New Mexico School for the Arts offers pre-professional instruction with the goal of student mastery in the fields of dance, music, theater and visual arts. Each arts discipline is rooted in a classic core that serves as a platform for further study or entry into the profession. The weekly schedule involves an extended school day, structured to provide several hours of advanced arts training in the student’s area of focus that includes technical, creative and historical instruction.
NMSA helps the student find the path to cultivating his or her artistic voice. We seek the student’s broad intellectual development so that in addition to developing strong technique, our students will begin to refine their personal artistic vision and purpose, and the means to communicate that vision through their art.
To achieve this goal the NMSA experience includes a rich array of in-class coursework, studio work, in-the-field learning, presentations, performances and exhibitions. Guest artists, master teachers and partnerships with other arts institutions in the area are used to complement the instruction provided by the School’s faculty.
Click here for a downloadable PDF version of this curricula.
Dance Department
Chair
Mr. Adam McKinney, M.A.
AMcKinney@NMSchoolForTheArts.org
New Mexico School for the Arts strives to provide each dancer with the essential fundamentals in preparation for a dance career or post-secondary study in dance. These fundamentals include a strong technique and physique, musicality, individual expressiveness and artistry, mental acuity, versatility, performance experience and skill and body/health awareness. NMSA believes that today’s successful dancer must possess a willingness to experiment, a skill set that can combine a multitude of dance techniques, and a mental maturity that allows some dancers to assist in the choreographic process. In this respect, NMSA is committed to training well-rounded human beings, who also have a superb technique and work ethic.
NMSA offers two concentrations in dance: ballet and contemporary. Ballet students must have developed skill prior to admission and will be placed according to level. The contemporary program is open to the versed student and to the student without prior training who has an aptitude, passion and drive to be an excellent dancer. NMSA is committed to taking all our students as far as they can go along their own specific paths.
Ballet students have a ballet class each day. They also are required to take a contemporary class as well as a pointe or men’s class. Contemporary students take a contemporary class three times per week and also a ballet class several times a week as well as ballet coaching. In addition to this core curriculum, students receive opportunities to take classes in jazz, dance history and theory, body conditioning, dance composition, partnering, repertoire, improvisation, audition skills and dance pedagogy. The curriculum also includes master classes with visiting artists and companies and trips to see dance in various regions of New Mexico.
Senior Projects, as part of Senior Seminar, in the area of dance might include a piece of choreography, a solo performance, an historical reconstruction, or other area of interest related to dance. In-depth time spent working alone and with an art mentor results in a deeply personal and informative piece of work that is representative of each student.
Faculty
Ms. Melissa Briggs – Modern
Ms. Kate Eberle – Dance Conditioning
Mr. Raymond Kurshals – Pilates
Ms. Linda Monich – Dance History
Ms. Sheila Rozann – Ballet, Pointe
Mr. Curtis Uhlemann – Modern
Mr. Kevin Ward – Accompanist
Course Descriptions
Ballet Technique 1 – 3 classes emphasize building a strong technique, encouraging students to develop musicality, expressiveness, and clarity of movement. Classes provide each dancer with the fundamentals of ballet technique from the barre to center work, including proper placement, line, strength, agility, and understanding of the manner in which ballet training is necessary to bring out the full potential of any dancer/performer.
Contemporary/Modern Technique 1 – 3 classes emphasize building a strong and varied technique including a powerful torso core, dynamic and clear movement, a facile physical instrument, musicality, and artistic expression. Classes are designed to expand movement quality and aesthetic sensibility and will include a variety of contemporary styles to ensure versatility.
Body Awareness/Dance Conditioning – With studies in Pilates, Feldenkrais & Anatomy, this course increases strength, balance, and health. These classes will increase each dancer’s body awareness and understanding of how the body moves.
Dance History – Using the Merrill Brockway library (NDI-NM) as a resource, this course provides a historical overview of Western theatre dance from Renaissance court dance through the 21st century.
Senior Dance History – An opportunity for seniors to delve more deeply into the study of Dance History
Men’s Class – These classes are designed to advance the specific technical and physical requirements of the male dancer including jumps, turns, variations, and strength training
Pointe Technique – A comprehensive beginning to intermediate level study of pointe work. These classes will also include classical and neo-classical variations.
Partnering – Classical partnering is given for those women taking advanced Pointe and required of all men.
Senior Seminar – Senior Seminar fosters individual and group learning experiences in planning, acquiring responsibilities for one’s own learning the developing skills for post-secondary study. Senior Seminar’s purpose is to establish interpersonal relationships that can facilitate personal/group productivity.
Music Department
Chair
Dr. Stephen Redfield
SRedfield@NMSchoolForTheArts.org
The Music Department at the New Mexico School for the Arts is designed to provide students with a comprehensive background in the fundamentals of music, and skill in the art of music performance. Through a rich environment that includes private lessons on his/her principal instrument, ensemble rehearsals, classes, performances and master classes with renowned musicians, students will develop their musicianship to the highest possible level in preparation for post-secondary study.
NMSA recognizes the importance of individual practice and master teaching in acquiring music performance skills. The high school years are critical years of physical development. As a student in the Music Program at NMSA, your schedule will be designed to help you devote the time required for daily practice of your primary instrument. You will be guided by teachers who are masters of your instrument and who will help you achieve your potential. In addition to your primary instrument teacher, classes will be offered at different times during the school year with distinguished guest artist teachers.
You will also be a member of student ensembles, with regular rehearsals and performances designed to provide you with the opportunity to learn the fundamental qualities of a good ensemble musician. Classical and jazz ensembles will be created based on student enrollment and the individual level of accomplishment of each student. All rehearsals will strive to build positive attitudes, trust, teamwork, cooperation, confidence, compassion, and a sense of humor – skills and values that will serve musicians well throughout their educational and professional lives.
New Mexico School for the Arts will offer concentrations in instrumental and vocal music in combination with core subjects designed to develop well-rounded musicians. As a student at NMSA, your musicianship will grow as you acquire knowledge of music history and theory. As your aural skills develop in ear training and singing classes, you will gain the confidence to excel as a musician.
Students will also complete Senior Projects which in most cases will be recital programs that may include solo and chamber music compositions. Senior recitals will be supervised by your primary instrument teacher.
Faculty
David Anderson, Applied Alto Saxophone
Allegra Askew, Applied Viola
Roberto Capocchi, Applied Guitar and Guitar Ensemble
Kathleen Clawson, Applied Voice
Sally Guenther, Applied Cello?
Jacquelyn Helin, Applied Piano
Kristen Lear, Applied Voice
Jan McDonald, Applied Trumpet & Euphonium
Sergio Rodriguez, Advanced Music Theory
Roy Rogosin, Director of Choirs
Robby Rothchild, Basic Music Theory
Richard Snider, Applied Bass and Intermediate Music Theory and Instrumental Ensemble
David Tolen, Applied Percussion
Deborah Wagner, Group Piano
Course Descriptions
Chamber Singers is a performance ensemble for all vocal students. Students develop ensemble-performance skills, learn to perform a variety of musical styles, and examine historical, theoretical, and aesthetic aspects of repertoire for performance.
Choir is a vocal ensemble for all non-vocal (instrumental) music students. Students develop basic vocal techniques and will perform representative works from throughout the choral repertoire.
Guitar Ensemble is a performance ensemble for all guitar students. Students develop ensemble-playing skills, learn to perform a variety of musical styles, and examine historical, theoretical, and aesthetic aspects of repertoire for performance.
Instrumental Ensemble is a performance ensemble for all instrumental students who do not play piano, guitar, or string instruments. Students develop ensemble-playing skills, learn to perform a variety of musical styles, and examine historical, theoretical, and aesthetic aspects of repertoire for performance
String Orchestra is a performance ensemble for all string students. Students develop ensemble-playing skills, learn to perform a variety of musical styles, and examine historical, theoretical, and aesthetic aspects of repertoire for performance.
Chamber Music Ensembles offers select instrumental students the opportunity to learn and perform in a chamber ensemble. Students develop ensemble-playing skills in a chamber music setting, learn to perform a variety of musical styles, and examine historical, theoretical, and aesthetic aspects of repertoire for performance.
Basic Music Theory teaches an understanding of the fundamental structure of music as a language. Students learn to read and notate music and analyze functions of melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and the notation of each. Taken in conjunction with Music Theory, Ear Training and Sight Singing is a laboratory class that enhances performance and understanding in all other music courses by training students to aurally identify and record melodic and harmonic intervals, rhythms, and chord progressions, as well as to read and vocally perform melodic intervals, melodies, and rhythms using solfège and rhythmic syllables.
Intermediate Music Theory teaches an understanding of the fundamental structure of music as a language. Students study and analyze functions of melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and the notation of each. Taken in conjunction with Intermediate Music Theory, Ear Training and Sight Singing is a laboratory class that enhances performance and understanding in all other music courses by training students to aurally identify and record melodic and harmonic intervals, rhythms, and chord progressions, as well as to read and vocally perform melodic intervals, melodies, and rhythms using solfège and rhythmic syllables.
Advanced Music Theory teaches an understanding of the fundamental structure of music as a language. Students study and analyze functions of melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and the notation of each. Taken in conjunction with Advanced Music Theory, Ear Training and Sight Singing is a laboratory class that enhances performance and understanding in all other music courses by training students to aurally identify and record melodic and harmonic intervals, rhythms, and chord progressions, as well as to read and vocally perform melodic intervals, melodies, and rhythms using solfège and rhythmic syllables.
Group Piano reinforces music theory concepts and teaches basic keyboard techniques, including scales, chords, and simple two-hand repertoire.
Applied Lessons include weekly one-hour private lessons in voice, or on a principal instrument, with a specialized lesson instructor. Instruction cultivates students’ technique and musicianship through assigned studies of technical exercises and solo repertoire.
Instrumental Studio Class affords students opportunities to perform for their peers, as well as occasions to welcome and learn from professional guest lecturers and performers from across the region, state, and nation.
Vocal Studio Class affords students opportunities to perform for their peers, as well as occasions to welcome and learn from professional guest lecturers and performers from across the region, state, and nation.
Vocal Performance provides an opportunity to sing the music from Broadway throughout its history, in solo to small group to chorus settings, and to block and move while singing it. This class develops a vocalist’s skill in coordinating movement with the performance of memorized words and music
Theater Department
Chair
Joey A. Chavez
JChavez@NMSchoolForTheArts.org
The theater arts program at New Mexico School for the Arts focuses on the art of storytelling through performance. Students will learn their role as an artist in creating the narrative, understanding the scope and sequence of developing characters and performances and their personal expression as part of the larger whole.
You will gain the basic physical, vocal and mental techniques necessary to develop and maintain believable characters in a variety of styles and genres. You will explore movement, vocal styles and systems of character development, textual analysis and history. The teaching program will focus on developing the complete performer through exercises, improvisations, scenes and performances.
Coursework in theater arts may include studio theater instruction, including acting for stage and camera, playwriting, technical theater, sound, production, direction, audition technique, voice, dance and physical theater. These will be augmented by performance opportunities, apprenticeships and mentoring experiences.
NMSA seniors studying theater will complete a Senior Project relating to acting, playwriting or production. All theater students will be guided in developing the quality of theater experience needed for admission to higher education in colleges or arts schools, or for direct entry into the profession.
Faculty
Joey Chavez: Intro to Theatre, Acting Styles, Play Writing, Scene Study/Textual Analysis, Production Wheel, Theatre for non-majors and senior seminar
Deborah Dozier Potter: Focus and Awareness, Individual and group coaching during productions.
Charles Gamble: Acting Styles, Masks I, Introduction to Shakespeare, Acting Styles and Production Wheel
Elizabeth Wiseman: Vocal Character Development, Directing, Physical Character Development and Production Wheel
Roy Rogison: Vocal Training for Actors
Course Descriptions
Introduction to Theatre includes Improvisation and Ensemble Building Techniques, Theatre History from Ancient Ritual through Elizabethan Drama, Monologues and Make Up for the Stage.
Acting Styles includes Advanced Character Development, Sub Text, Sense Memory, Working in the Moment.
Masks I will focus on the fundamentals of mask work, beginning with the neutral mask and progressing into improvisation and small group scenes with the larval mask.
Physical Character Development includes Exploration of the Physical Tool, Application of Elements to Physical Gesture, Physical Approaches to Dramatic Styles, Cinematic Mime.
Vocal Training for Actors/Radio Production includes Breath Technique, Vocal Training, Individual and Choral Performance, History of Radio, Creative Writing, Creating Characters and Scripts, Editing, Radio Recording and Engineering.
Vocal Character Development employs Lessac technique to explore speech patterning, accenting and text analysis in developing character.
Introduction to Shakespeare will focus on unlocking Shakespeare’s text, both in monologues and small scenes.
Production Wheel A very unique course. Students in casts and crews will rehearse during this class period while students not currently in production will be taking units in other focus areas including, Embodied Text, Theater Dynamics, Long Form Improvisation, Partnered Dance, Focused Text Studies, Stage Make Up, and various other classes with current faculty and visiting artists.
Scene study/Textual Analysis is an advanced level course in which students will learn to analyze a script and characters breaking them down to the smallest units of action, beats, and scenes. Students will work with established texts and complete the unit by performing materials which have been analyzed.
Senior Seminar focuses on the “next step” for all seniors. The first quarter is dedicated to helping the students identify possible college, conservatory and career options after graduation. Working closely with the guidance counselor, students are guided through the application process, including developing portfolios, selecting and preparing auditions and resumes. Progress is track by department chairs. Students will also submit proposals for senior projects and community outreach projects.
Play Writing includes Freeing the Creative Imagination writing exercises, Creating Characters and Situations, Writing a One-Act Play (all of which will be included in the March production at WH21), Formatting to Industry Standards, Writing and Performing a Solo Piece.
Directing includes Creating Vision, Style and Art, Developing Story line with Action and Gesture, Guiding Character Development, Transitions.
Visual Arts Department
Chair
Ms. Cristina González, M.F.A.
cgonzalez@nmschoolforthearts.org
The New Mexico School for the Arts Visual Arts Department teaches art as the cultivation of skill, inquiry, and real knowledge of material, historical, and contemporary concerns. Direct experience is primary. There is an emphasis on clarity of intention and the synthesis of direct experience, response, intuition, and materiality.
We recognize individual students as having unique, inherent gifts and abilities. The acknowledgement, exploration and development of these abilities, coupled with individual student interests, will form the basis of the student’s visual arts learning throughout their time at NMSA.
The Department will encourage that students cultivate an awareness of self and community. High value is placed on the rich visual traditions—both historical and contemporary—of New Mexico. We are committed to being supportive of the whole person, and we will encourage self-expression and confidence within a dynamic, challenging, and multicultural environment.
The Visual Arts Department places high value on this: rigorous grounding in visual fundamentals for the ultimate purpose of free exploration, distinct studio disciplines that are simultaneously interrelated, collaborative and supportive learning, the importance of liberal art and humanities study for the visual artist, experimentation, paying attention, honest critique, high craftsmanship, and studio practice.
Yet we know from experience that the following is also true:
“…the lessons that nourish an ongoing, sustainable career can come from anywhere—and that anywhere is often outside academic settings…Beyond the specific of discipline, medium, or technique to be gleaned from professors in art school, what young artists might benefit from most is the time, space, and gentle guidance necessary to be receptive to such unpredictable lessons—to learn a way of seeing that does not occlude any avenues for inspiration or growth.”
– Steven Henry Madoff, Art School (Propositions for the 21st Century), p. 291
Our mission as a department will be to provide the skills to navigate this complex terrain.
Faculty
Mr. Jacob Sisneros
Ms. Sarah Spengler
Ms. Edie Tsong
Course Descriptions
Drawing 1 is an introduction to basic skills, concepts, and elements utilized in the language of drawing. A wide variety of tools and materials will be used to investigate line, value, form, texture, and color, with an emphasis on developing drawings based on direct observation.
Drawing 2 includes a continued study and expanded vocabulary of the skills and concepts of drawing through a variety of materials and traditions. This course will include an emphasis on experimentation and invention, including the development of personal subject matter and content. Distinctive and/or unusual drawing techniques may be introduced in this class.
Painting includes instruction in the fundamentals of painting: form, space, and surface (paint use and application), utilizing the language of color and drawing. Emphasis is on working from observation in both representational and nonrepresentational modes. Material and historical concerns are an integral part of instruction and investigation.
Sculpture includes instruction in the concepts of design and form in sculpture. Historical, aesthetic and technical strategies generate projects for students to realize three dimensional form. A wide range of materials and physical processes are explored, building and expanding on the material and aesthetic vocabulary of previous three-dimensional studio experiences. May be offered as ceramic sculpture.
Digital Photography included instruction in the materials, processes, techniques, and aesthetics of digital photography. Tools may include scanning, retouching, color correction, basic composition, and inkjet printing. Additional exploration includes critical issues in contemporary photography and related digital applications.
AP Studio Art enables students to refine their skill and create artistic works to be submitted to the College Board for evaluation and possible college credit. The course emphasizes quality of work, attention to and exploration of a particular visual interest or problem, and breadth of experience in the formal, technical, and expressive aspects of drawing, 2D Design, and/or 3D Design. Representation, abstraction, and experimentation with a variety of media are explored.
Art History course introduces significant works of art, artists, and artistic movements that have shaped the art world and have influenced or reflected periods of history.
Visual Fundamentals serves as an introduction to the language of visual expression, using studio projects to explore the fundamental principles of visual art. Topics covered include two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, digital skills, and color design. Projects utilize a wide range of media including but not limited to paper, paint, wire, wood, fabric, found objects, photography, clay, and other materials gathered from nature and popular culture.
Art Comprehensive builds upon 9th grade Visual Fundamentals by introducing media-specific, distinct studio disciplines in the format of mini-classes, which may include Painting, Sculpture, Digital Skills/Photography, Print/Mixed Media, and Traditional Arts of New Mexico. Journal/sketchbooks are an investigative tool, used to thread the disciplines into a cohesive whole such that students begin to identify personal interests.
Senior seminar fosters individual and group learning experiences in planning, acquiring responsibilities for one’s own learning and developing skills needed for post-secondary and/or professional study. This course also serves the goal of exposing visual arts students to practical experiences in alternative career paths in visual arts. As part of the Senior Seminar, students will learn about college preparation, resume and CV writing, portfolio preparation, how to write an artist statement, developing an audience, and maintaining studio practice. Students will also have internship, outreach, and/or service opportunities.
Videography will serve as an introduction to film/video. The history of film/video will be introduced, including pre motion picture devices and zoetrope. Students will also learn the fundamentals of camcorder and video editing equipment, while exploring narrative structure and visual storytelling. Topics include camera techniques, video composition, camera movement (types of shots), and scriptwriting, storyboarding and shot lists. Various genres are explored, including documentary, experimental, and narrative.
Printmaking introduces the fundamentals of printmaking with the majority of work completed on an etching press. Students are exposed to the techniques and forms of woodblock, linocut, monoprint, drypoint, and solarplate etching. Additional topics include safety and organization of the print shop. Historical and contemporary practices of printmaking form an integral component of the course.
Digital Skills provides basic digital imaging skills that will serve as a foundation for future explorations of digital photography and digital art. Topics include the Mac operating system; image capture/storage; file formats; presentation software, digital imaging and digital color theory. Additional explorations include contemporary digital art and artists. Course offered within Art Comprehensive and Visual Language (9th Grade). May be offered to new, incoming juniors and seniors.