Fine Arts

Seventh and eighth grades
First semester

This course is designed to develop an understanding of the theatrical production process from mounting a script to post-production critique. Students participate in auditions, research, rehearsal, and performance and work with the Stagecraft class to produce the Middle School play. The Play Production class will include one non-performing student who serves as the stage manager for the production, assisting the director throughout the semester. Prior experience in Stagecraft preferred. Rehearsal and performance requirements: four to six after school or evening rehearsals, one matinee and one evening performance.

Seventh and eighth grades
First semester

Working in conjunction with the Play Production class, Stagecraft students study the technical aspects of theater, 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 to seven mandatory after school and/or evening rehearsals and performances.

Seventh and eighth grades
Second semester

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

Seventh and eighth grades
Second semester

Working in conjunction with the Play Production class, Stagecraft students study the technical aspects of theater, 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 to seven mandatory after school and/or evening rehearsals and performances.

Seventh – twelfth grades
Semester or full year

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.

Seventh – eighth grades
Full Year

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.

Seventh - twelfth grades
Full Year

Intermediate Jazz Ensemble is UPrep’s intermediate 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. We will participate in two jazz festivals each year and perform 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. Entry into the class is by audition and/or teacher signature. Performance requirements: two to three evening concerts and open houses, as well as weekend performance trips.

Eighth-twelfth grades
Full Year

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 is 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. Performance requirements: two to three evening concerts and open houses, as well as weekend performance trips.

Seventh - eighth grades
First semester

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 own 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.

Seventh and eighth grades
First semester

This course is a creative journey into the foundations of making art. Students will explore self-expression while learning basic techniques for drawing, painting, design, and building three-dimensional forms. Projects may include cardboard sculpture, papier mâché, abstract painting, drawing from observation, and comics/cartooning. Students will also explore how their projects fit into the context of art history.

Seventh and eighth grades
First or second 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.

Seventh and eighth grades
Second semester

Students create a portfolio of original artwork based on techniques from diverse locations around the world. They 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 media such as henna, paper cutting, various types of painting, Celtic knotwork, and sand art. The course emphasizes both the artistic techniques and the cultural significance of each project as it relates to students’ own lives and cultures.

Seventh and eighth grades
First semester

This class introduces layout, design, and photography. Students acquire advanced skills in appropriate computer applications to successfully create and publish the school’s yearbook. Students are required to photograph events outside of class time.

8th - 12th grades
First intensive

The goal and focus of Winter Stock is to enhance theatre students’ ability to think creatively and engage 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 in a short period of time. Students gain an understanding of their own learning process as they integrate elements of play making: sound, lighting, set design, set construction, acting, and performance.

Seventh - eighth grades
First intensive

“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 is required. The final performance is a low-key, lightly-produced event presented during the class period. The performance is open to family but does not require any special scheduling.

Seventh - eighth grades
First intensive

This very tactile course gives students the opportunity to learn, in a very hands on manner, how to transform clay into works of art and useful everyday objects. The class focuses on handbuilding and sculptural techniques as well as multiple low fire glaze techniques. Students also learn how the history of ceramics through European, Asian, Native American and Indigenous cultures influence contemporary ceramic artists today. Be ready to get your hands dirty! 

Seventh - eighth grades
First intensive

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.