Junior 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 have an opportunity to indicate their preferred electives after they have applied and been accepted.
Elective classes may include:
CREATIVE WRITING
This class will address introductory concepts in creative writing, including sensory imagery, dramatic dialogue, the relationship between sound and meaning in poetry and the basics of structure and characterization in fiction, through fun and interesting methods.
Prerequisite: None
MODERN DANCE
Classes explore dance as an art form and are open to experienced and inexperienced students. At the first class meeting, the dance faculty will place students according to their ability in the appropriate level. 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.
Prerequisite: None
BALLET TECHNIQUE
Classes explore dance as an art form and are open to experienced and inexperienced students. At the first class meeting, the dance faculty will place students according to their ability in the appropriate level. 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.
Prerequisite: None
CHORUS
Students will study and perform selected vocal repertoire, chosen specifically for young voices. Emphasis is placed on tone quality and music reading. All students enrolled in the chorus elective will participate in the junior ensembles performance at the end of each 2-week session.
Prerequisite: None
INSTRUMENT EXPLORATION
Acquaints the student with band and orchestra instruments through hands-on experience and reveals natural ability and preference. Students who are enrolling for multiple sessions may repeat this class to concentrate on the instrument of their choice.
Prerequisite: None
PRACTICE HOUR
Provides additional time for the dedicated music student to practice solo or ensemble repertoire.
Prerequisite: Orchestra or Band Program students only.
PRIVATE LESSON
Individual instruction is available in classical piano and all band and orchestral instruments. Each student will receive one 45-minute lesson each week. On the days when lessons are not scheduled, students will have a supervised practice hour.
Additional Cost: $95 per week
Prerequisite: Two years previous study on instrument and student must be attending at least two sessions.
JUNIOR HARP
Class instruction is offered for the beginning and experienced junior harpists. Students will have daily instruction with emphasis on technical development, ensemble skills, sight reading and repertoire.
Prerequisite: None
ACTING EXPLORATION
This class will help students develop skills in theatrical movement and expression, while increasing confidence and creative independent thought. Classes will study the fundamentals of theatre performance through imagination exercises, improvisations, and ensemble activities. Students will also learn basic stage terminology.
Prerequisite: None
CERAMICS
This class is designed for students to explore clay as a medium of expression. Ceramics is designed to teach basic skills and will emphasize the creative aspects of working with clay in a variety of hand-building techniques. Projects will be both individual and group. (No wheel)
Prerequisite: None
PAINTING/DRAWING
This class is designed for students to explore painting and drawing as a means of expression. Painting/Drawing will introduce students to a variety of media and techniques. Students will also have the chance to work from observation and explore their own personal expression.
Prerequisite: None
PRINTMAKING
This course provides students with an introduction to printmaking and helps students to develop their drawing skills. Printmaking provides an exploration of a variety of printmaking processes such as etching, linocut printing, rubber stamping and monoprinting.
Prerequisite: None
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPLORATION
Students explore relationships between living things and their environment. This class includes thorough investigations and field trips to the Camp’s lakes, wetlands, fields, dunes and forests.
Prerequisite: None
JUNIOR LAND and WATER RECREATION
In addition to the division-wide required recreation hour at the end of each class day, junior campers may choose to participate in a daily land or water recreation elective. Depending on camper interest and staff availability, challenge course, archery, arts and crafts and field games are examples of land recreation options that may be available. Swimming lessons, free swim, canoeing and boating are examples of water recreation options that may be available. Final registration for land and water recreation classes is made after arrival on campus once arts classes are finalized.
Prerequisite: Students must pass a swim test before participating in any boating activities. Completed liability and health history forms, included in the camper health form, are required for participation at the challenge course.
