(One-semester, Class III elective) Watercolor is the oldest painting method. Therefore, this is the fundamental nature of painting as we know it. This course offers an opportunity to explore watercolor as a means of artistic expression. The elusive nature of combining water and pigment makes this an alluring and challenging medium in which to work. The goals of the course are: first, to help students develop an understanding of the medium of watercolor; second, to foster in them an appreciation of watercolor as an artistic expression; and third, to help students express themselves artistically and competently through the medium. Students will learn to balance their desire to control the medium with the need to take advantage of the fluid and often unpredictable nature of water. They will study formal concepts of design and composition, as well as dry and wet brush techniques. They also will have an opportunity to paint en plein air and will be led step by step through the creation of several paintings, exploring subjects of landscape and still life. No prior experience with watercolor is required and materials will be provided.

(One-semester, Class III elective). Many contemporary artists work to combine art materials in new and exciting ways, pushing the boundaries of form and function. In this course, students will explore how artists activate 3-dimensional space and utilize both traditional and non-traditional materials to engage with the viewer. We will create both functional and sculptural art objects through a variety of approaches to art-making, including ceramics, mixed media, and more.

(One-semester, Class III elective) Woodworking is a craft that produces pieces both beautiful and functional, requiring an eye for design as well as a consideration of structure and engineering. As woodworking success is hugely dependent on a knowledge and understanding of the natural properties of the media, this elective will focus both on the theory of woodcraft as well as its practice. Traditional tools and techniques will be covered, as well as more contemporary machine woodworking practices. Students will have opportunities to build guided projects, and they will be encouraged to customize their pieces based on their own preferences, skills, and creativity. No prior knowledge of woodworking tools or techniques is required.

(One-semester, Class III elective) The portrait is one of the most enduring subject matters in art. In this course, we demystify the process of drawing and painting the face and figure from direct observation. A variety of skill building exercises along with short- and long-term studies will build confidence while rendering images of people. Students will also explore a variety of portrait artists from the historical to the contemporary to deepen their understanding of why artists are fascinated with the human form and face and the role of portraiture throughout history.

(Full-year elective open to boys in Classes I and II) Applied Art is a studio-based art course emphasizing the process of discovery and development of the artist. Students will explore a range of media and approaches to art-making as they develop their technical skills and individual artistic voice. Both process and product are emphasized as students work through the various units of artistic study.  In addition to polished art pieces, a series of open ended sketchbook assignments help students develop their own style and voice as an artist. Through guided critiques and the study of notable artists from art history and contemporary art, students deepen their artistic analysis skills and understanding of the role of art in communities.

(Topics in Art is a yearlong half-credit course open to boys in Class I who have received approval from a faculty member in the arts department. A boy may take Topics in Art in addition to his five major courses.) Topics in Art is an independently-driven study in a specific area of artistic passion for a student. The topic is chosen by the student and then worked on throughout the year with the appropriate faculty member. Though not an all-inclusive list, potential topics include woodworking; digital arts; studio arts; music composition and song-writing, production, or performance; technical theater arts; and theater arts. This course is designed for boys of varying experience with a desire to advance in a particular area within the arts, however, students are encouraged to take art electives in their junior year in preparation. Students are expected to reach out to faculty members with a proposed topic prior to signing up for the course.

(One-semester, Class III elective) Acting is a hands-on, project-based course that is best suited to students already comfortable with the idea of performance but also suitable for those looking to gain or develop their presentational skills—and the significant real-world benefits that come with them. After a short improvisation unit, where students will act out comedic scenes of their own devising, students will learn the fundamentals of stage combat—from hand-to-hand combat to sword-fighting—as they rehearse famous Shakespearean battle scenes with a partner. Following that project, students are invited to select a scene from a contemporary TV show, movie, or play of their choosing and then work together to act in or direct their peers in that scene. At every step of the way, Acting aims to cultivate in students a heightened appreciation for theatre through their active participation in the art form.

(One-semester, Class III elective) Playwriting is a workshop-style creative writing course that invites students to compose original work, both comedic and dramatic. Students will experiment with drafting monologues, stand-up comedy, short scenes, and potentially a one-act play over the course of the semester. Along the way, students will read great modern and contemporary drama and discuss how to mine, borrow from, and adapt these works. They will frequently critique each other’s work, too. Especially strong work over the course of the semester may be adapted and produced in Roxbury Latin’s spring Night of Scenes. At every step of the way, Playwriting aims to cultivate in students a greater appreciation for good writing and good theatre through giving them a window into writing for performance. All reading and writing will take place in class.

(One-semester, Class III elective) In this course, students explore a variety of ways in which music impacts our lives. Students begin by researching an artist of their choice in preparation for in-class presentations. The relationship between music and images is explored in units on music videos and movie soundtracks. The course also provides students of all levels of musical ability with opportunities to compose and perform their own works.

(One-semester, Class III elective) Whether through Spotify, concerts, YouTube, or the radio, music and songs are constantly in our daily lives. In this course, we will learn about what it takes to create a song, beginning with the music and lyrics and seeing through the production, recording, publishing, and marketing. This course will explore and analyze current and past hits, as well as some lesser-known tunes, in various genres, tempos, styles, and platforms while students learn the different roles attributed to a “songwriter.” Along with smaller unit assignments throughout the semester, the course will culminate in students creating some works of their own. No prior experience with songwriting and/or personal instruments are required.

Honors Music Theory is an elective course in composition, analysis, and history offered to Classes I and II. Harmony and counterpoint, the principal elements of Western music theory, are explored in depth, and also placed within the context of the development of Western musical thought from the Middle Ages to the present day. Individual as well as group projects are aimed at exploring the relationships among music theory, composition, and performance. To this end, students compose a number of pieces, including a major work at the end of the year. In addition to forming sound analytical and compositional techniques, students are expected to develop keen aural perception, sight singing, and score reading skills.