THE ARTS

Creative Writing

Creative Writing Circle
Instructor: Jason Leach
This once a week elective course will introduce students to peer editing and sharing their work with others. This class is designed to help students of all levels improve their skills and hone their abilities – everyone is welcome, from first time writers to aspiring Pulitzer Prize winners. Students in this course are expected to commit to at least one hour a week of outside writing in a consistent style of their choosing. The majority of class time will be spent under the guidance of the teacher, reading and critiquing work that has been done between class sessions.

Drama
Drama Production: “Manos — The Hands of Fate” (4+ elective credits)
Instructor: Daniel Dickinson
We will continue working on the school’s May theatre production, “Manos — The Hands of Fate.” Requirements for being in this play are: twice weekly rehearsals from 2:30-4:30 pm.; five or six night-time rehearsals until 9 or 10pm during the weeks before we open; and six evening performances at 8pm in mid-May. “Manos” will be a stage version of what is possibly the worst film ever made. We will parody the movie by making it even worse.

Film
The Art of Silent Film
Instructor: Daniel Dickinson
Experience the beauty and excitement of silent films! We will watch, analyze and discuss many short and feature films from the primitive beginning of motion pictures to the fine art of silent film making in the late 20’s. Class runs through lunch, so lunches may be brought to class. A continuation of the fall semester class; new students welcome!

Music
Anarchy in Orinda: An Exploration of Punk Rock
Instructor: Daniel Lemke
We will listen to and learn about influential punk bands, albums and songs, starting around the year 1975. Bands to be explored: the Ramones, the Clash, Sex Pistols, Dead Kennedys, Runaways, Blondie, Pixies, Minor Threat, Misfits, Bad Brains, X, Buzzcocks, Germs, Cramps, Television, the Dead Boys, New York Dolls, maybe Bowie and some glam rock.

Beginning Guitar
Instructor: Judah Keller-Laub
This is strictly a beginners course. We will learn the basic “fingered” chords, a 12 bar blues in A and an easy acoustic song or two. This will be a small class so that there will be lots of time for individual instruction.

Intermediate / Advanced Guitar
Instructor: Judah Keller-Laub
This class is for a more advanced group who know what they want to learn and can tell me that. Students will work on learning individual songs. Experience playing guitar is a prerequisite.

Ensemble
Instructor: Rory Jelinski
This class is a straight-forward jam session. We have at our disposal accoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums and piano. Students will play music together through pre-composed songs and improvisation, with an end goal of writing a song together. The only requirement for this class is that each student knows how to play an instrument or sing.

Coping Scales
Instructor: Rory Jelinski
This introductory music theory class will cover the properties of sound, the elements of music, clefs, rhythm, reading sheet music, ear training and the circle of fifths, among other things. Students will learn to break down classical and popular music from the musician’s perspective and understand its significance in our personal lives. There are no prerequisites for this class.

Introduction to Accordion
Instructor: Joel Weber
Learn to play the accordion in small group lessons. Accordions provided. If you have your own, you can practice at home, too! This will include an aerobic workout bringing accordions from school storage and my car to our practice room. No previous musical experience needed. I can provide music as well.

Visual Art / Mixed Media
Black and White Photography (1+ credits)
Instructor: Logan Greenwald
This is a basic class for students at all levels. We will delve into the history of photo, along with optional readings, hoping to inspire and motivate the class. Chemicals for alternative process photo will be available – experimentation and exploration are key components of the class. Student and professional photographers will come to speak, showing students the different avenues of photography. A minimum of three projects & one photographer bio report are required. A field trip to a gallery is a possibility.

The Art of Collage
Instructor: Natalia Hastings
This class will explore a variety of materials that are used in collage-making. Students will be invited to experience the power of shape, color and texture in this modern art form and to make a statement with their creations. We will be exploring such mediums as newspaper, maps, magazine ads, solids and prints, as well as craft materials. All levels of collage experience are welcome!

Murals
Instructor: Kristin Lamoureux
In this class, students will learn how to plan and create murals that can be painted on The Lounge walls. Students will also have opportunities to create mini murals on other surfaces, such as wood and large canvases. We will take a field trip to San Francisco in the spring to see the historic murals in the Mission District. No painting experience necessary.

Open Art
Instructor: Michael Coe
This semester we will be focusing on visual works, such as mixed-media sculpture and painting. We will not be hosting music this time around. If you are a returning student and have an unfinished project, you may continue to work on that. I will have some great project ideas set aside for those days when you cannot think of what to do next.

Open Art
Instructor: Judah Keller-Laub
In this class, students will work on their art individually and as a class. The class will choose some themed projects to work on together.

Stencils, Lino Cuts and More
Instructor: Anna Brown
Yet another class working with ink and spray paint! We will be working on T-shirts in this class. Everyone will design their own shirt!

Yearbook
Instructor: Anna Brown
This class will design the Holden yearbook for the 2009-10 school year. Photographers, artists, reporters, writers and editors needed! This is a great class for learning the process of putting together a book, and it looks great on your transcript, too!

LIFE SKILLS

(fulfills 1- semester requirement)

Cool Life
Instructor: Casey McCarroll
In this class, we will use art, music, movies and rich discussions to explore the question, “What makes a cool life after Holden?” The next step will be begin to chart a course towards a meaningful, inspiring, connected and very cool life.

I Need a Job!
Instructor: Casey McCarroll
This class is all about helping you get a job. As a group, we will support each other in finding jobs. We will cover the basics of finding and applying for a job, answering the question “How do I get a job if I don’t have any experience?”. I will help you learn what you can do to stand out from other applicants. This class will most likely have a few field trips. Be warned: if you aren’t careful about how much energy you put into this class, you could end up with a job.

Dreams, Passion and Visions
Instructor: Casey McCarroll
All you need is a seed and the willingness to nurture it. Do you want to land an apprenticeship with a wilderness filmmaker, local photographer or cartoonist? Or get an internship at a veterinarian’s office or recording studio? Or get on track to have a good-paying job that supports you in college? Or take time to research other possibilities after Holden? If you have a dream, passion or vision — the bolder the better — that you want to begin pursuing, then this class is for you. In this class we will get clear about intentions, set goals, make a plan and, with the support of the group, begin to take the action needed to help those seeds take root. Know that you will be challenged and expected to put a good deal of energy into this class.

PE

(each class fulfills 15 hours of Holden’s 30 hour per semester requirement)

Basketball
Instructor: Daniel Lemke
This will be a great opportunity for students to get some exercise and just kick back and have some fun. We will play 21, pick-up games and maybe do a few drills. This will be a fun, gentle introduction to basketball, focusing more on enjoyment of the game and less on winning.

Outdoor Adventure
Instructor: Casey McCarroll
Through adventures in local nature areas, this class is an exploration of our external landscape which will support and inform a coinciding journey into our internal landscapes. We will make use of portable MP3 players to listen to cool audio books and podcasts, do some journaling, create nature art, play games, and hike on- and off-trail. Participants are expected to hike for at least one hour each class, to come prepared and to carry with them appropriate clothing and supplies as well as a positive attitude. This two hour class will meet at Rockridge BART at 9am. You will be driven back to Holden in time for your 11am class. This class will count towards PE credit as well as potential English or Social Science credit with some optional outside class work.

Ping Pong Madness
Instructor: Greg Kaplan
Singles? Doubles?? Round Robin Tournaments??? It’s all for fun… and shall be held in the official Holden Ping Pong Palace, better known as “The Crypt.”

Soccer and More
Instructor: Anna Brown
After another great soccer season at Holden (still undefeated!), let’s keep practicing! We will do drills, scrimmage and strengthen our ball-handling skills. This class can also include other sports and games, depending on interest. Wiffleball, anyone?

Yoga
Instructor: Abby Tuttle
The word “yoga” means union or harmony of the body and mind. This class practices a blend of Hatha, Anusara, Vinyasa and Ashtanga styles. This class is an opportunity for students to relieve stress, improve their flexibility, attain a greater sense of self-awareness, focus, breath, meditate and earn PE credit on campus. No experience necessary, but participation and flexible clothing (i.e., sweat pants) are required if you enroll.

SCHOOL ENERGY

(fulfills Holden’s 1 semester School Energy requirement)

Pizza and Orange Soda!
Instructors: Kristin Lamoureux & Casey McCarroll
Help recruit your next best friend! We will be designing language and video to attract potential students and tell people about the school. You will learn valuable skills in this class that will help Holden and help you get the job of your dreams!!!! Really, this is going to be an extraordinary class: costumes and general goofiness encouraged.

School Energy
Instructor: Casey McCarroll
Take this class if you want to help with some “home improvement” projects! Each week is different and exciting! Join us in learning how to build shelves, paint walls and hang art.

Student Teacher Seminar
Instructor: Daniel Dickinson
Required for students teaching a class.
In this class, students will be supported and guided as they facilitate a class one hour per week for an entire semester.

SELF-EXPLORATION

Being with Nature
Instructor: Cathie McDonagh
Let’s venture outdoors to hike and explore or just lay in the grass. Being close to nature enlivens spirits, helps us relax and inspires thoughts and creativity. We’ll use this time to be with ourselves, connect with each other, and gain new perspectives by exploring topics relevant to each of us.

Sobriety Check-Out
Instructor: Natalia Hastings
This group is for people who want to stay sober. It provides a space to discuss weekend plans, potential pitfalls to staying sober and ways of avoiding those pitfalls. This group will allow students time to share their concerns and struggles regarding maintaining sobriety, as well as to receive support from their peers and a group leader.

Women’s Group
Instructor: Susan LaCroix
This class will provide a safe and supportive space to talk about relationships, sexism, body image and many other aspects of our experience as girls and women. Depending on the interests of the group, the class may include art projects, films or other activities.

MISCELLANEOUS ELECTIVES

Addiction Studies 101
Instructor: Charles Slomovitz
This course is an examination of biological, psychological and sociological issues relevant to addiction. Addiction Studies will provide basic core knowledge and theories about addiction, treatment and public policy. Curriculum will include handouts, cinema and group process.

American Sign Language I (two days a week)
Instructor: Rikki Edelman
In this silent class students will focus on basic sign language vocabulary. Based on the curriculum of Berkeley City College’s ASL1 course, this class will cover the alphabet, numbers, colors, feelings, questions and a firm base vocabulary to express needs. Students will also evaluate linguistic aspects of sentence structure and word order in ASL as compared to English. Students will be tested only by independent discussions with the instructor and the only homework will be to practice their signs. There is no reading or writing assignments for this class.

Group Games
Instructor: Susan LaCroix
This class is all about fun, teamwork, physical activity and friendly competition. When the weather is nice, we’ll be outside. Students are invited to bring their own ideas and favorite games.

Norse Mythology
Instructor: Jason Leach
In this once a week course, we will explore the myths and legends of old Scandinavia. Meet Odin, Yggdresil, Freya, Jörmungandr and others through film, story telling, art and poetry.

STUDENT-TAUGHT CLASSES

All students must teach a one-hour-per-week class or do a School Energy Project as part of their graduation requirements. Student taught classes are worth a 1/2 credit per semester. Student teachers are supervised by a Director in Student Teacher Seminar.

Cooking
taught by Jon
This class will focus on cooking snacks for parties such as the Superbowl. We will learn to make a variety of dishes including potato chips, chicken wings, hummus and Snickerdoodles.