Intermediate Division Electives
Interlochen Arts Camp offers elective classes that provide opportunities for enrichment and exploration in a variety of art forms. The number of elective options available to each student is dependent on program schedule. Electives are not available for some programs.
Students will have an opportunity to indicate their preferred electives after they have applied and been accepted.
Elective classes may include:
CREATIVE WRITING
This elective course will offer intermediate students an opportunity to explore and amplify their creative writing skills. Throughout the session, students can expect a combination of imaginative writing exercises, short reading activities, informal discussion and free writing time. Class activities will focus chiefly on poetry and fiction. Previous experience with creative writing is not necessary. Laptop computers will not be used.
Prerequisite: None
PLAYWRITING
Students explore writing for theatre including character creation, developing an understanding of dramatic structure, and exploring theatrical potential in their writing. In-class exercises include writing monologues and dialogue, and short readings of dramatic texts.
Prerequisite: Creative Writing majors only
GENERAL DANCE
Classes are open to experienced and inexperienced students and explore dance as an art form. This class contains components of ballet, modern and jazz. A complete listing of required dance attire and supplies will be included in the student handbook and posted online. All dance students are expected to be well groomed; long hair must be worn up and off the neck. Pointe work is not a component of this course.
Prerequisite: None
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
This course considers all aspects of the Interlochen environment and promotes a hands-on understanding of the all the elements of the northwoods campus. Students will learn by doing single-concept investigations, short research projects, or playing games that simulate some aspect of the environment; all while having fun.
Prerequisite: None
ADDITIONAL PRACTICE HOUR
Provides additional time for the dedicated music student to practice their solo or ensemble repertoire. Note that this is in addition to the time that will be used as practice hour on days when a student is not attending their private lesson.
Prerequisite: Music program students only.
CHOIR
Study and performance of selected vocal repertoire, chosen specifically for the Intermediate age voices. Emphasis is placed on articulation, tone quality, timbre, and music reading. Performs at the end of each 3-week session.
Prerequisite: None
COMPOSITION (BEGINNING)
Stimulation and development of original musical ideas leading to possible performance of works on Composers' Forums and in class. Music supplies may cost up to $20.
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of music theory and notation; three or more years of private study of a major instrument. Music program students only.
ELECTRONIC/COMPUTER MUSIC
An introduction to synthesizers and computer music. Fundamentals of synthesis with emphasis on creative projects and sound design. Synthesizers provided by the Camp.
Prerequisite: None
INSTRUMENT EXPLORATION
Acquaints the student with band and orchestra instruments through hands-on experience, and reveals a student's natural adaptability and preference. Students who are enrolling for multiple sessions may repeat this class to explore more than one instrument of their choice.
Prerequisite: None
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Participation in this ensemble will develop stylistic and technical competence in jazz band performance. Emphasis is placed on jazz phrasing and articulation as well as developing improvisation and reading skills.
Prerequisite: Placement audition is required at the opening of camp. Music program students only.
JAZZ IMPROVISATION
This class provides the student with an opportunity to develop elementary improvisational skills in both a classroom and small group setting. A thorough appreciation of the improvisational process is stressed through listening and performance.
Prerequisite: One to two years performance experience in jazz. Music program students only.
JAZZ SKILLS LAB
Students deepen their understanding of jazz music and the major scale diatonic chord pattern through ear training, chord identification and construction, simple transcription of intervals and melodies and basic compositional tasks.
Prerequisite: Music program students only.
MUSIC THEORY
This course will include both the written and aural aspects of basic notation, note-reading (in both treble and bass clefs) rhythm, meter and scales.
Prerequisite: Ability to read music and at least one year of private lessons. Music program students only.
ORGAN (BEGINNING)
A beginning class in the fundamentals of organ playing. Prerequisite: Students must have studied piano for at least three years and have the ability to play Bach Two-Part Inventions and a Clementi Sonatina. Students must also be physically able to reach the pedal board. Music program students only.
PIANO LITERATURE
The study and analysis of keyboard music with a focus on prominent composer techniques, forms, and their idiomatic styles.
Prerequisite: Piano majors only.
PRIVATE LESSON
Individual instruction is available for all band and orchestral instruments and classical piano. Each student will receive one 50-minute lesson each week. On the days when lessons are not scheduled, students will have a dedicated practice hour. Additional Cost: $95 per week
Prerequisite: Three years previous study on instrument.
RECREATION HOUR - LAND & WATER RECREATION
Intermediate students may take a break each day to participate in recreational activities on land or in one of the nearby supervised lakes. Activities may vary depending on camper interest, weather and staff availability. Typical options include:
- challenge course (completed liability and health history form required)
- arts and crafts
- archery
- swimming
- canoeing
- sailing
- field games
- individual and team sports
Final registration for specific land and water recreation classes is made after arrival on campus once arts classes are finalized. All advanced water activities require that campers successfully pass a supervised swim test.
INTRODUCTION TO ACTING
The course helps students explore the fundamentals of preparation for theatrical performance. Students will engage in voice and movement exercises, improvisation, theatre games and limited work with scripted material.
Prerequisite: None
THEATRE TOPICS
These classes will encompass a variety of potential subjects, such as improvisation, movement, and intro to theatre design. Specifics of theatre topics will be determined by the individual specialties of faculty and staff.
Prerequisite: Theatre major students only.
BOOK ARTS
This elective is open to all students who have an interest in book arts or sequential imagery. Students will learn the history, form and physical construction of traditional and nontraditional book arts. This class is a cross-disciplinary experience that brings the images and the written word together into a visual form.
Prerequisite: None
CERAMICS
This elective is open to all students who have an interest in learning about clay as an art form. This class is an exploration of sculptural techniques and functional vessel making. Students work with a variety of hand-building techniques and are introduced to surface decorative techniques and a variety of firing processes. Emphasis is placed on the use of clay as an expressive material.
Prerequisite: None
DIGITAL ARTS
This class is open to all students who are interested in the computer as a tool for image-making. Students will work with a variety of software to develop ideas and imagery. A portable storage device such as a thumb drive is required equipment.
Prerequisite: Basic computer knowledge.
DRAWING
This drawing class is for all students who wish to learn about techniques and materials used in drawing. This course is designed to develop hand-eye coordination and the ability to draw from observation. An investigation of traditional media through simple exercises starting with gestures, blind contours and contour drawings will develop the foundation for learning to draw. Students will study linear perspective, the development of pictorial space, and basic composition.
Prerequisite: None
FIBERS
This course is designed to introduce students to surface design materials and basic fibers techniques. Assignments cover such areas as basic embroidery, printing on fabric, resist dying and piecework techniques. Students will develop repeat patterns for cotton, stitch samples together, and dye silk scarves.
Prerequisite: None
METALS
This class is designed to introduce students to metals as a means to explore a personal artistic voice. Students will explore materials such as copper and silver and metals techniques such as soldering, press molding, and braising.
Prerequisite: None
PAINTING
This class is for all students who wish to learn about techniques and materials used in painting. Students will work with a variety of media such as acrylics and watercolors while studying color theory and working from life.
Prerequisite: None
PHOTOGRAPHY
This class is an introduction to basic black and white photography and students will gain experience in and knowledge of the medium of photography. Coursework will cover the mechanics of the 35mm camera, black and white film processing, black and white printing, and basic lighting.
Prerequisite: None
Equipment required: Students must bring their own 35mm SLR film camera with manual controls.
PRINTMAKING
This course provides students with an introduction to printmaking. Printmaking provides an exploration of a variety of printmaking processes such as etching, linocut printing, rubber stamping and monoprinting.
Prerequisite: None
SCULPTURE
This course provides an introduction to working in three dimensions. Sculpture is in-depth exploration of techniques such as casting, carving, modeling and construction while using a wide range of materials (clay, wax, metals, etc.) to encourage personal expression. Students also learn about creative problem solving through traditional and contemporary ways of working three-dimensionally.
Prerequisite: None
