptual development and expression. Students will engage in a series of projects that challenge them to think critically, experiment with various concepts, and push the boundaries of traditional sculpture. Class discussions, critiques, and research assignments will be integral components of the course, fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary sculptural practices and encouraging students to situate their work within broader artistic contexts.

Ceramics

Concepts in Sound

.5 credit Fall
Students will examine music from a range of innovative, iconoclast, and avant-garde composers in an effort to understand how their music is put together. The class will explore how their work challenged the notion of a musical establishment and sought to reinvent the art form itself from the ground up. Collage, phase, indeterminacy, and musique concrete, will be included among many other techniques. Music from Steve Reich, Aphex Twin, John Cage, Xennakis, Ligeti, and others. Students will listen and respond to musical examples through writing and discussion. Students will apply learned techniques to their own musical creations. Knowledge of music theory may be useful but is not necessary or required. Essential musical terminology will be reviewed.

Dance Intensive

.5 credit
This course is designed for the advanced and more experienced dance students interested in pursuing another element of their dance curriculum. Students may choose to perform, choreograph, or learn a different technique but the curriculum will be developed by the student, in collaboration with the course instructor. A presentation of the work in progress will be demonstrated before a "Putney Panel" offering questions and feedback into the student's artistic process throughout the trimester. The course will culminate with a final presentation/performance in assembly and a written paper. Admission to the class is by permission of the Director of Dance.

Design Build

.5 credit
Throughout this course, students will learn to articulate real-world challenges, envision innovative solutions, develop comprehensive plans, acquire the skills necessary for execution, and ultimately bring their designs to life by creating tangible objects that address identified needs. The course is divided into two main components: the design phase and the build phase. During the initial part of the course, students will delve into the design process, where they will explore various design principles, techniques, and methodologies. Through hands-on activities, research, and collaborative projects, students will learn to identify and analyze problems, generate multiple design concepts, refine their ideas through feedback and iteration, and develop detailed plans for implementation. In the second part of the course, students will transition from design to construction as they bring their visions to fruition. They will have the opportunity to work with a variety of materials, including wood, and metal, as they translate their design plans into physical objects. Students will learn essential craftsmanship skills, safe tool operation, and construction techniques relevant to their chosen projects. Students will regularly critique and discuss each other’s work in order to share experiences, identify successful elements in their work, and support each other’s efforts as skills are built. Gaining control of the medium takes time and things don’t always go as planned. Deviations from the plan will be explored during class critiques. Students will use and research historic case studies to inspire design. Students will maintain a journal that includes records of projects and design, processes, skills learned, inspirations, and reflections.

Digital Filmmaking

.5 credit
Students explore the use of digital filmmaking as a means of self-expression and as an art form through both narrative and documentary styles. Students examine the elements of storytelling, composition, cinematography, lighting, sound recording, and editing as they create short films throughout the course. Through viewing a wide variety of filmmakers and film types students build foundational and historical knowledge of the medium.

Digital Imaging

.5 Credit
This innovative class expands on the foundation set by our current Photography course, which primarily focuses on analog techniques, by introducing contemporary practices rooted in digital photography, Adobe Photoshop, digital compositing, and image generation. Bridging the gap between traditional and modern methods, students will explore essential questions such as the role of truth in photography and the influence of A.I. in digital image construction. This course offers both an academic exploration of the history and theories of digital imaging and hands-on experience in current digital photography practices. From mastering basic image capture skills and post-production in Adobe Photoshop to engaging critically with complex ideas in digital imaging, students will develop practical, expressive, and intellectually robust skills. By the end of the course, students will have created a personal portfolio showcasing their proficiency in digital imaging.

Drawing

.5 credit
In this course, students develop their ability to perceive the world around them and skillfully translate their perceptions to paper. Students will become fluent in expression of the basic elements of visual experience: light, gesture, edge, mass, texture, and space. Subjects will include the human head, the figure, still life, landscape and interior in a variety of wet and dry media. Participants will be encouraged to explore personally significant themes by maintaining a sketchbook of images from daily life. Images of notable artists will be studied in class. Students will regularly critique and discuss each other’s work in order to share experiences, identify successful elements in their drawings, and support each other's’ efforts.

Fiber Arts 1

.5 credit
Through individual projects, students learn about a wide range of techniques as they create textiles and explore structure, function, color and design. The primary focus is weaving. Spinning, knitting, dyeing, sewing, and quilting will also be covered. A component of the class is collaborative dialogue among students about design choices and approaches. Students maintain a journal that includes a record of projects, skills learned, inspiration and reflections. A modest lab fee covers basic materials.

History and Language of Art

.5 credit
The goal of this class is to give students bearings that will help them be able to look carefully at art. Through study of Western art from the late medieval period to the 20th century, students learn to see art clearly and relate what they see to its cultural context, with the aim of fostering a lifelong pleasure in looking at art. The class will study works in reproduction and in visits to major museums. Students will also study techniques and materials through hands-on experience of silverpoint drawing, fresco, and oil painting, including the manufacture of selected media from raw materials. Students will write critiques of paintings and will execute schematic copies of works of art to reveal their compositional elements. The course culminates in presentation of individual research projects. Meets senior humanities credit; does not fulfill the arts requirement.

Instrumental Techniques

Instrumental Techniques - Students will develop musicianship through hands-on exploration of a variety of musical instruments with the aim of establishing a clear understanding of the elements of music such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and form. The process will include establishing a relationship with written notation as well as work in oral traditions and improvisation. Students will spend time studying percussion, piano, guitar, and wind instruments and will have time to focus on a particular instrument of interest. In addition to learning the basics of music, the class will examine music from a variety of cultures and traditions. This course is open to all students, no experience in music is required. While the aim is to start from the very beginning, experienced music students will expand their knowledge of different instruments and to reinforce their own musical foundation

Music Composition

.5 credit
This course reveals basic tools used in composition. Students begin with fundamental elements such as pitch (high vs low), vertical vs horizontal, pulse vs non-pulse, timbre, texture, dynamics, and articulation. The course covers compositional techniques in use in today’s music: tone rows, inversions, retrograde inversion, rhythmic and tonal augmentation and diminution. Students will explore rhythmic compositions, short and long melodies, organization of pitch classes, cell theory, functional tonal harmony, modulating scales and more. Students will notate their music both in manuscript and Sibelius notation program. Movie, video game, and electronic music techniques will be explored as well. The prerequisite is having completed any first term music course or equivalent.

Music Intensive

.5 credit
This course is designed for musicians who would benefit from a focused and individualized setting in which to develop their skills. The curriculum for the course will be developed by the student in collaboration with the course instructor, but is subject to approval by the private lesson instructor where appropriate. Students must establish and adhere to a weekly schedule of at least three hours per week of practice time (in addition to class time and private lessons). Three short performances (such as performance of a song in school assembly) and a longer final lecture/demonstration are required. Admission to the class is by permission of the instructor. Students enrolled in private music lessons receive priority.

Music Theory 1

.5 credit
Music Theory I is intended to take musicians with some basic knowledge of the mechanics of music (note reading, beginning familiarity with the keyboard or other pitched instrument) to a deeper understanding of the way music works. The course focuses on the written and aural comprehension of pitch and rhythm as well as phrase structure, melody, basic harmony, and four-part writing. The course includes technology-based work using Musition and Auralia software. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

Music Theory 2

.5 credit
In Music Theory II we delve into deeper topics of music writing and analysis: harmonic progressions, non-chord tones, melody writing, advanced harmonies, modulation, and musical form. Basic orchestration and modern compositional techniques are also introduced. Advanced aural and harmonic skills are reinforced through technology-based work using Musition and Auralia software. The course culminates in the complete harmonic and structural analysis of a major work for piano in sonata form. The course is open to students who have completed Music Theory I or the equivalent.

Painting 1

.5 credit
This course will focus on developing the expressive and structural elements of painting. Students come to understand and control color through the expressive application of acrylic, oil, and watercolor paint. Subjects include the figure, head, still life, landscape, and interior, as well as invented sources and images of personal significance to each student. The works of acknowledged masters and other relevant precedents are studied, both in reproduction and in a visit to a major museum collection. In frequent class discussions, students share experiences, identify successful elements of design, composition, materials and color, and provide mutual encouragement. Participants create a cohesive body of work related to a specific theme. Prerequisite: Drawing I.

Photography

.5 Credit
Through shooting with traditional film cameras, and learning how to develop and print in a darkroom, students in our photography class learn the basic science of the photographic process and discover the power of the single black and white photographic image. Our class explores photography as a visual language and the use of design elements such as line, light, and motion to build strong compositions. Students delve into a variety of photographic genres throughout the class including portraiture, narratives, experimental and alternative darkroom techniques. Journals and critiques help students develop language and the ability to assess both their own work and that of others. Cameras are available for students to borrow and supplies are purchased through the school store.

Printmaking 1

.5 credit
This course will guide the creation of interpretative and expressive artwork in intaglio (etching, drypoint, and aquatint) and relief (linoleum cut and letterpress) and will assist in the discovery and exploration of themes and images of personal significance. We will study the work of notable printmakers through actual prints and reproductions of their work. The class will engage in frequent discussions about the work of all participants (critiques), with an aim to sharing experiences, defining successful elements of each print, reviewing technical approaches, and encouraging individual efforts. Prerequisite Drawing 1 or permission of instructor.

Printmaking Intensive

.5 Credit
This advanced printmaking course is designed for students who have learned the fundamentals and are ready to delve into concept-based art making. In this class, students will transition from focusing on technical skills to developing the ability to articulate their ideas visually while deepening their understanding of the history and language of printmaking. There will be a focus on conceptual frameworks that empower students to approach artistic challenges with critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Through a combination of research, class critiques, and engaging conversations, students will explore contemporary printmaking practices, including intersectional and cross-cultural approaches. Students will have the opportunity to create an independent body of work, employing concept-based strategies to craft a personally meaningful edition of prints. By the conclusion of the course, students will have honed their technical skills and developed an individualized understanding of printmaking as a powerful vehicle for artistic problem-solving and self-expression.

Recording and Production

.5 credit - Spring
Students will learn the art and science of audio engineering and production. Basic acoustics, signal flow, microphone placement, and the tools of mixing will be explored in depth. Students will learn to hear and emulate the production techniques common to a variety of genres and create their own works in the style of well known artists. The fundamentals of rhythm, melody, and harmony will be explored as part of this process. Students will also learn how to produce, engineer, and mix a session with live musicians using a multi-track process. Previous experience with music will be very helpful but is not required.

Sculpture 1

.5 Credit
This course guides students in exploring the skills and techniques of sculpture using various materials and approaches. Students will learn the processes of modeling, carving, and welding using clay, wax, plaster, wood, stone, and metal. Drawings and three-dimensional models will be used to create designs for sculpture. Students will be expected to complete sculptures in various media. Understanding the history and integrity of the material is emphasized as students create their work. Realism, abstraction, and symbolism are explored as ways of translating ideas into sculptural form. Reading and written work, presentations, discussions, field trips, and critiques integrate the work of other sculptors with the students’ studio work. Prerequisite: none.

Studio Art Intensive

.5 Credit
The Studio Art Intensive is an advanced art course designed for highly motivated and independent art students to explore their creative voice and artistic concepts deeply through various approaches and media. The course will explore the intersection between idea and meaning, concept, context and form. Throughout this course, students will engage in studio-based projects encouraging experimentation with diverse artistic forms, materials, and techniques. From traditional mediums such as painting, drawing, and sculpture to contemporary and multimedia approaches, participants can push the boundaries of their artistic expression and build a cohesive body of work. In addition to independently designed projects, students will be introduced to historical and contemporary artists. Emphasis will be placed on critical analysis as students study and evaluate the work of other artists, learning to contextualize their practice within broader artistic traditions. Students will maintain a process journal, providing a space for thoughtful exploration, experimentation, and self-discovery. Process and critical investigation will be as important as the final works created. A component of this class is the continuous communication and collaboration with others in the class, regardless of medium. This course will allow Juniors and Seniors to work on their portfolio pieces.
Prerequisite: At least 1 intro art course and permission of the instructor.

World Dance

.5 credit
This course will serve as an exploration of dance as an art form, by critically examining its influences from various parts of the world. World Dance is designed to provide students with an appreciation of dance by exploring various forms of world dance and cultures, associated with those forms. Students will engage in observing dance in live and video formats, performing selected styles of dance, critically reading and writing about dance, discussing dance as an art form, and exploring dance as a cultural reflection. Students will be able to articulate a synthesized understanding of culture, history, and physical movement trends that are common to each. Throughout the class students develop a terminology to discuss and critique, and each segment of the class culminates in a final creative project.

World Music

.5 credit - Winter
This course offers an introduction to music literature, theory, performance, and composition. Music from various cultures and historical periods is examined to increase student awareness of musical languages and practices. This will include African Drumming, Kalimba and Gamelan, Western Classical music and Jazz. We will explore texture, musical form, simple melody and harmony manipulation. Students will receive instruction on musical instruments and also compose original compositions. No previous experience in music is required.