This is the class for musicians, poets, and those who always dreamed of writing songs. We will begin by learning the basic skills on the guitar, bass, piano, mandolin, fiddle, drums, etc. We will also be working with our voices and the practice of writing lyrics. Then we will take all of these skills, work together in small groups, and put them into the wonderful art of song writing. Prior experience on an instrument would be wonderful but not required. I am looking for those with a creative spirit, willingness to try new things, openness to playing any style of music, and an interest in working with others.
½ elective credit
Instructor: Laura Hood
This class will be an exploration of three-dimensional art forms. We will investigate ideas of construction, manipulation, subtraction and substitution as methods for creating works of art and students will explore a variety of tools, materials, and processes.
½ elective credit
Instructor: Kaz McCue
Snow Sports is a winter term class that is for the student who needs and wants to be outside every day. We spend every afternoon on the slopes of Crystal Mountain enjoying the beautiful Northern Michigan winter. This is a great class for those that are experienced skiers and riders as well as those beginners who have the desire to learn. We will head to Crystal Mountain every day right after lunch. This will also be your afternoon activity as well. We will be reading and reflecting upon a book called “On the Edge of Nowhere” about surviving life in the wilds of Alaska. We will also be studying about the ski industry, general strength and conditioning, and skiing and snowboarding techniques. Students are required to have their own equipment in good working order and wearing a helmet is required. There will be a cost (to be determined based on this season’s prices) to cover your Crystal Mountain season ski pass, transportation to and from the hill, and supplemental food costs.
½ elective credit
Instructors: Bruce Hood and Laura Hood
Advanced Digital Photography Capture and Imaging is a class designed for students who have an understanding of digital photography (capture and imaging) but wish to become more proficient in the technical aspects of the digital photography process and image output. This will be a hands-on class where the students learn advanced camera techniques in class and go out in the field to apply them. After downloading their images, they will learn advanced techniques to optimize as well as completely manipulate images. They will attain a high level of proficiency in the understanding of all of the specific camera functions and their predicted effects on the final image capture. They will use Adobe Photoshop to explore their creative drives and become more proficient in the subtler ways that Photoshop (CS6) can enhance their images. The class will take frequent off-campus trips to explore photographic opportunities in: Low light photography, action photography, portraiture, nature/wildlife photography, still life photography, Flash/incandescent photography, high speed flash photography, journalism photography, architecture/interior photography and finally macro photography. At the conclusion of the class, each student will produce an image for their portfolio in five of the content areas mastered during the class.
½ elective credit
Instructor: Cris Pina-Gautier
“Leelanau Revealed” will be an exploration of the history and people of the Leelanau peninsula. Students will have the opportunity to research while exploring evidence of the area’s past through written and photographic materials. This class also will have numerous opportunities for students to practice real field work as local historians would. We will work outside of the classroom weekly, taking advantage of our local resources. Journalism skills like interviewing, researching, and editing will be practiced. We will visit historic sites, speak with local historians, peruse Maritime museums, and spot archives. As the class progresses, students will focus their explorations and craft the research in an organized format to tell the story of Leelanau through their own lens. The final piece will be the creation of a book that documents students’ experiences and showcases the editing process in action.
½ credit English
Instructors: Tanya Firestone and Kaz McCue