Andrews Osborne Academy
Arts

Courses

Upper School Visual and Performing Arts Courses

List of 9 items.

  • Introduction to Visual Art

    Semester - 0.5 credits

    This is an entry-level studio art course in which students will build artistic skills and creative thinking through the exploration of a variety of art themes, media, and techniques. Students will learn vocabulary essential to creating and critically discussing works of visual art. Students will create a variety of artworks as they study compositional strategies, art elements, and design principles, observational drawing, and the ability to communicate through artwork. We will also focus on skill building and techniques of drawing and mark making. Individuals will also keep a sketchbook to practice implementing creative strategies and develop new ideas.

  • Technology and Design I and II

    Tech & Design I Semester - .5 credit     
     
    This is a foundation course for all Digital Arts classes. In this course students will develop skills needed to communicate visually in any media. Students will develop communication skills in graphic design, illustration, print, and digital media production using Adobe tools and Google apps. Tech and Design develop four key skill areas: Project management and collaboration, Design, Research and communication, and multimedia production.  Best practices in-studio workflow and file management are emphasized.

    Required before taking any other digital technology class 

    Tech & Design II  Semester - .5 credit    
    In this course students continue to develop visual communication skills through more challenging programs and projects. Students will use Adobe software and Audio Desk software to create mural designs, product designs in digital 3d, items to be 3d printed as well as video and animation skills. This course will challenge and expand students' digital artistry, collaboration and communication skills.

     Prerequisite: Technology and Design I

  • Ceramics I, II, and III

    Ceramics I Semester - 0.5 credit.

    Students explore clay through a variety of forming, glazing, and firing techniques. They will learn about the physical and chemical changes that occur to the clay through these processes. Concentrated instruction will be given in hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling (hand and extruded), and slab building techniques. Students will also be introduced to the potter’s wheel and the ceramic 3d printer. Students will explore and experiment with a range of approaches to surface decoration, such as the use of various glaze applications and sgraffito.

    Prerequisite: Technology and Design or Intro to Visual Art


    Ceramics II Semester - 0.5 credits

    Students explore sculpture and will create a bust of a person or animal of their choice. Students will continue to develop their skills on the wheel. They will build on techniques which they explored during Ceramics I and make projects requiring more precision. Students will work collaboratively to create an installation project, as well studying ceramics from other cultures.

    Prerequisite: Ceramics I

    Ceramics III Semester- 0.5 Credits

    Ceramics III is designed to allow students to further explore and develop a stronger body of work through ceramics in areas that interest that student whether that is wheel throwing, hand building, sculpting or ceramic three dimensional printing. Students in ceramics work collaboratively with their teacher to establish their goals, projects, and objectives to best meet their needs and interests.

    Prerequisite: Ceramics II




  • Drawing

    Semester - 0.5 credits

    This studio art course is designed to help students to build and develop their drawing skills. Students will expand upon their knowledge utilizing the art elements and design principles to create original drawings. Using media like graphite pencil, pen, charcoal pastel and colored pencil students will have a broader skill set in a drawing. We will reference life objects to better create true to life images of objects, the figure, and architecture. Students will be drawing from observation to better express proportion, perspective, and movement. Looking at examples of past and modern art pieces will help students understand drawing as a medium. Individuals will also keep an active sketchbook to practice implementing creative strategies and develop new ideas.

    Prerequisite: Intro to Visual Art

  • Game Art

    Semester - 0.5 credit    
     
    This course focuses on the technical and aesthetic fundamentals of 3D design and the foundation of game design with an emphasis on concept, planning and creation of game prototypes. Topics include history of games from tabletop to tablet, markets, mechanics, prototyping, play testing, and analysis. Students will explore themes, genres, rules, tools, goals, and peripheral concepts of game design. This class explores the fundamentals of 2D and 3D Game Design for various platforms. Completion of this course will provide students with applied experience utilizing industry standard tools and techniques to develop Games for a broad audience. Evidence based outcomes include
    student portfolios and presentations.  

    Prerequisite: Technology and Design I

  • Painting I, II, and III

    Painting I Semester - 0.5 credit

    This course leads students on a creative journey to understand the media of painting.  Students learn color mixing, composition, and visual communication strategies with a variety of painting media including watercolor and acrylic. Each student will investigate the online collections of various art museums and galleries around the world and keep a visual idea file of works by artists that they find inspiring. Students will be experimenting with how these different mediums can be applied to different styles for their own purposes. This class will have students explore different subjects that we are most familiar with in painting such as landscapes, still life, portrait and abstraction. Individuals will also keep an active sketchbook to practice implementing creative strategies and develop new ideas

    Prerequisite: Intro to Visual Art


    Painting II Semester - 0.5 credits

    This course is designed for students to develop a deeper understanding of the media of painting. Using the same media as the classical masters, oil paint, students will further develop their skills of color mixing, composition, brushwork and artistic expression. Using this media will allow them to explore traditional painting techniques while exploring more modern imagery and concepts. Each student will create pieces inspired by their own experiences and choose subjects based on their own personal style. Students should look at online collections for work that inspires them. Individuals will also keep an active sketchbook to practice implementing creative strategies and develop new ideas.

    Prerequisite: Painting I

    Painting III Semester - 0.5 Credits

    This course is designed for students to explore their own personal style and message using the media of painting. This class focuses on the student’s artistic expression. Choosing their preferred painting media of watercolor, acrylic or oil students will create paintings with a personal connection. Each student will create pieces inspired by their own experiences and choose subjects based on their own personal style. This course is designed to help them discover that personal style and what they choose to say with their art. Students should look at online collections for work that inspires them. Individuals will also keep an active sketchbook to practice implementing creative strategies and develop new ideas.

    Prerequisite: Painting II




  • Photography I, II, and Advanced Photo

    Digital Photography I  Semester - 0.5 credit     
    This course is designed to give students an introduction to the basics of photography including composition, basic lighting, manual and automatic settings, and photo editing. Students will become familiar with the anatomy of a DSLR camera and its settings throughout the semester. This course is a great opportunity for students to begin to develop a digital art portfolio of their photography and grasp a greater understanding of the process of digital photography workflow.

    Digital Photography II    Semester - 0.5 credit     
     
    In this course students will improve their photography skills taking on challenges like lighting and portraiture. Students will also study different genres of photo careers such as photojournalism, commercial photography, portraiture, and more. Students will have the opportunity to mimic these styles with their own photos. Finally, students will add their new experiences to their portfolio.

    Prerequisite: Digital Photography I

    Advanced Digital Photography     Semester - 0.5 credit     
     
    This course is for students to further explore photography in a style of interest in more depth. Students work to polish their portfolio and develop enough work of their own to display in the school gallery. Students go through the process of presenting their work both for a gallery setting and in a digital portfolio method as well as creating their own business cards, artist statement, and art resume.

    Prerequisite: Digital Photography II

  • Sculpture

    Semester - 0.5 Credits

    This is a studio art course in which students will build artistic skills and creative thinking through the exploration of a variety of art in three dimensions. Students will learn vocabulary essential to creating and critically discussing works of visual art. Students will create a variety of artworks that are meant to be seen from multiple angles. Using art elements and design principles, creative thinking, and referencing art history and contemporary art students will create unique individual pieces. We will also focus on communicating clearly through our artistic choices and discuss how art and design impacts our daily lives and the world around us. Individuals will also keep an active sketchbook to practice implementing creative strategies and develop new ideas.

    Prerequisite: Intro to Visual Arts

  • Textiles

     Semester - 0.5 credit

    This is a course designed for students to experience the different techniques and media encompassed by textiles. This includes sewing, felting, weaving and dying. Throughout the course students will make a sample piece to learn techniques and examine examples of those techniques throughout history and different cultures. We will explore the differences between fine art and fashion. Students will make pieces that are both functional and artistically expressive. Students will need to use creativity and problem solving to complete textile challenges using a variety of media and techniques. Individuals will also keep an active sketchbook to practice implementing creative strategies and develop new ideas.

    Prerequisite: Intro to Visual Art

List of 9 items.

  • Advanced Integrated Media

    Semester - 0.5 credit    

    This is a capstone course for the technology experience. The focus will be on advanced digital media projects that span multiple forms of media. Students are required to explore advanced media projects from concept to completion. Evidence based outcomes include student portfolios and presentations.  

    Prerequisite: Technology and Design II

  • Portfolio I, II, and III

    Semester - 0.5 Credits

    This is a course designed for both students putting together a portfolio for college and for students simply wishing to create a body of work to explore a theme of their choosing for their own creative expression and discovery. Students can create a portfolio of either two-dimensional or three-dimensional work or a combination. Portfolio allows students to grow as artists through guided and independent research and exploration of different art materials and techniques. Students are required to create 2 major projects each quarter, keep an active sketchbook, and create a visual idea file by investigating various online collections of art museums and galleries worldwide. Portfolio class is tailored to the needs of each self-motivated student interested and ready to delve in deeply to a theme or style and continue building their artistic abilities. Students will be expected to work in a sketchbook on a daily basis to complete a full book by the end of the semester.

    Prerequisite: Preferably Drawing Design, Painting Design, and 2-3 electives

  • Advance Placement 2D Art Portfolio

    Full Year - 1 Credit 

    The AP Portfolio is a year-long course.  The fall semester  is spent examining a variety of mediums and approaches to making art.  The spring semester is spent compiling a Sustained Investigation portion of the AP Portfolio.  The AP Portfolio consists of two digital upload sections with a total of 20 images. Selected Works – Five Actual Works displaying excellence.  These five works are taken directly from the Sustained Investigation Section or can be any other high quality artwork created during the student’s high school experience.  They are sent in to AP College Board so that the readers are able to examine the artist’s work in person. Sustained Investigation – 15 Images submitted digitally – examination of a visual idea/concept/theme  These images should include images of processes and revisions of works in the Sustained Investigation – images showing the artist’s overall process and journey through the chosen topic is key.

    Prerequisites: Departmental recommendation and approval

  • College Level Design

    Semester - 0.5 credit

    The course description for design as listed in the LEC catalog:
    A foundation course providing a working understanding of
    basic two-dimensional design principles in black and white
    and color, with emphasis on formal elements and principles
    of art.

    Prerequisite: Portfolio

  • Acting I & II

    Acting I  Semester - 0.5 Credits 

    Acting I is an introduction to the art of acting. Acting consists of learning to control the body through movement, learning to read and interpret scripts through action words and vocal presence. The course consists of group exercises to develop physical awareness, concentration, imagination and trust. Basic physical, vocal and analytical concepts; methods; vocabulary; and discipline required of the beginning actor will also be explored. Students will develop personalized creative processes through monologues, scene work, and exercises in observational awareness.

    Acting II  Semester - 0.5 Credits     
    Acting II builds upon the skills and lessons learned in the first Acting Class. If practice makes perfect then using prior knowledge and exercises through the lens of repetition and experience should help students improve in all areas related to dramatic arts. In addition to learning through monologue and scene work, students will learn about the history of theater through readings and videos. Students will also start to understand the other elements that go into the creation of theater such as scenic design, lights, sound, music, costuming and props.

    Prerequisite: Acting I

  • Choir

    Full Year - 1 Credit

    This performance-oriented course focuses on developing higher levels of musicianship, including proper vocal technique. Through choral preparation and performance, students in the class will develop skills in vocal production, music literacy, and music theory. Three formal concerts are presented during the year. A variety of “run-out” concerts are also presented. Students explore and experience how music reflects the historical and cultural aspects of the past and present. Developing individual responsibility, collective accountability, and a lifelong appreciation of music are goals of the class. Attendance is required at all school concerts as well as choral festivals, competitions, and other performances outside of the school. Solo and ensemble contest preparation is also encouraged. Participation beyond one year is recommended for students demonstrating musical aptitude.

  • Performing Arts

    Semester - 0.5 credits

    A general overview of the components of theater will be covered in this class. Students will learn the basics of theater history, play production and performance. Students will study aspects of scene work, acting technique, and characterization. The class will work collaboratively to build an ensemble, analyze plays and characters. The specific curriculum will focus on the development of students’ understanding of theatrical performance and production and the ability to take creative risks. The class will culminate in a showcase of theatrical performances.

  • Instrumental Ensemble

    Semester - 0.5 Credits 

    Coming Soon

  • Piano I, II, and Advanced Piano

    Piano I, II, and Advanced PianoSemester - 0.5 Credits

    Private Applied Lessons is the study of keyboard, guitar or voice as it relates to all periods and genres of music. This course provides instruction both technically and musically to enable students to perform and understand music in an artistic manner. Students will have fun and establish correct musical techniques and skills.  Students will recognize, understand, and apply structural elements of music theory, finger/vocal dexterity, melody, harmony, rhythm, and form from both the standpoint of performer and listener. We will use elements such as dynamics, phrasing, and tempo. We will learn to speak the language of music through notation and music theory.

Middle School Visual and Performing Arts Courses

Middle School Arts Electives

List of 2 items.

  • Art in Context

    The Art in Context class focuses on the question of why people create artwork instead of simply how. In this course, students will flex their creative muscles as they brainstorm their own approach to artwork. Students will use the skills learned in explore classes as well as new art skills to create artwork that shows their own unique perspective. AOA’s core values of creativity, leadership, global awareness, diversity and community will be used as themes for artwork. The course culminates with an independent artistic study in the fourth quarter.

  • Instrumental Ensemble

    Middle School instrumental ensemble is an elective that is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. This class meets 1-2 times per A-F day cycle. Students meet in small groups and receive a grade in this class. The instrumental music journey continues as students build on their musicianship skills-tone, posture, breath control, and coordination of reading and performing music. There is an emphasis on goal-setting and developing listening skills as we work together in a community. Students use these skills to play more advanced music as well as create music of their own.

List of 2 items.

  • Choir

    Coming Soon

  • Dance

    Middle School Dance gives students exposure to a variety of genres including: Jazz,  Ballet, Hip-hop, and Tap. Dance courses combine fitness and the arts as students practice proper  dance technique, learn terminology, explore international dance styles, and examine current  trends in dance. Students gain the ability to create their own choreography through applying the  various techniques learned in class. 
Middle School Explorer Course

List of 1 items.

  • Visual Arts

       In 6th grade students will continue to learn how art elements and principles work together to create a piece of art. Studying line and pattern in a freeform approach makes for more advanced grid drawings and proportionate artwork. Students also begin their understanding of space through learning about 1 point perspective and atmospheric perspective. Diverse media will be explored with ceramics, painting, and digital artwork, while art history and art criticism continue to round out projects either as motivation, artists study or reflection.
     
         In 7th Grade we experiment with multiple mediums as well as diving deeper into methods of drawing. Students explore contour, blind contour and gesture drawings as well as learning and practicing two point perspective drawing skills.  Students take what they know from drawing and apply it to printmaking, ceramic and digital artwork in order to attain skills in various forms of art. Art history and art criticism are also discussed and used before and after art production to bring relevance to our practice. 
     
     In 8th Grade we will create artwork using the skills of observation and proportion. We will be focusing on the processes needed for portrait drawing.  Students will experiment and build their technique with drawing materials of  pencil and charcoal. In this class focusing on line and value will allow students to complete a skilled finished self portrait. We will learn the process of creating a lifelike drawing, starting with sketches and finishing with a quality finished drawing.

List of 1 items.

  • Performing Arts

    Middle School instrumental ensemble is an elective that is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. This class meets 1-2 times per A-F day cycle. Students meet in small groups and receive a grade in this class. The instrumental music journey continues as students build on their musicianship skills-tone, posture, breath control, and coordination of reading and performing music. There is an emphasis on goal-setting and developing listening skills as we work together in a community. Students use these skills to play more advanced music as well as create music of their own.

Lower School Visual & Performing Arts Courses

List of 2 items.

  • Visual Art

    All lower school students learn and create visual artwork in a variety of mediums. The curriculum follows and exceeds the state visual arts standards and benchmarks. Students learn about art history from different cultures and time periods, gain confidence in their own thoughts and opinions through practice with art criticism, and focus on art production in many forms, mediums and procedures. Students will experiment with drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, collage, sculpture and textiles. Through learning about art elements and principles, they will hone their skills in craftsmanship and creativity.

  • Dance

    Dance is offered as an extra curricular elective throughout the year. Often working with the school musical or other performance opportunity. 

List of 2 items.

  • General Music

    Music classes in lower school focus on community, collaboration and creativity. Class meets twice per week. Students experience music in a multitude of ways including: singing, playing instruments, moving and composing. Students learn how to work together and fashion innovative ideas through sound, and this creativity is valuable in the classroom and beyond.  The curriculum emphasizes the tenets of Music Learning Theory, or that music is learned as any other language. We learn to imitate and speak before we learn to read and write. Developing students' listening abilities before they learn to read music gives them the skills they need to read, perform, and compose music. Music provides a fusion of creative critical thinking, collaboration and listening in a way that other subjects do not. The goal is to help students discover why music is important and how it can help them.

  • Instrumental Ensemble

    Instrumental ensemble is an elective that 4th and 5th grade students can choose to pursue. Instruments available to study include but are not limited to: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion. Students meet in small groups. The instrumental musical journey begins using the sound before symbol approach, outlined in Music Learning Theory. There is an emphasis on goal-setting and developing listening skills. The mission is to set the foundation of good musicianship while playing an instrument-tone, posture, breath control, and coordination of reading and performing music. Students use these skills to learn and play music as well as create music of their own.
Andrews Osborne Academy

Andrews Osborne Academy

38588 Mentor Avenue
Willoughby, Ohio 44094
Grades Preschool - 12, PG
 
P. (440) 942-3600
F. (440) 942-3660

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Located In Willoughby, OH, Andrews Osborne Academy is a Private Co-ed Day & Boarding College Preparatory School For Grades Preschool - 12, PG. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.