Art & Music Class Descriptions

Acting is an adventure! Young actors work together to create and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. What happens when a crazy captain, suspicious scallywag, and a precocious parrot meet on a ship sailing the seven seas?

Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and to begin to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the young actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with input from the students.
Young actors will explore skills such as sensory awareness, listening, stage movement, character development, emotional expression, and observation/concentration while learning to portray their original character. Young actors will learn aspects of acting by script read-through, blocking, costume/prop discussion, and planning the show. Through individual and group activities, young actors build confidence in preparation for a final sharing for parents.

Students will work from a simple, written script, but emerging readers can be accommodated. Parents will be emailed the script after the 3rd or 4th class and will be expected to help their children memorize their lines and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories you already own and a little creativity. All actors must be at least age 6 to sign up for this class.

Topics in this series: Pirate's Paradise (Quarter 1), Outback Odyssey (Quarter 2), Suddenly Small (Quarter 3), and Clown College (Quarter 4).

Calling crooked criminals who commit creepy crimes! Convening colorful characters who corroborate clues and constables who collaborate to crack the case! Connect with a kooky cast in Detective Drama. Using materials from a commercial mystery role playing game (RPG), students will be guided through the facts of a fictitious case. Student sleuths will be follow clue cards, eclectic evidence, and phony forensics to uncover a crime. Emphasis will be on critical thinking, problem solving skills, and improvisation through the portrayal of unique characters involved in the crime. Students will be encouraged to develop a strong, compelling character, an original costume, a backstory, and of course, an alibi.

First quarter, students will search for signs of a missing museum piece. Metropolitan master investigator Tony Malkovich learns that quiet community of Cardiff is not so quaint. He is hired to help the locals, but is seems the citizens are set on stopping him. He suspects a sneaky swindler slips through town after snatching the prized painting.
In this workshop, students will experiment with acting and improvisation and working as a team. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and enjoy working in a collaborative group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. Because of the age of the students in this class, only capers such as burglaries or kidnappings will be portrayed instead of murders.

Topics in this Series: Missing from the Museum (Quarter 1), The Computer Caper (Quarter 2), Pocketing the Prized Jewels (Quarter 3), and Brazen Bank Robbery (Quarter 4). There is a class supply fee of $20.00 due payable to the instructor on the first day for the class RPG materials, printing, props, and investigation folders.

Kids take to the stage as they collaboratively write and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. What happens when campers have to deal with tent troubles, campfire calamities, a bothersome bear and other camping catastrophes?

Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and start to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the student actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with input from the students.

The class will learn the practical aspects of acting, as they work on script read-through, blocking, costume/prop design, and planning the show. Student actors will explore skills such as stage movement, character development, emotional expression, and observation/concentration while learning to portray their original character. Students will develop their own "actor's toolkit" of voice, body, and imagination in this creative process! Actors will grow in confidence and communication skills in preparation for a final sharing with parents on the last day of the quarter.

Once the script is fully developed with everyone's parts, it will be emailed to parents. Parents will be expected to help their children memorize their script/lines/cues and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories you already own and a little creativity.

Note: Students who are emerging readers (not able to read at a 3rd/4th grade level) would be better suited to the Young Actor's Playhouse class, rather than this level.

Topics in this series: Camping Catastrophe (Quarter 1), Mystery After Midnight (Quarter 2), Fractured Fairy Tales (Quarter 3), and Upside-Down Universe (Quarter 4).

Kids take to the stage as they collaboratively write and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. Will we have a mix-up or a masterpiece when we meddle with monarchs, mischief-makers, merry men, and maidens?

Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and start to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the student actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with input from the students.

The class will learn the practical aspects of acting, as they work on script read-through, blocking, costume/prop design, and planning the show. Student actors will explore skills such as stage movement, character development, emotional expression, and observation/concentration while learning to portray their original character. Students will develop their own "actor's toolkit" of voice, body, and imagination in this creative process! Actors will grow in confidence and communication skills in preparation for a final sharing with parents on the last day of the quarter.

Once the script is fully developed with everyone's parts, it will be emailed to parents. Parents will be expected to help their children memorize their script/lines/cues and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories you already own and a little creativity.

Note: Students who are emerging readers (not able to read at a 3rd/4th grade level) would be better suited to the Young Actor's Playhouse class, rather than this level.

Topics in this series: Medieval Mayhem (Quarter 1), Wacky Wednesday (Quarter 2), Spy Spoof (Quarter 3), Kooky Cooking Contest (Quarter 4).

Who doesn't love a good "Whodunnit" mystery? In this workshop, tween actors will work together to bring a cast of characters to life through creative adaptations and interpretive improvisation. Using materials from a commercial murder mystery role playing game (RPG), students will assume the personas of outrageous and offbeat characters. As the drama unfolds in rounds guided by clue cards, eclectic evidence, and fictitious forensics, a victim, a motive, and eventually the guilty party will be revealed.

Huzzah! Hear ye, hear ye! what begins as a festive fair full of feasting, frolic, and fanciful fun quickly flips into foul play. Amidst the jesters, jugglers, and jovial jousting, a prominent patron is found lifeless by the tavern gate. The merriment halts. The whispers whirl. The suspects simmer. Behind the banners and baubles lies betrayal. Who among this motley medieval mix is masking murderous motives? Grab your goblet and guard your alibi- this fair is far from fair.

Student actors will be guided through the development of a strong, compelling character, complete with unique ways of speaking, gesturing, and moving, an original costume, a backstory, and of course, an alibi. In this workshop, students benefit from experimenting with acting and improvisation and working as a team. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and enjoy working in a collaborative group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class.

Supply Fee: A class fee of $25.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a script and costs related to props and performance license fee.

Topics in this series: Faireground Foul Play (Quarter 1), Murder in the Museum (Quarter 2), Grisly Golden Gala (Quarter 3), and Highlands Homicide (Quarter 4).

Teens will enjoy the creativity and camaraderie of putting on a one-act comedy that is a spin-off or spoof on a well-known tale. The class will begin by reading through three possible scripts to select one that bests suits their group and grabs their interest.

Students, along with their acting coach, will cast, rehearse, and coordinate a class performance. Teens will enjoy taking on unusual personas and bringing their characters to life while interacting with classmates. They will be encouraged to design and assemble simple costumes, props, and backdrops from items at home. They will be expected to learn their lines and fully participate in planning their performance. The group will perform the 45-60 minute piece for family and friends at the end of the semester.

Classes in acting and theater education build a teen's confidence along with improving their social and communication skills. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work collaboratively in a group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class.

Topics in this Series: One Act Spin-Offs and Spoofs (Semester 1) and It's Not What it Seems (Semester 2)

Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hour per week outside of class.

Assignments: If any, will be sent to parents and students by e-mail.

Assessments: will not be given.

Supply Fee: There is a $30.00 licensed script fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

Brains, beware! When the world descends into a snack-happy zombie siege, survival becomes is more than a "no-brainer." Every mind-blowing plan leaves you "dead on your feet." Should you stick your neck out or save your skin, when every move risks making you bite off more than you can chew? In this tongue-in-cheek guide, the rules are simple: keep your wits about you (while you still have brains), and try not to lose your head. Tweens will love the offbeat humor and the chance to band together- before the horde does- to bring this wildly wacky apocalypse to life.

Students, along with their acting instructor, will cast, rehearse, and coordinate a class performance of this comedy. Students will be encouraged to design and assemble simple costumes, props, and backdrops from items at home. Student actors will be expected to learn their lines and participate fully. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work in a collaborative group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. The students will perform for family and friends at the end of the semester.

Topics in this Series: 10 ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalpse (Semester 1) and Good Cop, Bad Cop (Semester 2).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a copy of the licensed script, performance royalty, and project materials.

Social dancing does not have to be slow or stuffy! There is energy in the ballroom with Action Dance! Students will learn the dynamic, rhythmic dances of the Caribbean: Salsa (Mexican-Cuban), Merengue (Dominican Republic), Rhumba (Afro-Cuban), and Cha-Cha (triple step Cuban). Emphasis in the class will be on having fun and learning techniques to help dancers be comfortable and relaxed. Social dances encourage confidence, social presence, posture, and poise in teens. Social dancing is partner-based dance; consider signing up with a friend! Please note that in order to demonstrate some steps and forms, students may occasionally be invited to partner with their instructor.

Topics in this Series: Action Dance: Caribbean & Latin (Semester 1), Action Dance: Swing & Shag (Semester 2), etc. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Prerequisites: None

Assessments: Informal feedback will be given in class. Formal assessments or grades will not be given.

What to Wear: Students should wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in fine arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

Sew it begins! Whether you are a captain, crusader, or cavalier, every great character needs a dramatic silhouette. In this advanced sewing course, students will design and construct a custom cloak and coordinating boot covers while learning techniques for working with heavier fabrics, closures, and fit.

For this project, students will learn accurate measuring and fitting, pattern reading and layout, flat lining patterns, cutting fabric on the grain, pressing, felling seams, sewing boning channels, interfacing and lining, edge binding, top-stitching, eyelet installation and lacing, and adding trim and embellishment.

Students will be guided by instructor Judith Harmon who has a degree in costume design, creates the costumes for many local theaters, and teaches Compass sewing classes. The class is recommended for intermediate to advanced stitchers, including students who have taken her Learn to Sew classes. Students who are unfamiliar with machine sewing should schedule at least 4 hours of private sewing lessons through Compass before the start of class. Introduction to sewing will not be taught in this class.

Students will also need to bring a portable sewing machine to class each week. If you are purchasing a new sewing machine for the class, a Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine, 4400 series, model is recommended. ($160-$180 from Amazon or Michaels). Students who are bringing a pre-owed or loaned sewing machine are expected to have the machine professionally serviced before the start of class. Students must bring bobbins, replacement needles, the foot pedal, power cord, owner's manual, and extension cord to class each week. A student who forgets his/her sewing machine or who must send their machine to the shop may rent one from the instructor for $20.00 per hour. Students should also bring a basic sewing kit.

Prerequisites: Recommended for intermediate to advanced stitchers such as those who have taken the Learn to Sew class or have experience using sewing machine. Alternatively, the student must enroll in 4-hours of private sewing instruction before the start of class.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 1 hour per week outside of class finishing whatever step could not be completed in class.

Assignments: Will be made in class and notes/lectures will posted in the Google Classroom platform.

Assessments: Informal feedback will be provided as students work.

Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor for sewing patterns and additional classroom materials. Optional: Students can also elect to purchase a basic sewing kits from the instructor for $25.00. On the first day of class, after students have selected their patterns, they will be given a supply list of fabric to purchase.

What to Bring: Sewing machine (recently serviced, with owner's manual foot pedal, power cord, bobbins, and replacement needles); basic hand-sewing kit.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Art, Career Exploration, or General Elective for purposes of a high school transcript

Adventures in Art is an engaging, hands-on creative experience designed for growing artists! Each week, students will explore a new artist or artistic style, learn interesting background facts, study inspiring examples, and create their own artwork inspired by what they observe. Working with a wide variety of materials, students will experiment with color, pattern, texture, and design as they develop their skills and bring their creative ideas to life.

First quarter, students create art inspired by the moon, Earth, and outer space while being introduced to basic science concepts. Each class combines a new space-themed idea with a hands-on project, encouraging students to explore color, texture, and design as they build creativity and confidence.

A partial list of projects this quarter includes: moon phases chalk drawing, marbled Earth print, galaxy resist painting, planet texture collage, solar system diagram art, and a mixed media rocket ship using pencils, erasers, crayons, colored pencils, oil pastels, and chalk pastels, watercolor paints, liquid watercolors, paintbrushes, shaving cream, white drawing paper, black and colored construction paper, cardstock, canvases, glue sticks, liquid glue, and scissors.

Topics in this series include: Stellar Celestial Subjects (Quarter 1), Creatures in Color (Quarter 2), A Tale of Two Styles (Quarter 3) and Murals, Monuments & Museums (Quarter 4).

Adventures in Art is an engaging, hands-on creative experience designed for growing artists! Each week, students will explore a new artist or artistic style, learn interesting background facts, study inspiring examples, and create their own artwork inspired by what they observe. Working with a wide variety of materials, students will experiment with color, pattern, texture, and design as they develop their skills and bring their creative ideas to life.

First quarter, students create art inspired by the moon, Earth, and outer space while being introduced to basic science concepts. Each class combines a new space-themed idea with a hands-on project, encouraging students to explore color, texture, and design as they build creativity and confidence.

A partial list of projects this quarter includes: moon phases chalk drawing, marbled Earth print, galaxy resist painting, planet texture collage, solar system diagram art, and a mixed media rocket ship using pencils, erasers, crayons, colored pencils, oil pastels, and chalk pastels, watercolor paints, liquid watercolors, paintbrushes, shaving cream, white drawing paper, black and colored construction paper, cardstock, canvases, glue sticks, liquid glue, and scissors.

Topics in this series include: Stellar Celestial Subjects (Quarter 1), Creatures in Color (Quarter 2), A Tale of Two Styles (Quarter 3) and Murals, Monuments & Museums (Quarter 4).

Art in Action is a dynamic, hands-on program designed to expand students' artistic skills and creative thinking. Each week, students will study a different artist or artistic movement, explore key concepts and techniques, and analyze examples of notable works before creating their own original pieces inspired by what they have learned. Using a variety of media, students will refine their understanding of color, composition, texture, and design while developing greater confidence and independence in their artistic expression.

First quarter, students explore the exciting world of abstract art, using color, line, shape, and movement to create expressive and imaginative work. Focusing on art that does not rely on realistic images, students will experiment with color theory, composition, and emotional expression as they develop their own unique visual ideas. Featured artists include Wassily Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondrian, and Mark Rothko.

A partial list of projects this quarter includes: emotion color painting, drip/splatter painting, grid compositions, translate sound into visual forms, line energy drawings, color field painting , abstract collage, and balanced abstract compositions using acrylic paint, tempera paint, liquid watercolor, brushes (round, flat, fan), palette
trays, large drawing paper, canvas boards, butcher paper, masking tape, painter's tape, sponges, droppers, straws, cardboard tools, markers, oil pastels, chalk pastels, colored pencils, collage paper, magazines, tissue paper, glue sticks, liquid glue, and scissors.

Topics in this series include: Abstract Adventures (Quarter 1), Watercolor Wonders (Quarter 2), Global Gallery (Quarter 3), and Fantasy & Fiction- Harry Potter Inspired Art (Quarter 4)

Art in Action is a dynamic, hands-on program designed to expand students' artistic skills and creative thinking. Each week, students will study a different artist or artistic movement, explore key concepts and techniques, and analyze examples of notable works before creating their own original pieces inspired by what they have learned. Using a variety of media, students will refine their understanding of color, composition, texture, and design while developing greater confidence and independence in their artistic expression.

First quarter, students explore the exciting world of abstract art, using color, line, shape, and movement to create expressive and imaginative work. Focusing on art that does not rely on realistic images, students will experiment with color theory, composition, and emotional expression as they develop their own unique visual ideas. Featured artists include Wassily Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondrian, and Mark Rothko.

A partial list of projects this quarter includes: emotion color painting, drip/splatter painting, grid compositions, translate sound into visual forms, line energy drawings, color field painting , abstract collage, and balanced abstract compositions using acrylic paint, tempera paint, liquid watercolor, brushes (round, flat, fan), palette
trays, large drawing paper, canvas boards, butcher paper, masking tape, painter's tape, sponges, droppers, straws, cardboard tools, markers, oil pastels, chalk pastels, colored pencils, collage paper, magazines, tissue paper, glue sticks, liquid glue, and scissors.

Topics in this series include: Abstract Adventures (Quarter 1), Watercolor Wonders (Quarter 2), Global Gallery (Quarter 3), and Fantasy & Fiction- Harry Potter Inspired Art (Quarter 4)

Art in Action is a dynamic, hands-on program designed to expand students' artistic skills and creative thinking. Each week, students will study a different artist or artistic movement, explore key concepts and techniques, and analyze examples of notable works before creating their own original pieces inspired by what they have learned. Using a variety of media, students will refine their understanding of color, composition, texture, and design while developing greater confidence and independence in their artistic expression.

First quarter, students explore the exciting world of abstract art, using color, line, shape, and movement to create expressive and imaginative work. Focusing on art that does not rely on realistic images, students will experiment with color theory, composition, and emotional expression as they develop their own unique visual ideas. Featured artists include Wassily Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondrian, and Mark Rothko.

A partial list of projects this quarter includes: emotion color painting, drip/splatter painting, grid compositions, translate sound into visual forms, line energy drawings, color field painting , abstract collage, and balanced abstract compositions using acrylic paint, tempera paint, liquid watercolor, brushes (round, flat, fan), palette
trays, large drawing paper, canvas boards, butcher paper, masking tape, painter's tape, sponges, droppers, straws, cardboard tools, markers, oil pastels, chalk pastels, colored pencils, collage paper, magazines, tissue paper, glue sticks, liquid glue, and scissors.

Topics in this series include: Abstract Adventures (Quarter 1), Watercolor Wonders (Quarter 2), Global Gallery (Quarter 3), and Fantasy & Fiction- Harry Potter Inspired Art (Quarter 4)

Artist's Academy is a hands-on course designed to develop technical skill, creative expression, and artistic perspective. Each week, students will examine a range of artists and movements, discussing historical context, stylistic elements, and artistic intent before creating original works informed by their studies. Through work in multiple media, students will strengthen their understanding of composition, color theory, texture, and design while learning to make thoughtful artistic choices and articulate their creative process.

First quarter, students will journey through art history, exploring influential artists from a variety of countries and time periods. Each "passport stop" highlights a different artist, as students examine their unique style and create original work inspired by their techniques. Students will discover that artists do not simply copy what they see- they make intentional choices to interpret, shape, and transform reality through their work. Featured artists include Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian, Matisse, Monet, Kandinsky, and Kazimir Malevich.

A partial list of projects this quarter includes: observational drawing, value and shading, grid color design, cut paper color composition, and a watercolor light study using graphite pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, oil pastels, chalk pastels, watercolor paints, acrylic paints, watercolor pencils, markers, fine liners, erasers, rulers, mixed media paper, watercolor paper, canvas, brushes, and palettes.

Topics in this series include: Reframing Reality (Quarter 1), Creative Chaos (Quarter 2), Highlights of the Harlem Renaissance (Quarter 3), and Studio Studies(Quarter 4). There is a $25.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day.

If you like to "Turn Up the Music" (Chris Brown, 2012), "Play That Funky Music" (Wild Cherry, 1976), or "Dance to The Music" (Sly and The Family Stone, 1967), then you know that there is an impressive variety of American music. America is the birthplace of some of the most influential genres of music and musicians in the world. Much of the world's modern music has roots in American blues, jazz, or rock, while American music has elements from West Africa, the West Indies, and diverse communities such as New Orleans, Detroit, Memphis, St. Louis, Nashville, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the Bronx. American music has influenced behavior and culture such as dance, entertainment, fashion, technology, popular opinion, lexicon, marketing, and more.

This is a focused class in music appreciation for students who enjoy listening to or playing music. The class will evaluate a century of American music by listening to and discussing influential performers, writers, and producers. Students will learn to identify music elements unique to each genre- melody, rhythm, harmony- and will develop a musical vocabulary to help them think and talk about musical works. They will also explore innovations in instruments and technologies that evolved with the music, such as drums being placed in a "set" at the advent of jazz music, the rise of electric instruments, and electronic production/mixing.

First semester will explore music from the 1920s to the 1960s encompassing the genres of blues, ragtime, jazz, boogie-woogie, swing, soul, rhythm and blues, rock-and-roll, Motown, pop, funk, disco. Featured artists will include Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye, Chuck Berry, Elvis, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Simon and Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mack, Robert Johnson, Scott Joplin, John McLaughlin, and many others. Find out why the Rolling Stones and the Beatles claim they were influenced by Little Richard, and why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame described Jimi Hendrix as "arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music."

Like other fine arts classes, music appreciation is a fun break from academics which enriches and engages students in a topic they enjoy. Genres that will not be highlighted in this course include gospel, folk, country, western, tejano, reggae, zydeco, or salsa.

Topics in this Series: 19202-1960s (Semester 1), 1970s-2020s (Semester 2), etc.

Don't write poetry? Think you can't draw? Maybe not, but you may still want a creative way to record your thoughts, feelings, dreams, and ideas! Journaling is an ongoing process of discovery and exploration that allows one to be conscious of and connect with his/her own thoughts, emotions and ideas. It is a form of expression that supports both academic and personal growth.

Creative journaling is not writing daily "Dear Diary" style entries on dated pages. Instead, students will explore various journaling methods, blending self-expression and self-discovery to guide them in learning new ways to problem-solve, achieve goals, and process emotions. Students will work with several writing techniques and a range of art media to develop a personal journal throughout the quarter and will have the opportunity to expand on it in subsequent quarters. Techniques such as freeform writing, black-out poetry, stream-of-consciousness writing, and creative list making will be explored, in addition to experimenting with a wide variety of layered techniques and mixed media with collage, photography, cardstock, book pages, art markers, stencils, tempera sticks, acrylic, paints, washi tape, and stickers. Weekly prompts will cover a range of topics such as gratitude, compassion, ambitions, choices, fear, self-care, and self-esteem as they relate to the students' personal lives and current events. Conversation around the prompts will complement the students' work in their individual journals.

Topics in this Series: Journal work is done in an open studio environment that allows students to join in any quarter throughout the year.

Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Fee covers art journal for student to use in class and shared class supplies (paints, inks, brushes, markers, collage materials, glue, washi tape, etc.)

What to Wear: Students may wish to have an apron or old shirt to wear when working with paints.

In this 12-week course, students will learn the core skills of Electronic Music Production from industry professional, DJ, producer, and musician Eric Jao (aka DJ Enferno). Eric brings 30+ years of working in the music industry, including touring the world with Madonna and creating music for Linkin Park and Cirque Du Soleil. He's an Ableton Certified Trainer and the creator of the Electronic Music ELEMENTS curriculum, which he will teach in person at Compass.

Students will learn how to make music that sounds like their favorite songs. They'll create their own drums, chords, basslines, and melodies and arrange them into original songs and remixes. As students progress beyond the core curriculum, they will learn to use effects and automation to expand and enhance their music production skills.

Students do not need to play an instrument or be able to read music for this course. Instead, they need to have a love of music and the desire to create their own, original songs.

Meet your instructor here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5en5nx5zag

Workload:Students should expect to spend 1 or more hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: Students will be encouraged to continue to work on their music at home.

Assessments: Will not be given.

What to Bring: Students should bring a laptop (Windows or Mac), tablet, or Chromebook and headphones to class each week.

Non-Meeting Days: In addition to the scheduled days-off on the published Compass schedule, this class does not meet on xxx

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component partial credit in Fine Arts or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript.

Paris. Milan. Madrid. What's on the runways in 2026? Wide disco collars, chic trench coats, and layered skirts in simmering neons, crochet knits, and faux leather. Do you study the pages of Glamour, Vogue, Marie Claire, and wish to be involved in the world of trendy fashion? Perhaps you follow fashion influencers on Instagram. Or, do you enjoy the satisfaction of designing apparel yourself, your way? If so, this class is for you. Each week this course will cover two aspects: the history of fashion and fashion design.

Fashion trends are often cyclical, and elements of style are reimagined every few decades. Students will seek inspiration for new designs and style remixes by learning about the history of fashion in eastern and western cultures for the last century. First semester, students will look at fashion trends by decade from 1900 through the 1960s. This semester will cover chapters 1 through 3 in the textbook.

With inspiration from historical design trends, students will learn how to create fashion renderings, from initial concepts through a chic, coordinated collection. First semester, the class will learn about color theory, color psychology, and composing color palettes. They will learn to draw their designs by sketching a croquis (a quick, rough sketch of a garments on a proportioned figure.) Students will practice vision boarding and developing a story board. This class does not include sewing the fashions.

Topics in this Series: Fashion History & Design 1900s-1960s (Semester 1), Fashion History & Design 1970s-Today (Semester 2).

Prerequisites: None.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class on reading assignments and completing design activities.

Assignments: Projects and readings will be given out in class and will also be communicated via email.

Assessments: Individual feedback is given in class. Formal assessments will not be given.

Textbook: Students should purchase Fundamentals of Fashion Design, 3rd Edition, by Richard Sorger and Jenny Udale (ISBN# 978-1474270007) before the first class. Additional information will be distributed as handouts in class.

Lab/Supply Fee: None.

What to Bring: Images/sample photos, swatches, and other assigned materials.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts or Career Education for purposes of a high school transcript.

Learn the fundamentals of playing the guitar! In this class, students will learn basic melodies such as Happy Birthday, Jingle Bells, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, as well as classic rock favorites like Smoke on the Water, etc. Kids will learn to play chords and strumming patterns for familiar songs chosen by the instructor and students. Students are encouraged to bring in music they are interested in learning. New chords and new songs will be added each week as students also learn to read music and basic music theory. Students will also learn how to hold, tune, and care for their guitars. Each student will need a least a beginner level acoustic guitar. Students should be able to read at grade level for this class and should plan to practice at home several times each week. Students should expect to spend 20-30 minutes per day most days practicing chords and melodies from class. There is a materials fee of $11.00 payable to the Compass on the first day of class for a tablature notebook.

Learn the fundamentals of playing the guitar! In this class, students will learn basic melodies such as Happy Birthday, Jingle Bells, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, as well as classic rock favorites like Smoke on the Water, etc. Kids will learn to play chords and strumming patterns for familiar songs chosen by the instructor and students. Students are encouraged to bring in music they are interested in learning. New chords and new songs will be added each week as students also learn to read music and basic music theory. Students will also learn how to hold, tune, and care for their guitars. Each student will need a least a beginner level acoustic guitar. Students should be able to read at grade level for this class and should plan to practice at home several times each week. Students should expect to spend 20-30 minutes per day most days practicing chords and melodies from class. There is a materials fee of $11.00 payable to the Compass on the first day of class for a tablature notebook.

You've dreamed about going to Hogwarts, and now is your chance to experience a year of magical classes! In this maker class, students will create projects inspired by their core classes at Hogwarts (Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions, and Transfiguration) and a Hogwarts guest professor. Students learn to work with a variety of materials and learn a broad range of crafting skills such as hand-sewing, painting, papercrafting (including precision cutting, folding, and stenciling) sculpting, and wireworking to create magical pieces inspired by the World of Harry Potter.

Welcome to the first term at Hogwarts! In addition to your core wizarding classes, special projects will be inspired by guest Professor Quirrell such as a Time Turner, a Constellation Caster, and an Embossed Dragon Box.

This is a great class for Harry Potter fans who love the magical world, even for those who have not read all of the books or watched all of the movies. Projects and class discussions are geared to not reveal significant series spoilers. Note: A few classes may include a Harry Potter-inspired food creation or personal care product. The ingredients will be identified in advance, and students with food or ingredient allergies or dietary restrictions will need to check before handling/consuming. Substitute ingredients cannot be provided for those with food allergies or restrictions.

Topics in this Series: Quirrell's Creations (Quarter 1); Pomfrey's Potions (Quarter 2); Flitwick's Favorites (Quarter 3); and Lockhart's Fabrications (Quarter 4)

Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

Homeschool musicians who play violin, viola, cello, or bass are invited to join this homeschool string ensemble! Musicians will have an opportunity to develop orchestral skills and enjoy the experience of practicing, playing, and performing as a group. The ensemble will start each week with tuning and warm-ups such as playing musical scales and simple exercises. Then the musicians will work on several group songs each semester where they will improve musical literacy, learn to follow the directions from the conductor, and learn to play in different keys-- as a group. During the final session of the semester, a concert will be held for friends and family.

This ensemble is intended for advanced beginner, intermediate, and advanced strings students who are concurrently enrolled in private lessons. As a guideline, a student should be able to play a D major scale in two octaves on his/her instrument to be prepared for string ensemble. Students are expected to be able to locate notes on their instruments, read music and be able to identify all rhythmical patterns.

The instructor will provide the ensemble repertoires, and these arrangements will be specially composed to accommodate the range of abilities of all stringed players in the ensemble. Participants are expected to prepare and practice at home for at least 15 - 20 minutes per day. The cost of the cost of photocopied music is included.

Inside the Music is a fun, interactive guide to understanding how music really works. Designed for both instrumentalists and singers, this year-long program builds essential musicianship through games, movement, listening, and creative activities that make learning feel engaging, not overwhelming.

Students explore the fundamentals of music theory- from reading notes on the staff to understanding rhythm, pitch, scales, and chords through hands-on experiences and interactive classroom activities that reinforce each concept. Whether a student is just beginning or wanting to strengthen existing skills, this class provides a clear, structured path to deeper musical understanding and greater confidence.

First quarter, students will build confidence with beat, rhythm, and timing by learning to internalize a steady pulse and stay on track while playing or singing. They develop skills in reading and performing basic rhythm patterns, understanding time signatures such as 3/4 and 4/4, and creating their own rhythmic combinations. Activities include clapping games, movement exercises, and group rhythm challenges that reinforce steady, confident timing.

Each quarter focuses on a different core skill and stands on its own, so students can join at any time and still gain meaningful, complete learning. This class is an excellent complement to private lessons, ensembles, or independent study, helping students move beyond simply playing music to truly understanding it.

Topics in this series include Rock the Rhythm (Quarter 1), Practice Pitch & Pattern (Quarter 2), Engage Your Ear (Quarter 3), and Compose & Create (Quarter 4).

Junior Art Studio is a colorful, hands-on art adventure designed especially for our youngest artists! Each week, students will discover a new artist or art style, learn a few fun facts, explore inspiring examples, and then create their own masterpiece inspired by what they have seen. Using a wide variety of materials, students will experiment with colors, patterns, textures, and embellishments as they bring their ideas to life.

First quarter, students will explore how artists use color to express emotion, structure compositions, and communicate ideas. Each lesson connects a color concept to an artist, allowing students to
build skills in mixing, identifying, and applying color creatively. Featured artists include: Piet Mondrian, Paul Klee, Vincent van Gogh, Wassily Kandinsky, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, and Laurel Burch.

A partial list of projects this quarter includes: primary color grid painting, color mixing chart, warm and cool landscape, abstract circle painting, paper collage, watercolor landscape, and patterned animal artwork, using tempera paint, watercolor paint, brushes, colored paper, scissors, glue, oil pastels, markers,
painter's tape, canvases, art paper, and collage materials.

Topics in this series include: Color Quest (Quarter 1), Destination Discoveries (Quarter 2), Native Nations (Quarter 3), and Multi-Media Mix (Quarter 4). There is a $25.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day.

Junior Art Studio is a colorful, hands-on art adventure designed especially for our youngest artists! Each week, students will discover a new artist or art style, learn a few fun facts, explore inspiring examples, and then create their own masterpiece inspired by what they have seen. Using a wide variety of materials, students will experiment with colors, patterns, textures, and embellishments as they bring their ideas to life.

First quarter, students will explore how artists use color to express emotion, structure compositions, and communicate ideas. Each lesson connects a color concept to an artist, allowing students to
build skills in mixing, identifying, and applying color creatively. Featured artists include: Piet Mondrian, Paul Klee, Vincent van Gogh, Wassily Kandinsky, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, and Laurel Burch.

A partial list of projects this quarter includes: primary color grid painting, color mixing chart, warm and cool landscape, abstract circle painting, paper collage, watercolor landscape, and patterned animal artwork, using tempera paint, watercolor paint, brushes, colored paper, scissors, glue, oil pastels, markers,
painter's tape, canvases, art paper, and collage materials.

Topics in this series include: Color Quest (Quarter 1), Destination Discoveries (Quarter 2), Native Nations (Quarter 3), and Multi-Media Mix (Quarter 4). There is a $25.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day.

Learn to sew to create one-of-a kind articles of clothing, home decor, crafts, or handmade items for your side business like Etsy or Ebay. Sewing can be a relaxing hobby, a profitable side gig, and a practical money-saving life skill. Don't settle for store-bought when you can learn to sew the custom creations you envision!

First semester, students will learn the basics of hand sewing. Skills that will be introduced this semester include: quilter's knot, stitches (basting, running, backstitch, whip, ladder), tying a knot, and anchoring a knot. Students will learn to identify and use sewing tools such as fabric scissors, straight pins, thimbles, seam ripper, and various needles.

Students will also begin with get-to-know their sewing machines including different components, attachments, and functions, along with care, use, and maintenance of their machines. They will learn Identify parts of sewing machine; how to fill a bobbin and thread the machine; types of machine needles and how to change a needle, and how to control speeds. Students will practice machine stitches (straight, zig-zag, backstitch) and adjusting the length and width, learn about seam allowance, and sewing corners and curves. Students will begin with simple stitching exercises, and their first project will be sewing a pin cushion that they will use throughout the year.

As part of learning to sew, students will learn about different types of fabrics, what each is best used for, and how to identify grain lines, bias, and selvedge. The class will discover how garments are assembled by deconstructing an article of clothing from its seams. Students will learn how to read a sewing pattern and take measurements The group will learn about hems and elastic along with closures and how/where to use them. First semester's project will be sewing a custom pair of pajama pants.

Topics in this Series: Learn to Sew: Beginner (Semester 1), Learn to Sew: Beginner and Advanced Beginner (Semester 2).

Prerequisites: None

Workload: Students who practice at home will find that their sewing skills are refined and perfected more quickly. Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class practicing the sewing skill/step covered in class.

Assignments: Projects will be given out in class and will also be communicated via Google Classroom.

Equipment/Fabric: Students must bring to class each week:

Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $50.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a project box, including a sewing kit (with 1 pack of sewing machine needles, thread, and hand sewing essentials), and other materials used in class.

Embark on a magical afternoon journey with "Magical Creatures' Quest: A Familiar Problem!" This enchanting club is for tweens (ages 10-12) who adore whimsical tales, creative adventures, and the magic of tabletop role-playing games. During each club meeting, the group will weave a captivating story where each participant takes on the role of a magical animal on a quest to reunite with its owner. Are you more like a daring dragon, mysterious mermaid, playful Pegasus, or a fearless fairy? Each meeting presents a new chapter, filled with challenges, mysteries, and opportunities for magical mischief. Tweens will unleash their creativity and collaborate with others to shape the adventure, solve puzzles, and make decisions to advance the story.

The club is facilitated by an experienced Game Master who will guide students through the art of role-playing. Tweens will connect and form friendships with other middle schoolers who share a love of magical stories and imaginative play- in person! Previous role-playing experience is not required, but this club serves as a great introduction for tweens who might be interested in embarking on Dungeons and Dragons. Minimum age 10 to participate.

In the style of High School Musical or a glee club, Middle School Musical is designed for tween singers who want to have fun while taking their vocal performance to the next level. Students will learn and perform choral arrangements of music from musicals, movies, and contemporary favorites, including selections inspired by Glee.

With 2- and 3-part harmonies, singers will work both as an ensemble and in solos, duets, or small group numbers. Solos are always optional, and students are encouraged at their individual comfort level, making this class a great fit for both experienced and more hesitant singers.

This is a supportive, structured class where every student plays an important role. Students will develop vocal technique and performance skills such as posture, breathing, intonation, and blending, while also building musicality and confidence through consistent practice and collaboration. Instruction will also introduce basic music reading, including melody and harmony. As the semester progresses, students grow not only in skill but in confidence- learning to use their voices, taking apropriate risks, and contributing to a cohesive group performance.

The semester will conclude with a showcase for families, where students share what they have learned in a warm and encouraging performance setting.

Embark on a imaginative afternoon journey with "Misunderstood Minions!" This engaging club is for middle school students who adore fiction tales, creative adventures, and the thrill of tabletop role-playing games. During each club meeting, the group will weave a captivating story where each participant takes on the roles of villains, heroes, and "henchmen"- the mad minions who carry out an evil plot. Each meeting presents a new chapter, filled with challenges, mysteries, and opportunities for mischief. Tweens will unleash their creativity and collaborate with others to shape the adventure, solve puzzles, and make decisions to advance the story.

The club is facilitated by an experienced game master Judith Harmon, author of the "Misunderstood Minions" gaming framework, who will guide students through the art of role-playing. Tweens will connect and form friendships with other middle schoolers who share a love of exaggerated stories and imaginative play- in person! Previous role-playing experience is not required, but this club serves as a great introduction for tweens and teens who might be interested in embarking on Dungeons and Dragons.

Music Makers explores many facets of the musical experience- singing, moving, dancing, listening, and playing instruments. The class will explore musical stories, famous composers, and different genres of music while playing a variety of percussion instruments (drums, sticks, triangles, woodblocks and more!). Students will learn to play a beginning pitched instrument on glockenspiels (a small barred instrument like the xylophone). Using an Orff-based approach, students will learn to read and write beginning musical notation and learn musical terminology all in the context of fun and play. Music Makers classes provide a fun, pressure-free environment to experience music and movement with the goal of general musicianship and excellent preparation for further, individual instrument lessons if desired. Music Makers helps every child acquire the essential building blocks for a future of musical learning! Students may join Music Makers at any quarter, and they may return again and again since new music, themes, and skills are constantly introduced.

Kids will learn the basics of hand sewing and discover it is "sew fun" to create items that can play with and use every day. First quarter, kids will sew two cute cube critters, two spherical pillow pets, and a basket.

Kids will learn practical sewing skills such as pinning and placement, a running stitch, attaching a button, scissor skills, stuffing, and working with simple patterns. The group will be working with pre-cut felt components from kits that will be enhanced with buttons and embellishments. Since students may work at different rates, some projects may not be completed in class and will be sent home to finish sewing with the newly learned skills. Students should be at age/grade level for fine motor skills for this class.

Topics in this series include: Dazzling DIY Decor (Quarter 1), Crafted Keepsakes (Quarter 2), Adorable Accessories (Quarter 3), and Cool Characters (Quarter 4). A material fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class.

Little kids will learn the basics of hand sewing and discover it is "sew simple" to create fun things they can play with and use every day. First quarter, little kids will sew 6-12 Plushie Pets like puppies, kittens, and bunnies.

Kids will learn practical sewing skills such as pinning and placement, a running stitch, attaching a button, scissor skills, and stuffing. The group will be working with pre-cut felt components from kits that will be enhanced with buttons and accessories. Since students may work at different rates, some projects may not be completed in class and will be sent home to finish sewing with the newly learned skills. Students should be at age/grade level for fine motor skills for this class and should be a minimum of age 6.

Topics in this series include: Plushie Pets (Quarter 1), Silly Sea Stuffies (Quarter 2), Dynamic Dinos (Quarter 3), and Cute Critters (Quarter 4). There is a supply fee of $35.00 due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class.

Students will learn a fun, simplified way to write songs from a professional, award-winning, soundtrack composer. Each week, students will tackle a different phase of songwriting. This class is open to students who play instruments, sing, write lyrics, or a combination of all three talents!

The group will learn about the song structure that is popular today with verse, chorus, pre-chorus, pre-verse, intros, and outros. They will listen to some examples of songs to convey what a verse, chorus, and bridge are, and will cover an overview of the basics of functional and classical harmony.

Each week, the group will approach a different stage of the songwriting process, working through ideas on their instruments, writing lyrics, or both. Student artists will be guided through making their own background tracks to encourage self- expression and to allow individual voices to emerge. They can use songs they know as inspiration, but they will be encouraged to create everything like a real songwriter. Musicians will be given ready-made chord options so their focus can remain on the creative aspects of songwriting.

If the student is only writing lyrics, he/she will be assigned a songwriting partner student who will write the melody and chords. In this case, the lyricist student will be provided with that song's work in progress tracks to write to at home.

Students who wish to record their songs should download the free Abbey Road 'Topline' app for Android or Apple smartphones. (The instructor uses this app professionally to share songs and concepts via e-mail, text message, or over social media with colleagues.) The app allows the artist to record songs in sections and play back all together. Microphones will not be needed.

The workshop is open to all instrument and voice students, not just guitar. Any style of music is acceptable (pop, folk, country, etc), but all lyrics must be rated "E" for everyone.

Topics in this Series: Songwriting Studio for Teens (Semester 1), Songwriting Studio for Teens (Semester 2), etc. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class .

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in fine arts or electives for purposes of a high school transcript.

Learn to play the violin! Students will learn the fundamentals of playing the violin using a combination of traditional and Suzuki methods. They will begin by learning how to hold the instrument, how to correctly grasp the bow, parts of the instrument, and the names of the open strings. Students will be taught sequential techniques by adding one finger at a time to each string until they can play a complete scale. The class will be taught to play in unison from sheet music. At the end of the semester, the class will be able to play several simple tunes and will demonstrate for the parents.
Music education enhances teamwork and cooperative learning and provides children with a path for self-expression. Scientific research has shown that music lessons not only improve organizational skills and executive functioning but that they also develop self-confidence.

Class Expectations: Students will be asked to bring their violin, bow, and case to every class. In order to fully benefit from the in-class instruction, daily, at-home practice is expected. A student violin can be purchased or rented from most music stores and should be set up professionally by a local music store or a string luthier.

Snappy comebacks, one-liners, sarcasm, exaggeration, irony...and teenagers. These things just go together! Improv gives kids an outlet for fun, creative stories and spontaneous humor. Teens who find amusement in the unexpected and humor in the unpredictable will enjoy improvisational acting!

First semester, actors will explore the basics of improvisation, story-telling, and stagecraft through activities and exercises that encourage cooperation, communication, and teamwork. With fun, interactive improv games such as "Yes, and.." and "Improved Stories," students will learn how to use short form improv to play off each other to convey character, emotion, situation, setting, and to highlight their scene partners. The variety of improv activities each week will help develop the "group mind" and class dynamic. Small group and partner work will boost teens' confidence and trust in a supportive environment.

Improvisation is the art of entertaining with connected, unpredictable twists and turns often seen from the great comedians and best live entertainers. Improv students will improve their ability to think on-their-feet, play off each other, and react with spontaneous wit, sarcasm, and irony. Actors' creative thinking and communication skills will be strengthened as they work "outside-of-the-box" and learn to read their audience.

Improv can be for everyone! No previous experience is needed. Beginners are welcome, and experienced students will further develop their improv skills. If you have taken this class before, go ahead and take it again because no two classes are ever alike. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, flexible, and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work collaboratively in a group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class.

Topics in this Series: Innovative Improv (Semester 1), Immersive Improv (Semester 2. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hour per week outside of class.

Assignments: If any, will be sent to parents and students by e-mail.

Assessments: Informal, qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

Tweens take over as they collectively brainstorm and collaboratively write their own play. Find out what happens when tweens "act out" the unique characters and an original storyline they created. Just in time for Halloween! What horrors haunt the house on the hill? Will our tweens uncover the undead or greet ghosts and ghouls galore?

Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and to begin to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with the students' input.

The class will learn the practical aspects of acting, as they work on script read-through, blocking, costume/prop design, and planning the show. Students will develop their own "actor's toolkit" of voice, body, and imagination in this creative process! Actors will grow in confidence and communication skills in preparation for a final sharing with parents on the final day of the quarter.

Once the script is fully developed, it will be emailed to parents. Parents will be expected make sure their tweens memorize their script/lines/cues and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories they already own and a little creativity.

Topics in this Series: Haunted House of Horrors (Quarter 1), Chaos in the Courtroom (Quarter 2), No Exit Escape Room (Quarter 3) and Rock Start Rivalry (Quarter 4).