All boys. All boarding. Grades 9-12.

Curriculum Detail

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Fine Arts

Woodberry Forest’s Fine Arts Program consists of three departments: drama and speech, music, and visual arts. These departments are bound by the common goal of teaching students how to find and develop their public voice, how to think critically and creatively, how to make art of the highest order possible, and how to appreciate their world more deeply.

  • Drama_Introduction to Drama and Speech

    This trimester class focuses on a number of topics including public speaking and voice development, acting, directing, playwriting, technical design, improvisation, and stage combat.  A number of field trips to see excellent theater are included in the experience.  The trimester culminates with an exciting performance of scenes and combat sequences.

  • Visual Arts_2-D Foundations in Visual Art (FALL, WINTER and SPRING)_Intro

    A one-trimester introduction to Drawing, Printmaking, Painting. Students will engage in a variety of studio projects that focus on the elements and principles of design. This course promotes creative thinking, the use of various mediums and understanding the process of making in two-dimensional art.

  • Drama_Honors Advanced Acting and Directing

    This is a year-long class for intermediate and advanced students of the theater and public presentation. Students who enjoyed the introductory class and want to learn more about the theater have an opportunity to study advanced acting and public performance techniques, directing, playwriting, and theater theory. The class may be repeated from the sophomore through senior years.  An annual trip to New York City to see great theater is included in the experience; the year culminates with a full production in the spring in our black box theater.

  • Visual Arts_3-D Foundations in Visual Art (WINTER and SPRING)_Intro

    A one-trimester introduction to Ceramics and Sculpture. Students will engage in a variety of studio projects that focus on the elements and principles of design. This course promotes creative thinking, the use of various mediums and understanding the process of making in three-dimensional art.

  • Independent Study Drama_Honors Drama and Speech

    Advanced drama and speech students (usually those who have completed the two courses above) may make proposals for college-level work in any aspects of theater and public performance. Past projects have included the writing of short and long plays and full productions in our black box theater.

  • Visual Arts_Drawing (Fall Winter Spring)

    A one-trimester course in Drawing.  Students will engage in a variety of studio projects that focus on the elements and principles of design. This course promotes the development of strong naturalistic and observational drawing skills using a variety of mediums such as graphite, charcoal, pastel, ink and conté crayons. We will explore various genres including still life, landscape, architecture, figurative drawing and portraiture. Enrolled students are eligible to sell their work at our Student Art Shows and attend a field trip to the National Gallery of Art.

  • Drama_Introduction Woodworking

    This is a hands-on experience that introduces students to a working shop environment. Students learn and develop the basic skills of woodworking through several projects using both hand-held and stationary power tools. Emphasis is placed on shop safety, safe use and operation of tools, and how to convert creative ideas into sculptured reality.

  • Visual Arts_Sculpture (Fall Winter Spring)

    This course will cover the techniques for creating sculpture in clay .  We will work  with  the figure and portrait as well as other projects focusing on the human form and anatomy. This includes copying in clay from historical plaster cast masterpieces and even sculpting a skull .  Students will master the fundamentals of 3-dimensional form, still and dynamic movement and other aspects. Students will fire their pieces in a kiln, so they can preserve them. Learning to sculpt is essential for your own artistic development but in practical terms will also help students to prepare an award-winning college portfolio that may open the doors into the movie industry, animation, architecture and design. Enrolled students are eligible to sell their work at our Student Art Markets and attend a field trip to the National Gallery of Art.

  • Drama_Introduction to AutoCAD

    This course focuses on teaching the skills of computer assisted design. The use of AutoCad is prevalent in architecture, construction, and set design. AutoCAD is a trimester elective that introduces students to the necessary skills and uses of this program such that they can then apply their knowledge to whatever field they decide to pursue.

  • Music_Beginning Band

    This course is open to all forms, no experience required.

    Students may begin study on flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone or tuba.  The class is made up of a combination of group work and private lessons and is designed to prepare students to enter the Concert Band the following year.  This course is also a good choice for students who have studied a band instrument but have not yet mastered the concert B flat scale.



  • Music_Concert / Jazz Band

    This course is open to all forms, basic experience required.

    The Concert Band is comprised of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.  A piano, guitar and bass player are admitted by audition. The band plays traditional and contemporary music for Wind Ensemble as well as some pop and jazz selections. No audition is necessary for wind and percussion instruments but basic experience on the instrument is expected. A weekly private lesson is provided as a component of the class. The Jazz Band, comprised of a specific quantity of saxophone, trumpet and trombone players and rhythm section, will be designated from among the Concert Band.

  • Visual Arts_Printmaking (Winter)

    A one trimester course that engages in a variety of printmaking mediums and techniques. Students will work with woodcuts, linocuts, etching, monotypes, gel prints. For the final project, students will use their best designs to create custom screen printed t-shirts and hoodies. This course promotes the development of strong drawing and carving skills as well as an understanding of the elements of art and principles of design. Enrolled students are eligible to sell their work at our Student Art Shows and attend a field trip to the National Gallery of Art. 



  • Music_Beginning Bagpipes

    This course is open to all forms, no experience required

    Beginning Bagpipes is an introductory course for those wishing to begin study of the great Highland Bagpipe and is designed to prepare students for continued participation in the Pipe Band. No musical experience is necessary.



  • Music_Pipe Band

    This course is open to all forms, experience required.

    Pipe Band is a class for those wishing to continue their study of bagpipes through participation in the Woodberry Forest Pipe Band.



  • Visual Arts_Ceramics (Fall Winter Spring)

    A one-trimester introduction to Ceramics that can be repeated. Students will learn to make vessels and other objects from clay using a variety of traditional ceramic forming, decorating, and firing methods from around the world. Students will concentrate on building their wheel-throwing skills, and will come away from the class with an understanding of simple manufacturing processes as well as their own fully functional dishes for the kitchen. Potters taking this class should expect to learn to center and control the clay on the wheel, as well as hone their craftsmanship skills through assembling, trimming, adding handles, and decorating their work. Students who repeat the course will be presented with additional challenges and advanced projects as their skills allow.


  • Visual Arts_Photography (Fall Winter Spring)

    A one-trimester course in which the students learn both the technical and creative aspects of photography in the production of their own work.  Students produce work using dslr cameras which they then print using a large format printer. Topics include: Landscape photography, Portrait photography and Documentary photography. Darkroom photography and other Alternative processes are also addressed. At the end of the term students will have their own exhibition. 
     
    Students may take photography more than once to explore advanced personal projects of their choice.  

    Enrolled students are eligible to sell their work at our Student Art Shows and attend a field trip to the National Gallery of Art.



  • Music_Drumline

    Drumline 1 is for students with limited or no musical experience on percussion or another instrument. The class studies both Scottish and Corps style drumming and serves primarily as the drum section of the Woodberry Forest Pipe Band. A weekly private lesson is provided as a component of the class.

  • Visual Arts_Documentary Filmmaking (FALL)_Intermediate

    A one trimester course in which students will produce a documentary film.  The focus will be on the personal essay film, with students producing a film of their own choice.  Students will learn the basics of documentary filmmaking including HD and 4K production and sound production.   Students will also learn the basics of post production on Adobe Premiere. Enrolled students are eligible for a public screening of their films and a field trip to the National Gallery of Art.

  • Visual Arts_Filmmaking (Fall Winter Spring)

    This course teaches the basics of filmmaking production and post production in narrative and documentary films. From capturing your film on a 4k movie camera to recording sound, students will work with cameras and microphones in the production of their own movies. Students will also learn how to edit and export their movies on Adobe Premiere Pro. Enrolled students are eligible for a public screening of their films and a field trip to the National Gallery of Art. 
     
    Students may take filmmaking more than once to pursue advanced film projects of their own design. 



  • Music_Beginning Strings

    This course is open to all forms, no experience required.

    Students may begin study on violin, viola, cello or double bass with no prior experience. Basic position, reading and ensemble skills are taught to prepare students to enter String Ensemble.


  • Visual Art_Honors Art History_Honors

    Honors Art History charts the development of visual art from prehistoric to contemporary times. The emphasis is on the course of Western art with its roots in the culture of ancient Greece and Rome, and the evolution through the Italian Renaissance, the influence of church and royal patronage in the Baroque period, the tension between Neoclassicism and the Romantic movement, and the history of Modernism. Additionally, art from outside the Western tradition, the indigenous art of Australia, pre-Columbian, and tribal African, will be investigated. Students will become familiar with the great works of art and prominent artists in Western civilization. The study of style will figure prominently in the visual descriptions and critical analysis of class discussions and writing assignments. Although taking the AP Art History exam is not required, this course provides thorough preparation for those students who opt to take it.

  • Music_String Ensemble

    This course is open to all forms, experience required.

    The primary String Orchestra for all string players with experience. No audition required; basic experience is expected. Chamber music groups (quartets, trios and duos) can be formed from the String Ensemble group.  A weekly private lesson is provided as a component of the class. 



  • Music_The Woodberry Forest Chapel Choir

    Provides music for our weekly chapel services. Open to all forms with a simple audition. Includes vocal technique — especially for the changing voice — and music reading skills. No previous experience required.

  • Visual Arts_Honors Photography/Filmmaking_Honors

    A year-long course in which a student prepares a personal portfolio for the 2-D Design Portfolio which is submitted for review by an AP committee in May. Students work on a large body of independent work that demonstrates a sustained investigation in Photography or Filmmaking. Prerequisites: Intro to Visual Art, 2 trimesters of Intermediate Photography or Intermediate Filmmaking or instructor recommendation.

  • Music_The Woodberry Forest Dozen

    This course is open to all forms by audition.

    The Dozen is Woodberry’s premier choral ensemble and one of its treasured traditions. The group specializes in a cappella music from all periods of music history, especially the Renaissance and modern popular music. The Dozen is open to all forms but is typically made up of upper form singers with significant singing experience in the Woodberry Choral Program, elsewhere, or both. 



  • Music_Introduction to Music

    Introduction to Music is a trimester course in music literacy designed to give each student a working knowledge of basic musical terminology, notation, structures, repertoire, history, and music computing. Open to all forms but most typically taken by third and fourth formers. The course satisfies one trimester of a three-trimester Fine Arts requirement. No previous experience necessary.

  • Music_Intermediate Music Theory

    Open to all forms. Syllabi are developed with individuals or small groups.. Courses are one trimester long and repeatable or may meet once a week all year for a trimester credit. Study is available in music theory, electronic music, recording engineering, composition, chamber music and other topics by request.

  • Music_Honors Music Theory

    This course it open to all forms, but typically fifth or sixth formers; significant previous experience is required. This course is designed to give students competence to use functional harmony, counterpoint, and form both in the analysis of existing works and in the creation of original musical material. Emphasis is on the principles of the common practice period. There is also a survey of 20th century compositional techniques. Basic keyboard skills and advanced ear training are key elements of this course. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement exam in Music Theory if they so choose.


  • Music_Private Instrumental Lessons

    Weekly private lessons are available on most any instrument.  Students will have the opportunity to sign up electronically for private lessons during the first week of classes in the fall.  Private lessons do not receive any academic credit and additional fees may apply.  If the student is enrolled in a music ensemble that is inclusive of a private lesson, he will be automatically enrolled as part of the class with no additional fee.



  • Visual Arts_Advanced Ceramics(Spring)

    Open to students who have taken the general ceramics course twice (or once, with teacher’s permission), the advanced ceramics course is designed to challenge students who have mastered centering on the wheel and can confidently throw a variety of symmetrical objects. Potters in this class will learn advanced wheel techniques and hone their sense of design and personal style. We will explore decorative techniques such as altering, faceting, stamping, and darting, all while learning to have more and more precise control of the clay.


  • Independent Study Visual Arts_Honors

    Honors students will be determined by teacher recommendation and portfolio review. Those eligible for Honors level must take art all year to receive Honors credit. Eligible students choose three trimester art courses to combine for the full year. 

    Recommended 5th and 6th formers who have completed a year of Honors level coursework may be considered for Honors Independent Study. Students will work on expanding their portfolios and managing their own studio time during a period that best fits their schedule. Students will participate in required group critiques every two weeks. 

    Enrolled students are eligible to sell their work at our Student Art Shows and attend a field trip to the National Gallery of Art.



Our Faculty

  • Photo of James Erickson
    James Erickson
    Fine Arts, Fine Arts Visual
    Chair, Visual Arts
    (540) 672-3900 ext. 5267
    University of Virginia - BA
    Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts - MFA
    2016
    Bio
  • Photo of Wallace Hornady
    Wallace Hornady
    Fine Arts, Fine Arts Music
    Chairman, Music
    Belhaven College - BM
    Westminster Choir College - MM
    The Royal College of Organists - ARCO
    1996
    Bio
  • Photo of Shari Jacobs
    Shari Jacobs
    Fine Arts, Fine Arts Visual
    Swarthmore College - BA
    Hood College - MFA
    2011
  • Photo of Michael Johnson
    Michael Johnson
    Fine Arts, Fine Arts Drama and Speech
    Technical Director of the Bowman-Gray Auditorium and Project-Based Learning Coordinator
    (540) 672-3900 ext. 5370
    Western Michigan University - BFA
    2023
    Bio
  • Photo of Elena Kritter
    Elena Kritter
    Fine Arts, College Counseling
    College Counseling Assistant and Test Coordinator; Fine Arts Coordinator
    (540) 672-6777
    2020
  • Photo of Tim Stakem
    Tim Stakem
    Fine Arts, Fine Arts Music
    Director of Instrumental Music
    (540) 672-3900 Ext 5308
    Frostburg State University - BS
    University of Southwestern Louisiana - MM
    1994
    Bio
  • Photo of Lisa Wright
    Lisa Wright
    Fine Arts, Fine Arts Music
    Director of Strings
    (540) 672-3900 ext. 5380
    Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester - BM
    2010
    Bio
Woodberry Forest School is an exceptional private school community for high school boys in grades nine through twelve. It is one of the top boarding schools in the United States and one of the only all-boys, all-boarding schools in the country.
Woodberry Forest, VA 22989
Phone: 540-672-3900

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Woodberry Forest admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religious belief, and national or ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religious belief, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs. The school is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.