Fine Arts Department

ND parent Jeanie O’Neill brings classical and local art into the classroom with the “Art Goes to School” program.

 The Arts Department strives to cultivate the aesthetic sensibilities of its students. We believe that by creating, students learn to appreciate the process of art making, learn to solve problems and to respect others’ forms of expression. We regard the development of the powers of imagination and aesthetic judgment as an essential complement to the cognitive skills. The Arts program, offered in a nurturing environment, provides the opportunity for students to experiment, take risks and develop self-esteem. The Arts courses enlarge the creative capacities of each student, contributing to what we believe is the fullness of life.

The required Arts ½ unit in Art, Music, or Dance may be earned in grade 10, 11, or 12. A grade 9 student who successfully completes the ½ unit Vocal Music course (#6316) or the ½ unit Instrumental Music-Performance course (#6322) earns the required Arts ½ unit and is exempt from the Grade 9 Introduction to Musical Theatre in America course (#6312).

Art

In addition to the required 9 th grade art and music courses each student is required to take a one-half unit course in the Arts in either the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.

Junior School art Program

Grade 6 Enjoying Art
Understanding promotes enjoyment of art. In grade 6, the elements of the visual language are introduced. Students work with the elements of design: line, shape, space, texture and value in two and three dimensional art. This course meets two periods per cycle.

Grade 7 Enjoying Art
The goals of this course include: becoming aware of color and understanding the properties of color, hue, value, and intensity. Some of the activities include: instruction using reproductions, the creation of color wheels and value charts, the composition of works that use basic color harmonies, and multi-colored under/over glaze clay works. This course meets two periods per cycle.

Grade 8 Enjoying Art
This course is a continuation of the study of the language of art, with emphasis on the principles of design. Through individual and group activities, the student will work with a range of two and three dimensional materials. The goals of this course include: providing the student with experiences that will heighten her sensitivity to the natural world and her environment and developing fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for visual art expression. This course meets two periods per cycle.

High School Art Program

Dance

Junior School Dance Program
The Junior School dance program serves as a three year comprehensive study of dance. The course emphasizes styles, skills and techniques at an introductory dance level. Students will have the opportunity to study dance as a performing art form for an entire year at the sixth grade level and for one semester in grades seven and eight. All students will participate in a culminating performance program.

High School Dance Program

Music

JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAM
The Junior School music program serves as a three year comprehensive study of music. The courses emphasize styles, genres and techniques at an introductory musical level. Students will have the opportunity to study music as a performing art form for an entire year at the sixth grade level and for one semester at the seventh grade and eighth grade levels. All students will participate in a culminating performance program.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAM