Creative and Performing Arts
The arts are an elective area which allow students to sample and move freely from one area to another across the performing and visual arts. An individualized approach to each student becomes the core objective for tailoring a meaningful experience for both the student wishing to sample, and the industrious student desiring to dive deeply into an artform. Upper School music students may elect to participate in a traditional orchestra, band, or choir ensemble composed of students across grade levels. A rotating, four-year, non-sequential curriculum ensures students are introduced to new concepts each year. Students may elect to participate in the ensemble for any number of years and may join at the beginning of any year regardless of Upper School grade level. Students may elect to take an advanced version of each ensemble, which encourages additional participation in festivals and leadership within the ensemble. In addition, all Upper School students have the option to choose from a robust selection of semester-long electives covering topics which may not be addressed in year-long performing or visual art courses.
Art Studio One Semester (Offered First and Second Semesters) Prerequisites: None In this course, students complete a variety of visual problem-solving assignments focused primarily in the areas of drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, and design. Exposure to and experimentation with a variety of methods, materials, and processes is essential in establishing a common art vocabulary and to lay the foundation for future growth as a visual artist. Essential to the course is an emphasis on the elements of art and principles of design. Art history and appreciation are also woven throughout the curriculum. As students continue their studies in the second and third semesters, their work is guided by unique syllabi that reflect increasing levels of complexity and higher expectations. They are
expected to build upon the skills learned in previous semesters to raise their art-making to the next level and begin to develop a personal voice through their work. Students who are considering Advanced Art Studio or college-level art study are encouraged to use the projects completed in Art Studio as a vehicle for individual expression with an eye toward portfolio development.
Advanced Art Studio Full Year (Two Semesters)
Prerequisites: Three semesters of visual art (including at least one semester of Art Studio) OR Creative and Performing Arts Department recommendation. This course is open to students who exhibit strong interest and ability in the visual arts. To be recommended for this course, students must be independently motivated and eager to explore
2024-2025 ULS Curriculum Guide
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