Visual and Performing Arts

Art

Art Survey

Open to all students, this is a hands-on art history course. Students learn about different periods of art through integrating hands-on and traditional teaching methods). Special unit on Maine Artists (.5 credit)

Studio Foundations I

No prior art experience needed. Developing Visual Language Studio practices in 2D and 3D methods with connections to Art and Historical contexts. (.5 credit)

Studio Foundations II

Mastering Visual Language. More in-depth practices of 2D and concept development and media use. Portfolio development for college available. (.5 credit)

Prerequisite: Studio Foundations I

Introduction to Sculpture

The course works to understand 2D and 3D visual language, as well as develop motor skills with building. Sculpture combines physical and mental concept development. (.5 credit)

Prerequisite: Studio Foundations I

Ceramics I

Exploring fundamentals of clay through hand building, throwing on the wheel, and concept development. This is a physically demanding class. Preference is given to juniors and seniors. Maximum enrollment of 6 per class. (.5 credit)

Prerequisite: Studio Foundations I

Painting I

Course will cover color theory understanding color functions in works of art. We will explore watercolor, acrylic and oil paint in studio and outside in landscape. Class will be supplemented by a museum visit to Colby in March. Offered in Spring semester only.

Prerequisite: Studio Foundations I

Drama

Technical Theatre I

This course provides students with a hands-on approach to stagecraft. Students will build sets, learn scenic painting techniques, and create properties, costumes and makeup designs for MCI Drama productions. Students will also serve as the run crew for MCI Drama productions and will learn stage management techniques, as well as lighting and sound design and operation. (1 credit)

Technical Theatre II

This course provides students with a hands-on approach to stagecraft. Students will build sets, learn scenic painting techniques, and create properties, costumes and makeup designs for MCI Drama productions. Students will also serve as the run crew for MCI Drama productions and will learn stage management techniques, as well as lighting and sound design and operation. (1 credit)

Prerequisite: Technical Theatre I

Stage and TV Makeup I

What is makeup? When was it first used and for what reason? How has makeup evolved through history? This hands-on semester long course will cover the basic techniques of theatrical makeup by exploring makeup materials, color and light, and modeling techniques in the development of makeup designs for youth, middle and old age, historical persons, stylized faces, clowns, animals, and fantasy makeup. Through practical application on themselves, students will demonstrate skills and techniques of the various materials presented in the course, build resources and be able to complete character analysis for makeup design and technique. (.5 credit)

Stage and TV Makeup II

Building on the techniques and skills learned in Stage and TV Makeup 1, students will further their skills in the use and application of make up for performance settings. (.5 credit)

Prerequisite: Stage and TV Makeup I

Social Theater

Social Theatre Class is an interactive exploration of local and global issues affecting today’s high school students: bullying, cyber bullying, acceptance, risk-taking, school violence and discrimination. Student will build community, heal divisions and shatter stereotypes through class discussions, guest speakers, videos and selected play readings. (.5 credit)

Improv and Storytelling

This is a semester long, activity-oriented course designed to introduce students to the history of masks and masking, the art of clowning, puppetry, pantomime and improvisation. Students will create familiar and original folk, fairy tales, myths or improvisations that will be performed for local elementary and middle schools. This is a performance-based course. (.5 credit)

Introduction to Costume Design

This is a beginning course and workshop designed for students who are interested in learning the requirements, process and expectations for costume design. Using various techniques, students will develop designs and costumes through a process of character analysis, script analysis, research, budgeting and director’s vision. Period research, design, and rendering skills will be fostered through practical exercises. Instruction will include: basic costume construction, including drafting and draping, how to use a straight stitch and serger machine. Other techniques offered will be dyeing, fabric selection, draping, flat pattern drafting, pattern manipulation, adaptation, fitting, and alteration. (.5 credit)

Play Production

Play production class is for the student who has a sincere interest in continuing to grow as a theatre artist. This class will incorporate technical production work, acting, and all aspects of a theatrical performance. Students must seek permission from the course instructor for permission to take this course.(.5 credit)

Prerequisite: Technical Theatre, Stage and TV Makeup, or Festival Theatre Ensemble.

Getting Down with Shakespeare

This course is an interdisciplinary course utilizing both English and dramatic arts to explore the cultural relevance of Shakespearean drama. This class will be co-taught by humanities and performing arts faculty members. (.5 credit)

Festival Theatre Ensemble

An honors level course which advances all theatre techniques learned in previous coursework (audition process/set design/acting/play production). Participants will take part in the MPA Drama Festival. Individual pieces will also be prepared for college auditions. Students must audition for placement in this course. (.5 credit)

Music

Concert Band

Students are expected to have had some instruction on a wind or a percussion instrument to be enrolled in Concert Band.

Students enrolled in Concert Band will have an opportunity to explore music on their chosen wind or percussion instrument and further develop music performance practices. Students will perform music in a variety of styles and settings ranging from serious Wind Ensemble literature at concerts, to popular music for home football and basketball games. Performances are given in the community as well as outside of the community. Extended trips are planned once every four years to areas such as New York City or Virginia. (1 credit)

Concert Choir

Open to all students. Students enrolled in Concert Choir will perform music from a wide range of styles. An emphasis is placed on balancing traditional choral music with contemporary choral literature. Fundamental principles of singing are taught and each student is encouraged to develop confidence in his or her singing voice. Three to four performances are given each year. The Concert Choir also travels once every four years along with the Concert Band. (1 credit)

Instrumental Jazz Ensemble

Students must audition for placement in this course. This performing group has several performances in the community each year as well as performances at in-state and out-of-state jazz festivals. Students are encouraged to explore improvisation. Along with class time there are practices scheduled once a week after school. Students must be enrolled in Concert Band to be eligible for Instrumental Jazz. (1 credit)

Vocal Jazz Ensemble

Students must audition for placement in this course. This group is made up of 12-16 vocalists and a rhythm section. The ensemble performs locally and at jazz festivals around the state and New England. Along with class time there are practices scheduled once a week after school. Students must be enrolled in Concert Choir to be eligible for Vocal Jazz. (1 credit)

Guitar

This course is designed to introduce beginning students to the guitar as well as develop growth for students that already have some experience with the guitar. The Hal Leonard Guitar Method Books 1, 2, 3 will be the primary resource for the class but additional materials will be utilized such as; popular songs, folk songs, and lead sheets. Students will learn to play melodies and chords and how to read music notation. They will also study basic music theory and basic songwriting skills.

Instruction is both group and individual. Students will present a recital of their work at the end of the semester. Students may sign up for successive years of this course; however, they must have approval from the instructor in order to sign up for the course after the first year. (.5 credit)

Rock Music in Society (formerly Music in Society)

Classroom Based: For any student interested in learning about the connections between Rock and Roll and American Society from mid 1900’s-today. (.5 credit)

Digital Music Production I 

Designed for anyone interested in producing music on his or her computer, regardless of style, this course provides an overview of the wide range of tools available to the modern electronic musician. Through hands-on exercises and projects, you’ll experience the process of producing a piece of music with your computer, from developing the original musical idea through distributing a final mix. This course will teach you not only how to design and configure an electronic music studio that supports your creative goals, but also how to understand and utilize the most popular tools and techniques employed by electronic musicians. You’ll learn how to set up audio interfaces, microphones, MIDI sequencers, synthesizers, drum machines, and more to effectively create and produce your music ideas. (.5 credit)

Ballet

Members of the Bossov Ballet Theatre, MCI’s resident ballet company, teach ballet. The theatre is both a performing company and international ballet school. In addition to classes offered during the day for academic credit, students may train after school.

Bossov Ballet Theatre

Students enrolled in ballet study, practice and perform classical ballet at a pre-professional level. Ballet students may earn one credit in physical education upon successful completion of two semesters of ballet. (1 credit per year; max 2 credits)

Prerequisite: Audition with Bossov Ballet Theatre