The Power of Creativity

Complex challenges require creative thinkers. Asking the question is more interesting—and perhaps even more important—than having the answer. We encourage our students to pursue the things that challenge their minds and capture their imagination.

Inspiring students to continually ask questions, to step outside their comfort zones, to see things differently and be open-minded about outcomes, our faculty helps students prepare not just for college but to live life with meaning, purpose, and joy.

Imagining. Experimenting. Creating.

PERFECTING EXPRESSION

Play Production Ensemble

Students perfect skills of expression, articulation, spatial awareness, and timing in Northwest’s sophisticated and professional theatre productions. Both Middle and Upper School students are challenged with comedic and dramatic plays, ranging from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, adapted by Marcus Goodwin, to Radium Girls by D. W. Gregory and Frank Loesser’s Guys and Dolls. Through the demanding processes of rehearsal and performance, students acquire not only discipline but resilience and composure.

ARTICUL ATING IDEAS Advanced Photography

Through the camera lens and the school’s darkroom, students hone their ability to express ideas. Beginning with five shooting assignments, Advanced Photography students gain sophisticated composition and lighting techniques. In our fully equipped darkroom, they explore archival printing, alternative processes, and color inkjet printing. In class, they discuss contemporary concerns, social responsibility, and alternative presentations, and then synthesize their ideas into individual and group projects.

“The photo lab provides a safe place for students to work out ideas, I’m just a guide. I think of photography as being an indicator or catalyst for social change.

I ask students, ‘How can your imagery facilitate a conversation?’ That’s where

change comes from. ” Photography teacher Lyn McCracken

DEVELOPING VOICE New Media Art

Learning how to harness technology as a creative and expressive tool, Northwest students use Adobe Photoshop, iMovie, Audacity, Spoonflower, laser cutters, and even sewing machines.to make and learn about video art, Internet art, sound art, installations, digital mapping, and sculptures. Each project explores a different theme or issue, ranging from the prison industrial complex to recording and analyzing dreams to power dynamics in economic trade. Through the process, students develop their personal and public voices and learn how to document their ideas through creating individual portfolios by using social media platforms.

HONING PERFORMANCE Instrumental and Vocal Music

Integral to the music experience at Northwest is the thrill of performance. Students choose to join the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, or one of several Choirs, all of which perform in various venues around Seattle. In addition, experienced student musicians have the opportunity to join Northwest School’s House Band. This year-long musical course teaches song writing through the analysis of great standards of folk, indie, rock, Bluegrass, and jazz, followed by the genesis of students’ own songs in the style of each standard. Creativity is paired with arts management skills as students learn how to find gigs, create contracts, self-promote, and work with a recording studio.

G A ININ G A G IL I T Y Movement and Dance

Focus, confidence, and collaboration are skills students develop through Northwest School’s dance classes, ranging from contemporary jazz and popular dance styles to modern, improvisational, and the new challenges of advanced ensemble work.

“Everything you dream can be made visible in clay. ” Ceramics teacher

Randy Silver

PRACTICING PROCESS Creating in 3D

Nurturing the creative instinct is an essential part of learning at The Northwest School. Our ceramics students develop imagination, creativity, risk-taking, and patience as they sculpt, hand-build, and wheel throw pounds of clay in our state-of-the-art ceramics studio.