Performance and Activities

Courses under this heading cover the instructional content of a range of extracurricular activities and work in the fine arts and elsewhere. These courses will appear on the student’s transcript, and will be graded pass/fail only. The units count toward the total unit requirement for graduation, but they do not count toward the 108-unit requirement in humanities and social sciences.

PA 15 abc. Student Publications. 3 units (1-0-2); first, second, third terms. The elementary principles of newspaper writing and editing, with special attention to student publications at the Institute. Instructor: Staff.

PA 16. Cooking Basics. 3 units (0-3-0). The class will survey different cooking styles, techniques, and cuisines from around the world. Topics covered may include knives and tools; tastes and flavors; sauces and reductions; legumes, grains, and beans; meat; dessert. The emphasis will be on presentation and creativity. Instructor: Mannion.

PA 20 abc. Debate. 3 units (1-0-2); first, second, third terms. Study and discussion of the annual intercollegiate debate topic. Instructor: Staff.

PA 30 abc. Women’s Glee Club. 3 units (0-3-0); first, second, third terms. Performance of women’s choral repertoire in all style periods, from the Renaissance to the present. Includes performances with orchestra and with the Men’s Glee Club (singing mixed-voice repertoire). Includes opportunities for individual instruction. No previous experience required. Three hours a week. Instructor: LaVertu.

PA 31 abc. Chamber Music. 3 units (0-3-0); first, second, third terms. Study and performance of music for mixed ensembles of three to seven members and for piano four-hands. Literature ranges from the baroque to contemporary eras. Open to students who play string, woodwind, brass instruments, or piano. After auditioning, pianists will be placed in either section by the instructors. Section 1: Mixed ensembles. Instructor: D. Bing. Section 2: Piano four-hands. Instructor: Gross.

PA 32 abc. Symphony Orchestra. 3 units (0-3-0); first, second, third terms. Study and performance of music written for full symphony orchestra and chamber orchestra. The orchestra performs both the standard symphonic repertoire and contemporary music. Two and a half hours of rehearsal per week. Instructor: Gross.

PA 33 abc. Concert Band. 3 units (0-3-0); first, second, third terms. Study and performance of music written for the classical wind ensemble. Emphasis is placed on the traditional literature, but the study of contemporary music is an important part of the curriculum. Instructor: W. Bing.

PA 34 abc. Jazz Band. 3 units (0-3-0); first, second, third terms. Study and performance of all styles of jazz, from Duke Ellington to Pat Metheny. Jazz improvisation is also stressed. Instructor: W. Bing.

PA 35 abc. Guitar. 3 units (0-3-0); first, second, third terms. Offered on three levels: beginning (no previous experience required), intermediate, and advanced. Instruction emphasizes a strong classical technique, including an exploration of various styles of guitar—classical, flamenco, folk, and popular. Instructor: Denning.

PA 36 abc. Men’s Glee Club. 3 units (0-3-0); first, second, third terms. Performance of repertoire from the Renaissance to the present day for men’s voices in all styles. Opportunity for performance with orchestra and for mixed voices. No prerequisite or previous experience necessary. Three hours of rehearsal a week. Individual instruction. Instructor: Caldwell.

PA 37 abc. Chamber Singers. 3 units (0-3-0); first, second, third terms. A sixteen-voice SATB-auditioned ensemble, the Chamber Singers provide costumed entertainments for the Athenaeum and community in December, participate with orchestra in the annual All-Mozart Concert in April, and present a musical theater review in June. One and a half hours of rehearsal per week. Instructor: Caldwell.

PA 40 abc. Theater Arts. 3 units (2-0-1); first, second, third terms. Instruction in all phases of theatrical production, culminating in multiple performances for the public. A hands-on, practical approach includes workshops in stage combat, costume construction, scenic arts, occasional informal encounters with professional actors, designers, and directors, as well as a few relevant field trips offered as possible. Understanding of dramatic structure, respect for production values, and problem solving are stressed. Material of academic value is drawn from 3,000 years of worldwide dramatic literature. Instructor: Marneus.

PA 61 abc. Silkscreen and Airbrush. 3 units (0-3-0); first, second, third terms. Instruction in silkscreen and airbrush techniques, using a variety of media including T-shirts. Instructor: Barry.

PA 62 abc. Drawing and Painting. 3 units (0-3-0); first, second, third terms. Instruction in techniques of drawing and painting, utilizing models, architecture, and still lifes as subjects. Instructor: Barry.

PA 63 abc. Ceramics. 3 units (0-3-0); first, second, third terms. Instruction in the techniques of creating ceramics, including the slab roller and potter’s wheel, and glazing methods. Instructor: Freed.