Debate, Photography, Drawing, and Film are the new elective courses Austin Tennis Academy College Prep (ATA CP) is offering to the students as part of the spring semester curriculum.

 

Director of ATA CP Carol Hagar is teaching Photography and Drawing. These classes are offered to students in grades 6th through 12th. Photography is offered on Mondays 2 to 3:30 p.m. and Drawing is offered on Fridays 1:30 to 3 p.m.

 

“Photography and Drawing can create an appreciation of how we view the world as well as provide additional tools for communication,” Hagar said.

 

Hagar’s theme in Photography is the art of seeing through a different lens; the eye has a lens and the camera has a lens. Drawing will be taught to the students in an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation. Hagar looks to create this environment by approaching the class through the Chinese word Zen, meaning meditative state. Students will draw many portraits to help enhance their drawing skills.

 

“The drawing class is spectacular!” ATA CP student Payton Holden said. “The class helps express my feelings through artistic nature.”

 

Keaton Qualls, freshman at ATA CP, expressed interest in improving his photography skills.

 

“I am excited to become a better photographer,” Qualls said.

 

Claire Taylor, one of the newest teachers for ATA CP, will teach Film for high school and middle school students on Fridays from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

 

“Film is something everyone can relate to as the messages in films convey a richer meaning,” Taylor said.

The class will develop students’ technical film skills by creating films and doing many projects. During class, students will watch movies, selected based on their preferences, to better hold their interests in the class. For each movie, the class will discuss the technical aspects of the film such as types of lighting, color and camera movement.

 

“Videography and film editing intrigue me,” ATA CP student Justin Allen said.