Arts

The Friends’ Central Arts Department provides diverse courses and extracurricular activities encompassing visual and performing arts. Classes explore different approaches to artmaking, as well as an assortment of mediums and styles. Visual arts offerings range from applied arts to fine arts. Music offerings provide opportunities for students to listen to, create, and/or perform music depending on their personal interests. Our drama program includes both modern and classical instruction, and all students are invited to participate either onstage or behind the scenes in any of the three plays produced each year. VISUAL ARTS PROGRAM Visual arts students are offered a variety of curricular courses that explore different approaches to artmaking in an array of mediums and styles. In all courses, students are encouraged to discover their individual artistic voice, further the acquisition of skills, and hone critical thinking during the process of creation. The Student Art Gallery in Shallcross Hall offers a continuous, regularly changing exhibition of student work. Contact Hilary Takiff Weiss, Art Department Chair, with any questions at htakiffweiss@friendscentral.org. DRAMA PROGRAM The Friends’ Central Upper School drama program is dedicated to bringing a variety of theatrical offerings to our students and to the community at large. On our “main stage,” two productions are offered each year, alternating between musical theater productions and plays. An additional play, open to grade 9 and 10 actors, is produced each May. FCS is honored to offer all theatre and concert performances free of charge in hopes the entire community will benefit from the talent and creativity of our students. Contact Liz Carlson with any questions at ecarlson-guerin@friendscentral.org. MUSIC PROGRAM Performance opportunities abound in Upper School. The music department’s instrumental concerts in the winter and spring range from full orchestra to chamber ensembles and a jazz band. Selections incorporate a cross-section of musical styles, genres, and periods. If you would like more information about our instrumental music program, please contact Carl Bradley at cbradley@friendscentral.org. Open to all students in grades 9-12, the Upper School Chorus performs in two concerts annually, plus additional school assemblies and events. Chorus members learn the basics of healthy vocal production, music reading skills, and working together as an ensemble. Students are encouraged to consider how their unique personalities and musical gifts enhance the ensemble as a community. The Upper School Chorus sings repertoire from a variety of genres and languages, enabling students to experience a broad range of musical styles. Students may also audition to join the Grace Notes (open to all sopranos and altos in Upper School Chorus) and Foxtones (tenors and basses in Upper School Chorus) vocal groups. If you have any questions, please contact Michele Zuckman at mzuckman@friendscentral.org.

CONTACTS & RESOURCES w Dean of Students: Tom MacFarlane, tmacfarlane@friendscentral.org w College Counseling Office: collegecounseling@friendscentral.org w Director of Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion:

Erica Snowden, esnowden@friendscentral.org w Service: Anthony Bowers, abowers@friendscentral.org, and

Liz Carlson-Guerin, ecarlson-guerin@friendscentral.org w Quakerism Coordinator: Robyn Richmond, rrichmond@friendscentral.org w Visual Arts/Art Department Chair:

Hilary Takiff Weiss ’96, htakiffweiss@friendscentral.org w Drama: Liz Carlson, ecarlson-guerin@friendscentral.org w Instrumental Music:

Carl Bradley, cbradley@friendscentral.org w Vocal Music:

Michele Zuckman, mzuckman@friendscentral.org