Academics

What Arts Should Be

The Drew Arts Program develops the creativity, talent and technique of our students with an authentic and engaging combination of hands-on studio time, theory, analysis, and critique. Extensive and diverse offerings span all skill levels, as we aim to address the needs of both beginners and advanced students.You will integrate theory and practice in each discipline as you utilize Drew’s dynamic environment to experiment, collaborate and, ultimately, grow in your craft. By practicing making art, you will achieve mastery while developing your individual voice. Drew prepares you to apply the creative process to the arts and beyond. You will make use of Drew’s dedicated studios for both visual and performing arts through traditional and digital media. You will also integrate the city as an extended lab for museum trips, artist visits, and working on location.

Performing Arts

The materials we use in Performing Arts classes are an intentional departure from more traditional scholastic models which draw mainly from the Western Classical canon because we believe that this fosters an inclusive environment in which everyone’s story is valued, and we want students to know the source stories of the popular forms they gravitate to on their own. Course work is focused on building skills in creativity and collaboration through practice and performance.

Performing Arts Curriculum

List of 12 items.

  • Broadcast Media

    This collaborative, hands-on course where students learn and hone broadcast media skills in the context of a full-time class. Video is central to 21st century communication culture, and this is an opportunity to develop student voice and express individual points of view in the farthest-reaching medium. The various roles students will learn include: writer, producer, director, anchor, cameraperson, sound engineer, editor, lighting design, and hair/make-up work. The students’ video-based work will generally be short-form pieces in a variety of genres including newscasts, documentaries, interviews, think pieces, investigative work, and humor; podcasting is a possibility as well. A significant portion of the content will center around the Drew Community, and will seek out interdisciplinary collaborations with classes that meet during the same period, as well as clubs and other groups.

  • Theater Ensemble 1

    Theater Ensemble 1 is a hands-on experience in the art of live theater, introducing and exploring theater from page to stage. The focus is on learning to be seen, heard, understood, and believed. You will develop the confidence to tell your own story and the empathy to appreciate different perspectives. Course work includes in-class journaling, analyzing text and character, rehearsing scenes and monologues, playing improv games, and exploring verbal and non verbal modes of communication while building skills in creativity and collaboration. You will attend live performances in venues on and off the Drew campus, expanding your cultural literacy and acquiring a theater vocabulary. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the rehearsal process, engaging in self-evaluation through writing and discussion at the end of each unit. This course also examines the roles of various theatre artists: actors, directors, technicians, designers, and playwrights.

  • Theater Ensemble 2/3

    In Theater Ensemble 2/3, you will continue to explore the art of transformational performance and assume more responsibility for the creative process. This course is designed to expand your awareness of the actor's creative and expressive abilities, specifically in developing fluency with character development, self-awareness, and communication skills.

    Self-discipline is emphasized, and voice and movement techniques are more exacting, including the introduction of dialect work, masks, and Shakespeare's verse. Class work concentrates on expansive text analysis, rehearsal, and performance. The rehearsal process underscores the ability to listen with a willingness to change and to practice empathy. Leadership is highlighted as you take on the management of daily vocal and physical warm-ups.

    You are encouraged to support the growth of the ensemble as you collaborate on a variety of performance pieces - scripted, non-scripted, and original scenes and monologues. There is a continued focus on in-class journaling, discussion, and attending theatrical performances in order to enhance the experience of the ensemble.

  • Theater Ensemble Honors

    Theater Ensemble Honors is designed to prepare the serious student for life in the theater beyond high school. Participating in a progression of creative projects, an Honors student is challenged to work as an actor, artistic director, designer, technician, stage manager, and teacher. You are expected to take control of the entire production process as a master collaborator - from research and selection of material, to casting, rehearsing, design, and production. You are also asked to explore the ways in which theater can be used to affect social/cultural change or bring a community together through a shared experience.

    You must also engage in critical reflection about the process once it is over. As an Honors level student, you will also teach theater etiquette to your peers, and lead improvisations, exercises, and class discussions.

  • Theater Production 1

    This is a hands-on course designed to foster understanding and appreciation of the theatrical production process by providing students with a foundation of basic stagecraft. You will be introduced to the skills and equipment needed to take a theatrical event from a conceptual design through mounting a production. Emphasis will be placed on learning about the stage and its equipment, materials and construction of scenic, prop, and costume elements, lighting, sound, and design.

    Exploring these design and production elements, you will be provided the opportunity and framework to become well-rounded theater technicians. You will apply and hone your skills by working on the technical aspects of Drew’s productions in the performing arts department as you design and construct sets, costumes, and props; hang lights, create special effects, and learn the skills needed for sound design and production. You will also reflect on design elements found in theatrical productions with design analysis and critique. Crewing productions at least once each semester is a requirement of this class.

  • Theater Production 2

    Theater Production 2 is designed specifically for students focused on preparing for higher education and life-long learning in the arts. This course advances and refines the stagecraft techniques introduced in Theater Production 1 as you further your foundation of both soft and hard skills in the practical application of stagecraft for Drew’s Performing Arts Department’s production needs. In Theater Production 2, you will also assist in supervising new students with overseeing their basic safety skills, critical thinking in design, and troubleshooting issues related to production. At this level, you will actively monitor new students in adhering to the protocols and safety standards on the grid, in the booth, and on the stage. You will also work in leadership roles as crew leads on a service oriented team that will produce and document performing arts department productions.

    Additionally, you will be encouraged to specialize in a focus area of your choosing: lighting design, stage management, costume design, sound/special effects design, scenic design, or prop design. Crewing productions at least once each semester is a requirement of this class.

  • Instrumental or Vocal Ensemble 1

    Arrange and perform advanced literature from a variety of idioms from classical to contemporary. Working in a project-based, collaborative environment, you will practice choosing, arranging and preparing musical selections for performance and recording in the context of a small ensemble setting. Learn the rituals of rehearsal designed to increase your musical fluency and musicianship/technical ability. Develop your reading skills and deepen your awareness of how scales, chords and keys articulate the diatonic system which functions across boundaries of musical style and genre. Learn how to improvise an accompaniment or melody applying your knowledge of idiomatically appropriate musical ideas. Experiment, grow, and challenge yourself as you begin to develop your voice in an ensemble.

  • Instrumental or Vocal Ensemble 2/3

    In years two and three, you will continue to develop your technical and musical skills as you begin to take on a leadership role in the ensemble. You will take more responsibility for the trajectory of the group over the course of each iteration of the preparation/performance process, making decisions about arrangements and approaches and the overall sound of the group. You will learn how to transcribe and arrange music to present to the ensemble in lead-sheet or score notation. Dive deeper into the history and context of music that is both new and familiar to you as you continue to widen your perspective and develop your musical voice.

  • Instrumental or Vocal Ensemble Honors

    Students who have demonstrated the desire and commitment to work at a high level in an ensemble are invited to take Honors Ensemble. In this class, you will take even greater responsibility for planning and executing the trajectory of the group over the course of the year. Honors students will be expected to work outside of class on personal assignments to include recordings, transcriptions and research projects. You will also be encouraged to participate in local and regional solo/small ensemble or honor band ensembles and events, as well as performing regularly for the school community. This course will be of particular interest to students who may be considering continuing their music studies beyond high school.

  • Music Production 1

    Learn how to record and edit sounds from different sources using a variety of microphones and audio equipment. In this class, students are introduced to the concept of transformation, where sounds can be manipulated using the basic five editing techniques to create rhythmic and melodic patterns. Practice layering, looping, chopping and arranging using a professional DAW, and begin to create examples of musical form which can be developed and varied to make more complete musical experiences.

  • Music Production 2

    Develop more complex and polished compositions using acoustic and electronic sources and work in a variety of environments as you further develop microphone techniques, sampling, editing, mixing and mastering. Focus on uncovering your own personal workflow, create and curate your personal sound libraries and sample banks. Apply your compositional skills to a variety of challenges including soundtracking, mashups, remixes, and covers.

    At level 2, students have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers, work with different DAWs and experiment with tracking and mixing live sessions on the 48-track console. In this course you will work towards completion of a diverse portfolio, which will include your own compositions as well as your analysis of other works.

  • AP Music Theory

    Deepen your awareness of harmonic, rhythmic, and textural elements in composing music of diverse styles and genres. You will cover much of the AP Music curriculum in a project-based format, exploring voice-leading, chord progressions, harmonizing melodies and bass lines, and arranging music for different musical instruments.

    A capstone project gives you an opportunity to hear your work performed by a professional ensemble, and thus complete the cycle of creating written music for performance, from inspiration to completion, hearing and assessing the results, giving and receiving feedback, and, ultimately, progressing towards mastery of your own musical voice.


    

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts Department at Drew invites students to have authentic and engaging experiences in our studio spaces. Each course, through a wide range of traditional and digital approaches, is designed to help you build your skills, explore your own ideas and observations of the world, and help you understand how to express your point of view visually. We value the creative process of brainstorming, iterating, and gath-ering feedback for revision as a method that you can apply to the arts and beyond. You will also integrate the city as an extended lab that offers locations for creative projects and exposure to museums and outside artists. Art is ultimately about communication and each course will invite you to make those steps toward developing a personal voice.

Visual Arts Curriculum

List of 16 items.

  • Drawing & Design 1 & 2

    Drawing & Design 1
    What skills help prepare you for success in the visual arts? In this class, you will explore the building blocks of observation and design by working with a range of materials, including pencil, acrylic, and watercolor. The main areas of study will include drawing from observation, painting, and designing works that express your own interests and point of view. Daily focus will be on developing individual projects, building studio skills, expanding artistic choices, and practicing the creative process. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events and school exhibits.

    Drawing & Design 2
    What do artists and designers do? How are the objects, products, and experiences in our world created? In this course, you will learn how designers and artists observe, research, solve problems, experiment, and communicate—then apply these skills to your own unique artworks and designs. Units may include charcoal, oil pastel, poster design, interior design, architectural drawing, figure drawing, and more. In each unit, you will develop project ideas through research, experimentation, sketching, and designing before executing your final piece. Field trips will provide opportunities to view artwork and meet artists and designers. After completing a variety of units in different mediums, you will design and execute your own final project. The course culminates in two gallery walk events and school exhibits.

    Prerequisite: One year of Visual or Performing Arts

  • Drawing & Design - Portfolio Development

    How do artists develop a body of work that expresses their personal ideas and style? How do artists prepare for projects such as gallery exhibits, publishing, and applications? In Drawing & Design - Portfolio Development, you will delve deeper into drawing and design in order to create a capstone body of work. Emphasis is placed on using studio skills, aesthetic choices, and experimentation to create more complex visual statements, a cohesive vision, and intentional messaging. Class time will be focused on building your portfolio, honing skills, and gathering feedback through critique. We will also look at samples of historic and international works in order to build your own toolbox of ideas. You will also be invited to engage with exhibits, contests, and visiting artists in order to learn more about art in the world. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, school exhibits, and a completed portfolio.

    Prerequisite: Completion of a level 2 visual art course or Advanced Studio, and teacher approval

  • Movie Making 1

    Do you want to make movies? How do artistic choices create atmosphere and tell a story? Drew is unique in offering a film program that invites students to write, direct, and edit their own short movies. Explore a variety of styles and genres, including horror, science-fiction, comedy, stop-motion, documentary, and poetic art films. Our daily focus will be on collaboration, experimentation, advancing projects, and practicing skills used by professionals: cinematography, screenwriting, editing, and sound design. We will also look at samples of historic and international movies in order to expand your toolbox of ideas as you develop a personal style. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events and community screenings.

    Prerequisite: One year of Visual or Performing Arts

  • Movie Making 2

    The advanced movie class will deepen your skills in screenwriting, cinematography, editing, and sound design in order to make more complex films. You will create a number of movies each semester to practice visual storytelling and to develop a personal style. Self-designed projects can draw from many genres, such as horror, science-fiction, comedy, stop-motion, documentary, poetic art films, among others. Class time will focus on experimentation, collaboration, advancing projects, and practicing the creative process. We will also look at samples of historic and international movies in order to expand your repertoire. You will be invited to engage with film festivals and contests in order to learn more about the larger film community. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events and community screenings.
     
    Prerequisite: Digital Filmmaking 1 

  • Movie Making - Portfolio Development

    In this portfolio-level course, you will delve deeper into making movies in order to create a capstone body of work. Emphasis is placed on using studio skills, artistic choices, and experimentation to create complex works with a cohesive, personal vision. Class time will focus on collaboration, building your portfolio, and looking at how professional filmmakers and screenwriters submit works to film festivals, contests, and college programs. We will also look at samples of historic and international movies in order to expand your toolbox of ideas. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, screenings, and a completed portfolio.

    Prerequisite: Completion of Digital Filmmaking 2 and teacher approval

  • Painting 1 & 2

    Painting 1
    Why has painting endured throughout human history, even as new digital media have emerged? Experience the meditative aspects of painting while balancing creativity with critical thinking skills. Painting allows for multiple levels of self-expression, from abstraction and gesture to detailed rendering of chosen subjects. In this course, you will learn how painters observe, research, use color, select appropriate media, solve problems, experiment, and communicate, applying these skills to create your own unique paintings. Units may include landscape, organic shapes, figure painting, portraits, still life, watercolor, acrylic painting, illustration, and more. You will develop ideas through research, experimentation, and planning before executing your designs. Critiques and field trips will deepen your understanding of this wide-ranging medium. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events and school exhibits.

    Prerequisite: One year of Visual or Performing Arts

    Painting 2
    Expand upon your painting foundation while enhancing your creative and critical thinking skills. You will create a cohesive body of work and learn how to sustain a creative practice through experimentation, idea development, and the critique process. Using the inspiration, design, creation, and reflection cycle, you will refine your skills, interests, and artistic voice. You will write and revise an artist statement, conduct research, explore exhibition venues, and present your work to audiences both inside and outside the classroom. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events and school exhibits.

    Prerequisite: Painting 1

  • Painting - Portfolio Development

    How do artists develop a body of work that expresses their personal ideas and style? How do artists prepare for projects like gallery exhibits, publishing, and applications? In Painting - Portfolio Development you will delve deeper into your own painting process in order to create a capstone portfolio. Class time will be focused on building your skills, developing your ideas, gathering feedback, and creating a portfolio of your work. We will look at the work of professional artists, experiment with techniques and processes, and discuss the work of your peers. You will also be invited to engage with exhibits, contests, and visiting artists in order to learn more about art in the world. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, school exhibits, and a completed portfolio.

    Prerequisite: Completion of a level 2 visual art course or Advanced Studio, and teacher approval

  • Photography 1 & 2

    Photography 1
    How do professional photographers communicate ideas and emotions through images? How do artistic choices create atmosphere and tell a story? In this class, you will learn the skills used to create poetic imagery across a wide range of styles. Foundation assignments will include the building blocks of camera, composition, and editing, while a number of self-designed projects throughout the year will help you practice the creative process in order to create cohesive portfolios and books. Our daily steps will focus on experimentation, advancing projects and gathering feedback. We will also look at samples of historic and international works in order to expand your own toolbox of techniques and ideas. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, self-designed portfolio books, and school exhibits. 

    Prerequisite: One year of Visual or Performing Arts

    Photography 2
    How do photographers build on their foundation and communicate personal vision? In this course, you will expand your visual literacy by exploring a wider range of advanced styles and techniques. Foundation assignments will include topics such as abstraction, lighting, collage, environmental portraits, and multi-frame images, while self-designed projects throughout the year will help hone your creative process in order to experiment and explore new styles. We will also look at samples of historic and international works in order to build your own toolbox of ideas as you develop your own voice as a photographer. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, self-designed books, and school exhibits.

    Prerequisite: Photography 1

  • Photography - Portfolio Development

    In this portfolio-level course, you will delve deeper into the art of photography in order to create a capstone body of work. Emphasis is placed on using studio skills, artistic choices, and experimentation to create complex works with a cohesive, personal vision. Class time will focus on building your portfolio, practicing the creative process, and looking at how professional photographers prepare work for exhibits, publishing, contests, and college programs. We will also look at samples of historic and international works in order to expand your toolbox of ideas. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, self-designed books, school exhibits, and a completed portfolio.

    Prerequisite: Photography 2 and teacher approval

  • Printmaking 1 & 2

    Printmaking 1
    How are prints created, and why? Prints are images made in multiples and when you make multiples of an image, it frees you to take risks and reiterate. You will explore a variety of media and techniques including linoleum, woodblock, transfers, and screen printing and learn how to pull editions and create a body of work using a press, screens, and hand printing. You will carve, use photographic techniques, paint, experiment with color, and print on paper, canvas, and fabric. Weekly sketchbook assignments will serve as an image bank to create your prints. You will explore and play with mixed media including transfer, collage, and mono-printing. 

    Critiques, visiting artists, and field trips will deepen your understanding and build community. Projects culminate in creating your own portfolio, two gallery walk events, and school exhibits. 

    Prerequisite: One year of Visual or Performing Arts

    Printmaking 2
    Build on your printmaking foundations and further your technical skills as you add complexity to your printmaking projects, including mixed media and large scale prints. Experimentation and risk are encouraged as you develop technical mastery and independent problem solving. You will deepen your voice through more independent, artistic investigations around thematic topics including nature, technology, identity, and place.

    Critiques, visiting artists, and field trips will deepen and broaden understanding. You will develop a body of work through a concentration project of your own design using your preferred printmaking techniques. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, and school exhibits.

    Prerequisite: Printmaking 1

  • Printmaking - Portfolio Development

    How do artists develop a body of work that expresses their personal ideas and style? How do artists prepare for projects like gallery exhibits, publishing, and applications? In this portfolio development class, you will delve deeper into printmaking in order to create a capstone portfolio. Emphasis is placed on using studio skills, aesthetic choices, and experimentation to create more complex visual statements, a cohesive vision and concept development, and intentional messaging. Class time will be focused on building your portfolio, honing skills, and gathering feedback through critique. We will also look at samples of historic and international works every week in order to build your own toolbox of ideas. You will also be invited to engage with exhibits, contests, and visiting artists in order to learn more about art in the world. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, school exhibits, and a completed portfolio.

    Prerequisite: Completion of a level 2 visual art course or Advanced Studio, and teacher approval

  • Sculpture 1 & 2

    Sculpture 1
    How do sculptors work with physical materials to create cohesive pieces? What are the key elements of three-dimensional design? In this course, you will explore a range of media, including wood, miniatures, textiles, wire, paper pulp, cardboard, plaster, installation, and found objects. You will learn how sculptors observe, research, solve problems, experiment, and communicate, then apply these skills to your own unique sculptures and designs. Field trips will include visits to museums and galleries, as well as excursions to gather materials. Projects culminate in a portfolio, two gallery walk events, and school exhibits.

    Prerequisite: One year of Visual or Performing Arts
    Note: This course is not available to 9th-grade students.

    Sculpture 2
    Build upon your sculpture foundation while refining your creative and critical thinking skills. You will create a cohesive body of work and sustain a creative practice through experimentation, idea development, and the critique process. Using the inspiration, design, creation, and reflection cycle, you will strengthen your skills, interests, and artistic voice. Students will write and revise an artist statement, conduct research, explore exhibition venues, and present their work to audiences both inside and outside the classroom. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events and school exhibits.

    Prerequisite: Sculpture 1

  • Sculpture - Portfolio Development

    How do artists develop a body of work that expresses their personal ideas and style? How do artists prepare for projects like gallery exhibits, publishing, and applications? In Sculpture - Portfolio Development you will delve deeper into your own art making process in order to create a capstone portfolio of sculptures. Class time will be focused on building your skills, developing your ideas, gathering feedback, and creating a portfolio of your work. We will look at the work of professional artists, experiment with techniques and processes, and discuss the work of your peers. You will also be invited to engage with exhibits, contests, and visiting artists in order to learn more about art in the world. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, school exhibits, and a completed portfolio.

    Prerequisite: Completion of a level 2 visual art course or Advanced Studio, and teacher approval

  • Sewing and Textiles 1

    In this course, you will explore and practice sewing and textile arts techniques, applying your skills to create unique garments and bags. This course covers a variety of sewing machine skills, including stitch selection, pattern cutting and marking, basic construction techniques, and seam finishes. You will learn about different types of textiles, focusing primarily on woven fabrics. The course also introduces textile arts such as embroidery (both machine and hand), fiber-reactive dyeing, fabric painting and printing, and fabric piecing. Additionally, you will delve into garment and accessory construction.
    Throughout the course, you will analyze designs by various designers, examine the impact of contemporary fashion on body image and beauty standards, and study the economic and environmental consequences of fast fashion. Projects culminate in a portfolio, two gallery walk events, and school exhibits.

    Prerequisite: One year of Visual or Performing Arts
    Note: This course is not available to 9th-grade students.

  • Advanced Studio Art

    How do you make a project your own, find your voice, and show your unique perspective? You will hone these skills through individual and group critique that focuses on technique and concept development through studio practice, and by developing more advanced rendering skills. You will deepen your own point of view through related class and homework assignments to develop a cohesive body of work. Projects include self-portrait as a playing card, zoo poster, mythological hybrid animal, observational drawing of glass and metal, and political posters of social justice issues. You will design a concentration project at the end of the second semester. Critiques, participating in art contests, visiting artists, and field trips will build community and foster investigation. Projects culminate in portfolio presentation, two gallery walk events, school exhibits, and portfolio development. 

    Prerequisite: Two years of Visual or Performing Arts and teacher approval.

  • Advanced Studio Art - Portfolio Development

    How do artists develop a body of work that expresses their personal ideas and style? How do artists prepare for projects like gallery exhibits, publishing, and applications? In this portfolio development, you will delve deeper into your chosen medium in order to create a capstone portfolio. Emphasis is placed on using studio skills, aesthetic choices, and experimentation to create more complex visual statements, a cohesive vision and concept development, and intentional messaging. Class time will be focused on building your portfolio, honing skills, and gathering feedback through critique. We will also look at samples of historic and international works every week in order to build your own toolbox of ideas. You will also be invited to engage with exhibits, contests, and visiting artists in order to learn more about art in the world. Projects culminate in two gallery walk events, school exhibits, and a completed portfolio.

    Prerequisite: Completion of a level 2 visual art course or Advanced Studio, and teacher approval


    

List of 8 members.

  • Photo of Alexandra Blum

    Alexandra Blum 

    Visual Arts Faculty
    415.409.3739 x3781
  • Photo of Lara Greene

    Ms Lara Greene 

    Performing Arts Faculty
    415.409.3739 x3780
  • Photo of Lorca Hart

    Mr. Lorca Hart 

    Performing Arts Faculty
    415.409.3739 x3767
  • Photo of Amelia Stewart

    Ms. Amelia Stewart 

    Arts Department Chair
    415.409.3739 x3776
  • Photo of Jason Whiton

    Jason Whiton 

    Visual Arts Faculty
    415.409.3739 x3785
  • Photo of Joshua McDermott

    Joshua McDermott 

    Performing Arts Faculty
    415.409.3739 x3766
  • Photo of Josh Brumley

    Josh Brumley 

    Performing Arts Faculty
    415.409.3739 x3758
  • Photo of Willow Hagge

    Mx. Willow Hagge 

    Visual Arts Faculty
    415.409.3739 x3783

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