Curriculum Detail

Explore Our Curriculum

Arts

The arts are the very foundation for a full and creative life, equipping us to transcend cultural boundaries and to make unorthodox connections. At Sage Hill, our vital arts program, housed in our state-of-the-art Studio, celebrates the natural artist in each of our students and serves as a gateway to discovery and a catalyst for learning.

The Sage Hill arts curriculum — which offers programs in theatre, dance, choral and instrumental music, visual arts, and film history and production—stretches students to explore new worlds, to develop aesthetic sensibilities in everyday life, and to balance discipline and technique with personal expression. The school requires two full years of coursework in the arts; first, all ninth graders are introduced to a variety of media through the Arts Survey, and the department also provides beginning through college-equivalent courses to challenge students of all skill levels.

The Arts Department also offers a choice of performance-based ensembles that meet after school in addition to the arts courses offered during the academic day. These ensembles complement the academic program and afford students the opportunity to practice and exhibit their art.

  • Arts Survey

    The Arts Survey begins an artistic, collaborative journey that serves to enhance students’ learning throughout their time at Sage Hill and beyond. The first semester of this year-long course provides ninth grade students the opportunity to experience a wide variety of performing and visual arts disciplines, and to engage in active learning with each member of the Arts faculty. In the second semester, students work with their teachers to select one area to explore in depth. By the end of the year, students develop the ability to communicate their artistic points of view, both individually and collectively, within a supportive and encouraging environment. Incoming ninth grade students with prior high school level experience in a select arts discipline can audition for the performing arts faculty or submit a portfolio for review to the visual arts faculty and may be accepted into an appropriate level arts course other than Arts Survey.

  • Dance I

    This course is designed for students who have little or no dance experience. Students explore and practice the principles of dance technique and performance, and develop kinesthetic awareness, freedom, and control in the use of the body as an instrument of expression. Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop dance styles are introduced and practiced. In addition to technique classes, students study dance anatomy, examine dance in historical and cultural contexts and cultivate an appreciation for dance as a significant art form. Didactic study, written work, discussions, student performances and attendance at professional dance performances are required to enhance the student’s dance experience.

  • Dance II

    This course is an intermediate class for the student who has completed Dance I or an equivalent course. Students continue learning Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop technique through the intermediate level, and they expand their working vocabulary of movement to progress into improvisational work and choreography. Students continue to study dance anatomy and examine dance in historical and cultural contexts. They also respond critically in written form to live performances throughout the year.

  • Dance III

    Dance III is an advanced class for the student who has completed Dance II or its equivalent. Students continue learning Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop technique through an advanced level. Students continue to study dance anatomy and kinesiology, further examine dance in historical and cultural contexts and respond critically in written form to live performances throughout the year. Student work culminates in a final performance in the spring.

  • Honors Dance IV

    This multi-form technique class focuses on expanding movement possibilities, developing movement efficiency and training dancers to be artful technicians and inventors of movement. Students practice challenging material with enough repetition to inhabit the movement with confidence while making individual choices about dynamics, phrasing and performance. Students continue learning ballet, lyrical, modern, jazz, musical theater and hip hop technique through an advanced level with an additional focus on Improv techniques. Honors Dance IV students must choreograph a piece in the Honors Showcase, participate in student-choreographed pieces in the Fall and Spring Showcases, demonstrate leadership in class, and attend external training workshops. They will also work together to choreograph in-class combinations and to create a group choreography piece for the Spring Showcase.

  • Honors Dance Ensemble

    Honors Dance Ensemble (Synergy) is a fast-paced advanced course that targets students who want to broaden their technique, creative work, and performance experience. Synergy operates as a team in student practice and performance becoming proficient in ballet, lyrical, contemporary, modern, musical theater, hip hop and pom. Students learn repertory pieces and new works prepared under the direction of faculty, guest artists and selected student leaders. Interdisciplinary work involving film, music and visual arts is explored and practiced. Synergy students create and produce quality dance pieces that can be used for admission into UC and CSU dance programs and prepare them for college level dance teams. Honors Dance Ensemble students must complete summer training, choreograph a piece in the Honors and Spring Showcases, demonstrate leadership in class and attend external training workshops.

  • Theatre I: Performance & Design

    Theatre I is an introductory course that includes units of study in storytelling, creative drama, improvisation, movement, voice, acting theory, scene work and monologues. The class is comprised of various in-class games and exercises, performances, written character work and evaluations. The improvement of verbal and nonverbal skills prepares students for various types of social interactions including public speaking. At the end of the course, the student will know the basic terminology of the theatre and will understand how to critique theatrical works of art.

  • Theatre II: Acting Styles

    Theatre II is an intermediate course where students develop a more comprehensive process for approaching a role and gain a deeper understanding of the various components of theatrical production. The performance component of the class is comprised of exercises, games and monologue and scene work that develop specific skills, and the writing component includes informal peer critiques, self-evaluations, formal reviews of productions and a research paper. Students also learn more advanced acting skills such as stage combat and the use of dialects as well as how to approach different styles of acting such as Shakespearean drama or comedy of manners.

  • Honors Theatre III

    This course is a continuation of Theatre II, and serves as an Honors course in Theatre as a collaborative art form that incorporates the creative contributions of actors, playwrights, directors, designers and technicians within the context of producing a presentation/production. This advanced level allows students to gain perspective on the crucial role that each individual plays in theatre productions with particular emphasis on the creative process. Throughout this course, students will continue to work on a variety of acting techniques and concepts, including character motivation, improvisation, and both physical and vocal expression. One major objective of the course is to improve students' abilities as readers and viewers of Theatre. Students will closely examine and analyze plays in written and live/ filmed performance. Students will also continue to explore historical contributions of playwrights, with emphasis on modern plays with social justice themes.

  • Honors Theatre Ensemble

    Honors Theatre Ensemble is an advanced course in theatre for motivated, selfdirected students with a significant interest in the subject. Units of study include comedy improvisation, playwriting, directing, design, scene study, musical theatre, auditioning and participation in at least one production. This course is comprised of various exercises, performances and written assignments. Members of the Honors Theatre Ensemble are selected by audition each spring.

  • Fundamentals of Art I

    The major emphasis of Fundamentals of Art I is to provide a foundation of visual arts concepts. Students create original works of art by exploring a variety of drawing and painting materials and techniques, as well as various materials to create three-dimensional art forms. Students are introduced to the vocabulary as well as the historical and cultural aspects of the visual arts. Technology is introduced as a medium in the visual arts, and students learn about careers in drawing, painting and design. Students create portfolios that will be assessed and exhibited.

  • Fundamentals of Art II

    In Fundamentals of Art II, students continue to develop drawing and painting skills introduced in Fundamentals of Art I. Students increase aesthetic awareness through the use of the visual arts language and concepts (elements and principles) with an emphasis on direct observation. Students explore self-expression through the development of organizational skills using a wider variety of drawing and painting media. Reading and writing assignments continue to be included in course work with an emphasis on critiques and research. The development of an Advanced Placement Portfolio is an option for students who plan to pursue a more rigorous path.

  • Digital Art I

    Digital Art I is a year-long introduction to the computer as a vital and creative tool for making art. The course balances the use of powerful graphics software grounded in the principles of form and design with traditional drawing techniques. Contemporary art practices and a variety of cultural and historical perspectives on representation form the theoretical backbone of the course. In addition to computers, students work with traditional art materials as well as other contemporary media devices. Students create original artworks using combinations of all of these resources, and they apply learned vocabulary to their artwork and the work of other artists. This course also introduces students to various careers based in the visual arts.

  • Digital Art II

    Digital Art II is a year-long course designed to be a continuation of Digital Art I. This course encourages students to utilize their formal and conceptual skills in the creation of complex two-dimensional and time-based, interactive works. Digital Art II students also use video production software for multiple video projects. Students continue to build upon their use and understanding of all five components of the Visual Arts Framework introduced in Arts Survey and Digital Art I.

  • Honors Art Lab

    Art Lab is an honors level studio art class for students who are committed to developing their skills in visual art. The course is designed to let students experience the natural progression of building a body of artwork. Students will work at an advanced level and pace, and focus on creativity, problem solving, time management, introspection, research, and critique in their work. The course also emphasizes the development of conceptual approaches to making art. Formal and informal critiques are a continuous and invaluable component of the Art Lab experience. Completion of summer projects and installing and showing their work throughout the year as assigned is mandatory. Additional projects include research presentations, teaching/ mentoring projects, and participation in external competitions.

  • Vocal Ensemble

    Vocal Ensemble is a year-long course for mixed voices and is ideal for all skill levels of singers. Students will learn how to sing with skill, accuracy, emotion, and sensitivity through a variety of genres and time periods, including but not limited to pop, a cappella, world music, vocal jazz, traditional choral literature from 1600-2000, and musical theater. Topics include vocal technique for both soloists and ensemble singers, ear training, breathing technique, tone control and quality for different genres, a cappella practices, and blending.

  • Honors Vocal Ensemble

    This course is ideal for dedicated singers seeking a transformative musical experience and a space to showcase their leadership ability. A student eligible for honors distinction is not only an exceptional vocalist, but is proactive about learning music, and demonstrates leadership within their sections. This student should also exemplify qualities of good character including respect, a commitment to musical integrity, and a willingness to collaborate with and support their fellow singers. Additionally, honors students will contribute to the creative direction of the ensemble and will engage in additional research projects.

  • Strings Ensemble

    A musical ensemble comprised of string instruments, including violin, viola, cello and double bass. Participants will rehearse and perform a variety of intermediate to advanced level music from the orchestral tradition, as well as contemporary and chamber music repertoire. This course will include additional study of instrumental technique, music theory and music history to enhance the students’ musical development, comprehension and performance capabilities. This is a Sage Center Designated Course, which includes an attached Spring at Sage or Service Learning experience.

  • Honors Strings Ensemble

    Honors-level musicians are expected to participate and perform at an advanced level. Responsibilities include ensemble leadership and curricular support, advanced instrumental repertoire, solo and chamber music, and additional performance opportunities.

  • Winds Ensemble

    A musical ensemble comprised of all wind, brass, piano, and percussion instruments. Participants will rehearse and perform a variety of intermediate to advanced level music from the wind ensemble tradition, as well as contemporary and chamber music repertoire. This course will include additional study of instrumental technique, music theory, and music history to enhance the students’ musical development, comprehension and performance capabilities. This is a Sage Center Designated Course, which includes an attached Spring at Sage or Service Learning experience.

  • Honors Winds Ensemble

    Honors level musicians are expected to rehearse and perform at an advanced level. Musical responsibilities include performing advanced repertoire, serving as section leader or soloist, teaching/ coaching projects, ensemble leadership and support, and additional performances as assigned.

  • Guitar Ensemble

    A musical ensemble comprised of classical (acoustic) guitars. Participants will rehearse and perform diverse examples of music from the guitar tradition, as well as more contemporary repertoire. This course will include additional study of guitar technique, improvisation, music theory, TAB, and music history to enhance the students’ musical development, comprehension and performance capabilities. This is a Sage Center Designated Course, which includes an attached Spring at Sage or Service Learning experience.

  • Honors Guitar Ensemble

    Honors level musicians are expected to rehearse and perform at an advanced level. Musical responsibilities include performing advanced repertoire, serving as section leader or soloist, teaching/ coaching projects, ensemble leadership and support, and additional performances as assigned.

  • AP Music Theory

    The AP Music Theory course is designed for serious students of music. The primary goal of the AP Music Theory course is to develop a student’s ability to recognize, understand and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are presented in a score. Additionally, students will be required to use this knowledge in a creative way through composition and improvisation exercises and projects. The AP Music Theory class is designed not only to prepare the students to perform successfully on the AP Exam, but also to engage and inspire their love of music with the goal of becoming passionate musical artists.

  • Ceramics I

    Ceramics is an upper division lab and lecture course in which the student explores clay as a creative material. Students study clay and the art of ceramics as they gain knowledge of the elements and principles of art. Students also demonstrate the skills and processes of creating art using the medium of clay by researching the historical and cultural contributions ceramics have made throughout history, analyzing and making aesthetic judgments about their own artworks, the artworks of peers and the world around them. Ultimately, students apply what they learn about clay and ceramics to exhibitions, other subject areas, careers in the field of ceramics and the safe use of materials and equipment in the lab.

  • Ceramics II

    Ceramics II is a course that continues to build upon the foundational skills learned in Ceramics I and provides students the opportunity to continue to develop learning sculptural and functional art making processes in the art of ceramics and related materials. Students will be challenged to explore developing their own preferences and style of working with clay, and dive deeper and hone their skill set through specific projects. The goal of this course is for the student to begin to think and work like an individual artist that is also a contributing member to the collaborative nature of the studio environment. Students will examine cultural connections that pottery and ceramic sculpture have made throughout history and reflect upon how that can inform their own work. This course is open to juniors and seniors who have completed Ceramics I and requires the approval of the Arts Department.
  • Photo of Brian McMahon
    Brian McMahon
    Arts Department Chair, Digital & Visual Arts Teacher
    Bio
  • Photo of Kavita Baliga
    Kavita Baliga
    Choral Teacher
    Bio
  • Photo of Amy Bergener
    Amy Bergener
    Visual Arts Teacher
    Bio
  • Photo of Brent Dodson
    Brent Dodson
    Instrumental Music Teacher
    Bio
  • Photo of Mary Kildare
    Mary Kildare
    Theatre Teacher
    Bio
  • Photo of Taleen Shrikian
    Taleen Shrikian
    Dance Teacher
    Bio
  • Photo of Sydney Smith
    Sydney Smith
    Dance Teacher, Coordinator of Community Engagement
    Bio

Sage Hill School

20402 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, CA 92657
Phone: 949.219.0100  |  Fax: 949.219.1399
Sage Hill School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and athletic and other School administered programs.