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CREATIVE
ARTS
Creative Arts are at the heart of Monarch School. Students receive academic credit for music, visual arts, sewing, Nia, and drama. These important components allow students access to emotions and healthy forms of creative expression that may have eluded them in a more traditional setting. As students progress through their Monarch School curriculum, a passion for the arts is often re-awakened or emerges for the very first time. This exposure allows them to practice new skills they often did not believe they possessed or could develop. Success in this area promotes confidence which carries over into other areas, often without the student’s realization.
Music
The music program offers a broad spectrum of musical options including private instrumental music lessons, small ensemble playing, chorus solo, duo and trio singing. Classes in music appreciation and music theory are also offered. Students have studied piano, flute, saxophone, clarinet, soprano, alto and tenor recorder, violin, cello, trumpet, trombone, classical guitar and percussion. Evaluations are based on preparation for and participation in lessons and by playing in musical performances. All periods of music, from pre-Baroque through contemporary as well as a wide variety of genres are presented to broaden students’ musical horizons and maintain their enthusiasm.
Visual Arts
Visual art includes basic drawing and painting. Each student follows a curriculum that teaches drawing techniques such as line, shape, light source, shadows and values. Students practice using a series of still lives, learning to “trust what they see”. This foundation of drawing skills prepares each student for ink and watercolor painting. When a clear understanding of values is shown in pencil, charcoal and ink mediums, students begin to explore color theory. Students become familiar with the color wheel (primary, secondary and intermediate colors) and how it works. Some basic watercolor techniques are taught: dry, wash and wet on wet. Experimentation with brush strokes and color palettes opens their minds to endless creative ideas. Each term, the Art department holds two formal class critiques. Each student chooses 1-2 pieces of their work and displays them in the studio. Every student has an opportunity to speak out about their art as well as discuss a fellow classmate’s process and experience. The use of art terminology (proportion, composition, fore/back ground etc.) during these critiques is strongly encouraged. Throughout the course(s), students accomplish “final” pieces to show their growth in class. These are called “portfolio pieces”.
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Theater Arts
The theater arts program is an integral part of Monarch school. It is offered every academic quarter, though every student does not participate every quarter. As groups cycle through the drama program, they focus on developing tools such as concentration, imagination, creativity, fluidity with body control, and voice through dramatic games and improvisation. This course begins the process of creating character from the starting place of the natural self, using improvisation and scene work. Emphasis is placed on guiding the actors into focusing their attention on to the creative life of the stage, in order to free themselves from their own constraints.
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Monarch School Theater |
Sewing Class Course Description
Students in Sewing Class learn the basics of sewing, including sewing machine and serger operation, hand-stitching techniques, basic garment construction, and clothing care and repair.
Students begin with a simple pillow case project that teaches basic fabric cutting and handling techniques, sewing with a machine, clean finishing, and proper pressing. The next project is a zipper bag that reviews skills learned and teaches how to apply a zipper. Students then sew a basic pair of pants or skirt, learning the use of patterns, following directions, and basic garment construction. Following successful completion of the beginning projects, students plan and complete a project following their own interest. Advanced students plan and complete increasingly complex projects with the goal of learning at least one new skill on every one. Other textile arts such as quilting and weaving can also be explored.
Drum Lessons Course Description
Drum lessons emphasize a focused study of learning drum set and percussion techniques tailored to the individuals’ level of experience and ability. Contemporary and traditional teaching methods and materials are employed. The styles of music covered are diverse and include jazz, blues, rock and orchestral genres. The course is aimed at fostering a solid base of musicianship skills allowing for personal tastes and preferences, while including some fun and recreation along the way.
Voice Lessons Course Description
Individual voice lessons are tailored by the instructor to meet the abilities and desires of each student. Basic vocal production, ear training, phrasing, interpretation, and performance presentation are stressed. Opportunities are created for public and peer performance when students are ready.
Piano Lessons Course Description
The focus of piano lessons is for individual students to learn to play the piano/keyboard, basic music theory and an introduction to composition and improvisation. In order to play the piano, students need to learn how to listen, and then how to synthesize aural perception with visual perception, theory, emotions, and physical coordination. Beginning students learn basic skills, and students with experience are expected to improve their skills. Also students are guided in understanding their body movements; they are introduced to the concepts of centering and relaxation.
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