Art & Music Class Descriptions
All | Math | Science/Technology | Extracurricular | Humanities/Social Sciences | Art/Music | Language Arts | Foreign Languages
Acrylic Painting: Open Studio (Q3)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 85 min
Instructor: Pete Van Riper
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Students will be introduced to painting with acrylics in a relaxed, informal studio setting under the guidance of a professional art instructor. Students will work on canvas boards and will learn elements of art, principles of design, and color theory in addition to methods in painting. Each week, the instructor will demonstrate a different technique in acrylic painting rather than a different subject. Techniques will include mixing and blending paints, wet and dry brush techniques, sponge techniques, glazing, washing, gradient relief, sgraffito, impasto, smudging, dot techniques, stippling, pouring, splattering, dabbing, underpainting, and detailing. The emphasis will be on methods and effects so that each student has a "toolbox" of techniques for working in acrylics. Students will have the freedom to mix and match the techniques that they have learned to create original pieces. In the open studio concepts, each student will have a different goal and unique project in-progress such as still life, floral, landscape, portrait, fantasy, abstract, or pop art. Student will complete two or three boards each quarter, depending on the level of detailing.
This class is suitable for beginners who have never painted before, and for experienced art students who have worked in other mediums and are interested in exploring acrylic painting. Compass parents are welcome to register for this class to work alongside their teens, or to work on their own, while their teen is in another Compass class. Painting can provide a relaxing, needed break from rigorous academic classes and over-scheduled lives in a fun, supportive environment.
Prerequisites: None
Workload: Work outside of class is optional, however students who want to continue to practice their painting techniques might want to purchase a tabletop easel (approx. $10.00) and set of basic acrylic paints ($30.00+) for home use.
Assessments: Individual feedback is given in class. Formal assessments will not be given.
Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $25.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for up to 6 canvas boards and shared class supplies (paints, brushes, paper products, etc.). Students who paint more quickly need more than 6 boards can purchase additional ones from the instructor for $4.00/each.
What to Wear: Students may wish to wear an apron, smock, or paint shirt when working with acrylic paints.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.
Acting- Kids' Theater: Fractured Fairy Tales
Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 3rd-5th
Prerequisites: None
Kids take to the stage as they collaboratively write and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. What happens when favorite fairy tales are flipped and fumbled? In the newly fabricated tale, does the fearless frog save the fair princess, or do Red Riding Hood and the wretched wolf reunite?
Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and start to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the student actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with input from the students.
The class will learn the practical aspects of acting, as they work on script read-through, blocking, costume/prop design, and planning the show. Student actors will explore skills such as stage movement, character development, emotional expression, and observation/concentration while learning to portray their original character. Students will develop their own "actor's toolkit" of voice, body, and imagination in this creative process! Actors will grow in confidence and communication skills in preparation for a final sharing with parents on the last day of the
Once the script is fully developed with everyone's parts, it will be emailed to parents. Parents will be expected to help their children memorize their script/lines/cues and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories you already own and a little creativity. Note: Students who are emerging readers (not able to read at a 3rd/4th grade level) would be better suited to the Young Actor's Playhouse class, rather than this level.
Acting- Kids' Theater: Spy Spoof
Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 3rd-5th
Prerequisites: None
Kids take to the stage as they collaboratively write and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. What happens when sly sleuths and devious detectives team up to thwart threatening thieves?
Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and start to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the student actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with input from the students.
The class will learn the practical aspects of acting, as they work on script read-through, blocking, costume/prop design, and planning the show. Student actors will explore skills such as stage movement, character development, emotional expression, and observation/concentration while learning to portray their original character. Students will develop their own "actor's toolkit" of voice, body, and imagination in this creative process! Actors will grow in confidence and communication skills in preparation for a final sharing with parents on the last day of the
Once the script is fully developed with everyone's parts, it will be emailed to parents. Parents will be expected to help their children memorize their script/lines/cues and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories you already own and a little creativity. Note: Students who are emerging readers (not able to read at a 3rd/4th grade level) would be better suited to the Young Actor's Playhouse class, rather than this level.
Acting- Teen Scene: It's Not What it Seems
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
It's not always what it seems! Sometimes, a thrilling performance seems to lead the audience in one direction only to make a theatrical turn-around to reveal a different tale. Teens will enjoy the creativity and camaraderie of selecting, casting, rehearsing, and performing a short play that presents a comical about-face. The class will begin by reading through two* possible scripts to select one that bests suits their group and grabs their interest from among:
- 39 Steps: A Live Radio Play (inspired by Hitchcock's classic tale)
- Superheroes: With Great Power Comes Ordinary Responsibility (fast-paced vignettes on the ordinary lives of superheroes)
Students, along with their acting coach, will cast, rehearse, and coordinate a class performance. Teens will enjoy taking on unusual personas and bringing their characters to life while interacting with classmates. They will be encouraged to design and assemble simple costumes, props, and backdrops from items at home. They will be expected to learn their lines and fully participate in planning their performance. The group will perform the 45-60 minute piece for family and friends at the end of the semester.
Classes in acting and theater education build a teen's confidence along with improving their social and communication skills. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work collaboratively in a group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class.
(*An additional script might be introduced based on final cast size.)
Note: This is a 15-week class that will not meet on 3/21/2025.
Topics in this Series: Theater Abridged (Semester 1), It's Not What it Seems (Semester 2). Continuing students from the prior quarter will receive priority pre-registration for next semester.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.
Assignments: If any, will be posted in a Google Classroom.
Assessments: Informal, qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided.
Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a copy of the licensed script, performance royalty, and project materials.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.
Acting- Teen Stage: Immersive Improv
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Jeff Virchow
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Snappy comebacks, one-liners, sarcasm, exaggeration, irony...and teenagers. These things just go together! Improv gives kids an outlet for fun, creative stories and spontaneous humor. Teens who find amusement in the unexpected and humor in the unpredictable will enjoy improvisational acting!
Second semester, actors will continue to hone their "short game", or short form improv skills. Class activities will teach students how to do edits, perfect their scene work, create characters, escalate emotions, elevate relationships, and use object work to create a more involved stories. They learn about timing, transitions, and how to connect scenes and travel through the improv story with recurring characters, patterns, and common themes to portray a hilarious or witty situation. Class exercises will help students improve listening stills and build the collective, group imagination.
Improvisation is the art of entertaining with connected, unpredictable twists and turns often seen from the great comedians and best live entertainers. Improv students will improve their ability to think on-their-feet, play off each other, and react with spontaneous wit, sarcasm, and irony. Actors' creative thinking and communication skills will be strengthened as they work "outside-of-the-box" and learn to read their audience.
Improv can be for everyone! No previous experience is needed. Beginners are welcome, and experienced students will further develop their improv skills. If you have taken this class before, go ahead and take it again because no two classes are ever alike. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, flexible, and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work collaboratively in a group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. This is a 15-week class that does not meet in March 21.
Topics in this Series: Innovative Improv (Semester 1), Immersive Improv (Semester 2. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hour per week outside of class.
Assignments: If any, will be sent to parents and students by e-mail.
Assessments: Informal, qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.
Acting- Tween Stage: Holmes & Watson- The Game's Afoot
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 16, 2025
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 6th-8th
Prerequisites: None
When desperate people come to 221B Baker Street in search of aid, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are always there to help. But a quartet of conundrums will put even Holmes' deductive genius and Watson's brilliant brain to the test. The remarkable duo must match wits with a dastardly blackmailer, recover a coronet of priceless gems, trace a vanished bride, and solve a murder so strange that Watson considers it the most difficult of all their cases. Based on four classic short stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, this play is both a gripping mystery and a celebration of enduring friendship. The class will read and vote on two of the four skits to prepare. Tweens will appreciate the quirky, off-beat humor of this scripted comedy. They will enjoy the creativity and camaraderie of working together to bring this humorous piece to stage.
Students, along with their acting instructor, will cast, rehearse, and coordinate a class performance of this comedy. Students will be encouraged to design and assemble simple costumes, props, and backdrops from items at home. Student actors will be expected to learn their lines and participate fully. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work in a collaborative group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. The students will perform for family and friends at the end of the semester.
Topics in this Series: The Internet is a Distraction- Oh Look, A Squirrel! (Semester 1) and Holmes & Watson- The Game's Afoot (Semester 2).
Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a copy of the licensed script, performance royalty, and project materials.
Acting- Young Actor's Playhouse: Safari Surprise
Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 1st-2nd
Prerequisites: None
Acting is an adventure! Young actors work together to create and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. What happens when an energetic elephant, zany zebra, and hysterical hyena meet on a sunny savannah safari?
Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and to begin to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the young actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with input from the students.
Young actors will explore skills such as sensory awareness, listening, stage movement, character development, emotional expression, and observation/concentration while learning to portray their original character. Young actors will learn aspects of acting by script read-through, blocking, costume/prop discussion, and planning the show. Through individual and group activities, young actors build confidence in preparation for a final sharing for parents.
Students will work from a simple, written script, but emerging readers can be accommodated. Parents will be emailed the script after the 3rd or 4th class and will be expected to help their children memorize their lines and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories you already own and a little creativity. All actors must be at least age 6 to sign up for this class.
Acting- Young Actor's Playhouse: Suddenly Small
Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 1st-2nd
Prerequisites: None
Acting is an adventure! Young actors work together to create and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. What happens when everything is shrunk so trees are as tall as towers and bugs are the size of buildings? Young actors will create their own suddenly shrunken scenarios.
Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and to begin to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the young actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with input from the students.
Young actors will explore skills such as sensory awareness, listening, stage movement, character development, emotional expression, and observation/concentration while learning to portray their original character. Young actors will learn aspects of acting by script read-through, blocking, costume/prop discussion, and planning the show. Through individual and group activities, young actors build confidence in preparation for a final sharing for parents.
Students will work from a simple, written script, but emerging readers can be accommodated. Parents will be emailed the script after the 3rd or 4th class and will be expected to help their children memorize their lines and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories you already own and a little creativity. All actors must be at least age 6 to sign up for this class.
Action Dance: Swing & Step
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Jeff Virchow
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Social dancing does not have to be slow or stuffy! There is energy in the ballroom with Action Dance! Students will learn the beginning waltz, foxtrot, and swing dancing, which originated in Harlem and is known for its spirited stepping and spinning to jazz and big band music. The class will examine the evolution of East Coast swing and its offshoots along with some West Coast swing, Lindy Hop, the Charleston, and the DC native Hand Dance. They will also learn some 2-step and country swing. Emphasis in the class will be on having fun and learning techniques to help dancers be comfortable and relaxed. Social dances encourage confidence, social presence, posture, and poise in teens. Social dancing is partner-based dance; consider signing up with a friend! Please note that in order to demonstrate some steps and forms, students may occasionally be invited to partner with their instructor. This is a 15-week class that does not meet on March 21.
Topics in this Series: Caribbean & Latin (Semester 1), Swing & Smooth (Semester 2), etc. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.
Prerequisites: None
Assessments: Informal feedback will be given in class. Formal assessments or grades will not be given.
What to Wear: Students should wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in fine arts for purposes of a high school transcript.
AP 2D Art & Design
Quarter 1,2,3,4: Starts on September 9, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Pete Van Riper
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Earn college credit and artistic "cred"-ibility in this studio art class! Over the course of the school year, student artists will experiment with artistic techniques, create original works in a variety of mediums and styles, and build a portfolio for submission. Students will be guided by a Compass art instructor, Pete Van Riper, who is also an adjunct art professor at Northern Virginia Community College and a reviewer for AP art portfolios.
The three goals of AP 2D Art and Design are to (1) investigate a variety of artistic materials, methods, and ideas; (2) produce 2-dimensional art and designs; and (3) be able to describe and present art and design to others. AP Art and Design students "develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection."
Student artists will create a portfolio with works that feature the elements of art and principles of design such as "point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time; unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, figure/ground relationship, connection, juxtaposition, hierarchy." Students will be asked to document their medium choices and keep a sketch book and art journal describing their inspiration and artistic process.
In class, works will be done in charcoal, pencil, conte crayon, watercolor crayons, watercolor paints, acrylic paint, and collage. Like other college level classes, outside work will be expected, and art completed outside of the weekly class meetings can include graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, fashion illustration, painting, and printmaking, and other 2D formats. Students should consider how to express their ideas with selected materials and processes on a flat surface.
The College Board has no preferred or unacceptable content or style, but all work must be entirely the student's original creation. Submissions may incorporate pre-existing photographs or others' images provided proper attribution and citations are given and the use reflects an extension of the student's vision and not just duplication or copy work. AI generated designs are strictly prohibited from portfolio submissions, but original, digitally created art is welcome.
Students' portfolio submissions for the AP program must include two sections (1) "Sustained Investigation" which includes 15 images of the purposeful evolution of a work or works through concept sketches, practice, experimentation, and revisions, and (2) "Selected Works" which includes images of 5 completed pieces. All portfolio works will be submitted as digital images (scans or photographs) of the student's original pieces, and all images must be accompanied by a written discussion of the materials and processes used.
The class will examine images of others' art, and students will be asked to visit at least two art museums or art exhibits. They will practice giving and receiving construction formal and informal critiques through the observation, analysis, discussion, and evaluation of their own work and that of other artists to hone the AP-required skill of communication about 2D art.
Levels This course is only offered at the AP level, but enrollment does not obligate a student to submit a portfolio for AP review.
Workload: Student artists should plan 2-4 hours per week outside of class on their pieces, concept drawings, practice sketches, etc.
Assignments: All assignments will be communicated to students via email.
Assessments: Qualitative feedback will be given weekly in class. The principal assessment in this course is the AP score earned.
Textbooks: The instructor will furnish art and design books for students to browse in class and borrow.
Supply Fee: A supply fee of $60.00 is due payable to the instructor for shared, in-class basics consisting of: pencils, charcoal, conte a Paris, acrylic paints, brushes, sketch journal, and canvas boards. The instructor will furnish a list of recommended supplies for alternative or premium materials that students may want to incorporate use such as watercolor or colored markers.
About AP: "AP" is a trademark of the College Board, which owns and designs the course outline and "audits" (i.e. approves) high school instructors who employ their expertise and creativity to deliver the college freshman-level content. The College Board's summary of the AP 2D Art & Design program can be read HERE, and the instructor AP Course Audit Approval form can be viewed HERE.
AP Fees: The fee for the College Board's AP 2D Art & Design portfolio in May 2025 is not included. Each family is responsible for scheduling and paying for their student's AP registration.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.
Art in Action: Murals, Monuments, and Museums (TUE)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Kerry Diederich
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites: None
Elementary artists can get in on the action as they learn about a different artist or artistic style each week and create a representative piece using a wide range of artistic supplies such as tempura and water color paints, pastels, pencils, cray pas, oil pastel crayons, specialty papers, sculpting media, and embellishments.
Third quarter, students will look to Washington, DC at famous murals, monuments, and museums. Class projects will be multi-media creations influenced and inspired by the art and sculpture we view in the Capitol-area such as the Washington Monument, Natural Gallery of Art, National Cathedral, US Capitol and National Mall.
Topics in this Series: Media of the Masters (Quarter 1); Animal Artists (Quarter 2); Murals, Monuments, and Museums (Quarter 3); Stellar Celestial Subjects (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.
Art in Action: Murals, Monuments, and Museums (WED)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Kerry Diederich
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites: None
Elementary artists can get in on the action as they learn about a different artist or artistic style each week and create a representative piece using a wide range of artistic supplies such as tempura and water color paints, pastels, pencils, cray pas, oil pastel crayons, specialty papers, sculpting media, and embellishments.
Third quarter, students will look to Washington, DC at famous murals, monuments, and museums. Class projects will be multi-media creations influenced and inspired by the art and sculpture we view in the Capitol-area such as the Washington Monument, Natural Gallery of Art, National Cathedral, US Capitol and National Mall.
Topics in this Series: Media of the Masters (Quarter 1); Animal Artists (Quarter 2); Murals, Monuments, and Museums (Quarter 3); Stellar Celestial Subjects (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.
Artist's Academy: French vs American Artists
Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Kerry Diederich
Grade Range: 5th-6th
Prerequisites: None
Tween artists can get in on the action as they learn about a different artist or artistic style each week and create a representative piece using a wide range of artistic supplies such as tempura and water color paints, pastels, pencils, cray pas, oil pastel crayons, specialty papers, sculpting media, and embellishments.
Third quarter, tweens will study French and American Artists and consider what inspired them, how they selected their subjects, and ways the two cohorts painted similarly and differently. The class will look at some of the most famous paintings and create projects inspired by those works or artistic techniques. Students will use a variety of art materials, specialty papers, and canvases.
Topics in this Series: Mysteries of Abstract Art (Quarter 1), Watercolor Explorations (Quarter 2), French vs American Artists (Quarter 3), Origin Art (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.
Ballet Foundations: Swan Lake
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Alchemy Ballet
Grade Range: 4th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Dancers will practice skills in musicality, balance, flexibility, and coordination as they learn to dance as a group. Each quarter, a different musical fairytale ballet will provide the inspiration and the music for the class. Dancers will become familiar with the story of the ballet and the orchestral music as they go through their own routine.
Third quarter beginning dancers will learn the story of Swan Lake, a timeless ballet about the princess Odette based on German and Russian folk tales and composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1876. In class, they work to identify, apply, demonstrate, and integrate the following techniques from the Vaganova ballet method such as: 1st-6th positions, marching and skipping, demi plie, grand plie, saute, bourree, grand jete, and tendu, along with pas de chat, pas de bourree, arabesque, arabesque saute, and soutenu. Students will develop their physical conditioning by core leg and arm strength. A demonstration of skills learned will be showcased for parents on the last class each quarter.
Ballet students are expected to wear appropriate attire. Young ladies must wear a leotard with skirt (attached or detached), pink tights, and soft pink ballet shoes in canvas or leather. Young men must wear a slim-fitting white t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, and soft black ballet shoes in canvas or leather.
Topics in this series: The Little Humpbacked Horse (Quarter 1); The Nutcracker (Quarter 2); Swan Lake (Quarter 3); and Don Quixote (Quarter 4).
Ballet Fun: Swan Lake
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Alchemy Ballet
Grade Range: K-3rd
Prerequisites: None
Young dancers will practice skills in musicality, balance, flexibility, and coordination as they learn to dance as a group. Each quarter, a different musical fairytale ballet will provide the inspiration and the music for the class. Dancers will become familiar with the story of the ballet and the orchestral music as they go through their own routine. The music, story, and characters will serve as an inspiration for creative movement.
Third quarter young dancers will learn the story of Swan Lake, a timeless ballet about the princess Odette based on German and Russian folk tales and composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1876. In class, dancers will learn to recognize, understand, and apply techniques from the Vaganova ballet method such as: 1st - 6th positions, marching and skipping, demi plie, grand plie, saute, bourree, grand jete, and tendu. Students will also develop their physical conditioning and learn teamwork. A demonstration of skills learned will be showcased for parents on the last class each quarter.
Ballet students are expected to wear appropriate attire. Young ladies must wear a leotard with skirt (attached or detached), pink tights, and soft pink ballet shoes in canvas or leather. Young men must wear a slim-fitting white t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, and soft black ballet shoes in canvas or leather.
Topics in this series: The Little Humpbacked Horse (Quarter 1); The Nutcracker (Quarter 2); Swan Lake (Quarter 3); and Don Quixote (Quarter 4).
Century of American Music: 1970s-2020s
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
If you like to "Turn Up the Music" (Chris Brown, 2012), "Play That Funky Music" (Wild Cherry, 1976), or "Dance to The Music" (Sly & The Family Stone, 1967), then you know that there is an impressive variety of American music. America is the birthplace of some of the most influential genres of music and musicians in the world. Much of the world's modern music has roots in American blues, jazz, or rock, while American music has elements from West Africa, the West Indies, and diverse communities such as New Orleans, Detroit, Memphis, St. Louis, Nashville, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the Bronx. American music has influenced behavior and culture such as dance, entertainment, fashion, technology, popular opinion, lexicon, marketing, and more.
This is a focused class in music appreciation for students who enjoy listening to or playing music. The class will evaluate a century of American music by listening to and discussing influential performers, writers, and producers. Students will learn to identify music elements unique to each genre- melody, rhythm, harmony- and will develop a musical vocabulary to help them think and talk about musical works. They will also explore innovations in instruments and technologies that evolved with the music, such as drums being placed in a "set" at the advent of jazz music, the rise of electric instruments, and electronic production/mixing.
Second semester will explore music from the 1970s to the present encompassing the genres of post-pop, heavy metal, hip hop, rap, grunge, punk rock, new age, alternative rock, Indie rock, post-punk and new fusion. Featured artists will include Michael Jackson, Prince, Van Halen, Nirvana, Metallica, Snoop Dog, Elise Trouw, Domi, Jacob Collier, Gunna, Pop Smoke, Esperanza Spalding, and more. Discover why Kurt Cobain was influenced by the Pixies, how Taylor Swift channels Joni Mitchell, and Lady Gaga's music resembles that of Madonna. Find out why Rolling Stone Magazine declared that without "Soul Queen" Aretha Franklin, there would be no Beyonce, Whitney Houston, or Adele.
Like other fine arts classes, music appreciation is a fun break from academics which enriches and engages students in a topic they enjoy. Genres that will not be highlighted in this course include gospel, folk, country, western, tejano, reggae, zydeco, or salsa.
Topics in this Series: 19202-1960s (Semester 1), 1970s-2020s (Semester 2), etc. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.
Colorful Canvas for Kids: Acrylic Painting
Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Diane Wright Cobb
Grade Range: 4th-5th
Prerequisites: None
Kids will be introduced to acrylic painting in a small group class under the guidance of a professional painter and art teacher. The class will learn the theory of color mixing and the techniques of blending, building up color, creating gradients, and applying light washes. The class will learn how to select the right brush and how to use water to create different effects. Our new painters will practice using paint and brush strokes to create effects like light and shadow, dimension, and texture, and how to develop backgrounds, foregrounds, and detail work. Students will try techniques such as applying and removing paint, layering, stippling, and dabbing, along with wet and dry brush techniques. Students will complete several paintings on canvas boards. A variety of subjects, such as still life, animals, florals, landscapes, seascapes, fantasy, abstracts, or "mimic the masters" will be introduced to illustrate different painting techniques through in-class projects. There is an $20.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Watercolor Painting (Quarter 1), Tempera Painting (Quarter 2), Acrylic Painting (Quarter 3), and MultiMedia Painting (Quarter 4).
Colorful Canvas for Little Kids: Acrylic Painting
Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Diane Wright Cobb
Grade Range: 2nd-3rd
Prerequisites: None
Little kids will be introduced to acrylic painting in a small group class under the guidance of a professional painter and art teacher. The class will learn the theory of color mixing and the techniques of blending, building up color, creating gradients, and applying light washes. The class will learn how to select the right brush and how to use water to create different effects. Our new painters will practice using paint and brush strokes to create effects like light and shadow, dimension, and texture, and how to develop backgrounds, foregrounds, and detail work. Students will try techniques such as applying and removing paint, layering, stippling, and dabbing, along with wet and dry brush techniques. Students will complete several paintings on canvas boards. A variety of subjects, such as still life, animals, florals, landscapes, seascapes, fantasy, abstracts, or "mimic the masters" will be introduced to illustrate different painting techniques through in-class projects. There is an $20.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Watercolor Painting (Quarter 1), Tempera Painting (Quarter 2), Acrylic Painting (Quarter 3), and MultiMedia Painting (Quarter 4).
Colorful Canvas for Tweens: Acrylic Painting
Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Diane Wright Cobb
Grade Range: 6th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Tweens will be introduced to acrylic painting in a small group class under the guidance of a professional painter and art teacher. The class will learn the theory of color mixing and the techniques of blending, building up color, creating gradients, and applying light washes. The class will learn how to select the right brush and how to use water to create different effects. Our new painters will practice using paint and brush strokes to create effects like light and shadow, dimension, and texture, and how to develop backgrounds, foregrounds, and detail work. Students will try techniques such as applying and removing paint, layering, stippling, and dabbing, along with wet and dry brush techniques. Students will complete several paintings on canvas boards. A variety of subjects, such as still life, animals, florals, landscapes, seascapes, fantasy, abstracts, or "mimic the masters" will be introduced to illustrate different painting techniques through in-class projects. There is an $20.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Watercolor Painting (Quarter 1), Tempera Painting (Quarter 2), Acrylic Painting (Quarter 3), and MultiMedia Painting (Quarter 4).
Compass Kids' Chorus: Classic Disney
Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Alina Kirshon-Goldman
Grade Range: 3rd-5th
Prerequisites:
Everyone can learn to sing! If you want to learn to sing like Belle, Ariel, Elsa, Aladdin, or even the Beast, this class is for you! Selections from this semester come from Hal Leonard's "Disney Collected Kids' Solos" with select hits from Beauty & the Beast, Cinderella, Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and more.
The quarter's repertoire will include at least one group choral number. Students will work on other music as solos, duets, or small group numbers. This introduction to vocal development and performance includes posture, breathing, intonation, and the principles of blending vocal harmonies. Basic musical notation will be introduced as well as melodic and harmonic intervals. No previous musical experience is required- just the joy of singing! Singers will be expected to memorize pieces and participate in a showcase for parents at the end of the quarter.
There is a $25.00 fee for sheet music due payable to Compass on the first day of class.
Concert Band: All Instruments
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025
Class Time: 10:30 am Duration: 90 min
Instructor: Jessica Eastridge
Grade Range: 5th-8th
Prerequisites: See Description
Enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music with others in a school band! Join the first homeschool concert band in the region at Compass. This section is for continuing beginner and advanced beginner musicians of brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments*
Percussion students will continue their skills on the snare drum and mallet instruments (such as glockenspiel and xylophone). Continuing and advanced beginner woodwinds students will play the flute or clarinet or alto saxophone. Continuing and advanced beginner brass will play the trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn, or tuba. All band students will practice audiation skills and will play both cooperatively in the full band group and in break-out groups for differentiated instruction by part, by instrument, or by proficiency.
Students in Concert Band will meet together to continue to develop their skills on their selected instruments. *Placement in 2nd semester Concert Band is with instructor approval. To be considered for this section, students must have the following competencies on their chosen percussion, woodwind, or brass instrument:
- Minimum of 4 months of playing experience (or semester 1);
- A firm understanding of how to assemble and disassemble the instrument correctly;
- Demonstrate proper instrument care;
- Demonstrate correct posture, hand position, and embouchure (woodwinds);
- Be able to play Hot Cross Buns in B-flat Major;
- Be able to play at least one additional song in any key
Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories for the band. See the linked list by instrument. Furthermore, students are expected to practice their instrument and pieces throughout the week. 15-30 minutes most days is recommended.
For NEW students, there is a $33.00 supply fee due payable to Compass on/before the start of class for the "Do It! Play (a Band Instrument)" book and workbook and the sheet music songs used for the group band performance. RETURNING students will have a supply fee of $9.00 for sheet music.
Concert Band: New Beginners
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Les Linn
Grade Range: 5th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music with others in a school band! Join the first homeschool concert band in the region at Compass. This band is for new beginner musicians of brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments.
Beginning woodwinds students will learn to play the flute or clarinet (5th-8th grade) or alto saxophone (7th-8th grade only). They will learn how to hold their instruments with proper posture and hand position and correct embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) for the instrument. Students will receive instruction on the parts of their instruments and how to safely, correctly, and independently assemble and clean them. Students will learn the fundamentals of music reading, and the group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors). Students will practice audiation skills by singing, moving, and playing woodwind instruments and will play both cooperatively in small ensembles and independently.
Beginning brass students will learn to play the trumpet, trombone, or euphonium (5th-8th grade) and French horn or tuba (7th-8th grade students only). They will learn how to hold their instruments with proper posture and hand position and correct embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) for the instrument. Students will receive instruction on the parts of their instruments and how to safely, correctly, and independently assemble and clean them. Students will learn the fundamentals of music reading, and the group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors). Students will practice audiation skills by singing, moving, and playing woodwind instruments and will play both cooperatively in small ensembles and independently.
Beginning percussion students will learn to play the snare drum and mallet instruments (such as glockenspiel and xylophone). They will learn proper stick and mallet grip, posture, and playing position for concert percussion instrumentals. Students will learn the fundamentals of music reading. The group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors) on mallet instruments and basic rudiments on snare drum. Students will practice audiation skills by singing, moving, and playing percussion instruments and will play both cooperatively in small ensembles and independently.
Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories for the band. See the linked list by instrument.
There is a $33.00 supply fee due payable to Compass on/before the start of class for the "Do It! Play (a Band Instrument)" book and workbook and the sheet music songs used for the group band performance.>
Crafting for Cosplay: Leather Work
Quarter 3: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 75 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Kratos wears a leather baldric. Captain America grasps a shield. Harley Quinn sports spiked wrist cuffs, and Lara Croft wouldn't go to war without her weaponry. Great accessories and carefully crafted garments make great cosplay. If you are interested in the world of cosplay and want to bring some of your favorite characters to life, this class will teach you the skills to craft costumes and accessories.
Third quarter, students will learn to work with EVA foam and thermal plastics. They will learn to use patterns, cut, layer, glue, carve, heat-shape, and paint foam and thermal plastic accessories. Projects for the quarter include a leather wrist bracers and a leather travel journal. Note: These projects are different than those taught in 2023-24, so a student can re-take the class to improve their skill and create new pieces.
In this class, students will follow templates and patterns provided by and demonstrated by the instructor. Pieces will be individualized through paint and embellishments, but the goal is for cosplayers to learn specialized crafting techniques that they can use at home to make additional, unique pieces. There is a $85.00 supply fee for in-class materials, the shared use of classroom tools/supplies, and some take-home tools to continue crafting at home. Third quarter, students will take home leather embossing tools. Note: Project themes or materials are subject to change due to availability or sourcing at the time of the class.
Cosplayers who would like to create original fabric costume elements such as capes, vests, skirts, and more, may want to co-register for this instructor's Learn to Sew classes.
Topics in this Series: Foam & Plastics (Quarter 1), Resins and Metal Work (Quarter 2), Leather Work (Quarter 3), Mending & Alterations (Quarter 4) etc. Students continuing from one quarter receive priority pre-registration for the next quarter.
Prerequisites: None
Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hours per week outside of class.
Assignments: Will be communicated in weekly e-mails and posted in a Google classroom.
Assessments: will not be given
Textbook/Materials: All materials will be furnished.
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $85.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in fine arts/theater for purposes of a high school transcript.
Crafty Kids Club (Q3)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 3:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 2nd-5th
Prerequisites: None
Crafty Kids Club is a weekly after-school meet-up for kids in grades 2-5. Kids gather and socialize while completing a craft around a monthly theme. An experienced Compass art instructor facilitates the crafting each week. Projects are selected to showcase a variety of materials and crafting techniques and to promote creativity and imagination. Each quarter, students will complete projects organized around two themes from among eight craft categories: wooden, wearables, simple sewing, painting, sculpting, paper, beading, and mixed media.
Kids will enjoy the camaraderie of working alongside a group of friends in Crafty Kids Club, and parents will appreciate the break! Parent Notes:
- All the supplies are provided: No need to search high and low for the needed materials.
- Reduce waste and clutter: No need to buy large quantities of specialty supplies for a one-time project.
- Reduce clean-up: Leave the glue, paint, and glitter mess at Compass.
- Kids get to experiment with a variety of materials and techniques, even if YOU are not crafty.
- Crafting improves dexterity and fine motor skills, and an afterschool club makes a great social outlet.
The third quarter project themes are:
- Spy Tools (sample projects: decoder wheel and invisible ink)
- Great Games (sample projects: shark & fish cup game and ball drop game)
Creative Journaling for Teens (Q3)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Sheila Anwari
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Don't write poetry? Think you can't draw? Maybe not, but you may still want a creative way to record your thoughts, feelings, dreams, and ideas! Journaling is an ongoing process of discovery and exploration that allows one to be conscious of and connect with his/her own thoughts, emotions and ideas. It is a form of expression that supports both academic and personal growth.
Creative journaling is not writing daily "Dear Diary" style entries on dated pages. Instead, students will explore various journaling methods, blending self-expression and self-discovery to guide them in learning new ways to problem-solve, achieve goals, and process emotions. Students will work with several writing techniques and a range of art media to develop a personal journal throughout the quarter and will have the opportunity to expand on it in subsequent quarters. Techniques such as freeform writing, black-out poetry, stream-of-consciousness writing, and creative list making will be explored, in addition to experimenting with a wide variety of layered techniques and mixed media with collage, photography, cardstock, book pages, art markers, stencils, tempera sticks, acrylic, paints, washi tape, and stickers. Weekly prompts will cover a range of topics such as gratitude, compassion, ambitions, choices, fear, self-care, and self-esteem as they relate to the students' personal lives and current events. Conversation around the prompts will complement the students' work in their individual journals.
Topics in this Series: Journal work is done in an open studio environment that allows students to join in any quarter throughout the year.
Prerequisites: No formal writing or art experience is needed. All teens are welcome.
Workload: Work outside of class is encouraged but optional.
Assessments: Not provided.
Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Fee covers art journal for student to use in class and shared class supplies (paints, inks, brushes, markers, collage materials, glue, washi tape, etc.)
What to Wear: Students may wish to have an apron or old shirt to wear when working with paints.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English, Fine Arts, or general Elective for purposes of a high school transcript.
Creative Journaling for Tweens (Q3)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Sheila Anwari
Grade Range: 6th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Don't write poetry? Think you can't draw? Maybe not, but you may still want a creative way to record your thoughts, feelings, dreams, and ideas! Journaling is an ongoing process of discovery and exploration that allows one to be conscious of and connect with his/her own thoughts, emotions and ideas. It is a form of expression that supports both academic and personal growth.
Creative journaling is not writing daily "Dear Diary" style entries on dated pages. Instead, students will explore various journaling methods, blending self-expression and self-discovery to guide them in learning new ways to problem-solve, achieve goals, and process emotions. Students will work with several writing techniques and a range of art media to develop a personal journal throughout the quarter and will have the opportunity to expand on it in subsequent quarters. Techniques such as freeform writing, black-out poetry, stream-of-consciousness writing, and creative list making will be explored, in addition to experimenting with a wide variety of layered techniques and mixed media with collage, photography, cardstock, book pages, art markers, stencils, tempera sticks, acrylic, paints, washi tape, and stickers. Weekly prompts will cover a range of topics such as gratitude, compassion, ambitions, choices, fear, self-care, and self-esteem as they relate to the students' personal lives and current events. Conversation around the prompts will complement the students' work in their individual journals.
Topics in this Series: Journal work is done in an open studio environment that allows students to join in any quarter throughout the year.
Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Fee covers art journal for student to use in class and shared class supplies (paints, inks, brushes, markers, collage materials, glue, washi tape, etc.)
What to Wear: Students may wish to have an apron or old shirt to wear when working with paints.
Decorative Arts Studio: Fiber Arts Fun for Kids
Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Shona D\'Cruz
Grade Range: 3rd-5th
Prerequisites: None
Student artists will enjoy working hands-on, in 3-dimensions with a variety of sculpting and crafting materials to create original Decorative Arts. Assembling decorative items is multi-sensory, and students enjoy the tactile experience of shaping, stacking, forming, flattening, and layering a selection of materials to create unique, personal projects. Decorative art engages a different artistic skillset than coloring, drawing, and writing, and encourages creativity to represent objects in three dimensions. In this studio environment, students will create original hand-made pieces using a range of artistic techniques and a myriad of materials to choose from.
Third quarter, students will work with a variety of fibers and textiles to create unique, 3-dimensional projects. From fuzzy chenille to fluffy cotton and scratchy jute to scrumptious viscose, students will enjoy the tactile experience of looping, lashing, layering, weaving or knotting assorted textures in fabrics and fibers. Students may also work with burlap, felt, leather, muslin, wool, yarn, or string. Example past projects include a string sculpture, a knotted flannel scarf, a wall hanging, and wool felting projects. Students may sew embellishments such as buttons on their finished projects, but this is not a sewing class. A supply fee of $30.00 per student is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Topics in this Series: Sculpture Skills (Quarter 1), Marvelous Mosaics (Quarter 2), Fiber Arts Fun (Quarter 3), and Upcycled, Recycled Projects (Quarter 4).
Decorative Arts Studio: Fiber Arts Fun for Tweens
Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Shona D\'Cruz
Grade Range: 6th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Student artists will enjoy working hands-on, in 3-dimensions with a variety of sculpting and crafting materials to create original Decorative Arts. Assembling decorative items is multi-sensory, and students enjoy the tactile experience of shaping, stacking, forming, flattening, and layering a selection of materials to create unique, personal projects. Decorative art engages a different artistic skillset than coloring, drawing, and writing, and encourages creativity to represent objects in three dimensions. In this studio environment, students will create original hand-made pieces using a range of artistic techniques and a myriad of materials to choose from.
Third quarter, students will work with a variety of fibers and textiles to create unique, 3-dimensional projects. From fuzzy chenille to fluffy cotton and scratchy jute to scrumptious viscose, students will enjoy the tactile experience of looping, lashing, layering, weaving or knotting assorted textures in fabrics and fibers. Students may also work with burlap, felt, leather, muslin, wool, yarn, or string. Example past projects include a string sculpture, a knotted flannel scarf, a wall hanging, and wool felting projects. Students may sew embellishments such as buttons on their finished projects, but this is not a sewing class. A supply fee of $30.00 per student is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Topics in this Series: Sculpture Skills (Quarter 1), Marvelous Mosaics (Quarter 2), Fiber Arts Fun (Quarter 3), and Upcycled, Recycled Projects (Quarter 4).
Detective Drama: Pocketing the Prized Jewels
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 4th-6th
Prerequisites: None
Calling crooked criminals who commit creepy crimes! Convening colorful characters who corroborate clues and constables who collaborate to crack the case! Connect with a kooky cast in Detective Drama. Using materials from a commercial mystery role playing game (RPG), students will be guided through the facts of a fictitious case. Student sleuths will be follow clue cards, eclectic evidence, and phony forensics to uncover a crime. Emphasis will be on critical thinking, problem solving skills, and improvisation through the portrayal of unique characters involved in the crime. Students will be encouraged to develop a strong, compelling character, an original costume, a backstory, and of course, an alibi.
Third quarter, students shall delve into the century-old conundrum circling the theft of the crown jewels of Ireland. Crafty criminals clandestinely cribbed the treasure from beneath the watchful eyes of a gaggle of guards. Daring detectives must crack the codes, sidestep the snares, and solve the saga.
In this workshop, students will experiment with acting and improvisation and working as a team. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and enjoy working in a collaborative group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. Because of the age of the students in this class, only capers such as burglaries or kidnappings will be portrayed instead of murders.
Topics in this Series: Missing from the Museum (Quarter 1), The Computer Caper (Quarter 2), Pocketing the Prized Jewels (Quarter 3), and Brazen Bank Robbery (Quarter 4). There is a class supply fee of $20.00 due payable to the instructor on the first day for the class RPG materials, printing, props, and investigation folders.
Drawing for Fun: Fantastical Figures (11AM)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Pete Van Riper
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites: None
Anyone can learn to draw! A professional artist will teach kids how to draw a variety of characters through classical drawing techniques. Students will learn how to break complex forms and figures into simple shapes and bring them to life with shading, shadow, textures, and more. Drawings will feature fantasy and fictional subjects which are a great choice to keep beginning artists from becoming frustrated when their work does not look "the real thing."
Third quarter, students will develop their drawing skills on projects featuring fantasy figures. Kids will enjoy projects with dragons, ogres, ghouls, aliens or elves where they can practice drawing techniques without the pressure of trying to replicate real life. The class will learn to draw simple costumes and props around their character to convey setting without drawing elaborate landscapes, and they will learn how to express thoughts and conversation through dialogue bubbles.
This is not a “follow-the-leader” or copy/mimic art class, but rather a supportive environment where students are encouraged to create their own fantasy characters and scenarios. They will receive individual coaching and feedback to develop the characters that they dream up rather than trying to replicate well-known existing characters like DC, Marvel, Disney, or Looney Tunes. Young artists having fun playing off each other’s ideas to draw outrageous imaginary characters and worlds. The instructor will often use prompts to get the ideas flowing and to encourage collaboration. The instructor has a class rule that illustrations must be rated “G” with no violence (guns, knives, blood/gore) and will often suggest alternatives such as battle with unexpected objects like baguettes or bananas!
Students' practice illustrations and draft renderings will be drawn with regular #2 pencil in sketchbooks, but they are welcome to add color to their work with colored pencils or markers, if desired. There is a $15.00 material fee payable to the instructor on the first day for a sketchbook and shared classroom art supplies. Topics in this Series include: Comic Art and Characters (Quarter 1); Comics with a Cast of Characters (Quarter 2), Fantastical Figures (Quarter 3), and Playful Portraits (Quarter 4).
Drawing for Fun: Fantastical Figures (12PM)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Pete Van Riper
Grade Range: 5th-6th
Prerequisites: None
Anyone can learn to draw! A professional artist will teach kids how to draw a variety of characters through classical drawing techniques. Students will learn how to break complex forms and figures into simple shapes and bring them to life with shading, shadow, textures, and more. Drawings will feature fantasy and fictional subjects which are a great choice to keep beginning artists from becoming frustrated when their work does not look "the real thing."
Third quarter, students will develop their drawing skills on projects featuring fantasy figures. Kids will enjoy projects with dragons, ogres, ghouls, aliens or elves where they can practice drawing techniques without the pressure of trying to replicate real life. The class will learn to draw simple costumes and props around their character to convey setting without drawing elaborate landscapes, and they will learn how to express thoughts and conversation through dialogue bubbles.
This is not a “follow-the-leader” or copy/mimic art class, but rather a supportive environment where students are encouraged to create their own fantasy characters and scenarios. They will receive individual coaching and feedback to develop the characters that they dream up rather than trying to replicate well-known existing characters like DC, Marvel, Disney, or Looney Tunes. Young artists having fun playing off each other’s ideas to draw outrageous imaginary characters and worlds. The instructor will often use prompts to get the ideas flowing and to encourage collaboration. The instructor has a class rule that illustrations must be rated “G” with no violence (guns, knives, blood/gore) and will often suggest alternatives such as battle with unexpected objects like baguettes or bananas!
Students' practice illustrations and draft renderings will be drawn with regular #2 pencil in sketchbooks, but they are welcome to add color to their work with colored pencils or markers, if desired. There is a $15.00 material fee payable to the instructor on the first day for a sketchbook and shared classroom art supplies. Topics in this Series include: Comic Art and Characters (Quarter 1); Comics with a Cast of Characters (Quarter 2), Fantastical Figures (Quarter 3), and Playful Portraits (Quarter 4).
Drawing Studio: Creative Compositions
Quarter 3: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Pete Van Riper
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Students will draw in a relaxed, informal studio setting, where they will learn the fundamentals of drawing along with the elements of art and principles of design. Most drawing projects are "student's own" where each artist selects their own subject to incorporate demonstrated techniques such as representing light and dark, creating texture and patterns, and shading to show dimension.
Third quarter, students will learn to "create narrative" and tell a story with their drawing through subject, placement, and composition. Over the course, students should progress to draw more carefully and more accurately and to represent more refined details in their drawings.
The instructor will demonstrate various techniques by developing a sample drawing. Students may elect to follow the class sample or may apply the drawing skills to an entirely unique drawing. This class is suitable for beginners who have never drawn before and for intermediate art students who have worked with other media and are interested in exploring drawing. Drawing can provide a relaxing, needed break from rigorous academic classes and over-scheduled lives in a fun, supportive environment.
Topics in this Series: Everyday Objects (Quarter 1), Portraits and Creative Caricatures (Quarter 2), Creative Compositions (Quarter 3), and Imitating Illustration Styles (Quarter 4).
Workload: Work outside of class is optional for those who wish to practice their drawing techniques.
Assessments: Individual feedback is given in class. Formal assessments will not be given.
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $18.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a sketchbook, a pencil box with pencils of varying hardness, and an eraser. Returning drawing students do not need to pay a supply fee and are expected to replace their drawing supplies as needed, with similar or better quality.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.
Friday Adventure Series: Role Playing Game (RPG)- Q3
Quarter 3: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 3:30 pm Duration: 90 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Teens will embark on an unforgettable fantasy journey each Friday with a virtual role-playing adventure. Aspiring adventurers, creative minds, and strategic thinkers will enjoy these one-shot (i.e. one-day) "shorts." From epic fantasy to futuristic sci-fi escapades, teens will experience a different genre and setting each week. They will unleash their creativity and collaborate with peers to shape the adventure, solve challenges, and make decisions to advance the story. The weekly meet-up will be managed by an experienced Game Master who will guide students through the art of role-playing. One-shot RPGs use a simplified rule system of 1-2 pages which make a great introduction for new role-players yet also fun for those with more extensive experience in D&D. The short format works well for a casual afternoon get-togethers.
Guitar for Beginners II
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 5th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Students will continue to learn the fundamentals of playing the guitar. In this class, students will continue to learn basic melodies, chords, and strumming patterns for familiar songs from a variety of genres such as, "Sweet Jane" (by The Velvet Underground), "House of the Rising Sun," (by Eric Burdon and The Animals) and "Willow" (by Taylor Swift) chosen by the instructor and students. Students are encouraged to bring in music they are interested in learning. New chords and new songs will be added each week as students also learn to read music and basic music theory. Students will also learn how to hold, tune, and care for their guitars. Each student will need a least a beginner level acoustic guitar. Students should be able to read at grade level for this class and should plan to practice at home several times each week. Students should expect to spend 20-30 minutes per day most days practicing chords and melodies from class. There is a materials fee of $10.50 payable to the Compass on the first day of class for a tablature notebook for any student who does not have one from a prior class. New students who wish to enroll 2nd semester should have at least 12-15 hours of prior instruction in order to match the pace of the enrolled students.
Harry Potter Handicrafts: Flitwick's Favorites
Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 5th-8th
Prerequisites: None
You've dreamed about going to Hogwarts, and now is your chance to experience a year of magical classes! In this maker class, students will create projects inspired by their core classes at Hogwarts (Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions, and Transfiguration) and a Hogwarts guest professor. Students learn to work with a variety of materials and learn a broad range of crafting skills such as hand-sewing, painting, papercrafting (including precision cutting, folding, and stenciling) sculpting, and wireworking to create magical pieces inspired by the World of Harry Potter.
Welcome to the third term at Hogwarts! In addition to your core wizarding classes, special projects will be inspired by guest Professor Flitwick such as Dragon Scale Face Paints and Floating Candles.
This is a great class for Harry Potter fans who love the magical world, even for those who have not read all of the books or watched all of the movies. Projects and class discussions are geared to not reveal significant series spoilers. Note: A few classes may include a Harry Potter-inspired food creation or personal care product. The ingredients will be identified in advance, and students with food or ingredient allergies or dietary restrictions will need to check before handling/consuming. Substitute ingredients cannot be provided for those with food allergies or restrictions.
Topics in this Series: Quirrell's Creations (Quarter 1); Pomfrey's Potions (Quarter 2); Flitwick's Favorites (Quarter 3); and Lockhart's Fabrications (Quarter 4)
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
What to Bring: Students should bring good scissors for cutting paper/fabric, a ruler, and a low temp, mini hot glue gun to class each week.
High School Band Ensemble
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Less Lin
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Teens will enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music with others in an instrument ensemble! This ensemble is for beginner and advanced beginner musicians of brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments.
Ensemble percussion students will learn to play the snare drum and mallet instruments (such as glockenspiel and xylophone). They will learn proper stick and mallet grip, posture, and playing position for concert percussion instrumentals.
Ensemble woodwinds students will learn to play the flute, clarinet, or alto saxophone. They will learn how to hold their instruments with proper posture and hand position and correct embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) for the instrument. Students will receive instruction on the parts of their instruments and how to safely, correctly, and independently assemble and clean them.
Ensemble brass students will learn to play the trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn, or tuba. They will learn how to hold their instruments with proper posture and hand position and correct embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) for the instrument. Students will receive instruction on the parts of their instruments and how to safely, correctly, and independently assemble and clean them.
All students will learn the fundamentals of music reading, and the group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors). They will practice audiation skills by singing, moving, and playing instruments cooperatively and independently.
Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories for the band. See the linked list by instrument.
There is a $33.00 supply fee due payable to Compass on/before the start of class for the "Do It! Play (a Band Instrument)" book and workbook and the sheet music songs used for the ensemble.
Homeschool String Ensemble (Spring)
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Monika Dorosheff
Grade Range: 4th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Homeschool musicians who play violin, viola, cello, or bass are invited to join this homeschool string ensemble! Musicians will have an opportunity to develop orchestral skills and enjoy the experience of practicing, playing, and performing as a group. The ensemble will start each week with tuning and warm-ups such as playing musical scales and simple exercises. Then the musicians will work on several group songs each semester where they will improve musical literacy, learn to follow the directions from the conductor, and learn to play in different keys-- as a group. During the final session of the semester, a concert will be held for friends and family.
This ensemble is intended for advanced beginner, intermediate, and advanced strings students who are currently and concurrently enrolled in private lessons. As a guideline, a student should be able to play a D major scale in two octaves on his/her instrument. Students are expected to be able to locate notes on their instruments, read music and be able to identify all rhythmical patterns. Students with less experience may be asked to play for the conductor or to submit a brief video to help establish placement.
The instructor will provide the ensemble repertoires, and these arrangements will be specially composed to accommodate the range of abilities of all stringed players in the ensemble. Participants are expected to prepare and practice at home for at least 15 - 20 minutes per day. The cost of the class music is included. This is a 15-week semester program, and the week off will be announced by the instructor.
Intro to Interior Design: Fundamentals
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 115 min
Instructor: Kristi Newton
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Discover the captivating world of Interior Design, where creativity meets functionality in the art of shaping spaces! This class will delve into the realms of color, texture, and form to transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary expressions of style and comfort. The class will discover how Interior Designers (also known as Interior Architects) are responsible for embracing the power of design to evoke emotions and enhance everyday living while blending personality, purpose, and practicality to create inviting and inspired spaces where people want to work, rest, dine, play, learn, vacation, and live!
First semester, students will explore the fundamentals of interior design to understand how the field is so much more than interior decorating! They will consider how interior design affects their world through an investigation of theory and hands-on practice leading to a semester project of designing a dream room! The class will review the principles and elements of design such as form, shape, and balance with respect to configuring a room. Students will learn about scale and proportion, i.e. the relative size of forms, such as rooms and furniture, in relation to each other. The group will explore the basics of color theory and various finishes.
Students will also be introduced to digital tools used in interior design. They will take a field trip to the Marymount University interior architecture resource library. Throughout the semester, they will be exposed to career paths in interior design and will meet some industry guest speakers. They will also look at case studies and sample design projects and challenges from the instructor’s long career in interior design and project management.
Each week, students will be working in sketchbooks and learning how to do basic hand sketches, colored renderings, and simple drafting of floor plans, furniture plans, and elevations. Student designers will collect inspiration photos, colored drawings, product information, and finish and fabric samples that will be presented on a design board of their dream room. A student’s sketchbook and/or design boards could be used as elements of a design portfolio that would be submitted for a college program in art, design, or architecture.
Topics in this Series: Fundamentals (Semester 1) and Essentials (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.
Assignments: Will be communicated weekly to students in class and on a class communication platform.
Assessments: The instructor will track points for the student’s semester effort, and parents can use points earned to assign a grade: Participation (20 points), Sketchbook (30 points), Semester Project (40 points), Presentation of Project (10 points).
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $75.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for a class kit consisting of: sketchbook, graph paper, tracing paper, drafting kit, pencils, colored pencils, 30- and 45- degree triangles.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component partial credit in fine arts/ career exploration for purposes of a high school transcript.
Junior Art Studio: Multi-Media Masters (TUE)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Kerry Diederich
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites: None
This class is a multi-media art sampler for our youngest artists! Each week, students will learn a few fun facts about a type of art, artist, or culture and view sample works. Then, they will create a project in the style of the featured artist or culture using a wide variety of materials, colors, patterns, textures, and embellishments. Young artists will have the opportunity to work with a different media each week such as tempera paint, various papers, color pencils, markers, tissue paper, translucent tracing paper, cray pas, oil pastels, charcoals, and watercolors.
Third quarter, Junior Artists will learn about the unique multi-media "craft art" of the masters! Projects will feature art with craft themes such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers, torn paper rainbows, Faith Ringold's story quilts, and sand painting. Art projects will feature a variety of materials and techniques to create craft art while learning about the artist, their technique, and their materials.
Topics in this Series: Imitate the Impressionists (Quarter 1); Destination Art (Quarter 2); Multi-Media Masters (Quarter 3); Native American Art (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.
Junior Art Studio: Multi-Media Masters (WED 11AM)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Kerry Diederich
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites: None
This class is a multi-media art sampler for our youngest artists! Each week, students will learn a few fun facts about a type of art, artist, or culture and view sample works. Then, they will create a project in the style of the featured artist or culture using a wide variety of materials, colors, patterns, textures, and embellishments. Young artists will have the opportunity to work with a different media each week such as tempera paint, various papers, color pencils, markers, tissue paper, translucent tracing paper, cray pas, oil pastels, charcoals, and watercolors.
Third quarter, Junior Artists will learn about the unique multi-media "craft art" of the masters! Projects will feature art with craft themes such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers, torn paper rainbows, Faith Ringold's story quilts, and sand painting. Art projects will feature a variety of materials and techniques to create craft art while learning about the artist, their technique, and their materials.
Topics in this Series: Imitate the Impressionists (Quarter 1); Destination Art (Quarter 2); Multi-Media Masters (Quarter 3); Native American Art (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.
Junior Art Studio: Multi-Media Masters (WED 12PM)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Kerry Diederich
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites: None
This class is a multi-media art sampler for our youngest artists! Each week, students will learn a few fun facts about a type of art, artist, or culture and view sample works. Then, they will create a project in the style of the featured artist or culture using a wide variety of materials, colors, patterns, textures, and embellishments. Young artists will have the opportunity to work with a different media each week such as tempera paint, various papers, color pencils, markers, tissue paper, translucent tracing paper, cray pas, oil pastels, charcoals, and watercolors.
Third quarter, Junior Artists will learn about the unique multi-media "craft art" of the masters! Projects will feature art with craft themes such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers, torn paper rainbows, Faith Ringold's story quilts, and sand painting. Art projects will feature a variety of materials and techniques to create craft art while learning about the artist, their technique, and their materials.
Topics in this Series: Imitate the Impressionists (Quarter 1); Destination Art (Quarter 2); Multi-Media Masters (Quarter 3); Native American Art (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.
Learn to Sew: Beginner and Advanced Beginner
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 6th-9th
Prerequisites: None
Learn to sew to create one-of-a kind articles of clothing, home decor, crafts, or handmade items for your side business like Etsy or Ebay. Sewing can be a relaxing hobby, a profitable side gig, and a practical money-saving life skill. Don't settle for store-bought when you can learn to sew the custom creations you envision!
Second semester, Beginner students will learn the basics of hand sewing. Skills that will be introduced this semester include: quilter's knot, stitches (basting, running, backstitch, whip, ladder), tying a knot, and anchoring a knot. Students will learn to identify and use sewing tools such as fabric scissors, straight pins, thimbles, seam ripper, and various needles. Advanced Beginner students (those continuing from first semester or those with prior experience), will learn how to read and cut our a sewing pattern, how to take body measurements and match to pattern measurements, and how to select the best fabric for a pattern. Advanced Beginner students will learn how to finish pieces by selecting and attaching closures (buttons, button holes, grommets, zippers, & hook and eyes); gathering and pleating, using binding and bias tape, and attaching pockets and waistbands.
Students will also begin with get-to-know their sewing machines including different components, attachments, and functions, along with care, use, and maintenance of their machines. They will learn Identify parts of sewing machine; how to fill a bobbin and thread the machine; types of machine needles and how to change a needle, and how to control speeds. Students will practice machine stitches (straight, zig-zag, backstitch) and adjusting the length and width, learn about seam allowance, and sewing corners and curves. Students will begin with simple stitching exercises, and their first project will be sewing a pin cushion that they will use throughout the year.
As part of learning to sew, students will learn about different types of fabrics, what each is best used for, and how to identify grain lines, bias, and selvedge. The class will discover how garments are assembled by deconstructing an article of clothing from its seams. Students will learn how to read a sewing pattern and take measurements The group will learn about hems and elastic along with closures and how/where to use them. Second semester's Beginner project will be sewing a custom pair of pajama pants, while the Advanced Beginner project will be a small block quilt.
Topics in this Series: Learn to Sew: Beginner (Semester 1), Learn to Sew: Beginner and Advanced Beginner (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.
Prerequisites: None
Workload: Students who practice at home will find that their sewing skills are refined and perfected more quickly. Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class practicing the sewing skill/step covered in class.
Assignments: Projects will be given out in class and will also be communicated via Google Classroom.
Equipment/Fabric: Students must bring to class each week:
- A portable sewing machine with bobbins. (If you are purchasing a new sewing machine for the class, a Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine, 4400 series, model is recommended. These can be purchased from Amazon or Joann Fabrics for $160-$180. Students who are bringing a pre-owed or loaned sewing machine are expected to have the machine professionally serviced before the start of class.)
- The sewing machine owner's manual
- An extension cord
- Bobbins
- Instructor-provided hand sewing kit
- Fabric for class assignments. (A list of needed fabric and sewing patterns will be sent out the first day of class, with the recommended quantity, type, and deadlines.)
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $50.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a project box, including a sewing kit (with 1 pack of sewing machine needles, thread, and hand sewing essentials), and other materials used in class.
Middle School Musical: Broadway's 'Wicked'
Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Alina Kirshon-Goldman
Grade Range: 6th-8th
Prerequisites:
In the style of "High School Musical" or a glee club, Compass Chorale is for tween singers who want to have fun taking their vocal performance to the next level. This class will focus on choral arrangements of contemporary pieces with 2- and 3- part harmonies. Singers will be expected to memorize pieces and participate in a showcase for parents at the end of the quarter.
This quarter, the ensemble's feature piece will be "Popular" from Wicked, the hit musical prequel to the classic "Wizard of Oz" story. Students will work on other music as solos, duets, or small group numbers from the musical Wicked such as, "The Wizard and I", "Something Bad", "I'm Not that Girl", "Wonderful", "No Good Deed", and others.
This class includes instruction on vocal development and performance such as posture, breathing, intonation, and the principles of blending vocal harmonies. Basic musical notation will be introduced as well as melodic and harmonic intervals. There is a $25.00 fee for sheet music due payable to Compass on the first day of class.
Mindful Mosaics Open Studio (Q3)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 85 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 7th-Adult
Prerequisites: None
Mindful Mosaics is run as a studio art class where students create unique compositions and work at their own pace under the guidance of an experienced mosaic artist. Each quarter, students are taught new design, cutting, layout, and finishing techniques and are introduced to new mosaic materials which they can incorporate into inspired, original pieces. The instructor can suggest possible themes for projects based on the featured materials, but most students work on individual projects that reflect their own interests, hobbies, or decor.
Students who are new to mosaics will complete a quick checkerboard project (complete with wooden checkers) to teach pattern, layout, and lines before starting an individual projects. For each project, students will choose from a variety of substrates- rectangular, square, shaped, or circular backboards (typically first-year students), or special forms or 3D objects (experienced students). Each project will expand a student's understanding of color, pattern, rhythm, texture, and spacing as they complete rich, dimensioned compositions. Students will be able to incorporate other glass, ceramic, and porcelain tiles into their projects and may select feature elements such as beautiful glass gems, millefiori, sliced stone, metallic ornaments, mirrored bits, or shells, to serve as focal points in their mosaic piece. The mosaic can be monochromatic, complimentary, or contrasting colors. A broad pallet of colors is always available, and new colors are added each quarter to reflect the season.
Students will develop a skillset for mosaic artistry over multiple quarters or years. As each student demonstrates mastery of basic skills, safety, and artistic expression, that student will be taught advanced techniques, materials, tools, composition, and color theory. A typical progression in mosaics is: (1) Whole tiles in symmetric design on a flat, rectangular substrate with emphasis on proper spacing and adhesion; (2) Tile cut with nippers in themed design and individual color choices on a flat wood substrate; (3) Sheet glass cut with pistol grip, breaking, and/or running pliers with emphasis on composition, color, and design on a flat or curved substrate; (4) Progress to 3D substrate and advanced adhesives; (5) Learn porcelain and ceramic cutting, special adhesives, and advanced design.
Note:There is no prerequisite for this class. The number of projects completed each quarter depends on the student's work speed and attendance in class. Compass parents are welcome to register for the class to work alongside their teens, or to work on their own, while their teen is in another Compass class.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hours per week outside of class.
Assessments: will not be given.
Materials Fees: All material fees are due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class by cash, check or electronic payment. Materials used vary depending on a student's experience with mosaic.
Beginner Material Fee: $40.00 for a selection of Beginner Materials, including:
- vitreous glass, ceramic, mini, eco recycled glass, beach glass, glitter glass, glass gems, ceramic pebble, shells, metallic crystal, subway glass
- Adhesive: weld bond
- Grout: bone or charcoal color
- Cutters: wheeled tile nippers
- Substrate: 2D/Flat 12" x 12",10" x 10", 8" X 8", 4" X 4", framed mirrors, ornament shapes
Advanced Material Fee: $50.00 for a selection of Advanced Materials including:
- All Beginner Materials plus, iridized glass, cathedral sheet glass, opaque sheet glass, color fusion, millefiori, Van Gogh glass, natural stone and minerals, special effects glass, water glass, colored mirror, illumination glass, china plates, rhinestone, ball chain
- Adhesives: weld bond, thin-set mortar, silicone
- Grout: Custom colors (purple, rose, green, blue, earth, orange)
- Cutters: wheeled tile nippers, porcelain hand tool, hand file, pistol grip, beetle bits cutting system
- Substrates: All flat shapes plus, 3D forms (egg, sphere, cone, pyramid, etc.), cut out sentiments, trays, glass bottle, mini sleds, flower pot, picture frame, sun catcher.
Additional Fee: There may be additional fees for premium materials such as tesserae (by request and consultation with instructor), mother of pearl, 24 kt gold tiles (market rate), or specially cut substrates.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.
Music Makers: Movement & Melodies (Q3)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Kathy Preisinger
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites: None
Music Makers explores many facets of the musical experience- singing, moving, dancing, listening, and playing instruments. The class will explore musical stories, famous composers, and different genres of music while playing a variety of percussion instruments (drums, sticks, triangles, woodblocks and more!). Students will learn to play a beginning pitched instrument on glockenspiels (a small barred instrument like the xylophone). Using an Orff-based approach, students will learn to read and write beginning musical notation and learn musical terminology all in the context of fun and play. Music Makers classes provide a fun, pressure-free environment to experience music and movement with the goal of general musicianship and excellent preparation for further, individual instrument lessons if desired. Music Makers helps every child acquire the essential building blocks for a future of musical learning! Students may join Music Makers at any quarter, and they may return again and again since new music, themes, and skills are constantly introduced.
Pops Band: All Instruments
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 90 min
Instructor: Jessica Eastridge
Grade Range: 5th-8th
Prerequisites: See Description
Enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of playing contemporary music with others in! Join the first homeschool pops band in the region at Compass. This section is for Concert Band members at the "continuing beginner "and "advanced beginner" level or other musicians of all ages who play brass, woodwind, percussion, and string instruments, piano/keyboard, or voice who wish to have more intensive playing/practice time and learn musical scores from a variety of genres such as pop, rock, jazz, and musical theater numbers. Example pieces are, The Avengers theme song, "High Hopes" by Panic! At the Disco, "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift, or "You'll Be Back" from Hamilton.
Percussion students will play snare drum and mallet instruments (such as glockenspiel and xylophone). Woodwinds musicians will play the flute, clarinet, or alto saxophone. Brass students will play the trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn, or tuba. Students who play violin, viola, bass, or guitar and those who sing are also invited. All pops band students will practice audiation skills and will play both cooperatively in the full band group and in break-out groups for differentiated instruction by piece, by instrument, or by proficiency.
Students in the Pops Band will meet together to continue to develop their skills on their selected instruments and rehearse selected songs. Pops Band is not intended to be a student's sole music instruction- it is recommend that students are co-enrolled in Concert Band or private lessons to improve their techniques and music theory. To be considered for this section, students must also have the following competencies on their chosen instrument:
- Minimum of 4 months of playing experience (or semester 1);
- A firm understanding of how to assemble and disassemble the instrument correctly;
- Demonstrate proper instrument care;
- Demonstrate correct posture, hand position, and embouchure (woodwinds/brass);
- Ability to read music notation.
Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories for the band. See the linked list by instrument.
There is a $15.00 supply fee due payable to Compass on/before the start of class for sheet music songs used for the group band performance.
Rhythm Rocks: Drum Jam (Q3)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Daniel Greenberg
Grade Range: 3rd-6th
Prerequisites: None
Students of all ages will love the energy and exhilaration of drumming! Students will learn rhythms and drumming patterns from West Africa and other cultures. In this "hands-on" class, students will learn hand-drumming on djembe drums and accompanying percussion accessories such as tambourines, triangles, rhythm sticks, maracas, and bongos.
Students will learn the difference between steady beat, rhythms, and polyrhythms, which involve patterning, call and response, and different tonal levels. Drummers will be "in the groove" as they learn single stroke rolls, single and double paradiddle, frills, and patterns. They will be encouraged to experiment with different percussion instruments and to improvise.
New drummers are welcome to enroll any quarter, and returning drummers are encouraged to return and continue to learn more complex drumming techniques. Drummers may be divided by age and/or drumming experience in class with each group taught the same rhythm with varying degrees of difficulty. All instruments are provided by the instructor.
Secrets of Songwriting (Spring)
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 7th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Students will learn a fun, simplified way to write songs from a professional, award-winning, soundtrack composer. Each week, students will tackle a different phase of songwriting. This class is open to students who play instruments, sing, write lyrics, or a combination of all three talents!
The group will learn about the song structure that is popular today with verse, chorus, pre-chorus, pre-verse, intros, and outros. They will listen to some examples of songs to convey what a verse, chorus, and bridge are, and will cover an overview of the basics of functional and classical harmony.
Each week, the group will approach a different stage of the songwriting process, working through ideas on their instruments, writing lyrics, or both. Student artists will be guided through making their own background tracks to encourage self- expression and to allow individual voices to emerge. They can use songs they know as inspiration, but they will be encouraged to create everything like a real songwriter. Musicians will be given ready-made chord options so their focus can remain on the creative aspects of songwriting.
If the student is only writing lyrics, he/she will be assigned a songwriting partner student who will write the melody and chords. In this case, the lyricist student will be provided with that song's work in progress tracks to write to at home.
Students who wish to record their songs should download the free Abbey Road 'Topline' app for Android or Apple smartphones. (The instructor uses this app professionally to share songs and concepts via e-mail, text message, or over social media with colleagues.) The app allows the artist to record songs in sections and play back all together. Microphones will not be needed.
The workshop is open to all instrument and voice students, not just guitar. Any style of music is acceptable (pop, folk, country, etc), but all lyrics must be rated "E" for everyone.
Sew Fun: Adorable Accessories
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 3rd-5th
Prerequisites: None
Kids will learn the basics of hand sewing and discover it is "sew fun" to create items that can play with and use every day. Third quarter, kids will sew a small purse or bag, a hat, and a pair of slippers.
Kids will learn practical sewing skills such as pinning and placement, a running stitch, attaching a button, scissor skills, stuffing, and working with simple patterns. The group will be working with pre-cut felt components from kits that will be enhanced with buttons and embellishments. Since students may work at different rates, some projects may not be completed in class and will be sent home to finish sewing with the newly learned skills. Students should be at age/grade level for fine motor skills for this class. A material fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Dazzling DIY Decor (Quarter 1), Crafted Keepsakes (Quarter 2), Adorable Accessories (Quarter 3), and Cool Characters (Quarter 4).
Sew Simple: Dynamic Dino Family
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 1st-2nd
Prerequisites: None
Little kids will learn the basics of hand sewing and discover it is "sew simple" to create fun things they can play with and use every day. Third quarter, kids will sew an adorable dino family and their Jurassic accessories: a t-rex, stegosaurus, triceratops, baby dino in an egg, a palm tree, and a volcano.
Kids will learn practical sewing skills such as pinning and placement, a running stitch, attaching a button, scissor skills, and stuffing. The group will be working with pre-cut felt components from kits that will be enhanced with buttons and accessories. Since students may work at different rates, some projects may not be completed in class and will be sent home to finish sewing with the newly learned skills. Students should be at age/grade level for fine motor skills for this class and should be a minimum of age 6. There is a supply fee of $35.00 due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Sew a Storybook (Quarter 1), Silly Sea Stuffies (Quarter 2), Dynamic Dino Family (Quarter 3), and Keeper's Critters (Quarter 4).
Starting with Strings: Beginning Violin 2
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Monika Dorosheff
Grade Range: 2nd-6th
Prerequisites: None
Continue to learn to play the violin! Students will learn more advanced skills such as shifting on the violin and playing vibrato. Students will learn to play violin repertoires and practice additional scales. The class will be taught to play in unison from a songbook of arranged works. At the end of the semester, the class will be able to play several short pieces and will perform for the parents.
Music education enhances teamwork and cooperative learning and provides children with a path for self-expression. Scientific research has shown that music lessons not only improve organizational skills and executive functioning but that they also develop self-confidence.
Semester 1, Beginner Violin I students will have priority registration to enroll in Beginner Violin II to continue their musical education. Other students may enroll in the second semester if they have had prior instruction equal to the first semester, or if they are willing to schedule and pay for individual lessons with this instructor to cover 1st semester skills prior to or around the start of the class. Those wishing to enroll in 2nd semester course without the Compass 1st semester class will be asked to play for the instructor in order to demonstrate skill level and establish placement.
Class Expectations: A student violin can be purchased or rented from most music stores (Foxes Music Company in Falls Church is recommended). The student should be professionally measured and fitted for the violin by the music store or a string luthier. Students should also have a shoulder rest fitted to their violin. Students will be asked to bring their violin, bow, shoulder rest, case, small notebook, Suzuki music book, and pencil to every class. In order to fully benefit from the in-class instruction, daily, at-home practice is expected.
Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $24.00 payable to Compass on the first day for the Suzuki violin book 1. This is a 15-week semester class, and the week off will be announced by the instructor.
Tweens Acting Out: No Exit Escape Room
Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 6th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Tweens take over as they collectively brainstorm and collaboratively write their own play. Find out what happens when tweens "act out" the unique characters and an original storyline they created. What happens when colorful characters have to escape? Will it be a cakewalk for our sherlocks to crack the code, unblock locks, and walk before the clock stops?
Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and to begin to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with the students' input.
The class will learn the practical aspects of acting, as they work on script read-through, blocking, costume/prop design, and planning the show. Students will develop their own "actor's toolkit" of voice, body, and imagination in this creative process! Actors will grow in confidence and communication skills in preparation for a final sharing with parents on the final day of the quarter.
Once the script is fully developed, it will be emailed to parents. Parents will be expected make sure their tweens memorize their script/lines/cues and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories they already own and a little creativity.
Topics in this Series: Haunted House of Horrors (Quarter 1), Chaos in the Courtroom (Quarter 2), No Exit Escape Room (Quarter 3) and Rock Start Rivalry (Quarter 4).
Ukulele for Advanced Beginners
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 16, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 4th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Did you know that the ukulele is not just a miniature guitar? It is a member of the Portuguese lute family, but its sound was popularized in Hawaiian music. Ukulele's fun, compact size also appeals to kids and is a great "first" stringed instrument! In this class, kids will continue to build their skills on ukulele. Students will learn expansion of chords, to include minor chords, 7th chords, sharps, and flats. They will begin to play individual notes and chords on each piece that they learn and will learn self-accompaniment. Sample songs taught at this level include “You Are My Sunshine”, “Michael Row the Boat Ashore”, “Octopus’ Garden”, “Rainbow Connection”, and “All My Loving”. Each student should purchase or rent a good quality ukulele for the class.
Semester 1, Ukulele for Beginner I students will have priority registration to enroll in Beginner 2 level to continue their musical education. Other students may enroll in the second semester if they have had prior instruction equal to the first semester, or if they are willing to schedule and pay for individual lessons with this instructor to cover 1st semester skills prior to or around the start of the class. Those wishing to enroll in 2nd semester course without the Compass 1st semester class will be asked to play for the instructor in order to demonstrate skill level and establish placement.
53 events displayed.