Fine Arts

6th grade
Required

Sixth-grade students have four choices for classes in the Fine Arts Department:

• Arts Rotation 1: One semester of fine arts instruction and one semester of instrumental music instruction in Orchestra & Band I
• Arts Rotation 2: One semester of fine art instruction and one semester of music instruction in Vocal Music
• Orchestra & Band I: A full year of beginning instrumental music instruction
• Advanced music and drama classes: Students with prior musical or theatrical experience can audition for our advanced music and drama classes

During the semester of fine arts instruction, sixth-grade students engage in three of the four UPrep fine arts disciplines: dance, drama, and visual arts. Dance includes basic movement and an introduction to the elements of dance through a variety of dance styles and techniques. Drama focuses on two basic elements of theatre: story and character. Students explore their inherent theatricality using improvisation, theatre games, storytelling exercises, and other tools. Visual art focuses on self-expression and exploration via the elements of line and color, exposing students to a variety of ideas, styles, media, and techniques.

7th–8th grade
One semester

Students deepen technique, movement expression, and choreographic experience. This course includes a variety of dance styles, including modern, ballet, hip-hop, break dancing, salsa, swing, and more. Students practice skills in choreography and composition, working both individually and collaboratively with peers. Guest artists enrich the learning with special classes and performances. In addition, students may participate in performance events throughout the semester to share their creative work. Dance class is an opportunity for students to learn more about their own artistic voice and to build community and confidence through group collaboration.

7th–8th grade
One semester

This introductory course aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of the fundamental elements and techniques involved in theatrical performance and production. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical application, students will explore various aspects of theatre, including acting, stagecraft, script analysis, and theatrical history. By the end of the course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the basic principles of theatre, developed their creative and critical thinking skills, and cultivated a deeper appreciation for the art of dramatic expression. Participation in this class provides a solid foundation for students to enter our performance-based Play Production and Stagecraft courses. 

7th–8th grade
One semester

This course is designed to introduce Middle School students to the fundamentals of acting through a variety of engaging activities and exercises. Whether you dream of performing on stage or just want to build confidence and communication skills, this class will provide a supportive and creative environment for you to explore the art of acting. Students will learn essential acting techniques such as improvisation, characterization, voice projection, stage presence, and script analysis. Through fun games, scene work, and group activities, students will develop their creativity, imagination, and ability to express themselves both verbally and physically. This course will also explore the importance of teamwork and collaboration in acting, as students will work together to create scenes and performances. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to explore various genres of acting, including comedy, drama, and even elements of physical theatre. By the end of the course, students will have gained a foundational understanding of acting principles and techniques, as well as improved confidence in their ability to perform in front of others, and students will be ready to join one of our Play Production courses. 

7th and 8th grades
One semester

This class offers students the experience of the rehearsal and performance process. From basic acting technique through performance and critique, students experience the full range of the actor’s process. The class will include one nonperforming student who serves as the stage manager for the production, assisting the director throughout the semester. This student should have prior experience with stagecraft. Rehearsal and performance requirements: two to three weeks before performance, afterschool or evening rehearsals are required. Students who enroll in this class may not participate in afterschool sports. 

7th and 8th grades
One semester

Working in conjunction with the Play Production class, Stagecraft students study the technical aspects of theatre, including the design and production of scenery, lighting, sound, properties, costumes, and publicity. During the semester, students research, design, and construct all elements of the set. Students serve as the stage crew during tech rehearsals and performances, providing production support, technical direction, and stage management. Rehearsal and performance requirements: six after-school and/or evening rehearsals and performances.

7th and 8th grades
One semester

This course is designed to develop an understanding of the theatrical production process from the first reading of a script to postproduction critique. Students participate in auditions, research, rehearsal, and performance, and work with the Stagecraft class to produce the Middle and School musical. The class will include one nonperforming student who serves as the stage manager for the production, assisting the director throughout the semester. This student should have prior experience with stagecraft. Rehearsal and performance requirements: seven mandatory after-school and/or evening rehearsals and performances. 

7th and 8th grades
One semester

Working in conjunction with the Play Production class, Stagecraft students study the technical aspects of theatre, including the design and production of scenery, lighting, sound, properties, costumes, and publicity. During the semester, students research, design, and construct all elements of the set. Students serve as the stage crew during tech rehearsals and performances, providing production support, technical direction, and stage management. Rehearsal and performance requirements: seven mandatory after-school and/or evening rehearsals and performances.

7th and 8th grades
Yearlong

This class is intended for advanced beginner- to intermediate-level instrumentalists seeking to advance their technique and musicianship. We will build fundamentals, working on ensemble playing, practice techniques, basic theory, and listening skills in order to prepare and present a performance. The course is designed to prepare students for participation in the jazz and/or orchestral performance groups. An audition is required for first-time participants for Orchestra and Band II. 

7th and 8th grades
Yearlong

The Middle School Orchestra is UPrep’s advanced Middle School performing ensemble. We compete in regional adjudications and travel to one overnight destination each year. This ensemble is open to all orchestral instruments, including saxophone, and requires an audition or teacher signature for enrollment. An audition is required for Middle School Orchestra.

7th and 8th grades
Yearlong

Intermediate Jazz Ensemble is UPrep’s entry-level jazz instrumental group. This class is designed for intermediate-level instrumentalists who are familiar with note reading and rhythms. The focus of this class is on building skills playing in a group setting, basic improvisation, jazz articulations, and preparation for the Advanced Jazz Ensemble class. We will participate in two jazz festivals each year and perform at least twice a year at a Seattle-area jazz club. This class is open to students who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, drums, and guitar. Other instruments considered on a case-by-case basis. Performance requirements: two to three evening concerts and open houses, as well as weekend performance trips. 

8th grade
Yearlong

This is UPrep’s advanced jazz instrumental performing group. We participate in three or four regional jazz festivals and perform twice a year at a Seattle-area jazz club. Because of our performance exposure, the commitment level and expectations for student preparedness are high. This class is open to students who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, drums, and guitar. Entry into the class is by audition and/or teacher signature. Other instruments are considered on a case-by-case basis, but no one has ever been turned away! Performance requirements: two to three evening concerts and open houses, as well as weekend performance trips.

7th and 8th grades
Yearlong

This class is for students who are interested in gaining experience in a group vocal setting. Over the course of the semester, we focus on vocal technique, sight-reading, group singing skills, and performance. We explore a wide variety of styles and genres, reflect on the role that music has played in our lives, and deepen our understanding of what singing is all about. This class is for students of all experience levels and backgrounds. Performance requirements: Music Day and Fall Concert.

7th and 8th grades
One semester

This course is a journey through the basics of art making. Students will explore self-expression while learning fundamental techniques for drawing, painting, and sculpture. Projects may include line drawing, value drawing, observational painting, abstract painting, papier-mâché, and student-guided works. Students will also spend time broadening and questioning their understanding of art, while creating a space that allows for experimentation and collaboration. 

7th and 8th grades
One semester

This course is an introduction to photography in which students explore the basics of traditional black- and-white photography and transition into digital. Students learn basic camera functions for film and digital cameras, exposure, lighting, composition, darkroom usage, and film development. Through weekly assignments, themes, and portfolios, students develop observational skills, improve critical and creative thinking, and learn a variety of photographic applications. 

7th and 8th grades
One semester

Students will create a portfolio of original artwork based on techniques from diverse locations around the world. They will learn about global culture while gaining a wide variety of art skills and exploring the ways in which they can express their own experiences, memories, and stories through art. Projects may include mask making, suminagashi, ink wash painting, retablo, ex-voto, aboriginal dot painting, worry dolls, sand art, etc. The course emphasizes both the artistic techniques and the cultural significance of each project as it relates to students’ own lives and cultures. 

7th and 8th grades
One semester

This course is designed to teach students the skills necessary to create UPrep’s yearbook, Showcase. Students are responsible for documenting the school year, with an emphasis on visual presentation. The course covers photography, layout/graphic design, and journalistic writing. Students gain experience with Adobe Creative Cloud. This class requires work outside of school hours. Students may take the course more than once and advance to more responsible positions on staff each year. 

7th and 8th grades
One semester

This course is designed to teach students the skills necessary to create UPrep’s Middle School newspaper, Puma Prints, and maintain an online news presence, UPrepMedia.com. Students are responsible for photos, stories, and design. The course covers journalistic writing, photography, layout/graphic design, online publishing resources, current events, and media literacy. Students gain experience with Adobe Creative Cloud software and WordPress. This class requires work outside of school hours. Students may take the course more than once and advance to more responsible positions on staff each year.

7th–12th grades

Students dive into the art of choreography and the experience of building and performing dances. Students explore a variety of choreographic exercises, improvisational scores, and creative work in the studio to build their understanding of composition and the creative process. During visits with professional dancers and choreographers, on field trips to see professional performance, and through in-class assignments and presentations of their own work, students deepen their understanding of dance and choreography. A variety of documentaries highlight current choreographers and their work. In-class lessons approach dancemaking from a variety of methods. During the course, students create their own choreography, set their movement on peers, dance in the work of their classmates, and experience having choreography set on them by others, including professional artists. Students perform a selection of dances in a showcase, sharing their creative work in a final performance for the UPrep community.

8th–12th grades

The goal and focus of Winter Stock is to enhance theatre students’ ability to think creatively and engage in multiple levels of learning through an all-inclusive theatrical experience. Like young summer stock actors and theatre techs, our students develop an understanding of the artistic process and build a working, unified company while creating a fully produced play or plays in a short period of time. Students gain an understanding of their own learning process as they integrate elements of playmaking: sound, lighting, set design, set construction, acting, and performance.

7th–8th grades

“Yes And …” develops confidence, flexibility, adventurousness, and performance skills through the medium and playfulness of improv theatre. The ability to improvise—working with what you have, responding to changing circumstances, and going with the flow—is a skill that is as applicable to daily life as it is to theatre. This class uses two classic forms of improvisation—games and long-form—to explore character development, build the ability to think quickly and respond readily to prompts, and learn to tell a story in an improvisatory way. In these ways, the course prepares students for experiences in which quick thinking, comfort, and ease in presentation are required. The final performance is a low-key, lightly produced event presented during the class period.

7th–8th grades

Ceramics is a very tactile, hands-on course in which students will be working with clay and glazes. Students use basic hand-building techniques to create sculptural and functional works of pottery. Students also learn alternative firing methods such as sawdust firing, charcoal grills, and saggar firing, as well as help build the kilns needed to complete these firings. Topics include the origins of ancient firing and building methods used by European, Asian, Native American, and other Indigenous cultures. Students will also examine how contemporary artists incorporate such methods in their art. Be ready to get a little dirty, experiment, and be creative. 

7th–8th grade

This course focuses on the conception, design, and production of a visual narrative piece. Students read examples of comics and graphic novels that bring together writing and visuals to tell their stories. Using these pieces as inspiration, students then develop their own characters and storylines, write, and draw the piece, and produce an anthology series distributed at UPrep.