Current Electives 2012-2013 Semester 1

Monday / Wednesday Afternoon Classes

Ceramics  Come learn the techniques of hand building, pinch pots, and sculpture in our ceramics class this semester.  You will also learn to decorate and glaze your pieces.  More advanced students may have an opportunity to learn the basic skills of throwing pots on a wheel.  If you like to work with your hands and want to explore your creative side, this may be the class for you!  All levels of experience are welcome.

Digital Voyage:  Media Studio  Digital Voyage explores the changing world of new media.  Students will use their skills to evaluate online information sources, learn fundamental communication techniques, and study the art of digital storytelling.  Once again, Digital Voyage students will have access to the very latest video and photo editing software on Anacapa’s new “Solar System Network” in the recently upgraded Computer Room.  Projects include TV commercial and short film production, basic Web development, and online publishing.

Plein Air Painting  This is an art course where virtually all of the work is done out of doors, on location.  Using the lovely and enchanting scenes of the Santa Barbara area for subject matter or inspiration, students will work to develop and improve their own personal style of representing real-world settings.  For ease of portability, most of the work will be done in watercolor, colored pencil, or pastel, and most pieces will be done in one class session.  The emphasis will be on individual growth, with the student proposing goals and discussing progress for his or her work on a weekly basis. There will be some museum and gallery visits as well. A sketchbook will be required.

SB Trails  Hike different trails in the Santa Barbara backcountry!  Get some great exercise!  Experience nature!  Share trail talk with friends!  The ending time of this class is variable.  We will return to campus no later than 4:00 p.m. Students will need proper hiking shoes, appropriate clothing, and a day pack for water bottles, snacks, and extra clothing.  There is no fee for this class, but there may be occasional extra expenses, which will be billed on the book bill.

Soccer  The goal of this class is to enjoy the sport of soccer and to improve physical fitness.  Class time will be spent playing class matches, developing skills, and learning soccer theory.  As in the past, we are hoping to schedule some matches against co-ed teams from other small schools in the local area.  GO, ISLANDERS!  Cleats and shin guards are required for safety reasons.  Students will be transported in school vans to the soccer field for this class.  All ages and experience levels are welcome.

Study Hall  In addition to individual study time, some academic assistance will also be available during this class.  Students will receive a grade but no academic credit.

Surfing  This is NOT a “learn how to surf” class.  It is a class for moderately or very experienced surfers who want to engage in surfing as a physical activity.  The class surfs at different beaches where there are no lifeguards and where conditions can be crowded, dangerous, and very competitive.   Equipment—including a properly sized full winter wetsuit in very good condition—and a signed parent permission slip are required.  The class leaves school after lunch—at approximately 1:10 p.m.  The ending time of this class is variable (occasionally as late as 5 p.m.).   

Tuesday / Thursday Afternoon Classes

Basketball  Come and have fun with Jake at the Carrillo Street Gym while learning the basic fundamentals of basketball, honing your skills, and developing teamwork.  This elective class is open to all students—boys and girls, grades 7-12.

Engineering  This semester, after consulting with Seth Hatfield at Mastercraft Motors, the class will be working on an electric car.  In the past, we have made a go-cart, which the students created from a lawnmower engine, parts from a

4-wheeler, and a fabricated frame made of 1-inch hollow steel and lots of sweat and blood from each student.  The class also makes an item or two for the Anacapa Auction, which takes place in March each year.  Logic, team building, and safety will take precedence.  Overall, we have a great time pulling our thoughts and ideas together and building the necessary pieces for the project.  Anacapa dad Seth Hatfield and the use of his shop at Mastercraft Motors have been an awesome connection for tools, equipment, and a wealth of mechanical knowledge.  This class is so successful because of his willingness to help and share his knowledge with us.  Thank you again, Seth!

Ensemble Music  In this class, students will be playing songs in a combo performance group.  This will include music and instruments from Latin America as well as other musical styles.  In addition, we will be working this semester with the Performing Arts class in the Grassroots Theater Production (see the description below for Performing Arts).  The performance will be held at Center Stage Theater in Paseo Nuevo in January.  If you play any musical instrument, this is an opportunity to show your talent and expand your musical horizons.

Performing Arts  The Performing Arts class will have two main focuses this semester.  #1 Once again, we will join with Hugo’s Ensemble Music class for our Grassroots Theater Production at Center Stage Theater in Paseo Nuevo.  The theme this year is “American Music Through the Years,” and we will prepare songs that represent American music at its best:  Folk Songs, Patriotic Songs, Jazz, Broadway, and of course Rock and Roll!  #2 We will also spend part of each class working on our acting skills—including pantomime, improv, and character / scene study—to prepare us for next semester’s production of “The Little Mermaid.”  NOTE:  We are looking for one student to be our Stage Manager (both semesters).  Duties include:  Sound and Lighting Design and Control, Backstage Management, Help with Scenery and Costumes.   This can fulfill your UC arts requirement.  Contact Performing Arts teacher Salli Eve if you are interested.

Fundamentals of Photography: Seeing the World in Black and White  Go retro and gain a strong foundation in photography as you shoot, develop and print film.  Film is experiencing a resurgence, and we at Anacapa are lucky to have one of the few darkrooms in town. Photo projects, field trips, lab work and more!  The school has some cameras for students in this class to use; students are also welcome to bring their own camera—as long as it is a film (not digital) camera.

Presidio GARDEN Internship (UPPER SCHOOL ONLY)  Sign up if you would like to do an internship with the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation assisting with the development and maintenance of the Presidio garden area. The student intern(s) will assist with starting Presidio-era plants from seed, preparing the planting beds, planting, transplanting, watering, and weeding.  Students will also assist with interpretation of the garden to park visitors and during special living history events.

Running/Swimming  This class will serve as training for a variety of local races, including 5K runs, in which students may choose to participate.  With running, ocean and pool swimming, along with additional cross training, we will become fast and furious, competitive racers.  Be prepared every day for a workout with an athletic swimsuit (not a bikini), running shoes, and appropriate clothing.  Let’s get moving!