Arts

The Arts Department provides students with a comprehensive education that inspires creativity, develops skills, and fosters a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Our diverse courses in instrumental and choral music, theater, dance, visual and digital arts, and audio engineering allow students to explore and develop their artistic talents across multiple mediums and disciplines. When selecting an art course, it is recommended that students choose a class that truly interests them. As students arrive with varying levels of art experience, it is important to begin with a first-level course and progress through the class progression in the respective discipline.

Graduation Requirement:

The Arts Department has a one-credit requirement for all students entering in the ninth grade. Entering tenth and eleventh graders must earn one-half credit. All ninth graders must take a semester or year-long art class.

Concert Choir (1 credit, full year)

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Concert Choir is a mixed chorus open to students from all grade levels and focuses daily on developing skills in listening and singing as part of an ensemble. Students work to develop healthy vocal techniques and express text and musical ideas clearly and effectively in several languages by exploring choral repertoire from various periods, styles, and genres. Singers perform throughout the year as part of chapel services, concerts, other school functions, and occasional off-campus events. Concert Choir often collaborates with the Honors Chamber Singers for performances throughout the year. Students develop confidence as musicians while enjoying a unique experience of camaraderie and shared musical enjoyment.

Honors Chamber Choir (1 credit, full year)

Prerequisite: Audition and Department permission required 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Honors Chamber Choir is an advanced choral ensemble that is designed to provide students with a comprehensive study of choral music and its applications, as well as to develop advanced choral singing skills. Students in the Honors Chamber Choir will work in conjunction with the Concert Choir to perform a wide range of musical styles, from classical music to gospel, to world music, and pop music. Emphasis will be placed on developing a high level of technical skill and musicianship, as well as expressive interpretation and performance. Honors Chamber Choir often collaborates with the Concert choir for performances throughout the year.

Instrumental Ensemble: Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass (1 credit, full year) 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This string ensemble class is designed for aspiring musicians who are passionate about playing stringed instruments, whether you’re a beginner or have some experience. Alongside regular group classes, you’ll have the opportunity to receive weekly private lessons from an adjunct faculty member. Throughout the course, you’ll explore various genres of string music, expand your knowledge of music theory and history as it relates to string instruments, develop your improvisation skills, enhance your analytical listening abilities, and refine your string technique. Financial aid is available, as there is an additional fee for the private lessons.