Departmental Offerings

The following course descriptions detail the likely offerings during any school year, though specifics will vary from term to term and course lineups are always changing. Click on the course titles below for full descriptions.

Advanced Ceramics

This year-long studio course is designed for students who have completed Ceramics I and wish to continue their study of ceramics. It builds upon the work done in Ceramics I with the continued emphasis on the development of technical skills in addition to bringing personal meaning into projects. We will take a closer look at some of ceramics’ more important details including form, utility, surface decoration, and glazing. Working on the potter’s wheel will remain central to the class and we will discuss a variety of issues that potters encounter when creating utilitarian pieces. We will also explore sculpting in clay. Historical examples and contemporary ceramic artists will continue to be examined as inspiration for project assignments.
Advanced Music Theory

How does music work? I’ve been playing or singing for some time, but I don’t really understand what I am doing. What makes something sound good? What is harmony? How do chords work together? How can I better understand music in order to interpret and perform, or write my own? How do the works of composers and songwriters in the past inform music making today? Students will engage in a study of harmony and counterpoint, sight singing, ear training, score study, active listening and dictations. Application is made to classical, jazz, and contemporary popular music styles. This is intended for instrumentalists, singers and composers who want a solid foundation in their musical understanding. Don’t just play—understand the music you’re learning.
Advanced Studio Art

Advanced Studio Art is for students who wish to continue with drawing and painting after Intermediate Studio Art and who are considering Advanced Studio Practices their senior year. Advanced Studio Art will be geared towards developing painting and drawing skills and a personal voice. Students will work in a variety of media and develop their skills in drawing and painting through a variety of projects.
Ceramics

This year-long studio course introduces students to the art of ceramics and is an exploration of the various methods and materials used within the medium. Both utilitarian tableware and sculptural work will be created. The class begins exploring a range of hand-building techniques including pinch, slab, and coil construction. Wheel-throwing becomes central to the class with an emphasis on the development of effective, fundamental throwing techniques. Historical and contemporary examples of ceramic work is explored as inspiration for students as they develop their own style. Glazing methods are learned along with kiln loading and firing processes. Students have the opportunity to share their work, via informal class critiques and formal exhibitions.
Chamber String Ensemble

This is a course of study in repertoire for string ensemble. It is open to students in grades 9-12 who play violin, viola, cello, or concert bass, and is strongly recommended for students taking private string lessons. We will perform a wide-range of musical styles from the Baroque era through 20th Century music, including film, Broadway, and even pop music.
Electronic Music and Composition

Learn the techniques of today’s music producers. This year-long course does not require any previous musical experience. Students will learn the basics of synthesis through the study of analogue models. They will study synthesizer programming and the creation of new sounds, along with a discussion of MIDI and contemporary software applications, including sequencing and plug-in programs such as Reason, Cubase, Ableton Live, and others. In addition, students will be given an overview of the history of electronic music and its pioneers, including Theremin, Moog, and others. Students will apply what they have learned in compositions of their own, based on models that are studied. Also included is a study of digital recording techniques in our studio. The course will culminate in a concert or digital distribution of their work.
Honors Chamber Singers

The Chamber Singers is a group of 12-24 singers open by audition only and is a year-long course. The Chamber Singers study a wide range of music from the Renaissance to the present day and in several different languages. For the past several years they have received gold medal (superior) ratings in festivals and have toured around the world. The group has many performance opportunities throughout the year. Students wishing to take this course must schedule an audition.
Honors Studio Practice

Honors Studio Practice is a class that will allow students to work independently on a series based on a theme of their choosing. They will develop a body of artwork that codifies a thesis. Through critique, development of the theme and technical revision, students will have created a body of art by year’s end that they will exhibit. Students will have the ability to create and develop a studio practice and a body of work in the medium/mediums of their choice.
Intermediate Studio Art

This course builds upon the work done in introduction to the Arts, with emphasis on the development of drawing and painting skills. Students work from live models, still life, and the environment. The effective use of the measuring systems are practiced along with linear and tonal studies in pencil, charcoal, and oil paint. Students are encouraged to express their imagination and originality, along with works emphasizing careful observational rendering. Those interested in preparing a portfolio for the AP exam should take this course.
Intro Arts

Through this year-long program, students learn to communicate at a basic level in three-dimensional and two-dimensional art, in music, and in theatre. Through hands-on work and study they learn to develop and present basic analyses of works of art. Students gain an informed acquaintance with exemplary works of art from a variety of cultures and historical periods, and become able to relate various types of arts knowledge and skills within and across the arts disciplines.
Introduction to Photography

This year-long course in photography will introduce students to the art of photography. Students will learn how to use features such as the aperture, shutter speed and ISO, and how to use a light meter. The class will research methods to obtain proper exposures and creative control and composition to improve image quality.

Weekly in-class work will cover various types of photography such as portraits, landscape, sports, still life and conceptual images. Students will study various photographers and expand on their own styles.

The class will be using digital cameras and students will be introduced to basic editing skills using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Four periods per week will be divided between working periods, lectures, and critique. Critiquing and learning to discuss composition and intent are an important part of this class. A majority of the work is done during class time, but some projects will require work outside of class.

Students will need a DSLR camera. The School has a limited number, so if students have their own DSLR camera, they are encouraged to bring them. Students will also need to have an external hard drive to store all their work.
Introduction to the Arts

Introduction to the arts immerses ninth grade students in three artistic disciplines: art, music, and theater. Students rotate through the disciplines by trimester and gain experience and exposure to fundamental aspects of each. In all three, students have the opportunity to share their work, via informal and formal performances and exhibitions.
Jazz Combo

This audition-based small ensemble will rehearse and perform jazz standards and modern tunes, and perhaps some originals. Musicians will be expected to do the work needed to perform, and improvise on, medium and advanced level jazz repertoire, and keep up with the rapid rehearsal pace. The class will be challenging, but a lot of fun!
Jazz Ensemble

This is a performance class open to all players of winds and brass, as well as rhythm musicians (guitar, bass, piano, drums). Students meet for a double period twice a week and study big band and jazz arrangements. There are several performance opportunities throughout the year.
Wood Design

With the advantage of a fully loaded professional facility, this course will take students well beyond the traditional “wood shop” class. In this full-year art elective, you will study design theory and history, hand and computer-aided drafting, as well as traditional woodworking techniques to design and construct a unique piece of fine furniture built to the standards of a family heirloom.

While the actual building of your furniture piece will require hands-on work in our campus workshop, all the design work, project creation, and drafting of building plans can be completed through on-line work if we need to begin the year with virtual classes.

We will start the course with elements of design that include the use of line, space, scale, proportion, and grain orientation. Through sketching, drafting, making scale models, and sharing plenty of creative discussion, you will explore the design of your piece. As you begin construction, you will learn how to use hand and power tools safely and accurately, dimension and mill lumber, and construct accurate joints. The year culminates with a campus gallery show of your beautifully crafted furniture.

While completing a piece of fine furniture requires plenty of individual work, we foster a creative, collegial atmosphere in the class, a space where students feel welcome, supported, encouraged, and inspired.

Faculty

Gregory Haggard

Chair of the Arts Department and Director of the Music Program

University of California, Los Angeles - BA
University of California, Los Angeles - MA

ghaggard@thacher.org
Bio
With a heart-and-soul love of melody and harmony, Gregory brings his talent to Thacher from Hollywood, where he worked as a composer and music director. This UCLA graduate now serves as chair of the Arts Department and its musical director, and he teaches all the curricular music classes, from Music Appreciation to AP Music Theory (for which he is a national reader). Greg particularly enjoys collaborating with students on the school musical, for which he is musical director. He also oversees and rehearses with students doing independent projects in music or music performance.

When Extra-Day Trips come around, Gregory happily heads for the hills. Two of his favorite spots are the Pine Mountain Lodge in the Sespe and Rae Lake in the Sierra. To enrich camping trips, Gregory developed the Thacher School Song Book, a portable collection of campfire songs.

An advisor to junior boys, he lives on campus with his wife, Tami, and their two daughters.
Evan Avery

Director of the Chamber Ensemble and the Jazz Ensemble

University of North Texas - BA
University of Southern California - MA

eavery@thacher.org
Bio
Born and raised in Southern California, Evan developed a passion for music at an early age. Although trumpet is his primary instrument, he has developed his piano and percussion skills as well. After earning his bachelor's degree in music from the University of North Texas, Evan spent several years as a professional trumpet player, music arranger, and orchestrator in Los Angeles. He continued his education at USC, where he earned his Master’s degree in Jazz Studies. Evan spent three years as the director of bands at the Buckley School, and then twenty-three years at Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences, serving as chair of the Music Department and working with jazz and strings students. Evan is thrilled to be living in Ojai with his family, working with amazing young musicians, and advising sophomore boys.
John Bueti

Wood Design Teacher

jbueti@thacher.org
Bio
John Bueti graduated from North Bennet Street School, the oldest woodworking school in the country; then, after working with others in the field, launched his own woodworking business in the Boston area. In the winter of 2001-02, John joined Thacher’s Fine Arts program as an Artist-in-Residence specializing in Wood Design—a move that set the stage for the Bueti family’s relocation to Ojai from Concord, MA. For several years now, John has teamed up with Bo Manson as a master craftsman and teacher in Thacher's Wood Design program, guiding many students through the intricacies of this particular art form. When not assisting students with their projects, John continues his work as a custom furniture maker in the wood shop. John and his wife, Allie, are the parents of two daughters—both graduates of Thacher.
Gianna Burright

gburright@thacher.org
Megan Hooker

Ceramics Teacher and Independent Project Coordinator

University of California, Santa Barbara - BA

mhooker@thacher.org
Bio
Born and raised in the area, Megan graduated from UCSB with a bachelor’s degree in global studies with an emphasis in Africa. She has spent time exploring countries around the world by foot, bike, and surfboard. Megan teaches ceramics and works in the horse department. Her love of working with clay began over a decade ago, and the transformative relationship between clay and fire keeps her perpetually enthralled. She grew up riding and finds much joy in instructing freshmen students in the barns and co-leading horse packing trips in the Sespe and in the Sierras. In her spare time, Megan pursues her craft at her home studio and enjoys the outdoors as much as possible. Megan lives in downtown Ojai with her dog Roo and her two cats Ranger and Pip.
Grace Lowe

Assistant Director of Admission

New York University Tisch School of the Arts
Goddard College - Bachelor of Arts

glowe@thacher.org
Bio
Grace Lowe CdeP 2011 returned to her home state of Minnesota after studying at the New Studio on Broadway (NYU Tisch School of the Arts) and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She graduated from Goddard College with a bachelor’s degree in urban geography and had the privilege of working with the City of Minneapolis and Intermedia Arts on passing the Blueprint for Equitable Engagement – an initiative to enact social change through inclusive neighborhood engagement and the arts. Grace works in Admission, advises in Casa, and lives in the business office apartment.
Elizabeth Mahoney

Visual Arts Teacher and Riding Instructor

Skidmore College - BA

emahoney@thacher.org
Bio
CdeP 1988
Upon graduation from Skidmore College and prior to coming to Thacher, Elizabeth was a working artist exhibiting her paintings in galleries throughout Southern California. She also worked as a freelance photographer and designer, further enhancing her artistic background. She has brought these skills and her passion for the arts to Thacher as a teacher of AP Studio Art and photography.

Elizabeth is also Director of English Riding Program at Thacher with a very qualified background. She has over 20 years of riding experience and was a member of Skidmore's National Collegiate IHSA championship team. After completing her collegiate riding career she also ran her own English riding show barn, training and riding horses on the A circuit.

An advisor of freshman girls, Elizabeth lives on campus with her husband, Bert, and their three sons.
Lisandro Malissia

Theater Technical Director, World Language--Spanish Instructor

lmalissia@thacher.org
Bio
Born and raised in Argentina, Lisandro grew up with a healthy respect for how to live in harmony with the land. He studied medicine at the University of Cordoba. While attending his internship, he realized his passion for music and made a career change into the world of sound and recording arts, leading him to open a recording studio and host his own radio program, as well as mix sound for a plethora of live venues. Lisandro’s passion for music and sound eventually led him to documentary film-making, which opened the doors to a fantastic journey to over 25 countries around the world. On his international adventure, he met his lovely wife, a California native and Ojai local. They settled in Upper Ojai six years ago to raise their two daughters. Next to music, his deepest passion is his family and his community, which is why he has chosen to work at The Thacher School—to be close to home and in the heart of a community that supports the development of its young people. In his spare time, he enjoys camping, swimming, live music and theatre, and any opportunity he gets to add new places to his extensive list of travels.
Bo Manson

Wood Design Teacher, Rock Climbing Instructor

University of Virginia - BA
University of Virginia - MEd

bmanson@thacher.org
Bio

Over the past thirty years, Bo has discovered a way to blend his vocation and his avocations, bringing his love of woodworking, rock climbing, and camping into his work at Thacher. Accordingly, he teaches Wood Design, an Arts Department elective focused on the design and construction of heirloom-quality furniture. He also heads the Rock Climbing Program, and leads Outdoor Program camping trips throughout the Sespe and Sierra. Drawing on his professional experiences as a boat builder in San Diego, California, and Melbourne, Australia, Bo instructs students in the design and construction of fine furniture. In addition, he has introduced generations of Thacher students to the demands and rewards of rock climbing. “Whether we summit or retreat,” Bo says, “we always feel tremendous satisfaction in knowing that we have challenged ourselves, worked together as a dedicated, supportive group, and returned to campus safely.” Bo also designs and builds furniture for clients, both on and off campus. Bo and his wife, Julie, raised their four children on the Thacher campus. All four are Thacher graduates and now have children of their own. Bo hopes that some of his grandchildren might attend Thacher someday.
Rubén Salinas

rsalinas@thacher.org
Megumi Tatsuzawa

mtatsuzawa@thacher.org
Alan Thornhill

Guitar Instructor

athornhill@thacher.org
Martin Young

thinkyoung1@gmail.com
Julija Zonic

Voice Instructor

maitressej@gmail.com

A college preparatory boarding school for grades 9-12

5025 Thacher Road
Ojai, California, 93023
Tel: 805-646-4377 Fax: 805-646-9490 Email: info@thacher.org

Notice of nondiscriminatory policy as to students: The Thacher School admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all 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, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other School-administered programs.

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Programs

Community

Departmental Offerings

Advanced Ceramics

Advanced Music Theory

Advanced Studio Art

Ceramics

Chamber String Ensemble

Electronic Music and Composition

Honors Chamber Singers

Honors Studio Practice

Intermediate Studio Art

Intro Arts

Introduction to Photography

Introduction to the Arts

Jazz Combo

Jazz Ensemble

Wood Design

Faculty