► Note: Not all of the following courses are taught each year and are subject to change. For a list of current courses, please see the class schedule.
► Note: All art classes will include a lab fee.
Covers the basic elements and principles of design as a foundation for the beginning art student. Students will learn to actually "see" the beauty in the world around us and learn to get it down on paper. A variety of projects will be assigned to reinforce these concepts as well as give the beginning student a taste of the many areas available in art. Through daily practice in seeing as well as drawing, he/she will gain confidence and skill to go on to tackle the more complex shapes of animals and people.
Ceramics (0.5 unit)
Concentration on the creation of the "vessel" through handbuilding methods: pinch pot, slab and coil; as well as working on the potter's wheel. Students will learn how to prepare clay for working, glazing, and firing, as well as take a look at the history of ceramics. Forming 3-dimensional forms from clay, students will be asked to render/imitate from real-life forms such as the human head and animals. Second semester annually.
Painting (0.5 unit)
Learning to see and mix colors, learning the differences between various media and their individual characteristics and techniques, and learning various techniques and brush strokes will give the beginning painting student a good foundation for a lifelong hobby or career. From creating simple still-life paintings to landscape acrylic/oil paintings, the student will explore good design techniques as well as produce unique and interesting art.
► Note: Music group members will be required to purchase a music uniform. Some groups go on tours, and students will need to raise funds for their expenses.
► Note: Private music instruction from local music instructors is strongly encouraged. It is not available at the Academy, and no credit will be given.
This course is open to all students. Sight-reading, basic vocal production, and part-singing are stressed in preparing for performances. All performances, tours and rehearsals are obligatory once accepted. Prerequisite: Permission of the director. First and second semesters (year-long registration required).
Orion Strings (0.3 unit/semester)
This course provides an upper-level performance experience for more advanced string players. Rehearsals will focus on learning challenging string orchestra literature. Group effort and cooperation are essential for the success of the program; therefore, all students are expected to attend scheduled rehearsals and any performance appointments. This ensemble performs regularly outside of school hours. Prerequisite: Enrollment in private lessons. Membership is by audition or invitation of the director only. Orion Strings members must also be members of Symphony Orchestra. First and second semesters (year-long registration and commitment required).
Resound (Handbell Ensemble) (0.3 unit/semester)
This course emphasizes the further development of performance skills and proper ringing technique, along with proper care of the handbells. Good rhythmic ability and music reading is a must. Because of the highly individualistic nature of each position, all students are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals, concerts, and tours. This ensemble performs regularly outside of school hours. Prerequisite: Previous school bell choir experience is desired. Membership is by audition or permission of the instructor. First and second semesters (year-long registration and commitment required).
Silhouettes (0.3 units/semester)
A Cappella singing, advanced sight-reading, and music terminology are used to learn all the music for performances. All performances, tours, and rehearsals are obligatory once the student is accepted into the ensemble. Prerequisite: Admission by audition and selection by the instructor. First and second semesters (year-long registration required).
Symphonic Band (0.3 unit/semester)
This course is designed to promote individual advancement of instrumental technique, further development of ensemble performance skills, and deepening of musicianship and listening skills through performance of intermediate level band music. Group effort and cooperation are essential for the success of the program; therefore, all students are expected to attend scheduled rehearsals and any performance appointments. This ensemble performs regularly outside of school hours. Prerequisite: Music reading and performance ability on brass, woodwinds, or percussion instruments (this is not an introductory course). Membership is by audition or permission of the instructor; current and new students must audition annually for placement. First and second semesters (year-long registration and commitment required).
Symphony Orchestra (0.2 unit/semester)
This course is designed to promote individual advancement of instrumental technique, further development of ensemble performance skills, and deepening of musicianship and listening skills through performance of full orchestra repertoire (consisting of strings, winds, and percussion instruments). Group effort and cooperation are essential for the success of the program; therefore, all students are expected to attend scheduled rehearsals and any performance appointments. This ensemble performs regularly outside of school hours. Prerequisite: Music reading and performance ability on a string instrument, (this is not an introductory course). Membership is by audition or permission of the instructor; current and new students must audition annually for placement. Enrollment in private lessons is strongly recommended. First and second semesters (year-long registration and commitment required).
Wind Ensemble (0.3 unit/semester)
This course provides an upper-level performance experience for more advanced wind and percussion players. Rehearsals will focus on learning challenging band literature, including classics from the wind band repertoire. Group effort and cooperation are essential for the success of the program; therefore, all students are expected to attend scheduled rehearsals and any performance appointments. This ensemble performs regularly outside of school hours. Prerequisite: Membership is by audition or invitation of the instructor only. Wind Ensemble members must also be members of Symphonic Band. Enrollment in private lessons is strongly recommended. First and second semesters (year-long registration and commitment required).
Private Lessons (no credit)
Because none of our ensembles are introductory courses, and because there is no substitute for individual instruction, private lessons are strongly recommended for all ensemble members. At the time of printing, lessons on any instrument or voice may be available for free through a number of university and community instructors via the Berrien Springs Partnership (for eligibility, requirements, and detailed information on the program, go to ). Please speak with one of the music instructors for help in arranging lessons.