Art & Music Class Descriptions

Students will be introduced to painting with acrylics in a relaxed, informal studio setting under the guidance of a professional art instructor. Students will work on canvas boards and will learn elements of art, principles of design, and color theory in addition to methods in painting. Each week, the instructor will demonstrate a different technique in acrylic painting rather than a different subject. Techniques will include mixing and blending paints, wet and dry brush techniques, sponge techniques, glazing, washing, gradient relief, sgraffito, impasto, smudging, dot techniques, stippling, pouring, splattering, dabbing, underpainting, and detailing. The emphasis will be on methods and effects so that each student has a "toolbox" of techniques for working in acrylics. Students will have the freedom to mix and match the techniques that they have learned to create original pieces. In the open studio concepts, each student will have a different goal and unique project in-progress such as still life, floral, landscape, portrait, fantasy, abstract, or pop art. Student will complete two or three boards each quarter, depending on the level of detailing.

This class is suitable for beginners who have never painted before, and for experienced art students who have worked in other mediums and are interested in exploring acrylic painting. Compass parents are welcome to register for this class to work alongside their teens, or to work on their own, while their teen is in another Compass class. Painting can provide a relaxing, needed break from rigorous academic classes and over-scheduled lives in a fun, supportive environment.

Prerequisites: None

Workload: Work outside of class is optional, however students who want to continue to practice their painting techniques might want to purchase a tabletop easel (approx. $10.00) and set of basic acrylic paints ($30.00+) for home use.

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

Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $25.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for up to 6 canvas boards and shared class supplies (paints, brushes, paper products, etc.). Students who paint more quickly need more than 6 boards can purchase additional ones from the instructor for $4.00/each.

What to Wear: Students may wish to wear an apron, smock, or paint shirt when working with acrylic paints.

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

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.

Third quarter, students shall delve into the century-old conundrum circling the theft of the crown jewels of Ireland. Crafty criminals clandestinely cribbed the treasure from beneath the watchful eyes of a gaggle of guards. Daring detectives must crack the codes, sidestep the snares, and solve the saga.

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 favorite fairy tales are flipped and fumbled? In the newly fabricated tale, does the fearless frog save the fair princess, or do Red Riding Hood and the wretched wolf reunite?

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).

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.

Step into a world of wealth, wit, and whispered wickedness at the Wyndham Foundation's dazzling centennial celebration. The chandeliers shimmer, the socialites sparkle, and the stakes soar sky-high in 1880s Newport. But beneath the brilliance brews betrayal. Before the final toast is tasted, a rising star of society is struck down. Polite smiles mask petty rivalries, and proper manners hide perilous motives. In this glittering game of greed and gossip, who will be exposed as the culprit cloaked in couture?

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).

It's not always what it seems! Sometimes, a thrilling performance seems to lead the audience in one direction only to make a theatrical turn-around to reveal a different tale. Teens will enjoy the creativity and camaraderie of selecting, casting, rehearsing, and performing a short play that presents a comical about-face. The class will begin by reading through two 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 1-2 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: If any, will be posted in a Google Classroom.

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

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.

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

Two rookie detectives are grilling a motley crew of suspects and witnesses in a small-town crime. These suspicious characters are combative, ridiculous, and downright incompetent, but none of them seems guilty. One is the high school mascot, while another appears to be a character right out of a popular video game. With the clock ticking and their jobs on the line, can this good cop and bad cop duo collar a suspect before it's too late? Tweens will appreciate the quirky, off-beat humor of this scripted comedy. They will enjoy the creativity and camaraderie of working together to bring this humorous piece to stage.

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.

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 everything is shrunk so trees are as tall as towers and bugs are the size of buildings?
Young actors will create their own suddenly shrunken scenarios.

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).

Social dancing does not have to be slow or stuffy! There is energy in the ballroom with Action Dance! Students will learn the beginning waltz, foxtrot, and swing dancing, which originated in Harlem and is known for its spirited stepping and spinning to jazz and big band music. The class will examine the evolution of East Coast swing and its offshoots along with some West Coast swing, Lindy Hop, the Charleston, and the DC native Hand Dance. They will also learn some 2-step and country swing. 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: Caribbean & Latin (Semester 1), Swing & Smooth (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! From ship decks to village markets, loose, billowy shirts have outfitted adventurers for centuries. In this advanced sewing course, students will create a puffy pirate or peasant-style shirt while mastering gathering, sleeves, and neckline finishes.

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 $25.00 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.

Third quarter, students take a creative trip to France and Italy, discovering how artists from different places and times bring their ideas to life in unique ways. Each class explores a new style, followed by a fun, hands-on project where students draw, paint, sculpt, and create their own inspired masterpieces. Along the way, they experiment with realistic and expressive styles while building creativity and confidence. Featured artists include Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, Michelangelo, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Georges Seurat, Raphael , and Marc Chagall.

A partial list of projects this quarter include: simple portrait drawing, mini water lily painting, action figure drawing, cut paper shape, collage, clay face sculpture, pointillism dot art, and split-style artwork using pencils, erasers, black markers, and colored pencils, watercolor paints, paintbrushes, white drawing paper, specialty canvases, colored construction paper, pre-cut colored paper, glue sticks, scissors, air-dry clay and basic sculpting tools.

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.

Third quarter, students take a creative trip to France and Italy, discovering how artists from different places and times bring their ideas to life in unique ways. Each class explores a new style, followed by a fun, hands-on project where students draw, paint, sculpt, and create their own inspired masterpieces. Along the way, they experiment with realistic and expressive styles while building creativity and confidence. Featured artists include Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, Michelangelo, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Georges Seurat, Raphael , and Marc Chagall.

A partial list of projects this quarter include: simple portrait drawing, mini water lily painting, action figure drawing, cut paper shape, collage, clay face sculpture, pointillism dot art, and split-style artwork using pencils, erasers, black markers, and colored pencils, watercolor paints, paintbrushes, white drawing paper, specialty canvases, colored construction paper, pre-cut colored paper, glue sticks, scissors, air-dry clay and basic sculpting tools.

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).

Students will draw in a relaxed, informal studio setting, where they will learn the fundamentals of drawing along with the elements of art and principles of design. Students will begin with basic sketching of everyday objects- a pair of cleats, a bag of chips, sunglasses, a Stanley cup, or a teddy bear, for example (no boring vases or fruit here.) They will practice freehand drawing to represent an object and practice breaking the item down into the simple shapes that make its unique, complex form. Emphasis will be on how to represent in 2D what you see in real life in three dimentions.

Student artists will learn techniques such as creating a "good line," outlining, patterning, and introductory shading. Elements of art will include line, shape, and pattern, along with principles such as contrast and emphasis.

The instructor will demonstrate techniques through sample drawings, and students may follow along or apply the skills to their own ideas. This class is ideal for beginners and helps build confidence by showing students that drawing does not have to be "perfect" to be powerful.

There is a suppy fee of $18.00 due payable to the instructor for new students only. Topics in this series include: Style & Self (Quarter 1), Characters & Creatures (Quarter 2), Stuff to Sketch (Quarter 3), and Fantasy Figures (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.

Third quarter, students "travel" around the world through art, exploring how different cultures use symbols, patterns, and storytelling to share ideas and traditions. Through hands-on projects, students will discover how artists communicate meaning and identity while learning to create with respect for cultural traditions and perspectives. Featured countries and regions include Ghana, China, Japan, the United States (indigenous cultures), Mexico/Mesoamerica, Egypt, India, and and Aboriginal Australia.

A partial list of projects this quarter includes: Adinkra symbol masks, ink brush paintings, ukiyo-e wave prints, symbolic storytelling pieces, geometric pattern designs, hieroglyphic art, mandala patterns, and dot painting using watercolor, acrylic and tempera paints, cardboard, tag board, construction paper, fabric scraps, yarn, beads, feathers, raffia, natural materials, glue, scissors, markers, oil pastels, clay (air-dry), modeling tools, , colored sand, chalk, stencils, stamps, and pattern templates.

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.

Third quarter, students "travel" around the world through art, exploring how different cultures use symbols, patterns, and storytelling to share ideas and traditions. Through hands-on projects, students will discover how artists communicate meaning and identity while learning to create with respect for cultural traditions and perspectives. Featured countries and regions include Ghana, China, Japan, the United States (indigenous cultures), Mexico/Mesoamerica, Egypt, India, and and Aboriginal Australia.

A partial list of projects this quarter includes: Adinkra symbol masks, ink brush paintings, ukiyo-e wave prints, symbolic storytelling pieces, geometric pattern designs, hieroglyphic art, mandala patterns, and dot painting using watercolor, acrylic and tempera paints, cardboard, tag board, construction paper, fabric scraps, yarn, beads, feathers, raffia, natural materials, glue, scissors, markers, oil pastels, clay (air-dry), modeling tools, , colored sand, chalk, stencils, stamps, and pattern templates.

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.

Third quarter, students will explore the powerful artistic movement of the Harlem Renaissance, examining how artists expressed cultural identity, community, and history through their work. By studying influential figures of the era, students will see how art can reflect shared experiences, celebrate cultural pride, and respond to historical moments. Featured artists include Aaron Douglas, Jacob Lawrence, Archibald Motley, and Augusta Savage.

A partial list of projects this quarter includes: a relief sculpture portrait, 3-panel story, and a layered silhouette using drawing pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, markers, oil pastels, watercolor, tempera, acrylic paint, brushes, paper, collage materials, fabric, cardboard, clay, wire, yarn, glue, and tape

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.

Turn up the tempo and take your musical skills to the next level! Advanced Beginner Band helps students strengthen technique, improve music-reading fluency, and tackle more challenging selections within Compass's comprehensive, multi-level homeschool band program.

Students in Advanced Beginner Band will meet and play together to continue to develop their skills on their selected instruments. To be considered for this level, students must have the following competencies on their chosen percussion, woodwind, or brass instrument:

• Minimum of one semester playing experience;
• Know how to assemble and disassemble the instrument correctly;
• Know how to properly care for and clean instrument;
• Demonstrate correct posture, hand position, and embouchure (woodwinds/brass);

Advanced beginner band students are expected to practice 15 minutes per day, 5 times per week. Parents will be asked to sign a weekly practice log, and students completing their target 75 minutes per week will earn small weekly incentives.

Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories. See the band instrument webpage.

There is a $26.00 (wind instruments) or $32.00 (percussion) supply fee due payable to Compass on/before the start of class for the Level 2 instrument-specific music book.

Start on the right note and discover the excitement of making music with others! Beginner Band introduces students to the fundamentals of playing, reading music, following a conductor, and performing with others within Compass's comprehensive, multi-level homeschool band program.

Beginning band students will learn how to hold their instruments with proper posture and hand position and correct embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) for the instrument. They will receive instruction on the parts of their instruments and how to safely, correctly, and independently assemble and clean them. Students will learn the fundamentals of music reading and practice simple songs as a group.

Students in beginner band may select from one of the following band instruments. Most instruments are appropriate for all ages, but a few are recommended for grades 7th and up due to the weight of the instrument or distance of the fingering:

Woodwind:

• Flute
• Clarinet
• Alto saxophone

Brass:

• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Euphonium (7th+ grade)
• French Horn (7th+ grade)
• Tuba (7th+ grade)

Percussion:

• Drum practice pad
• Bell kit
• Xylophone kit
• PLUS, percussionists will learn on and rotate through a variety of drums and mallet instruments owned by Compass (snare drums, bass drum, cow bell, bells, tambourine, etc.)

Beginning band students are expected to practice 10 minutes per day, 5 times per week. Parents will be asked to sign a weekly practice log, and students completing their target 50 minutes per week will earn small weekly incentives.

Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories. See the band instrument webpage.

There is a $30.00 supply fee due payable to Compass on/before the start of class for the Level I instrument-specific music book.

Find your rhythm, refine your sound, and rise to the challenge of a performing ensemble! Intermediate Band is designed for experienced student musicians ready to develop greater independence, musical expression, and polished ensemble skills within Compass's comprehensive, multi-level homeschool band program.

Intermediate Band is designed for students who are ready to play more complex music, strengthen their technique, and develop greater confidence performing as a group. Students will rehearse several selections in preparation for a spring band event, such as a theme park performance, community park program, or public venue.

To be considered for this level, students must have the following competencies on their chosen percussion, woodwind, or brass instrument:

• Be able to play a concert B flat scale for one octave, minimum
• Play a short solo for the band director of at least 30 seconds. This can be played live over Zoom, recorded and submitted by email, or in-person at the meet-the-director party

Intermediate band students are expected to practice 20 minutes per day, 5 times per week. Parents will be asked to sign a weekly practice log, and students completing their target 100 minutes per week will earn small incentives. It is highly recommended that students additionally take private weekly lessons to develop techniques and nuances specific to their individual instrument.

There is a $15.00 supply fee due payable to Compass on/before the start of class for the for sheet music.

Students will draw in a relaxed, informal studio setting, where they will learn the fundamentals of drawing along with the elements of art and principles of design. Most drawing projects are "student's own" where each artist selects their own subject to incorporate demonstrated techniques such as representing light and dark, creating texture and patterns, and shading to show dimension.

Second quarter, students will learn how to draw portraits first by learning how to do proportions and features in a more traditional representation then by exploring fantastic and ficitonal people, beasts, and pets through exaggerating and manipulating proportions while maintaining the basics.

The instructor will demonstrate various techniques by developing a sample drawing. Students may elect to follow the class sample or may apply the drawing skills to an entirely unique drawing. This class is suitable for beginners who have never drawn before and for intermediate art students who have worked with other media and are interested in exploring drawing. Drawing can provide a relaxing, needed break from rigorous academic classes and over-scheduled lives in a fun, supportive environment.

Topics in this Series: Everyday Objects (Quarter 1), Portraits and Creative Caricatures (Quarter 2), Creating Narrative (Quarter 3), and Imitating Illustration Styles (Quarter 4).

Workload: Work outside of class is optional for those who wish to practice their drawing techniques.

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

Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $18.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a sketchbook, a pencil box with pencils of varying hardness, and an eraser. Returning drawing students do not need to pay a supply fee and are expected to replace their drawing supplies as needed, with similar or better quality.

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

From script to screen-bring your project to life! Building on the script(s) developed in the first semester, students will move into the full production process as they shoot and edit their own short films. Under the guidance of a local award-winning filmmaker and author, students will gain real experience on a film set, applying creative skills, and problem-solving on the go.

This course is a creative studio that emphasizes the art of filmmaking and the design elements that bring stories to life on screen, including costumes, sets, and acting. Students will execute key roles within a film crew, such as director, director of photography, and production support positions, while learning how a set operates from start to finish. They will collaborate to plan scenes, organize shoots, and manage the logistics of production.

Students will receive introductory exposure to camera techniques, lighting, and sound. Editing is a central component of the semester, as students use editing software to assemble footage, refine pacing, and produce a cohesive final product. The class emphasizes teamwork, visual mastery, and adapting to real-world production challenges. The semester culminates in the completion and presentation of a short film, created individually or in small groups, showcasing each student's work from production through final edit.

For more in-depth instruction on the technical aspects of filmmaking, students are encouraged to enroll in the one of the companion technical filmmaking classes.

Schedule & Expectations
This course requires extended filming sessions outside of regular class time. Three extended filming days are built into the schedule, and attendance is essential. Students should arrange transportation to locations near Compass and arrive fully prepared with props, costumes, equipment, and memorized lines. Some additional flexibility may be required due to weather, illness, or unavoidable logistical issues.

• Monday, March 8 (Week 8): 2:00 - 6:00 pm
• Monday, April 5 (Week 10): 2:00 - 6:00 pm
• Monday, April 12 (Week 11): 2:00 - 6:00 pm

Editing will take place during Weeks 12- 15. Barring any unforeseen issues, the course will conclude with a Red Carpet Premiere for families and friends at Compass on Monday, May 17 (Week 16) at 2:00 pm

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.