Arts

The Fine Arts Department at Colorado Rocky Mountain School stresses a serious commitment to the production and appreciation of art, the awareness of the role of art in society, and the responsibilities of the creator and consumer of art. The arts faculty are practicing artists themselves and offer a wide array of experiences to share with the students.

The art facilities are extensive and well equipped. Students are encouraged to use them for independent work as well as classroom assignments. The visual arts courses combine studio work with theory, aesthetics, criticism, and an appreciation for the role of the arts in other academic disciplines throughout history and in other cultures. Students elect a variety of arts that expose them to two- and three-dimensional art.

Music is studied in small ensembles in which students can learn styles, including chamber, classical, country, folk, bluegrass, blues, jazz, rock ’n’ roll, and ethnic music. CRMS music students learn to appreciate music through research, the study of music fundamentals, theory, technique, and professional live performance. Individual instrumental and vocal techniques are improved through the study of articulation, intonation, tone quality, tempo, interpretation, phrasing, and posture.

Drama class offers the opportunity to develop acting skills and techniques and to perform in one of two annual dramatic or musical productions.

» Student and Art Slide Show

Our art offerings include:

Arts Survey
All 9th grade students are required to take Arts Survey, an integrated program in the visual and performing arts. During this course, they are presented with the opportunity to briefly explore many of the art disciplines offered by the CRMS Fine Arts department. Coordinated by a team of teachers, core units in drama and two- and three-dimensional design introduce students to the elements of art vocabulary, techniques, and theories. Most important, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, through a wide range of opportunities, to experience the creative process. This course is integrated with the 9th grade humanities curriculum.

Blacksmithing
This course takes place in an atmosphere rich in history and is fueled by a dedication to developing the foundational skills of blacksmithing. Students explore the potential of forged iron as expressive medium to inspire continued development of blacksmithing process and technique. We will also examine the historical context, materials, geography, technology, and social aspects of iron and forge. A comprehensive and demanding program encourages students to discover and explore the many possibilities of what blacksmithing can be in contemporary forge work.

Ceramics
Students receive an introduction to clay and its basic working properties as they apply to the potter’s wheel. They develop the ability to execute well-crafted pieces and an understanding of clays, glazes, and firing. The second semester focuses on individualized projects, advanced techniques, and production pottery. Students learn advanced techniques in clay and glaze formation.

Drawing & Painting
This studio course provides instruction in basic drawing and skill development. The course is based on classical representational drawing in traditional format. Subject matter ranges from still-life, landscapes, and perspective to figure drawing and portraiture using a variety of black-and-white media and techniques. The curriculum also includes studies in the formal elements of art, drawing vocabulary, and art history. Painting is introduced with exercises in primary colors, color mixing, and complementary colors. Students are taught to observe from life. They also research a painter and create a copy of one of the artist’s famous works in order to learn in-depth from a master painter. If students are interested in applying for entrance to an art school, they are encouraged and assisted in preparing a portfolio in their junior year.

Advanced Drawing & Painting/Art Portfolio
Students interested in applying to art colleges are encouraged to document their work in all media. The assembly and presentation of the artist’s portfolio is recommended during the junior year, though seniors can also accomplish this. CRMS’s Drawing & Painting course is a prerequisite for this class.

Photography
This hands-on course will instruct students in the basic operations of a digital SLR camera as well as in proper camera handling, exposure control, depth of field, lenses and the visual characteristics of lenses, and how digital capture works. Students will also learn how to transfer files to a computer and systematically manage a large number of digital files. Adobe Photoshop will be used as the digital darkroom and for basic image correction as well as for creative assignments. Students will learn various ways of presenting work.

Silversmithing
Students gain proficiency with the basic jewelry techniques of sawing, filing, soldering, and polishing to design and create projects in silver and other materials. The principles and elements of design are the foundation for self-expression in three-dimensional jewelry and sculpture. The course covers a variety of techniques, stone setting, the history of silversmithing, properties of metals, and significant artists.

Beginning Music
This course is for the beginning music student with little or no previous music experience. The goal of this course is to teach beginning music students the skills and techniques necessary to organize and rehearse music in preparation for live performance. Students will study fundamentals of music and beginning-music theory.

Intermediate Music
This course is for the intermediate music student who has successfully completed Beginning Music or has equivalent music experience. The goal of this course is to teach intermediate music students the skills and techniques necessary to organize and rehearse music in preparation for live performance. Students will review the fundamentals of music and beginning music theory, and then study intermediate music theory.

Advanced Music
This course is for the advanced music student who has successfully completed Intermediate Music or who has equivalent music experience. The goal of this course is to study many varieties and genres of advanced music which will be defined by the class and instructor in preparation for live performance. Students will review intermediate music theory and will work toward the study of advanced music theory, analysis, improvisation, and composition.

Jazz, Funk, and Blues
Open to juniors and seniors with the ability to read music who have a desire to play jazz, funk, and blues. Final approval by the head of the music department.