Academics

Ninth-grade students begin their artistic exploration with Art Survey, an integrated program in the visual and performing arts. Coordinated by a team of teachers, this course introduces students to techniques and theories that will guide, inspire, and support them throughout their CRMS career. As they cycle through various media—including drawing and painting, ceramics, music, and performing arts—students are encouraged to engage in the creative process and challenge themselves through a range of opportunities.

• Art Survey 2-Dimensional Visual Art: Observational drawing skills, color theory, painting techniques
• Art Survey 3-Dimensional Visual Art: Exploration of ceramic media and stop-motion animation
• Music: Independent instrument study, music theory, songwriting, music performance
• Drama and Performance: Acting techniques, staging, and theatrical performance

This course is an introduction to the art and craft of ceramics. Students learn hand-building and wheel-throwing skills with an emphasis on the artist’s voice and communication through ceramic arts. While engaged in studio projects, students explore the expressive potential of clay while developing artistic and technical solutions in both form and surface. The importance of developing excellent technical skills and craftsmanship are emphasized. We will also consider the historical context, materials, technology, and social aspects of ceramic arts. Toward the end of this course, structured projects give way to independent study as students develop their artistic vision through a unique body of work.

Drawing and Painting students begin by learning the fundamentals of observation and basic skills of drawing, then progress through perspective, rendering three-dimensional forms in space, and the elements of composition and design. In the second semester, students are introduced to color mediums with an emphasis on colored pencil and acrylic painting. This course will begin with more structured assignments and then transition into more conceptual themes, allowing students to communicate a personal artistic style through their work. 

In Drawing and Painting II/III, students identify as artists, collaborators, and researchers. They foster their curiosities and follow an arts-based inquiry process based on interdisciplinary connections, studio exploration, and ongoing critique and refinement. Students become the authentic owners of their work and develop the skills and language to support it. They will complete an artist portfolio and learn to present it in a professional manner. Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting I

This skills-based class focuses on the progression and continual development of techniques. With an emphasis on craftsmanship and design exploration, students will study the work of master artists from various times and places while practicing sawing, soldering, riveting, filing, and stone setting to create finished jewelry or sculpture projects throughout the year. They will learn to manage and track material usage, gaining an understanding of costs and key considerations when working with precious materials. Students will also participate in regular studio cleaning and tool maintenance.

This hands-on course will instruct students in the basic operations of a digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, which includes exposure control, depth of field, lenses, and how digital capture works. Students will learn how to manage digital files. Adobe Photoshop will be used as the digital darkroom for basic image correction and for creative assignments. We will discuss the impact of photography on society, its history, significant photographers, and current issues.

Students benefit from having their own digital SLR camera for this class, but may borrow a school-owned camera if needed.

Prerequisite: Photography I

Students continue to advance their knowledge of techniques and skills in digital photography and digital art. Technical skills, coupled with personal aesthetic expression, are emphasized along with a study of photographic theory, significant photographers, and trends in contemporary and historical photography. This course will also open a window into other digital mediums of expression. Building upon a foundation of photography, students will unlock the video capabilities of their cameras to create documentaries and creative video projects. This course will also introduce students to digital animation software, allowing students the freedom to add animated elements to their photo and video projects. By the end of this course, students will be familiar with all of the digital art tools within the Adobe Suite, using this technology creatively to achieve their vision for self-designed projects.

Students benefit from having their own digital SLR camera for this class, but may borrow a school-owned camera if needed.

Music - Beginning

This course is for students with little or no music experience. Students will spend each week studying the fundamentals of music theory, music appreciation, and various instruments. We practice and rehearse songs selected by the students. Our goal is to teach students the skills and techniques necessary to organize and rehearse music in preparation for live performance. As part of the course, students will participate in community learning opportunities including the Aspen Choral Society, Coffee House, independent instrument study with a mentor, and songwriting workshops/talent shows with Jazz Aspen and the Aspen Music Festival and School.

Music - Intermediate

We study music appreciation, review the fundamentals of music theory, and will begin the study of intermediate music theory. We practice and rehearse songs selected by the students. Our goal is to teach the skills and techniques necessary to organize and rehearse music in preparation for live performance. As part of the course, students will be given the opportunity to participate in community learning opportunities including the Aspen Choral Society, Coffee House, independent instrument study with a mentor, and songwriting workshops/talent shows with Jazz Aspen and the Aspen Music Festival and School. Prerequisite: Beginning Music   

Music - Advanced

The goal of this music course is to study challenging music, selected by the students, in preparation for live performance. We study music theory, analysis, improvisation, and composition. We practice and rehearse songs selected by the students. Our goal is to teach the skills and techniques necessary to organize and rehearse music in preparation for live performances. Students also study songwriting.  They also gain the skills necessary to produce a professional recording utilizing “Logic” (a software program for recording) and the advanced skills needed for mixing and mastering the final product. As part of the course, students will participate in community learning opportunities, including the Aspen Choral Society, Coffee House, independent instrument study with a mentor, and songwriting workshops/talent shows with Jazz Aspen and the Aspen Music Festival and School. Prerequisite: Intermediate Music