Advanced Dance is a performance oriented class which will include full warm-ups, standing and floor, x floors, and lengthy combo's with emphasis on technique and stage work. Prior dance training is required.

The Advanced Photography class extends the study of photography to include professional grade film and digital cameras. Emphasis is placed on using the highest quality materials, advanced techniques, and self-defined projects. Advanced Photography students are provided with additional opportunities to exhibit their work. Students regularly read, write and discuss ideas related to art and photography. The history component of the advanced class focuses on modern and contemporary photographers.

Advanced Art intends for the student to develop their own interests in the Visual Arts: painting, drawing, installation. digital media, sculpture, fashion, graphic design, independent processes. etc. Assignments will direct the student to the materials and media of their choice. The students will develop a portfolio. Research is a component outlined by UC requirements. This class is for students who are willing to work beyond class studio times either individually or collaboratively. Students from Advanced Art are prepared to take the AP Studio Art class after Advanced Art.
In the studio class stimuli will be presented in ideas and visual images. Students are encouraged to show the class the latest YouTube or other media they are excited about. Students will learn how to experiment and sustain their own processes.

Techniques are demonstrated and projects are assigned. The studio offers a multiuse physical space and a range of materials available.

The creative process in the studio chooses experimentation over perfection, sustaining working and risk taking while developing technical mastery and personal meaning in the image.

The class period might start with a discussion and presentation or that students get their materials out of their flat file drawers and work individually.

The engagement and level of mastery of these activities will be specific to each class. The students will have major input into the direction each class takes.

In this class the students will develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. The members of the class will be required to read, notate, compose, perform, and listen to music. We will study musical literature from the medieval period to the present, with an emphasis on common-practice tonality.

AP Studio can specialize in 2-D Design/ or Drawing.The 2-D Design Portfolio can be photography/ graphic design/fashion design/architecture/ or any design or digitally manipulated image or media. The Drawing Portfolio cannot include an digitally manipulated process and is rigorous in the skills required. 3-D Design can be offered with advance notice.
In AP Art students create a portfolio that is submitted to the AP Board with three specific components: Breadth (12 images that show diversity of mastery of techniques), Concentration (12 images that forms a thesis) and Originals (5 actual works). In the process of compiling these images students will express what interests them and find the portfolio can be fufilling and personal. Students will define both the subject matter and the media of their choice. The class has figure drawing sessions, reading, outside of class studio requirements, museum and studio visits. Students should be able to spend about 5 hours a week outside of class time.

This is an introduction to the three tenets of Studio Art: 1. use and experimentation of materials, 2. experimenting with processes and techniques, 3 developing and expressing ideas. The class will consist working during class time, working collaboratively in and out of class and going on field trips. Students will keep a journal which can be digital during each semester.
In the studio class stimuli will be presented in ideas and visual images. Students are encouraged to show the class the latest You Tube or other media they are excited about. Students will learn how to experiment and sustain their own processes.

Techniques are demonstrated and projects are assigned. The studio offers a multiuse physical space and a range of materials available.

The creative process in the studio chooses experimentation over perfection, sustaining working and risk taking while developing technical mastery and personal meaning in the image.

The class period might start with a discussion and presentation or that students get their materials out of their flat file drawers and work individually.

Beginning Dance incorporates learning basic dance steps, full technique work, understanding the anatomy behind the movements and dance combination's using the steps learned in class. This class is very helpful not only for the aspiring dancer, but for athletes looking for more core and balanced work.

Beginning Drama endeavors to teach students the basic skills for success in monologues, scenes and theatrical performance. Additionally, as time permits, the class includes units of instruction on playwrighting, directing, theatrical make-up, stage combat, dramatic literature, technical theatre and improvisation.

This is an introductory, how-to, project-oriented class that covers the fundamentals of film and digital photography.

Helpful documents for Drama Classroom assignments and information about the Menlo Plays can be found by clicking on this category.

Freshman Rotation Drama is a survey course that is part of the Freshman Rotation in the Creative Arts. Designed to give students an introduction to the longer year-long Drama courses available in the Upper School, the class focuses on Improvisation Technique and Scene Work. The work culminates in a Creative Arts Performance at the end of the survey, on campus in Florence Moore Theatre. Members of the Menlo Community are encouraged to attend.

This course is part of the Freshman Rotation and endeavors to act as a reminder and reinforcement of precepts and practices for excellent speechmaking in the context of formal public presentation. In a three to four week rotation, we will practice impromtu speech making, toasting & introduction, and writing two speeches for classroom presentation. Students are called upon to make many public presentations during the course of their Menlo affiliation and throughout their lives. This course will help them lay the groundwork for achievement of success in these endeavors.

Mixed Choir is an introductory level class designed for students who wish to learn basic note reading and singing technique. No audition is required to participate. Through the course of the year, students will learn and perform a variety of choral literature, from many styles of music. By the end of the course, students will be able to sing both accompanied and unaccompanied choral literature with attention to quality and beautiful singing. By the end of the year students will also be able to understand the concepts needed to sight sing, and will be ready to continue with more advanced concepts the following year. Students in this class perform in all major concerts throughout the year, and are encouraged to participate in the spring choral trip. Teamwork and a positive attitude are needed to be successful in this course.

Menlo Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Music program allows intermediate and advanced musicians to love music, develop skills to the highest possible standard, and have fun exploring and mastering classic orchestral repertoire. Students may participate in chamber music ensembles as well.

Select Mixed Chorus is an opportunity for more advanced singers to experience the challenge of singing college level literature of all styles. An audition is required to enroll in this course. Singers study more advanced musicianship skills and increased attention is given to the study of the history and theory of music, music of multi-cultures, and how music is relevant to our world. Music is chosen at intermediate and advanced levels, with textures from two to eight-parts. By the end of the year, students will become independent singers who can perform both accompanied and unaccompanied music at a collegiate level of performance. Students will also demonstrate the ability to sight read with competence. Students in this class participate in all major concerts throughout the year, as well as the annual choral spring tour. In addition, each student is required to contribute to the strength of the choral program by volunteering in some way, whether by fundraising, being a section leader, or being involved in leadership. A positive attitude and a sense of teamwork is required to be involved at this level of performance.

Students will continuing developing ideas from the AP Art class. They will prepare books and portfolios for college applications. Students will go off campus each week to museums and galleries and to sites of their own choosing to complete their work. Students will do independent research on contemporary issues.
In the studio class stimuli will be presented in ideas and visual images. Students are encouraged to show the class the latest You Tube or other media they are excited about. Students will learn how to experiment and sustain their own processes.

Techniques are demonstrated and projects are assigned. The studio offers a multi-use physical space and a range of materials available.

The creative process in the studio chooses experimentation over perfection, sustaining working and risk taking while developing technical mastery and personal meaning in the image.

The class period might start with a discussion and presentation or that students get their materials out of their flat file drawers and work individually.

Women's Chorus is an opportunity for more advanced singers to experience the challenge of singing treble literature of all styles in a womens group. An audition is required to enroll in this course. Singers study more advanced musicianship skills and increased attention is given to the study of the history and theory of music, music from different cultures, and how music is relevant to our world. Music is chosen at intermediate and advanced levels, with textures from two to eight-parts. By the end of the year, Lorelei (Womens Chorus) members will become independent singers who can perform both accompanied and unaccompanied music at a collegiate level of performance. Students will also demonstrate the ability to sight read with competence. Students in this class participate in all major concerts throughout the year, as well as the annual choral spring tour. In addition, each student is required to contribute to the strength of the choral program by volunteering in some way, whether by assisting with fundraising, being a section leader, or being involved in leadership. A positive attitude and a sense of teamwork is required to be involved at this level of performance.

The Upper School yearbook class is open to all students in the Upper School, grades 9-12. The students design and produce the 400-page book from scratch each year, with student editors making major decisions. Welcome new staff for 2009-2010!