Arts at Hillside Visual + Performing At Hillside, students are encouraged to take risks, support each other, and make their impression on the world around them. The Visual and Performing Arts curriculum at Hillside gives every boy an outlet for creative expression, teaching him to appreciate the value not only of diverse cultural influences, but also unique perspectives within his own peer group. The Visual Arts program at Hillside inspires students to explore new methods of communication through mediums as varied as cubist painting, throwing pottery, or engineering Pitsco cars. They learn about the contributions of historical and contemporary artists like Seurat, Picasso, and Goldsworthy by emulating their work and applying their techniques. Every boy who enters the Art Studio has a chance to learn, to practice, to excel and to witness his own growth in the arts, and in life skills. In this safe but outside-the-box environment, free thinkers may reveal thought-provoking alternatives to those who approach projects more methodically. Different personalities come together and find balance. Students develop their musical knowledge and appreciation through the study of composition and performance. The Performing
Arts curriculum ranges from research projects about the great composers, to students’ own compositions using multimedia software programs like GarageBand. Students also learn keyboarding through playing and reading music. During the Hillside School Spring Drama Production, students combine acting, singing and stage production in one performance. Students also have the opportunity to experiment with various instruments, and further pursue their musical interests through individual music/vocal lessons, the Hillside School Band, drama, and our Boys in Blue a cappella group.
